JP7660832B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

This relates to a gaming machine equipped with a standby effect device that executes a standby effect in a non-playing state where the player is not playing.

In gaming machines such as pachinko and slot machines, when the player is not playing a game, a standby effect is executed on the LCD display or the like. A commonly known standby effect is one that includes an explanation of the device's content and functions, and the player can check the content and functions of the effect before playing.

For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a configuration for a gaming machine that executes such a waiting effect, in which a waiting effect is executed in a non-playing state to suggest a setting value set in the machine. Here, a number of setting values, each assigned a different probability of winning a jackpot, are preset, and one is selected and set for each machine by a staff member at the gaming facility or the like. With this conventional configuration (the configuration of Patent Document 1), a player can guess the setting value (jackpot winning probability) set in the machine by the waiting effect executed in a non-playing state. Therefore, a player can use the waiting effect as information for selecting a machine.

JP 2006-325938 A

In the conventional configuration of Patent Document 1, before starting a game, the player can guess the set value (the probability of winning a jackpot) from the waiting effect executed in a non-playing state, and decide whether to play or not. In such a conventional configuration, for example, if the player guesses that the waiting effect suggests a setting value that is unfavorable to the player, the player moves to another machine without playing on that machine. In more detail, since the setting value is generally set when the power is turned on and is maintained at least until the power is turned off, if a machine with a setting value that is unfavorable to the player is guessed by the waiting effect that an unfavorable setting value has been set, it becomes difficult to play the machine between turning on and turning off the power. This causes a problem of a decrease in the operating rate of the machine, which causes disadvantages to the gaming establishment.

The present invention proposes a gaming machine that can suppress the decline in machine operating rate caused by standby effects.

The present invention is a gaming machine equipped with a standby effect device that executes standby effects including machine information suggestion effects that suggest machine information related to game progress, and a standby effect control means that controls the execution of the standby effects in a non-game progress state from the establishment of a game stop condition that determines the stop of game progress to the establishment of a game start condition that determines the start of game progress by the player, characterized in that the standby effect control means is equipped with a standby information restriction process that prevents all or part of the machine information suggestion effects from being executed in the non-game progress state after the power is turned on until a predetermined information suggestion condition is established.

Here, the "gaming machine" may be either a slot machine or a pinball gaming machine such as a pachinko machine.
The "machine information" is preferably information related to events occurring during the game by the player, information related to setting elements that are set to be changeable for each machine and directly affect the game progress by the player, and information related to game specifications that are set to be unchangeable and relate to the game progress. For example, the total number of special symbol changes, the number of prize balls, and the number of jackpot occurrences can be applied to a pinball game machine as events occurring during the game as described above, while the number of games, the number of bonus occurrences, and the number of coins paid out can be applied to a slot machine. In addition, for example, the setting values (such as the probability of winning a jackpot or a bonus) described above can be applied as setting elements that are set to be changeable for each machine. In addition, for game specifications, the probability of winning a jackpot or a small jackpot, the number of rounds of a jackpot game, and the expectation level due to the effects such as a reach can be applied to a pinball game machine, while the probability of winning a bonus or an AT, the number of games of a bonus or an AT, and the expectation level due to the effects can be applied to a slot machine. Incidentally, the "machine information" may apply all of this information, or only a portion of the information.
The "machine information suggestion effect" can be either an effect that directly indicates the above-mentioned machine information, or an effect that indirectly indicates the machine information (including an effect that alludes to the machine information).
The "standby performance device" may be any of a liquid crystal display (performance pattern display device) that displays a pattern (image), a speaker that generates sound, a lamp or LED that lights up or blinks, or a movable role object that performs a predetermined operation, or may be more than one of these. Here, when the standby performance device is a liquid crystal display, the "standby performance" is a performance image displayed on the liquid crystal display, when the standby performance device is a speaker, the "standby performance" is a sound performance emitted from the speaker, when the standby performance device is a lamp or LED, the "standby performance" is a light performance emitted by the LED, etc., and when the standby performance device is a movable role object, the "standby performance" is a performance of the operation of the movable role object. Note that such a "standby performance device" may be a dedicated device that executes only the standby performance, or may execute both the standby performance and performances other than the standby performance.
The "game stop condition" is a condition for determining that the progress of the game by the player has stopped, and can be set appropriately according to the type of the game machine. For example, in the pinball game machine, a condition that is established when a state that satisfies all of the following conditions has passed for a predetermined time (e.g., 60 seconds or 5 minutes): the special symbol has not changed, there is no reserved memory that changes the special symbol when consumed, and a big win game that opens the big prize opening has not been executed is suitable as the "game stop condition". In addition, in the slot machine, a condition that is established when a state that satisfies all of the following conditions has passed for a predetermined time (e.g., 60 seconds or 5 minutes): the medal has not been inserted, the bet amount has not been set, the reel has not changed, and a specific advantageous game state (e.g., AT game state or bonus game state) has not been executed is suitable as the "game stop condition". Furthermore, in a pinball game machine or a slot machine, the "game stop condition" may be a condition that is met when a predetermined period of time (e.g., 60 seconds or 5 minutes) has elapsed during which the human detection device that detects the player does not detect the player.
The "game start condition" is a condition for determining that the progress of the game by the player has started, and can be set appropriately according to the type of the game machine. For example, in the pinball game machine, any one or more of the following are preferably used as the "game start condition". In addition, in the slot machine, any one or more of the following are preferably used as the "game start condition". In addition, in the pinball game machine and the slot machine, any one or more of the following are preferably used as the "game start condition". Furthermore, in the pinball game machine and the slot machine, it is also possible to set the "game start condition" to be that a player seated in a chair in front of the machine is detected by a human detection device that detects the player.
The "information suggestion condition" can be set, for example, such as a game start condition (or game stop condition) being met a predetermined number of times (e.g., once or three times) after the power is turned on, a predetermined time (e.g., 60 minutes or 120 minutes) having passed since the power is turned on, a predetermined time (e.g., noon or 2:00 p.m.) having occurred, the number of times the special pattern has changed or the number of times the reel has changed has reached a predetermined number (e.g., once or 200 times), etc.
"A part of the machine information suggestion performance" can mean either showing a part of the machine information suggestion performance that suggests one machine information, or showing a part that suggests a specific machine information in a machine information suggestion performance that suggests multiple machine information. That is, as a specific example of "not executing a part of the machine information suggestion performance", in the former case, the machine information suggestion performance is composed of a suggestion pattern that suggests one machine information, and a part of the suggestion pattern is made non-display and the other part is displayed. On the other hand, in the latter case, the machine information suggestion performance is composed of multiple suggestion patterns that respectively suggest multiple machine information, and a specific suggestion pattern is made non-display and the other suggestion patterns are displayed.

In such a configuration, since all or part of the machine information suggestion effect is not executed in the non-play progress state from when the power is turned on until the information suggestion condition is satisfied, the player cannot know all or part of the machine information suggested by the machine information suggestion effect. In other words, if the machine information suggestion effect is not executed, the player cannot properly obtain information to decide whether or not to play on the machine in the non-play progress state. This can prevent the player from deciding not to play on the machine based on the standby effect. Furthermore, it is possible to easily evoke in a player who is seeking machine information the feeling of wanting to play on a machine on which all or part of the machine information suggestion effect is not executed. Therefore, according to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to contribute to improving the operation rate of the machine, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of the problem of a decrease in operation rate in the conventional configuration described above.

In addition, in the configuration of the present invention, "not executing the machine information suggestion performance with the standby performance device" includes executing a standby performance without executing only the machine information suggestion performance, executing a standby performance that does not include the machine information suggestion performance, and not executing a standby performance.

The proposed configuration of the present invention includes a specific counting means for counting the number of occurrences of specific events that occur while the player is playing, and a bonus control means for granting a bonus to the player when the number of occurrences of specific events counted by the specific counting means reaches a predetermined threshold value, the machine information suggested by the machine information suggestion presentation includes specific event information related to the number of occurrences of the specific events, and the standby presentation control means includes standby information restriction processing for preventing the machine information suggestion presentation from executing at least a presentation suggesting the specific event information in the non-play progress state after the power is turned on until a predetermined information suggestion condition is met from the time the power is turned on for the machine.

Here, the "specific event" can be set to one or more events that can occur during the game. For example, in the pinball game machine, the "specific event" can be set to the launch of game balls, the payout of game balls (prize balls), the entry into the starting hole, the variation of special symbols, the execution of a jackpot game, and the like. The "number of occurrences of specific events" can be the number of game balls launched, the number of game balls paid out (number of prize balls), the number of balls entering the starting hole, the number of variations of special symbols, the number of executions of a jackpot game, and the like, depending on such "specific events." On the other hand, in a slot machine, the "specific event" can be set to the insertion of medals, the setting of the number of bets, the operation of the start lever or the stop button, winning a role, winning a role, winning an AT, and the like, depending on such "specific events." The "number of occurrences of specific events" can be the number of medals inserted, the number of bets set, the number of times the start lever or the stop button is operated, the number of times a role is won, the number of times a role is won, and the number of times an AT is won, and the like, depending on such "specific events." It is preferable that the number of occurrences is reset when the power of the machine is turned on or off.
The "benefit" is preferably something that is beneficial to the player, such as the payout of prize balls or medals, notification of the setting elements, or transition to an advantageous gaming state.

In this configuration, the player can learn the specific event information by executing the machine information suggestion effect of the standby effect, and the player can determine whether or not to play on the machine based on the specific event information. In more detail, the player can consider the ease of winning a bonus on the machine based on the specific event information, and can determine whether or not to play on the machine that has obtained the specific event information through the machine information suggestion effect.
According to this configuration, on a machine where a presentation suggesting specific event information is not being executed in the machine information suggestion presentation when no game is in progress, players who wish to obtain specific event information can be more easily induced to want to play, thereby improving the operating rate of the machine.

In the configuration of the present invention described above, a configuration is proposed that includes an information storage means for storing and holding the machine information immediately before the power supply is stopped, and a stored information clearing means for clearing the machine information stored and held by the information storage means, and that can clear the machine information when the power is turned on.

In this configuration, regardless of whether the machine information is cleared when the power is turned on, all or part of the machine information suggestion presentation is not executed in the non-play progress state after the power is turned on, so the player cannot determine whether the machine information has been cleared on that machine from the standby presentation executed before the information suggestion condition is met. This makes it easier for players who want to obtain machine information to feel like playing, contributing to improving the machine's operating rate.

1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 according to the present invention. A front view of the game board 2 of the pachinko machine 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram explaining some of the game specifications. 11 is a flowchart showing an outline of a power-on process. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of a main routine. A flowchart showing the start winning processing. 1 is a flowchart showing the correct/incorrect determination process. 2 is a flowchart showing the correct/incorrect determination process. 3 is a flowchart showing the correct/incorrect determination process. 4 is a flowchart showing the correct/incorrect determination process. 5 is a flowchart showing the correct/incorrect determination process. 1 is a flowchart showing jackpot game processing. 2 is a flowchart showing the jackpot game processing. 3 is a flowchart showing the jackpot game processing. An explanatory diagram showing remaining number suggestive patterns 117a to 117e that make up the non-information suggestive demo image 112. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing apparent patterns 118a to 118e that constitute the information suggestion demo image 111. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the non-game performance processing of the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a demo performance display mode. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a demo performance display mode. 13 is a flowchart showing the non-game presentation processing of Example 2. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a demo performance display mode in the second embodiment.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and various forms may be adopted as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, the following examples and alternative examples may be combined as appropriate.

As shown in Figure 1, the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment has a structure in which each component is held by an outer frame 51, which forms a vertically long fixed outer shell holding frame. An inner frame (not shown) is attached to the outer frame 51 via hinges 53 provided on the top and bottom of the left side of the outer frame 51 so that it can be opened and closed relative to the outer frame 51, and a front frame (glass frame) 52 is attached to the front of the inner frame so that it can be opened and closed relative to the inner frame. A glass plate 61 is attached to the front frame 52 so that it can be removed. A game board 2 (Figure 2) attached to the inner frame is arranged on the back side (rear side) of the glass plate 61.

Speakers 66 are provided on the upper left and right sides of the front frame 52, and game sounds and alarm sounds emitted from the speakers 66 enhance the entertainment value of the game and alert the player. The front frame 52 is also provided with multiple frame-side decorative lamps 65 that emit light according to the game status, and the light emitted enhances the entertainment value of the game. Furthermore, the upper tray 55 and the lower tray 63 are integrally provided at the bottom of the front frame 52, and a launch handle 64 is provided to the right of the lower tray 63. When the player rotates the launch handle 64 clockwise, it operates a launch device (not shown) and launches game balls supplied from the upper tray 55 toward the game area 3 of the game board 2.

Prize balls and loan balls are dispensed onto the upper tray 55. The lower tray 63 is configured to receive prize balls that have spilled over from the upper tray 55, and is equipped with a ball removal lever (not shown) that ejects the game balls in the lower tray 63. When the player operates this ball removal lever, the game balls that have accumulated in the lower tray 63 can be transferred to a separate box (dollar box).

The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is a so-called CR machine, and is adjacent to a prepaid card unit (CR unit) 56 that reads and writes prepaid cards. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a settlement display device 94 (see FIG. 4) that has a loan button 57, a settlement button 58, and a balance display device 59. In addition, the center of the upper tray 55 is provided with a performance button 67, a jog dial 68, and a decision switch 69 that can be operated by the player.

Figure 2 is a front view of the game board 2 of the pachinko machine 1. The game board 2 has a roughly circular game area 3 surrounded by guide rails 2a and 2b, and a large number of game nails (not shown) are planted in the game area 3. A center case 5 is disposed in the center of the game area 3, and an LCD screen of a performance pattern display device 6 (not shown in its entirety) is disposed in the center of the center case 5 so that it can be seen from the front. The center case 5 also has a warp entrance, warp passage, stage, etc. (not shown).

Directly below the center case 5 is a first starting opening 11, and to the right of the center case 5, a normal symbol activation gate 17 and a second starting opening 12 are arranged one above the other. The first starting opening 11 is configured to allow game balls to enter at all times, while the second starting opening 12 is configured with a normal electric device 13 with openable and closable wings, and is configured to allow game balls to enter only when the wings are open. The normal symbol activation gate 17 is also configured to allow game balls to pass through at all times.

Furthermore, a large prize opening 14 is arranged at the lower right of the center case 5 (below the normal electric device 13). The large prize opening 14 is composed of a special electric device 15, which has an opening/closing piece (not shown) that can be switched between an upright position to close the large prize opening 14 and a tilted position to open it by tilting it forward from the upright position. By switching the opening/closing piece to the upright position, the large prize opening 14 is closed so that game balls cannot enter it, and by switching the opening/closing piece to the tilted position, the large prize opening 14 is opened so that game balls can enter it. The special electric device 15 has a large prize opening solenoid 14b (see FIG. 4) that switches the opening/closing piece open and closed, and the large prize opening solenoid 14b can be driven and controlled to switch the large prize opening 14 between the closed state and the open state.

Furthermore, four general winning holes 41 are provided to the left of the first starting hole 11. These general winning holes 41 are configured to allow game balls to enter at all times. Furthermore, an outlet 16 is provided at the most downstream part of the game area 3, and if a game ball shot into the game area 3 does not enter any of the winning holes or the starting hole, the game ball will enter the outlet 16.

The game area 3 has a left flow area 3a where the game ball flows down the left side of the central center case 5, and a right flow area 3b where the game ball flows down the right side of the center case 5. When the game ball is hit to the right, the game ball that passes over the upper side of the center case 5 flows down the right flow area 3b, and when the game ball is hit to the left, the game ball flows down the left flow area 3a. The right flow area 3b is provided with the normal symbol operation gate 17, the second start opening 12, and the big prize opening 14. Therefore, by aiming at the right flow area 3b (so-called right hit), the ball can enter the normal symbol operation gate 17, the second start opening 12 (normal electric role 13), and the big prize opening 14. Meanwhile, the first starting hole 11, which is disposed directly below the center case 5, is made accessible to game balls that have flowed down the left flow area 3a by the game pins planted in the game board 2. Therefore, by aiming at the left flow area 3a (so-called left hit), balls can enter the first starting hole 11 and the four general winning holes 41. Because the left flow area 3a and the right flow area 3b are configured in this way, the player can play by using right and left hits to aim at each starting hole 11, 12 and the large winning hole 14. In addition, the first starting hole 11 in this embodiment is made accessible to game balls that have flowed down the right flow area 3b by the game pins.

At the bottom right of the game board 2, there are arranged a normal symbol display device 7 consisting of multiple LEDs, a normal symbol reserved number display device 8, a first special symbol reserved number display device 18, and a second special symbol reserved number display device 19, as well as a first special symbol display device 9 and a second special symbol display device 10 consisting of seven-segment displays.

Figure 3 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1. On the rear side of the pachinko machine 1, an inner frame 70 for removably mounting the game board 2 is housed in an outer frame 51. From above, the inner frame 70 is provided with a ball tank 71, a tank rail 72, and a payout device 73. With this configuration, when a game ball enters each of the winning holes provided on the game board 2, the game ball supplied from the ball tank 71 via the tank rail 72 is paid out as a prize ball to the upper tray 55 by the payout device 73. In addition, when the loan button 57 and the settlement button 58 of the CR unit 56 described above are operated, loan balls are paid out by the payout device 73.

The back side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a main control device 80, a payout control device 81, a performance symbol control device 82, a sub-integrated control device 83, a launch control device, and a power supply board 85. The main control device 80, the performance symbol control device 82, and the sub-integrated control device 83 are provided on the game board 2, while the payout control device 81, the launch control device 84 (see FIG. 4), and the power supply board 85 are provided on the inner frame 70. Although the launch control device is not shown in FIG. 3, the launch control device is provided on the back side (the game board 2 side) of the payout control device 81. An external connection terminal board 78 is provided on the right side of the ball tank 71, and signals indicating the game status and game results are sent to the hall computer 87 (see FIG. 4) by the external connection terminal board 78.

The main control device 80 of this embodiment is also provided with a probability setting switch 95 and a RAM clear button 96 in operable positions. This RAM clear button 96 has the function of erasing data stored in the RAM of the main control device 80 (so-called RAM clear), as well as the function of a setting change button for selecting preset setting values 1 to 6. In other words, by operating the RAM clear button 96, the data stored in the RAM of the main control device 80 described above is erased, while by operating it together with the probability setting switch 95, it is possible to selectively set the setting values 1 to 6 along with clearing the RAM.

Here, a method for setting the setting values by operating the probability setting switch 95 and the RAM clear button 96 will be described. In this embodiment, six types of setting values, setting values 1 to 6, are preset, and each setting value includes a different probability of winning a jackpot (see FIG. 5). Specifically, the winning probability of setting value 1 is the lowest probability of winning a jackpot, the winning probability increases from setting value 2 onwards, and the winning probability of setting value 6 is the highest. In other words, the winning probability of setting value 1 is the least favorable to the player, the winning probability increases from setting value 2 onwards, and the winning probability of setting value 6 is the most favorable.
The manager or employee of the gaming establishment inserts a predetermined key into the probability setting switch 95, rotates it in a predetermined direction (for example, to the right), and turns on the power while pressing the RAM clear button 96. This clears the RAM of the main control unit 80, and the setting value can be changed. In this state, the manager can select one of the setting values 1 to 6 by pressing the RAM clear button 96. In detail, each time the RAM clear button 96 is pressed, the first special symbol reserved number display device 18 displays the numbers "1" to "6" in order. Then, by displaying the desired number on the first special symbol reserved number display device 18, one of the setting values 1 to 6 corresponding to the number is selected. In this selected state, the key inserted into the probability setting switch 95 is rotated to return it to the initial position, and the selected setting value is confirmed, and the winning probability of the jackpot included in the setting value is set. In this way, the manager or employee of the gaming establishment can set one of the setting values 1 to 6 for each pachinko machine 1. Then, when the set value is set, a signal indicating the set value is transmitted from the main control device 80 to the sub integrated control device 83. The sub integrated control device 83 stores the set value indicated in the received signal in RAM, and holds the information on the set value until the power is turned off.
In this embodiment, the setting value is selected and set by operating the probability setting switch 95 and the RAM clear button 96, but this is not limited to this, and other operating means can be applied. For example, the setting value may be selected and set by operating a dedicated button or knob. In this embodiment, the setting values 1 to 6 are displayed on the first special symbol reserved number display device 18, but this is not limited to this, and they may be displayed on other display devices. Alternatively, the setting value may be notified by voice, or by the lighting state of a predetermined LED. In either configuration, RAM clear is executed when the setting values 1 to 6 are changed.

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical wiring of the pachinko machine 1. This block diagram does not show relay boards or power supply boards that simply relay signals. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the main control device 80, payout control device 81, performance symbol control device 82, and sub-integrated control device 83 all have a CPU, ROM, RAM, input ports, output ports, etc. The CPU of each of these control devices starts the programs loaded in each ROM in response to interrupt signals with a 2 ms cycle, and executes various controls.

The main control device 80 receives detection signals from the first start port switch 11a, which detects game balls that have entered the first start port 11, the second start port switch 12a, which detects game balls that have entered the second start port 12, the normal gate switch 17a, which detects game balls that have passed through the normal symbol activation gate 17, the count switch 14a, which counts game balls that have entered the big prize port 14, and each general prize port switch 41a, which respectively detects game balls that have entered the general prize port 41, via the game board relay terminal board 74.

The main control device 80 operates according to a program stored in its ROM, generates various commands related to the progress of the game based on the above detection signals, etc., and outputs the commands to the payout control device 81 and the sub-integrated control device 83. In addition, the main control device 80 controls the display of the first special pattern display device 9, the second special pattern display device 10, and the normal pattern display device 7 through the pattern display device relay terminal board 75, and controls the lighting of the first special pattern reserved number display device 18, the second special pattern reserved number display device 19, and the normal pattern reserved number display device 8. In addition, the main control device 80 is also connected to the large prize opening solenoid 14b and the normal electric solenoid 13a through the game board relay terminal board 74. The main control device 80 controls the opening and closing of the large prize opening 14 by driving and controlling the large prize opening solenoid 14b, and controls the opening and closing of the second starting opening 12 by driving and controlling the normal electric solenoid 13a. The main control device 80 also outputs management signals for symbol changes, jackpots, etc. to the hall computer 87 via the external connection terminal board 78.

The payout control device 81 is configured to be capable of two-way communication with the main control device 80, and drives the payout motor 90 to pay out prize balls in response to commands sent from the main control device 80. In this embodiment, a detection signal from a payout switch 91 for counting the game balls paid out as prize balls is input to the main control device 80 and the payout control device 81, and the counting of prize balls is performed by both.

Furthermore, signals from a full switch 92 and a ball out switch 93 are input to the payout control device 81. The full switch 92 detects that the lower tray 63 is full, and outputs a signal to the payout control device 81 upon detection. The ball out switch 93 detects that the amount of game balls stored in the ball tank 71 is low or absent, and outputs a signal to the payout control device 81 upon detection. When the payout control device 81 inputs signals from the full switch 92 and ball out switch 93, it stops driving the payout motor 90 and stops the payout operation of the prize balls. The full switch 92 and ball out switch 93 are configured to continue outputting signals until the detected state is resolved, and the payout control device 81 resumes driving the payout motor 90 when the input of the signal stops.

The payout control device 81 can communicate with the CR unit 56 via the CR unit terminal board 79, and drives the payout motor 90 in response to a loan command to pay out loaned balls. The CR unit terminal board 79 is also connected to the settlement display device 94 for two-way communication, and receives signals from the ball loan switch and settlement switch provided on the settlement display device 94. The ball loan switch detects the operation of the loan button 57 and outputs a signal, and the settlement switch detects the operation of the settlement button 58 and outputs a signal. The payout control device 81 is also connected to the launch control device 84, and sends a launch stop command to the launch control device 84 at a specified trigger.

The launch control device 84 controls the launch motor 97 to launch the game balls into the game area 3. In addition to the payout control device 81 described above, the launch control device 84 also receives a rotation amount signal from the launch handle 64, a touch signal from the touch switch 98, and a launch stop signal from the launch stop switch 99. The rotation amount signal is output when the player rotates the launch handle 64, the touch signal is output when the player touches the launch handle 64, and the launch stop signal is output when the player presses the launch stop switch 99. If the touch signal is not input, the launch control device 84 controls so as not to launch the game balls, and even when the launch stop signal is input, the launch control device 84 controls so as not to launch the game balls regardless of the operation of the launch handle 64.

The sub-integrated control device 83 receives data and commands sent from the main control device 80, sorts them into data for performance display control, sound control, and lamp control, sends the commands for performance display control to the performance pattern control device 82, and distributes the data for sound control and lamp control to each control part contained in itself (functional parts as sound control device and lamp control device). The functional part as a sound control device then operates the sound LSI based on the data for sound control, thereby controlling the output of sound from the speaker 66, and the functional part as a lamp control device operates the lamp driver based on the data for lamp control, thereby controlling the illumination of various LEDs and lamps 65.

Furthermore, switches that detect the operation of the effect button 67, jog dial 68, and decision switch 69 are connected to the sub-integrated control device 83, and when each switch detects an operation by the player, the corresponding signal is input. The jog dial 68 may be configured to be connected to the effect symbol control device 82.

The effect pattern control device 82 performs control based on data and commands sent from the sub-integrated control device 83 (those sent from the main control device 80 and those generated by the sub-integrated control device 83 based on input from the main control device 80 and input from the effect button, etc.), and displays effect images such as special effect patterns on the display screen of the effect pattern display device 6. The sub-integrated control device 83 and the main control device 80 are connected via a one-way communication circuit from the main control device 80 to the sub-integrated control device 83 via a performance relay terminal board, and the sub-integrated control device 83 and the effect pattern control device 82 are connected via a one-way communication circuit from the sub-integrated control device 83 to the effect pattern control device 82.

The power supply board (not shown) is configured as a DC power supply that generates a DC voltage from power supplied from an external AC power supply, and supplies power to each component of the pachinko machine 1 by operating a power switch provided on the power supply board. This power supply board is equipped with a backup power supply consisting of a capacitor, etc., and stores power in the backup power supply while power is being supplied from the AC power supply. As a result, in the event of a power outage, power is supplied to the main control device 80, etc. (for example, the RAM of the main control device 80, etc.), and data in the RAM of the main control device 80 is retained for a certain period of time even after the power supply from the AC power supply is stopped. The backup power supply may be provided in the main control device 80, or in a device other than the power supply board. In this case, the power supply board outputs a supply signal to a device equipped with a backup power supply when power is being supplied from the AC power supply, and outputs a power outage signal to the device equipped with a backup power supply when the power supply is stopped.

Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment will be described.
When a gaming ball launched into the gaming area 3 flows down the left flow area 3a and enters the first starting hole 11 (the first starting hole switch 11a in FIG. 4 detects the gaming ball), the first special symbol starts to change on the first special symbol display device 9, and a random number extracted due to the ball entering the game is judged as a win or loss. Then, when a predetermined change time has elapsed from the start of the change, the first special symbol is stopped and displayed, and the result of this judgment is announced.
Here, the random number extracted when the ball enters the first starting hole 11 is stored as a first reserved memory, as described below. Up to four first reserved memories can be stored, and the number of first reserved memories (hereinafter referred to as the first reserved memory number) is represented by the number of lights on the first special symbol reserved number display device 18. The hit/miss judgment and the change of the first special symbol are executed by consuming the first reserved memories thus stored. The first reserved memory number indicates the number of unconsumed first reserved memories.

On the other hand, when the game ball launched into the game area 3 flows down the right flow area 3b and passes through the normal symbol activation gate 17 (the normal gate switch 17a in FIG. 4 detects the game ball), the normal symbol display device 7 starts to display the normal symbol in a varying manner, and the random number extracted due to the ball entering is judged as a win or loss. Then, if the normal symbol that stops a predetermined time after the start of the variation is in a predetermined winning state, the wing piece of the normal electric device 13 is driven, and the game ball can enter the second starting hole 12. Here, the wing piece of the normal electric device 13 opens once for 0.2 seconds in the non-open extension mode described below with one hit of a normal symbol, and opens three times for 1 second in the open extension mode described below.

When a game ball enters the second start hole 12 (the second start hole switch 12a in FIG. 4 detects the game ball), the second special symbol display device 10 starts to vary the second special symbol, and judges whether the random number extracted due to the ball entering the hole is a win or a loss. Then, when a predetermined variation time has elapsed from the start of the variation, the second special symbol is stopped and displayed, and the result of this judgment is announced.
Here, the random number extracted when the ball enters the second starting hole 12 is stored as a second reserved memory, as described below. Up to four second reserved memories can be stored, and the number of stored second reserved memories (hereinafter referred to as the second reserved memory number) is indicated by the number of lights on the second special symbol reserved number display device 19. The hit/miss judgment and the change of the second special symbol are executed by consuming the second reserved memories thus stored. The second reserved memory number indicates the number of unconsumed second reserved memories.

During the variation of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the variation of the special symbol linked to the variation of each special symbol is displayed on the effect symbol display device 6 (not shown). The player can know the variation of each special symbol and the result of the hit/miss judgment (big hit, small hit, or miss) from the variation display of the special effect symbol on the effect symbol display device 6 and the symbol state displayed when the variation of the special effect symbol stops (hereinafter referred to as the stopped symbol state).
Here, in this embodiment, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are executed with priority to change, regardless of the order of balls entering the first start hole 11 and the second start hole 12. In other words, if there is an unconsumed second reserved memory (if the number of second reserved memories is 1 or more), the second reserved memory is consumed and the change of the second special symbol is started, regardless of whether there is an unconsumed first reserved memory or not. And, only when there is no unconsumed second reserved memory, the first reserved memory is consumed and the change of the first special symbol is started.

If the result of the hit/miss determination executed by consuming the first reserved memory is a hit, the first special symbol is stopped in a predetermined hit symbol pattern on the first special symbol display device 9 to confirm the hit. Similarly, if the result of the hit/miss determination executed by consuming the second reserved memory is a hit, the second special symbol is stopped in a predetermined hit symbol pattern on the second special symbol display device 10 to confirm the hit. Then, on the performance symbol display device 6, the special performance symbol is displayed in a stopped symbol pattern corresponding to the hit symbol pattern of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. When the hit is confirmed by the first special symbol and the second special symbol, a hit game is executed to open the big prize opening 14. In the hit game, the opening round to open the big prize opening 14 is executed a predetermined number of times at intervals.
Furthermore, if the result of the win/loss judgment based on the consumption of the second reserved memory is a small win, the second special symbol is stopped in a predetermined small win symbol form, and the special performance symbol is stopped and displayed in a small win symbol form on the performance symbol display device 6. This determines a small win, and a small win game is executed in which the large prize winning opening 14 is opened and closed once. Note that in this embodiment, the judgment of whether or not there is a small win is only made when the second reserved memory is consumed. Therefore, the judgment of whether or not there is a big win is only made when the first reserved memory is consumed.

The jackpot game involves repeating an opening round in which the large prize opening 14 is opened a predetermined number of times (e.g., 16 times) with intervals in between. In each opening round, when the opening time of the large prize opening 14 has elapsed for 30 seconds or when 10 game balls (a prescribed number) have entered the large prize opening 14, the large prize opening 14 is closed and the game ends. Here, in this embodiment, the opening round is repeated 16 times (16R) in one jackpot game.

The small win game described above involves opening the large prize opening 14 once for 1.5 seconds. In this type of small win game, it is more difficult to win a prize ball than in the large win game described above.

Next, the specifications of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment will be explained. Below, the number of prize balls, the probability of winning a big win, the probability of winning a small win, the probability of winning a normal pattern, and each game state will be explained. Explanations of other specifications will be omitted as they are the same as in the past.

As shown in FIG. 5, when a ball lands in each of the starting holes 11 and 12, the large prize hole 14, and the general prize hole 41, a set number of prize balls are paid out for each. Specifically, three prize balls are paid out for each ball that lands in the first starting hole 11, five prize balls are paid out for each ball that lands in the second starting hole 12, thirteen prize balls are paid out for each ball that lands in the large prize hole 14, and five prize balls are paid out for each ball that lands in the general prize hole 41.

The configuration of this embodiment has a function of increasing the probability of winning a jackpot in the hit/miss judgment, and is configured as a so-called probability fluctuation machine. That is, the game according to this configuration is roughly divided into a game proceeding with the big prize winning hole 14 closed and the big prize game in which the big prize winning hole 14 is opened, and the game proceeding with the big prize winning hole 14 closed has a normal game state, a probability game state, and a time-saving game state. The probability game state is a game state to which the game transitions with the end of a jackpot game, the probability game state, and the time-saving game state. The normal game state is a game state to which the game transitions with the end of a jackpot game, the probability game state, and the time-saving game state. As described later, whether the game transitions to the normal game state or the probability game state after the end of a jackpot game is determined based on a random number (a random number for determining the first and second jackpot symbols described later) extracted by the ball entering the first start hole 11 and the second start hole 12. On the other hand, the time-saving gaming state is a gaming state to which a transition is made when a time-saving transition condition, which will be described later, is met.
Here, the normal game state is a game state in which the mode is a "low probability mode/non-open extension mode", the time-saving game state is a game state in which the mode is a "low probability mode/open extension mode", and the special game state is a game state in which the mode is a "high probability mode/open extension mode".

In the low probability mode, a preset low probability is set as valid, and a hit/miss judgment is made as to whether or not a jackpot has been won, and in the high probability mode, a high probability higher than the low probability is set as valid, and a hit/miss judgment is made. That is, the low probability and the high probability are set as the big win probability for judging whether or not a jackpot has been won, and the low probability is used in the hit/miss judgment in the normal game state (low probability mode), and the high probability is used in the hit/miss judgment in the variable probability game state (high probability mode).
In this embodiment, a low probability of winning and a high probability of winning are respectively set for each of the above-mentioned set values 1 to 6, and in the low probability mode, the low probability of winning determined by the set set values 1 to 6 is valid, while in the high probability mode, the high probability of winning determined by the set set values 1 to 6 is valid. In detail, when the set value 1 is set, in the low probability mode, the low probability of winning is set to 1/300 and the high probability of winning is set to 1/30 and the high probability of winning is set to 1/30 and the high probability of winning is set to 1/30 and the high probability of winning is set to 1/280 and the high probability of winning is set to 1/28 and the high probability of winning is set to 1/28 and the high probability of winning is set to 1/260 and the high probability of winning is set to 1/26 ... Also, when the set value 4 is set, the low probability mode is judged to be a winner with a low winning probability of 1/240 as the validity, and the high probability mode is judged to be a winner with a high winning probability of 1/24 as the validity. Also, when the set value 5 is set, the low probability mode is judged to be a winner with a low winning probability of 1/220 as the validity, and the high probability mode is judged to be a winner with a high winning probability of 1/22 as the validity. Also, when the set value 6 is set, the low probability mode is judged to be a winner with a low winning probability of 1/200 as the validity, and the high probability mode is judged to be a winner with a high winning probability of 1/20 as the validity. The same low winning probability and high winning probability are used in both cases of consumption of the first reserved memory and consumption of the second reserved memory.

The open extension mode shortens the time it takes for the first special symbol and the second special symbol to change, compared to the time it takes in the non-open extension mode. Furthermore, the open extension mode shortens the time it takes for the normal symbol to change, compared to the non-open extension mode.

The open extension mode increases the probability of winning the normal pattern compared to the non-open extension mode, and extends the opening time of the second start port 12 compared to the non-open extension mode. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the probability of winning the normal pattern is 1/10 in the non-open extension mode, while the probability of the corresponding selection is 9/10 in the open extension mode. The opening operation of the second start port 12 is performed once for about 0.2 seconds in the non-open extension mode, while it is performed three times for about 1 second in the open extension mode. Furthermore, in the open extension mode, the change time between the first special pattern and the second special pattern is shorter than the change time in the non-open extension mode, and the change time of the normal pattern is shorter than the change time in the non-open extension mode.

Whether the game moves to the normal game state or the probability variable game state after a jackpot game is determined by whether the jackpot pattern in which the first or second special symbol stops is a pattern with a predetermined probability variable symbol. In other words, if the first or second special symbol that changes due to the consumption of the first or second reserved memory is a pattern with the probability variable symbol, the game moves to the probability variable game state after the jackpot game ends, whereas if it is a pattern with a symbol other than the probability variable symbol, the game moves to the normal game state after the jackpot game.

The aforementioned special chance game state ends when the total number of times the first special symbol changes and the second special symbol changes (hereinafter referred to as the special symbol change count) reaches a predetermined upper limit, or when either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is displayed in a jackpot symbol mode (the jackpot game starts). Here, if the special symbol change count reaches the upper limit (e.g., 100 times) in the special chance game state, the game transitions to the normal game state.

The time-saving game state is started on the condition that the total number of times the first special symbol changes and the second special symbol changes in the low probability mode (normal game state and time-saving game state) (hereinafter referred to as the cumulative number of changes) reaches a predetermined threshold value (the time-saving transition condition described above). This cumulative number of changes is cleared when the RAM is cleared (when the probability setting switch 95 and the RAM clear button 96 described above are operated) when the power is turned on, etc., and when the jackpot game starts (when the jackpot is confirmed) or ends.
On the other hand, this time-saving game state ends when the number of times the special symbol changes in the game state reaches the upper limit for time-saving, or when either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is displayed in the jackpot symbol mode described later (the jackpot game starts). Here, when the time-saving game state ends because the number of times the special symbol changes reaches the upper limit for time-saving, the game state transitions to the normal game state.
In this embodiment, the threshold value of the time-saving transition condition is set to 900 times, and the upper limit for time-saving is set to 1000 times. In other words, when a jackpot is not confirmed by either the consumption of the first reserved memory or the consumption of the second reserved memory in the normal game state or the time-saving game state, when the total number of times that the winning or losing is judged by the consumption of these reserved memories (the cumulative number of fluctuations) reaches 900 times (threshold value), the game transitions to the time-saving game state. This time-saving game state is not transitioned to via a jackpot game like the probability game state described above, but is transitioned from the normal game state when the time-saving transition condition is established.

In addition, in this embodiment, the probability of winning a small win is set uniformly (for example, 1/60) for each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. Therefore, the probability of winning a small win is the same regardless of the setting values 1 to 6 or the game state (normal game state, special game state). Note that, although the probability of winning a small win is set uniformly in this embodiment, it is not limited to this, and multiple different small win probabilities may be set for each setting value, similar to the probability of winning a large win, and the small win probability of the set setting value may be valid.

Next, the processing of various programs executed by the main control device 80 will be described.
A flowchart of the power-on process is shown in Fig. 6. This power-on process is the process from when the power is turned on to when the main routine described below is executed by the main control device 80 when the power is turned on at the time of opening of the gaming establishment.

In the power-on process, when the power is turned on, a security check is completed, and access to the RAM is permitted (S10), and in S15, it is determined whether or not the backup flag is ON. If the determination is negative (S15: No), the process proceeds to S25, and if the determination is positive (S15: Yes), the process proceeds to S20. In S20, it is determined whether or not the RAM clear signal is ON, and if the determination is positive (S20: Yes), the process proceeds to S25, and if the determination is negative (S20: No), the process proceeds to S50.

The RAM clear signal is turned ON by operating the RAM clear button 96, and when the RAM clear signal is ON (or when the backup flag is OFF), the process continues from S25 to start from the initial state. That is, when the RAM clear signal is turned ON to start from the initial state, the backup information stored in the RAM of the main control device 80 at the time of the previous power cut is cleared. When the power is cut off, information on events that occurred in the game progress by the player and information on setting values immediately before the power cut is stored and held as backup information in the RAM of the main control device 80 by a power cut process (not shown). This backup information is cleared when the RAM clear signal is ON. On the other hand, when the RAM clear signal is OFF, the backup information is read and the device is restarted from the state before the power cut.
In this embodiment, the backup information includes event information such as the number of game balls shot, the number of prize balls, the number of big wins, the number of times the special symbol changes, the cumulative number of changes, and the game state (normal game state, probability game state, time-saving game state), as well as information on the set values. When the RAM clear signal is OFF, this information is read and used for play after the power is turned on. For example, when the special symbol changes during play after the power is turned on, it is added to the cumulative number of changes in the backup information and updated.

In S25, a stack setting process is performed, and the process proceeds to S30. In S30, a process of reading the setting value set by the probability setting switch 95 is performed. As a result, one of the setting values 1 to 6 described above, set by the probability setting switch 95, is made valid. In the following S35, an initialization process is performed, and a process of clearing the working area of the RAM and a process of initializing the working area of the RAM are executed. Then, by this initialization process, the probability of winning the jackpot indicated by the setting value read in S30 is set as valid. In this way, by the process from the positive judgment of S20 to S35, when the power is turned on together with the operation of the probability setting switch 95 and the RAM clear button 96 as described above, the RAM is cleared, and one setting value selected by the operation of the RAM clear button 96 and set by the operation of the probability setting switch 95 is made valid.
In addition, the probability of winning the jackpot validated in the initialization process is used in S290 and S295 of the win/lose determination process described below.

After the process of S35, the process of transmitting a command to perform initial settings to the dispensing control device 81 (S40) and the process of transmitting a command to perform initial settings to the sub-integrated control device 83 (S45) are performed. Then, the process proceeds to the main routine described later.
When the dispensing control device 81 and the sub-integrated control device 83 receive the command to perform the initial setting, they each execute an initial setting process (not shown). Here, the sub-integrated control device 83 executes a RAM clear process and an initial value random number setting process in the initial setting process. Furthermore, the command sent to the sub-integrated control device 83 includes information on the set values 1 to 6 and the above-mentioned information on the cumulative number of changes, and when the sub-integrated control device 83 receives the command, it stores the information on the set values 1 to 6 included in the command in RAM. Note that when the above-mentioned RAM clear signal is ON, the command includes information on the newly set set values 1 to 6 and information on the cumulative number of changes = 0, while when the RAM clear signal is OFF, the command includes information on the set values 1 to 6 read from the backup information and information on the cumulative number of changes.

On the other hand, in S50, which follows the negative judgment in S20, processing is performed when the power is restored. In this processing when the power is restored, the game information stored in the RAM before the power was cut off is read, and processing is performed to resume play according to the game information. Here, the game information before the power was cut off is information that indicates the state of the game that was in progress before the power was cut off, and includes the number of wins, the number of reserved games, information about special games, etc. Furthermore, the backup signal is turned OFF. After processing in S50, the process proceeds to the main routine.

Next, the main routine executed by the main control unit 80 will be described using the flowchart in Figure 7. The main routine is made up of the main process from S110 to S180, and the residual process of S185, which is repeated as long as time permits within the time remaining after executing the main process, and is executed periodically by a hardware interrupt every 2 ms. When a hardware interrupt is executed by the microcomputer, it is first determined whether or not it is a normal interrupt (S110). This determination process is performed by determining whether or not a value in a specified area of the RAM, which serves as memory, is a specified value, and is intended to determine whether or not normal processing may be executed when the processing executed by the microcomputer transitions to the main process.

If a negative judgment is made in S110 (i.e., it is judged that the interrupt is not normal) (S110: No), the initial setting (S115) is executed, and the remaining process (S185) is started. In this initial setting, for example, a predetermined value is written to a predetermined area of the RAM, and each initial value is written to the working area of the RAM, such as setting the first and second special symbols as the initial symbols. On the other hand, if S110 is judged to be positive (i.e., judged to be a normal interrupt) (S110: Yes), the following output processes (S180) are performed: update process of the initial value random number (S120), update process of the random number for determining a big win (S125), update process of the random number for determining a first big win pattern (S130), update process of the random number for determining a second big win pattern (S135), update process of the random number for determining a small win pattern (S140), update process of the random number for determining a win (S145), update process of the random number for reaching a win (S150), update process of the random number for determining a variation pattern (S155), win confirmation process (S160), win/lose determination process (S165), special game process (S170), fraud monitoring process (S175), image output process, etc., and the initial value random number update process (S185) is looped within the remaining time until the next interrupt signal is input.

Next, the start winning process executed by the main control device 80 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 8. This start winning process is one of the subroutines called in the winning confirmation process (S160) of the main routine described above.
In the start winning process, in S200, it is determined whether the first start port switch 11a has detected a game ball. If the result is negative (S200: No), the process proceeds to S220, and if the result is positive (S200: Yes), the process proceeds to S205. In S205, it is determined whether the first reserved memory number has reached an upper limit (e.g., 4). If the result is positive (S205: Yes), the process proceeds to S220, and if the result is negative (S205: No), the process proceeds to S210.

In S210, a first extracted random number reserved storage process is executed. In this first extracted random number reserved storage process, a random number for determining a first jackpot, a random number for determining a first jackpot pattern, a random number for determining a reach, a random number for determining a variation pattern, etc. are extracted and stored as a first reserved memory, and a first reserved number counter indicating the first reserved memory number is incremented by 1, and the necessary process is performed to light up the first special pattern reserved number display device 18 according to the information of the first reserved number counter.

In S220, it is determined whether the second start port switch 12a has detected a game ball. If the determination is negative (S220: No), the start winning process is terminated, and if the determination is positive (S220: Yes), the process proceeds to S225. In S225, it is determined whether the second reserved memory count has reached an upper limit (e.g., 4). If the determination is positive (S225: Yes), the start winning process is terminated, and if the determination is negative (S225: No), the process proceeds to S230.

In S230, a second extracted random number reserved storage process is executed. In this second extracted random number reserved storage process, a random number for determining a second jackpot, a random number for determining a second jackpot pattern, a random number for determining a reach, a random number for determining a variation pattern, etc. are extracted and stored as a second reserved memory, and the second reserved number counter indicating the second reserved memory number is incremented by 1, and the necessary process is performed to light up the second special pattern reserved number display device 19 according to the information of the second reserved number counter.

Next, the correct/incorrect decision process executed by the main control unit 80 will be explained using the flowcharts in Figures 9 to 13. This correct/incorrect decision process is one of the subroutines called by the correct/incorrect decision process (S165) of the main routine described above.

In the win/loss determination process, as shown in FIG. 9, it is determined whether or not the special electric device is in operation (i.e., a big win game or a small win game is being performed) (S250). If the result is a positive determination (S250: Yes), the win/loss determination process is terminated, and if the result is a negative determination (S250: No), the process proceeds to S255. In S255, it is determined whether or not the first special symbol or the second special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner. If the result is a positive determination (S255: Yes), the process proceeds to S380 in FIG. 11, and if the result is a negative determination (S255: No), the process proceeds to S260. In S260, it is determined whether or not the first special symbol or the second special symbol is being displayed in a fixed manner. If the result is a positive determination (S260: Yes), the process proceeds to S400 in FIG. 12, and if the result is a negative determination (S260: No), the process proceeds to S265.

In S265, it is determined whether there is any unconsumed second reserved memory, and if the determination is positive (S265: Yes), the process proceeds to S270, and if the determination is negative (S265: No), the process proceeds to S275. In S270, the number of second reserved memories is decremented, and the oldest unconsumed second reserved memory is selected, and the information stored in that second reserved memory (numeric data such as random numbers) is moved to a specified buffer for determining whether there is a second jackpot. In this way, the second reserved memory is consumed.

In S275, it is determined whether there is an unconsumed first reserved memory, and if the determination is affirmative (S275: Yes), the process proceeds to S280, and if the determination is negative (S275: No), the winning/losing determination process is terminated. In S280, the number of first reserved memories is decremented, and the oldest unconsumed first reserved memory is selected, and the information stored in the first reserved memory (numeric data such as random numbers) is moved to a specified buffer for first jackpot determination. In this way, the first reserved memory is consumed.
In the process of determining whether or not the winning/losing is true in this embodiment, the second reserved memory is given priority over the first reserved memory as the subject of the winning/losing determination. Therefore, the first reserved memory is subject to the winning/losing determination only when there is no unconsumed second reserved memory.

In S285, it is determined whether the high probability flag is 1 or not, and if the determination is positive (S285: Yes), the process proceeds to S290, and if the determination is negative (S285: No), the process proceeds to S295. Here, high probability flag = 1 indicates the high probability mode described above, and high probability flag = 0 indicates the low probability mode described above. In other words, if high probability flag = 1, the game is in the high probability mode described above ("high probability mode/open extension mode"), and if high probability flag = 0, the game is in the normal game state described above ("low probability mode/non-open extension mode") or in the time-saving game state ("low probability mode/open extension mode").

In S290, a win/loss determination table (high probability table) corresponding to the high probability mode (high probability of winning) is selected, and based on the selected high probability table, the random number for determining a jackpot that has been moved to the buffer for determining a jackpot is determined to be a jackpot or not. Here, if the second reserved memory has been consumed, it is also determined whether the random number for determining a jackpot is a small win or not based on the selected high probability table. After processing this S290, proceed to S298 in FIG. 10.

Meanwhile, in S295, a win/loss determination table (normal table) corresponding to the low probability mode (low probability of winning) is selected, and based on the selected normal table, the random number for determining a jackpot that has been moved to the buffer for determining a jackpot is determined to be a jackpot or not. Here, if the second reserved memory has been consumed, it is also determined whether the random number for determining a jackpot is a small win or not based on the selected normal table. After processing this S295, the process moves to S298 in FIG. 10.

In S298, a total number of variations count process is executed. In the total number of variations count process, the total number of variations of the special symbol is incremented regardless of the game state. This total number of variations of the special symbol is the total number of variations of the special symbol executed after the RAM is cleared on the machine, and is cleared by the RAM being cleared. The process of incrementing the total number of variations is executed in both cases of consumption of the first reserved memory and consumption of the second reserved memory.
After S298, the process proceeds to S300.

In S300, a determination is made as to whether or not a jackpot has been reached based on the results of the determinations in S290 or S295. If the determination is positive (S300: Yes), the process proceeds to S305. If the determination is negative (S300: No), the process proceeds to S320.

In S305, the jackpot pattern aspect of the special pattern is determined based on the random number for determining the jackpot pattern related to the reserved memory that has been consumed (the random number for determining the jackpot pattern in the buffer for jackpot judgment). Then, the process proceeds to S310.

In S310, the time for the special symbols to change is determined based on the random numbers for determining the change pattern and the reach judgment random numbers (random numbers for determining the change pattern and the reach judgment random numbers in the buffer for jackpot judgment) related to the reserved memory that has been consumed and the open extension flag, and the change pattern of the special symbols is determined according to the change time. Here, the open extension flag = 1 indicates the open extension mode described above, and the open extension flag = 0 indicates the non-open extension mode described above. In other words, if the open extension flag = 1, it is the above-mentioned high probability mode ("high probability mode/open extension mode") or time-saving mode ("low probability mode/open extension mode"), and if the open extension flag = 0, it is the above-mentioned normal mode ("low probability mode/non-open extension mode").
In this variation pattern determination process, the variation time of the selectable special symbols is predetermined according to the open extension flag, and the variation time of the special symbols is determined according to the above-mentioned variation pattern determination random number and reach determination random number. That is, when the open extension flag = 0 (normal game state), the mode is the non-open extension mode, so the variation time of the special symbols corresponding to the non-open extension mode can be selected, and the variation time of the special symbols is determined by the variation pattern determination random number and reach determination random number of the consumed reserved memory. On the other hand, when the open extension flag = 1 (probability change game state or time-saving game state), the mode is the open extension mode that shortens the variation time of the special symbols, so the variation time of the special symbols corresponding to the open extension mode can be selected, and the variation time is determined by the variation pattern determination random number and reach determination random number. The reach determination random number is used to determine whether or not to execute various reach effects (normal reach effects, long reach effects, super reach effects, etc.) that have been determined in advance. When it is determined that any of the reach effects is to be executed, the variation time of the special symbols is determined according to the determined reach effect.

In the next S315, the number of rounds of the jackpot game and the game state after the jackpot game are set. Here, the game state after the jackpot game is determined according to the jackpot pattern determined in S305. Then, if the game state transitions to the normal game state after the jackpot game, it is decided to set the low probability mode and non-open extension mode. Also, if the game state transitions to the probability variable game state, it is decided to set the high probability mode and open extension mode, and the upper limit value for the probability variable is activated. Furthermore, in S315, the presentation time and presentation pattern related to the jackpot game (the presentation time and presentation pattern between the jackpot start presentation and the jackpot end presentation), the interval time, etc. are also set. After this S315, proceed to S360.

In S320, which follows the negative judgment in S300, a variation count process is executed. In the variation count process, in the case of a sure-change game state (high probability flag = 1), the remaining number of win/loss judgments that can be executed in that game state (the remaining number until the upper limit value for the sure-change game is reached = the number of sure-change games) is decremented. Also, in the case of a time-saving game state (high probability flag = 0 and open extension flag = 1), the remaining number of win/loss judgments that can be executed in that game state (the remaining number until the upper limit value for the time-saving game is reached = the number of time-saving games) is decremented. Furthermore, in the case of a time-saving game state and a normal game state, the cumulative variation count is incremented. Note that here, the process of incrementing the cumulative variation count and the process of decrementing the number of sure-change games and the number of time-saving games are executed in both cases of consumption of the first reserved memory and consumption of the second reserved memory.

In S330, it is determined whether or not there is a small win based on the result of the determination in S290 or S295. If the determination is positive (S330: Yes), the process proceeds to S335, and if the determination is negative (S330: No), the process proceeds to S350. In this embodiment, as described above, it is determined whether or not there is a small win only when the second reserved memory is consumed, so if the first reserved memory is consumed, a negative determination is made in S330 (proceeds to S350).

In S335, the small winning symbol is determined based on the random number for determining the big winning symbol related to the second reserved memory, and the process proceeds to S340.
In the fluctuation pattern determination process of S340, similar to S310, the fluctuation time of the second special pattern is determined based on the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern and the reach determination random number etc. related to the second reserved memory (the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern and the reach determination random number etc. in the buffer for determining a jackpot) and the open extension flag, and the fluctuation pattern of the second special pattern is determined according to the fluctuation time.
In the next S345, the opening operation pattern of the large winning port 14 in the small win game and the presentation time related to the small win game are set, and the process proceeds to S360.

Furthermore, in S350 following the negative determination in S330, similarly to S310, the special symbol variation time and variation pattern are determined based on the variation pattern determination random numbers and reach determination random numbers etc. (variation pattern determination random numbers and reach determination random numbers etc. in the buffer for determining a big win) related to the reserved memory that has been consumed and the open extension flag. Furthermore, in S350, prior to this, a process for determining a losing symbol is performed. In the following S355, a process related to a losing is performed, and the process proceeds to S360.
In this embodiment, the process of determining the losing symbol is performed in S350. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a process of determining the losing symbol may be performed before S350.

In S360, a reserved number command indicating the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number after decrementing in S270 and S280, a command including information on the result of the hit/miss judgment determined in S290 and S295 (big hit, small hit, or miss), and a change start command including the change time, stop mode, change pattern, etc. of the special symbol are transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83. This change start command includes information indicating whether the consumed reserved memory is the first reserved memory or the second reserved memory, information on whether various reach performances are executed, information on the total number of changes of the special symbol, information on the number of times of the probability change, information on the number of times of time reduction, and information on the cumulative number of changes. Furthermore, the first special symbol display device 9 or the second special symbol display device 10 is driven and controlled according to the consumed reserved memory to start changing the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and the hit/miss judgment process is terminated.
When the sub-integrated control device 83 receives such a command, it stores the information indicated in the command (the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number, the variation time of the special symbol, the presence or absence of various reach effects, the result of the hit/miss judgment, the stop mode of the special symbol, the big win game content, etc.) in a specified buffer. Then, the sub-integrated control device 83 transmits a command to the effect symbol control device 82 along with the variation start command, and the effect symbol control device 82 drives and controls the effect symbol display device 6 according to the received command, determines the variation stop effect and reach effect of the special effect symbol corresponding to the information on the stop symbol mode and variation pattern of the special symbol, and controls the display of the determined effect on the effect symbol display device 6.

In S380 in FIG. 11, which follows the positive judgment in S255 described above, it is judged whether the time for the special symbol to change has elapsed. If the judgment is positive (S380: Yes), the process proceeds to S385. If the judgment is negative (S380: No), the winning/losing judgment process ends. In S385, the display of the changing special symbol is terminated, and the determined special symbol (i.e., the big win symbol determined in S305, the small win symbol determined in S335, or the losing symbol determined in S350) is displayed, and a symbol determination command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83 to execute the determined display of the performance symbol, and the winning/losing judgment process ends.

In S400 of FIG. 12, which follows the positive judgment of S260 described above, it is judged whether the duration of the confirmed display of the special pattern has ended, and if the judgment is positive (S400: Yes), the process proceeds to S405, and if the judgment is negative (S400: No), the hit/miss judgment process ends. In S405, the confirmed display of the special pattern ends and the process proceeds to S410. In S410, it is judged whether the confirmed and displayed special pattern is a jackpot pattern, and if the judgment is positive (S410: Yes), the process proceeds to S415, and if the judgment is negative (S410: No), the process proceeds to S460 of FIG. 13.

In S415, the high probability flag is referenced to determine whether or not the high probability flag is 1. If the determination is positive (S415: Yes), the process proceeds to S420. If the determination is negative (S415: No), the process proceeds to S425. In S420, the high probability flag is set to 0, and the process proceeds to S425.

In S425, the open extension flag is referenced to determine whether the open extension flag is equal to 1. If the determination is affirmative (S425: Yes), the process proceeds to S430. If the determination is negative (S425: No), the process proceeds to S435. In S430, the open extension flag is set to 0, and the process proceeds to S335.

In S435, a count clear process is executed. In this count clear process, if the game is in a special probability game state, the number of special probability game states (the number of remaining special variation counts in the special probability game state) is cleared, and if the game is in a time-saving game state, the number of time-saving game states (the number of remaining special variation counts in the time-saving game state) and the cumulative number of variations are cleared. Furthermore, if the game is in a normal game state or a time-saving game state, the cumulative number of variations is cleared.

In the next S440, a state designation command transmission process is executed to transmit commands indicating the state of the jackpot game and commands instructing the start of the jackpot game to the sub-integrated control device 83. Here, in the state designation command transmission process (S440) of this embodiment, when both the high probability flag and the open extension flag are cleared, information indicating the end of the high probability game state is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83, and when only the open extension flag is cleared, information indicating the end of the time-saving game state is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83.
Thereafter, the condition device operation start process (S445), the role continuous operation device operation start process (S450), and the jackpot start performance process (S455) are executed in sequence to start the jackpot game and terminate the win/loss determination process.

On the other hand, in S460 of FIG. 13, which follows the negative judgment of S410, the high probability flag is referenced to determine whether or not the high probability flag is 1. If the judgment is positive (S460: Yes), the process proceeds to S465, and if the judgment is negative (S460: No), the process proceeds to S480. In S465, the number of chance bonuses (the remaining number of special chart fluctuations in the chance bonus game state) is referenced to determine whether or not the number of chance bonuses is 0. If the judgment is positive (S465: Yes), the process proceeds to S470, and if the judgment is negative (S465: No), the process proceeds to S520. In S470, the high probability flag is set to 0, and in the following S475, the open extension flag is set to 0. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S520.

In S480, the open extension flag is referenced to determine whether or not the open extension flag is 1. If the determination is positive (S480: Yes), the process proceeds to S485, and if the determination is negative (S480: No), the process proceeds to S500. In S485, the number of time-saving times (the remaining number of special chart fluctuation times in the first time-saving game state) is referenced to determine whether or not the number of time-saving times is 0. If the determination is positive (S485: Yes), the process proceeds to S490, and if the determination is negative (S485: No), the process proceeds to S520. In S490, the open extension flag is set to 0, and the process proceeds to S520.

In S500, which follows S480, it is determined whether the cumulative number of changes (the number of times the special pattern changes in the low probability mode) has reached the threshold value (900 times). If the result is positive (S500: Yes), the process proceeds to S505, and if the result is negative (S500: No), the process proceeds to S520. Here, the threshold value determines the time-saving transition condition, and a positive determination in S500 corresponds to the establishment of the time-saving transition condition.

In S505, a process for setting the number of time-saving times is executed. In the process for setting the number of time-saving times, the upper limit of the number of times that special chart changes can be performed in the time-saving game state (upper limit for time-saving) is set to the number of time-saving times. In this embodiment, since the upper limit for time-saving times is set to 1000 times as described above, in the process for setting the number of time-saving times, the number of time-saving times is set to 1000 times. In the following S510, the open extension flag is set to 1, and the process proceeds to S520.

In S520, a state designation command transmission process is executed. In the state designation command transmission process (S520) of this embodiment, when both the high probability flag and the open extension flag are cleared, information indicating the end of the high probability game state is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83, and when only the open extension flag is cleared, information indicating the end of the time-saving game state is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83. Furthermore, when the open extension flag is set to 1 by the above S510, information indicating the start of the time-saving game state is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83.
In the next S525, it is determined whether the confirmed second special symbol is a symbol that will result in a small win, and if the result is positive (S525: Yes), the process proceeds to S530, where the special electric device activation start process (S530) and the small win start performance process (S535) are executed in sequence, and a command indicating the mode of the small win game and a command instructing the start of the small win game are sent to the sub-integrated control device 83 to start the small win game, and the win/loss determination process is terminated. Also, if the result is negative in S525 (S525: No), the win/loss determination process is terminated.

Next, the jackpot game process executed by the main control device 80 will be explained using the flowcharts in Figures 14 to 16. This jackpot game process is executed from the special game process (S170) of the main routine described above when a jackpot is determined by the hit/miss determination process described above.

In the jackpot game process, as shown in FIG. 14, it is determined whether or not the continuous operation device of the role is in operation (i.e., whether or not the jackpot game is being played) (S600). If the determination is positive (S600: Yes), the process proceeds to S605, and if the determination is negative (S600: No), the jackpot game process is terminated.

In S605, it is determined whether the large prize opening 14 is open or not, and if the determination is positive (S605: Yes), the process proceeds to S650 in FIG. 15, and if the determination is negative (S605: No), the process proceeds to S610.

In S610, it is determined whether or not it is during an interval between open rounds in the jackpot game. If the determination is positive (S610: Yes), the process proceeds to S670 in FIG. 15, and if the determination is negative (S610: No), the process proceeds to S615. In S615, it is determined whether or not the end presentation of the jackpot game is in progress. If the determination is positive (S615: Yes), the process proceeds to S700 in FIG. 16, and if the determination is negative (S615: No), the process proceeds to S620.

In S620, it is determined whether the start presentation time for the jackpot game has elapsed. If the determination is positive (S620: Yes), the process proceeds to S625, and if the determination is negative (S620: No), the jackpot game process ends.

In S625, a large prize opening process is executed to open the large prize opening 14. In this large prize opening process, the opening time (for example, 30 seconds) set in advance as the maximum opening time of the large prize opening 14 in the opening round is consumed in synchronization with the start of opening the large prize opening 14. After this large prize opening process, the big win game process is terminated. Here, the opening time is consumed by a subtraction process of the opening timer. Specifically, the opening timer is preset with a counter value equivalent to the opening time (30 seconds), and a process of subtracting the counter value is executed each time the big win game process is executed (each time the timer interrupt process is executed), and the opening time is considered to have elapsed when the counter value becomes 0. Of course, the measurement means for the opening time is not limited to the subtraction process of the opening timer, and other means can be used.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the large prize opening processing of S625, when the opening of the large prize opening 14 begins, information indicating the start of the opening round and information indicating that this is the first opening round are transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83.

In S650 in FIG. 15, which follows the positive judgment in S605, it is determined whether the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening 14 has reached 10. If the judgment is positive (S650: Yes), the process proceeds to S660, and if the judgment is negative (S650: No), the process proceeds to S655. In S655, it is determined whether the opening time (30 seconds) has elapsed based on the expiration of the time of the opening timer described above. Here, if the judgment is positive (S655: Yes), the process proceeds to S660, and if the judgment is negative (S655: No), the big prize game processing is terminated. In S660, the big prize opening closing processing is executed to close the big prize opening 14 (ending the opening round). In the following S665, the big prize interval processing is executed to set the interval between each opening round of the big prize game, and the big prize game processing is terminated.

15, which follows the positive judgment of S610, it is judged whether the interval time of the big win game has elapsed. If the judgment is positive (S670: Yes), the process proceeds to S675, and if the judgment is negative (S670: No), the big win game process is terminated. In S675, it is judged whether the final round has ended, and if the judgment is positive (S675: Yes), the process proceeds to S680, and if the judgment is negative (S675: No), the process proceeds to S685.
In S680, a jackpot end effect process is executed to effect the end of the jackpot game. Furthermore, in this embodiment, information indicating that the final open round has ended is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83. After this S680, the jackpot game process is ended.
In S685, the large prize opening process is executed. In this process, the same process as S625 described above is executed, the large prize opening 14 is opened, and the opening time (30 seconds) is started. Furthermore, in the same manner as S625 described above, information indicating the start of the opening round and information indicating the number of opening rounds that have started are transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83.

Furthermore, in S700 of FIG. 16, which follows the positive judgment in S615, it is judged whether the time for the jackpot end presentation has ended. If the judgment is positive (S700: Yes), the process proceeds to S705, and S705 and S710 are executed in sequence, whereas if the judgment is negative (S700: No), the jackpot game processing ends. In S705 and S710, the role-playing device and the condition device are stopped, and the process proceeds to S715.

In S715, the limit number count process is executed, and the number of times the special probability repeats is incremented. As described above, this special probability repeat count indicates the number of times the special probability play state is repeated through jackpot play, and is counted each time the special probability play state is entered. When the game transitions to the normal play state after a jackpot play, the special probability repeat count is reset. In this way, the number of special probability repeats is counted, and when the special probability repeat count reaches the limit number (9 times), the special probability repeat pattern that will transition to the normal play state is selected in the win/loss determination process as described above. After S715, the program proceeds to S720.

In S720, it is determined whether or not to transition to the special chance game state after the big win game. If the determination is affirmative (S720: Yes), the process proceeds to S725, and if the determination is negative (S720: No), the process proceeds to S740. In S725, the upper limit of the number of special chart changes that can be executed during the special chance game state (upper limit for special chance game) is set to the special chance game count. Here, in this embodiment, as described above, since the upper limit for special chance game is set to 100 times, the special chance game count setting process sets the special chance game count to 100 times. In the following S730 and S735, the high probability flag is set to 1 and the open extension flag is set to 1, and the process proceeds to S740.

In S740 and S745, a process of sending a jackpot end command to the sub-integrated control device 83 to end the presentation related to the jackpot game, and a state designation command sending process are executed, and the jackpot game process is terminated. Here, in this embodiment, in S745, information indicating that the normal game state or the probability variable game state will start is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83 according to the high probability flag and the open extension flag set in S730 and S735. That is, when the high probability flag = 1 and the open extension flag = 1, information indicating the start of the probability variable game state is sent, and when the high probability flag = 0 and the open extension flag = 0, information indicating the start of the normal game state is sent. Furthermore, when sending information indicating the start of the probability variable game state, information on the probability variable number of times (remaining number of special chart fluctuation times) set in S725 is also sent.

Next, the main parts of the present invention will be explained in the following Examples 1 and 2.

In the first embodiment, in a non-playing progress state where the player is not playing, demo images 111 and 112 are displayed on the performance symbol display device 6. The demo images 111 and 112 include an information suggesting demo image 111 that displays a change number symbol 116 that indicates the total number of changes of the special symbol and a remaining number suggesting symbol 117a to 117e that indicates the remaining number of cumulative changes, and a non-information suggesting demo image 112 that does not display the remaining number suggesting symbols 117a to 117e. In the non-playing progress state until the first start of play progress after the power is turned on (hereinafter referred to as the initial non-playing progress state), the non-information suggesting demo image 112 is displayed, while in other non-playing progress states other than the initial non-playing progress state (hereinafter referred to as the normal non-playing progress state), the information suggesting demo image 111 is displayed.

In this embodiment, the change count pattern 116 indicates the total number of changes of the special pattern on that day, and is composed of pattern content that directly indicates the numerical value of the total number of changes. Here, in this embodiment, as described above, the total number of changes of the special pattern is cumulatively added each time the first and second special patterns change, and the total number of changes of the special pattern on that day is counted. Then, based on this total number of changes, the display content of the change count pattern 116 is determined. As a result, in this embodiment, even if the RAM is not cleared when the power is turned on, the change count pattern 116 indicates the total number of changes of the special pattern on that day. Therefore, in a state where no play has been played since the power was turned on (the initial non-play progress state), the change count pattern 116 indicating the total number of changes = 0 is displayed in the demo image 111.

On the other hand, the remaining number indication symbols 117a-117e indicate the remaining number of the cumulative number of fluctuations in this embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 17, are composed of character symbols 117a-117e indicating the remaining number. Here, the remaining number of the cumulative number of fluctuations is the remaining number required to reach the threshold value (900 times) of the time-saving transition condition, and can take 900 values from 1 to 900. Five different types of the character symbols 117a-117e are assigned to each range (group) obtained by dividing these 900 values into five. Specifically, the first character symbol 117a is assigned to the range of the remaining number of the cumulative number of fluctuations from 900 to 721. The second character design 117b is assigned to the remaining number range of 720 to 541, the third character design 117c to the range of 540 to 361, the fourth character design 117d to the range of 360 to 181, and the fifth character design 117e to the range of 180 to 1. As a result, in the information suggestion demo image 111, one of the first to fifth character designs 117a to 117e is selected and determined according to the remaining number of cumulative changes at the time when the information suggestion demo image 111 starts to be displayed, and is displayed as the remaining number suggestion design.

As described above, if the RAM is not cleared when the power is turned on, the data from immediately before the power was shut off is carried over after the power is turned on. In this case, based on the carried over cumulative number of changes, one of the first to fifth character patterns 117a to 117e is selected as the remaining number suggestion pattern and displayed in the information suggestion demo image 111. In addition, in the initial non-play progress state, the non-information suggestion demo image 112 is displayed, so the remaining number suggestion patterns 117a to 117e suggesting the remaining number of the carried over cumulative number of changes are not displayed. Therefore, the display of the non-information suggestion demo image 112 in the initial non-play progress state not only does not show the remaining number of cumulative changes, but also does not show whether it has been carried over or not.

In addition, in this embodiment, the apparent patterns 118a to 118e are displayed in the information non-indicative demo image 112. These apparent patterns 118a to 118e are displayed in place of the remaining number indicative patterns 117a to 117e described above, and in the information non-indicative demo image 112, one selected from five different character patterns 118a to 118e is displayed as the apparent pattern 118a to 118e. Here, the process of selecting one of the character patterns 118a to 118e is performed by a lottery process that randomly selects the pattern, regardless of the cumulative number of changes (and the remaining number of cumulative changes). In this way, in the information non-indicative demo image 112 in the initial non-play state, the apparent patterns 118a to 118e that are unrelated to the cumulative number of changes (and the remaining number of cumulative changes) and the change number pattern 116 that indicates the total number of changes of the special pattern on that day = 0 are displayed.

In addition, in the configuration of this embodiment, a game stop condition is set for determining that the player's game progress has been stopped, and a game start condition is set for determining that the player's game progress has been started.
The game stop condition is set to be satisfied when the following conditions continue for a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes): no game ball is detected at the start opening 11, 12, the general winning opening 41, the normal symbol activation gate 17, and the outlet 16; the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not changed; no big win game is being played; and no first reserved memory and no second reserved memory are present. Furthermore, the game stop condition is set to be that the power is turned on. On the other hand, the game start condition is set to be satisfied when a game ball is detected at any of the start opening 11, 12, the general winning opening 41, the normal symbol activation gate 17, and the outlet 16.
The state from the establishment of the game stop condition to the establishment of the game start condition is defined as a non-game progress state in which the player is not playing. Also, as described above, since power-on is set as a game stop condition, the above-mentioned initial non-game progress state is entered when the power is turned on. This initial non-game progress state ends when the game start condition is first established after the power is turned on.

Next, the non-game presentation process for controlling the display of the information suggestive demo image 111 and the non-information suggestive demo image 112 will be explained using the flowchart in FIG. 17. This non-game presentation process is a process that is executed periodically (for example, a timer interrupt process with a 2 ms cycle) by the sub-integrated control device 83, and is executed according to commands and data sent from the main control device 80.

In the non-game performance process, in S1000, it is determined whether or not a power-on command has been received from the main control device 80. If the determination is affirmative (S1000: Yes), the process proceeds to S1005, and if the determination is negative (S1000: No), the process proceeds to S1010. Here, the power-on command is the command sent in S45 of the power-on process described above (a command to perform initial settings).

In S1005, a process for determining the demo presentation mode for non-information suggestion is executed to determine the display mode of the non-information suggestion demo image 112 to be displayed in the initial non-playing state. In other words, in this demo presentation mode determination process, the display mode of the number of changes pattern 116 indicating the total number of changes of the special pattern on the day (after power-on) is determined, and the display mode of the apparent patterns 118a to 118e is also determined. Here, in the initial non-playing state that starts immediately after power-on, regardless of whether the RAM clear is executed or not, the total number of changes = 0, so the display mode of the number of changes pattern 116 indicating the total number of changes is determined. On the other hand, the display mode of the apparent patterns 118a to 118e is determined according to one randomly selected from the character patterns 118a to 118e. The selection probability of each of the character patterns 118a to 118e is set to the same probability (20%).

On the other hand, in S1010, it is determined whether the demo images 111 and 112 are being displayed. If the determination is positive (S1010: Yes), the process proceeds to S1040, and if the determination is negative (S1010: No), the process proceeds to S1015.

In S1015, it is determined whether the above-mentioned game stop condition is met. If the determination is positive (S1015: Yes), the process proceeds to S1020, and if the determination is negative (S1015: No), the non-game presentation process is terminated.

In S1020, a process for determining the demo presentation mode for information suggestion is executed to determine the display mode of the information suggestion demo image 111 to be displayed in the normal non-playing state. That is, in this demo presentation mode determination process, the display mode of the variation number pattern 116 indicating the total number of variations of the special pattern is determined, and the display mode of the remaining number indication patterns 117a to 117e indicating the remaining number of cumulative variations is determined. Here, the total number of variations of the special pattern is obtained from the information included in the variation start command transmitted from the main control device 80 by S360 of the hit/miss determination process, and in S1020, the display mode of the variation number pattern 116 is determined according to the total number of variations of the special pattern contained in the latest variation start command received before the game stop condition is established. On the other hand, the remaining number of cumulative variations is obtained from the information on the cumulative number of variations contained in the variation start command transmitted from the main control device 80 by S360 of the hit/miss determination process and the information on the preset threshold value (900 times). In S1020, one of the character designs 117a-117e is selected and determined according to the remaining number of the cumulative fluctuation count thus obtained, and the display mode of the remaining number indication designs 117a-117e is determined. After S1020, proceed to S1030.

In S1030, which follows S1005 or S1020, a demo start command transmission process is executed. In the demo start command transmission process, when the display mode of the variable number pattern 116 and the apparent patterns 118a to 118e is determined in S1005, a command for displaying the information non-suggestive demo image 112 including the variable number pattern 116 and the apparent patterns 118a to 118e on the performance pattern display device 6 is transmitted to the performance pattern control device 82. On the other hand, when the display mode of the variable number pattern 116 and the remaining number suggestive patterns 117a to 117e is determined in 1020, a command for displaying the information suggestive demo image 111 including the variable number pattern 116 and the remaining number suggestive patterns 117a to 117e on the performance pattern display device 6 is transmitted to the performance pattern control device 82. By transmitting these commands, the sub-integrated control device 83 controls the display of the information suggestive demo image 111 and the information non-suggestive demo image 112 on the performance pattern display device 6 via the performance pattern control device 82. After S1030, the non-game performance process is terminated.
When the performance symbol control device 82 receives the command, it generates video data that displays the information suggestive demo image 111 and the information non-suggestive demo image 112 according to the information included in the command. Here, the video data of the information suggestive demo image 111 includes data that displays the change number pattern 116 that indicates the total number of changes of the special symbol and the remaining number suggestive patterns 117a to 117e that indicate the remaining number of cumulative changes, while the video data of the information non-suggestive demo image 112 includes data that displays the change number pattern 116 and the apparent patterns 118a to 118e that indicate the total number of changes of the special symbol = 0. By playing these video data on the performance symbol display device 6, the information suggestive demo image 111 or the information non-suggestive demo image 112 is displayed. The display of the information suggestive demo image 111 and the information non-suggestive demo image 112 continues until a demo end command described later is received.

In S1040, which follows the positive determination in S1010, it is determined whether the above-mentioned game start condition is met. If the determination is positive (S1040: Yes), the process proceeds to S1045, and if the determination is negative (S1040: No), the non-game presentation process is terminated.

In S1045, a demo end command transmission process is executed. In the demo end command transmission process, a command for ending the display of the information suggestive demo image 111 or the information non-suggestive demo image 112 being displayed on the performance pattern display device 6 is transmitted to the performance pattern control device 82. By transmitting this command, the sub-integrated control device 83 controls the display of the information suggestive demo image 111 and the information non-suggestive demo image 112 to end via the performance pattern control device 82. After this S1045, the non-game performance process is terminated.
When the performance symbol control device 82 receives the above-mentioned display end command, it ends the playback of the video data of the demo images 111 and 112. As a result, the performance symbol display device 6 ends the display of the information suggestive demo image 111 and the information non-suggestive demo image 112.

Next, the display mode of the demo images 111, 112 displayed on the performance pattern display device 6 will be described.
When the power of each machine is turned on during the opening procedure of the game arcade (hall), each machine goes into a non-play progress state, and each performance symbol display device 6 displays a non-information suggestive demo image 112 including the variable number symbol 116 and the apparent symbols 118a to 118e.

For example, if a store clerk turns on the power while operating the probability setting switch 95 and the RAM clear button 96, the RAM is cleared and the backup information stored at the time of the previous power cut is cleared. This clears the cumulative number of changes. Then, since the setting values 1 to 6 can be changed, a new setting value is set by operating the probability setting switch 95 and the RAM clear button 96. In a machine whose RAM has been cleared in this way, in the initial non-play progress state that occurs when the power is turned on, as shown in FIG. 20 (A), the above-mentioned information non-suggestive demo image 112 is displayed on the performance pattern display device 6. Here, in the initial non-play state after the power is turned on, since the total number of changes of the special pattern on each machine on that day is 0, the information non-suggestive demo image 112 displays the change number pattern 116 indicating the total number of changes. In addition, one of the five types of character patterns 118a to 118e described above is randomly selected, and the apparent pattern 118a is displayed by the selected first character pattern 118a. Furthermore, in the demo images 111 and 112 of this embodiment, a game explanation pattern 121 that shows an explanation of the game is also displayed. This game explanation pattern 121 is intended to explain an advantageous hitting method.

On the other hand, if the store clerk turns on the power without operating the RAM clear button 96, the backup information stored when the power was previously cut off is read. This makes the cumulative number of changes and the setting values stored as backup information valid and will be used in the game that will be started after this. In the initial non-play progress state of the machine, as shown in FIG. 20(B), the information non-indicative demo image 112 is displayed on the performance symbol display device 6. Here, as described above, in the initial non-play state after the power is turned on, the total number of changes of the special symbols on that day is 0, so the information non-indicative demo image 112 displays the change number symbol 116 indicating the total number of changes of the special symbols = 0. Also, when the fourth character symbol 118d is selected, the apparent symbol 118d is displayed by the fourth character symbol 118d.

In this way, the information non-suggestive demo image 112 displayed in the initial non-playing state displays a change number symbol 116 indicating the total number of changes of special symbols on that day = 0, and randomly selected apparent symbols 118a-118e, regardless of whether the RAM was cleared when the power was turned on. When this information non-suggestive demo image 112 is displayed, the player cannot obtain information related to the cumulative number of changes, and the player cannot determine whether the RAM was cleared when the power was turned on.

In addition, when the game stop condition is satisfied after the game is played on a machine on which the player has played after the power is turned on, the machine enters a normal non-playing state, and the information suggestion demo image 111 is displayed on the performance symbol display device 6 as shown in FIG. 21 (A). For example, in a machine in which the RAM is cleared when the power is turned on, if the special symbol changes 435 times during the first player's play and there is no jackpot, the number of changes symbol 116 indicating the total number of changes = 435 is displayed, and the remaining number suggestion symbol 117c indicating the remaining number of cumulative changes (= 465) is displayed. Here, since the cumulative number of changes = the total number of changes (= 435) on this machine, the third character symbol 117c is selected according to the remaining number of cumulative changes (= 465), and the remaining number suggestion symbol 117c is displayed by the third character symbol 117c. As mentioned above, the information suggestion demo image 111 also displays the game explanation symbol 121.

When the game stop condition is met after another player has played and the game enters a normal non-playing state, an information suggestion demo image 111 is displayed as shown in FIG. 21(B). Here, if the total number of times the special symbols have changed is 2273 and the previous player has just won a jackpot or the game has just ended, a change number symbol 116 indicating the total number of changes is displayed and a remaining number suggestion symbol 117a is displayed by a first character symbol 117a.

Next, the features of the first embodiment will be described.
The configuration of the first embodiment is such that in a non-playing progress state where the player is not playing, the demo images 111, 112 are displayed on the performance symbol display device 6. In the first non-playing progress state (initial non-playing progress state) that occurs when the power is turned on, the information non-indicative demo image 112 that does not display the remaining number indication symbols 117a to 117e that indicate the remaining number of cumulative variations related to the time-saving transition condition is displayed, while in a non-playing progress state (normal non-playing progress state) other than the initial non-playing progress state, the information indication demo image 111 that displays the remaining number indication symbols 117a to 117e is displayed. Furthermore, the information indication demo image 111 and the information non-indicative demo image 112 display the variation number symbol 116 that indicates the total number of variations of the special symbol on the day.
In this configuration, the information suggestion demo image 111 displayed in the normal non-playing state allows the player to know the total number of times the special symbols will change on that day and the number of times the special symbols will change (= the remaining number of cumulative changes) required until the time-saving transition condition for transitioning to the time-saving game state is met, and this can be used as a basis for deciding whether or not to play on the machine. In other words, the player can determine whether or not the machine is advantageous based on the information obtained from the information suggestion demo image 111, and decide whether or not to play.
On the other hand, in the initial non-playing state after power-on, the non-information-suggesting demo image 112 is displayed, so the player cannot know information related to the remaining number of cumulative variations. Furthermore, the display of the non-information-suggesting demo image 112 does not allow the player to know whether the RAM was cleared when the power was turned on. This is because the variation number symbol 116 only indicates the total number of variations on that day, and the remaining number suggesting symbols 117a to 117e are not displayed. Furthermore, if it is not possible to determine whether the RAM has been cleared in this way, it is not possible to know whether the set value has changed since the last time it was turned off. Therefore, the non-information-suggesting demo image 112 displayed in the initial non-playing state does not provide the player with any information to determine whether or not to play on the machine.
According to the configuration of the first embodiment, the player cannot judge the advantage of the machine due to the non-information suggestive demo image 112 displayed in the initial non-playing state, so that it is possible to prevent the player from avoiding the start of playing on the machine. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of the problem of the decrease in the operating rate in the conventional configuration described above. Furthermore, in the normal non-playing state other than the initial non-playing state, the remaining number suggestive symbols 117a to 117e indicating the remaining number of cumulative fluctuations are displayed by the information suggestive demo image 111, so that the player who seeks this information is easily made to feel like playing, which can contribute to the suppression of the decrease in the operating rate described above.

In addition, in Example 1, in the initial non-playing state, the remaining number indication symbols 117a-117e are hidden, and apparent symbols 118a-118e unrelated to the cumulative number of changes are displayed. By displaying these apparent symbols 118a-118e in the initial non-playing state in which the remaining number indication symbols 117a-117e are hidden, it is possible to have the effect of suggesting some kind of advantage to the player. The display of these apparent symbols 118a-118e can evoke some kind of expectation in the player, making it easier for the player to play the first time after powering on, which can contribute to improving the operating rate of the machine.

The configuration of Example 2 is such that the non-information suggestive demo image 112 is displayed in a non-play progress state from when the power is turned on until a predetermined threshold time has elapsed, and the information suggestive demo image 111 is displayed in a non-play progress state after the threshold time has elapsed.

That is, from when the power is turned on until the threshold time has elapsed, the information non-suggestive demo image 112 is displayed in a non-play progress state regardless of whether or not a game has been played by the player, and after the threshold time has elapsed (until the power is turned off), the information suggestive demo image 111 is displayed in a non-play progress state regardless of whether or not a game has been played. For example, when the threshold time has elapsed in a non-play progress state in which no game has been played since the power was turned on (the initial non-play progress state described above), the information non-suggestive demo image 112 displayed before the threshold time has elapsed is switched to the information suggestive demo image 111. On the other hand, even in a non-play progress state after a game has been played by the player after the power is turned on (the normal non-play progress state described above), the information non-suggestive demo image 112 is displayed before the threshold time has elapsed. Here, the change number pattern 116 displayed in the information suggestive demo image 111 and the information non-suggestive demo image 112 indicates the total number of changes of the special pattern on that day, as in the first embodiment described above, and therefore correctly notifies the total number of changes on that day, regardless of whether the threshold time has passed or not.

In this embodiment, the threshold time is set to two hours. As a result, before two hours have passed since the power was turned on, the non-information suggestive demo image 112 is displayed in a state where no game is progressing, and after two hours have passed since the power was turned on, the information suggestive demo image 111 is displayed in a state where no game is progressing.

The configuration of Example 2 is the same as that of Example 1 described above, except that the condition for switching between the information non-suggestive demo image 112 and the information suggestive demo image 111 displayed in a non-playing state is from when the power is turned on until the threshold time has elapsed. Therefore, the same components are given the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted as appropriate. In Example 1, the condition for switching between the information non-suggestive demo image 112 and the information suggestive demo image 111 is when the player plays a game (the game start condition is met).

The non-game presentation process for controlling the display of the information suggestive demo image 111 and the information non-suggestive demo image 112 in Example 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 22. As in Example 1, this non-game presentation process is a process that is executed periodically (for example, a timer interrupt process with a 2 ms cycle) by the sub-integrated control device 83, and is executed according to commands and data sent from the main control device 80.

In the non-game performance process of Example 2, in S1200, it is determined whether or not a power-on command has been received from the main control device 80. If the determination is affirmative (S1200: Yes), the process proceeds to S1205, and if the determination is negative (S1200: No), the process proceeds to S1220. Here, the power-on command is the command sent in S45 of the power-on process described above (a command to perform initial settings).

In S1205, a time count start process is executed. In this time count start process, measurement of the time that has elapsed since power-on is started. Specifically, a counter value equivalent to the threshold time (2 hours) is set in a timer that measures time, and a process for enabling a subtraction process of the counter value is performed. As a result, the counter value is subtracted for each timer interrupt process, and when the counter value becomes 0, it is considered that the threshold time has elapsed since power-on. Of course, the means for measuring the time from power-on to the elapse of the threshold time is not limited to the timer subtraction process, and other means can also be used.
After S1205, proceed to S1210.

In S1210, a process for determining a demo presentation mode for non-information suggestion is executed to determine the display mode of the non-information suggestion demo image 112 to be displayed in the non-game progress state before the threshold time has elapsed. In this demo presentation mode determination process, the display mode of the number of changes pattern 116 indicating the total number of changes of the special pattern on the day (after power-on) is determined, and the display mode of the apparent patterns 118a to 118e is also determined. Here, regardless of whether the threshold time has elapsed or not, if no game has been played since power-on, the total number of changes = 0, so the display mode of the number of changes pattern 116 indicating the total number of changes is determined, while if a game has been played after power-on, the display mode of the number of changes pattern 116 is determined according to the information (total number of changes on the day) included in the change start command transmitted from the main control device 80 by S360 of the winning/losing judgment process. In addition, the display mode of the apparent patterns 118a to 118e is determined according to one randomly selected from the character patterns 118a to 118e. The selection probability of each of the character designs 118a to 118e is set in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
After S1210, the process proceeds to S1240.

On the other hand, in S1220, which follows the negative determination in S1200, it is determined whether or not the demo images 111 and 112 are being displayed. If the determination is positive (S1220: Yes), the process proceeds to S1250, and if the determination is negative (S1220: No), the process proceeds to S1225.

In S1225, it is determined whether the above-mentioned game stop condition is met. If the determination is positive (S1225: Yes), the process proceeds to S1230, and if the determination is negative (S1225: No), the non-game presentation process ends.

In S1230, it is determined whether the threshold time (2 hours) has elapsed since the power was turned on. If the determination is positive (S1230: Yes), the process proceeds to S1235, and if the determination is negative (S1230: No), the process proceeds to S1210 described above.

In S1235, a process for determining the demo presentation mode for information suggestion is executed to determine the display mode of the information suggestion demo image 111 to be displayed in the non-play progress state after the threshold time has elapsed. In this demo presentation mode determination process, the display mode of the variation number pattern 116 indicating the total number of variations of the special pattern on the day (after power-on) is determined, and the display mode of the remaining number indication patterns 117a to 117e indicating the remaining number of cumulative variations is determined. Here, the total number of variations of the special pattern is obtained from the information included in the variation start command transmitted from the main control device 80 by S360 of the hit/miss judgment process, and in S1235, the display mode of the variation number pattern 116 is determined according to the total number of variations of the special pattern contained in the latest variation start command received before the game stop condition is established. On the other hand, the remaining number of cumulative variations is obtained from the information on the cumulative number of variations contained in the variation start command transmitted from the main control device 80 by S360 of the hit/miss judgment process and the information on the preset threshold value (900 times). In S1235, one of the character designs 117a to 117e is selected and determined according to the remaining number of the cumulative fluctuation count thus obtained, and the display mode of the remaining number indication designs 117a to 117e is determined. After S1235, proceed to S1240.

In S1240 following S1210 or S1235, a demo start command transmission process is executed. In the demo start command transmission process, when the display mode of the variable number pattern 116 and the apparent patterns 118a to 118e is determined in S1210, a command for displaying the information non-suggestive demo image 112 including the variable number pattern 116 and the apparent patterns 118a to 118e on the performance pattern display device 6 is transmitted to the performance pattern control device 82. On the other hand, when the display mode of the variable number pattern 116 and the remaining number suggestive patterns 117a to 117e is determined in 1240, a command for displaying the information suggestive demo image 111 including the variable number pattern 116 and the remaining number suggestive patterns 117a to 117e on the performance pattern display device 6 is transmitted to the performance pattern control device 82. By transmitting such a command, the sub-integrated control device 83 controls the display of the information suggestive demo image 111 and the information non-suggestive demo image 112 on the performance pattern display device 6 via the performance pattern control device 82. After S1240, the non-game performance process is terminated.
When the performance symbol control device 82 receives these commands, it generates video data that displays the information suggestive demo image 111 and the information non-suggestive demo image 112 according to the information included in the command. Then, by playing back these video data on the performance symbol display device 6, the information suggestive demo image 111 or the information non-suggestive demo image 112 is displayed.

In S1250, which follows the positive determination in S1220, it is determined whether the above-mentioned game start condition is met. If the determination is positive (S1250: Yes), the process proceeds to S1280, and if the determination is negative (S1250: No), the process proceeds to S1255.

In S1255, it is determined whether or not the non-information suggestive demo image 112 is being displayed on the effect pattern display device 6. If the determination is positive (S1255: Yes), the process proceeds to S1260, and if the determination is negative (S1255: No), the non-game effect process is terminated.

In S1260, it is determined whether the threshold time (2 hours) has elapsed since the power was turned on. If the determination is positive (S1260: Yes), the process proceeds to S1265, and if the determination is negative (S1260: No), the non-game presentation process ends.

In S1265, a process for determining the demo presentation mode for information suggestion is executed. This process is the same as S1235 described above, so details are omitted. After S1265, the process proceeds to S1270.

In S1270, a demo conversion command transmission process is executed. In the demo conversion command transmission process, a command to end the display of the currently displayed information non-suggestive demo image 112 and a command to display the information suggestive demo image 111 including the variable number pattern 116 and the remaining number suggestive patterns 117a to 117e determined in S1265 on the performance pattern display device 6 are transmitted to the performance pattern control device 82. By transmitting these commands, display conversion control is performed to end the display of the information non-suggestive demo image 112 and start the display of the information suggestive demo image 111. After S1270, the non-game performance process is terminated.
When the performance symbol control device 82 receives the command, it generates video data to display the information suggestive demo image 111 according to the information included in the command. Then, it ends the video data of the information non-suggestive demo image 112 being played on the performance symbol display device 6, and plays the newly generated video data of the information suggestive demo image 111. This converts the display of the information non-suggestive demo image 112 to the display of the information suggestive demo image 111.

On the other hand, in S1280 following the positive determination of S1250, a demo end command transmission process is executed. In the demo end command transmission process, a command for ending the display of the information suggestive demo image 111 or the information non-suggestive demo image 112 being displayed on the performance pattern display device 6 is transmitted to the performance pattern control device 82. By transmitting this command, control is performed to end the display of the information suggestive demo image 111 and the information non-suggestive demo image 112 via the performance pattern control device 82. After this S1280, the non-game performance process is terminated.
When the performance symbol control device 82 receives the above-mentioned display end command, it ends the playback of the video data of the demo images 111 and 112. As a result, the performance symbol display device 6 ends the display of the information suggestive demo image 111 and the information non-suggestive demo image 112.

Next, the display mode of the demo images 111, 112 displayed on the performance pattern display device 6 will be described.
When the power of each machine is turned on by the opening operation of the game parlor (hall), the machine is in a non-playing state, and the information non-suggestive demo image 112 is displayed on each of the performance symbol display devices 6. Then, until the threshold time (2 hours) has elapsed since the power was turned on, the information non-suggestive demo image 112 is displayed in the non-playing state, as shown in FIG. 20, for example. Here, during the period from the power being turned on until the threshold time has elapsed, the information non-suggestive demo image 112 is displayed in either the first non-playing state after the power is turned on or the non-playing state after the player has played. In addition, in the information non-suggestive demo image 112 displayed in the non-playing state after the player has played, the total number of times that the special symbols have changed in the game is notified by the change number symbol 116.

In addition, when the threshold time (2 hours) has elapsed since the power was turned on and no game is being played, the information suggestion demo image 111 is displayed, as shown in FIG. 21, for example.

In addition, in the non-play progress state after the player plays the game between the time when the power is turned on and the time when the threshold time has elapsed (the non-play progress state started by the game start condition and the game stop condition being satisfied in sequence before the time when the threshold time has elapsed), as shown in Fig. 23 (A), a non-information suggestive demo image 112 including a change number pattern 116 indicating the total number of changes of the special pattern at the time when the game stop condition is satisfied and a randomly selected apparent pattern 118c is displayed. Here, the apparent pattern 118c is selected randomly at the time when the game stop condition is satisfied.
When the threshold time has elapsed in a non-playing state while the non-information suggestive demo image 112 is being displayed, the non-information suggestive demo image 112 is terminated and the information suggestive demo image 111 is displayed, as shown in FIG. 23(B). Here, in the information suggestive demo image 111, the same change number pattern 116 as in the non-information suggestive demo image 112 and the remaining number suggestive pattern 117b suggesting the remaining number of cumulative changes are displayed. When the threshold time has elapsed in this manner in a non-playing state, the non-information suggestive demo image 112 is converted to the information suggestive demo image 111. The display conversion is also performed when the threshold time has elapsed in the first non-playing state after the power is turned on.

Next, the features of the second embodiment will be described.
The configuration of Example 2 displays a non-information suggestive demo image 112 in a non-game progress state from when the power is turned on until a threshold time has elapsed, while displaying an information suggestive demo image 111 in a non-game progress state after the threshold time has elapsed.
In this configuration, the information non-suggestive demo image 112 is displayed until the threshold time has elapsed since the power is turned on, so the player cannot know the information related to the remaining number of cumulative fluctuations and whether the RAM was cleared when the power was turned on. Therefore, the player cannot obtain information on whether to play on the machine from the information non-suggestive demo image 112 displayed in the non-play progress state until the threshold time has elapsed. According to the configuration of the second embodiment, the player cannot determine the advantage or disadvantage of the machine from the information non-suggestive demo image 112 in the non-play progress state from the time the power is turned on until the threshold time has elapsed, so that it is possible to prevent the player from avoiding starting to play on the machine. Therefore, even in the configuration of the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of the problem of a decrease in the operating rate in the conventional configuration.

In addition, in the configuration of Example 2, an information suggestion demo image 111 is displayed in a non-play progress state after the threshold time has elapsed, and the user can determine whether or not to play on the machine based on the variable number pattern 116 and remaining number suggestion patterns 117a to 117e of the information suggestion demo image 111.

In addition, in the second embodiment, since the apparent patterns 118a to 118e that are unrelated to the cumulative number of changes are displayed during the non-playing state from when the power is turned on until the threshold time has elapsed, this can have the effect of suggesting some kind of advantage, similar to the first embodiment described above. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for players to play even before the threshold time has elapsed, which can contribute to improving the operating rate of the machine.

The following describes the correspondence between the terms used in the first and second embodiments and the terms described in the claims.
The pachinko machine 1 corresponds to an example of a gaming machine according to the present invention.
The remaining number of cumulative fluctuations (the number remaining until the cumulative fluctuations reach the threshold value) and the total number of fluctuations of the special symbol correspond to an example of machine information according to the present invention.
The remaining number suggesting symbols 117a to 117e and the variable number symbol 116 correspond to an example of the machine information suggesting performance according to the present invention. That is, the configurations of Examples 1 and 2 correspond to a configuration in which some of the machine information suggesting symbols according to the present invention are not executed in the initial non-play progress state (Example 1) and the non-play progress state before the threshold time has elapsed (Example 2).
The information suggestion demo image 111 corresponds to an example of a waiting presentation according to the present invention.
The performance pattern display device 6 corresponds to an example of a standby performance device according to the present invention.
The sub-integrated control device 83 and the performance pattern control device 82 correspond to an example of a standby performance control means according to the present invention.
In the first embodiment, the first satisfaction of the game start condition after the power is turned on corresponds to an example of the information suggestion condition according to the present invention.
In the second embodiment, the lapse of a threshold time (2 hours) after power-on corresponds to an example of an information suggestion condition according to the present invention.
The non-game effect process of FIG. 19 in the first embodiment and the non-game effect process of FIG. 22 in the second embodiment correspond to an example of the waiting information limiting process according to the present invention.
The change in the first special pattern and the second special pattern (the consumption of the first reserved memory and the second reserved memory) in the low probability mode (normal game state and time-saving game state) corresponds to an example of a specific event related to the present invention.
S320 of the win/lose determination process corresponds to an example of a specific counting means according to the present invention.
The cumulative number of changes corresponds to an example of the number of occurrences of a specific event according to the present invention.
The transition to the time-saving gaming state corresponds to an example of a benefit according to the present invention.
The remaining number of the cumulative number of changes corresponds to an example of specific event information according to the present invention, and the remaining number suggesting symbols 117a to 117e correspond to an example of an effect suggesting specific event information according to the present invention.
The power-off process (not shown) for storing and holding backup information in the RAM of the main control device 80 when the power is cut off corresponds to an example of the information storage and holding means according to the present invention.
The probability setting switch 95, the RAM clear button 96, and S25 to S45 of the power-on processing correspond to an example of the retained information clearing means of the present invention.

A variation of the above-mentioned embodiment will now be described.
In the first and second embodiments, the display contents of the remaining number suggesting symbols 117a to 117e displayed in the information suggesting demo image 111 can be changed as appropriate. For example, a plurality of different background symbols can be provided, and a background symbol selected according to the remaining number of cumulative fluctuations can be displayed as the remaining number suggesting symbol. Alternatively, a remaining number suggesting symbol with a different display color or display size can be selected according to the remaining number of cumulative fluctuations.
Similarly, the display contents of the apparent patterns 118a to 118e displayed in the information non-suggestive demo image 112 can also be changed as appropriate.

In the first and second embodiments, the remaining number of cumulative fluctuations is divided into five groups (ranges) based on the possible values (1 to 900) and each group is assigned a character pattern (remaining number suggesting pattern) 117a to 117e, but the number of groups can be changed as appropriate. For example, it can be divided into three groups or ten groups. Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the five groups are divided equally, but the method of dividing each group can be changed as appropriate. For example, it is possible to set the number of items belonging to each group to gradually change in a configuration divided into five groups as in the first and second embodiments. Specifically, it can be divided into five groups, 1 to 90, 91 to 225, 226 to 405, 406 to 630, and 631 to 900, in a configuration similar to the first and second embodiments in which the remaining number of cumulative fluctuations can be a value of 1 to 900.
For example, the numbers can be divided into five groups, 1 to 200, 181 to 380, 361 to 560, 541 to 740, and 721 to 900, and character symbols (symbols indicating remaining numbers) 117a to 117e can be assigned to each group.

In the first and second embodiments, the possible values (1 to 900) of the remaining cumulative fluctuation count are divided into five groups, and one character pattern 117a to 117e is assigned to each group, but this is not limiting. It is also possible to assign multiple character patterns (remaining number suggestion patterns) to each group, and each time an information suggestion demo image is displayed, one of the multiple patterns assigned to the group according to the remaining number is selected and displayed in the information suggestion demo image. Furthermore, the remaining number suggestion pattern may be changed at a predetermined timing while one information suggestion demo image is being displayed.

In the first and second embodiments, the remaining number suggestion symbols 117a to 117e, which indicate the remaining number of cumulative fluctuations, are selectively displayed according to each group. However, this is not limiting, and for example, the information suggestion demo image may be configured to display a remaining number symbol that directly suggests the remaining number, similar to the fluctuation number symbol 116.

In the first and second embodiments, the apparent patterns 118a-118e displayed in the non-information suggestive demo image 112 are selected from five types of character patterns 118a-118e, but the number of selectable character patterns can be changed and set as appropriate. For example, the apparent patterns can be selected from three or eight different character patterns.

In the first and second embodiments, the apparent patterns 118a to 118e are displayed in the information non-suggestive demo image 112, but the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, the apparent patterns may be displayed or hidden at a predetermined probability, or the apparent patterns may not be displayed in the information non-suggestive demo image. Furthermore, the apparent patterns 118a to 118e may also be displayed in the information suggestive demo image 111. In this case, all of the information suggestive demo images 111 displayed in a non-playing state may include the apparent patterns 118a to 118e, or the apparent patterns may be displayed or hidden at a predetermined probability each time the information suggestive demo image 111 is displayed. By displaying the apparent patterns in the information suggestive demo image in this way, the effect of the apparent patterns appearing to suggest some advantage is further improved. Furthermore, if the apparent patterns are selectively displayed or hidden, it is possible to prevent, for example, apparent patterns that are judged by the player to suggest a low advantage from being displayed continuously during non-play progress states, thereby preventing a decrease in the operating rate of machines that display such apparent patterns.

In the first embodiment, the information non-suggestive demo image 112 in the initial non-play progress state is configured to display the variable number pattern 116, but this is not limited to the above, and the information non-suggestive demo image may be configured to not display the variable number pattern 116. Similarly, in the second embodiment, the information non-suggestive demo image in the non-play progress state from power-on to the threshold time lapse may be configured to not display the variable number pattern 116. In this way, the configuration in which the variable number pattern is not displayed in the information non-suggestive demo image corresponds to a configuration in which all of the machine information suggestive performances according to the present invention are not executed.
In addition, in the configurations of Examples 1 and 2, the remaining number of cumulative fluctuations corresponds to the machine information of the present invention, and the remaining number suggestion symbol corresponds to the machine information suggestion performance of the present invention. If this is specified, the above-mentioned Examples 1 and 2 correspond to a configuration in which a part of the machine information performance according to the present invention is not executed.

In the first and second embodiments, the variation number pattern 116 of the demo images 111 and 112 indicates the total variation number of the special pattern on the day, but it is not limited to this, and can be a variation number pattern indicating the total variation number including the backed up information. That is, in a machine whose RAM is not cleared when the power is turned on, the total variation number of the special pattern indicated by the variation number pattern is the value obtained by accumulating the variation number of the day to the backed up total variation number. On the other hand, in a machine whose RAM is cleared when the power is turned on, the total variation number of the day is the total variation number of the special pattern indicated by the variation number pattern. Furthermore, in such a configuration, a configuration in which the variation number pattern is not displayed in the information non-suggestive demo image, or a configuration in which a pseudo variation number pattern indicating the total variation number = 0 is displayed in the information non-suggestive demo image is preferable. As a result, in the initial non-playing state in the first embodiment, the player cannot determine whether the RAM has been cleared, and therefore cannot obtain any information for determining the machine selection, and the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be achieved. The same applies to the second embodiment.
The variable number symbol 116 may also indicate the number of times the special symbol has changed since the end of the previous big win game, or may indicate the number of times the special symbol has changed since the previous time-saving game state was entered (or the end of the previous time-saving game state) or the end of the previous probability variable game state. Furthermore, it is also possible to set the period (the start time of counting and the clear time) for counting the number of times the special symbol has changed, as indicated by the variable number symbol 116, by appropriately combining the end of the big win game, the transition or end of the time-saving game state, and the end of the probability variable game state. Here, according to the configuration in which the number of changes symbol 116 indicating the number of times the special symbol will change counted from the end of the previous jackpot game or the end of the special probability game state is displayed, the player can more easily and clearly know the remaining number of times the special symbol will change until the time-saving transition condition is met, and in the initial non-play progress state after the power is turned on, the number of changes is cleared together with the total number of changes, so that the same effect as in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2 can be achieved.

In Example 1, in the initial non-play progress state, the non-information suggestive demo image 112 that does not display the remaining number suggestive symbols 117a-117e is displayed, but this is not limited to the above, and in the initial non-play progress state, the demo image (non-information suggestive demo image or information suggestive demo image) may be hidden. Similarly, in Example 2, in the non-play progress state from when the power is turned on until the threshold time has elapsed, the demo image may be hidden.

In the first and second embodiments, the remaining number of cumulative changes (machine information) is set as the machine information suggested by the information suggestive demo image and not suggested by the non-information suggestive demo image, but other machine information can be set. For example, a set value or the total number of winning balls can be set as the machine information suggested by the information suggestive demo image and not suggested by the non-information suggestive demo image. In addition, the machine information suggested by the information suggestive demo image and not suggested by the non-information suggestive demo image may be provided with multiple different machine information, and the machine information suggested by the information suggestive demo image may be selectively determined each time the information suggestive demo image is displayed. In this configuration, the pattern suggesting the machine information in the information suggestive demo image may be the same for all machine information, or may be different for each machine information.

In the first and second embodiments, the threshold value (900 times), which is the time-saving transition condition, can be changed and set as appropriate. Furthermore, a configuration can be adopted in which multiple mutually different threshold values are set, and one threshold value is selected and determined each time a predetermined condition (e.g., RAM clearing, the occurrence of a jackpot, etc.) is met. With this configuration, for example, even in the initial non-play progress state of a machine where the RAM has been cleared, the player may be at an advantage depending on the selected threshold value, so that the player can be encouraged to play by requesting the display of a remaining number indication symbol, and a decrease in the operating rate can be suppressed overall.

In Example 1, the non-information suggestive demo image 112 is displayed only in the initial non-play progress state after power is turned on (until the first game start condition is met), but this is not limited to the above, and the non-information suggestive demo image can also be displayed in each non-play progress state from power on until the game start condition is met a predetermined number of times. Here, the number of times the game start condition is met can be set appropriately, such as two or three times. Alternatively, multiple numbers of times may be set, and the number of times may be selectively determined each time the power is turned on.

In Example 2, the threshold time (2 hours) for displaying the non-information suggestive demo image 112 when no game is being played can be changed and set as appropriate. For example, the threshold time can be set to 30 minutes or 1 hour. Furthermore, multiple threshold times can be set in advance, and the threshold time can be selectively determined each time the power is turned on.

In Examples 1 and 2, the conditions for displaying the information non-suggestive demo image 112 are the initial non-play progress state (Example 1) and the passage of a threshold time (Example 2), but this is not limited to this and the conditions can be changed as appropriate. For example, it is possible to configure the information non-suggestive demo image 112 to be displayed in each non-play progress state until a predetermined time (such as 10:00 or 12:00) is reached. Alternatively, it is also possible to configure the information non-suggestive demo image 112 to be displayed in a non-play progress state until the number of times the special pattern changes after the power is turned on reaches a predetermined number (for example, 20 times or 200 times). Here, it is also possible to configure the times and number of changes to be set in advance in multiple numbers, and one of them to be selected and determined each time the power is turned on.

In the first and second embodiments, when the duration of a non-playing progress state in which an information suggesting demo image is displayed (the normal non-playing progress state in the first embodiment, and the non-playing progress state after the threshold time has elapsed in the second embodiment) exceeds a predetermined upper limit time (e.g., 30 minutes or 1 hour), the information suggesting demo image can be converted to a non-information suggesting demo image. With this configuration, on a machine where a player has not played for a long time, the information suggesting demo image (remaining number suggesting symbol) is not displayed, so that the player cannot obtain information on whether or not to play on the machine. As a result, for example, when the content suggested by the remaining number suggesting symbol of the information suggesting demo image (remaining number of cumulative changes) is not advantageous to the player, this information can be hidden, which can contribute to suppressing a decrease in the operating rate of the machine.

In the first and second embodiments, the cumulative number of fluctuations is accumulated (counted) only in the low probability mode (normal game mode and time-saving game mode), but the present invention is not limited to this, and the game mode in which the cumulative number of fluctuations is accumulated can be changed and set as appropriate. For example, in the embodiments, the cumulative number of fluctuations may be accumulated only in the normal game mode (non-open extension mode).

In the first and second embodiments, the main control device has a function of counting the total number of changes and the cumulative number of changes of the special pattern, but this is not limiting, and the sub-integrated control device can also be configured to have a function of counting the total number of changes and the cumulative number of changes. For example, the sub-integrated control device can be configured to have a process of counting the total number of changes and the cumulative number of changes of the special pattern each time a change start command is received from the main control device. Furthermore, one of the total number of changes and the cumulative number of changes of the special pattern can be counted by the main control device, and the other can be counted by the sub-integrated control device.

In the first and second embodiments, the demo images 111, 112 displayed on the performance pattern display device 6 are configured as standby performances executed in a non-play state, but the present invention is not limited to this. The standby performance may be executed by lighting or blinking a lamp, or by sound from a speaker. Furthermore, the image display (pattern display) on the performance pattern display device 6, light emission from a lamp, and sound production from a speaker may be appropriately combined.

In the first and second embodiments, six setting values 1 to 6 are provided, which define different jackpot winning probabilities, but the number of setting value steps can be changed as appropriate. In other words, it is also possible to have three setting values 1 to 3 or ten setting values 1 to 10. Furthermore, the jackpot winning probabilities set for each setting value can be changed as appropriate, and are not limited to the embodiments.

In the first and second embodiments, the configuration of the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine 1, but the present invention is not limited to this and can also be applied to a slot machine. Even when applied to a slot machine, the same effects as those of the embodiment applied to the pachinko machine 1 can be achieved.

1. Pachinko machines (amusement machines)
6. Performance pattern display device (standby performance device)
12 Second starting port (variable starting port)
111 Information suggestion demo image (waiting performance)
112 Information non-indicative demo images 117a to 117e Remaining number suggestion pattern (machine information suggestion performance)

Claims (1)

A standby effect device that executes a standby effect including a machine information suggestion effect that suggests machine information related to game progress;
A game machine having a standby effect control means for controlling execution of the standby effect in a non-game progress state from establishment of a game stop condition for determining the stop of game progress to establishment of a game start condition for determining the start of game progress by a player,
an information storage means for storing and holding the machine information immediately before the power supply is stopped when the power supply is stopped;
a retained information clearing means for clearing the machine information stored and retained by the information storage means, and the machine information can be cleared when the power is turned on,
The standby performance control means includes:
A standby information limiting process is provided for preventing all or a part of the machine information suggestion performance from being executed in the non-playing state after the power is turned on until a predetermined information suggestion condition is satisfied from the time the power is turned on of the machine,
The gaming machine has a plurality of types of machine information suggestion effects, including at least a first machine information suggestion effect and a second machine information suggestion effect, and when the machine information is the first machine information, the first machine information suggestion effect is more likely to be executed than the second machine information suggestion effect, when the machine information is the second machine information, the second machine information suggestion effect is more likely to be executed than the first machine information suggestion effect, and when the machine information is the third machine information, either the first machine information suggestion effect or the second machine information suggestion effect is selected and executed each time the standby effect is executed .

Images