JP7664889B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of playing games.

Conventionally, gaming machines (e.g., pachinko machines) are known in which gaming balls, which represent gaming value, are launched into a gaming area, and when the gaming balls enter a winning area such as a winning slot, prize balls are paid out to the player, and further, the gaming state can be changed depending on the results of the variable display of identification information.

In addition, when the game start operation is performed after the number of bets for one game is set using the game value, the display of the varying identification information begins, and when the stop operation is performed after the display has started, the display of the varying identification information stops, and a win can be generated based on the display result derived at this time, and a gaming machine (e.g., a slot machine) is known in which the gaming state can be changed depending on the type of win.

Among such gaming machines, gaming machines equipped with a transparent gaming board are known (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

JP 2015-198749 A JP 2013-39192 A JP 2022-40682 A

However, the gaming machines in Patent Documents 1 to 3 had room for improvement in terms of playability.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can improve playability.

(Means 1) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides:
A gaming machine including a transparent gaming board, an image display device capable of displaying images, a presentation control means capable of controlling the presentation of a game executed on the image display device, and a lending operation means for performing an operation for receiving a loan of a gaming medium,
The performance includes a first performance and a second performance,
The first effect and the second effect are effects for updating and displaying numerical information, and are effects suggesting that a special benefit will be awarded when the updated and displayed numerical information reaches a predetermined value,
The first performance and the second performance can be executed at the same time,
When the first performance and the second performance are executed at the same time, the timing of starting the update display of the numerical information is the same or substantially the same;
The time until the numerical information reaches a predetermined value in the first performance is longer than the time until the numerical information reaches a predetermined value in the second performance,
The update period of the numerical information in the first performance is shorter than the update period of the numerical information in the second performance,
After the numerical information becomes a predetermined value in the second performance, the state in which the numerical information becomes the predetermined value in the second performance is continuously displayed until the numerical information becomes the predetermined value in the first performance;
suggesting the award of a special benefit when the numerical information in the first performance reaches a predetermined value while the state in the second performance is being continuously displayed;
a second time from when the numerical information becomes a predetermined value in the second performance until when the numerical information becomes a predetermined value in the first performance is shorter than a first time from when the numerical information becomes a predetermined value in the second performance until when the numerical information becomes a predetermined value in the first performance;
The game board is disposed in front of the image display device,
The image display area of the image display device is visible through an opening formed in the game board,
When the game board is viewed from the front, a part of the game board overlaps with an end area of the image display area,
The image display device is capable of displaying a specific image in the end area overlapping with the game board,
The presentation control means is capable of executing a notice presentation for notifying a transition to a game stop state, and then executing a display indicating that the game is in the game stop state.
Therefore, since the specific image can be seen even if it is displayed in the edge area overlapping with the game board, it is not necessary to display the specific image in an area other than the edge area, and the display area of the image other than the specific image can be increased. Therefore, the visibility of the image other than the specific image can be improved, and the gameability can be improved.

(Means 2) In Means 1,
a reserved memory means capable of storing information regarding the variable display of the identification information as reserved memory,
The image display means is capable of displaying a hold display corresponding to a hold memory as the specific image.
This can improve the visibility of images other than the hold display, which attracts less attention, and can improve gameplay.

(Means 3) In means 1 or 2,
The image display means includes:
It is possible to perform variable display of performance identification information corresponding to the variable display of identification information,
It is possible to display reduced identification information, which is reduced in size compared to the presentation identification information, as the specific image.
Therefore, since the reduced identification information is a display associated with the presentation identification information, even if the reduced identification information is displayed in the edge area, it is possible to prevent the progress of the game from being hindered. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the visibility of the presentation identification information by widening the display area, thereby improving gameplay.

(Means 4) In any one of means 1 to 3,
The image display means includes:
A first image whose display mode changes upon a predetermined trigger;
A second image whose display mode does not change at a predetermined opportunity;
The second image can be displayed as the specific image.
Thus, while the second image can be viewed even as the game progresses, the first image changes as the game progresses, so playability can be improved by widening the display area of the first image to ensure visibility of the first image.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine. 1 is a front view showing a game board unit installed in a pachinko machine. 2 is an enlarged front view showing a portion of the game board unit. FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the game board and the image. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the line of sight of a player playing a game. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display image displayed on the gaming machine. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display image displayed on the gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart (1/2) illustrating an example of a procedure for a reset start process. 13 is a flowchart (2/2) showing an example of a procedure of a reset start process. 11 is a flowchart specifically illustrating an example of a procedure for a power interruption occurrence check process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for an interrupt management process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a ball difference management process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a ball difference calculation process. A diagram showing the relationship between the "actual ball difference," the "calculation ball difference," and the "transmission ball difference." 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for managing a ball difference limiting device. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing difference ball related performance commands management. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for performance control processing. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for managing effects related to a ball difference limiting device. This figure shows examples of performance in which the first performance is executed alone, the second performance is executed alone, the third performance is executed alone, and the third performance and the display of a two-dimensional code are executed simultaneously. An explanatory diagram showing the contents of each display associated with the calculation of the difference in balls. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for operating memory performance management processing. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for processing performance pattern management. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for pre-processing of the performance pattern change. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for an operation detection validating process. An explanatory diagram (1/4) showing the transition of a type of preview image. An explanatory diagram (2/4) showing the transition of a type of preview image. An explanatory diagram (3/4) showing the transition of a type of preview image. An explanatory diagram (4/4) showing the transition of a type of preview image. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of operation timing of a vibration motor. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of output timing of a stop sound. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of output timing of a stop sound. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of output timing of a stop sound. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of output timing of a stop sound. An explanatory diagram (1/3) showing the transition of the presentation image of the timer presentation. An explanatory diagram (2/3) showing the transition of the presentation image of the timer presentation. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the transition of the timer effect image (3/3). FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the update timing of the timer display shown in the timer performance.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter abbreviated as "pachinko machine") 1. Figure 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 uses game balls as a game medium, and a player borrows game balls from an amusement facility operator to play with the pachinko machine 1. In playing with the pachinko machine 1, each game ball is a medium that has game value, and the benefits (profits) that the player enjoys as a result of playing can be converted into game value based on, for example, the number of game balls that the player has acquired. Below, the overall configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

In this embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 transitions to a game stop state (also called a shot limit) when the difference between the number of prize balls (game balls paid out as a result of winning into a winning port, etc.) and the number of foul balls (game balls that have been fired by the firing device but have returned without reaching the play area) minus the number of fired balls (game balls fired by the firing device) exceeds a predetermined upper limit (95,000 in this embodiment). Note that prize balls are game balls paid out as a result of winning into a winning port, etc. Foul balls are game balls that have been fired by the firing device but have returned without reaching the play area. Fired balls are game balls fired by the firing device in response to handle operation.

[Overall configuration]
The main body of the pachinko machine 1 mainly comprises an outer frame unit 2, an integrated door unit 4 (glass frame, window frame), and an inner frame assembly 7 (plastic frame, gaming machine frame). When viewed from the front facing the player, the integrated door unit 4 is located at the frontmost side. The inner frame assembly 7 is located on the back side (rear side) of the integrated door unit 4, and the outer frame unit 2 is arranged so as to surround the outside of the inner frame assembly 7.

The outer frame unit 2 is a structure made by combining wood and metal materials into a vertically long rectangle, and this outer frame unit 2 is fixed to an island facility (not shown) in the amusement park using fasteners such as screws. Note that in the vertically long rectangular outer frame unit 2, wood is used for the sections corresponding to the top and bottom short sides, and metal is used for the sections corresponding to the left and right long sides.

The integrated door unit 4 has a structure in which the tray unit 6 is integrated at its lower position. The integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 are attached to the island equipment via the outer frame unit 2, and each of them operates to open and close via a hinge mechanism (not shown). The opening and closing axis of the hinge mechanism (not shown) extends vertically along the left end when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1.

When viewed from the front in Figure 1, a unified lock unit 7a is provided on the inside of the right edge of the inner frame assembly 7 (the left edge in Figure 2). Correspondingly, locking devices (not shown) are also provided on the right edges (back sides) of the integrated door unit 4 and the outer frame unit 2. As shown in Figure 1, when the integrated door unit 4 and inner frame assembly 7 are closed relative to the outer frame unit 2, the unified lock unit 7a on the back side, together with the locking device, disables the opening of the integrated door unit 4 and inner frame assembly 7.

A cylinder lock 6a with a keyhole is provided on the right edge of the tray unit 6. For example, when an arcade manager inserts a special key into the keyhole and turns the cylinder lock 6a clockwise, the unified lock unit 7a is activated, enabling the integrated door unit 4 to be opened together with the inner frame assembly 7. When the entire assembly is opened from the outer frame unit 2 to the front side (moved like a door), the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is exposed at the front side.

On the other hand, when the cylinder lock 6a is twisted counterclockwise, the inner frame assembly 7 remains locked and only the integrated door unit 4 is unlocked, allowing the integrated door unit 4 to be opened. When the integrated door unit 4 is opened to the front, the game board unit 8 is directly exposed, allowing the amusement center manager to remove any obstacles such as balls getting stuck on the board. Furthermore, when the integrated door unit 4 is opened, the receiving tray unit 6 is also opened to the front.

The pachinko machine 1 also includes the above-mentioned game board unit 8 as a game unit. The game board unit 8 is supported by the above-mentioned inner frame assembly 7 behind (inside) the integrated door unit 4. The game board unit 8 can be attached to and detached from the inner frame assembly 7, for example, with the integrated door unit 4 open to the front side. The integrated door unit 4 has a vertically oval window 4a formed in its center, and a glass unit (no reference number) is attached to this window 4a. The glass unit is, for example, a combination of two transparent plates (glass plates) cut to match the shape of the window 4a. The glass unit is attached to the back side of the integrated door unit 4 via a mounting tool (not shown). A game area 9a (board surface, game board) is formed on the front side of the game board unit 8, and this game area 9a can be seen by the player from the front side through the window 4a. When the integrated door unit 4 is closed, a space is formed between the inner surface of the glass unit and the board surface through which game balls can flow down.

The receiving tray unit 6 has a shape that protrudes from the integrated door unit 4 to the front side, and an upper tray 6b is formed on its upper surface. This upper tray 6b can store game balls (loaned balls) lent to the player and game balls (prize balls) won by winning. In addition, a lower tray 6c is formed in the receiving tray unit 6 at a lower position of the upper tray 6b. This lower tray 6c stores game balls that are paid out when the upper tray 6b is full. Note that the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is a model that connects to a card unit, and game balls borrowed by the player are paid out to the receiving tray unit 6 (upper tray 6b or lower tray 6c) from the payout device unit 172 on the back side separately from prize balls.

The upper surface of the tray unit 6 is provided with a game operation unit 6d, which is provided with a ball loan button 10 operated to receive loaned game balls and a return button 12 operated to return valuable media (e.g., magnetic recording media, media with built-in memory IC, etc.) inserted into the card unit. When a player operates the ball loan button 10 with valuable media inserted into a card unit (not shown), a number of game balls (e.g., 125 balls) corresponding to a predetermined degree unit (e.g., 5 degrees) are loaned out. For this reason, a degree display unit (not shown) is provided on the upper surface of the game operation unit 6d, which displays the remaining degree of the valuable media inserted into the card unit. The player can receive the return of the valuable media with remaining degree by operating the return button 12. In this embodiment, a game machine connected to a card unit is given as an example, but the pachinko machine 1 may also be a cash machine (a game machine not connected to a card unit).

A volume control button 13a and a light control button 13b are provided on the side of the game operation unit 6d. Both the volume control button 13a and the light control button 13b are formed in a vertically elongated rectangular shape, and are configured so that their upper and lower ends can be pressed. When the upper end of the volume control button 13a is pressed, the volume of the sound output from the speakers 54a to 54c can be increased, and when the lower end of the volume control button 13a is pressed, the volume of the sound output from the speakers 54a to 54c can be decreased. Similarly, when the upper end of the light control button 13b is pressed, the light intensity of the frame lamps 46 and 50 can be increased, and when the lower end of the light control button 13b is pressed, the light intensity of the frame lamps 46 and 50 can be decreased.

A handle unit 16 is installed at the lower right of the tray unit 6. By operating this handle unit 16, the player can activate the launch control board set 174 and launch (throw) a game ball (ball launcher) toward the play area 9a (see FIG. 3). The launched game ball rises from the lower edge of the play board unit 8 along the left edge, and is guided by an outer band (not shown) and thrown into the play area 9a. Numerous obstacle nails and windmills (no reference numbers in the figure) are arranged in the play area 9a, and the thrown game ball flows down the play area 9a while being guided and guided by the obstacle nails and windmills. The configuration of the play area 9a (board surface, play board) will be described further below with reference to another drawing.

[Front frame configuration]
A lens unit 47 and an upper right illumination unit 49 are installed as components for performance in the integrated door unit 4. Of these, a frame lamp 46 is incorporated in the lens unit 47, and a right-side frame lamp 50 is incorporated in the upper right illumination unit 49.

The various frame lamps 46, 50 described above perform effects, for example, by emitting light from the built-in LEDs (lighting up, blinking, changing brightness gradations, changing color tones, etc.). Additionally, speakers 54a to 54d are built into each integrated door unit 4. These speakers 54a to 54d output sound effects, background music, voices, etc. (general audio) to perform effects.

In addition, a performance button 45 is provided in the center of the tray unit 6, in front of the upper tray 6b. By pressing and operating this performance button 45, the player can switch the performance content (for example, the background screen displayed on the LCD display 42), or generate some kind of performance (preview performance, special promotion performance, promotion performance during a big win, etc.) while the patterns are changing, while a jackpot is being confirmed, or while playing a jackpot.

Furthermore, a jog dial 45a (operation input receiving means, rotary selector) is provided around the effect button 45 so as to surround the effect button 45. By rotating this jog dial 45a, the player can change the effect content displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, for example.

In this embodiment, when the special symbol changing display is in progress during a game, the effect button 45, ball loan button 10, return button 12, volume control button 13a, and light intensity control button 13b can be vibrated to indicate the result of the special symbol changing display.

[Back side configuration]
2, the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a power supply control unit 162, a main control board unit 170, a payout device unit 172, a flow path unit 173, a launch control board set 174, a payout control board unit 176, a back cover unit 178, etc. In addition, the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with various electronic devices (including a control computer, not shown) that constitute the power supply system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, an external terminal board 160, a power cord (power plug) 164, a ground wire (ground terminal) 166, connection wiring, etc., not shown.

The payout device unit 172 has, for example, a prize ball tank 172a and a prize ball case (no reference number), of which the prize ball tank 172a is installed on the upper edge (back side) of the inner frame assembly 7 and can store game balls supplied from a supply path (not shown). The game balls stored in the prize ball tank 172a are guided to the prize ball case through an upper prize ball gutter (not shown). The flow path unit 173 guides the game balls sent out from the payout device unit 172 toward the receiving tray unit 6 on the front side.

The external terminal board 160 is for connecting the pachinko machine 1 to an external electronic device (such as a data display device, hall computer, etc.), and various external information signals (such as winning ball information, door opening information, number of pattern determination information, jackpot information, starting hole information, etc.) that indicate the game progress status and maintenance status of the pachinko machine 1 are output from this external terminal board 160 to the external electronic device.

The power cord 164 is connected to a power supply (e.g., AC 24V) installed in the island equipment of the amusement arcade, for example, to ensure the power source (electricity) necessary for the operation of the pachinko machine 1. The earth wire 166 is connected to an earth terminal also installed in the island equipment, to ensure the earth (ground) of the pachinko machine 1.

[Configuration of the game board unit]
FIG. 3 is a front view showing the game board unit 8 alone. The game board unit 8 includes a game board 9 as a base, and a game area 9a is formed on the front side of the game board 9. The game board 9 is made of, for example, a transparent resin plate, and a design is applied to a part of it. Specifically, the design is colored or patterned. The part of the game board 9 other than the part with the design is transparent. Therefore, when the game board 9 is viewed from the front, the back of the game board 9 can be seen through the transparent part of the game board 9. In this embodiment, the game board 9 is designed so that the part other than the design part is transparent, but the entire game board 9 may be transparent.

When the game board unit 8 is fixed to the inner frame assembly 7, the front surface of the game board 9 is parallel to the glass unit. The game area 9a is formed on the front surface of the game board 9, inside a launch rail (no reference number) that is installed in a substantially circular shape.

The left side of the play area 9a is a first play area (hereinafter also referred to as the left-hand play area) used in the normal play state (non-time-saving state), and the right side of the play area 9a is a second play area (hereinafter also referred to as the right-hand play area) used in the advantageous play state (big win play state, small win play state, time-saving state). Note that in this embodiment, the non-time-saving state may be referred to as the non-time-saving state, and the time-saving state may be referred to as the time-saving state.

At the top of the play area, a guide passage 18 is formed to guide game balls shot toward the top of the play area 9a to the right-hand hitting area.

In addition, within the game area 9a, a start gate 20, a normal winning port 22, a first start winning port 26, a variable start winning device 28, a variable winning device 30, etc. are distributed and installed.

Of these, the normal winning hole 22 is located on the left side of the play area 9a. The first start winning hole 26 is located in the center of the lower part of the play area 9a. The start gate 20, the variable start winning device 28, and the variable winning device 30 are located on the right side of the play area 9a.

The game ball launched into the game area 9a may enter the first start winning hole 26, the normal winning hole 22, pass through the start gate 20, or enter the variable start winning device 28 when activated or the variable winning device 30 when opened.

Then, the game balls that pass through the start gate 20, the normal winning port 22, the first start winning port 26, the variable start winning device 28, and the variable winning device 30 are collected on the back side of the game board unit 8 through through holes formed in the game board (the plywood material, transparent board, etc. that constitutes the game board unit 8).

In this embodiment, due to the configuration of the game area 9a (board), when a game ball is to enter the first start winning hole 26 or the normal winning hole 22, it is necessary to hit the game ball into the left hitting area in the game area 9a (performing a so-called "left hit").

On the other hand, to make the game ball enter the start gate 20, the variable start winning device 28, or the variable winning device 30, it is necessary to hit the game ball into the right-hand hitting area in the game area 9a (performing a so-called "right hit").

When the game ball passes through the start gate 20, an activation lottery (regular symbol lottery) is held. The variable start winning device 28 then operates when a predetermined activation condition is met (when the regular symbol lottery is won and the regular symbol is displayed in a winning manner for a predetermined static display time).

The variable start winning device 28 is equipped with a plate-shaped opening and closing member 28a. The opening and closing member 28a can move back and forth in the front and back directions relative to the board surface, for example, by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown). In a normal state, the opening and closing member 28a is stored inside the board surface of the game board 9. At this time, it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second start winning port 28b of the variable start winning device 28, and the game ball flows downstream without rolling on the upper surface of the opening and closing member 28a. Then, when the variable start winning device 28 is activated, the opening and closing member 28a is in a state where it protrudes forward of the board surface (i.e., the player side). The opening and closing member 28a is inclined from the right side to the left in the figure. In addition, the second start winning port 28b is provided on the left side of the opening and closing member 28a. Then, when the opening and closing member 28a protrudes, the game ball rolls on the upper surface of the opening and closing member 28a and is guided to the second start winning port 28b. This reduces the difficulty of the game ball entering the second start winning hole 28b of the variable start winning device 28 when the opening and closing member 28a is protruding, making it possible for the game ball on the opening and closing member 28a to enter the second start winning hole 28b.

The variable winning device 30 operates when a specified condition is met (when the special symbol is displayed as a stopped symbol indicating a big win or when the special symbol is displayed as a stopped symbol indicating a small win).

The variable winning device 30 is equipped with a plate-shaped opening and closing member 30a. The opening and closing member 30a can move back and forth in the front and rear directions relative to the board surface, for example, by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown). In a normal state, the opening and closing member 30a protrudes from the board surface of the game board 9 toward the player. At this time, the game balls roll on the upper surface of the opening and closing member 30a, so the game balls cannot flow into the variable winning device 30. Then, when the variable winning device 30 is activated, the opening and closing member 30a is drawn into the inside of the board surface, allowing the game balls to flow into the variable winning device 30. When the game balls flow into the variable winning device 30, it becomes possible for the game balls to enter the large winning opening 30b provided in the variable winning device 30. In the following, the large winning opening 30b may be simply referred to as the large winning opening.

Here, a count switch 84 is provided within the variable winning device 30 to detect game balls that have entered the variable winning device 30 (i.e., the large winning port 30b), and downstream of the count switch 84, a specific area (V winning port) switch 85a and a non-specific area (non-V winning port) switch 85b are provided side by side. The specific area switch 85a and the non-specific area switch 85b are composed of sensors through which the game ball can pass. The passing area of the game ball in the specific area switch 85a is the specific area 30c, and the passing area of the game ball in the non-specific area switch 85b is the non-specific area 30d.

The game balls that enter (win) inside the variable winning device 30 are sorted into either the specific area 30c or the non-specific area 30d. The game balls that pass through the specific area 30c or the non-specific area 30d are collected on the back side of the game board unit 8 through the through hole further downstream.

The entry (advancement) of a game ball into each winning port or winning device is also referred to as a "winning". In particular, a winning ball into a start winning port (first start winning port, second start winning port) is also referred to as a start winning.

In this embodiment, when a game ball enters the normal winning hole 22, six prize balls are paid out. When a game ball enters the first start winning hole 26 or the second start winning hole 28b, one prize ball is paid out. When a game ball enters the large winning hole 30b, fifteen prize balls are paid out.

A liquid crystal display 42 (image display) is installed on the game board unit 8, and various performance images, including performance patterns corresponding to special patterns, are displayed on this liquid crystal display 42. Specifically, in the center of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42, for example, in synchronization with the display of the first special pattern and the display of the second special pattern, a plurality of types of performance patterns (such as patterns showing numbers, etc.) different from the special pattern are displayed. Here, in synchronization with (in other words, in parallel with) the display of the first special pattern, the display of the second special pattern, and the display of the normal pattern, the performance patterns are displayed (for example, scrolled up and down or updated) in each of the performance pattern display areas 42L, 42C, and 42R of the "left", "middle", and "right". In other words, the display of the performance patterns is displayed in each of the performance pattern rows of the "left", "middle", and "right". In this embodiment, the performance pattern that is displayed in a variable manner in the performance pattern display area 42L may be referred to as the left pattern, the performance pattern that is displayed in a variable manner in the performance pattern display area 42C may be referred to as the middle pattern, and the performance pattern that is displayed in a variable manner in the performance pattern display area 42R may be referred to as the right pattern.

Also, for example, a display area for displaying a pending display corresponding to a variable display whose execution is pending is provided at the bottom end of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42. In this example, a first pending display area 42a for displaying a pending display corresponding to a variable display of a first special pattern, and a second pending display area 42b for displaying a pending display corresponding to a variable display of a second special pattern are provided.

The number of reserved variable displays is also called the reserved memory number or the operating memory number. The reserved memory number corresponding to the first special pattern is also called the first reserved memory number or the first operating memory number, and the reserved memory number corresponding to the second special pattern is also called the second reserved memory number or the second operating memory number. The sum of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number is also called the total reserved memory number or the total operating memory number.

Furthermore, at the right end of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42, a mini-pattern display area 42c is provided for displaying mini-patterns that correspond to special patterns and are smaller than the performance patterns.

In addition, at the right end of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42, a first reserved memory number display area 42d is provided for displaying the reserved memory number corresponding to the first special pattern, and a second reserved memory number display area 42e is provided for displaying the reserved memory number corresponding to the second special pattern.

In addition, a variation count display area 42f is provided at the left end of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42 to display the remaining number of variations in the time-saving state described below.

In addition, decorative parts 40a and 40b are provided between the LCD display 42 and the game board 9. The upper part 40a is positioned so as to cover the upper end of the image display area of the LCD display 42. Therefore, even if an image is displayed on the upper end of the image display area of the LCD display 42, it cannot be seen. For this reason, no image is displayed in this area. In addition, the part 40b covers a portion of the lower end of the image display area of the LCD display 42, but does not cover all of the image display area at the lower end. Therefore, a hold display can be displayed in the image display area at the lower end.

In addition, an outlet 32 is formed within the play area 9a, and game balls that do not enter (win) any of the various winning ports are ultimately collected through the outlet 32 to the back of the play board unit 8. All game balls shot into the play area 9a, including game balls that enter the normal winning port 22, first start winning port 26, second start winning port 28b, and variable winning device 30, are collected to the back of the play board unit 8. The collected game balls are discharged outside the frame from the back of the pachinko machine 1 through an out passage assembly (not shown), and then merge with the supply path of the island equipment (not shown).

Note that the "variable display" of special symbols refers to, for example, the display of multiple types of special symbols in a variable manner (the same applies to normal symbols). Variations include updating the display of multiple symbols, scrolling the display of multiple symbols, transforming one or more symbols, and enlarging/reducing one or more symbols. In the variation of special symbols or normal symbols described below, multiple types of special symbols or normal symbols are updated and displayed. In the variation of performance symbols described below, multiple types of performance symbols are scrolled or updated, or one or more performance symbols are transformed or enlarged/reduced. Note that variations also include the display of a certain symbol in a flashing manner. At the end of the variable display, a specified special symbol is displayed stationary (also called derived or derived display) as the display result (the same applies to the variable display of other symbols described below). Note that the variable display may be expressed as a variable display or variation.

Figure 4 is a front view showing an enlarged portion of the game board unit 8 (lower right position within window 4a).

The game board unit 8 is provided with a normal symbol display device 33 and a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, for example, at the lower right position within the window 4a, as well as a first special symbol display device 34, a second special symbol display device 35, a first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, a second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a, and a game status display device 38.

The normal pattern display device 33, for example, alternately lights up two lamps (LEDs) to display the normal pattern, and stops the display of the normal pattern by turning on or off the lamps. In this embodiment, the probability of winning is 1 in 1, so the winning pattern always stops. The normal pattern operation memory lamp 33a displays the number of memories from 0 to 4, for example, by combining the turning off, turning on, and blinking of the two lamps (LEDs). For example, the display mode in which both lamps are turned off displays the number of memories as 0, the display mode in which one lamp is turned on displays the number of memories as 1, the display mode in which the same one lamp is blinked displays the number of memories as 2, the display mode in which one lamp is blinked and the other lamp is turned on displays the number of memories as 3, and the display mode in which both lamps are blinked displays the number of memories as 4. In addition, although two lamps (LEDs) are used here, the normal pattern operation memory lamp 33a may be configured using four lamps (LEDs). In this case, the number of operating memories can be displayed by the number of lit lamps.

Whenever a game ball passes through the start gate 20, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a increases by one (up to a maximum of four) to remember that a pass has occurred that triggers an operation lottery, and decreases by one each time the normal symbol starts to change due to that pass. In this embodiment, if the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the display mode does not change even if the game ball passes through the start gate 20 when the normal symbol is already in a state where it can start to change (when the stop display is displayed). In other words, the number of memories (maximum of four) represented by the display mode of the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a represents the number of passes that have not yet started changing the normal symbol at that point in time.

The first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 can display the changing and stopped states of the special symbols, for example, using a 7-segment LED (with dots) (symbol display means, first symbol display means, second symbol display means). In addition, the special symbol display devices 34 and 35 may be in the form of a geometric (for example, circular) arrangement of multiple dot LEDs. In this embodiment, the first special symbol display device 34 is used to display the changing of the special symbols, since the first special symbol and the second special symbol do not change simultaneously. The second special symbol display device 35 is used to display the changing of the normal symbols. The type of normal symbol determined by lottery is displayed as stopped by the second special symbol display device 35. The changing display by the second special symbol display device 35 is performed in synchronization with the changing display by the normal symbol display device 33.

The first special symbol activation memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol activation memory lamp 35a each display a memory number of 0 to 4, for example, by a display mode consisting of a combination of two lamps (LEDs) being turned off, turned on, or blinking (memory number display means). For example, a display mode in which both lamps are turned off displays a memory number of 0, a display mode in which one lamp is turned on displays a memory number of 1, a display mode in which the same lamp is blinking displays a memory number of 2, a display mode in which one lamp is blinking and the other lamp is turned on displays a memory number of 3, and a display mode in which both lamps are blinking displays a memory number of 4, and so on.

The first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a increases by one each time a game ball enters the first start winning hole 26 to remember that a ball has entered (up to a maximum of four), and decreases by one each time the special symbol starts to change with the ball entering. The second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a increases by one each time a game ball enters the second start winning hole 28b to remember that a ball has entered (up to a maximum of four), and decreases by one each time the special symbol starts to change with the ball entering. In this embodiment, if the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the display mode does not change even if a game ball enters the first start winning hole 26 when the first special symbol is already in a state where it can start to change (when the stop display is displayed). In addition, if the second special symbol activation memory lamp 35a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the display state will not change even if a game ball enters the second start winning hole 28b when the second special symbol is already in a state where it can start changing (when the stop display is displayed). In other words, the number of memories (maximum 4) represented by the display state of each special symbol activation memory lamp 34a, 35a represents the number of balls that have entered the hole at that time before the first special symbol or the second special symbol has started changing.

The game status display device 38 also includes five LEDs corresponding to, for example, the big win type indicator lamps 38a and 38b, the small win indicator lamp 38c, the time-saving status indicator lamp 38e, and the launch position designation lamp 38f. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a, and game status display device 38 are mounted on a single integrated display board 90 and attached to the game board unit 8.

Note that the "variable display" of special symbols refers to, for example, the display of multiple types of special symbols in a variable manner (the same applies to normal symbols). The variations include the updating of multiple symbols, the scrolling of multiple symbols, the transformation of one or more symbols, and the enlargement/reduction of one or more symbols. In the variation of special symbols and normal symbols described below, multiple types of special symbols or normal symbols are updated and displayed. In the variation of performance symbols described below, multiple types of performance symbols are scrolled or updated, or one or more performance symbols are transformed or enlarged/reduced. Note that the variations also include the display of a certain symbol in a flashing manner. At the end of the variable display, a specified special symbol is displayed stationary (also called derived or derived display) as the display result (the same applies to the variable display of other symbols described below). Note that the variable display may be expressed as a variable display or a variation.

[Outline of game progress]
The game state of the pachinko machine 1 includes a normal state (non-time-saving state) and a time-saving state in which the probability of winning is the same as in the normal state, but the variable efficiency of the special symbols is improved compared to the normal state. In this embodiment, the special symbols may be abbreviated as "special symbols" and the normal symbols may be abbreviated as "normal symbols." In addition, the first special symbol may be abbreviated as "special symbol 1" and the second special symbol may be abbreviated as "special symbol 2."

When the game state of the pachinko machine 1 is normal, it is advantageous for the player to perform a firing operation (a so-called left-hit operation) aiming to the left of the game area 9a. The normal state is a state in which the pachinko machine 1 is controlled in the same way as its initial setting state (when the specified recovery process is not executed after power-on, such as when a system reset has been performed). In the normal state, the player performs a left-hit operation by rotating the handle unit 16 provided on the pachinko machine 1, and when the game ball enters the first start winning hole 26, the first special pattern display device 34 begins to display the varying first special pattern.

In addition, if the game ball enters the start winning hole during the period when the special symbol variable display is being executed, or during the period when the game is controlled to a big win game state or a small win game state (when a start winning occurs but the special symbol variable display based on the start winning cannot be executed immediately), the execution of the special symbol variable display based on the winning will be suspended up to a specified upper limit number (for example, 4).

Based on the results of the internal lottery, if a big win symbol is displayed as a static stop in the first special symbol changing display, it is a "big win", and if a small win symbol different from the big win symbol is displayed as a static stop, it is a "small win". Also, if a miss symbol is displayed as a static stop, it is a "miss". Note that if a big win symbol is displayed as a static stop in the first special symbol changing display, it will not be a "small win".

After the display result of the first special symbol changing display becomes "jackpot", the game is controlled to a jackpot game state, which is an advantageous state for the player. In the jackpot game state, the player rotates the handle unit 16 of the pachinko machine 1 to perform a right-hit operation.

In the jackpot game state, the large prize opening 30b formed by the variable prize-winning device 30 is opened in a predetermined manner. This open state continues until either a predetermined period of time (e.g., 29 seconds) has elapsed or the number of game balls that have entered the large prize opening 30b reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 10), whichever comes first. The predetermined period is the maximum period during which the large prize opening 30b can be opened in one round, and is hereinafter also referred to as the maximum opening period. This cycle in which the large prize opening 30b is open is called a round (round game). In the jackpot game state, the round can be repeated until the predetermined maximum number of times is reached.

In the jackpot gaming state, the player can win prize balls (for example, 15 balls) by making the gaming ball enter the big prize opening 30b. Therefore, the jackpot gaming state is advantageous to the player. The more rounds there are in the jackpot gaming state, and the longer the upper limit opening period, the more advantageous it is for the player.

A "jackpot" has a set type of jackpot. For example, there are multiple types of opening modes of the jackpot opening (number of rounds or maximum opening period) and game states after a jackpot game state (normal state, time-saving state, etc.), and the jackpot type is set according to these. There may be jackpot types that allow many prize balls to be obtained, and jackpot types that allow few or no prize balls to be obtained.

After the jackpot game state ends, the time-saving state may be controlled depending on the type of jackpot. In this embodiment, the time-saving state is controlled for all jackpots. When the jackpot game ends and the game state is controlled to the time-saving state, it is advantageous for the player to perform a firing operation (right-hit operation) aiming at the right side of the game area. When the player performs a right-hit operation by rotating the handle unit 16 provided on the pachinko machine 1, and the game ball passes through the start gate 20, the normal pattern display device 33 starts displaying the normal pattern variation. Note that if the game ball passes through the start gate 20 during the period during which the previous normal pattern variation display is being executed (if the game ball passes through the start gate 20 but the normal pattern variation display based on the passage cannot be executed immediately), the normal pattern variation display based on the passage is suspended up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4).

In this variable display of normal symbols, if a normal winning symbol is displayed, the display result of the normal symbol will be "normal winning". On the other hand, if a normal symbol other than the normal winning symbol (a normal losing symbol) is displayed, the display result of the normal symbol will be "normal losing". When it becomes "normal winning", control is performed to operate the variable start winning device 28 for a specified period of time.

In the time-saving state, the probability of a "normal winning" in the variable display of the normal pattern is the same as in the normal state (non-time-saving state), but the opening period of the second start winning port 28b when the variable display of the normal pattern becomes a "normal winning" may be longer than in the non-time-saving state. Specifically, in this embodiment, the protruding mode of the second start winning port 28b includes a short opening in which the game ball can be guided to the second start winning port 28b for an extremely short time so that the game ball cannot win, and a long opening that protrudes longer than the short opening and can guide the game ball to the second start winning port 28b for a long time so that multiple game balls can win. And, while there is only a short opening in the non-time-saving state, there is a long opening in the time-saving state. As a result, it is impossible to enter the game ball into the variable start winning device 28 in the normal state, but it is possible to enter the game ball into the variable start winning device 28 in the time-saving state. Furthermore, in the time-saving mode, the time for which the normal pattern changes is displayed is also shorter than in the non-time-saving mode.

When a long opening is performed, multiple game balls can enter the second start winning hole 28b, making it easier for the second special symbol to be reserved. Also, in the time-saving state, the change time of the special symbol is shorter than in the normal state. Therefore, in the time-saving state, a long opening makes it easier for game balls to enter the second start winning hole 28b than in the normal state, and since the change time of the special symbol is shorter than in the normal state, the special symbol is more likely to change and be displayed than in the normal state.

The time-saving state continues until a specified end condition is met, such as the specified number of times the special symbol changes. When the specified number of times the special symbol changes are displayed, this is also called a "time-cut" (time-cut special bonus, etc.).

In addition, when the player rotates the handle unit 16 provided on the pachinko machine 1 to perform a right-hit operation and the game ball enters the second start winning hole 28b, the second special pattern display device 35 starts to display the changing second special pattern.

Based on the results of the internal lottery, if the jackpot symbol is displayed as a static display of the second special symbol, it is a "jackpot", and if a small jackpot symbol different from the jackpot symbol is displayed as a static display, it is a "small jackpot". Also, if a losing symbol different from the jackpot or small jackpot symbol is displayed as a static display, it is a "miss".

After the display result of the variable display of the second special symbol becomes "jackpot", the game is controlled to a jackpot game state, which is an advantageous state for the player. In the jackpot game state, the game is played in the same way as described above.

In addition, after the display result of the variable display of the second special symbol becomes "small win," the game state is controlled to a small win game state, which is advantageous for the player.

In the small win game state, the large prize opening 30b formed by the variable prize-winning device 30 is opened in a predetermined manner. This open state continues until either a predetermined period of time (e.g., 29 seconds) has elapsed or the number of game balls that have entered the large prize opening 30b reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 10), whichever comes first. In the small win game state, only one round can be played.

When the game ball that entered the big prize opening 30b passes through a specific area during the small win game state, the game is controlled to a big win game state after the small win game state ends. At this time, the small win game state is the first round, and the big win game state starts from the second round.

On the other hand, if the game ball that entered the big prize opening 30b passes through a non-specific area, the small prize game state ends without progressing to a big prize game state.

After the small win game state ends without being controlled to the big win game state, the game state is not changed and the game continues to be controlled to the game state before the display result of the special pattern change display becomes "small win".

In this embodiment, the jackpot for the first special symbol is a two-round jackpot with the number of rounds "2". Also, if the first special symbol develops from a small jackpot to a jackpot, it develops into a 10-round jackpot with the number of rounds "10" (hereinafter, a small jackpot may be referred to as a 10-round small jackpot). Also, the jackpot for the second special symbol is a two-round jackpot with the number of rounds "2" and a six-round jackpot with the number of rounds "6". Also, if the second special symbol develops from a small jackpot to a jackpot, it develops into a 10-round jackpot with the number of rounds "10". In addition, the opening time of the large prize opening 30b is set so that it is difficult to get a game ball to enter the large prize opening 30b in the two-round jackpot for the second special symbol.

Then, when the time-saving state is entered after the end of a 2-round big win or 10-round small win of the first special symbol, the time-saving state ends when the total number of times Special Symbol 1 changes and Special Symbol 2 changes reaches 108 times, or when the number of times Special Symbol 2 changes reaches 100 times.

In addition, if the time-saving state is entered after the end of a two-round jackpot of the second special symbol, the time-saving state will end when the total number of times Special Symbol 1 changes and Special Symbol 2 changes reaches 10,008, or when the total number of times Special Symbol 2 changes reaches 10,000.

In addition, if the time-saving state is entered after the end of a 6-round big win or 10-round small win of the second special symbol, the time-saving state will end when the total number of times Special Symbol 1 changes and Special Symbol 2 changes reaches 108 times, or when the number of times Special Symbol 2 changes reaches 100 times.

[Progress of the production, etc.]
In the pachinko machine 1, various effects are executed according to the progress of the game. The effects are executed by displaying various effect images on the liquid crystal display 42.

In the "left", "middle" and "right" performance pattern display areas provided on the liquid crystal display 42, the display of the changing performance patterns begins in response to the start of the display of the changing first special pattern or the display of the changing second special pattern, or the display of the changing normal pattern, as a performance executed in accordance with the progress of the game. When the display result (also called the confirmed special pattern) is displayed as a static display in the display of the changing first special pattern or the display of the changing second special pattern, the confirmed performance pattern (combination of three performance patterns) which is the display result of the display of the changing performance patterns is also displayed as a static display. Similarly, when the display result (also called the confirmed normal pattern) is displayed as a static display in the display of the changing normal pattern, the confirmed performance pattern (combination of three performance patterns) which is the display result of the display of the changing performance patterns is also displayed as a static display.

During the period from when the display of the changing effect symbols starts to when it ends, the display of the changing effect symbols may be in a predetermined reach mode. Here, the reach mode refers to a mode in which the display of the changing effect symbols that have not yet been stopped and displayed continues to change when the display of the stopping effect symbols displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 forms part of a big win combination or a small win combination, which will be described later.

In addition, a reach effect is executed in response to the above-mentioned reach state being reached during the display of the varying effect symbols. In the pachinko machine 1, multiple types of reach effects are executed, which have different rates of the display results (the display results of the varying display of the special symbols and the display results of the varying display of the effect symbols) becoming a "big hit" (also called the reliability of a big hit or the expected rate of a big hit) or a "small hit" (also called the reliability of a small hit or the expected rate of a small hit) depending on the display state. Reach effects include, for example, a normal reach and a super reach, which has a higher reliability of a big hit than a normal reach.

In this embodiment, the first special symbol and the second special symbol can be displayed simultaneously in parallel, but in the normal state, the effect symbol corresponding to the first special symbol is displayed, and in the time-saving state, the effect symbol corresponding to the second special symbol is displayed. Also, the mini symbol and the fourth symbol are displayed regardless of the game state.

When the display result of the special pattern change is "jackpot", a confirmed performance pattern that is a predetermined jackpot combination is derived as the display result of the performance pattern change on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (the display result of the performance pattern change is "jackpot"). For example, the same performance pattern (e.g. "7") is displayed stopped in a line on a predetermined effective line in the "left", "middle", and "right" performance pattern display areas.

When the display result of the special symbol variation display is a "small win", a confirmed performance pattern (e.g., "1 3 5") that is a predetermined small win combination is derived as the display result of the performance symbol variation display on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (the display result of the performance symbol variation display is a "small win"). For example, performance patterns that make up a chance eye are displayed stopped on the predetermined effective lines in the "left", "center", and "right" performance symbol display areas 42L, 42C, and 42R.

When the display result of the special symbol change display is a "miss," the state of the change display of the special symbol does not become a reach state, and the display result of the change display of the special symbol may display a fixed performance pattern of a non-reach combination (also called a "non-reach miss") (the display result of the change display of the special symbol becomes a "non-reach miss"). Also, when the display result is a "miss," after the state of the change display of the special symbol becomes a reach state, the display result of the change display of the special symbol may display a fixed performance pattern of a predetermined reach combination (also called a "reach miss") that is not a jackpot combination (the display result of the change display of the special symbol becomes a "reach miss").

The effects that the pachinko machine 1 can execute include displaying a pending display or a display during a variable display. In addition, as other effects, for example, a preview effect that predicts the reliability of a jackpot is executed during the variable display of the effect pattern. Preview effects include a preview effect that predicts the reliability of a jackpot in the variable display being executed, and a look-ahead preview effect that predicts the reliability of a jackpot in the variable display before execution (variable display whose execution is pending). As a look-ahead preview effect (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a look-ahead effect), an effect may be executed that changes the display mode of the variable display-compatible display (pending display or active display) to a mode different from normal.

In addition, the liquid crystal display 42 may temporarily stop the display of the effect pattern while it is changing, and then resume the display of the change, thereby executing a pseudo consecutive display that makes a single change appear as if it were multiple changes.

During a big win game state, a big win performance is executed to notify the player of the big win game state. As a big win performance, a performance to notify the number of rounds or a promotion performance to indicate that the value of the big win game state will increase may be executed. Also, during a small win game state, a small win performance to notify the player of the small win game state is executed. In addition, a common performance may be executed during a small win game state and a big win game state for some big win types (a big win type of a big win game state in the same manner as a small win game state, for example, a big win type in which the game state after that is a high probability state), so that the player cannot know whether he is currently in a small win game state or a big win game state. In such a case, a common performance may be executed after the end of the small win game state and after the end of the big win game state, so that it is not possible to distinguish whether the state is a high probability state or a low probability state.

In addition, for example, when the display of a special symbol change is not being performed, a demo image is displayed on the LCD display 42.

[Regarding the positional relationship between the image and the game board]
Next, the positional relationship between the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 and the game board 9 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the image displayed from the liquid crystal display 42 includes a performance pattern 43. The performance pattern 43 is displayed in the central area of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42. The performance pattern 43 includes, for example, three performance patterns, a left performance pattern 43L, a middle performance pattern 43C, and a right performance pattern 43R, which are displayed in a row on the left, middle, and right sides of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. Each performance pattern represents, for example, the numbers "1" to "9." Here, the left performance pattern 43L, the middle performance pattern 43C, and the right performance pattern 43R all form a pattern row in which the numbers are arranged in descending order from "9" to "1." Such a pattern row is displayed in a changing manner, flowing (scrolling) vertically in the left, middle, and right areas of the screen, respectively.

The first reserved display area 42a and the second reserved display area 42b in the lower end area of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42 display reserved displays (reference symbols M1 and M2 in the figure) that indicate the reserved memory number of the first special pattern and the second special pattern, respectively. These reserved displays M1 and M2 can be displayed when the performance pattern is subject to change, and the displayed number of each indicates the reserved memory number of the corresponding first special pattern and second special pattern, and the displayed number increases or decreases in conjunction with the change in the reserved memory number during play.

In addition, to facilitate visual distinction between the hold indicators M1 and M2, the hold indicator M1 corresponding to the first special symbol is displayed, for example, as a circle (○), and the hold indicator M2 corresponding to the second special symbol is displayed, for example, as a star (☆).

In the example of FIG. 5, all four reserved indicators M1 are lit to indicate that the number of reserved memories for the first special symbol is four, and all reserved indicators M2 are lit to indicate that the number of reserved memories for the second special symbol is four.

The number of reserved memories of the first special pattern is displayed numerically as the first reserved memory number display 44a in the first reserved memory number display area 42d and the second reserved memory number display area 42e in the right end area of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42, and the number of reserved memories of the second special pattern is displayed numerically as the second reserved memory number display 44b. The mini pattern display area 42c in the right end area of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42 displays a mini pattern 44c. This mini pattern 44c is the "fourth performance pattern" following the left, center, and right performance patterns, and is displayed in a changing manner in sync with the changing display of the special patterns.

The variation count display area 42f in the left end area of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42 displays a variation count display 51 that indicates the remaining number of times the pattern will vary in the time-saving state. In this embodiment, the variation count display 51 displays "Time-saving remaining XXX times." In other words, the variation count display 51 is composed of a change display 51a (XXX times remaining) whose display mode changes when the special pattern variation display is performed as the game progresses, and a non-change display 51b (time-saving) whose display mode does not change when the special pattern variation display is performed as the game progresses.

In addition, a performance image 48 is displayed in approximately the center of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42 (such as the display area of the performance pattern 43 and the area surrounding it). For example, a preview performance image is displayed when a preview performance that predicts the jackpot reliability is executed. Preview performance images include preview performance images that predict the jackpot reliability in the variable display currently being executed, and pre-reading preview performance images that predict the jackpot reliability in the variable display before execution (variable display whose execution is pending). Pre-reading preview performance images include images that change the display mode of the reserved displays M1 and M2 to a mode different from normal, and performance images that are displayed separately from the reserved displays M1 and M2.

In this embodiment, when a player looks straight at the transparent portion of the game board 9 (the portion other than the portion with the design) in a normal playing position, there are portions where the transparent portion of the game board 9 overlaps with the edge area of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42. Specifically, the transparent portion of the game board 9 overlaps with the first reserved display area 42a, the second reserved display area 42b, the mini pattern display area 42c, the second reserved memory count display area 42e, and the change count display area 42f.

As described above, the first hold display area 42a displays part of the hold display M1 and the hold display M2, the second hold display area 42b displays the second hold memory count display 44b, the mini pattern display area 42c displays the mini pattern 44c, the second hold memory count display area 42e displays the second hold memory count display 44b, and the change count display area 42f displays the change count display 51.

As a result, the transparent portion of the game board 9 is superimposed on part of the reserved display M1, part of the reserved display M2, part of the second reserved memory count display 44b, part of the mini pattern 44c, and part of the change count display 51. In the change count display 51, the game board 9 is superimposed on the "time reduction" portion, whose display state does not change as the game progresses.

Although the transparent portion of the game board 9 is transparent, it is difficult for the player playing next to see the hold display M1, hold display M2, second hold memory count display 44b, mini pattern 44c, and change count display 51 that are superimposed on the game board 9. This allows the player to play without feeling the drawback of other players being able to see the image on the LCD display 42 and being unable to concentrate on the game.

On the other hand, the transparent portion of the game board 9 does not overlap with the effect pattern 43 or the effect image displayed in the approximate center of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42. In this way, the game board 9 does not overlap with important images related to the results of the internal lottery, so the progress of the game is not impeded.

In addition, a part of the hold display M1 and the hold display M2 can be displayed in the edge area that overlaps with the transparent portion of the game board 9. This improves the visibility of images other than the hold display, which attracts less attention, and improves gameplay.

In addition, it is possible to display mini-patterns 44c in a smaller size than the performance pattern 43 in the edge area that overlaps with the transparent portion of the game board 9. As a result, since the mini-patterns 44c are a display that accompanies the performance pattern 43, displaying the mini-patterns 44c in the edge area does not impede the progress of the game. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the visibility of the performance pattern 43 by widening the display area of the performance pattern 43, thereby improving playability.

It is also possible to display a changing display 51a (XXX times remaining) whose display mode changes when a special symbol is displayed as the game progresses, and a non-changing display 51b (time saving) whose display mode does not change when a special symbol is displayed as the game progresses. It is also possible to display a non-changing display 51b (time saving) whose display mode does not change when a special symbol is displayed as the game progresses in an end area that overlaps with the transparent part of the game board 9. In this way, the non-changing display 51b can be confirmed even as the game progresses, but the changing display 51a changes as the game progresses, so playability can be improved by widening the display area of the changing display 51a to ensure the visibility of the changing display 51a.

[Regarding the player's line of sight]
FIG. 6 shows an example of the line of sight of a player when playing a game.

As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the game board 9 is disposed in front of the liquid crystal display 42, and the gimmicks 40a and 40b are provided between the liquid crystal display 42 and the game board 9, so that the liquid crystal display 42 and the game board 9 are disposed with a predetermined distance between them in the front-to-rear direction.

When player N assumes a playing position and plays, he/she can see the LCD display 42 located at the back, which makes it easy to see the edge area where the transparent part of the game board 9 overlaps. Therefore, even if specific images (reserved display M1, reserved display M, second reserved memory count display 44b, mini pattern 44c, change count display 51) are displayed in the edge area of the image display area of the LCD display 42 that overlaps with the game board 9, the specific images can be seen directly. Therefore, convenience when playing the game is not reduced.

As described above, by displaying the effect pattern 43 and effect image 48 in the central area of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42, which is larger than the end areas that overlap with the transparent parts of the game board 9, the pachinko machine P can be appealed not only to the player playing the game, but also to players playing nearby.

In addition, by displaying specific images that do not need to appeal to surrounding players in the edge area that overlaps with the game board 9 and can only be seen by the player playing the game, it is possible to ensure sufficient display area for the performance pattern 43 and performance image 48 while preventing the transparency of the game board 9 from impeding the visibility of the specific images that overlap with the game board 9.

Of the change count displays 51, the change display 51a, whose display mode changes as the game progresses, can be displayed in an area that does not overlap with the game board 9, thereby making it possible to appeal to the development of the game not only to the player playing the game, but also to surrounding players. On the other hand, the non-change display 51b, whose display mode does not change as the game progresses, attracts less attention from surrounding players, so by displaying it in an edge area that overlaps with the game board 9, a sufficient central area can be secured for displaying the performance pattern 43 and performance image 48.

The specific image may be configured as a changing display, the display mode of which changes when the effect button 45 is operated, and a non-changing display, the display mode of which does not change even when the effect button 45 is operated. In this case, too, the changing display can better appeal to surrounding players as the game progresses.

[Hit-WIN function]
In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, game history information can be obtained from the pachinko machine 1 using an information terminal owned by the player (a mobile phone, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), personal computer, notebook personal computer, or other electronic device that can use a web browser and is capable of establishing communication with a server).

Here, "game history information" is classified into information specific to the machine type and information common to all machines. Machine-specific information includes information related to reach effects, advance notice effects, jackpot effects, number of pattern changes, type of jackpot, missions achieved, number of major prize draws, number of jackpots, number of prize balls acquired, number of consecutive wins (number of consecutive jackpot wins within a specified period), type of character set by the player, level value, experience value, etc. Information common to all machines is provided according to each of the above game history information, and includes information related to point values that can be exchanged for prizes or benefits that can be used on the information terminal or during play.

The player then inputs, for example, game history information from the start to the end of play on any pachinko machine 1 into the player's own information terminal, and transmits it to the server for storage. The player can also check the game history information thus stored on the server on the information terminal. This series of functions executed in the gaming system is referred to as the "hit-win function" in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the LCD display 42 not only displays presentation images that correspond to the progress of the game, but also displays two-dimensional codes containing predetermined information in response to the player's operation.

Here, "two-dimensional code" refers to, for example, a QR code (registered trademark) or a password consisting of character and numeric data. In this embodiment, as described below, a QR code is described as a two-dimensional code, but instead of the QR code, a one-dimensional code such as a barcode or a string of characters and numbers may also be used.

In the pachinko machine 1, game history information corresponding to game processing is added up and accumulated (cumulated). For example, the experience value is preset according to the game state (high probability game state, low probability game state, time-saving game state, non-time-saving game state described below) when the internal lottery is performed, the variable pattern number (reach state, etc.), the type of special symbol, the specific content of the variable presentation executed, etc., and the experience value corresponding to the game processing is added up and accumulated. The level value is set to increase by "1" when a certain number of experience values are accumulated, and the level value is added up and accumulated according to the added and accumulated experience values. Such experience values and level values can be used, for example, as various parameters indicating the growth of the character set by the player.

In addition, players can access the server using an information terminal to obtain various benefits. For example, players can obtain benefits from the server, such as strategies for playing the pachinko machine 1, undisclosed information, basic specifications for the pachinko machine 1, ringtones such as melodies and sounds related to the pachinko machine 1, incoming call images, music, wallpaper, icons, and other information.

[Display image displayed on the pachinko machine 1 by the hit-win function]
Next, an example of a display image displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Note that the display control in Figures 7 and 8 is performed by the performance control CPU 126, which will be described later.

When a player operates the effect button 45 while a demo display is being performed on the pachinko machine 1, the "Play-WIN Menu" screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, as shown in FIG. 7(a). This "Play-WIN Menu" displays at least the following menu items: "New Registration," "Password Input," "Quick Start," "Trial Play," "End Play," and "Back."

When "New Registration" is selected in the "Play-WIN Menu" by operating the effect button 45 and the jog dial 45a, the pachinko machine 1 generates a first two-dimensional code including the server's URL. Then, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the pachinko machine 1 displays the generated first two-dimensional code on the liquid crystal display 42.

By reading this first two-dimensional code with an information terminal and accessing the server, it is possible to pre-register (newly register) for the Da-WIN function.

In addition, when "Enter password" is selected in the "Hit-WIN menu" by operating the effect button 45 and the jog dial 45a, an input screen for entering a password is displayed, as shown in FIG. 8(a).

On this input screen, the user can operate the effect button 45 and jog dial 45a to input the password issued by the server. Once the password is input, a game using the password input hit-win function will start.

When playing using the Hit-WIN function by entering a password, player-specific information that identifies the player is registered in advance on the server, and the password issued by the server is acquired by the pachinko machine 1, allowing the player to play using the Hit-WIN function. When playing using the Hit-WIN function by entering a password, character information and custom setting information for the effects that the player has set on the server are stored, and the mode of the effects is changed based on the character information and custom setting information.

In addition, when "Quick Start" is selected in the "Hit-WIN Menu" by operating the effect button 45 and the jog dial 45a, a game using the Hit-WIN function with Quick Start begins.

When playing games using the Hit-WIN function with Quick Start, it is assumed that player-specific information that identifies the player has been registered in advance on the server, and the player can play using the Hit-WIN function without having the server issue a password.

In addition, when "Trial Play" is selected in the "Play-WIN Menu" by operating the effect button 45 and the jog dial 45a, a trial play using the Play-WIN function is started.

The Hit-WIN function for trial play allows a player to play using the Hit-WIN function without having to register player-specific information identifying the player in advance on the server. After the game using the Hit-WIN function ends, player-specific information identifying the player is registered on the server, and game history information accumulated during the game using the Hit-WIN function is stored in association with the registered player-specific information.

In addition, when "End Game" is selected in the "Hit-WIN Menu" by operating the effect button 45 and the jog dial 45a, the pachinko machine 1 generates a second two-dimensional code including the game history information stored in the pachinko machine 1 and the URL of the server. Then, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the pachinko machine 1 displays the generated second two-dimensional code on the liquid crystal display 42.

By reading this second two-dimensional code with an information terminal and transmitting the game history information contained in the second two-dimensional code to the server, game history information related to the effects of the pachinko machine 1 can be accumulated in the server.

In addition, depending on the game history information stored in the server, a point value that can be exchanged for prizes, benefits that can be used on the information terminal or during play can be accumulated. In other words, depending on the game history information stored in the server, a prize, benefits that can be used on the information terminal or during play can be obtained.

When "Back" is selected in the "Play-WIN Menu" by operating the effect button 45 and the jog dial 45a, the "Play-WIN Menu" screen is erased from the liquid crystal display 42.

[Control configuration]
Next, the configuration related to the control of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 is equipped with a main control device 70 (main control computer) which is the center of control operations, and this main control device 70 mainly has the function of controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The main control device 70 is built into the main control board unit 170.

The main control device 70 is also equipped with a circuit board (main control board) on which the main control CPU 72, which is a central processing unit, is mounted. The main control CPU 72 is configured as an LSI that integrates semiconductor memories such as ROM 74 and RAM (RWM) 76 together with a CPU core and registers (not shown). The main control device 70 is also equipped with a random number generator 75 and a sampling circuit 77. Of these, the random number generator 75 generates hardware random numbers (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) for determining whether or not a special symbol lottery has been won and for determining whether or not a normal symbol lottery has been won, and the random numbers generated here are input to the main control CPU 72 through the sampling circuit 77. The main control device 70 is also equipped with an input/output (I/O) port 79 and peripheral ICs such as a clock generation circuit and a counter/timer circuit (CTC), which are mounted on the circuit board together with the main control CPU 72. Signal transmission paths, power supply paths, control buses, etc. are formed as wiring patterns on the circuit board (or on the inner layers).

The start gate 20 is integrally provided with a gate switch 78 for detecting the passage of a game ball. The game board unit 8 is also provided with a first start winning port switch 80 corresponding to the first start winning port 26, a second start winning port switch 82 corresponding to the second start winning port 28b, a large winning port switch 83 corresponding to the variable winning device 30, a specific area switch 85a corresponding to the specific area of the variable winning device 30, and a non-specific area switch 85b corresponding to the non-specific area of the variable winning device 30.

The first start winning port switch 80 detects the entry of a game ball into the first start winning port 26, and the second start winning port switch 82 detects the entry of a game ball into the second start winning port 28b. When a game ball is detected by the first start winning port switch 80 or the second start winning port switch 82, a predetermined number of game balls (1) are paid out as prize balls based on this detection information.

In addition, pending memories (operation memories) generated in the first start winning port 26 and the second start winning port 28b as information regarding the variable display of special symbols are stored in the RAM 76 up to a maximum of four. The main control CPU 72 refers to the RAM 76, and if there is a pending memory, it reads the pending memory and executes the variable display of the special symbols, or executes a process of sending a corresponding command to the performance control CPU 126.

The large prize opening switch 83 is for counting the number of balls that enter the variable prize device 30 (large prize opening 30b). When a game ball is detected by the large prize opening switch 83, a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 15 balls) are paid out as prize balls based on this detection information.

The specific area switch 85a is for detecting that a game ball has entered the specific area 30c of the variable winning device 30. The non-specific area switch 85b is for detecting that a game ball has entered the non-specific area 30d of the variable winning device 30.

Similarly, the game board unit 8 is provided with a normal winning port switch 81 that detects the entry of a game ball into the normal winning port 22. When a game ball is detected by the normal winning port switch 81, a predetermined number of game balls (6 balls) are paid out as prize balls based on this detection information.

When detection signals are input from the first start winning port switch 80, the normal winning port switch 81, the second start winning port switch 82, and the large winning port switch 83, the main control CPU 72 sets (stores) the prize balls corresponding to the various winning ports in the RAM 76. When multiple signals are input, the total number of prize balls is set.

The main control CPU 72 is also connected to a performance display monitor 95. The performance display monitor 95 is provided on the rear of the game board 9. The main control CPU 72 causes the performance display monitor 95 to display the registered setting value, base ratio, and an error number according to the type of error.

The winning detection signals of these switches are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input/output driver (not shown). Due to the configuration of the game board unit 8, in this embodiment, the detection signals from the gate switch 78, normal winning port switch 81, large winning port switch 83, specific area switch 85a, and non-specific area switch 85b are transmitted via the panel relay terminal board 87, which is provided with wiring patterns and connection terminals for relaying each winning detection signal.

The display operations of the above-mentioned normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a, and game status display device 38 are controlled based on control signals from the main control CPU 72. The main control CPU 72 outputs control signals to these display devices 33, 34, 35, 38 and lamps 33a, 34a, 35a according to the progress of the game, and controls the lighting state of each LED. In addition, these display devices 33, 34, 35, 38 and lamps 33a, 34a, 35a are installed in the game board unit 8 in a state where they are mounted on a single integrated display board 90 as described above, and a control signal is transmitted from the main control CPU 72 to this integrated display board 90 via the panel relay terminal board 87.

The game board unit 8 is also provided with a normal electric role solenoid 88 corresponding to the variable start winning device 28, and a large winning port solenoid 89 corresponding to the variable start winning device 30. These solenoids 88, 89 operate (excite) based on control signals from the main control CPU 72, and respectively open and close (activate) the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30. Note that control signals are also sent from the main control CPU 72 to these solenoids 88, 89 via the panel relay terminal board 87.

In addition, a glass frame opening switch 91 is installed on the integrated door unit 4, and a plastic frame opening switch 93 is installed on the inner frame assembly 7. When the integrated door unit 4 is closed alone, a contact signal (close signal) from the glass frame opening switch 91 is input to the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72), and when the inner frame assembly 7 is closed from the outer frame unit 2, a contact signal (close signal) from the plastic frame opening switch 93 is input to the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72). The main control CPU 72 can detect the closed state of the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 from these contact signals (close signals).

When the main control CPU 72 detects that either the integrated door unit 4 or the inner frame assembly 7 is open without receiving a close signal, it generates a door open information signal as an external information signal and generates an open command to be sent to the performance control CPU 126. When the main control CPU 72 detects that both the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 are closed due to the input of a close signal, it generates a door close information signal as an external information signal and generates a close command to be sent to the performance control CPU 126.

A magnetic sensor 86 is also connected to the main control CPU 72. In this embodiment, the magnetic sensor 86 detects the strength of the magnetic field around the pachinko machine 1, and when the strength of the detected magnetic field exceeds an initially set threshold, the main control CPU 72 detects that so-called magnet cheating (fraudulent behavior of manipulating game balls using magnets) has occurred.

In this embodiment, the magnetic sensor 86 is provided on the back side of the game board 9. Furthermore, when the magnetic sensor 86 is provided on the back side of the game board 9, it can be arranged in the vicinity of the plate material (e.g., plywood or acrylic board) that constitutes the game board 9, making it easier to detect magnetism from a magnet or the like that is brought close to the game board 9. For example, when the magnetic sensor 86 is provided on the back side of the game board 9, by providing the magnetic sensor 86 directly on the plate material that constitutes the game board 9, it becomes easier to detect magnetism on the front side of the game board 9 compared to when the magnetic sensor 86 is provided at a predetermined distance away from the plate material that constitutes the game board 9.

In this embodiment, the magnetic sensor 86 is initialized by the main control CPU 72 when the power is turned on, and a reference value (e.g., "0") is set that takes into account the surrounding magnetic field. If the value that has changed from this reference value exceeds a certain value (threshold value), an error is generated. Therefore, the surrounding magnetic field environment at the time of powering on affects the setting of the reference value set in the initial setting. For this reason, as described below, the initial setting is performed with the surrounding magnetic field environment (e.g., geomagnetism, motor, solenoid) in a constant state. Specifically, when both the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 are closed for a predetermined time (2.5 s in this example), the initial setting is performed to set the reference value. In addition, when 0.5 s has elapsed after the initial setting of the magnetic sensor 86 has been completed, that is, when both the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 are closed for a specific time (3.0 s in this example), the performance control CPU 126 performs the initial operation of the movable body 40.

A reset switch 73 is also connected to the main control CPU 72. The main control CPU 72 clears the RAM when the power is turned on with the reset switch 73 pressed, and does not clear the RAM when the power is turned on with the reset switch 73 not pressed.

The main control CPU 72 is also connected to a foul ball sensor 71a, an out switch 71b, and a shot ball sensor 71c.

The foul ball sensor 71a detects game balls that have been launched by the launching device but have returned without reaching the play area. Such returning game balls are called foul balls (returned balls).

The out switch 71b is located in the out passage on the back side of the game board 9, and game balls that enter the various winning holes or the out hole 32 are guided to the out passage and detected by the out switch 71b.

The launched ball sensor 71c detects the game ball launched by the launching device.

The payout control device 92 is installed on the back side of the pachinko machine 1. This payout control device 92 (payout control computer) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 described above. The payout control device 92 is equipped with a circuit board (payout control board) on which a payout control CPU 94 is mounted, and this payout control CPU 94 is also configured as an LSI that integrates semiconductor memories such as ROM 96 and RAM 98 together with a CPU core (not shown). The payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 based on a prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, and executes the payout operation of the requested number of game balls. The main control CPU 72 generates a prize ball information signal as an external information signal along with the prize ball instruction command.

In a prize ball case (not shown) of the payout device unit 172, a payout motor 102 (e.g., a stepping motor, payout means) and a payout device board 100 are installed, and a drive circuit for the payout motor 102 is provided on this payout device board 100. The payout device board 100 specifically controls the rotation angle of the payout motor 102 based on a payout number instruction signal from the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94), and causes the specified number of game balls to be paid out from the prize ball case. The paid-out game balls are sent to the receiving tray unit 6 through a payout flow path in the flow path unit 173.

For example, a payout path ball out switch 104 is installed upstream of the prize ball case, and a payout counting switch 106 is installed downstream of the payout motor 102. Each time a prize ball is actually paid out by driving the payout motor 102, a counting signal from the payout counting switch 106 is input to the payout device board 100. Also, when a ball runs out upstream of the prize ball case, a contact signal from the payout path ball out switch 104 is input to the payout device board 100. The payout device board 100 transmits the input counting signal and contact signal to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). The payout control CPU 94 can detect the actual number of payouts and the ball out state based on the signal received from the payout device board 100.

In addition, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a full tank switch 161, for example, inside the lower tray 6c (at the rear when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1). The prize balls (game balls) that are actually dispensed are released to the upper tray 6b through the flow path unit 173, but when the upper tray 6b is filled with game balls, the game balls dispensed beyond that flow into the lower tray 6c as described above. Furthermore, when the lower tray 6c is filled with game balls, the full tank switch 161 is turned ON, and a full tank detection signal is input to the payout control CPU 94. In response to this, even if the payout control CPU 94 receives a prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, it temporarily suspends any further prize ball operations and stores the number of remaining prize balls that have not been paid out in the RAM 98. The memory in the RAM 98 can be backed up even when the power is turned off, so that the information on the number of remaining prize balls that have not been paid out will not be lost even if a power outage (including a momentary power outage) occurs during play.

The launch control board 108 and the launch solenoid 110 are installed on the back side of the pachinko machine 1. The tray unit 6 is provided with a ball feed solenoid 111. The launch control board 108, the launch solenoid 110, and the ball feed solenoid 111 constitute the launch control board set 174 described above, and the launch control board 108 is provided with drive circuits for the launch solenoid 110 and the ball feed solenoid 111. The ball feed solenoid 111 sends out the game balls stored in the tray unit 6 one by one to a predetermined launch position in the launcher case. The launch solenoid 110 strikes the game balls sent out to the launch position, and as described above, continuously (intermittently) shoots out the game balls one by one toward the game area 9a. The launch interval of the game balls is, for example, about 0.6 seconds (within 100 balls per minute).

On the other hand, the handle unit 16 located on the front side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a firing lever volume 112, a touch sensor 114, and a firing stop switch 116. Of these, the firing lever volume 112 generates an analog signal proportional to the amount of operation of the firing handle by the player (the so-called stroke). The touch sensor 114 detects that the player's body is touching the handle unit 16 (firing handle) from a change in capacitance, and outputs a detection signal. And the firing stop switch 116 generates a firing stop signal (contact signal) in response to the player's operation.

A launch relay terminal board 118 is installed in the tray unit 6, and each signal from the launch lever volume 112, the touch sensor 114, and the launch stop switch 116 is sent to the launch control board 108 via the launch relay terminal board 118. In addition, the drive signal from the launch control board 108 is applied to the ball feed solenoid 111 via the launch relay terminal board 118. When the player operates the launch handle, an analog signal (which may be an encoded digital signal) is generated in the launch lever volume 112 according to the amount of operation, and the launch solenoid 110 is driven based on this signal. This adjusts the strength of the game ball launch according to the amount of operation by the player. The drive circuit of the launch control board 108 stops driving the launch solenoid 110 when the detection signal from the touch sensor 114 is off (low level) or when a launch stop signal is input from the launch stop switch 116. In addition, the launch relay terminal board 118 is connected to the game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 120, and if a card unit is not connected to this game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 120, the drive circuit of the launch control board 108 also stops driving the launch solenoid 110.

The tray unit 6 also has a built-in degree display board 122 and a loan and return switch board 123. The degree display board 122 is provided with a display (three-digit seven-segment LED) for the degree display section. The loan and return switch board 123 also has a switch module that is connected to the ball loan button 10 and the return button 12, respectively. When the ball loan button 10 or the return button 12 is operated, the operation signal is sent from the loan and return switch board 123 to the card unit via the game ball etc. loan device connection terminal board 120. The card unit also sends a degree signal indicating the remaining degree of the valuable medium to the degree display board 122 via the game ball etc. loan device connection terminal board 120. A display circuit (not shown) on the degree display board 122 drives the display based on the degree signal and displays the remaining degree of the valuable medium numerically. In addition, if no valuable medium is inserted into the card unit, or if the remaining points of the inserted valuable medium reach zero, the display circuit of the point display board 122 can drive the display to display a demo (a display encouraging the insertion of valuable media).

The pachinko machine 1 also has a performance control device 124 (performance control computer) as a control configuration. This performance control device 124 controls the performance that accompanies the progress of play in the pachinko machine 1. The performance control device 124 is also equipped with a circuit board (composite sub-control board) on which a performance control CPU 126, which is a central processing unit, is mounted. The performance control CPU 126 has built-in semiconductor memories such as ROM 128 and RAM 130 as main memory, along with a CPU core (not shown). The performance control device 124 is provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 1 in a position covered by a back cover unit 178.

The performance control device 124 is also equipped with input/output drivers and various peripheral ICs (not shown), as well as a lamp drive circuit 132 and an audio drive circuit 134. The performance control CPU 126 controls the performance based on performance commands sent from the main control CPU 72, and issues commands to the lamp drive circuit 132 and audio drive circuit 134 to light up the frame lamps 46, 50 and the board lamps 53 (not shown in FIG. 3) for decoration and performance provided on the surface of the game board 9, and to actually output sound effects and voices from the speakers 54a to 54d.

The performance control device 124 and the main control device 70 are connected to each other, for example, via a communication harness (not shown). However, communication between them is only one-way, from the main control device 70 to the performance control device 124, and communication in the opposite direction is not performed. Note that the communication harness may adopt a parallel format according to the bus width of the various commands sent from the main control device 70 to the performance control device 124, or a serial format may be used according to the hardware configuration of each driver IC (I/O).

The lamp drive circuit 132 includes switching elements such as a PWM (pulse width modulation) IC and a MOSFET (not shown), and switches (or changes the duty) the drive voltage applied to various lamps including LEDs to manage their light emission, blinking, and other operations. The various lamps include the frame lamps 46 and 50 as well as the panel lamp 53.

The acoustic drive circuit 134 is a sound generator that includes, for example, a sound ROM, an acoustic control IC, an amplifier, etc. (not shown), and this acoustic drive circuit 134 drives the speakers 54a to 54d to output sound.

In this embodiment, a glass frame illumination board 136 is installed on the inner surface of the integrated door unit 4, and the drive signals from the lamp drive circuit 132 and the audio drive circuit 134 are applied to the various frame lamps 46, 50 and speakers 54a to 54d via the glass frame illumination board 136.

In addition, a performance button 45 is connected to the glass frame illumination board 136, and when a player operates the performance button 45, the contact signal is input to the performance control device 124 through the glass frame illumination board 136. In addition, a jog dial 45a is connected to the glass frame illumination board 136, and when a player rotates the jog dial 45a, the rotation signal is input to the performance control device 124 through the glass frame illumination board 136. Note that, although an example is given here in which the performance button 45 and jog dial 45a are connected to the glass frame illumination board 136, if a receiving tray illumination board is installed, the performance button 45 and jog dial 45a may be connected to the receiving tray illumination board.

In addition, the glass frame illumination board 136 is connected to the ball loan button 10, the return button 12, the volume adjustment button 13a, and the light intensity adjustment button 13b. When the player operates these buttons, the contact signals are input to the performance control device 124 through the glass frame illumination board 136.

In this embodiment, a vibration motor 14a is provided in the upper tray 6b. The vibration motor 14a is connected to a motor control board 14b. A motor control signal from the performance control device 124 is input to the motor control board 14b. The motor control board 14b controls the driving of the vibration motor 14a based on the motor control signal. The vibration motor 14a can vibrate, for example, when suggesting the display result of the variable display of the special pattern. When the vibration motor 14a is driven, the ball loan button 10, the return button 12, the volume adjustment button 13a, the light adjustment button 13b, and the performance button 45 vibrate.

The presentation control CPU 126 controls the display of the screens shown in Figs. 7 and 8 based on the operation of the presentation button 45 and the jog dial 45a. When the hit win function is enabled (either by password input, quick start, or trial play), the game history information is stored in the RAM 130. The game history information is cleared when the second two-dimensional code is displayed or when the power is cut off.

In addition, a panel illumination board 138 is installed on the game board unit 8, and a movable body motor 57 is connected to this panel illumination board 138. The movable body motor 57 drives the movable body 40, for example, via a link mechanism not shown. A drive signal from the performance control CPU 126 is applied to the movable body motor 57 via the panel illumination board 138. Note that in this embodiment, the movable body 40 does not move, so the movable body motor 57 is not used.

The liquid crystal display 42 is installed on the back side of the game board 9, and the display screen can be seen through a substantially rectangular opening formed in the game board 9. In addition, an inverter board 158 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and this inverter board 158 generates AC power applied to the backlight (e.g., cold cathode fluorescent lamp) of the liquid crystal display 42. Furthermore, a performance display control device 144 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and the display operation by the liquid crystal display 42 is controlled by the performance display control device 144. The performance display control device 144 is equipped with a circuit board (performance display control board) on which a display processor VDP 152 is mounted, together with a display control CPU 146, which is a general-purpose central processing unit. Of these, the display control CPU 146 is configured as an LSI that integrates semiconductor memories such as ROM 148 and RAM 150 together with a CPU core (not shown). The VDP 152 is configured as an LSI that integrates semiconductor memories such as an image ROM 154 and a VRAM 156 together with a processor core (not shown). Note that part of the storage area of the VRAM 156 can be used as a frame buffer.

The ROM 128 of the performance control CPU 126 stores a basic program for controlling the performance, and the performance control CPU 126 executes control of the performance in accordance with this program. As described above, the control of the performance includes control of the performance using the frame lamps 46, 50 and speakers 54a-54d, as well as control of the performance by image display using the LCD display 42. The performance control CPU 126 sends basic information about the performance (for example, the performance number) to the display control CPU 146, and upon receiving this, the display control CPU 146 controls the display of specific images for the performance based on the basic information.

The display control CPU 146 outputs a more detailed control signal to the VDP 152. The VDP 152 receives this and accesses the image ROM 154 based on the control signal, reads out the necessary image data from there, and transfers it to the VRAM 156. Furthermore, the VDP 152 expands the image data on the VRAM 156 into a frame buffer for each frame (still image per unit time), and individually drives each pixel (full color pixel) of the liquid crystal display 42 based on the image data buffered here.

In addition, a power supply control unit 162 (power supply control means) is equipped on the back side of the inner frame assembly 7. This power supply control unit 162 has a built-in switching power supply circuit, and when external power (e.g., AC 24V, etc.) is taken in from the island equipment through the power cord 164, it can generate the necessary power (e.g., DC +34V, +12V, etc.). The power generated by the power supply control unit 162 is distributed to the main control device 70, the payout control device 92, the performance control device 124, and the inverter board 158. Furthermore, power is supplied to the launch control board 108 via the payout control device 92, and power is supplied to the card unit via the game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 120. In addition, low-voltage power (e.g., DC +5V) for logic is generated by a power supply IC (e.g., a three-terminal regulator, etc.) built into each device. In addition, as described above, the power supply control unit 162 is earthed (grounded) to the island equipment through the earth wire 166.

The external terminal board 160 is connected to the payout control device 92, and various external information signals generated by the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) are output from the external terminal board 160 to the outside via the payout control device 92. The main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) and the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) can output external information signals to the outside of the pachinko machine 1 through the external terminal board 160. The signals output from the external terminal board 160 are collected, for example, by a hall computer (not shown) in the game center. Note that, although a configuration via the payout control device 92 is given here as an example, a configuration in which external information signals are output directly from the main control device 70 to the external terminal board 160 may also be used.

The above is an example of the configuration related to the control of the pachinko machine 1. Next, we will explain the control processing executed by the main control CPU 72 of the main control device 70.

[Reset start processing]
When the power is turned on to the pachinko machine 1, the main control CPU 72 starts the reset start process. The reset start process is a process for adjusting the initial state of the pachinko machine 1 by restoring the game state based on the backup information saved at the time of the previous power cut (so-called power recovery) or, conversely, clearing the backup information. The reset start process is also positioned as the main process (main control program) for ensuring stable game operation of the pachinko machine 1 after adjusting the initial state.

Figures 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing an example of the procedure for the reset start process. Below, each step of the process performed by the main control CPU 72 is explained in order.

Step S101: The main control CPU 72 first sets the top address of the stack area to the stack pointer.

Step S102: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets the vector-based interrupt mode (mode 2) and modifies the default RST-based interrupt mode (mode 0). This allows the main control CPU 72 to subsequently reference any address (where the least significant bit is 0) as an interrupt vector and execute a specified interrupt handler.

Step S103: The main control CPU 72 executes standby processing at reset time. This processing secures a certain amount of standby time (e.g., several thousand ms) at the time of reset start (e.g., power-on) and checks the main power failure detection signal during that time. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a loop counter for the standby time, and performs a bit check of the input port for the main power failure detection signal while decrementing the loop counter value. The main power failure detection signal is input, for example, from a power supply monitoring IC, which is a peripheral device. Then, if the main control CPU 72 confirms the input of the main power failure detection signal before the loop counter reaches 0, it resumes processing from the beginning. This makes it possible to protect the system when, for example, the main power switch (not shown) is repeatedly turned on and off within a short period of time (about 1 to 2 seconds).

Step S104: Next, the main control CPU 72 permits access to the work area of the RAM 76. Specifically, it resets the RAM protection setting value of the work area (to 00H). This allows access to the work area of the RAM 76 from then on.

Step S105: The main control CPU 72 also initializes the mask register to set the interrupt mask. Specifically, it stores a value that enables the CTC interrupt in the mask register.

Step S106: The main control CPU 72 refers to the input signal from the RAM clear switch that was saved earlier, and checks whether the RAM clear switch has been operated (switched ON). If the RAM clear switch has not been operated (No), it then executes step S107.

Step S107: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether backup information is stored in the RAM 76, i.e., whether the backup validity determination flag is set. If the backup ended normally in the previous power-off process and the backup validity determination flag (e.g., "A55AH") is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S108.

Step S108: The main control CPU 72 performs a sum check on the backup information in RAM 76. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 performs a sum check on all areas of the work area of RAM 76 (user work area including the prohibited area and stack area) except for the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer. If the result of the sum check is normal (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S109.

Step S109: The main control CPU 72 resets the backup validity determination flag (e.g., to "0000H").

Step S110: The main control CPU 72 also clears any commands that were waiting to be sent immediately before the previous power outage occurred.

Step S111: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a presentation control return process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends return commands (e.g., a machine type designation command, a special symbol probability state designation command, a presentation command when the number of operation memories increases, a presentation command when the number of operation memories decreases, a number of times the counter is off, a special game state designation command, etc.) to the presentation control device 124. In response to this, the presentation control device 124 can return to the presentation state that was active at the time of the previous power outage (e.g., the internal probability state, the display mode of the presentation symbol, the presentation display mode of the number of operation memories, the sound output contents, the light emission state of various lamps, etc.).

Step S112: The main control CPU 72 executes a state restoration process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets various values in the work area of the RAM 76 based on the backup information, and restores the game state that was being executed at the time of the previous power outage (for example, the display mode of the special symbol, the internal probability state, the contents of the operation memory, the various flag states, the random number update state, etc.). The main control CPU 72 also restores the backed up values of the PC register.

The display states of the display devices 33, 34, 35, 38 and the lamps 33a, 34a, 35a on the integrated display board 90 will return to the state before the power outage if the game had not transitioned to a game stop state before the power outage. In addition, in this embodiment, when the game is stopped, the display of the display devices 33, 34, 35, 38 and the lamps 33a, 34a, 35a on the integrated display board 90 transitions to a display pause state, and all of these are turned off. In addition, the measurement of the variable display time of the special and normal symbols is stopped, and the variable display of the special and normal symbols is stopped. And, if the game was stopped before the power outage, the display contents are reset, the display pause state is released in this process, and all of these are turned on. Therefore, for example, if the game is stopped while the variable display of the symbols was being performed before the power outage, the variable display of the symbols is stopped, and the variable display is not continued after the power outage is restored.

On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch was operated when the power was turned on (step S106: Yes), if the backup validity determination flag was not set (step S107: No), or if the backup information was not normal (step S108: No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S113.

Step S113: The main control CPU 72 clears the stored contents of the RAM 76 other than the prohibited areas. As a result, the work areas and stack areas of the RAM 76 are all initialized, and even if valid backup information is stored therein, the contents are erased.
Step S114: The main control CPU 72 also performs initial settings for the RAM 76.

Step S115: The main control CPU 72 executes a performance control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs commands (commands necessary for performance control) to be sent to the performance control device 124 after the initial setting.

Step S116: The main control CPU 72 executes a payout control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs an instruction command to the payout control device 92 to start paying out prize balls.

Step S117: The main control CPU 72 executes a CTC initial setting process to initialize the CTC (counter/timer circuit), which is a peripheral device. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets an interrupt vector register and also sets an interrupt count value (e.g., 4 ms) in the CTC. This allows the main control CPU 72 to continue processing from the program address of the backed up PC register the next time a CTC interrupt occurs.

When the above steps are executed in the reset start process, the main control CPU 72 transitions to the main loop shown in Figure 9 (connection symbol A → A).

Step S118, Step S119: The main control CPU 72 prohibits interrupts and then executes a power interruption check process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 performs a bit check on the input port of the main power interruption detection signal to monitor the occurrence of a power interruption (a drop in the drive voltage). When a power interruption occurs, the main control CPU 72 clears the output port buffers corresponding to the normal electric role solenoid 88 and the large prize opening solenoid 89, etc., backs up the entire contents of the work area of the RAM 76 except for the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer, and saves the sum result value in the sum check buffer. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the above valid value (for example, "A55AH") in the backup validity determination flag area, prohibits access to the RAM 76, and stops the process (NOP). On the other hand, if a power interruption does not occur, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S120. Note that there is also a known programming example in which the CPU executes such a process at the time of a power interruption as a non-maskable interrupt (NMI) process.

Step S120: The main control CPU 72 executes an initial value update random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) the initial values of various software random numbers. In this embodiment, various random numbers (e.g., jackpot pattern random numbers, reach judgment random numbers, fluctuation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) other than the jackpot determination random numbers (hardware random numbers) and the win determination random numbers (hardware random numbers) corresponding to normal patterns are generated in the program. These software random numbers are updated by a loop counter within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 10), but in this process, the initial value of the loop counter (not all random numbers are the target) is changed every time the random number value goes around once. The initial value update random number is used to randomly change this initial value, and in step S120, the initial value update random number is updated. The reason why step S120 is executed after interrupts are prohibited in step S118 is to prevent overlap (conflict) with another interrupt management process (step S202 in FIG. 10) that executes a similar process. As described above, in this embodiment, the jackpot determination random number and the win determination random number are hardware random numbers generated by the random number generator 75, and the update period is even faster (e.g., several μs) than the timer interrupt period (e.g., several ms), so there is no need to update the initial values of the jackpot determination random number and the win determination random number.

Step S121, Step S122: The main control CPU 72 permits the interrupt and executes other random number update processing. The random numbers updated in this processing are software random numbers that are not related to the determination of the type of win (type of hit) (reach determination random numbers, fluctuation pattern determination random numbers, etc.). This processing is performed in the remaining time when a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main loop and the main control CPU 72 executes another interrupt management processing (Figure 10). The contents of the interrupt management processing will be described later.

[Power interruption check process]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart specifically showing an example of the procedure of the power interruption occurrence check process.
Step S130: First, the main control CPU 72 sets a condition for checking whether a power interruption has occurred. This check condition can be set, for example, as an on-counter value for confirming that the main power interruption detection signal is being continuously output.

Step S132: Next, the main control CPU 72 reads the main power failure detection switch input port and checks whether or not a main power failure detection signal is being output (checks a specific bit). Although not specifically shown, the main power failure detection switch is implemented, for example, in the main control device 70, and this main power failure detection switch monitors the drive voltage supplied from the power supply control unit 162, and outputs a main power failure detection signal when the voltage level falls below a reference voltage. The main power failure detection switch may be built into the power supply control unit 162. When the main control CPU 72 checks that the main power failure detection signal is not currently being output (No), it exits this process and returns to the reset start process (main). On the other hand, when it checks that the main power failure detection signal is being output (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S134.

Step S134: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the above check conditions are met. Specifically, the on-counter value set in the previous step S130 is decremented by, for example, 1, and whether the result is 0 is checked. If the on-counter value is still not 0 at this point (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to step S132 and checks the main power interruption detection switch input port again. Then, when the check conditions are met by repeating the loop from step S134 to step S132 (step S134: Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S135.

Step S135: The main control CPU 72 clears the count value of the ball difference counter that stores the ball difference. This clears the ball difference when the power is cut off.

Step S136: The main control CPU 72 clears the output port buffers corresponding to the test signal terminal and the command control signal in addition to the output ports corresponding to the normal electric role solenoid 88 and the large prize opening solenoid 89 as described above.

Step S138, Step S140: Next, the main control CPU 72 adds up the entire contents of the work area of the RAM 76, excluding the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer, in byte units, and repeats this process until the addition is completed for the entire area.

Step S142: When the calculation of the sum for all areas is completed (Step S140: Yes), the main control CPU 72 stores the sum result value in the sum check buffer.

Step S144: Next, the main control CPU 72 stores a valid value in the backup validity determination flag area as described above.

Step S146: The main control CPU 72 also stores "01H", indicating access is prohibited, in the protection value of RAM 76, and prohibits access to the work area of RAM 76 (including the prohibited area and stack area).

Step S148: The main control CPU 72 then enters a standby loop and stops all other processing in preparation for a main power outage. After a main power outage occurs, backup power is supplied from a backup power circuit (not shown, for example, a circuit including a capacitive element mounted on the main control device 70), so the contents stored in the RAM 76 are retained even after the main power is cut off. The backup power circuit may be built into the power supply control unit 162, for example.

Through the above process, all information stored in the work area of RAM 76 that is to be backed up (subject to sum addition) will be retained as memory in RAM 76 even after the main power is turned off. In addition, the retained memory will be restored as backup information at the time of power outage after the checksum is confirmed to be normal in the previous reset start process (main) (Figures 10 and 11).

[Interrupt management process (timer interrupt process)]
Next, the interrupt management process (timer interrupt process) will be described. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the interrupt management process. The main control CPU 72 executes the interrupt management process at predetermined time intervals (e.g., several ms) based on an interrupt request signal from the counter/timer circuit. Each procedure will be described below.

Step S200: First, the main control CPU 72 writes the values of the registers (accumulator A, flag register F, and each pair of general-purpose registers B to L) used during the execution of the main loop to R
The values are saved in the save area of the AM 76. After the values are saved, other values can be written to the registers (A to L) during the interrupt management process.

Step S201: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a lottery random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the values of the counters used to generate various random numbers for the lottery. The values of each counter are incremented in the counter area of the RAM 76, and each loops within a specified range. The various random numbers include, for example, jackpot symbol random numbers.

Step S202: The main control CPU 72 also executes the initial value update random number update process. The contents of the process are the same as those described above.

Step S203: The main control CPU 72 executes input processing. In this processing, the main control CPU 72 inputs various switch signals from the input/output (I/O) port 79. Specifically, it reads the input state (ON/OFF) of the passing detection signal from the gate switch 78 and the winning detection signals from the first start winning port switch 80, the normal winning port switch 81, the second start winning port switch 82, the large winning port switch 83, the specific area switch 85a, and the non-specific area switch 85b.

Step S204a: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this processing, an event that has occurred during play is determined based on the winning detection signal or passing detection signal from the gate switch 78, the first start winning port switch 80, the normal winning port switch 81, the second start winning port switch 82, the large winning port switch 83, the specific area switch 85a, and the non-specific area switch 85b, among the switch signals input in the previous input processing, and further processing is executed according to each of the events that have occurred.

In this embodiment, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the first start winning port switch 80 or the second start winning port switch 82, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event has occurred that will trigger an internal lottery (lottery trigger) corresponding to the first special pattern or the second special pattern, respectively. Also, when a passage detection signal (ON) is input from the gate switch 78, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event has occurred that will trigger a lottery corresponding to a normal pattern. When it is determined that either event has occurred, the main control CPU 72 executes processing according to the respective event that has occurred.

Step S204b: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a difference ball management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a process for transitioning to a game stop state when the difference ball (difference) obtained by subtracting the number of game balls used in the game from the number of game balls awarded to the player becomes 95,000 or more. In this embodiment, prize balls and foul balls are given as examples of game balls awarded to the player, and launched game balls (hereinafter also referred to as launched balls) are given as examples of game balls used in the game.

Step S204c: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a ball difference related performance command management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a process to send a command to execute a performance according to the number of ball difference.

Step S205, Step S206: The main control CPU 72 executes special symbol game processing and normal symbol game processing during the interrupt management processing. These processes are intended to specifically progress the game in the pachinko machine 1. Among these, in the special symbol game processing (step S205), the main control CPU 72 controls the execution of an internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol described above, controls the variable display and stop display by the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35, and controls the operation of the variable winning device 30 according to the display results. Details of the special symbol game processing will be described later using another flowchart.

In addition, in the normal symbol game process (step S206), the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display and stop display by the normal symbol display device 33 described above, and controls the operation of the variable start winning device 28 according to the display result. For example, the main control CPU 72 stores a random number (normal symbol winning determination random number) obtained in the previous switch input event process (step S204) as a trigger for passing through the start gate 20, reads the random number value from the memory in this normal symbol game process, and determines whether it falls within a predetermined winning range (operation lottery execution means). If the random number value falls within the winning range, the normal symbol is displayed variably by the normal symbol display device 33, and the normal symbol is displayed stopped in a predetermined winning mode, and then the main control CPU 72 excites the normal electric role solenoid 88 to operate the variable start winning device 28 (movable piece operation means). On the other hand, if the random number value is outside the winning range, the main control CPU 72 will display the normal symbol as a missing symbol after the varying display.

In other words, in the special symbol game processing and normal symbol game processing, the main control CPU 72 controls the display of the normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a, and game status display device 38 on the integrated display board 90 according to the game situation.

Step S207: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes the prize ball payout process. In this process, based on the winning detection signals input from the various switches 81 to 83 in the previous input process (step S203), a prize ball instruction command is output to the payout control device 92 to instruct the number of prize balls.

Step S208: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this processing, the main control CPU 72 stores the above-mentioned external information signals (e.g., winning ball information, door opening information, number of pattern determination information, jackpot information, starting hole information, etc.) in the port output request buffer for the hall computer of the amusement facility via the external terminal board 160.

In this embodiment, various kinds of jackpot information can be provided to external electronic devices (data display device and hall computer) connected to the pachinko machine 1 by outputting, for example, "jackpot 1" to "jackpot 5" from among various external information signals (external information signal output means). In other words, by outputting the jackpot information divided into a plurality of "jackpot 1" to "jackpot 5", it is possible to count and manage the type of jackpot (winning type) from these combinations in a hall computer (not shown), recognize changes in the internal probability state (low probability state or high probability state) and the shortened state of the pattern change time, and count and manage the occurrence of small jackpots (hits in which the condition device does not operate) that are not classified as "jackpots" even if they are not non-wins. In addition, based on the jackpot information, for example, a data display device (not shown) can count and display the number of jackpots that have occurred within the past few business days for each machine of the pachinko machine 1, recognize whether or not each machine is currently in a jackpot, or recognize whether or not each machine is currently in a shortened state of the pattern change time. In this external information processing, the main control CPU 72 controls the detailed output state (set of ON or OFF) of each of "Jackpot 1" through "Jackpot 5."

Step S209: The main control CPU 72 also executes test signal processing. In this processing, the main control CPU 72 generates various test signals that indicate its own internal state (e.g., normal symbol game management state, special symbol game management state, jackpot in progress, probability fluctuation function in operation, time reduction function in operation) and stores these in the port output request buffer. These test signals make it possible to test the internal state of the main control CPU 72, for example, outside the main control device 70.

Step S210: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a display output management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting state of the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a, the game status display device 38, and the like. Specifically, the drive signal stored in the port output request buffer in the previous special symbol game process (step S205) or normal symbol game process (step S206) is output to the port. The drive signal is stored in the port output request buffer as byte data to be applied to each LED. As a result, each LED is driven in a predetermined display mode (a mode that displays the changing or stopping of symbols, the number of operation memories, the game status, etc.).

Step S211: The main control CPU 72 also executes output management processing. In this processing, the main control CPU 72 outputs to the port the external information signal (byte data) stored in the port output request buffer in the previous external information processing (step S208). The main control CPU 72 also outputs to the port the drive signals, test signals, etc., of the normal electric role solenoid 88 and the large prize opening solenoid 89 stored in the port output request buffer.

Step S212: The main control CPU 72 executes a performance control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 checks whether there are any commands in the command buffer that it should send to the performance control device 124 (commands necessary for performance control), and if there are any unsent commands, it outputs the commands to be output to the port.

Step S213: The main control CPU 72 then clears the port output request buffer that was stored during this CTC interrupt.

In this embodiment, an example is given in which the processes (game control program module) from step S205 to step S212 are executed as timer interrupt processes, but there are also known programming examples in which these processes are incorporated into the main loop of the CPU and executed.

Step S214: After completing the above processing, the main control CPU 72 stores a value (01H) specifying the end of the interrupt in the interrupt program counter and ends the CTC interrupt.

Step S215, Step S216: The main control CPU 72 then restores the saved values of the registers (A to L) and allows the next CTC interrupt. After this, the main control CPU 72 returns to the main loop (the program address indicated by the stack pointer).

[Difference in ball management processing]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the ball difference management process executed in step S204b of FIG.

Step S300: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not a prize ball has been paid out based on the detection signals of each winning slot switch 80-83.

As a result, if it is confirmed that the prize balls have been paid out (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S302. On the other hand, if it is not confirmed that the prize balls have been paid out (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S304.

Step S302: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to store the number of prize balls determined based on the detection signals of each winning port switch 80-83 in a prize ball number counter.

Step S304: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to check whether or not there are any balls fired based on the detection signal of the fired ball sensor 71c.

As a result, if it is confirmed that there are balls to be fired (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S306. On the other hand, if it is not confirmed that there are balls to be fired (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S308.

Step S306: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to store the number of shot balls in the shot ball counter. For example, if one shot is detected, the shot ball counter stores "1," and if two shots are detected, the shot ball counter stores "2."

Step S308: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to check whether or not there are any foul balls based on the detection signal from the foul ball sensor 71a.

As a result, if it is confirmed that there are foul balls (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S310. On the other hand, if it is not confirmed that there are foul balls (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S312.

Step S310: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to store the number of foul balls in the foul ball counter. For example, if one foul ball is detected, the foul ball counter stores "1," and if two foul balls are detected, the foul ball counter stores "2."

Step S312: The main control CPU 72 executes a ball difference calculation process. The ball difference calculation process is a process for calculating the ball difference based on the number of winning balls, the number of shot balls, the number of foul balls, etc. The details of the ball difference calculation process will be described later.

Step S314: The main control CPU 72 executes a ball difference limit management process. The ball difference limit management process is a process for transitioning to a game stop state based on the ball difference calculated in the ball difference calculation process. The ball difference calculation process will be described in detail later.
Once the above processing is completed, the program returns to the caller.

[Difference ball calculation process]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the ball difference calculation process executed in step S312 of FIG.

Step S320: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to check whether or not this is the first process since power-on. Whether or not this is the first process since power-on can be checked using the power-on flag. The power-on flag is turned off when power is turned on, and turns on once this process has been executed.

If it is determined that this is the first processing since power-on (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes steps S326 and S328. On the other hand, if it is determined that this is the first processing since power-on (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S322.

Step S322: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to store "100,000 (100,000 shots)" in the calculation difference ball. The reason why the calculation difference ball is set to "100,000 (100,000 shots)" instead of "0" is that the game begins with the shot, and setting "0" would result in a negative number, which would complicate the program processing.

Step S324: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of calculating the calculation difference ball using the following first calculation formula.
(First calculation formula) Calculation difference ball = Calculation difference ball + Prize ball counter - Shot ball counter + Foul ball counter For example, if the "calculation difference ball" is "100,000", the "prize ball counter" is "10", the "shot ball counter" is "1", and the "foul ball counter" is "2", the calculated "calculation difference ball" is "100011 (= 100,000 + 10 - 1 + 2)".

Step S326: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of storing the calculated "calculation ball difference" value in the ball difference storage counter.
Once the above processing is completed, the program returns to the caller.

By executing such processing, the main control CPU 72 can calculate the difference in balls based on the number of prize balls (first information), the number of shot balls (second information) and the number of foul balls (second information), which are information necessary for calculating the difference in balls and differ from the number of prize balls (first information).

[Relationship between "actual ball difference" and "calculated ball difference"]
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the relationship between the "actual ball difference" and the "calculation ball difference."

If the "actual ball difference" is "0 balls", the "calculation ball difference" will be "100,000 balls".

If the "actual ball difference" is "1,000 balls," the "calculated ball difference" will be "101,000 balls."

If the "actual ball difference" is "2,000 balls," the "calculated ball difference" will be "102,000 balls."

If the "actual ball difference" is "3,000 balls," the "calculated ball difference" will be "103,000 balls."

If the "actual ball difference" is "10,000 balls", the "calculated ball difference" will be "110,000 balls".

If the "actual ball difference" is "90,000 balls," the "calculated ball difference" will be "190,000 balls."

If the "actual ball difference" is "95,000 balls," the "calculated ball difference" will be "195,000 balls."

If the "actual ball difference" is "100,000 balls," the "calculation ball difference" will be "200,000 balls."

Here, "difference in balls" is the value obtained by subtracting "out balls (number of balls used by firing, etc.)" from "safe balls (number of balls acquired by winning balls, etc.)." Note that "difference in balls" can also be the value obtained by subtracting "safe balls" from "out balls," but the value of the difference in balls itself will not change; it will just reverse the positive and negative values.

In this way, the difference in balls is calculated based on the relationship between "safe balls" and "out balls," so even if you have hit 95,000 shots, you may not be finished. For example, if you have already hit 5,000 shots at the beginning of the game, you will be finished when you have hit 100,000 shots (difference in balls 95,000 = -5,000 + 100,000).

[Difference ball limiting device management process]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the ball difference limiting device management process executed in step S314 of FIG.

Step S340: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to check whether the value of the ball difference storage counter is 195,000 or more. If the value of the ball difference storage counter is 195,000, it means that the ball difference has reached 95,000.

As a result, if it is confirmed that the value of the difference ball saving counter is 195,000 or more (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S342. On the other hand, if it is not confirmed that the value of the difference ball saving counter is 195,000 or more (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S346.

Step S342: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to check whether the game status is a big win or a small win. The game status can be checked by the game status flag (0: normal state, 1: big win, 2: small win). The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the game status flag according to the game status.

As a result, if it is confirmed that the game state is a big win or a small win (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S344. On the other hand, if it is not confirmed that the game state is a big win or a small win (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S346.

Step S344: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to activate the ball difference limiting device. The ball difference limiting device is not a physical device, but a control flag. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes a process to turn on the ball difference limiting device flag.

Here, if the game state is during a big win or a small win (step S342: Yes), the difference ball limiting device will not operate, but the big win or small win will eventually end, and the difference ball limiting device will operate at that point. In other words, by executing the processing of steps S342 and S344, if the game state is during a big win or a small win, the difference ball limiting device can be operated after the big win or small win ends. Note that in the case of a gameplay that leads from a small win to a big win (a gameplay that results in a big win by passing through a specific area during a small win), the difference ball limiting device can be operated after the big win ends, not after the small win ends.

The ball difference limiter flag will not be turned off by simply turning the power back on after a power outage, but can be turned off by clearing the RAM.

Step S346: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to check whether the ball difference limiting device is in operation. If the ball difference limiting device flag is on, it can be determined that the ball difference limiting device is in operation, and if the ball difference limiting device flag is off, it can be determined that the ball difference limiting device is not in operation.

As a result, if it is confirmed that the ball difference limiting device is in operation (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S348. On the other hand, if it is not confirmed that the ball difference limiting device is in operation (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the caller and continues processing.

Step S348: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to transition to a game stop state. By transitioning to the game stop state, play comes to an end. In the game stop state, game stop (a state in which no patterns change, no reserved balls are consumed, and no winning balls are awarded) and firing stop (a state in which game balls cannot be fired), as well as the operation of moving devices (solenoids and motors) controlled by the main control CPU 72 are suspended. Furthermore, if the main control CPU 72 is displaying a variable special or normal pattern, it stops measuring the time the variable special or normal pattern is displayed, and stops the variable special or normal pattern display. Then, the main control CPU 72 executes step S349.

Step S349: In addition, when the game is stopped, the main control CPU 72 turns off all of the normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a, and game status display device 38 on the integrated display board 90. Then, the main control CPU 72 executes step S350.

Step S350: The main control CPU 72 displays "ER5" on the performance display monitor 95, indicating that the game has been stopped. The main control CPU 72 then returns to the caller. However, since the game has been stopped, the main control CPU 72 does not execute the game.

[Ball difference related performance command management process]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the difference ball related effect command management process executed in step S204c of FIG.

Step S380: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to check whether the value of the ball difference storage counter is 190,000. If the value of the ball difference storage counter is 190,000, this means that the ball difference has reached 90,000 shots.

As a result, if it is confirmed that the value of the difference ball saving counter is 190,000 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S382. On the other hand, if it is not confirmed that the value of the difference ball saving counter is 190,000 (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S384.

Step S382: The main control CPU 72 executes a first performance command generation process. The generated command is sent to the performance control device 124 in a command sending process (not shown).

Step S384: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to check whether the value of the difference ball saving counter is 195,000 or more and whether the game state is a big win or a small win.

As a result, if it is confirmed that the value of the difference ball saving counter is 195,000 or more and the game state is a big win or a small win (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S386. On the other hand, if it is not confirmed that the value of the difference ball saving counter is 195,000 or more and the game state is a big win or a small win (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S388.

Step S386: The main control CPU 72 executes a second performance command generation process. The generated command is sent to the performance control device 124 in a command sending process (not shown).

Step S388: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to check whether the value of the difference ball saving counter is 195,000 or more and whether the game state is normal. Note that the normal state is a state other than during a big win or a small win.

As a result, if it is confirmed that the value of the difference ball saving counter is 195,000 or more and the game state is normal (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S390. On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the value of the difference ball saving counter is 195,000 or more and the game state is normal (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the caller and continues processing.

Step S390: The main control CPU 72 executes a third performance command generation process. The generated command is transmitted to the performance control device 124 in a command transmission process (not shown).
Once the above processing is completed, the program returns to the caller.

[Performance control processing]
7 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the performance control process executed by the performance control CPU 126. This performance control process is executed in the timer interrupt process (interrupt management process) that occurs during the execution of the performance control main process of the reset start process (sub). Note that the performance control CPU 126 generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interrupt period (for example, a period of several tens of μs to several ms) during the execution of the reset start process, and executes the timer interrupt process.

The performance control process includes a set of subroutines: command reception process (step S400), operating memory performance management process (step S401), performance pattern management process (step S402), display output process (step S404), lamp drive process (step S406), sound output process (step S408), performance random number update process (step S410), and other processes (step S412). Below, the basic flow of the performance control process will be explained along with each process.

Step S400: In the command reception process, the performance control CPU 126 receives performance commands sent from the main control CPU 72. The performance control CPU 126 also analyzes the received commands and stores them by type in the command buffer area of the RAM 130.

In addition, the commands for the presentation sent from the main control CPU 72 include, for example, a presentation command when the number of operation memories (special pattern, normal pattern) increases, a presentation command when the number of operation memories (special pattern, normal pattern) decreases, a start port winning sound control command indicating that a prize has been won at the start port, a demo presentation command indicating that the game has moved to a demo state, a lottery result command indicating the result of an internal lottery or a normal lottery, a change pattern command indicating a change pattern, a change start command indicating that a special pattern or normal pattern has started to change, a change display designation command indicating that a special pattern or normal pattern is being displayed in a changing state, a stop pattern command indicating a stop pattern for a special pattern or normal pattern, a pattern stop command indicating that a special pattern or normal pattern will stop after changing, a pattern stop display designation command indicating that a special pattern or normal pattern is being displayed in a stopped state, and a state designation command indicating a game state. command, a round number command indicating the number of rounds in a jackpot, a firing position designation command, an error notification command indicating the occurrence of an error and the type of error, a small jackpot opening designation command indicating that it is the opening period for a small jackpot, a small jackpot large prize opening designation command indicating that the large prize opening 30b is open in a small jackpot, a jackpot opening designation command indicating that it is the opening period for a jackpot, a jackpot large prize opening designation command indicating that the large prize opening 30b is open in a jackpot, a jackpot end performance command indicating that an ending period performance will be performed at the end of a jackpot, a number of times counter value command indicating the remaining number of time-saving times, a fluctuation pattern destination determination command indicating the determination result of the fluctuation pattern of the reserved fluctuation display, a stop display time end command indicating that the stop display time at the end of the pattern fluctuation has ended, etc.

Step S401a: In the ball difference limit device related presentation processing, the presentation control CPU 126 performs control to execute a presentation according to the command sent by the ball difference related presentation command management processing of FIG. 18.

Step S401b: In the operating memory performance management process, the performance control CPU 126 controls the execution of the memory number display performance described above and the pre-reading preview performance using the hold displays M1 and M2. The contents of the operating memory performance management process will be described further below with reference to another drawing.

Step S402: In the performance symbol management process, the performance control CPU 126 controls the content of the variable display performance and the stop display performance using the performance symbols, and controls the performance content during the opening and closing operation of the variable winning device 30. Also, in this process, the performance control CPU 126 initially sets the display mode of the performance symbols (material setting means), and changes the initial setting (material setting change means). Also, in this process, the performance control CPU 126 selects the performance pattern of various advance notice performances (advance notice performance before the reach occurs, advance notice performance after the reach occurs, etc.). The content of the performance symbol management process will be described further below with reference to another drawing.

Step S404: In the display output process, the performance control CPU 126 instructs the performance display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) on basic control information for the performance content (e.g., the number of activation memories for each of the first and second special symbols, activation memory performance pattern number, pre-reading preview performance pattern number, variable performance pattern number, variable time preview performance number, background pattern number, etc.). As a result, the performance display control device 144 (display control CPU 146 and VDP 152) controls the display operation by the LCD display 42 based on the instructed performance content (performance execution means).

Step S406: In the lamp drive process, the performance control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the lamp drive circuit 132. In response to this, the lamp drive circuit 132 drives (turns on or off, blinks, changes brightness gradation, etc.) the various frame lamps 46, 50 and the panel lamps 53, etc. based on the control signal.

Step S408: In the next sound output process, the performance control CPU 126 instructs the sound drive circuit 134 on the performance content (for example, background music and audio data during a variable display performance, reach performance, mode transition performance, or jackpot performance) to the sound drive circuit 134. This causes sounds corresponding to the performance content to be output from the speakers 54a to 54d. Note that if audio data was set in step S405, the performance control CPU 126 controls the output of audio corresponding to the audio data in this process.

Step S409: In the next vibration motor drive process, when the performance control CPU 126 suggests the display result of the variable display of the special pattern, it instructs the motor control board 14b on the performance content (e.g., the vibration pattern of the vibration motor 14a, etc.). This causes the vibration motor 14a to vibrate according to the performance content. Then, by driving the vibration motor 14a, it is possible to vibrate the ball loan button 10, the return button 12, the volume adjustment button 13a, the light adjustment button 13b, and the performance button 45.

Step S410: In the effect random number update process, the effect control CPU 126 updates various effect random numbers in the counter area of the RAM 130. The effect random numbers include, for example, random numbers used for advance selection and random numbers used for normal background change lottery (effect lottery).

Step S412: In other processes, for example, the performance control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the driving IC of the movable body for the performance. The movable body for the performance operates using the corresponding solenoid as a driving source, and performs a performance either in synchronization with the display of an image by the LCD display 42 or independently.

Through the above-mentioned performance control process, the performance control CPU 126 can comprehensively control the performance content in the pachinko machine 1. Next, we will explain the content of the performance pattern management process executed in the performance control process.

[Performance management process related to ball difference limit device]
20 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the ball difference limiting device related performance management process executed by the performance control CPU 126. This process is executed within the interrupt process executed by the performance control CPU 126.

Step S364: The performance control CPU 126 executes a process to check whether the first performance command has been received.

As a result, if it is confirmed that the first performance command has been received (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S366. On the other hand, if it is not confirmed that the first performance command has been received (No), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S368.

Step S366: The performance control CPU 126 executes a first performance execution process to execute the first performance. The display of the performance image by the first performance is, for example, the display shown in FIG. 21(a).

Step S368: The performance control CPU 126 executes a process to check whether or not the second performance command has been received.

As a result, if it is confirmed that the second performance command has been received (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S370. On the other hand, if it is not confirmed that the second performance command has been received (No), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S372.

Step S370: The performance control CPU 126 executes a second performance execution process to execute the second performance. The display of the performance image by the second performance is, for example, the display shown in FIG. 21(b).

Step S372: The performance control CPU 126 executes a process to check whether or not the third performance command has been received.

As a result, if it is confirmed that the third performance command has been received (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S374. On the other hand, if it is not confirmed that the third performance command has been received (No), the performance control CPU 126 returns to the caller and continues processing.

Step S374: The performance control CPU 126 executes a process to check whether the hit win function is enabled.

As a result, if it is confirmed that the hit WIN function is enabled (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S378. On the other hand, if it is not confirmed that the hit WIN function is enabled (No), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S376.

Step S376: The performance control CPU 126 executes a third performance execution process to execute the third performance. The display of the performance image by the third performance is, for example, the display shown in FIG. 21(c). Then, the performance control CPU 126 returns to the caller and continues processing.

Step S378: The performance control CPU 126 executes a third performance execution process to execute the third performance, and simultaneously executes a second two-dimensional code display process to display the second two-dimensional code. The simultaneous display of the performance image by the third performance and the second two-dimensional code is, for example, the display shown in Fig. 21(d). Then, the performance control CPU 126 returns to the caller and continues processing.
Once the above processing is completed, the program returns to the caller.

[Specific examples of production]
Figure 21 shows specific examples of (a) display of a performance image using the first performance, (b) display of a performance image using the second performance, (c) display of a performance image using the third performance, and (d) simultaneous display of a performance image using the third performance and a second two-dimensional code display.

In FIG. 21(a), the first round of the big win is being performed. The screen also displays the number of rounds, text information encouraging the player to hit to the right, and an image of an arrow. At this point, the difference in balls has reached 90,000. In this case, the first performance is being performed.

As shown in FIG. 21(a), specifically, as the first effect, a first effect image E1 is displayed at the bottom of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The first effect image E1 is an image including text information such as "5000 shots remaining until the limit is reached."

In FIG. 21(b), the fifth round of a jackpot is being performed. Note that this fifth round is not the fifth round that follows on from FIG. 21(a), but the fifth round of a different jackpot. The screen also displays the number of rounds, text information encouraging the player to hit to the right, and an image of an arrow. At this point, the difference in balls has reached 95,000. In this case, the second performance is performed.

As shown in FIG. 21(b), specifically, as the second effect, a second effect image E2 is displayed at the bottom of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The second effect image E2 is an image including text information saying "Play will end after the winning game ends."

In FIG. 21(c), the normal state presentation is displayed. Then, assume that at this point, the difference in balls reaches 95,000, or the difference in balls reaches 95,000 during a jackpot, the jackpot game ends, and the state transitions to the normal state. In this case, the third presentation is executed. And FIG. 21(c) shows the case where the third presentation is executed when the hit win function is not enabled.

As shown in FIG. 21(c), specifically, when the hit win function is not enabled, the third effect image E3 is displayed at the top of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 as the third effect. The third effect image E3 is an image including text information such as "Game stopped" and "Play will stop as the ball difference has reached the upper limit." At this time, since the symbols (special symbol, normal symbol, effect symbol) do not change due to the game stopping, the left effect symbol, center effect symbol, and right effect symbol are hidden on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and the fourth symbol and mini symbol are also displayed in a stopped state.

Furthermore, the markers M1 and M2, which indicate the number of stored (reserved) first and second special symbols displayed in the pre-change display area X1, are not consumed. Therefore, the markers M1 and M2 do not move to be displayed in the change display area X2.

If the difference in the number of balls reaches 95,000 while the symbols are changing, the change can be forcibly ended at that point, and the game can be stopped.

In this example, when the game is stopped, the left, middle, and right performance symbols on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 are hidden, but the left, middle, and right performance symbols on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 may be displayed in a stopped state.

The first and second effect images E1 and E2 are images that are displayed during play, and are therefore displayed in a small size so as not to interfere with the game, but the third effect image E3 is an image that is displayed when play stops, and is therefore displayed in a larger size than the first and second effect images E1 and E2.

Figure 21 (d) shows a case where the third effect is executed while the hit win function is active. In this case, the second two-dimensional code is displayed while the third effect is being executed.

As shown in FIG. 21(d), specifically, as the third effect, a third effect image E3 is displayed in the upper part of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 in the same manner as described above. Then, while the third effect image E3 is being displayed, a second two-dimensional code E4 is displayed in the center of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 as a second two-dimensional code. The player can obtain the game history by reading the second two-dimensional code E4 with an information terminal.

The first, second, and third performances can not only display an image on the LCD display 42, but can also output a warning sound from the speakers 54a to 54d and light the frame lamps 46 and 50.

In addition, in this embodiment, an example is given in which the third performance image and the second two-dimensional code are displayed simultaneously, but the display of the second two-dimensional code may be executed with priority. In this case, the second two-dimensional code may be displayed first, and after a predetermined time, the display of the second two-dimensional code may be terminated and the display of the third performance image may be started.

[Contents of each display associated with the calculation of the ball difference]
22 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of each display associated with the calculation of the difference ball by each process described above. In the figure, "game control" indicates control by the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72), and "presentation control" indicates control by the presentation control device 124 (presentation control CPU 126).

As shown in FIG. 22, when the difference in balls reaches 90,000, the presentation control CPU 126 displays 5,000 balls remaining on the LCD display 42 (first presentation described above), indicating that there are 5,000 balls remaining until the end of the game (see FIG. 21(a)).

When the difference in balls reaches 95,000 or more, the main control CPU 72 transitions to a game stop state. At this time, the main control CPU 72 turns off all of the normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a, and game status display device 38 on the integrated display board 90, and places these displays in a display pause state.

The main control CPU 72 also displays "ER5" on the performance display monitor 95, indicating that the game has transitioned to a stopped state.

In addition, when the main control CPU 72 is displaying the changes in special or normal symbols, it stops measuring the change time and stops the change display.

Furthermore, when the hit WIN function is not enabled, the presentation control CPU 126 only displays a stoppage display on the LCD display 42 to indicate that the game has been stopped (see FIG. 21(c)). On the other hand, when the hit WIN function is enabled, the presentation control CPU 126 displays a stoppage display on the LCD display 42 to indicate that the game has been stopped (the third presentation described above), and also displays the second two-dimensional code (see FIG. 21(d)).

When a power outage occurs and the RAM is cleared while the machine is in a stopped state, the main control CPU 72 clears the difference balls and returns the machine to a playable state.

At this time, the main control CPU 72 turns on the normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a, and game status display device 38 on the integrated display board 90, and cancels the display pause state of these displays. Note that at this time, the main control CPU 72 resets the display contents, so the display of the changing symbols and the game status before the power outage are not carried over.

The performance control CPU 126 also returns the LCD display 42 to the normal game screen.

The above configuration allows the player to sense the gradual transition to a game-stop state, and when the game-stop state is reached, all displays on the integrated display board 90 are finally paused, and the LCD display 42 also indicates that the game-stop state has been reached, making it possible to clearly indicate that the game-stop state has been reached. This eliminates the inconvenience of players attempting to start playing despite the game-stop state having been reached. Furthermore, the display on the performance display monitor 95 makes it possible to clearly indicate to arcade staff that the game-stop state has been reached.

In this embodiment, the performance display monitor 95 is configured to display "ER5" when the game is stopped, but the performance display monitor 95 may also be turned off.

[Working memory performance management processing]
23 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure for the working memory performance management process. The contents will be described below along with the procedure.

Step S700: First, the performance control CPU 126 checks whether or not it has received a performance command sent from the main control CPU 72 when the game ball enters the first start winning port 26, the start gate 20, or the second start winning port 28b. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether or not the performance command for when the number of operating memories is increased is stored. If it is confirmed that the performance command for when the number of operating memories is increased is stored (Step S700: Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes Steps S702 and S703. Note that if it is not confirmed that the performance command for when the number of operating memories is increased is stored (Step S700: No), the performance control CPU 126 does not execute Steps S702 and S703.

Step S702: The performance control CPU 126 executes a performance selection process when the number of activation memories increases. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 selects a performance that displays the hold displays M1 and M2 corresponding to the first special symbol, normal symbol, and second special symbol.

Step S703: When the performance control CPU 126 is to display the hold indications M1 and M2, it executes a look-ahead performance management process. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 executes a process to determine by lottery whether or not to execute a look-ahead performance, and when it is determined that a look-ahead performance is to be executed, it executes a process to determine the content of the look-ahead performance to be executed.

The lottery probability is set so that the probability of the pre-reading effect being executed is high when a special symbol results in a big win or small win, and when a normal symbol results in a long opening. Then, when it is decided to execute the pre-reading effect, the effect control CPU 126 executes the pre-reading effect in steps S404 to S408 in FIG. 7.

As mentioned above, when a stop pattern corresponding to a long opening is selected in the normal pattern, it becomes easier to win the second start winning hole 28b when a long opening is performed. The probability of a small win in the second start winning hole 28b is about 1/1, and if a small win occurs, there is a possibility that it will develop from a small win to a big win, and even if it does not become a small win, it will become a big win. Therefore, by suggesting that a stop pattern that will result in a long opening has been selected by the pre-reading performance, the expectation of a big win is suggested.

The pre-reading performance can take a variety of forms, such as changing the mode of the reserved display, cutting in a performance image, changing the mode of the background display on the liquid crystal display 42, and making a character corresponding to the pre-reading performance appear. When the mode of the reserved display changes, the color of the reserved display changes each time a reserved memory stored before the reserved display that is the subject of the pre-reading is consumed, suggesting the likelihood of a jackpot, or the shape of the reserved display changes to a different shape to suggest the likelihood of a jackpot.

Step S704: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether or not it has received a performance command for when the number of operating memories is reduced from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether or not a performance command for when the number of operating memories is reduced is saved. If it is confirmed that a performance command for when the number of operating memories is reduced is saved (step S704: Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S706. Note that if it is not confirmed that a performance command for when the number of operating memories is reduced is saved (step S704: No), the performance control CPU 126 does not execute step S706.

Step S706: The performance control CPU 126 executes a performance selection process when the number of active memories decreases. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 executes a performance in which the reserved displays M1, M2 corresponding to the first special pattern and the second special pattern slide. The performance control CPU 126 also selects a performance in which the reserved display corresponding to the lottery element consumed by the internal lottery is moved from the pre-change display area X1 to the changing display area X2. The memory reserved display moved to the changing display area X2 is erased when the change ends.

After completing the above steps, the performance control CPU 126 returns to the performance control process (Figure 7).

[Performance design management processing]
24 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the performance symbol management process. The performance symbol management process includes a subroutine group of execution selection process (step S500), performance symbol change pre-processing (step S502), performance symbol change process (step S504), performance symbol stop display process (step S506), and variable winning device operation time process (step S508). Below, the basic flow of the performance symbol management process will be explained along with each process.

Step S500: In the execution selection process, the performance control CPU 126 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (one of steps S502 to S508). For example, the performance control CPU 126 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and also sets the end of the performance pattern management process as the return address in the "jump table". Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the variable display performance has not yet started, the performance control CPU 126 selects the performance pattern change pre-processing (step S502) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the performance pattern change pre-processing has already been completed, the performance control CPU 126 selects the performance pattern change in progress processing (step S504) as the next jump destination, and if the performance pattern change in progress processing has been completed, the performance pattern stop display in progress processing (step S506) as the next jump destination. Additionally, the variable prize-winning device operation processing (step S508) is selected as the jump destination when the variable prize-winning device management processing (step S5000 in FIG. 13) is selected in the main control CPU 72. In this case, steps S502 to S506 are not executed.

Step S502: In the pre-processing of the effect pattern variation, the effect control CPU 126 prepares the conditions for starting the variable display effect using the effect pattern. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the content of the reach effect according to various conditions (lottery result, type of winning, variation pattern, etc.), and selects the effect pattern for the advance notice effect (a pre-reach advance notice pattern other than the pre-read advance notice effect pattern, a post-reach advance notice pattern, etc.). In addition, the effect control CPU 126 also controls the demo effect when the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state. The specific process content will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S504: In the processing during the change in the performance pattern, the performance control CPU 126 generates control information to instruct the performance display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) as necessary. For example, when performing a performance using the performance button 45 while a changing display performance using the performance pattern is being performed, the performance control CPU 126 monitors whether or not the player has operated the performance button, and instructs the display control CPU 146 on control information for the performance content (button performance) according to the result. Also, in the processing during the change in the performance pattern, the performance control CPU 126 also executes processing to execute pseudo-changes (pseudo-continuous notices).

Step S506: In the process of displaying the effect symbols, the effect control CPU 126 controls the content of the stop display effect using the effect symbols and moving images in a manner according to the result of the internal lottery. That is, the effect control CPU 126 instructs the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) to end the variable display effect and execute the stop display effect. In response to this, the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) actually ends the variable display effect that has been executed up until that point on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and executes the stop display effect. As a result, the stop display effect is executed in approximately synchronization with the stop display of the special symbol, and the result of the internal lottery can be instructed to the player in a performance manner (disclosure, announcement, notification, etc.) (performance execution means). In addition, in the case of a small win, the stop display effect can be executed in the same or similar manner as in the case of a loss.

In the process of displaying the stopped effect symbols, the effect control CPU 126 stops the effect symbol 43 at a predetermined stop position, but when stopping the effect symbol 43, the direction of movement may be reversed after the effect symbol 43 passes the stop position, and the effect symbol 43 may be displayed as bouncing before being stopped at the stop position. For example, in the normal state, the effect symbol 43 is stopped after passing the stop position, and in the time-saving state, the effect symbol 43 is stopped at the stop position without passing the stop position.

When the performance symbol 43 passes the stop position, the performance control CPU 126 outputs a stop sound after the performance symbol 43 passes the stop position and before the performance symbol 43 stops at the stop position, and outputs a stop sound after the performance symbol 43 passes the stop position and when the performance symbol 43 stops at the stop position. The performance control CPU 126 determines at which timing to output the stop sound in the performance symbol change pre-processing according to the game situation.

Step S508: In the processing when the variable winning device is activated, the presentation control CPU 126 controls the presentation content during a small win or a big win (special game presentation execution means). In this processing, the presentation control CPU 126 selects the content of the big win presentation according to various conditions (e.g., the type of win). For example, in the case of a 10-round big win, the presentation control CPU 126 selects a 10-round big win presentation pattern as the presentation content to be displayed on the LCD display 42, and instructs this to the presentation display control device 144 (display control CPU 146). As a result, an image of the big win presentation is displayed on the display screen of the LCD display 42, and the presentation content changes as the round progresses.

[Pre-processing for changing the performance pattern]
25 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for pre-processing of a performance symbol variation. The following describes the procedure.

Step S600: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether or not it has received a demo performance command from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether or not a demo performance command has been saved. As a result, if it is confirmed that a demo performance command has been saved (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S602.

Step S602: The performance control CPU 126 executes a demo selection process. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 selects a demo performance pattern. The demo performance pattern specifies the content of the performance that indicates that the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state.

When the above steps are completed, the performance control CPU 126 returns to the address at the end of the performance pattern management process. The performance control CPU 126 then returns to the performance control process, and controls the content of the demo performance based on the demo performance pattern in the subsequent display output process (step S404 in FIG. 7) and lamp drive process (step S406 in FIG. 7).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S600 that no demo performance commands have been saved (No), the performance control CPU 126 then executes step S604.

Step S604: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether the current change is a miss (non-winning) or not. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether the lottery result command for non-winning is saved. As a result, if it is confirmed that the lottery result command for non-winning is saved (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S612. Conversely, if it is confirmed that the lottery result command for non-winning is not saved (No), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S606. Note that it is also possible to check whether the current change is a miss based on the change pattern command or the stop pattern command in addition to the lottery result command. In other words, if the current change pattern command corresponds to a miss normal change or a miss reach change, it can be determined that the current change is a miss. Alternatively, if the current stop pattern command specifies a non-winning pattern, it can be determined that the current change is a miss.

Step S606: If the lottery result command is not a non-win (miss) (Step S604: No), the performance control CPU 126 then checks whether the current variation is a jackpot. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether the lottery result command at the time of the jackpot is saved. As a result, if it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of the jackpot is saved (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S610. Conversely, if it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of the jackpot is not saved (No), only the lottery result command at the time of the small win remains, so in this case, the performance control CPU 126 executes step S608. It is also possible to check whether the current variation is a jackpot based on the variation pattern command or the stop pattern command. In other words, if the current variation pattern command corresponds to a jackpot variation, it can be determined that the current variation is a jackpot. Also, if the current stop pattern command corresponds to a jackpot pattern, it can be determined that the current change is a jackpot.

Step S608: The presentation control CPU 126 executes a variable presentation pattern selection process for a small win. In this process, the presentation control CPU 126 determines the presentation pattern number at that time based on the variable pattern command (e.g., "C0H00H" to "D0H7FH") received from the main control CPU 72. The presentation pattern numbers are prepared in advance in correspondence with the variable pattern commands, and the presentation control CPU 126 can select the presentation pattern number that corresponds to the variable pattern command at that time by referring to a presentation pattern selection table (not shown). Note that the presentation pattern number may be prepared in pairs with the variable pattern command, or multiple numbers may be prepared for one variable pattern command.

When a performance pattern number is selected, the performance control CPU 126 refers to a performance table (not shown) and determines the schedule for changing the performance pattern corresponding to the changing performance pattern number at that time (changing time, type of reach, and timing of reach occurrence), the mode of the stop display, etc. Note that the types of performance patterns determined here all correspond to "combinations of patterns at the time of a small win."

As mentioned above, the presentation for a small win may be the same as that for a miss, or it may be a presentation specifically for a small win that clearly indicates that a small win has been won.

The above procedure applies when a "small win" occurs, but if a "big win" occurs, the presentation control CPU 126 confirms in step S606 that it is a "big win" (Yes). In this case, the presentation control CPU 126 executes step S610.

Step S610: The presentation control CPU 126 executes a process for selecting a variable presentation pattern at the time of a jackpot. In this process, the presentation control CPU 126 determines the presentation pattern number at that time based on the variable pattern command (for example, "E0H00H" to "F0H7FH") received from the main control CPU 72. In the process for selecting a presentation pattern at the time of a jackpot, the process may be further branched according to the symbols that stop at the time of a jackpot. In addition, if the variable pattern is a variable pattern that corresponds to a pseudo-continuous preview presentation, the presentation control CPU 126 executes a process for selecting a presentation pattern that executes a pseudo-continuous preview presentation during the execution of the variable display presentation (the same applies when a miss occurs). In the pseudo-continuous preview presentation, if the presentation symbols are temporarily stopped and then changed again, the pseudo-consecutive pattern can be stopped on the center presentation symbol.

If the winner is not a winner, the following procedure is executed. That is, when the performance control CPU 126 confirms in step S604 that the winner is a loser (Yes), it executes step S612.

Step S612: The performance control CPU 126 executes a miss-time variable performance pattern selection process. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 determines the miss-time performance pattern number based on the variable pattern command (e.g., "A0H00H" to "A6H7FH") received from the main control CPU 72. The miss-time performance pattern numbers are classified into "miss normal variable", "time-saving miss variable", "miss reach variable", etc., and furthermore, a detailed reach variable pattern is defined for "miss reach variable". Note that which performance pattern number the performance control CPU 126 selects is determined by the variable pattern command sent from the main control CPU 72.

When the presentation pattern number for a miss is selected, the presentation control CPU 126 refers to a presentation table (not shown) and determines the presentation pattern change schedule (change time, whether or not a reach occurs, and if a reach occurs, the type of reach and the timing of the reach occurrence) and the mode of the stop display (for example, "7"-"2"-"4", etc.) corresponding to the presentation pattern change at that time.

The presentation control CPU 126 selects a variable presentation pattern through one of the following processes: a small win variable presentation pattern selection process (step S608), a big win variable presentation pattern selection process (step S610), or a miss variable presentation pattern selection process (step S612). The variable presentation patterns include a variable presentation pattern in which the presentation symbol stops at the stop position after passing the stop position, and a variable presentation pattern in which the presentation symbol stops at the stop position without passing the stop position.

In this embodiment, the moving distance of the variable presentation pattern in which the presentation symbol stops at the stop position after passing the stop position is longer in the variable presentation pattern selection process for a small win (step S608) or the variable presentation pattern selection process for a big win (step S610) than in the variable presentation pattern selection process for a miss (step S612).

Therefore, the expectation of a big win or a small win increases depending on the distance traveled when the performance pattern 43 stops.

In addition, the variable presentation patterns in the process of selecting a variable presentation pattern at the time of a small win (step S608), the process of selecting a variable presentation pattern at the time of a big win (step S610), and the process of selecting a variable presentation pattern at the time of a miss (step S612) include reach variations, and in the reach variations, the display direction of the center presentation pattern 43C in the center presentation pattern column of the multiple presentation pattern columns on the left, center, and right may change, and the presentation patterns of the multiple presentation pattern columns may be displayed so that the display directions of the left presentation pattern 43L and right presentation pattern 43R do not change in the left and right presentation pattern columns.

After executing any of the above steps S608, S610, and S612, the performance control CPU 126 then executes step S614.

Step S614: The performance control CPU 126 executes a performance selection process. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 decides whether or not to execute a preview performance during the current variable display performance, and if it is decided to execute a preview performance, selects the content of the preview performance to be executed by lottery. The content of the preview performance is determined, for example, based on the result of an internal lottery (win or no win) or the current internal state (normal state, high probability state, time-shortened state). As described above, the preview performance notifies the player that a reach state may occur during the variable display performance, or that there is a possibility of eventually winning a jackpot. Therefore, the selection ratio of the preview performance is set low when there is no win (miss), but the selection ratio of the preview performance is set relatively high when a jackpot or small win is won in order to increase the player's sense of expectation.

In this way, if the performance control CPU 126 wins the lottery on whether or not to execute a preview performance (if the specified performance execution conditions are met), it executes a preview performance (related to the specified performance, indicating whether the specified performance will be successful) that suggests that the performance pattern will be displayed stationary in a winning manner during the execution of the variable display performance (specified performance).

In addition, when the performance control CPU 126 decides to execute a preview performance in this preview selection process, it executes a process to determine at what point during the variable display to start the preview performance. Note that preview performances include not only various preview performances executed during the variable display (step-up preview performances, conversation preview performances, cut-in preview performances, group preview performances, reel drop performances, next preview performances, title color change performances), but also pseudo-continuous preview performances, look-ahead preview performances, memory marker change preview performances, etc.

In this embodiment, the preview effects selected in the effect selection process include an operation effect using the vibration motor 14a (see FIG. 9). When an operation effect is selected, the vibration motor 14a vibrates while the changing patterns are being displayed, prompting the player to operate the effect button 45 and warning the player not to operate the ball loan button 10, the return button 12, the volume adjustment button 13a, or the light adjustment button 13b.

When it is selected to execute the operation effect, the effect control CPU 126 controls the vibration motor 14a based on the effect pattern in the vibration motor drive process (step S409 in FIG. 19) of the effect control process. The effect patterns of the operation effect include patterns with different vibration strengths of the vibration motor 14a and patterns with different timing for executing the operation effect (when to execute during the variable display of the special pattern). Then, when the effect button 45 is operated, the effect control CPU 126 displays an effect image according to the expectation of a big win or a small win.

The operation effect is selected with a probability according to the result of an internal lottery, so the display result of the special symbol variation display is suggested by the execution of the operation effect. When executing the operation effect, the effect control CPU 126 displays an effect image on the liquid crystal display 42 that prompts the user to operate the effect button 45, and when the effect button 45 is operated, the effect image is displayed in response to the operation. The operation effect is executed, for example, when the effect pattern stops in a reach state during the variation display of the mini symbol, and may be executed when it is suggested that a big win or small win will occur.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the preview effects selected in the effect selection process include a timer effect. In the timer effect, two timer displays are displayed on the liquid crystal display 42. One of the two timer displays has an initial value of 14 seconds, and the other has an initial value of 5 seconds, and the respective values count down simultaneously. If both timer displays count down to 0 seconds without being interrupted midway, the expectation of a big win or a small win increases. The two timer displays have different time update speeds, with the 5-second timer display having a longer update cycle than the 14-second timer display. In other words, the 5-second timer display has a faster update speed than the 14-second timer display.

Step S616: The presentation control CPU 126 executes a mode presentation management process. In this process, the presentation control CPU 126 executes a process to select a presentation according to the game state. For example, the presentation control CPU 126 executes a process to select a presentation according to the normal state, the big win game state, the small win game state, or the time-saving state.

Therefore, for example, when the time-saving state is in effect, the performance control CPU 126 controls the performance state to the time-saving state. As a result, the background displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 and the performance sounds output from the speakers 54a to 54d correspond to the time-saving state. In addition, the performance control CPU 126 displays a remaining number of fluctuations display 51 (see FIG. 5) on the liquid crystal display 42, which indicates the number of remaining fluctuations in the time-saving state, and updates the number of fluctuations display 51 each time a fluctuation display of a special pattern is performed.

After completing the above steps, the performance control CPU 126 returns to the performance pattern management process (last address). As a result, in the subsequent performance pattern changing process (step S504 in FIG. 24), the changing display performance and the stop display performance are executed based on the actually selected changing performance pattern, and the preview performance is executed based on various preview performance patterns.

When selecting the effect data for the normal effect screen, the jackpot preparation screen, or the time-saving effect screen, the effect to be displayed on each screen is also selected. Then, in the subsequent processing during the change in effect pattern (step S504 in FIG. 24), the effect control CPU 126 displays the selected effect screen and executes the selected effect.

[Operation detection enable processing]
The performance control CPU 126 generates a timer interrupt that occurs every time a predetermined time has elapsed. The performance control CPU 126 then executes an operation detection validity process within the timer interrupt. The operation detection validity process is a process for selecting whether or not to accept each operation of the ball loan button 10, the return button 12, the volume control button 13a, the light intensity control button 13b, the performance button 45, etc. as valid.

Figure 26 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for pre-processing of the effect pattern change. The following explains the example procedure.

Step S700: When any of the ball loan button 10, return button 12, volume control button 13a, light intensity control button 13b, or performance button 45 is operated, the performance control CPU 126 checks whether or not 8 ms has elapsed since the operation non-detection state in which no operation of the operated button is detected. As a result, if it is confirmed that 8 ms has elapsed since the operation non-detection state (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S702. On the other hand, if it is detected that the operation non-detection state has not elapsed for 8 ms (No), the processing ends.

Step S702: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether or not 8 ms has elapsed since the operation detection state, in which the operation of the operated button is detected. As a result, if it is confirmed that 8 ms has elapsed since the operation detection state (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S704. On the other hand, if it is detected that 8 ms has not elapsed since the operation detection state (No), the processing ends.

Step S704: The performance control CPU 126 validates the detection of the operated button operation and accepts the button operation. Then, it executes processing or control according to the type of button that was operated.

In this way, when a button operation is performed, if the operation non-detection state or operation detection state lasts for less than a predetermined time (8 ms in this example), the button operation is invalidated and the operation is not accepted. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous detection of button operation due to vibrations from the vibration motor 14a.

In this embodiment, the operation non-detection state or operation detection state is determined by counting 8 ms, but it may be determined by counting a different time, such as 16 ms, 4 ms, 2 ms, or 1 ms. Also, the time for determining the operation non-detection state and the time for determining the operation detection state may be different. The above determination may also be made for the effect button 45 to determine that the operation is valid.

[Examples of preview performances]
Next, specific examples of when a preview performance is executed in which the ball loan button 10, the return button 12, the volume adjustment button 13a, the light adjustment button 13b, and the performance button 45 vibrate due to the vibration motor 14a will be explained using Figures 27 to 30.

Figures 27 to 30 are sequential diagrams showing examples of effect images corresponding to the variable display and stationary display of special symbols. Figure 31 is an explanatory diagram showing the timing at which the vibration motor 14a vibrates.

Note that the LCD 42 shown in Figures 27 to 30 is the same as the LCD 42 shown in Figure 4, but is illustrated in a simplified form in Figures 27 to 30 for the purpose of explaining the images.

As shown in FIG. 27, the performance symbols 43 include three symbols, for example, a left performance symbol 43L, a middle performance symbol 43C, and a right performance symbol 43R, which are displayed as a performance symbol row arranged from left to right on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. Each performance symbol represents, for example, the numbers "1" to "9." Here, the left performance symbol 43L, the middle performance symbol 43C, and the right performance symbol 43R all form a pattern row in which the numbers are arranged in descending order from "9" to "1." Such pattern rows are displayed in a changing manner, flowing (scrolling) vertically in the left, middle, and right areas of the screen, respectively.

In this embodiment, the effect patterns include effect patterns that correspond to special patterns (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as special effect patterns).

Note that Figures 27 to 30 explain an example in which the variable display of the special performance pattern corresponding to the first special pattern is performed, but the variable display of the special performance pattern corresponding to the second special pattern and the variable display of the regular performance pattern are also performed in a similar manner. Furthermore, the display mode of the special performance pattern and the display mode of the regular performance pattern do not have to be the same as long as they are difficult to distinguish. For example, they may have a slightly deformed shape, a slightly different color, a slightly different transparency, or a slightly different size.

Note that this shows an example of the variable display effect and the stop display effect (result display effect) that are performed using the special symbol when a win (jackpot) occurs. This variable display effect corresponds to a series of effects that are performed from when the special symbol (here, the first special symbol, but it could also be the second special symbol) starts to display a variable display until it stops (including a confirmed stop). The stop display effect is an effect that shows the special symbol being displayed as a stopped display and the result of the internal lottery at that time as a combination of effect symbols. Note that background images are omitted in Figures 27 to 30.

As shown in FIG. 27(a), for example, before the first special symbol starts to change (when the demo performance is not in progress), a row of three performance symbols 43L, 43C, and 43R is displayed large on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. At this time, the performance symbols are also displayed in a stopped state in accordance with the stopped display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol.

In addition, this example shows a case where there are four reserved memories for the first special symbol, and as a result, the reserved display M1 corresponding to the first special symbol is displayed as, for example, four circular (○) shapes.

In addition, a first reserved memory count display 44a, a second reserved memory count display 44b, and a mini pattern 44c are displayed. The mini pattern 44c is the "fourth performance pattern" following the left, center, and right performance patterns, and is displayed in a changing manner in sync with the changing display of the special pattern.

As shown in FIG. 27(b), for example, in synchronization with the start of the first special pattern, three pattern rows scroll and change on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, starting the change display performance. That is, in synchronization with the start of the first special pattern change, the left performance pattern 43L, the center performance pattern 43C, and the right performance pattern 43R rows scroll (flow) vertically within the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, starting the change display performance. Also, before the change starts, the pending display M1 is displayed in the pre-change display area X1 in the band-shaped part at the bottom part of the liquid crystal display 42, but after the change starts, it moves to the change display area X2 by the pedestal image displayed in the lower left part of the liquid crystal display 42, and continues to be displayed until the change of the special pattern (performance pattern) is stopped and displayed. In the figure, the change display of the performance pattern is simply indicated by a downward arrow. In addition, during the changing display, each performance pattern is displayed in a transparent state (transparent display), so that the image (background image) that is the background of the performance pattern is displayed on the display screen in an easily visible state.

In addition, in synchronization with the start of the change in the first special symbol, the number of reserved memories in the first reserved memory number display 44a is decremented by "1", and the display of the mini symbol 44c starts to change.

As shown in FIG. 27(b), when the change starts, the number of reserved memories for the first special symbol decreases by one, and the number displayed in the reserved display M1 is decreased by one in conjunction with this. For example, if there were four reserved memories up to that point, the oldest (oldest) memory number display in the reserved display M1 is moved by one to the changing display area X2, and a performance in which the memory is consumed by internal lottery is also performed. This makes it possible to inform the player through the performance that the number of operating memories for the first special symbol has been consumed.

Then, as the reserved display M1, which was first in the memory order, moves to the changing display area X2, there are only three displays remaining in the pre-change display area X1, and the three reserved displays M1 remaining on the screen are shifted in one direction (to the left in this case) by one unit each. This allows the context of the change in the number of active memories to be accurately expressed in the presentation, and also makes it easy for the player to intuitively understand that "the active memory has been consumed and one has been reduced" or "the active memory has been consumed and the special pattern is changing".

As shown in Figures 27(c) and 28(d), for example, after a certain amount of time (about half the fluctuation time) has passed, the left performance symbol 43L first temporarily stops in synchronization with the first special symbol. At this time, in this example, the left performance symbol 43L passes the stop position L once (Figure 27(c)), and then the direction of movement is reversed by the bound display, and the left performance symbol 43L temporarily stops at the stop position (Figure 28(d)).

A provisional stop is also called a provisional stop display, and refers to a display state in which, for example, during the variable display from when the variable display of the performance pattern starts until the definite performance pattern that is the variable display result is derived and displayed, the speed of change of the performance pattern becomes "0" and the performance pattern is displayed stationary, causing, for example, slight shaking or expansion and contraction (i.e., a state in which one variable display has not ended). In this display state, although the display result in the variable display is not definitively displayed, the player can recognize that the change of the performance pattern due to the scrolling display or update display is not progressing. Note that a provisional stop display may include a completely stopped display of the decorative pattern for a period of time shorter than a predetermined period (for example, one second) without causing slight shaking or expansion and contraction. On the other hand, a stop display (derived display) of the variable display result refers to a complete or final stop of the identification information of the decorative pattern or the like to end the variable display.

In this example, the effect symbol representing the number "8" is temporarily stopped on the left side of the screen. Note that the background image is not shown here (this will also be the case hereafter). At this time, mini symbol 44c continues to change without stopping.

As shown in Figures 28(e) and 28(f), following the left performance pattern 43L, the right performance pattern 43R temporarily stops in synchronization with the first special pattern. At this time, in this example, the left performance pattern 43L passes the stop position L once (Figure 28(e)), and then the direction of movement is reversed by the bound display, and the left performance pattern 43L temporarily stops at the stop position L (Figure 28(f)).

In this example, it is shown that the number "8" has temporarily stopped in the center of the screen. And because the same type of pattern has temporarily stopped on the left performance pattern 43L and the right performance pattern 43R, a reach state occurs when the left performance pattern 43L and the right performance pattern 43R temporarily stop. Therefore, if the same pattern temporarily stops on the center performance pattern 43C and the three performance patterns continue to become confirmed performance patterns, a jackpot will be reached. In other words, the reach state occurs when the left performance pattern 43L and the right performance pattern 43R temporarily stop, suggesting the display result of the special pattern change display.

Also, as shown in FIG. 28(f) and FIG. 31, when an operation effect is selected in the effect selection process (step S614) in FIG. 25, the effect control CPU 126 vibrates the vibration motor 14a when a reach state occurs. When the vibration motor 14a vibrates, the ball loan button 10, the return button 12, the volume adjustment button 13a, the light adjustment button 13b, and the effect button 45 vibrate. At this time, the mini pattern 44c continues to change and display without stopping.

Then, by vibrating the effect button 45, the player is prompted to operate the effect button 45. At this time, when the player operates the effect button 45, an effect image suggesting the result of the internal lottery, such as the probability of winning a jackpot, in other words, an effect image suggesting the display result of the variable display of the special symbol, is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42.

On the other hand, when a jackpot is hit, prize balls are paid out, so the player can play even if there are only a few game balls remaining. Therefore, even if there are only a few game balls remaining when a jackpot is hit, there is no need to receive new game balls. And when a reach state occurs, there is a possibility of a jackpot. Therefore, by vibrating the ball loan button 10 when a reach state occurs, and confusing the player who touched the ball loan button 10 as to what to do, it is possible to prevent the player from receiving an unnecessary loan of additional game balls.

Conventionally, after winning the internal lottery, a predetermined variable time is required before the game moves to the jackpot game state, and so the player may mistakenly perform an operation to receive additional game balls, resulting in the player being loaned unnecessary game balls and suffering a disadvantage. However, in this embodiment, the vibration of the ball loan button 10 prevents the player from operating the ball loan button 10, thereby preventing the player from being loaned unnecessary game balls and preventing the player from suffering a disadvantage.

In addition, by vibrating the return button 12 when a reach state occurs, the player who touched the return button 12 is confused about how to operate it, which prevents the player from abandoning the game when there is a possibility of a jackpot occurring, and prevents a decline in interest in the game.

In addition, by vibrating the volume control button 13a and the light control button 13b when a reach state occurs, the player who touched the volume control button 13a or the light control button 13b is confused about how to operate, and the player can concentrate on the operation presentation using the presentation button 45. This makes it possible to prevent the player from missing the operation presentation and to prevent a decrease in interest in the game.

In this embodiment, when the ball loan button 10 is operated to receive a loaned game ball, the loaned game ball is dispensed onto the upper tray 6b. If the ball loan button 10 is operated while it is vibrating, the game balls flowing down the upper tray 6b vibrate, and resonate with the ball loan button 10 on the upper tray 6b, amplifying the vibration. Therefore, in this embodiment, the ball loan button 10 is vibrated to prevent operation of the ball loan button 10, and if the vibrating ball loan button 10 is operated, the vibration is amplified, making it possible to raise the warning level for the loan of game balls, which is inconvenient for the player, and to reliably notify the player of the prohibition of operating the vibrating ball loan button 10. This prevents the player from receiving unnecessary loans of game balls.

As shown in FIG. 29(g), when a reach state occurs, a reach performance corresponding to the reach state is executed. In a reach performance, for example, the display direction of the middle performance pattern 43C changes, and a reach state occurs when the middle performance pattern 43C temporarily stops so that the display directions of the left performance pattern 43L and the right performance pattern 43R do not change. In other words, a reach state occurs so that the visible surface of the middle performance pattern 43C changes, and the visible surfaces of the left performance pattern 43L and the right performance pattern 43R do not change.

Specifically, the left and right performance symbols 43L and 43R move to the top left and top right corners of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, are displayed in a reduced size, and are displayed temporarily frozen without changing the display direction, with a vertical shaking. At this time, the left and right performance symbols 43L and 43R repeat short periodic movements.

Meanwhile, the middle performance pattern 43C is enlarged and displayed in the center of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and is displayed variably so that the display direction changes as it rotates counterclockwise around a vertical axis. At this time, the middle performance pattern 43C operates in a long, non-periodic manner.

In other words, in the reach state, the middle performance pattern 43C and the left and right performance patterns 43L and 43R change and display on different trajectories (movement up and down and rotation around the vertical axis), with the left and right performance patterns 43L and 43R repeating periodic movements at a fast speed, and the middle performance pattern 43C moving non-periodically at a slower speed than the left and right performance patterns 43L and 43R. This makes it possible to prevent confusion between the middle performance pattern 43C and the left and right performance patterns 43L and 43R, improving playability.

In this way, the display direction of the middle performance pattern 43C changes while the display direction of the left performance pattern 43L and right performance pattern 43R does not change, so that the display is variable, so that the left performance pattern 43L and right performance pattern 43R are only visible from the front, but the middle performance pattern 43C is visible from the side and top. Note that Figure 29 (g) shows the performance pattern representing the number "7" rotating in the middle performance pattern 43C.

As shown in FIG. 29(h), the type of effect pattern changes as the variable display of the middle effect pattern 43C continues. FIG. 29(h) shows the middle effect pattern 43C changing from the number "7" to the effect pattern representing the number "8," and the effect pattern representing the number "8" rotating.

As shown in FIG. 29(i), in this example, during the process of the changing display, it is possible to display the center performance pattern 43C superimposed on the left performance pattern 43L and the right performance pattern 43R. For example, it is possible to display the left performance pattern 43L and the right performance pattern 43R superimposed on the upper layer of the center performance pattern 43C.

When the center performance pattern 43C is displayed superimposed on the left performance pattern 43L and the right performance pattern 43R, the center performance pattern 43C, the left performance pattern 43L, and the right performance pattern 43R perform different actions. For example, the center performance pattern 43C rotates, while the left performance pattern 43L and the right performance pattern 43R swing up and down.

At this time, the amount of movement of the left performance pattern 43L and the right performance pattern 43R is smaller than the amount of movement of the center performance pattern 43C. This makes it easier to distinguish between the center performance pattern 43C and the left performance pattern 43L and the right performance pattern 43R, making it easier to understand the development of the game, thereby improving playability.

As shown in FIG. 30(j), in this example, when the display of the effect symbol representing the number "8" is being changed, an effect image is displayed that makes it impossible for the player to tell whether the number "8" will stop as it is and result in a jackpot, or whether it will not result in a jackpot and will change to the number "9," thereby increasing the player's sense of anticipation.

Specifically, the effect image 52 is displayed so as to be superimposed on the middle performance pattern 43C. At this time, the effect image 52 has a higher display priority than the middle performance pattern 43C, and a lower display priority than the left performance pattern 43L and the right performance pattern 43R. In other words, the effect image 52 is displayed on a higher layer than the middle performance pattern 43C, and on a lower layer than the left performance pattern 43L and the right performance pattern 43R. Therefore, when the effect image 52 is displayed, the middle performance pattern 43C cannot be seen, but the left performance pattern 43L and the right performance pattern 43R can be seen.

As shown in FIG. 30(k), the last middle performance pattern 43C is temporarily stopped in synchronization with the display of the first special pattern. At this time, the effect image 52 is erased. Then, the left performance pattern 43L, the middle performance pattern 43C, and the right performance pattern 43R become the same size and temporarily stop. If the result of this internal lottery is a big win and the first special pattern is stopped and displayed in a winning (big win) manner, the performance pattern is also stopped and displayed in a winning (big win) manner. That is, in the illustrated example, the performance pattern representing the number "8" is temporarily stopped in the middle position of the screen, and in this case, the combination of the performance patterns is "8"-"8"-"8", which is a big win, so the performance shows that the current fluctuation corresponds to a normal "big win". Also, at this time, the left performance pattern 43L, the middle performance pattern 43C, and the right performance pattern 43R all perform the same action by shaking up and down.

As shown in FIG. 30(l), the left performance symbol 43L, the middle performance symbol 43C, and the right performance symbol 43R come to a complete stop and are displayed as confirmed performance symbols. The mini symbol 44c also comes to a complete stop. This confirms a jackpot with the combination "8"-"8"-"8". At this time, the performance symbols may rotate again and be confirmed with a different performance symbol. This may result in a jackpot with time reduction or a jackpot with a large number of rounds being ranked up. When the left performance symbol 43L, the middle performance symbol 43C, and the right performance symbol 43R come to a complete stop, the mini symbol 44c also comes to a complete stop in the same combination as the performance symbol 43.

In addition, when the stop display effect is performed, the pending display M1, which has moved to the changing display area X2 and continues to be displayed, lights up. This makes it possible to intuitively and easily inform the player that "the special symbol change has ended."

The above is an example of the variable display effect and the stationary display effect (when no winning occurs) that are performed using the performance symbols for each change. That is, in this embodiment, three rows of performance symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and one variable display ends when the three rows of performance symbols are displayed stationary. Through such effects, the player can be made to feel hopeful about winning, and ultimately the results of the internal lottery can be clearly indicated through the effects.

The above example is for when a win occurs, but when a loss occurs (non-win), after a reach effect is executed during the variable display effect, the effect symbols are displayed in a loss state (for example, a state in which different numbers line up, such as "8"-"7"-"8") in the stop display effect. At this time, the stop display state of the effect symbols is basically selected to correspond to the winning pattern (the stop display state of the first special pattern display device 34 or the second special pattern display device 35) selected internally by the main control CPU 72. Also, when a small win occurs (win), the effect symbols are displayed in a small win state (for example, a state that suggests a small win according to a certain rule, such as "1"-"3"-"5") in the stop display effect.

In this embodiment, an example is given in which the vibration motor 14a vibrates when the left and right performance symbols 43L and 43R temporarily stop and a reach state occurs (the mini symbol 44c continues to fluctuate), but the timing at which the vibration motor 14a vibrates can be different from that in this embodiment.

For example, it is possible to vibrate the vibration motor 14a in a situation where the left performance pattern 43L, the right performance pattern 43R, and the center performance pattern 43C are temporarily stopped at a combination of the same pattern that results in a jackpot (or a combination of specific patterns that results in a jackpot), and the mini pattern 44c continues to display in a variable manner (for example, the situation in Figure 30 (k)).

In this case, when the operation effect is executed, the effect button 45 is operated, and if the left effect pattern 43L, the right effect pattern 43R, and the center effect pattern 43C temporarily stop with a combination of the same pattern or a specific pattern, the effect button 45 vibrates to execute an effect that congratulates the player on receiving a special prize such as a big win or a small win.

In this situation, after a predetermined time (e.g., a few seconds) from the provisional stop, the left performance pattern 43L, the right performance pattern 43R, and the center performance pattern 43C will come to a complete stop, a confirmation display will be displayed, and the mini pattern 44c will come to a stop, confirming the jackpot (e.g., the situation in Figure 30(l)).

After the left performance pattern 43L, the right performance pattern 43R, and the center performance pattern 43C have temporarily stopped and before the mini pattern 44c has stopped, it is a situation in which it is certain that a jackpot will occur, and it is a situation in which it is certain that operating the ball loan button 10 or the like will result in an incorrect operation.

However, when the left performance pattern 43L, the right performance pattern 43R, and the center performance pattern 43C are temporarily stopped, the vibration motor 14a vibrates, causing the ball loan button 10 to vibrate, so that erroneous operation of the ball loan button 10 can be prevented in advance before a situation in which the occurrence of a jackpot is certain.

[About the output mode of the stop sound of the performance pattern]
Next, the output mode of the stop sound of the performance pattern 43 will be described with reference to Fig. 32 to Fig. 35. As described in Fig. 27 to Fig. 30, in this embodiment, the performance control CPU 126 can stop the performance pattern 43 at the stop position L by reversing the moving direction by the bound display after the performance pattern 43 passes the stop position L.

In the examples of Figures 32 to 35, the winning state does not occur, and when a miss occurs, the direction of movement of the performance symbol 43 passes the stop position L and then reverses due to a bounce display (i.e., the direction of movement changes toward the stop position L), causing the performance symbol 43 to stop at the stop position L. In the examples of Figures 32 and 33 and the examples of Figures 34 and 35, an "8" stops on the left performance symbol L and a "5" stops on the right performance symbol R, and a miss is confirmed.

In this embodiment, when the ball misses, it moves less when it passes through stop position L and returns to stop position L than when it reaches a reach or chance (such as a hint of a small win). When it returns to stop position L, it stops at stop position L due to the reaction force caused by the reversal of the movement direction.

In this way, by reducing the amount of movement in the case of a miss compared to when a reach symbol or chance symbol is displayed, it is possible to immediately understand that this is not a symbol presentation with a high degree of expectation.

In this case, either (1) a pattern in which a stopping sound is output before the effect pattern 43 returns to the stopping position L, or (2) a pattern in which a stopping sound is output when the effect pattern 43 stops at the stopping position L is selected according to the game status, etc.

When the stop sound is set as in (1) above, the sense of immersion can be improved by giving the effect pattern 43 a sense of physical mass. When the stop sound is set as in (2) above, the iconic aspect of the effect pattern 43 can be emphasized, leaving the impression that the variable display has ended. Furthermore, by outputting the stop sound in either pattern, it is possible to greatly vary the impression given to the player, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

Specifically, as shown in Figures 32(a) and 32(b), for example, when the internal lottery results in a loss in the normal state, if the left performance pattern 43L passes the stop position L, the performance control CPU 126 can output a stop sound after the left performance pattern 43L passes the stop position L and before the left performance pattern 43L stops at the stop position L. Also, the left performance pattern 43L stops at the stop position L before the output of the stop sound ends. This eliminates the unnaturalness of a variable display continuing even after the output of the stop sound ends.

At this time, a stop sound is output when the left performance pattern 43L passes the stop position L and returns to the stop position L (specifically, when the movement direction of the performance pattern 43 is reversed due to the bound display). In addition, the output of the stop sound ends before the pattern stops at the stop position L.

Next, as shown in Figures 33(c) and 33(d), for example, when the right performance pattern 43R passes the stopping position L, the performance control CPU 126 can output a stopping sound after the right performance pattern 43R passes the stopping position L and before the right performance pattern 43R stops at the stopping position L.

At this time, a stop sound is output when the right performance pattern 43R passes the stop position L and returns to the stop position L (specifically, when the movement direction of the performance pattern 43 is reversed due to the bound display). Also, the right performance pattern 43R stops at the stop position L before the output of the stop sound ends. This eliminates the unnaturalness of a changing display continuing even after the output of the stop sound ends.

Also, as shown in Figures 34(a) and 34(b), for example, in the time-saving state, when the left performance pattern 43L passes the stop position L, the performance control CPU 126 can output a stop sound after the left performance pattern 43L passes the stop position L and when the left performance pattern 43L stops at the stop position L.

Next, as shown in Figures 35(c) and 35(d), for example, when the right performance pattern 43R passes the stop position L, the performance control CPU 126 can output a stop sound after the right performance pattern 43R passes the stop position L and when the right performance pattern 43R stops at the stop position L.

The performance control CPU 126 can vary the timing of outputting the stop sound depending on the game state. For example, the performance control CPU 126 is configured so that in the normal state, the performance pattern 43 stops at the stop position L after passing the stop position L, and outputs the stop sound after passing the stop position L and before stopping at the stop position L.

On the other hand, in the time-saving state, the effect pattern 43 is configured to stop at the stop position L without passing the stop position L, and a stop sound is output when the effect pattern 43 stops at the stop position L. This makes it easier to understand that the game state has changed, improving gameplay.

The presentation control CPU 126 also varies the output timing of the stop sound depending on the fluctuation time of the presentation pattern 43. For example, in the case of a long fluctuation, the presentation pattern 43 is configured to stop at the stop position L after passing the stop position L, and the stop sound is output after passing the stop position L and before stopping at the stop position L. In the case of a short fluctuation, the presentation pattern 43 is configured to stop at the stop position L without passing the stop position L, and the stop sound is output when it stops at the stop position L. In this way, by aligning the fluctuation time with the output timing of the stop sound, it is possible to make the game unfold naturally, improving playability.

The presentation control CPU 126 can also output a common stop sound even if the output timing of the stop sound is different. For example, the presentation control CPU 126 can output a common stop sound while differentiating the output timing of the stop sound in the normal state and the time-saving state. This allows the player to have fun guessing whether the game state has changed, improving gameplay.

The presentation control CPU 126 can also output different stop sounds depending on the output timing of the stop sound. For example, the presentation control CPU 126 can output different stop sounds depending on the output timing of the stop sound, by making the output timing of the stop sound different between the normal state and the time-saving state. This makes it easier to understand that the game state has changed, improving gameplay.

It is also possible to configure the performance pattern 43 not to stop at the stop position L after passing through it and not to output a stop sound during the display of a specific change pattern (such as a highly anticipated special reach) or during the display of a full-screen performance image. In this case, a performance pattern (non-bound pattern) that does not stop at the stop position L after passing through it and a performance pattern (non-stop sound pattern) that does not output a stop sound may be provided, and the non-bound pattern may be used alone for the change display, or the non-bound pattern and the non-stop sound pattern may be combined for use in the change display.

Note that in this embodiment, no example is given of the middle performance pattern 43C stopping at the stop position L after passing the stop position L, but the middle performance pattern 43C may also be made to stop at the stop position L after passing the stop position L, and a stop sound may be output before or when it stops at the stop position L, as described above.

[Examples of timer effects]
Next, a specific example of executing the timer effect will be described with reference to Figures 36 to 37. Note that detailed description of the same parts as those described with reference to Figures 27 to 30 will be omitted.

Figures 36 and 37 are sequential diagrams showing examples of presentation images corresponding to the changing and stopping display of special symbols.

As shown in Figures 36(a) and 36(b), for example, in synchronization with the start of the change in the first special symbol, the three symbol rows scroll and change on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, thereby starting the change display performance.

As shown in FIG. 36(c), for example, the words "TIMER ACTIVATED!" 55 are displayed in the center of the screen to inform the player that the timer effect is about to begin. In addition, a first timer display 56a is displayed at the top of the screen, and a second timer display 56b is displayed at the top of the screen.

The time updated and displayed by the timer performance of the first timer display 56a and the time updated and displayed by the timer performance of the second timer display 56b are displayed in a common display format. For example, both have the same number design and the same number of decimal points. Therefore, by having a commonality between the timer performance of the first timer display 56a and the timer performance of the second timer display 56b while still executing them, the content of the game can be easily understood, thereby improving playability.

The first timer display 56a is set to an initial value of 14 seconds ("14:00" in the figure), and the second timer display 56b is set to an initial value of 5 seconds ("5:00" in the figure). In this example, because the timer is displayed counting down, the time until the timer performance by the first timer display 56a reaches 0 seconds is longer than the time until the timer performance by the second timer display 56b reaches 0 seconds. In this example, when both the time of the first timer display 56a and the time of the second timer display 56b reach 0 seconds, the expectation of a big win or small win is higher than when both the time of the first timer display 56a and the time of the second timer display 56b do not reach 0 seconds.

As shown in FIG. 37(d), the time of the first timer display 56a and the time of the second timer display 56b are updated (in this example, subtraction display). In this way, the timer performance by the first timer display 56a and the timer performance by the second timer display 56b can be executed at the same time, and the start timing of the update display of the time in the timer performance by the first timer display 56a and the start timing of the update display of the time in the timer performance by the second timer display 56b are the same.

As shown in FIG. 37(e), the time update period in the timer presentation of the first timer display 56a is shorter than the time update period in the timer presentation of the second timer display 56b.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 39, the first timer display 56a updates every second per frame, whereas the second timer display 56b updates every second per two frames. Also, for example, after a certain amount of time (about half the fluctuation time) has passed, the left performance symbol 43L temporarily stops in sync with the first special symbol.

As shown in FIG. 38(f), following the left effect symbol 43L, the right effect symbol 43R temporarily stops in synchronization with the first special symbol. In the example shown, this indicates that a reach state has been reached.

As shown in FIG. 38(g), the last middle performance symbol 43C temporarily stops in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol. At this time, the time update display of the first timer display 56a and the time update display of the second timer display 56b finishes before the middle performance symbol 43C stops. For example, the time of the first timer display 56a and the time of the second timer display 56b both become 0 seconds.

The timing at which the update display of the first timer display 56a ends and the timing at which the update display of the second timer display 56b ends may be the same, or one of them may be slower than the other.

As shown in FIG. 38(h), the left performance pattern 43L, the middle performance pattern 43C, and the right performance pattern 43R temporarily stop at the same size. If the result of this internal lottery is a jackpot win and the first special pattern is stopped and displayed in a winning (jackpot) manner, the performance patterns are also stopped and displayed in a winning (jackpot) manner. That is, in the example shown, after the performance pattern representing the number "8" temporarily stops in the middle position of the screen, the left performance pattern 43L, the middle performance pattern 43C, and the right performance pattern 43R completely stop and are displayed as confirmed performance patterns. This confirms a jackpot with the combination of "8"-"8"-"8".

As described above, the speed of the update display of the first timer display 56a allows the player to enjoy the dynamism of the presentation, while the slow update display of the second timer display 56b allows the player to enjoy the content of the presentation at their leisure, improving gameplay.

The above example is for when a win occurs, but when a loss occurs (non-win), after a reach effect is executed during the variable display effect, the effect symbols are displayed in a loss state (for example, a state in which different numbers line up, such as "8"-"7"-"8") in the stop display effect. At this time, the stop display state of the effect symbols is basically selected to correspond to the winning pattern (the stop display state of the first special pattern display device 34 or the second special pattern display device 35) selected internally by the main control CPU 72. Also, when a small win occurs (win), the effect symbols are displayed in a small win state (for example, a state that suggests a small win according to a certain rule, such as "1"-"3"-"5") in the stop display effect.

In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the timer display counts down from 14 seconds and 5 seconds, but the initial value may be a number of seconds different from that in this embodiment. Also, the notification is not limited to a countdown notification, and may be a notification that suggests that a bonus will be awarded when the counted-up time reaches a specified time.

The bonus is not limited to a big win or a small win, but may be a bonus of a different type from the bonuses mentioned in this embodiment, such as a time-saving state, a special state, or a small win rush.

[Effects of this embodiment]
(a1) In a gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 1) capable of suggesting the display result of a variable display of identification information (in this example, a special symbol),
A loan operation means (in this example, a ball loan button 10) for performing an operation to receive a loan of a gaming medium (in this example, a gaming ball);
and vibration means (in this example, a vibration motor 14a) capable of vibrating at least the lending operation means;
When the display result of the variable display of the identification information is suggested (in this example, when a reach state occurs in the performance pattern 43), the lending operation means vibrates due to vibration caused by the vibration means (in this example, Figures 13 (d) and 14).
Therefore, since the specific image can be seen even if it is displayed in the edge area overlapping with the game board, it is not necessary to display the specific image in an area other than the edge area, and the display area of the image other than the specific image can be increased. Therefore, the visibility of the image other than the specific image can be improved, and the gameability can be improved.

(a2) When the lending operation means is operated while the lending operation means is vibrating due to vibration caused by the vibration means, the vibration of the lending operation means is amplified (in this example, FIG. 14).
Therefore, when the display result of the variable display is likely to be an advantageous display result for obtaining game media, it is possible to prevent the player from accepting the loan of game media in advance, thereby improving convenience when playing the game.

(a3) Variable display of performance identification information (in this example, performance pattern 43) corresponding to the variable display of the identification information (in this example, Figures 4, 12 to 14),
It is possible to perform variable display of the reduced identification information (in this example, mini pattern 44c) in a form that corresponds to the variable display of the identification information and is smaller than the performance identification information (in this example, Figures 4, 12 to 14),
During the variable display of the reduced identification information, the display result of the variable display of the performance identification information can suggest the variable display of the identification information (in this example, FIG. 13(d) ).
When the display result of the variable display of the performance identification information suggests the variable display of the identification information, the vibration means vibrates the lending operation means (in this example, FIG. 13(d) and FIG. 14).
Therefore, when the display result of the variable display is likely to be an advantageous display result for obtaining game media, it is possible to prevent the player from accepting the loan of game media in advance, thereby improving convenience when playing the game.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the ball loan button 10, the return button 12, the volume control button 13a, the light control button 13b, and the effect button 45 vibrate when the vibration motor 14a vibrates, but it is also possible to vibrate a button different from the above embodiment, such as a ball removal button that ejects game balls from the lower tray 6c when the lower tray 6c is full of game balls.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the ball lending button 10, the return button 12, the volume adjustment button 13a, the light adjustment button 13b, and the effect button 45 vibrate when the vibration motor 14a vibrates. However, the number of vibration motors provided may be different from that of the above embodiment, for example, a motor that vibrates the ball lending button 10, a motor that vibrates the effect button 45, and a motor that vibrates the return button 12, the volume adjustment button 13a, and the light adjustment button 13b may be provided, or a motor that vibrates the ball lending button 10, the return button 12, the volume adjustment button 13a, and the light adjustment button 13b, and a motor that vibrates the effect button 45 may be provided.

(b1) In addition, in a gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 1) equipped with a transparent gaming board (in this example, a gaming board 9) and an image display device capable of displaying images (in this example, a liquid crystal display 42),
The game board is disposed in front of the image display device (see FIG. 5 in this example),
The image display area of the image display device can be viewed through an opening formed in the game board (in this example, FIGS. 3 and 4).
When the game board is viewed from the front, a part of the game board overlaps with an end area of the image display area (in this example, FIG. 4 ).
The image display device is capable of displaying specific images (in this example, hold display M1, hold display M, second hold memory number display 44b, mini pattern 44c, and change count display 51) in the end area overlapping with the game board (in this example, Figure 4).
Since the specific image can be seen even when it is displayed in the edge area overlapping the game board, it is not necessary to display the specific image in areas other than the edge area, and the display area of images other than the specific image can be increased. Therefore, the visibility of images other than the specific image can be improved, and convenience when playing the game can be improved.

(b2) a reserved storage means (in this example, a RAM 76) capable of storing information regarding the variable display of the identification information as reserved storage;
The image display means is capable of displaying a hold display (in this example, hold displays M1, M2) corresponding to the hold memory as the specific image (in this example, FIG. 4).
This can improve the visibility of images other than the hold display, which attracts less attention, and can improve gameplay.

(b3) the image display means
It is possible to perform variable display of the performance identification information (in this example, the performance pattern 43) corresponding to the variable display of the identification information (in this example, FIG. 4),
It is possible to display reduced identification information (in this example, mini-pattern 44c) in a form that is smaller than the performance identification information as the specific image (in this example, FIG. 4).
Therefore, since the reduced identification information is a display associated with the presentation identification information, even if the reduced identification information is displayed in the edge area, it is possible to prevent the progress of the game from being hindered. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the visibility of the presentation identification information by widening the display area, thereby improving gameplay.

(b4) the image display means
A first image (in this example, a change display 51a of the change count display 51) whose display mode changes upon a predetermined opportunity (in this example, when a change display of a special pattern is performed);
A second image (in this example, a non-changing display 51b of the variation count display 51) whose display mode does not change upon a predetermined opportunity (in this example, when a variation display of a special pattern is performed) can be displayed.
The second image can be displayed as the specific image.
Thus, while the second image can be viewed even as the game progresses, the first image changes as the game progresses, so playability can be improved by widening the display area of the first image to ensure visibility of the first image.

In the above embodiment, the reserved display M1, the reserved display M, the second reserved memory count display 44b, the mini pattern 44c, and the change count display 51 are given as examples of specific images, but the specific image may be an image different from those in the above embodiment, such as the number of game balls acquired or the selected song.

In addition, when the number of acquired game balls is displayed as the currently acquired number, whose display mode changes as the game progresses, and the upper limit acquired number, whose display mode does not change as the game progresses (for example, XX (currently acquired number) / XXX (upper limit acquired number)), it is possible to superimpose the upper limit acquired number, whose display mode does not change as the game progresses, on the game board. In this way, the upper limit acquired number can be confirmed even as the game progresses, but since the currently acquired number changes as the game progresses, convenience can be improved by ensuring the visibility of the currently acquired number.

In addition, if the selected song is displayed with the currently selected song name, whose display mode changes depending on the player's selection, and a song selection method whose display mode does not change (for example, "Song A" is displayed on the top row and "Select with up and down keys" is displayed on the bottom row), it is possible to superimpose the song selection method whose display mode does not change as the game progresses on the game board. This allows the song selection method to be confirmed even when the song is changed, but since the currently selected song name changes depending on the player's selection, convenience can be improved by ensuring the visibility of the currently selected song name.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the surface of the game board 9 is superimposed with a specific image, but it is also possible to configure the game board so that parts other than the surface of the game board, such as transparent props or transparent ball passages that the game board has, are superimposed with the specific image.

(c1) In addition, in a gaming machine capable of executing a performance (in this example, a pachinko machine 1),
The performance includes a first performance (in this example, a timer performance by the first timer display 56a) and a second performance (in this example, a timer performance by the second timer display 56b),
The first and second effects are effects that update and display numerical information, and also suggest that a special benefit (in this example, a jackpot) will be awarded when the updated and displayed numerical information reaches a predetermined value (in this example, 0 seconds),
The first and second performances can be executed simultaneously (see FIG. 36 to FIG. 38 for this example).
When the first performance and the second performance are executed at the same time, the timing of starting the update display of the numerical information is the same or approximately the same (in this example, FIGS. 36 to 38 ),
The time until the numerical information reaches a predetermined value in the second performance is longer than the time until the numerical information reaches a predetermined value in the first performance (in this example, FIGS. 36 to 38 and 39 ),
The update period of the numerical information in the second performance is shorter than the update period of the numerical information in the first performance (see Figures 36 to 38 and 39 for this example).
Therefore, the speed of updating the first performance allows the player to enjoy the dynamism of the performance, while the slowness of updating the second performance allows the player to enjoy the content of the performance at their leisure, thereby improving gameplay.

(c2) Furthermore, the numerical information updated and displayed by the first performance and the numerical information updated and displayed by the second performance can be displayed in a common display format (see, for this example, Figures 36 to 38).
Therefore, by having commonality between the first and second presentations while executing the first and second presentations, the content of the game becomes easier to understand, thereby improving gameplay.

(d1) In addition, in a gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 1) capable of stopping the variably displayed identification information (in this example, the performance pattern 43) at a predetermined stopping position,
A stop sound output means (in this example, the performance control CPU 126) capable of outputting a stop sound when the identification information stops,
After the identification information has passed the stop position, the identification information can be stopped at the stop position (in this example, FIGS. 32 to 35 ),
When the identification information passes the stop position, the stop sound output means is capable of outputting the stop sound after the identification information passes the stop position and before the identification information stops at the stop position (in this example, Figures 32 to 33).
Therefore, since it is possible to sense that the identification information has passed the stopping position and is stopped, it becomes easier to understand the development of the game, and the playability can be improved.

(d2) In a gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 1) capable of stopping the variably displayed identification information (in this example, the performance pattern 43) at a predetermined stopping position,
A stop sound output means (in this example, the performance control CPU 126) capable of outputting a stop sound when the identification information stops,
After the identification information has passed the stop position, the identification information can be stopped at the stop position (in this example, FIGS. 32 to 35 ),
When the identification information passes the stop position, the stop sound output means is capable of outputting the stop sound after the identification information passes the stop position and when the identification information stops at the stop position (in this example, Figures 34 to 35).
Therefore, since it is possible to sense that the identification information has passed the stopping position and is stopped, it becomes easier to understand the development of the game, and the playability can be improved.

(d3) The stop sound output means varies the output timing of the stop sound depending on the game state (in this example, Figs. 32 to 35).
This makes it easier to understand when the game state has changed, improving gameplay.

(d4) The stop sound output means varies the output timing of the stop sound according to the variable display time of the identification information (in this example, Figs. 32 to 35).
Therefore, by matching the variable display time with the output timing of the stop sound, it is possible to make the game unfold naturally, and the gameplay can be improved.

(d5) The stop sound output means is capable of outputting a common stop sound even when the output timings of the stop sounds are different (in this example, FIGS. 32 to 35).
This makes it possible to provide the player with the enjoyment of guessing whether the game state has changed, thereby improving gameplay.

(d6) The stop sound output means is capable of outputting different stop sounds when the output timings of the stop sounds are different (in this example, FIGS. 32 to 35).
This makes it easier to understand when the game state has changed, improving gameplay.

(d7) The identification information stops at the stop position before the output of the stop sound ends (in this example, FIGS. 32 to 33).
This eliminates the unnaturalness of the variable display continuing even after the output of the stop sound has ended, thereby improving gameplay.

(d8) When a variable display is performed using a specific variable display pattern or when a specific performance image is displayed, the identification information is not stopped at the stopping position after passing the stopping position, and the stopping sound is not output.
This makes it possible to create a sense of expectation that a variable display will be performed using a specific variable display pattern or that a specific performance image will be displayed.

(e1) In addition, in a gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 1) capable of displaying a plurality of identification information (in this example, a performance pattern 43L, a performance pattern 43C, and a performance pattern 43R),
The plurality of identification information includes a first identification information (in this example, the performance pattern 43C) and a second identification information (in this example, the performance pattern 43L, the performance pattern 43R) displayed at a position different from the first identification information,
The first identification information and the second identification information can be displayed such that the display direction of the first identification information changes while the display direction of the second identification information does not change.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first identification information from being confused with the second identification information, thereby improving the playability.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which an enlarged performance pattern 43C is displayed between a reduced performance pattern 43L and a reduced performance pattern 43R, but it is possible to display the first identification information and the second identification information in a manner different from the above embodiment.

For example, it is possible to enlarge and change the display direction of performance pattern 43C, while displaying performance pattern 43L, performance pattern 43C, and performance pattern 43R in a reduced form without changing the display direction.

In addition, it is possible to display performance patterns 43L, 43C, and 43R in the same size while changing the display direction of performance pattern 43C and keeping the display directions of performance patterns 43L and 43R unchanged.

(e2) In a gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 1) capable of variably displaying identification information using a plurality of identification information strings,
It is possible to display the identification information of the multiple identification information columns such that the display direction of the first identification information (in this example, performance pattern 43C) changes in at least one first identification information column among the multiple identification information columns (in this example, the left, center, and right performance pattern columns), and that the display direction of the second identification information (in this example, performance pattern 43L, performance pattern 43R) does not change in a second identification information column different from the first identification information column (in this example, Figure 29).
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first identification information from being confused with the second identification information, thereby improving the playability.

(e3) The first identification information and the second identification information can be operated on different trajectories (in this example, FIG. 29 );
The first identification information is displayed by a non-periodic operation (in this example, FIG. 29),
The second identification information is displayed by a periodic operation (in this example, FIG. 29).
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first identification information from being confused with the second identification information, thereby improving the playability.

(e4) In a specific advantageous situation, a specific performance image (in this example, an effect image) having a higher display priority than the first identification information and a lower display priority than the second identification information can be displayed (in this example, Figure 30 (j)).
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first identification information from being confused with the second identification information, thereby improving the playability.

(e5) The first identification information and the second identification information can be displayed in a superimposed manner (in this example, FIG. 29(i)),
When the first identification information and the second identification information are displayed superimposed on each other, the first identification information and the second identification information perform different operations, and the amount of operation of the second identification information is smaller than the amount of operation of the first identification information (in this example, FIG. 29 (i)).
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first identification information from being confused with the second identification information, thereby improving the playability.

(e6) The first identification information and the second identification information operate on different trajectories (in this example, FIGS. 29(g) to 29(i)),
After it is suggested whether the display result of the variable display of the plurality of identification information will be a specific display result, the first identification information and the second identification information move on a common trajectory (in this example, FIG. 30(k)).
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first identification information from being confused with the second identification information, thereby improving the playability.

(f1) In the above embodiment, in a gaming machine (in this example, pachinko machine 1) equipped with game control means (in this example, main control CPU 72) capable of controlling a game, presentation control means (in this example, presentation control CPU 126) capable of controlling presentation based on information from the game control means, first display means (in this example, the normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a, and game status display device 38 on the integrated display board 90) capable of displaying information related to a game based on information from the game control means, and second display means (in this example, liquid crystal display 42) capable of displaying information related to a game based on information from the presentation control means,
A calculation means (in this example, step S324 in FIG. 15 ) for calculating the difference between the number of game media used in a game and the number of game media provided to the player;
A transition means (in this example, step S348 in FIG. 17) capable of transitioning to a game stop state based on the calculation result of the calculation means,
The game control means pauses the display by the first display means when the game is stopped (in this example, step S349 in FIG. 17 ),
When the game state is transitioned to the game stop state, the presentation control means displays on the second display means a message indicating that the game state has been transitioned to the game stop state (in this example, steps S376 and S378 in Figure 20, Figures 21(c) and 21(d)).
Therefore, it is possible to recognize that the display state of the first display means and the second display means has transitioned to a game stop state, thereby improving convenience.

(f2) Equipped with a presentation control means (in this example, presentation control CPU 126) capable of controlling the presentation based on control information transmitted from the game control means, the presentation control means is capable of executing a notice presentation (in this example, a first presentation) that notifies the player of the transition to the game stop state (in this example, step S366 in Figure 20 and Figure 21 (a)).
Therefore, the advance notice can be used to inform the player that the game will be stopped beforehand, thereby improving convenience.

(f3) A presentation control means is provided that is capable of controlling the presentation based on control information transmitted from the game control means, and the presentation control means is capable of executing a game stop presentation that can identify that the game has entered the game stop state (in this example, steps S376 and S378 in Figure 20, Figures 21(c) and 21(d)).
Therefore, the transition to a game stop state can be recognized by the game stop presentation, thereby improving convenience.

(f4) Equipped with an error display means (performance display monitor 95) for displaying an error when a transition is made to a game stop state.
Therefore, the error display allows the arcade staff to recognize that play has been stopped, improving convenience.

In the above embodiment, the calculation difference balls is set to "100,000 (100,000 balls)" and an example is given in which the game is stopped when the difference balls reaches 195,000 or more. However, the calculation method of the difference balls may be different from that of the above embodiment, such as switching to the game stop state when the difference balls (maximum difference balls) between the time when the difference balls was the smallest after the power was turned on and the time when the difference balls increased to the maximum reaches 95,000 or more.

In this embodiment, an example of applying the present invention to a pachinko machine has been described, but the present invention may also be applied to a slot machine in which the bet amount is set using medals and credits as gaming media (in other words, gaming value). When applied to a slot machine, it is possible to pause the display related to the game according to the difference between the number of medals or credits used in the game and the number of medals paid out or the number of credits added.

In this embodiment, a pachinko machine 1 is used as an example in which loaned game balls are stored in the upper tray 6b and the game balls stored in the upper tray 6b are fired to play the game, but the present invention may also be applied to a managed game machine.

A managed gaming machine is, for example, an enclosed gaming machine that includes a managed gaming machine game board and a managed gaming machine frame, and circulates a certain number of gaming balls within the machine alone, eliminating the need for gaming balls to be used in the game or for directly paying out gaming balls to the player. A managed gaming machine can be played by connecting to a dedicated unit (IC card unit) that is dedicated to managed gaming machines. For example, the managed gaming machine frame manages the number of shot balls and the number of foul balls, and transmits information on the number of winning balls from the main control CPU 72 to the managed gaming machine frame, which calculates the difference in balls based on the number of winning balls, the number of shot balls, and the number of foul balls.

Another example of a managed gaming machine is a so-called "medalless gaming machine" that does not require medals to play. In a medalless gaming machine, the gaming value is added directly to credits (game points (game medals) that can be used in a game) in response to a lending operation, etc., and the added number of credits (number of gaming medals) is displayed on a gaming medal number display device. Then, a bet is set from the added number of credits, and a game is played. Then, for example, the difference in the number of credits is calculated based on the number of credits awarded when a win occurs and the number of credits used to set the bet.

1 Pachinko machine 9 Game board 42 Liquid crystal display

Claims (1)

A gaming machine including a transparent gaming board, an image display device capable of displaying images, a presentation control means capable of controlling the presentation of a game executed on the image display device, and a lending operation means for performing an operation for receiving a loan of a gaming medium,
The performance includes a first performance and a second performance,
The first effect and the second effect are effects for updating and displaying numerical information, and are effects suggesting that a special benefit will be awarded when the updated and displayed numerical information reaches a predetermined value,
The first performance and the second performance can be executed at the same time,
When the first performance and the second performance are executed at the same time, the timing of starting the update display of the numerical information is the same or substantially the same;
The time until the numerical information reaches a predetermined value in the first performance is longer than the time until the numerical information reaches a predetermined value in the second performance,
The update period of the numerical information in the first performance is shorter than the update period of the numerical information in the second performance,
After the numerical information becomes a predetermined value in the second performance, the state in which the numerical information becomes the predetermined value in the second performance is continuously displayed until the numerical information becomes the predetermined value in the first performance;
suggesting the award of a special benefit when the numerical information in the first performance reaches a predetermined value while the state in the second performance is being continuously displayed;
a second time from when the numerical information becomes a predetermined value in the second performance until when the numerical information becomes a predetermined value in the first performance is shorter than a first time from when the numerical information becomes a predetermined value in the second performance until when the numerical information becomes a predetermined value in the first performance;
The game board is disposed in front of the image display device,
The image display area of the image display device is visible through an opening formed in the game board,
When the game board is viewed from the front, a part of the game board overlaps with an end area of the image display area,
The image display device is capable of displaying a specific image in the end area overlapping with the game board,
The presentation control means is capable of executing a notice presentation for notifying a player of a transition to a game stop state, and then executing a display indicating that the player is in the game stop state.