JP7699775B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine that executes a game based on the fulfillment of a predetermined condition, and creates an advantageous state for the player when the game results in a special outcome.

Conventionally, gaming machines are known that have multiple stages for creating gameplay and allow players to move between stages by satisfying certain conditions (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2019-42605 A

However, simply changing the stage does not sufficiently increase the interest of the game. The object of the present invention is to increase the interest of the game.

In order to solve the above problems, a gaming machine is provided that executes a game based on the establishment of a predetermined condition as described below, and generates an advantageous state for the player when the game results in a special result. The gaming machine is equipped with a presentation control means for controlling presentations related to the game so that they can be displayed on the display means. The display means includes a start memory number display unit that displays the number of times that a predetermined condition is established using a number image, a standby memory display unit that displays the number of times that the predetermined condition is established using an image image, a first decorative game display unit that displays identification information as the game, and a second decorative game display unit that displays identification information smaller than the identification information of the first decorative game display unit as the game. The presentation control means is capable of executing a suggestive presentation accompanied by the display of a specific image to suggest whether or not to transition from a first presentation mode in which a first image is displayed on the display means to a second presentation mode in which a second image is displayed on the display means without displaying the first image, and in the suggestive presentation, a number image, an image of the identification information of the first decorative game display unit, and an image of the identification information of the second decorative game display unit are displayed superimposed on the first image, while a suggestive image in which the second image is displayed in a suggestive image display area separated by a boundary image that is the boundary between the first image and the suggestive image display area is displayed, while the image image and the image of the identification information of the first decorative game display unit are superimposed on the front side, to an area overlapping the standby memory display unit and the first decorative game display unit, thereby making it possible to transition to the second presentation mode, and the manner in which the display of the specific image ends is different between a case in which the presentation mode is not transitioned to and a case in which the presentation mode is transitioned to.

The present invention can increase the enjoyment of games.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an oblique view of a gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from the front side; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system of a gaming machine. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system of a gaming machine. A figure showing an example of the distribution rate of the results of the special chart change display game, the distribution rate of the jackpot pattern, the number of games to reach the ceiling, and the conditions for ending a specific game state. A diagram explaining the operating mode when a small hit occurs. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a normal map variation display game. 13 is a diagram for explaining the transition of the game state. FIG. A diagram explaining how to handle overlapping time-saving events and the display on the collective display device. 13 is a diagram explaining information to be output to the outside of the gaming machine. FIG. 13 is a diagram explaining information to be output to the outside of the gaming machine. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a main process. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a main process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart explaining special chart game processing. 13 is a flowchart explaining the common processing of the special chart start port switch. 13 is a flowchart explaining the special chart reservation information determination process. 13 is a flowchart explaining special chart normal processing. This is a flowchart explaining the special chart 1 change start processing and the special chart 2 change start processing. 13 is a flowchart explaining the special chart 1 stop pattern setting process. 13 is a flowchart explaining the special chart 2 stop pattern setting process. 13 is a flowchart explaining processing during special chart change. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a time-saving end setting process. 13 is a flowchart explaining processing during special chart display. 13 is a flowchart explaining processing during special chart display. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a fanfare/interval processing transition setting process 1. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a support operation setting process. This is a flowchart explaining the jackpot end processing. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a specific area switch monitoring process. 13 is a flowchart explaining the processing of remaining balls in a small hit. This is a flowchart explaining the small hit end processing. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the main processing of the performance control device. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a received command check process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a received command analysis process. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a presentation. 11 is a time chart showing the display of a specific image and the timing of a transition in a presentation mode. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a presentation. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a presentation. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a presentation. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a presentation. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a presentation. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a presentation. 11 is a time chart showing the display of a specific image and the timing of a transition in a presentation mode.

First Embodiment
FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment.
1 and 2, a gaming machine 10 of this embodiment has a front frame 12, which is attached to an outer frame (support frame) 11 so as to be pivotable to be opened and closed. A gaming board 30 (see FIG. 3) is stored in a storage section (not shown) formed on the front side of the front frame 12. In addition, a glass frame (transparent plate holding frame) 15 equipped with a cover glass (transparent member) 14 that covers the front surface of the gaming board 30 is attached to the front frame (main body frame) 12.

The glass frame 15 is provided with a display board 350 that covers the front of the game board 30 at a position behind the cover glass 14. The display board 350 allows the game board 30 to be seen through and is capable of displaying a predetermined display. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the display board 350 is configured with a light guide plate that makes an image appear by introducing light from the side edge, but it may also be configured with a transparent liquid crystal display device or an EL display device.
When the display board 350 is not provided with a predetermined display, it is transparent and does not impede visibility of the game board 30 behind. When the display board 350 is provided with a predetermined display, the visibility of the game board 30 behind is reduced in the area of the predetermined display. In this state, the game board 30 behind may be visible through the predetermined display, or the game board 30 behind may be invisible due to the predetermined display.

At the top of the glass frame 15, a model name display section 16 for displaying the model name, etc. of the gaming machine 10 is provided.
In addition, on the left and right sides of the glass frame 15, there are provided frame decoration devices 18 that incorporate lamps and LEDs, etc., for decoration and presentation, and to emit light for the purpose of announcing abnormalities (for example, when a payout abnormality occurs, the lamps and LEDs are turned on (blinked) in an abnormality notification color (for example, red)), and a speaker (upper speaker) 19a that emits sound (for example, sound effects). Furthermore, a speaker (lower speaker) 19b is provided at the bottom of the front frame 12 and the glass frame 15. In addition, when an abnormality occurs, the speaker (upper speaker) 19a and the speaker (lower speaker) 19b will notify the user of the abnormality by voice. A lamp for announcing abnormalities in payout may be provided at a predetermined position of the glass frame 15.

In addition, the lower part of the glass frame 15 is provided with an upper tray (storage tray) 21 that supplies game balls to a ball launching device (not shown), and an upper tray ball outlet 22 through which game balls dispensed from a payout unit provided on the back side of the gaming machine 10 flow out. Furthermore, an effect button 25 that incorporates an effect button switch 25a (see FIG. 5) for receiving a pressing operation input from the player is provided on the upper edge of the upper tray 21. The effect button 25 also incorporates a drive source that vibrates the effect button 25. In other words, the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a vibration function that vibrates the effect button 25 to provide a predetermined notification. The effect button 25 may be configured to be convertible from a normal state (the state shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2) to a protruding state (a state in which the upper surface (pressing surface) of the effect button 25 is higher than in the normal state).

At the bottom of the front frame 12, there is a lower tray (receiving tray) 23 for storing game balls dispensed when the upper tray 21 is full, a handle 24 for the ball launching device, etc. In addition, at the bottom right of the front frame 12, there is a keyhole 26 for inserting a key to open or lock the front frame 12 and glass frame 15.

To the right of the effect button 25 are provided a loan button (ball loan button) 27a operated by the player when borrowing balls from an adjacent ball loan machine, a return button (eject button) 27b operated to eject a prepaid card from the card unit of the ball loan machine, a balance indicator (balance display section) 27c that displays the balance of the prepaid card, an upper tray operation lever 27d operated to cause game balls in the upper tray 21 to flow down to the lower tray 23, a mobile terminal placement section 28 for placing a mobile terminal such as a smartphone owned by the player, etc. To the left of the effect button 25 are provided a volume adjustment button 27e, a cross key 29, etc.
In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, when the player rotates the handle 24, the ball launching device launches the gaming balls supplied from the upper tray 21 toward the gaming area 32 on the front side of the gaming board 30. In addition, when the player operates the performance button 25 or the cross key 29, a performance in which the player's operation is involved can be performed in the variable display game (decorative special chart variable display game) on the display device 41 (see FIG. 3).

Next, an example of the game board 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a front view of the game board 30 of this embodiment.
As shown in Fig. 3, the game board 30 has a flat game board body that serves as a mounting base for various components. The game board body is made of wood or synthetic resin, and a game area 32 surrounded by resin side cases 33 and an outer wall (guide rail) 31, which are provided at each of the four corners of the game board 30, is provided on the front side of the game board body. The game machine 10 is configured to play a game by launching game balls from a ball launching device into the game area 32 surrounded by the outer wall 31. In the game area 32, windmills, obstacle nails, and the like are arranged as members for changing the flow direction of the game balls, and the launched game balls flow down the game area 32 while changing their rolling direction due to these members.

A center case 40 is attached in the approximate center of the play area 32, forming a window that serves as the display area for the variable display game. Behind the window formed in the center case 40, a display device 41 is disposed as a performance display device (variable display device) that variably displays multiple pieces of identification information.

The display device 41 (variable display device) is composed of a device having a display screen such as an LCD (liquid crystal display) or CRT (cathode ray tube). In the area (display area) where images can be displayed on the display screen, still images and videos can be displayed as presentation images, and information related to the game such as multiple identification information (special symbols), characters that present the special symbol variable display game, and background images that enhance the presentation effect is displayed. On the display screen of the display device 41, multiple special symbols assigned as identification information are displayed in a variable manner (variable display), and a decorative special symbol variable display game corresponding to the special symbol variable display game is played. In addition, the display screen displays images for presentation based on the progress of the game (for example, a jackpot display image, a fanfare display image, an ending display image, etc.).

The center case 40 is provided with a warp flow path forming member 614 that forms a warp flow path for guiding game balls flowing down the game area 32 to the inside of the center case 40, and a stage section 620 on which game balls that have passed through the warp flow path can roll. Since the stage section 620 of the center case 40 is disposed above the start winning opening 36, game balls that roll on the stage section 620 can easily enter the start winning opening 36.
Further, board effect devices 44 that perform game effects by operating are provided on the upper and lower parts of the center case 40. A lower effect device 44a provided on the lower part of the center case 40 is operable between a position at the lower part of the center case 40 and a position closer to the center of the display device 41 than the lower part of the center case 40.
The upper performance device 44b provided on the upper part of the center case 40 is operable between a position at the top of the center case 40 and a position closer to the center of the display device 41 than the upper position. The upper performance device 44b also has a rotating operating member 44c that resembles a propeller, and performances can also be created by the operation of the operating member 44c.
In other words, the lower performance device 44a forms a first movable part having a first movable member that can be operated, and the upper performance device 44b forms a second movable part having a second movable member that can be operated.

A normal symbol start gate (normal symbol start gate) 34 is provided in the game area 32 to the right and below the center case 40. Inside the normal symbol start gate 34, a gate switch 34a (see FIG. 4) is provided for detecting a game ball that has passed through the normal symbol start gate 34. When a game ball shot into the game area 32 passes through the normal symbol start gate 34, a normal symbol variation display game is executed.

Three general winning openings 35 are arranged in the game area 32 on the lower left of the center case 40, and one general winning opening 35 is arranged in the game area 32 on the right side of the center case 40. The entry of game balls into these general winning openings 35 is detected by a winning opening switch 35a (see Figure 4) provided on the general winning opening 35.

In the game area 32 below the center case 40, a start winning hole 36 (first start winning area) is provided, which provides the starting conditions for the special chart 1 variable display game (first special chart variable display game). A game ball that enters the start winning hole 36 is detected by the start winning hole 1 switch 36a (see Figure 4).

A normal variable winning device 37 (second start winning area) that provides the start condition for the special chart 2 variable display game (second special chart variable display game) is provided on the right side of the center case 40. The game ball that wins the normal variable winning device 37 is detected by the start hole 2 switch 37a (see FIG. 4).
The normal variable winning device 37 is equipped with a movable member 37b, which is normally kept in a closed state (a state disadvantageous to the player) in which game balls cannot flow in. When the result of the normal variable display game is a predetermined result, the movable member 37b is operated in an inverted V shape by a normal electric solenoid 37c (see FIG. 4) as a drive device, and the normal variable winning device 37 is changed to an open state (a state advantageous to the player) in which game balls can easily flow in.
In addition, the normal variable winning device 37 may be configured to allow a game ball to win even when the movable member 37b is in the closed state, and to make it more difficult for a game ball to win in the closed state than in the open state.

In the game area 32 at the lower right of the center case 40, a special variable prize winning device (large prize winning port) 38 is provided that can be changed between a state in which game balls are not accepted and a state in which they are accepted easily depending on the result of the special chart variable display game. The special variable prize winning device 38 has an attacca-style opening and closing door 38c that can be opened by rotating the upper end side in a direction that tilts toward the front, and when opened, changes the upper large prize winning port into a state in which game balls can flow in. The special variable prize winning device 38 changes the large prize winning port from a closed state to an open state depending on the result of the special chart variable display game, making it easier for game balls to flow into the large prize winning port, thereby granting a predetermined game value (prize balls) to the player. The game balls that have won the special variable prize winning device 38 are detected by the large prize winning port switch (count switch) 38a (see Figure 4).

Inside the large prize opening (prize area), a specific area into which game balls can flow is provided, and a lever member that operates by lever solenoid 38f (see FIG. 4) is provided to change the probability of game balls flowing into the specific area. A specific area switch 38d (see FIG. 4) that can detect the flow of game balls is provided in the specific area, and based on the detection of a game ball by the specific area switch 38d, a state that is advantageous to the player is created (in this embodiment, a special game state is created). Game balls that flow into the specific area are discharged to the outside of the special variable prize device 38.

Inside the large prize opening, there is also provided a remaining ball outlet switch 38e (see FIG. 4) that detects game balls that do not flow into the specific area and are discharged outside the special variable prize opening device 38. When the number of game balls detected by the large prize opening switch 38a inside the large prize opening (the number of game balls that flow into the large prize opening) matches the number of game balls detected by the specific area switch 38d and the remaining ball outlet switch 38e (the number of game balls that are discharged from the large prize opening), it can be confirmed that all game balls in the large prize opening have been discharged, and basically, new large prize openings are not opened until this confirmation is complete.

In the game area 32 below the starting winning hole 36, an outlet 30a is provided to collect game balls that did not win in the winning holes, etc. Also, outside the game area 32, in the lower right corner of the game board main body 80, a collective display device 50 is provided to execute the special chart change display game (special chart 1 change display game, special chart 2 change display game) and the normal chart change display game.

The collective display device 50 includes a special chart 1 display (first special chart change display unit) 51 for the special chart 1 change display game, a special chart 2 display (second special chart change display unit) 52 for the special chart 2 change display game, a special chart 1 reserve display 53 for notifying the start memory number of the special chart 1 change display game, and a special chart 2 reserve display 54 for notifying the start memory number of the special chart 2 change display game.

The collective display device 50 also includes a round display section 55 that displays the number of rounds (the number of times the special variable winning device 38 is opened and closed) at the time of a jackpot, and a game status display section 56 that displays the game status of the gaming machine 10. The game status display section 56 includes a first game status display section 56a that notifies the player of the left hand hitting (normal hitting) and the right hand hitting that are advantageous to the player (the hitting method corresponding to the game status), a second game status display section 56b that notifies the player of the time-saving state (when the variable time-saving function is activated), and a third game status display section 56c that notifies the player that the probability state of a jackpot is in a high probability state when the gaming machine 10 is turned on. In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the special chart probability is always constant, so the third game status display section 56c is not used.
Furthermore, the collective display device 50 is equipped with a general map display device 57 for the general map change display game, and a general map hold display device 58 for notifying the start memory number of the general map change display game.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the control system of the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment.
The gaming machine 10 is equipped with a gaming control device 100, which is a main control device (main board) that controls the overall game, and is composed of a CPU section 110 having a gaming microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as the gaming microcomputer) 111, an input section 120 having an input port, an output section 130 having an output port, a driver, etc., and a data bus 140 that connects the CPU section 110, the input section 120, and the output section 130.

The CPU section 110 includes an amusement microcomputer (CPU) 111, known as an amusement chip (IC), and an oscillator circuit (crystal oscillator) 113 that has an oscillator such as a crystal resonator and generates the CPU's operating clock, timer interrupts, and a clock that serves as a reference for the random number generation circuit. The game control device 100 and electronic components such as solenoids and motors driven by the game control device 100 are supplied with a DC voltage of a predetermined level, such as DC 32V, DC 12V, or DC 5V, generated by the power supply device 400, to enable them to operate.

The power supply unit 400 includes a normal power supply unit 410 having an AC-DC converter that generates a DC voltage of 32V DC from a 24V AC power supply and a DC-DC converter that generates a lower level DC voltage such as 12V DC or 5V DC from a voltage of 32V DC, a backup power supply unit 420 that supplies power supply voltage to the RAM inside the gaming microcomputer 111 in the event of a power outage, and a control signal generation unit 430 that has a power outage monitoring circuit and generates and outputs control signals such as a power outage monitoring signal and a reset signal that notify the game control device 100 of the occurrence and recovery of a power outage.

In this embodiment, the power supply unit 400 is configured separately from the game control device 100, but the backup power supply unit 420 and the control signal generating unit 430 may be configured to be provided on a separate board or integral with the game control device 100, i.e., on the main board. Since the game board 30 and the game control device 100 are subject to replacement when changing models, as in this embodiment, by providing the backup power supply unit 420 and the control signal generating unit 430 on a board separate from the power supply unit 400 or the main board, they are not subject to replacement, which reduces costs.

The backup power supply unit 420 can be composed of a single large-capacity capacitor such as an electrolytic capacitor. The backup power supply is supplied to the gaming microcomputer 111 (particularly the built-in RAM) of the gaming control device 100, so that data stored in the RAM is retained even during a power outage or after the power is cut off. In other words, the gaming control device 100 can store and retain information about the game even if a power outage occurs and the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, and can resume the game based on the stored information after the power is restored. The control signal generation unit 430 monitors, for example, the 32V voltage generated by the normal power supply unit 410, and when it drops to, for example, 17V or less, detects the occurrence of a power outage, changes the power outage monitoring signal, and outputs a reset signal after a predetermined time. In addition, when the power is turned on or when the power is restored, a reset signal is output after a predetermined time has elapsed from that point.

The gaming control device 100 is also provided with a RAM initialization switch 112. When this RAM initialization switch 112 is operated, an initialization switch signal is generated, and based on this, a process is performed to forcibly initialize the information stored in the RAM 111C in the gaming microcomputer 111 and the RAM in the payout control device 200. Although not limited to this, the initialization switch signal is read when the power is turned on, and the power outage monitoring signal is repeatedly read in the main loop of the main program executed by the gaming microcomputer 111. The reset signal is a type of forced interrupt signal, and resets the entire control system.

The gaming microcomputer 111 is equipped with a CPU (central processing unit: microprocessor) 111A, a read-only ROM (read-only memory) 111B, and a RAM (random access memory) 111C that can be read and written at any time.

ROM 111B stores unchanging information for game control (programs, fixed data, various random number judgment values, etc.) in a non-volatile manner, and RAM 111C is used as a working area for CPU 111A during game control and as a storage area for various signals and random numbers. ROM 111B or RAM 111C may be an electrically rewritable non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM.

The ROM 111B also stores a variation pattern table for determining a variation pattern (variation mode) that specifies, for example, the execution time of the special chart variation display game, the presentation content, and whether or not a reach state occurs. The variation pattern table is a table for the CPU 111A to determine a variation pattern by referring to the variation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 stored as the start memory. The variation pattern table also includes a miss variation pattern table that is selected when the result is a miss, and a jackpot variation pattern table that is selected when the result is a jackpot. Furthermore, these pattern tables include tables (such as a second half variation group table and a second half variation pattern selection table) for determining a second half variation pattern that is a variation pattern after a reach state is reached, and tables (such as a first half variation group table and a first half variation pattern selection table) for determining a first half variation pattern that is a variation pattern before a reach state is reached.

Here, the term "reach" (reach state) refers to a display state in which, in a gaming machine 10 having a display device with a variable display state, the display device derives and displays multiple display results at different times, and when the multiple display results become a predetermined special result mode, the gaming state becomes a gaming state (special gaming state) advantageous to the player. At a stage where some of the multiple display results have not yet been derived and displayed, the display result that has already been derived and displayed satisfies the conditions for becoming a special result mode. In other words, the reach state refers to a display mode that does not deviate from the display conditions for becoming a special result mode even when the variable display control of the display device progresses and reaches a stage before the display result is derived and displayed. For example, a state in which a variable display is performed using multiple variable display areas while maintaining a state in which all special result modes are aligned (so-called full rotation reach) is also included in the reach state. In addition, the reach state refers to the display state at the time when the display control of the display device progresses to a stage before the display result is derived and displayed, and at least some of the display results of the multiple variable display areas determined before the display result is derived and displayed satisfy the conditions for a special result mode.

Therefore, for example, if the decorative special chart variable display game displayed on the display device in response to the special chart variable display game displays multiple identification information for a predetermined period of time in each of the left, center, and right variable display areas on the display device, and then stops the variable display in the order of left, right, and center to display the result state, the state in which the variable display stops in the left and right variable display areas when the conditions for a special result state are met (for example, the same identification information) is the reach state. In addition to this, when the variable display of all variable display areas is temporarily stopped, the reach state is a state in which any two of the left, center, and right variable display areas meet the conditions for a special result state (for example, the same identification information, excluding the special result state), and the remaining one variable display area may be displayed from this reach state.

This reach state includes multiple reach effects, and normal reach (N reach), special 1 reach (SP1 reach), special 2 reach (SP2 reach), special 3 reach (SP3 reach), and premium reach are set as reach effects with different possibilities (different expected values) for the special result state to be derived. The expected values are set to increase in the following order: no reach < normal reach < special 1 reach < special 2 reach < special 3 reach < premium reach. This reach state is included in the variable display mode at least when the special result state is derived in the special chart variable display game (when a jackpot is reached). In other words, it may also be included in the variable display mode when it is determined that the special result state is not derived in the special chart variable display game (when a miss is reached). Therefore, a state in which a reach state has occurred is a state with a higher possibility of a jackpot being reached than when a reach state does not occur.

The CPU 111A executes the game control program in the ROM 111B, generates control signals (commands) for the payout control device 200 and the performance control device 300, generates and outputs drive signals for the solenoids and display devices, and controls the entire game machine 10. In addition, although not shown, the game microcomputer 111 is equipped with a random number generation circuit for generating a jackpot random number for determining a win in the special chart variable display game, a special chart pattern random number for determining a jackpot pattern, a variable pattern in the special chart variable display game (including the execution time of the variable display game in various reaches and no reaches), a win random number for determining a win in the normal chart variable display game, etc., and a clock generator that generates a timer interrupt signal of a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds) for the CPU 111A and a clock that provides an update timing for the random number generation circuit based on an oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the oscillation circuit 113.

In addition, in processing related to the special chart variation display game, the CPU 111A acquires one of the multiple variation pattern tables stored in the ROM 111B. Specifically, the CPU 111A selects and acquires one of the multiple variation pattern tables based on the game result of the special chart variation display game (big win, small win, or miss), the probability state of the special chart variation display game as the current game state (low probability state or high probability state), the number of start memories, etc. Here, the CPU 111A serves as a variation allocation information acquisition means that acquires one of the multiple variation pattern tables stored in the ROM 111B when executing the special chart variation display game.

The payout control device 200 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, an input interface, an output interface, etc., and drives the payout motor of the payout unit in accordance with a prize ball payout command (command or data) from the game control device 100, and performs control to pay out prize balls. The payout control device 200 also drives the payout motor of the payout unit based on a ball loan request signal from the card unit, and performs control to pay out loan balls.

The input section 120 of the gaming microcomputer 111 is connected to a board radio wave sensor 62 which detects the emission of radio waves to the gaming machine, a start port 1 switch 36a in the start winning port 36, a start port 2 switch 37a in the normal variable winning device 37, a winning port switch 35a in the general winning port 35, a large winning port switch 38a in the special variable winning device 38, a gate switch 34a in the general start gate 34, a specific area switch 38d and a remaining ball discharge port switch 38e arranged in the special variable winning device 38, and an out ball detection switch 32a which detects all game balls (safe balls and out balls) which have been fired into the game area 32 and finished playing, and is provided with an interface chip (proximity I/F) 121 which receives negative logic signals such as a high level of 11V and a low level of 7V supplied from these switches and converts them into positive logic signals of 0V-5V. The proximity I/F 121 has an input range of 7V-11V, and is configured to detect abnormal conditions such as when the lead wires of a sensor or proximity switch are improperly shorted, when a sensor or switch is removed from a connector, or when a lead wire is cut and left floating, and output an abnormality detection signal.

The output of the proximity I/F 121 is supplied to the second input port 123, the third input port 124 or the fourth input port 126 and is read into the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. Among the outputs of the proximity I/F 121, the detection signals of the start port 1 switch 36a, the start port 2 switch 37a, the winning port switch 35a, the large winning port switch 38a and the gate switch 34a are input to the second input port 123. Among the outputs of the proximity I/F 121, the detection signals of the specific area switch 38d, the remaining ball discharge port switch 38e and the out ball detection switch 32a are input to the fourth input port 126. Among the outputs of the proximity I/F 121, the detection signal of the board radio wave sensor 62 and the abnormality detection signal output when an abnormality of the sensor or switch is detected are input to the third input port 124.

The third input port 124 also receives the detection signal of a magnetic sensor 61 for detecting fraud, which is provided on the front frame 12 of the gaming machine 10, the detection signal of a vibration sensor 65 for detecting vibrations of the gaming machine 10, the detection signal of a glass frame opening detection switch 63 provided on the glass frame 15 of the gaming machine 10, and the detection signal of a main frame opening detection switch 64 provided on the front frame (main frame) 12 of the gaming machine 10.

Furthermore, a signal is input to the third input port 124 from a setting key switch 152 that detects the operation of the setting key operation unit. The setting key operation unit has a keyhole into which a setting key is inserted, and is configured so that the setting key can be turned from the first position to the second position (predetermined state) only when the corresponding setting key is inserted. The setting key switch 152 is a sensor that can detect when the key is turned to the second position, and is turned on when the key is turned to the second position and is turned off when the key is not turned to the second position.

The RAM initialization switch 112 and the setting key operation unit are operation units for selecting from a plurality of probability setting values to which a probability value for a special result in the special chart variation display game is assigned, and by operating these operation units, a probability setting value to which a probability value for a special result in the special chart variation display game is assigned can be selected, and the probability value corresponding to the selected probability setting value is used in the game. Here, six probability setting values, "Setting 1" to "Setting 6", are prepared.

When selecting a probability setting value, the setting key of the setting key operation unit is turned to the second position, and the game machine is powered on while operating (pressing) the RAM initialization switch 112 to enter a probability setting value change mode in which the probability setting value can be changed. In the probability setting value change mode, the probability setting value can be changed by operating (pressing) the RAM initialization switch 112. The selected probability setting value is displayed on the performance display device 153, which displays the calculated base value and the role ratio. Specifically, the performance display device 153 displays information on the probability setting value while operations related to the probability setting value are being performed (while in the probability setting value change mode or probability setting value confirmation mode), and displays the calculated base value and role ratio at other times.

Furthermore, by turning on the power of the gaming machine with the setting key of the setting key operation unit turned to the second position (without operating the RAM initialization switch 112), the currently selected probability setting value is displayed on the performance display device 153, but the probability setting value cannot be changed, and the game enters a probability setting value confirmation mode. The RAM initialization switch 112 and the setting key operation unit cannot be operated unless the front frame 12 is in the open state.
The performance display device 153 is a seven-segment display, and is configured to display the probability setting value as numbers from 1 to 6. Of course, the display format is not limited to this, and any display format that allows the probability setting value to be recognized may be used. Also, other types of display devices such as a liquid crystal display device may be used, and the probability setting value may be indicated by the lighting format or luminous color of one or more LEDs.

In addition, the outputs of the proximity I/F 121 to the second input port 123 and the fourth input port 126 (excluding the detection signal of the out ball detection switch 32a) are also supplied from the main board 100 to a test firing device (not shown) via the relay board 70. Furthermore, the detection signals of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a among the outputs of the proximity I/F 121 are configured to be input to the gaming microcomputer 111 in addition to the second input port 123.

As described above, the proximity I/F 121 has a signal level conversion function. To enable this level conversion function, the proximity I/F 121 is supplied with a voltage of 12 V from the power supply device 400 in addition to a voltage such as 5 V required for normal IC operation.

The data held by the second input port 123 can be read by the gaming microcontroller 111 asserting (changing to an active level) the enable signal CE2 by decoding the address assigned to the second input port 123. The same is true for the third input port 124, the fourth input port 126, and the first input port 122 described below.

The input unit 120 is also provided with a first input port 122 that takes in a frame radio wave irregular signal (a signal output based on the frame radio wave sensor provided on the front frame 12 detecting radio waves) from the payout control device 200, a payout busy signal (a signal indicating whether the payout control device 200 is in a state where it can accept commands), a payout abnormality status signal (a status signal indicating a payout abnormality), a shoot ball out switch signal (a signal indicating a shortage of game balls before payout), an overflow switch signal (a signal output when it is detected that a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the lower tray 23 (that it is full)), and a touch switch signal (a signal based on the input of a touch switch provided on the handle 24) and supplies them to the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140.

The input section 120 is also provided with a Schmitt buffer 125 for inputting signals such as a power failure monitoring signal and a reset signal from the power supply 400 to the gaming microcomputer 111, etc., and the Schmitt buffer 125 has the function of removing noise from these input signals. The power failure monitoring signal from the power supply 400 and the initialization switch signal from the RAM initialization switch 112 are first input to the first input port 122 and then taken into the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. In other words, they are treated as signals equivalent to the signals from the various switches mentioned above. This is because there is a limit to the number of terminals provided on the gaming microcomputer 111 for receiving signals from the outside.

On the other hand, the reset signal RESET from which noise has been removed by the Schmitt buffer 125 is input directly to a reset terminal provided on the gaming microcomputer 111 and is supplied to each port of the output unit 130. The reset signal RESET is also configured to be output directly to the relay board 70 without passing through the output unit 130, thereby turning off the test firing signal held in a port (not shown) of the relay board 70 for output to the test firing device. The reset signal RESET may also be configured to be output to the test firing device via the relay board 70. The reset signal RESET is not supplied to each port 122, 123, 124, 126 of the input unit 120. The data set by the gaming microcomputer 111 to each port of the output unit 130 immediately before the reset signal RESET is input must be reset to prevent malfunction of the system, but the data read by the gaming microcomputer 111 from each port of the input unit 120 immediately before the reset signal RESET is input is discarded by the gaming microcomputer 111 being reset.

The output unit 130 is provided with a Schmitt buffer 132 arranged on the communication path from the gaming microcomputer 111 to the presentation control device 300 and on the communication path from the gaming microcomputer 111 to the payout control device 200. Data is transmitted from the gaming control device 100 to the presentation control device 300 and the payout control device 200 via serial communication. Note that this is one-way communication that prevents signals from being input from the presentation control device 300 to the gaming control device 100.

In addition, the output unit 130 is configured to be able to mount a buffer 133 that is connected to the data bus 140 and outputs data informing the test firing device of a certification agency (not shown) of special symbol information for the variable display game and signals indicating the probability of winning via a relay board 70. This buffer 133 is a component that is not mounted on the game control device (main board) of a pachinko game machine as an actual machine (mass-produced product) installed in an amusement facility. Note that the detection signal of a switch that does not require processing, such as a start port switch, output from the proximity I/F 121 is supplied to the test firing device via the relay board 70 without passing through the buffer 133.

On the other hand, detection signals that cannot be supplied to the test firing device as they are, such as the magnetic sensor 61, the board radio wave sensor 62, and the vibration sensor 65, are first taken into the gaming microcomputer 111 and processed into other signals or information, and are then supplied to the test firing device from the data bus 140 via the buffer 133 and the relay board 70 as an error signal indicating that the gaming machine is in a state where it cannot be controlled. The relay board 70 is provided with a port that takes in the signal output from the buffer 133 and supplies it to the test firing device, and a connector that relays and transmits the signal line of the switch detection signal without going through the buffer. The chip enable signal CE output from the gaming microcomputer 111 is also supplied to the port on the relay board 70, and the signal of the port selected and controlled by the signal CE is supplied to the test firing device.

The output unit 130 is also provided with a second output port 134 connected to the data bus 140. The second output port 134 is a port for outputting operation data of the large prize opening solenoid (large prize opening solenoid 1) 38b that opens the special variable prize winning device 38, the lever solenoid 38f that operates the lever member in the special variable prize winning device 38, and the normal solenoid 37c that opens the normal variable prize winning device 37, as well as outputting display data of the performance display device 153 that displays the currently selected probability setting value.
The output unit 130 also has a third output port 135 for outputting on/off data for the segment line to which the anode terminal of the LED is connected depending on the content to be displayed on the collective display device 50, and a fourth output port 136 for outputting on/off data for the digit line to which the cathode terminal of the LED of the collective display device 50 is connected.

The output unit 130 is also provided with a fifth output port 137 for outputting information about the gaming machine 10, such as jackpot information, to the external information terminal board 71. The external information terminal board 71 is equipped with a photorelay, and can be connected to an external device (such as an information collection terminal or an internal management device for the gaming facility (hall computer)) installed in the gaming facility, so that information about the gaming machine 10 can be supplied to the external device. The fifth output port 137 also outputs a launch permission signal to the payout control device 200 via the Schmitt buffer 132.

In addition, the output section 130 includes a first driver (drive circuit) 138a that receives the operation data signals of the large prize opening solenoid 38b, the lever solenoid 38f, and the normal power solenoid 37c output from the second output port 134, generates and outputs a solenoid drive signal, a second driver 138b that outputs an on/off drive signal of the segment line on the current supply side of the collective display device 50 output from the third output port 135, a third driver 138c that outputs an on/off drive signal of the digit line on the current draw side of the collective display device 50 output from the fourth output port 136, a fourth driver 138d that outputs an external information signal to be supplied to an external device such as a management device from the fifth output port 137 to the external information terminal board 71, and a fifth driver 138e that receives the display data signal of the performance display device 153 output from the second output port 134, and generates and outputs a drive signal. Note that data is transmitted from the second output port 134 to the fifth driver 138e via serial communication.

The first driver 138a is supplied with a power supply voltage of DC 32 V from the power supply device 400 so as to drive a solenoid that operates at 32 V. The fifth driver 138e is supplied with a power supply voltage of DC 5 V from the power supply device 400 so as to drive a performance display device 153 that operates at 5 V.
A DC voltage of 12 V is supplied to the second driver 138 b which drives the segment lines of the collective display device 50. The third driver 138 c which drives the digit lines is for drawing current through the digit lines according to the display data, and therefore the power supply voltage may be either 12 V or 5 V.

The second driver 138b, which outputs 12 V, injects current into the anode terminal of the LED via the segment line, and the third driver 138c, which outputs a ground potential, extracts current from the cathode terminal via the segment line, so that the power supply voltage flows through the LEDs selected in sequence by the dynamic drive method, causing them to light up.
The fourth driver 138d, which outputs the external information signal to the external information terminal board 71, is supplied with DC 12V in order to give the external information signal a level of 12V.
In addition, the buffer 133, the second output port 134, the first driver 138a, etc. may be provided on the output section 130 of the game control device 100, i.e., on the relay board 70 side rather than on the main board.

The output unit 130 is further provided with a photocoupler 139 for transmitting information such as the identification code and programs of each gaming machine to an external inspection device 500. The photocoupler 139 is configured to enable two-way communication so that the gaming microcomputer 111 can transmit and receive data to and from the inspection device 500 via serial communication. Note that such data transmission and reception is performed using a serial communication terminal of the gaming microcomputer 111, as with a normal general-purpose microprocessor, and therefore no ports such as input ports 122, 123, 124, and 126 are provided.

Although not limited to these, the start port 1 switch 36a in the start port 36, the start port 2 switch 37a in the normal variable winning device 37, the winning port switch 35a, the large winning port switch 38a, and the gate switch 34a use non-contact magnetic proximity sensors (hereinafter referred to as proximity switches) that have a magnetic detection coil and detect game balls by utilizing the phenomenon in which the magnetic field changes when metal approaches the coil. Also, a microswitch with mechanical contacts can be used for the glass frame opening detection switch 63 provided on the glass frame 15 of the gaming machine 10 and the main frame opening detection switch 64 provided on the front frame (main frame) 12.

Next, the configuration of the performance control device 300 will be described with reference to FIG.
The performance control device 300 is equipped with a main control microcomputer (CPU) 311 which is an amusement chip (IC) similar to the gaming microcomputer 111, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 312 as a graphics processor which performs image processing for displaying images on the display device 41 in accordance with commands and data from the main control microcomputer 311, and a sound source LSI 314 which controls the output of sound to play various melodies, sound effects, etc. from the speakers 19a, 19b.

The main control microcomputer 311 is connected to a program ROM 321 consisting of a PROM (programmable read-only memory) that stores the programs executed by the CPU and various data, a RAM 322 that provides a working area, an FeRAM 323 that can retain memory contents even if power is not supplied during a power outage, and an RTC (real-time clock) 338 that serves as a timekeeping means for generating information indicating the current date and time (date, day of the week, time, etc.). A RAM that provides a working area is also provided inside the main control microcomputer 311. A WDT (watchdog timer) circuit 324 is also connected to the main control microcomputer 311. The main control microcomputer 311 analyzes commands from the gaming microcomputer 111, determines the content of the performance, and instructs the VDP 312 on the content of the output video, instructs the sound source LSI 314 on the sound to be played, lights up decorative lamps, controls the drive of motors and solenoids, and manages the performance time.

The VDP 312 is provided with a RAM 312a that provides a working area, and a scaler 312b for enlarging and reducing images. Also connected to the VDP 312 is an image ROM 325 that stores character images and video data, and an ultra-high-speed VRAM (video RAM) 326 that is used to expand and process image data such as characters read from the image ROM 325.

Although not limited to this, data is sent and received between the main control microcomputer 311 and the VDP 312 in a parallel manner. By sending and receiving data in a parallel manner, commands and data can be sent in a shorter time than in a serial manner.

The VDP 312 inputs to the main control microcomputer 311 a vertical synchronization signal VSYNC for synchronizing the image on the display device 41 with the lighting of the decorative lamps on the glass frame 15 and the game board 30, and a synchronization signal STS for providing the timing for sending data. In addition, the VDP 312 also inputs to the main control microcomputer 311 interrupt signals INT0-n for notifying the processing status, such as the end of drawing to the VRAM, and a wait signal WAIT for notifying the main control microcomputer 311 that it is waiting to receive commands or data.

The performance control device 300 is provided with a signal conversion circuit 313 that generates a video signal to be sent to the display device 41 using the LVDS (low amplitude signal transmission) method. Video data, a horizontal synchronization signal HSYNC, and a vertical synchronization signal VSYNC are input from the VDP 312 to the signal conversion circuit 313, and the video generated by the VDP 312 is displayed on the display device 41 via the signal conversion circuit 313.

An audio ROM 327 in which audio data is stored is connected to the sound source LSI 314. The main control microcomputer 311 and the sound source LSI 314 are connected via an address/data bus 340. An interrupt signal INT is input from the sound source LSI 314 to the main control microcomputer 311. The performance control device 300 is provided with an amplifier circuit 337 consisting of an audio power amplifier that drives the upper speaker 19a provided in the glass frame 15 and the lower speaker 19b provided in the front frame 12, and the sound generated by the sound source LSI 314 is output from the upper speaker 19a and the lower speaker 19b via the amplifier circuit 337.

The presentation control device 300 is also provided with an interface chip (command I/F) 331 that receives commands sent from the game control device 100. Through this command I/F 331, the presentation control device 300 receives the number of reserved decorative special symbols commands, decorative special symbol commands, fluctuation commands, stop information commands, and the like sent from the game control device 100 to the presentation control device 300 as presentation control command signals (presentation commands). The game microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100 operates on DC 5V, and the main control microcomputer 311 of the presentation control device 300 operates on DC 3.3V, so the command I/F 331 is provided with a signal level conversion function.

The performance control device 300 is provided with a board decoration LED control circuit 332 that drives and controls the board decoration device 46 having LEDs (light-emitting diodes) provided on the game board 30 (including the center case 40), a frame decoration LED control circuit 333 that drives and controls the frame decoration device (e.g., the frame decoration device 18 including the display board 350, etc.) having LEDs (light-emitting diodes) provided on the glass frame 15, and a board performance movable body control circuit 334 that drives and controls the board performance device 44 (e.g., a movable role that enhances the performance effect in cooperation with the performance display on the display device 41) provided on the game board 30 (including the center case 40). These control circuits 332 to 334 that drive and control lamps, motors, solenoids, etc. are connected to the main control microcomputer 311 via the address/data bus 340. In addition, a frame performance device equipped with a drive source such as a motor (e.g., a motor that operates a performance device) may be provided on the glass frame 15, and a frame performance movable body control circuit that drives and controls this frame performance device.

The performance control device 300 is further provided with a switch input circuit 336 that detects the on/off state of the performance button switch 25a built into the performance button 25 provided in the glass frame 15, the cross key 29 provided in the glass frame 15, and the performance prop switch 47 (performance motor switch) that detects the initial position of the motor in the board performance device 44, and inputs a detection signal to the main control microcomputer 311, and detects the state of the volume adjustment switch 335 provided in the performance control device 300 and inputs a detection signal to the main control microcomputer 311.

The normal power supply unit 410 of the power supply unit 400 is configured to generate a voltage of DC 32V for driving motors and solenoids, DC 12V for driving the display device 41 consisting of a liquid crystal panel, motors and LEDs, DC 5V as the power supply voltage for the command I/F 331, and DC 15V for driving motors, LEDs and speakers in order to supply the desired level of DC voltage to the performance control device 300 having the above-mentioned configuration and the electronic components controlled by it. Furthermore, when an LSI that operates at a low voltage such as 3.3V or 1.2V is used as the main control microcomputer 311, a DC-DC converter is provided in the performance control device 300 to generate DC 3.3V or DC 1.2V based on DC 5V. The DC-DC converter may be provided in the normal power supply unit 410.

The reset signal generated by the control signal generating unit 430 of the power supply unit 400 is supplied to the main control microcomputer 311, which resets the device. It is also output from the main control microcomputer 311 and supplied to the VDP 312 (VDPRESET signal), the sound source LSI 314, the amplifier circuit 337 (SNDRESET signal) that drives the speaker, and the control circuits 332-334 (IORESET signal) that drive and control lamps, motors, etc., which reset these. A cooling fan 45 that cools various parts of the gaming machine 10 is connected to the performance control device 300, and the cooling fan 45 is driven when the performance control device 300 is powered on.

In the following explanation, when there is no distinction between the special chart 1 variable display game and the special chart 2 variable display game, it will simply be referred to as the special chart variable display game. Also, when there is no distinction between the decorative special chart 1 variable display game and the decorative special chart 2 variable display game, it will simply be referred to as the decorative special chart variable display game. Also, when there is no distinction between a big win (first special result) and a small win (second special result), it will simply be referred to as a win (special result). Also, when there is no distinction between the first special game state, which is a special game state based on a big win, and the second special game state, which is a special game state based on a small win, it will simply be referred to as a special game state.

The jackpot is a special result (first special result) that accompanies the operation of the condition device, and the small jackpot is a special result (second special result) that does not accompany the operation of the condition device. The condition device is activated when a jackpot occurs in the special chart variable display game (stop display of the jackpot pattern). The operation of the condition device means, for example, that a jackpot state occurs and a specific flag is set (the device continuous operation device is activated) for continuously operating the special variable winning device 38 as a special electric role. The non-operation of the condition device means, for example, that the aforementioned flag is not set, such as when a small jackpot lottery is won. The "condition device" may be a software means such as a flag that is turned on and off by software as described above, or a hardware means such as a switch that is turned on and off electrically. The "condition device" is a term commonly used in the field of pachinko games as a device whose operation is a necessary condition for the continuous operation of an electric role, and is used in this specification as a term with a similar meaning.

In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, a game is played by shooting game balls (pachinko balls) from the ball launching device toward the game area 32. The shot game balls flow down the game area 32 while changing the rolling direction due to the obstacle nails and direction changing members such as windmills arranged at various places in the game area 32, and either win in the normal start gate 34, the normal winning port 35, the start winning port 36, the normal variable winning device 37, or the special variable winning device 38, or flow into the outlet 30a provided at the bottom of the game area 32 and are discharged from the game area 32. Then, when a game ball wins in the normal winning port 35, the start winning port 36, the normal variable winning device 37, or the special variable winning device 38, a number of prize balls according to the type of winning port are discharged from the payout unit controlled by the payout control device 200 (see FIG. 4) to the upper tray 21 or the lower tray 23 of the glass frame 15.

In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the player can adjust the launch force to launch the game ball into the left game area (so-called left shot) in order to aim for the start winning hole 36, the normal starting gate 34, or the general winning hole 35 located to the left of the start winning hole 36, and can aim for the normal starting gate 34, the normal variable winning device 37, the special variable winning device 38, or the general winning hole 35 by launching the game ball into the right game area (so-called right shot).

In the normal map start gate 34, a gate switch 34a consisting of a non-contact type switch for detecting a game ball that has passed through the normal map start gate 34 is provided, and when a game ball that has been shot into the game area 32 passes through the normal map start gate 34, it is detected by the gate switch 34a. In the CPU 111A of the gaming microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100, if the number of normal map start memories is less than the upper limit number (for example, 4) based on the input of the game ball detection signal from the gate switch 34a provided in the normal map start gate 34, the number of normal map start memories is increased (+1) and one normal map start memory is stored in the RAM 111C. This number of memories of the normal map start winning is displayed on the normal map reserve display 58 of the collective display device 50. In addition, the normal map start memory is configured to store a winning judgment random number value (winning random number value) for determining the result of the normal map variable display game extracted based on the input of the game ball detection signal from the gate switch 34a.

If there is a normal map start memory and the normal map variation display game can be started, that is, if the normal map variation display game is not being executed and the normal map variation display game is not in a winning state in which the normal map variation winning device 37 is converted to an open state, the random number value for winning judgment stored in the first stored normal map start memory is compared with the judgment value stored in ROM 111B to judge whether the normal map variation display game is a winning or losing game, and a process for starting the normal map variation display game is performed. If this random number value for winning judgment matches the judgment value, the normal map variation display game is a winning game, and a specific result mode (normal map identification result) is derived.

In addition, the game control device 100 performs a process for executing a normal map variation display game by performing a normal map variation display on the normal map display device 57 provided on the collective display device 50, which displays a predetermined number of lighting patterns repeatedly in a predetermined order over a predetermined variation time, and then performs a process for displaying a normal map variation display game in which a lighting pattern (result state) corresponding to the result is stopped. Note that the normal map display device 57 may be configured as the display device 41, and may be configured to use, for example, numbers, symbols, character patterns, etc. as normal identification information, which are displayed in a varying manner for a predetermined time, and then stopped to display the result.

If the result of the normal map variation display game is a win, the normal map display 57 displays a stopped lighting pattern that results in a special result state, and the normal power solenoid 37c is operated, and control is performed to open the movable member of the normal variation winning device 37 for a predetermined period of time. In other words, the game control device 100 serves as a conversion control execution means that performs conversion control of the conversion member (movable member). Note that, if the result of the normal map variation display game is a loss, control is performed to display a lighting pattern that results in a loss on the normal map display 57.

In addition, the winning balls in the start winning hole 36 and the winning balls in the normal variable winning device 37 are detected by the start winning hole 1 switch 36a and the start winning hole 2 switch 37a, respectively, which are provided inside. The CPU 111A of the gaming microcomputer 111 of the gaming control device 100 stores a first start memory that forms a start memory (special pattern start memory) based on the winning in the start winning hole 36 up to a predetermined upper limit (for example, 4), and stores a second start memory that forms a start memory (special pattern start memory) based on the winning in the normal variable winning device 37 up to a predetermined upper limit (for example, 1). Based on the winning in the start winning hole 36 and the normal variable winning device 37, the jackpot random number value, the special pattern random number value, and each variable pattern random number value are extracted as start memory information, and the extracted random number values are stored in the RAM 111C as the first start memory and the second start memory. The number of start memories is displayed on the special chart 1 reserve indicator 53 and special chart 2 reserve indicator 54, which are used to notify the number of start wins on the collective display device 50, and is also displayed as a decorative special chart start memory display on the display device 41 of the center case 40.

The game control device 100 plays the special chart 1 variable display game on the special chart 1 display 51 (first variable display device) based on the first start memory, and plays the special chart 2 variable display game on the special chart 2 display 52 (second variable display device) based on the second start memory. Then, when both the first start memory and the second start memory are stored, the special chart 2 variable display game is executed in priority over the special chart 1 variable display game.

That is, the game control device (game control means) 100 controls the execution of the special chart 1 variable display game (first special chart variable display game) based on the first start memory stored in response to the entry of a game ball into the start winning port 36 (first start winning area), and controls the execution of the special chart 2 variable display game (second special chart variable display game) based on the second start memory stored in response to the entry of a game ball into the normal variable winning device 37 (second start winning area). The execution control means is configured to execute the special chart 2 variable display game based on the second start memory in priority to the special chart 1 variable display game based on the first start memory when the first start memory and the second start memory are stored.

After performing the variable display, the special chart 1 display 51 and the special chart 2 display 52 stop and display a predetermined result mode. Then, if the result of the special chart variable display game is a jackpot, the display mode of the special chart 1 display 51 or the special chart 2 display 52 becomes a special result mode (jackpot result mode) corresponding to the first special result, resulting in a jackpot, and the first special game state (so-called jackpot state) is entered. Also, if the result of the special chart variable display game is a small jackpot, the display mode of the special chart 1 display 51 or the special chart 2 display 52 becomes a special result mode (small jackpot result mode) corresponding to the second special result, resulting in a small jackpot, and the second special game state (so-called small jackpot state) is entered. In other words, the special chart 1 display 51 constitutes a first variable display means capable of displaying the first variable display game (special chart 1 variable display game) based on the winning of a game ball into the start winning hole 36. In addition, the special chart 2 display 52 constitutes a second variable display means capable of displaying a second variable display game (special chart 2 variable display game) based on the winning of a game ball into the normal variable winning device 37.

In addition, the game control device (game control means) 100 can control the generation of a game state (specific game state) in which the game can proceed in a situation (high probability of winning and normal power support) that is more favorable to the player than in the normal game state after the big win game state (first special game state) ends. In other words, the game control device (game control means) 100 serves as a specific game state generation means.

In response to the execution of the special chart 1 variable display game and the special chart 2 variable display game, a decorative special chart variable display game is executed on the display device 41, which variably displays multiple types of decorative identification information (numbers, symbols, character patterns, etc.). The decorative special chart variable display game on the display device 41 includes a decorative special chart 1 variable display game corresponding to the special chart 1 variable display game, and a decorative special chart 2 variable display game corresponding to the special chart 2 variable display game. A variable display is performed in accordance with the fluctuation of the corresponding special chart variable display game, and a display corresponding to the result is performed in accordance with the derivation of the result mode in the corresponding special chart variable display game.

That is, the display device 41 constitutes a decoration change display means capable of displaying a decoration change display game (decoration special chart change display game) that changes and displays decoration identification information in response to the first change display game (special chart 1 change display game) and the second change display game (special chart 2 change display game). Separate display devices may be used for the decoration special chart 1 change display game and the decoration special chart 2 change display game, or only one of the decoration special chart change display games may be displayed, or the decoration special chart 1 change display game and the decoration special chart 2 change display game may be displayed in separate display areas, or the decoration special chart 1 change display game and the decoration special chart 2 change display game may be displayed in the same display area. Also, the game machine 10 may not be provided with the special chart 1 display device 51 and the special chart 2 display device 52, and the special chart change display game may be executed only by the display device 41.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the allocation ratio in this embodiment.
FIG. 6(a) is an example of the distribution rate of the result of the special chart variable display game. As shown in FIG. 6(a), there are four types of results of the special chart variable display game: big win, small win, support win, and miss. In this embodiment, the distribution rate of the big win is common to the special chart 1 and the special chart 2, but it may be different between the special chart 1 and the special chart 2. Also, in FIG. 6(a), the distribution rate of the big win is the same when the probability setting value is "setting 1", when it is "setting 2", and when it is "setting 3", but it may be different. Also, in FIG. 6(a), the distribution rate of the big win is the same when the probability setting value is "setting 4", when it is "setting 5", and when it is "setting 6", but it may be different.

In addition, in Fig. 6(a), the distribution rate of the small hit and the support hit is the same regardless of the probability setting value, but it may be different. That is, in this embodiment, only the winning probability of the big hit is changed by changing the probability setting value, and the probability of the small hit and the support hit is not changed.
In addition, the support hit can be derived only in the first specific game state in which the state of the normal power support in the special chart 1 variable display game is support A or B, which will be described later. Since the support hit has the same probability of being derived as the big hit, it can give the impression that the hit probability has doubled.
In addition, for small wins, the allocation rate is higher for special chart 2 than for special chart 1. As a result, the possibility of a small win is higher for special chart 2, and if a small win occurs, there is a high possibility that the first special game state (big win) will occur due to flow into the specific area, making special chart 2 a more advantageous special chart variable display game for players.

Fig. 6(b) is an example of the distribution rate of the jackpot type. For example, as shown in Fig. 6(b), there are four types of jackpots: 3R jackpot A, in which the 3R jackpot A symbol is displayed as a jackpot pattern (a jackpot result pattern), 3R jackpot B, in which the 3R jackpot C symbol is displayed as a jackpot pattern, and 10R jackpot, in which the 10R jackpot symbol is displayed as a jackpot pattern.
A 3R jackpot A has 3 rounds in the special game state, and after the special game state ends, the game enters a normal power support state for Support A (specific game state). A 3R jackpot B has 3 rounds in the special game state, and after the special game state ends, the game enters a normal power support state for Support B. A 3R jackpot C has 3 rounds in the special game state, and after the special game state ends, the game enters a normal power support state for Support C. A 10R jackpot has 10 rounds in the special game state, and after the special game state ends, the game enters a normal power support state for Support C.
Supports A to C have different conditions for terminating the normal power support state, and the normal power support state is terminated when the conditions shown in Figure 6 (e) are satisfied.

In FIG. 6(b), the distribution rate of the jackpot types in the special chart 1 variable display game differs depending on the game state in which the special chart variable display game is executed. In the normal game state, 3R jackpots A to C can be selected. In the specific game state in which normal power support is available, 3R jackpots B and C can be selected. For the special chart 2 variable display game, only 10R jackpots can be selected regardless of the game state. Note that the selection rates may be different between special chart 1 and special chart 2.

The distribution rate of the small win type is shown in Fig. 6 (c). For the big win that occurs when the game ball flows into a specific area of the special variable winning device 38 (V winning) in the second special game state based on the small win, the big win type is selected based on the type of the small win.
If a game ball flows into a specific area in the second special game state based on a 3R small win A, the normal power support state of support B will be in effect after the end of the first special game state of the second round. If a game ball flows into a specific area in the second special game state based on a 10R small win, the normal power support state of support C will be in effect after the end of the first special game state of the 9th round. If a game ball flows into a specific area in the second special game state based on a 3R small win B, the normal power support state of support C will be in effect after the end of the first special game state of the second round. If a game ball flows into a specific area in the second special game state based on a 3R small win C, the normal power support state will be in effect after the end of the first special game state of the second round.
In the special chart 1 variable display game, only 3R small hit A can be selected, and in the special chart 2 variable display game, 10R small hit, 3R small hit B, and C can be selected. In addition, the allocation rate may be different between special chart 1 and special chart 2.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is also equipped with a so-called ceiling function, as shown in FIG. 6(d). That is, when the number of times the game has been executed reaches the ceiling number (here, 600), the special game state is not generated and the normal power support state of support C is entered. The number of times the game has been executed is always counted regardless of the presence or absence of normal power support in a low probability state, and counting is suspended in a high probability state. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the probability of the special chart is always constant, so it is always counted. The number of times the game has been executed is the sum of the number of times the special chart 1 variable display game has been executed and the number of times the special chart 2 variable display game has been executed.

The count of the number of times the game is executed is cleared when the normal power support state is entered due to reaching the ceiling number of times, or when the condition device is activated (first special game state). Note that the timing of clearing the count of the number of times the game is executed can be changed as appropriate; for example, it may be cleared when the user selects to clear the number of times the game is executed when operating the RAM initialization switch 112, or when the power is turned on instead of when the RAM is cleared.

In addition, when the RAM is cleared, the count of the number of times the game has been executed may be cleared when the RAM is cleared without a change in settings, and the count of the number of times the game has been executed may not be cleared when the RAM is cleared with a change in settings. An example of a RAM clear that does not involve a change in settings would be when the power is turned on while the RAM initialization switch 112 is on and the setting key switch 152 is not on. In this way, by not clearing the count of the number of times the game has been executed when the RAM is cleared with a change in settings, it is possible to make it difficult to determine that a change in settings has been made.

FIG. 6(e) shows the conditions for ending the normal power support state (specific game state).
In the normal power support state of support A, the normal power support state is terminated by satisfying any of the following conditions: the number of times the special chart 1 variable display game is executed is 15 times, the number of times the special chart 2 variable display game is executed is 15 times, the total number of times the special chart 1 variable display game and the special chart 2 variable display game are executed is 15 times, or a small hit is derived once in the special chart 2 variable display game. Similarly, for the normal power support states of support B and support C, the normal power support state is terminated by executing the number of games shown in FIG. 6(e) or by deriving a small hit in the special chart 2 variable display game.
In addition, the end condition for Support C is the execution of the special chart change display game 250 times, but in most cases a big win or small win is derived before this number of derivations is reached, so it can be said that the regular power support essentially continues until the next big win.

7 shows the operation mode of the special variable winning device 38 in the second special game state based on a small win. FIG. 7(a) shows the operation mode of the special variable winning device 38 in the second special game state based on a small win derived in the special chart 2 variable display game.
With the start of the second special game state (t11), the special variable prize winning device 38 is opened for 48 ms (t11-t12) and then closed for 2960 ms (t12-t14). After that, the 48 ms opening is repeated 19 times with a closing time of 424 ms in between (t14-t16), and the opening of the special variable prize winning device 38 is terminated. If a specified number of prizes are won, the opening of the special variable prize winning device 38 is terminated at that point.
When the opening of the special variable winning device 38 is completed (t16), the remaining ball processing time for processing the game balls remaining in the special variable winning device 38 starts (t16 to t17). The remaining ball processing time is set to 1900 ms, but if there are still remaining balls after this time, the remaining ball processing time continues until the remaining balls are all gone.
After that, the ending period (t17 to t18) begins, and the second special game state ends. At the start of the ending period, an ending command is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the performance control device 300.

The lever solenoid 38f, which operates a lever member that changes the probability of game balls flowing into a specific area, is turned from the OFF state to the ON state for 100 ms upon the start of the second special game state (t11), and the lever member enters a state that allows game balls to flow into the specific area (t11 to t13).
Then, after the lever member is kept in the OFF state for 2,900 ms, making it difficult for the fluid to flow into the specific area (t13 to t15), the lever member is again kept in the ON state, making it possible for the fluid to flow into the specific area (t15).
Thereafter, when the remaining ball processing time ends and there are no remaining balls, the lever member is switched to the OFF state, making it difficult for balls to flow into the specific area (t17).
The specific area switch 38d, which detects game balls that have flowed into the specific area, is set to a state in which detection of the game balls that have flowed in is enabled when the second special game state begins (t11), and is set to a state in which detection of the game balls that have flowed in is disabled when the remaining ball processing time ends and there are no remaining balls (t17).

In the second special game state based on the small win derived in this special chart 2 variable display game, game balls can easily flow into the special variable winning device 38, and game balls that flow into the special variable winning device 38 can also easily flow into a specific area, making it possible to generate the first special game state in most cases.

FIG. 7(b) shows the operating mode of the special variable winning device 38 in the second special game state based on a small win derived in the special chart 1 variable display game.
With the start of the second special game state (t21), the special variable winning device 38 is opened for 1000 ms (t21 to t23), and then the opening of the special variable winning device 38 is completed.
When the opening of the special variable winning device 38 is completed (t23), the remaining ball processing time for processing the game balls remaining in the special variable winning device 38 starts (t23 to t24). The remaining ball processing time is set to 1900 ms, but if there are still remaining balls after this time, the remaining ball processing time continues until the remaining balls are all gone.
After that, the ending period (t24 to t25) begins, and the second special game state ends. At the start of the ending period, an ending command is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the performance control device 300.

The lever solenoid 38f, which operates a lever member that changes the probability of game balls flowing into a specific area, is turned from the OFF state to the ON state for 100 ms upon the start of the second special game state (t21), causing the lever member to enter a state that allows game balls to flow into the specific area (t21-t22), and then is turned to the OFF state, causing the lever member to enter a state that makes it difficult for game balls to flow into the specific area (t22).
The specific area switch 38d, which detects game balls that have flowed into the specific area, is set to a state in which detection of the game balls that have flowed in is enabled when the second special game state begins (t21), and is set to a state in which detection of the game balls that have flowed in is disabled when the remaining ball processing time ends and there are no remaining balls (t24).

In the second special game state based on the small win derived in this special chart 1 variable display game, it is difficult for the game ball to flow into the special variable winning device 38, and it is also difficult for the game ball that has flowed into the special variable winning device 38 to flow into a specific area, so in most cases the first special game state cannot be generated.

Figure 8 shows the normal map variation display game. As shown in Figure 8 (a), the winning probability of the normal map variation display game is constant regardless of the game state. The variation time of the normal map variation display game is 5000 ms when there is no normal power support, and when there is normal power support, the variation time is shortened to 4900 ms when there is support A or B, and 200 ms when there is support C. In addition, the maximum normal power count is set to 5, and if 5 game balls win when the normal variation winning device 37 is opened based on a single win, the normal variation winning device 37 is closed even before the opening time has elapsed.

As shown in FIG. 8(b), there are four types of result patterns in the normal pattern variation display game: miss and wins 1 to 3. The distribution of the winning patterns is such that, out of 65521 random numbers, 65321 is win 1, 100 is win 2, and 100 is win 3, with a high probability of the winning pattern being selected. In addition, the normal pattern display 57 of the collective display device 50 displays the result pattern by turning on or off the three light emitters D4, D5, and D6.

When the normal game variation display game is a win, the normal game variation winning device 37 opens in one of three patterns H1 to H3, which are selected according to the win result and the game state.
In a game state without normal power support, any of hits 1 to 3 will open pattern H1. If normal power support is support A or B, hit 1 will open pattern H1, and hits 2 and 3 will open pattern H2. If normal power support is support C, any of hits 1 to 3 will open pattern H3.

Each opening pattern is shown in FIG.
As shown in Fig. 8(c), in the opening pattern of pattern H1, the normal variable winning device 37 opens with the start of the winning state (t31), and closes after 36 ms (t32). After that, the winning state ends after 704 ms including the remaining ball processing time for processing the game balls remaining in the normal variable winning device 37, the ending period, and the return time (t33).
As shown in FIG. 8(d), in the opening pattern of pattern H2, the normal variable winning device 37 is opened (t41) with the start of the winning state, and is closed after 36 ms (t42). Then, the closing time is 3000 ms (t42-t43), and the normal variable winning device 37 is opened again (t43). After that, when the opening time of 1624 ms has passed, the normal variable winning device 37 is closed (t44), and the winning state ends after 704 ms, which is the total of the remaining ball processing time, the ending period, and the return time, has passed (t45).
As shown in Fig. 8(e), in the opening pattern of pattern H3, the normal variable winning device 37 opens with the start of the winning state (t51), and closes after 2800 ms (t52). After that, the winning state ends after 704 ms including the remaining ball processing time, ending period, and return time (t53).

In such opening patterns, the pattern H3 is most likely to result in winning the normal variable winning device 37, followed by the pattern H2, and there is almost no hope of winning with the pattern H1.
Therefore, by distributing the opening patterns as shown in Figure 8 (b), support C is most likely to result in winning the normal variable winning device 37, followed by support A and B, and with no support, there is almost no hope of winning.
In addition, it is sufficient that it is easier to win in the normal variable winning device 37 in a state with normal power support (second state, third state) than in a state without normal power support (first state), and it is also possible to change one or more of the probability, variable time, opening time, or maximum normal power count number.

[Game state transition diagram (game flow)]
Next, a description will be given of a transition (shift) of a game state by game control of the game control device 100. Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a game state transition diagram (game flow) showing a transition of a game state in this embodiment.
The game states include a normal game state ST1, a first special game state ST2 based on a first special result (big win), a second special game state ST3 based on a second special result (small win), a specific game state ST4, and a remaining reserved consumption state ST5.
In each game state, a presentation mode that determines the presentation type of the game controlled by the presentation control device 300, a main starting area that is the starting area that should be primarily targeted in that game state, a main changing special chart that is the type of special chart change display game that should primarily be executed, and a launch direction of the game ball are determined.

In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, a player can aim to win in the start winning hole 36 by hitting from the left, and can aim to win in the normal variable winning device 37 by hitting from the right. In other words, the player can select the starting area to aim for. In addition, each game state is designed assuming that the game will be played mainly in one of the special chart 1 variable display game and the special chart 2 variable display game, and the game is configured so that the player will play according to this design, and it is advantageous for the player to play mainly in the one special chart variable display game that is determined to be the main one in the design. In this specification, the one special chart variable display game that is determined to be the main one in each game state may be referred to as the main variable, and the other special chart variable display game may be referred to as the irregular variable.

Normal game state ST1 is a state in which there is no normal power support that improves the opening time per unit time of the normal variable winning device 37 to make winning easier, and there is no time reduction that shortens the fluctuation time of the special chart variable display game or the normal chart variable display game. The main variable special chart is the special chart 1 variable display game, the main starting area is the starting winning hole 36, and the firing direction is set to left shot to aim at this starting winning hole 36. In addition, the presentation mode that specifies the presentation style is the normal stage.

The first special game state ST2 is a state in which there is no normal power support and no time reduction. The presentation mode that specifies the presentation mode is the big win mode. In this first special game state ST2, the special variable winning device 38 is opened, so the launch direction is set to right hit.
In the second special game state ST3, the normal power support and time reduction may or may not be present depending on the situation when the small win is derived. Basically, the state at the time of the small win is inherited, but when the small win is derived when the end condition of the specific game state ST4 is satisfied, the normal power support and time reduction end with the end of the special chart variable display game that results in a small win, so in this case, there is no normal power support or time reduction. Also, the presentation mode that specifies the presentation mode is the small win mode. In this second special game state ST3, the special variable winning device 38 is opened, so the launch direction is set to right hit, but there are cases where right hit is not clearly instructed.

The specific game state ST4 is a state in which the player remains in for a specified number of games after the first special game state ST2, after a support hit, or when the ceiling is reached, and is a state in which there is normal power support that improves the opening time per unit time of the normal variable winning device 37. When there is normal power support, there is also a time reduction that shortens the variable time of the special chart variable display game.

This specific game state ST4 includes a first specific game state ST41 in which the normal power support state is support A or B, and a second specific game state ST42 in which the normal power support state is support C.
In the first specific game state ST41, the main variable special figure is the special figure 1 variable display game, the main starting area is the starting winning hole 36, and the launch direction is set to left hit to aim at this starting winning hole 36. As shown in FIG. 3, it is possible to make the game ball flow into the normal figure start gate 34 even with a left hit, and the normal figure variable display game can be executed.

As shown in Fig. 8, when the result of the normal variable display game is a hit 1, pattern H1 is opened, so it is difficult to win the normal variable winning device 37, and in this case, no instruction to hit to the right is given on the display device 41. However, the instruction to hit to the right may be given in small letters at the edge of the display area so that it is difficult for the player to recognize.
Also, if the winning number in the normal variable display game is 2 or 3, the pattern H2 is opened and the opening is performed as shown in Fig. 8(d). In the opening of this pattern H2, a short opening is followed by a 3000 ms closing period and a long opening is performed, and during the 3000 ms closing period, a notification is given on the display device 41 to encourage a change to right hitting. This makes it possible to change the launch direction to right hitting before the long opening, and to win the normal variable winning device 37.

In other words, the first specific game state ST41 is a state in which it is easier to win the normal variable winning device 37 than in the normal game state ST1 because of the opening pattern of pattern H2, and as shown in FIG. 8(a), the execution time of the normal variable display game is also shorter than in the normal game state ST1. In this way, even though it is a state in which it is easy to win the normal variable winning device 37, it is a game state in which the game is played by shooting the game ball into an area different from the area where the normal variable winning device 37 is located.

In the second specific game state ST42, the main special variation chart is the special chart 2 variation display game, the main starting area is the normal variation winning device 37, and the launch direction is set to right shot to aim at this normal variation winning device 37. The second specific game state ST42 is an opening pattern of pattern H3, so it is easier to win the normal variation winning device 37 than in the normal game state ST1 or the first specific game state ST41, and as shown in FIG. 8(a), the execution time of the normal chart variation display game is also shorter than in the normal game state ST1 or the first specific game state ST41. This is a game state in which a game ball is launched into the area where the normal variation winning device 37 is located to play.

The specific game state ST4 described above is a more advantageous state for the player than the normal game state ST1 because it has regular power support and is capable of running a special chart 2 variable display game in which small wins occur frequently.
In addition, since it is easier to win in the normal variable winning device 37 in the second specific game state ST42 than in the first specific game state ST41, the second specific game state ST42 is a more advantageous state than the first specific game state ST41.
In other words, the ease of winning in the normal variable winning device 37 is configured to be controlled in one of the following states: a first state which is the normal game state ST1; a second state which is a first specific game state ST41 in which it is easier to win than in the normal game state ST1; and a third state which is a second specific game state ST42 in which it is easier to win than in the first specific game state ST41.

The remaining reserved consumption state ST5 is a state in which a special chart 2 variable display game can be executed based on the second start memory remaining when the specific game state ST4 ends.
In this remaining reserved consumption state ST5, there is no normal power support, but there is a time reduction to shorten the variation time of the special chart variation display game. Since there is no normal power support, the firing direction is set to left hit to aim at the starting winning hole 36, but since it is a short period following the specific game state ST4, it is not necessary to clearly instruct the left hit. In addition, the average variation time of the special chart variation display game in the remaining reserved consumption state ST5 is shorter than the average variation time of the special chart variation display game in the specific game state ST4.
The remaining reserved consumption state ST5 mainly executes a special chart 2 variable display game based on the second start memory that mainly occurs in the specific game state ST4, and is therefore a more advantageous state for the player than the normal game state ST1.

A transition in the game state occurs when the first special result (jackpot) is derived, the second special result (small hit) is derived, a support hit is derived, the first special game state ends, the second special game state ends, a specified number of games are played, or the ceiling is reached.
When a jackpot is hit in the normal gaming state ST1, the state transitions to the first special gaming state ST2. Also, when a jackpot is hit in the specific gaming state ST4 or the remaining reserved consumption state ST5, the state transitions to the first special gaming state ST2.
After the first special game state ST2 ends, in the case of a jackpot with normal power support, the game will transition to a specific game state ST4 with normal power support and time reduction for the period until the condition shown in Fig. 6(e) is met. The type of specific game state ST4 to which the game transitions varies depending on the type of jackpot. In the case of a jackpot type with support A or B, the game will transition to the first specific game state ST41, and in the case of a jackpot type with support C, the game will transition to the second specific game state ST42.

In addition, in the case of a jackpot without normal power support, if there is a second start memory that is a remaining reservation, it will move to the remaining reservation consumption state ST5, and if there is no second start memory that is a remaining reservation, it will move to the normal game state ST1. Note that a jackpot without normal power support is a jackpot based on a 3R small win C, and other jackpots are jackpots with normal power support. In other words, if a 3R small win C is derived, there is a high possibility that the state advantageous to the player will end.
Also, when the ceiling is reached, the specific game state ST4 is entered without passing through the first special game state ST2.

In the specific game state ST4, the normal power support makes it easier for the game ball to enter the normal variable winning device 37, which can generate a second start memory, and the special chart 2 variable display game can be executed. If the condition shown in Fig. 6(e) is satisfied in this specific game state ST4, the normal power support ends, and if there is a remaining reservation, which is the second start memory generated in the specific game state ST4, the remaining reservation consumption state ST5 is entered, and if there is no remaining reservation, the game transitions to the normal game state ST1.
In the case of the second specific game state ST42, the number of games that can be played is large, and pattern H3 is opened for all winning types of the normal game variation display game, so it is easy to win in the normal variation winning device 37, and the possibility of winning a big win or small win is higher than the possibility of playing the specified number of games, and there is a high possibility that the specific game state ST41 will continue after the first special game state ST2.
In contrast, in the case of the first specific game state ST41, the number of games that can be played is small, and winning in the normal variable winning device 37 is only possible when pattern H2 is opened, so the possibility of playing the specified number of games is higher than the possibility of winning a big win or a small win in the first specific game state ST41, and there is a high possibility that the first specific game state ST41 will end and transition to the normal game state ST1 will occur.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the second start memory is consumed with priority over the first start memory, and especially when a jackpot is hit in the normal game state ST1, there is a high possibility that the special chart 1 variable display game will be executed based on the remaining first start memory immediately after the start of the specific game state ST4. This makes it possible to secure time for the second start memory to accumulate. In particular, the variable time of the first special chart variable display game in the specific game state ST4 is set to a longer variable time (e.g., 100 s) than the variable time from the second time onwards, making it possible to secure time for the second start memory to accumulate.

In addition, in the first specific game state ST41, a support win can be derived, and when a support win is derived, the game state transitions to the second specific game state ST42 without passing through the first special game state ST2.
In the first specific game state ST4, the special game 1 variable display game is the game to be mainly executed, and in the second specific game state ST42, the special game 2 variable display game is the game to be mainly executed. That is, in the specific game state ST4, the game to be mainly executed is changed according to the establishment of a predetermined condition. This makes it possible to improve the interest of the game in the specific game state ST4 without making it monotonous.
A game that should be primarily executed is a game that allows the player to play more advantageously or efficiently than a game that is not a game that should be primarily executed. Examples of a game that allows the player to play advantageously or efficiently include a game that has a large expected value of game value that can be acquired, a large number of games that can be executed per unit time, a game that was intended to be executed at the design stage of the gaming machine, etc.

In addition, the first specific game state ST41 and the second specific game state ST42 may have different games to be primarily executed, and in the first specific game state ST41, the special chart 2 variable display game may be the game to be primarily executed, and in the second specific game state ST42, the special chart 1 variable display game may be the game to be primarily executed.
In addition, in the first specific game state ST41 and the second specific game state ST42, the ease of winning in the normal variable winning device 37 may be the same, with only the game to be executed being different.
Also, there may be a case where the second specific game state ST42 transitions to the first specific game state ST41, or the first specific game state ST41 transitions to the second specific game state ST42 in response to a first transition condition (e.g., a support win), and the second specific game state ST42 transitions to the first specific game state ST41 in response to a second transition condition (e.g., playing a specified number of games). Also, the specific game state ST4 may be provided with three or more states that differ in the ease of winning the normal variable winning device 37 or the game to be mainly played, and transitions may be made when a predetermined transition condition is met.

The support hits of the gaming machine of this embodiment do not include results that are both small hits and support hits; small hits and support hits are independent of each other, and a support hit can also be said to be both a miss and a support hit.
By doing this, when transitioning from the first specific game state ST41 to the second specific game state ST42 due to a support hit, there is no need to go through the second special game state ST3, so it is possible to transition to the second specific game state ST42 immediately after the result is derived, and the game can proceed with a speedy development.

Also, if there is a small win and a support win, there is a possibility of a V win in the second special game state ST3. In this case, after the first special game state ST2 of 3R, it becomes support B (see FIG. 6(c)). On the other hand, if there is no V win, it becomes support C, which is more advantageous for the player than support B (see FIG. 6(a)), and a 10R big win will almost certainly occur. In other words, it will develop in a way that it is more advantageous not to win a V win, and there is a high possibility that it will develop in an unfavorable direction for players who are unaware of this. However, by setting it as a miss and a support win, it is possible to prevent such development from occurring, and it is possible to make the game fair for all players.
Of course, it is possible for a support hit to be both a small hit and a support hit, and it may include both a small hit and a support hit and a miss and a support hit.

The remaining reserved consumption state ST5 can be stayed until the special chart 2 variable display game based on the remaining reserved second start memory ends. After the remaining reserved consumption state ST5 ends, it transitions to the normal game state ST1. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the upper limit number of the second start memory is 1, so the maximum number of remaining reserved is 1.
In the remaining reserved consumption state ST5, a special chart 2 variable display game is executed in which the probability of deriving a small win is higher than in the special chart 1 variable display game, and the possibility of returning to a state advantageous to the player, such as the specific game state ST4 or the first special game state ST2, is higher than in the normal game state ST1.
In the remaining reserved consumption state ST5, the player is in a state of disappointment immediately after the end of a state advantageous to the player, such as the specific game state ST4 or the first special game state ST2, and the player can be made to feel a sense of hope by presenting the player with a chance to execute one special chart change display game which has a high possibility of returning to an advantageous state.

If a small win occurs in the normal game state ST1, the specific game state ST4 or the remaining reserved consumption state ST5, the game state transitions to the second special game state ST3.
When a game ball flows into the specific area in the second special game state ST3 (V winning), the game state transitions to the first special game state ST2. When a game ball flows into the special variable winning device 38, there is a possibility that the game ball will flow into the specific area, and it is advantageous for the player to play many special chart 2 variable display games with a high probability of small wins. As shown in FIG. 7, the probability of the game ball flowing into the specific area is controlled by operating a lever member provided inside the special variable winning device 38 and capable of controlling the flow of the game ball into the specific area by a lever solenoid 38f, and switching between a state in which the game ball is allowed to flow into the specific area and a state in which the game ball is not allowed to flow into the specific area.

In the special chart 1 variable display game, the probability of a small win is low, and the operating mode in the second specific game state ST3 makes it difficult to win the special variable winning device 38 or to flow into the specific area, so the possibility of transitioning to the first special game state ST2 is low.
In the special chart 2 variable display game, the probability of a small win is high, and since the second specific game state ST3 is in an operating mode that makes it easy to win the special variable winning device 38 or flow into a specific area, there is a high possibility of transitioning to the first special game state ST2.

In addition, if no game ball flows into the specific area in the second special game state ST3, the game state transitions to a specific game state ST4, a remaining reserved consumption state ST5, or a normal game state ST1.
If the termination condition of the specific game state ST4 is not satisfied, the game state transitions to the specific game state ST4. If the termination condition of the specific game state ST4 is satisfied and there is a remaining reserved ball, which is a second start memory generated in the specific game state ST4, the game state transitions to the remaining reserved ball consumption state ST5. If there is a small win in the normal game state ST1, or if the termination condition of the specific game state ST4 is satisfied and there is no remaining reserved ball, the game state transitions to the normal game state ST1.

In view of the above, a gaming machine that executes a game in which identification information is variably displayed based on the establishment of a predetermined condition, and generates a special gaming state advantageous to a player when the result of the game is a special result, is provided with a game control means (game control device 100) that controls the game in an overall manner, a start winning port 36 that can generate the right to play a first game (special chart 1 variable display game) as a game upon winning, and a normal variable winning device 37 that can be converted between a closed state in which a gaming ball cannot win and an open state in which a gaming ball can win, and that can generate the right to play a second game (special chart 2 variable display game) as a game upon winning, The technique control means is configured to control the ease of a game ball winning into the normal variable winning device 37 in one of a first state (normal game state ST1), a second state (first specific game state ST41) in which it is easier to win than in the first state, and a third state (second specific game state ST42) in which it is easier to win than in the second state.If the game results in a specific result (support hit) in the second state, it is possible to enter the third state without passing through the special game state, and it is possible to make the game that should be primarily executed different between the first game and the second game between the second state and the third state.
Therefore, when a special result, a support hit, occurs, not only is it easy to win the normal variable winning device 37, but the game to be primarily played is also changed, bringing variety to the game and increasing the interest of the game.

In addition, a gaming machine that executes a game in which identification information is variably displayed based on the establishment of a predetermined condition, and generates a special gaming state advantageous to a player when the result of the game results in a special result, is provided with a game control means for overall control of the game, a start winning port 36 capable of generating a right to play a first game as a game upon winning, and a normal variable winning device 37 that can be converted between a closed state in which game balls cannot win and an open state in which game balls can win, and that can generate a right to play a second game as a game upon winning, and the game control means controls the ease of winning of game balls into the normal variable winning device 37 by changing the state between the first state and the second state. The game machine is configured to be controlled in either a second state in which it is easier to win a prize than in the first state, or a third state in which it is easier to win a prize than in the second state; if the result of the first game is a special result (jackpot), it is possible to switch to the second state after the special game state ends, and if the result of the game in the second state is a specific result (support hit), it is possible to switch to the third state without going through the special game state; in the second state, it is possible for the first game to be the game that should be primarily executed, and in the third state, it is possible for the second game to be the game that should be primarily executed.
Therefore, when a special result, a support hit, occurs, not only is it easy to win the normal variable winning device 37, but the game to be primarily played is also changed, bringing variety to the game and increasing the interest of the game.

FIG. 10(a) shows how to respond when a new trigger for time-saving (specific game state ST4) occurs in each game state.
Here, the a time reduction, the b time reduction, and the c time reduction are all specific game states ST4, but the a time reduction is a state in which the specific game state ST4 is reached after passing through the first special game state ST2, the b time reduction is a state in which the specific game state ST4 is reached by reaching the ceiling without passing through the first special game state ST2, and the c time reduction is a state in which the specific game state ST4 is reached by hitting the support without passing through the first special game state ST2.

If an opportunity to activate time-saving a occurs by hitting a big win or hitting a small win and winning the V in the normal game state ST1, time-saving a is activated. If an opportunity to activate time-saving b occurs by reaching the ceiling in the normal game state ST1, time-saving b is activated. Since no support hit is derived in the normal game state ST1, an opportunity to activate time-saving c does not occur and it is not possible to activate it.

If an opportunity to activate time reduction a occurs by hitting a big jackpot or winning a small jackpot in the specific game state ST4 of time reduction a, a new time reduction a will be activated. If an opportunity to activate time reduction b occurs by reaching the ceiling in the specific game state ST4 of time reduction a, the time reduction b will be activated. If an opportunity to activate time reduction c occurs by deriving a support hit in the specific game state ST4 of time reduction a, the time reduction c will be activated. Note that a support hit can only be derived when support A or B is selected.

If an opportunity to activate the a time reduction occurs due to a big hit or a small hit resulting in a V win in the specific game state ST4 of the b time reduction, the new a time reduction will be activated. Since it is impossible to reach the ceiling in the specific game state ST4 of the b time reduction, in this case the b time reduction cannot be activated. Since a support hit is not derived in the specific game state ST4 of the b time reduction, an opportunity to activate the c time reduction does not occur and it is therefore inoperable.

If an opportunity to activate time reduction a occurs by hitting a big jackpot or winning a small jackpot in the specific game state ST4 of time reduction c, the new time reduction a is activated. If an opportunity to activate time reduction b occurs by reaching the ceiling in the specific game state ST4 of time reduction c, the new time reduction a is activated. Since a support hit is not derived in the specific game state ST4 of time reduction c, the opportunity to activate time reduction c does not occur and it is not possible to activate it.

FIG. 10B shows a display mode of the game status display section 56 provided on the collective display device 50. In FIG.
As described above, the game status display unit 56 includes a first game status display unit 56a that notifies the player of the hitting style (hitting style corresponding to the game status) that is advantageous to the player between left hitting (normal hitting) and right hitting, and a second game status display unit 56b that notifies the time-saving state (when the variable time saving function is activated). The first game status display unit 56a is configured to display the firing direction by turning on or off the light emitters C6 and C7, and the second game status display unit 56b is configured to display the presence or absence of time-saving by turning on or off the light emitter D7.

In the normal game state ST1, the light emitters C6 and C7 are turned off to indicate that the game is in the left-hand hit state, and the light emitter D7 is turned off to indicate that the game is not in the time-saving state.
In supports A and B, which are the first specific game state ST41 of the specific game state ST4, the light emitters C6 and C7 are turned off to indicate a left-hit state, and the light emitter D7 is turned on to indicate a time-shortened state.
In the case of a normal winning state with supports A and B, which is the first specific game state ST41 of the specific game state ST4, the light emitters C6 and C7 are lit to indicate a right-hit state, and the light emitter D7 is lit to indicate a time-saving state. However, if the winning result is a win 1 and the opening pattern is pattern H1, the display device 41 does not clearly indicate a right-hit because the possibility of winning is low. If the winning result is a win 2 or 3 and the opening pattern is pattern H2, the display device 41 clearly indicates a right-hit.

In support C, which is the second specific game state ST42 of the specific game state ST4, the light emitters C6 and C7 are lit to indicate that it is in the right-hit state, and the light emitter D7 is lit to indicate that it is in the time-shortening state.
In the first special game state ST2 and the second special game state ST3, the light emitters C6 and C7 are turned on to indicate that the game is in the right-hitting state, and the light emitter D7 is turned off to indicate that the game is not in the time-saving state. If a small win occurs in the special game state ST4 before the number of times the game is played reaches the specified number of times, the game will remain in the time-saving state in the second special game state ST3, so the light emitter D7 is turned on to indicate that the game is in the time-saving state.
In addition, when a small win is derived in the special chart 1 variable display game in the normal game state ST1 or the first specific game state ST41, the display device 41 does not clearly instruct the player to hit to the right because the possibility of winning is low.

FIG. 11 shows an example of an output mode of a signal to be output to the outside of the gaming machine.
As shown in Fig. 11 (a), in the normal game state ST1, the normal symbol 1 high probability state signal indicating whether the normal symbol variation display game has a high probability is turned OFF. In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, since there is no probability variation in the normal symbol variation display game, the normal symbol 1 high probability state signal is always turned OFF.
The normal electric role 1 opening extension state signal, which indicates that the opening time of the normal variable winning device 37 is extended, is turned OFF, indicating that the opening time of the normal variable winning device 37 is not extended. Also, the normal symbol 1 variation time reduction state signal, which indicates that the normal symbol variation display game is in a time-saving state, is turned OFF, indicating that the normal symbol variation display game is not in a time-saving state.
The easy-to-win state confirmation signal indicating the start of normal power support is turned OFF, and the easy-to-win state signal indicating the state of normal power support is turned indefinite, indicating that it is not normal power support.

When support A and B, which are the first specific game state ST41 of the specific game state ST4, are started from the normal game state (t61), the normal electric device 1 opening extension state signal is turned ON, indicating that the opening time of the normal variable winning device 37 has been extended, and the normal pattern 1 variation time shortening state signal is also turned ON, indicating that the normal pattern variation display game is in a time-shortening state.
In addition, the easy-to-win state confirmation signal is turned ON for a certain period (for example, 32 ms) (t61 to t62), indicating that the easy-to-win state has started. In addition, the easy-to-win state signal outputs 01H, indicating that the support is A or B.
When the specific game state ST4 ends and returns to the normal game state ST1 (t63), the normal electric device 1 opening extension state signal is turned OFF, the normal symbol 1 variation time reduction state signal is turned OFF, and the winning likelihood state signal is made indefinite.

The value of the easy-to-win state signal is indicated by a combination of on/off (hexadecimal) of four signals 1 to 4. For example, in this case, the easy-to-win state signal 1 is on and the easy-to-win state signals 2 to 4 are off, so a signal of 01H is output. The other signals shown in Figure 11, the normal symbol 1 high probability state signal, the normal electric role 1 open extension state signal, the normal symbol 1 change time reduction state signal, and the easy-to-win state confirmation signal, output information by turning a single signal on/off.

11B shows a case where the support C, which is the second specific game state ST42 of the specific game state ST4, starts from the normal game state ST1. It is basically the same as FIG. 11A, but differs only in that 00H is output as the easy-to-win state signal, indicating that it is the support C.
That is, it is possible to determine whether the first specific game state ST41 (support A or B) or the second specific game state ST42 (support C) is in progress using an external device.

FIG. 12 shows an example of an output mode of a signal to be output to the outside of the gaming machine.
As shown in Fig. 12(a), in the winning state where the normal game display game is a hit and the normal game winning device 37 is opened, in the case of pattern H1, the launch position designation signal 1 is ON and the launch position designation signal 2 is OFF, and left hitting is designated for the external device. In the case of pattern H1, the opening time of the normal game winning device 37 is short and there is almost no chance of winning, so left hitting is designated. As mentioned above, the first game state display section 56a of the collective display device 50 indicates that it is in the right hitting state.
In the case of pattern H2, the firing position designation signals 1 and 2 are turned ON, and a right shot is designated to the external device.
As shown in Figure 12 (b), when the game is in the second specific game state ST42, which is support C, when the game is in the second special game state ST3, or when the game is in the first special game state ST2, the launch position designation signals 1 and 2 are turned ON, and a right hit is designated to the external device.

Figures 12(c) to (h) show the output patterns of launch position designation signals 1 and 2 when a small hit and a normal hit overlap.
12(c) shows a case where the second special game state ST3 is started in a winning state in pattern H1. With the start of the winning state, the launch position designation signal 1 is turned ON, but the launch position designation signal 2 remains OFF (t81). Then, with the start of the second special game state ST3, the launch position designation signal 2 is turned ON (t82). Even after the winning state ends, the second special game state ST3 continues, so the launch position designation signals 1 and 2 are maintained ON (t83). Then, with the end of the second special game state ST3, the launch position designation signals 1 and 2 are turned OFF (t84).

Figure 12 (d) shows a case where the second special game state ST3 starts in a winning state with pattern H2. With the start of the winning state, launch position designation signals 1 and 2 are turned ON (t91). Even when the second special game state ST3 starts, launch position designation signals 1 and 2 remain ON (t92), and even when the winning state ends, the second special game state ST3 continues, so launch position designation signals 1 and 2 remain ON (t93). Then, with the end of the second special game state ST3, launch position designation signals 1 and 2 are turned OFF (t94).

Figure 12 (e) shows a case where a winning state in pattern H1 is executed while the second special game state ST3 is being executed. With the start of the second special game state ST3, launch position designation signals 1 and 2 are turned ON (t101). Even when the winning state of pattern H1 is started, the second special game state ST3 continues, so launch position designation signals 1 and 2 are maintained ON (t102). Even when the winning state ends, the second special game state ST3 continues, so launch position designation signals 1 and 2 are maintained ON (t103). Then, with the end of the second special game state ST3, launch position designation signals 1 and 2 are turned OFF (t104).

Figure 12 (f) shows a case where a winning state in pattern H2 is executed while the second special game state ST3 is being executed. With the start of the second special game state ST3, launch position designation signals 1 and 2 are turned ON (t111), and even when the winning state of pattern H2 is started, launch position designation signals 1 and 2 are maintained ON (t112). Even after the winning state ends, the second special game state ST3 continues, so launch position designation signals 1 and 2 are maintained ON (t113). Then, with the end of the second special game state ST3, launch position designation signals 1 and 2 are turned OFF (t114).

Figure 12 (g) shows a case where a winning state in pattern H1 starts during the execution of the second special game state ST3, and the winning state ends after the end of the second special game state ST3. With the start of the second special game state ST3, launch position designation signals 1 and 2 are turned ON (t121), and even when the winning state of pattern H1 starts, launch position designation signals 1 and 2 remain ON because the second special game state ST3 continues (t122). When the second special game state ST3 ends, based on the fact that the winning state of pattern H1 continues, launch position designation signal 1 remains ON, but launch position designation signal 2 is turned OFF (t123). Then, with the end of the winning state, launch position designation signal 1 is turned OFF (t124).

Figure 12 (h) shows a case where a winning state in pattern H2 starts during the execution of the second special game state ST3, and the winning state ends after the end of the second special game state ST3. With the start of the second special game state ST3, launch position designation signals 1 and 2 are turned ON (t131), and even when the winning state of pattern H2 starts, launch position designation signals 1 and 2 remain ON (t132). Even after the end of the second special game state ST3, the winning state of pattern H2 continues, so launch position designation signals 1 and 2 remain ON (t133). Then, with the end of the winning state, launch position designation signals 1 and 2 are turned OFF (t134).

The control of a gaming machine that performs such a game will be described below. First, the control executed by the gaming microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100 will be described. The control process by the gaming microcomputer 111 mainly consists of the main process shown in Figures 13 and 14, and the timer interrupt process shown in Figure 15, which is performed at a predetermined time interval (for example, 4 ms).

[Main processing]
First, the main process will be described. The main process is started by turning on the power. In this main process, as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, first, a process for prohibiting interrupts (step X1) is performed, and then a stack pointer setting process (step X2) is performed to set a stack pointer, which is the top address of an area to which values of registers, etc. are saved when an interrupt occurs. Next, register bank 0 is specified (step X3), and the upper address of the RAM top address is set in a predetermined register (e.g., D register) (step X4). In the case of this embodiment, the range of RAM addresses is 0000h to 01FFh, with 00h or 01h taken as the upper address, and the top address 00h is set in step X4. Next, a launch stop signal is output to set the launch permission signal to a prohibited state (step X5). The launch permission signal is set to a prohibited state when at least one of the game control device 100 and the payout control device 200 is outputting a launch stop signal, and the launch of game balls is prohibited.

Then, the state of the RAM initialization switch 112 and the setting key switch 152 is read (step X6), and a process for setting the power-on delay timer (step X7) is performed. In the process of step X7, a predetermined initial value is set, and a waiting time (e.g., 3 seconds) is set for waiting for the programs of the slave control means (e.g., the payout control device 200 and the performance control device 300) that perform various controls according to instructions from the game control device 100 that constitutes the master control means to start normally. This makes it possible to avoid the slave control device missing the command if the game control device 100 starts up first when the power is turned on and sends a command to the slave control device before the slave control device (e.g., the payout control device 200 and the performance control device 300) starts up. In other words, the game control device 100 serves as a waiting means for delaying the start of the master control means (game control device 100) at the time of power-on, and setting a predetermined waiting time for waiting for the start of the slave control device (the payout control device 200, the performance control device 300, etc.).

The power-on delay timer also uses memory areas (RAM areas or registers not subject to validity checks) that are not subject to validity checks (checksum calculations). This eliminates the need to exclude part of the RAM area when calculating check data such as the checksum of the RAM area, preventing the control at power-on from becoming complicated.

After performing a process of setting a power-on delay timer (step X7), it is determined whether a power outage has occurred (step X8), and if a power outage has occurred (step X8; Y), the game machine waits for the power to be cut off.
Specifically, in step X8, for example, the number of times (for example, 2 times) to read and check the power failure monitoring signal input from the power supply device 400 via the port and the data bus is set, and it is determined whether the power failure monitoring signal is on. If the power failure monitoring signal is on, it is determined whether the on state of the power failure monitoring signal continues for the set number of checks. If the on state of the power failure monitoring signal does not continue for the number of checks, the process returns to determining whether the power failure monitoring signal is on. If the on state of the power failure monitoring signal continues for the number of checks, it is determined that a power failure has occurred. The same applies to steps X34 and X54 described later. In this way, by determining that a power failure has occurred when the power failure monitoring signal has been received for a predetermined period of time, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of a power failure due to noise, etc., and to appropriately deal with malfunctions at the time of power-on.

In other words, the game control device 100 serves as a power outage monitoring means that monitors the occurrence of a power outage during a specified standby time. This makes it possible to respond to a power outage that occurs during the period when the start-up of the game control device 100, which serves as the main control means, is delayed, and makes it possible to appropriately deal with malfunctions when the power is turned on. Note that access to the RAM is not permitted until the end of the standby time, and the contents stored at the time of the previous power outage remain retained, so there is no need to perform backup processing or the like when a power outage occurs here. Therefore, even if a power outage occurs during the standby time, there is no need to back up the RAM, and the burden on control can be reduced.

On the other hand, if no power outage has occurred (step X8; N), the power-on delay timer is updated by -1 (step X9), and it is determined whether the timer value is 0 (step X10). If the timer value is not 0 (step X10; N), i.e., if the waiting time has not ended, the process returns to the process of determining whether a power outage has occurred (step X8). If the timer value is 0 (step X10; Y), i.e., if the waiting time has ended, access is granted to readable and writable RWMs (read/write memories) such as RAM and EEPROM (step X11), and off data is output to all output ports (setting to a state with no output) (step X12).

Next, a serial port (a port pre-installed in the gaming microcomputer 111, which in this embodiment is used for communication with the performance control device 300 and the payout control device 200) is set (step X13), and a process is performed (step X14) to start a CTC (Counter/Timer Circuit) circuit that generates a timer interrupt signal and a random number update trigger signal (CTC) in the gaming microcomputer 111 (clock generator). The CTC circuit is provided in the clock generator in the gaming microcomputer 111. The clock generator includes a frequency division circuit that divides the oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the oscillation circuit 113, and a CTC circuit that generates a timer interrupt signal of a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds) to the CPU 111A based on the frequency-divided signal, and a signal CTC that provides a trigger for random number update to be supplied to the random number generation circuit.
Next, a RAM abnormality flag is set (step X15). Here, regardless of whether or not there is an abnormality in the RAM, the RAM abnormality flag is temporarily set in a predetermined register on the assumption that there is an abnormality in the RAM.

Next, it is determined whether the value of power outage inspection area 1 in the RWM is normal power outage inspection area check data 1 (e.g., 5Ah) (step X16), and if it is normal (step X16; Y), it is determined whether the value of power outage inspection area 2 in the RWM is normal power outage inspection area check data 2 (e.g., A5h) (step X17). Then, if the value of power outage inspection area 2 is normal (step X17; Y), a checksum calculation process (step X18) is performed to calculate a checksum of a specified area in the RWM, and it is determined whether the calculated checksum matches the checksum at the time of power outage (step X19). If the checksums match (step X19; Y), there is no abnormality in the RAM, so the RAM abnormality flag is cleared (step X20) and the process proceeds to step X21.

If it is determined that the check data in the power failure inspection area is not normal (step X16; N or step X17; N), or if it is determined that the checksums do not match (step X19; N), it is determined whether both the setting key switch 152 and the RAM initialization switch 112 are in the ON state based on the state read in step X6 (step X21). If at least one of the setting key switch 152 and the RAM initialization switch 112 is in the OFF state (step X21; N), it is determined whether the RAM abnormality flag is set (step X22). If the RAM abnormality flag is set (step X22; Y), there is an abnormality in the RAM, so a main abnormality error notification command is sent to the performance control board (performance control device 300) to notify that the game control device 100 is abnormal (step X24).

On the other hand, if the RAM abnormality flag is not set (step X22; N), it is determined whether the probability setting change flag is set (step X23). If the probability setting change flag is set (step X23; Y), a main abnormality error notification command is sent to the performance control board (performance control device 300) (step X24). The probability setting flag set here is the probability setting flag set before the power outage. In other words, if the power supply of the gaming machine is cut off and restarted while changing the probability setting value, the operation of the gaming control device 100 stops, so the processing of step X24 is performed.
Next, the 7-segment display data at the time of game stop is output to the fifth driver 138e via the second output port 134 (step X25). After that, ON data of the security signal is output and OFF data of signals other than the security signal is output (step X26), and the process returns to step X25.

Also, if both the setting key switch 152 and the RAM initialization switch 112 are in the on state (step X21; Y), it is determined whether the RAM abnormality flag is set (step X27). If the RAM abnormality flag is not set (step X27; N), the probability setting change flag is set (step X29). This transitions to the probability setting value change mode. After that, a command indicating that the probability setting is being changed is sent to the performance control board (performance control device 300) (step X30), and the process transitions to step X31. Based on receiving the command indicating that the probability setting is being changed, the performance control device 300 notifies the user that the probability setting value is being changed by displaying the display device 41, lighting the LEDs of the frame decoration device 18 and the board decoration device 46, operating the board performance device 44, and outputting sound from the speakers 19a and 19b.
On the other hand, if the RAM abnormality flag is set (step X27; Y), a process of clearing the probability setting value (step X28) is performed. This sets 0 to the area for the probability setting value in the RWM, and the probability setting value becomes "setting 1". After that, the process of steps X29 and X30 is performed, and the process proceeds to step X31.

If at least one of the setting key switch 152 and the RAM initialization switch 112 is in the OFF state (step X21; N) and neither the RAM abnormality flag nor the probability setting change flag is set (step X22; N and step X23; N), it is determined whether the setting key switch 152 is in the ON state based on the state read in step X6 (step X35). Then, if the setting key switch 152 is not in the ON state (step X35; N), it is determined whether the RAM initialization switch 112 is in the ON state based on the state read in step X6 (step X43).

If it is determined that the RAM initialization switch 112 is not on (step X43; N), that is, if both the setting key switch 152 and the RAM initialization switch 112 are off, the process proceeds to step X41 and processing is performed in the case where normal recovery from a power outage is performed.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the RAM initialization switch 112 is in the ON state (step X43; Y), the process proceeds to step X44 to perform initialization processing. That is, the RAM initialization switch 112 constitutes an initialization operation unit that can be operated from the outside, and the game control device 100 constitutes an initialization means that initializes the data stored in the RAM based on the operation of the initialization operation unit.

Also, if the setting key switch 152 is in the on state (step X35; Y), the probability setting confirmation flag is set (step X36). This transitions to probability setting value confirmation mode. After that, a command for probability setting confirmation is sent to the performance control board (performance control device 300) (step X37). Based on receiving the command for probability setting confirmation, the performance control device 300 notifies the user that the probability setting value is being confirmed by displaying the display device 41, lighting the LEDs of the frame decoration device 18 and board decoration device 46, operating the board performance device 44, outputting sound from the speakers 19a and 19b, etc.

Then, in order to guarantee the output of a security signal for 50 ms or more, a value corresponding to 128 ms is saved in the security signal control timer area (step X31). The security signal is output in the probability setting change/confirmation process (step X122) of the timer interrupt process when in the probability setting value change mode or the probability setting value confirmation mode, and is output in the external information editing process (step X120) of the timer interrupt process in other cases. Therefore, if the probability setting value change mode or the probability setting value confirmation mode ends in less than 128 ms, the security signal is continuously output by the external information editing process (step X120) of the timer interrupt process. In other words, even if the probability setting value change mode or the probability setting value confirmation mode ends in less than 128 ms, the security signal is output for 128 ms after transitioning to the probability setting value change mode or the probability setting value confirmation mode. Note that the value saved in the security signal control timer area in step X31 is not limited to the value corresponding to 128 ms. However, since a security signal must be output for at least 50 ms after switching to probability setting value change mode or probability setting value confirmation mode, a value corresponding to 50 ms or more must be saved.

Then, the interrupt is permitted (step X32), and it is determined whether the setting key switch 152 is in the OFF state (step X33). In step X33, the determination is not based on the state read in step X6 (the state when the power is turned on), but on the state read in the input process (step X103) of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 15) (the current state). If it is determined in step X33 that the setting key switch 152 is in the OFF state, the probability setting value is confirmed.
If the setting key switch 152 is not in the off state (step X33; N), it is determined whether a power outage has occurred (step X34), and if a power outage has not occurred (step X34; N), the process returns to step X33, and if a power outage has occurred (step X34; Y), the process proceeds to step X55. If it is determined that a power outage has occurred in step X34 while the probability setting change flag is set, it is determined that the probability setting change flag is set in step X23 of the main processing (FIGS. 13 and 14) after recovery from the power outage.

On the other hand, if the setting key switch 152 is in the off state (step X33; Y), a process for prohibiting interrupts (step X38) is performed. Between the process for permitting interrupts (step X32) and the process for prohibiting interrupts (steps X38, X55), a timer interrupt process (FIG. 15) is performed at a predetermined time period (e.g., 4 ms). In this timer interrupt process, a probability setting change/confirmation process (step X122), which is a process related to the probability setting value, is performed. In other words, the main process is on standby until the probability setting value change or confirmation is completed (or until a power outage occurs).
Next, a notification end command is sent to the performance control board (performance control device 300) (step X39). In response to receiving the notification end command, the performance control device 300 ends the notification being executed (the notification indicating that the probability setting value is being changed or the notification indicating that the probability setting value is being confirmed).

Next, it is determined whether the probability setting change flag is set (step X40), and if the probability setting change flag is not set (step X40; N), that is, if the probability setting confirmation flag is set, a power outage recovery process (step X41) is performed to save the initial values at the time of power outage recovery in the areas to be initialized (for example, the power outage inspection area, the checksum area, and the area related to error fraud monitoring). The probability setting confirmation flag is cleared in this step X41.
Then, the power failure recovery command corresponding to the special game processing number is sent to the performance control board (performance control device 300) (step X42), and the process proceeds to step X47. In the case of this embodiment, in step X42, multiple commands such as a model designation command, a probability setting information command, a special game 1 reserved number command, a special game 2 reserved number command, a probability information command, a performance count information command, and a screen designation command are sent. As a screen designation command, when both the special game 1 and the special game 2 are in normal processing as described below, that is, when the game is waiting for customers, which is neither in the execution of the special game variable display game nor in the special game state, a customer waiting demo screen command is sent, and otherwise a recovery screen command is sent. In addition to these commands, depending on the model, a high probability count information command, etc. are also sent.

On the other hand, if the probability setting change flag is set (step X40; Y), the RAM areas other than the probability setting value are cleared to 0 (step X44). In step X44, the RAM area for the probability setting value (work area (1 byte area for the probability setting value)) and the RAM area for performance display (display of base value and role ratio) (work area and stack area) are not cleared, but the RAM area for game control (work area and stack area) is cleared to 0. Therefore, the probability setting change flag is cleared in this step X44. Note that in step X44, the stack area and unused area may or may not be cleared.

Then, the initial value at the time of RAM initialization is saved in the area to be initialized (step X45). The area to be initialized here is the area related to the setting of the customer waiting demo area and the performance mode. Then, the command at the time of RAM initialization is sent to the performance control board (performance control device 300) (step X46). In the case of this embodiment, in step X46, multiple commands such as a model designation command, a probability setting information command, a special chart 1 reserved number command, a special chart 2 reserved number command, a probability information command, a performance count information command, and a RAM initialization command (a command to display the customer waiting demo screen and to notify the RAM initialization with light and sound for a predetermined time (e.g. 30 seconds)) are sent. Depending on the model, in addition to these commands, a performance count information command and a support count information command, which is information on the number of times the special chart variable display game with normal power support is executed, are also sent.

Next, a process for setting up the random number generation circuit is performed (step X47). Specifically, the CPU 111A sets a code (specified value) for starting the random number generation circuit in a specified register (CTC update permission register) in the random number generation circuit. In addition, a bit permutation pattern for a hard random number (a jackpot random number in this case) generated by the hardware of the random number generation circuit is also set. A bit permutation pattern is a pattern that determines how the bit arrangement of an extracted random number (arrangement before bit permutation in the upper row) is permuted in a predetermined order and stored as a different bit arrangement (arrangement after bit permutation in the lower row). By permuting the bits of the random number according to this bit permutation pattern, the regularity of the random number can be broken and the secrecy of the random number can be increased. The bit permutation pattern may be a fixed single pattern, or may be selected from a plurality of patterns prepared in advance. In addition, the user may be able to set it arbitrarily.

Then, the values of the specified registers (soft random number registers 1 to n) in the random number generation circuit at the time of power-on are extracted, and the corresponding initial value random numbers (in this embodiment, the special pattern random number that determines the winning pattern of the special pattern, the random number (winning random number) that determines the winning pattern of the normal pattern, and the normal pattern random number that determines the winning pattern of the normal pattern) are saved in a specified area of the RWM (step X48), and an interrupt is permitted (step X49). In the random number generation circuit in the CPU 111A used in this embodiment, the initial value of the soft random number register is configured to change each time the power is turned on, so by setting this value as the initial value (start value) of the various initial value random numbers, the regularity of the random numbers generated by the software can be disrupted, making it difficult for players to obtain illegal random numbers.

Next, an initial value random number update process (step X50) is performed to update the values of various initial value random numbers and break the regularity of the random numbers. Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, the jackpot random number, special pattern random number, winning random number, and normal pattern random number are configured to be generated using random numbers generated in a random number generation circuit. However, the jackpot random number is a so-called "high-speed counter" that is updated based on a clock that is equal to or faster than the CPU's operating clock, and the special pattern random number, winning random number, and normal pattern random number are "low-speed counters" that are updated based on a CTC output (CTC (CTC2) different from the CTC (CTC0) of the timer interrupt processing) that has the same period as the timer interrupt processing, which is the processing unit of the program. In addition, the special pattern random number, winning random number, and normal pattern random number adopt a so-called "initial value change method" in which the start value is changed using each initial value random number (generated by software) every time the random number goes around. Each of the random numbers may be updated by a counter of +1 or -1, or may be updated randomly in which all values within the range appear separately without duplication until a full cycle is completed. In other words, the jackpot random number is a random number updated only by hardware, while the special pattern random number, winning random number, and regular pattern random number are random numbers updated by hardware and software.

After the initial value random number update process of step X50, a process to prohibit interrupts (step X51) is performed, and then a performance display editing process (step X52) is performed. Then, after a process to permit interrupts (step X53), it is determined whether a power outage has occurred (step X54), and if a power outage has not occurred (step X54; N), the process returns to the initial value random number update process (step X50). In other words, if a power outage has not occurred, the initial value random number update process, performance display editing process, and power outage monitoring are repeatedly performed. By permitting interrupts (step X49) before the initial value random number update process (step X50), if a timer interrupt occurs during the initial value random number update process, the interrupt process is executed with priority, and it is possible to avoid the interrupt process being overwhelmed by the timer interrupt being made to wait by the initial value random number update process.

In addition, there is a method in which the initial value random number update process in step X50 can be performed not only in the main processing but also in the timer interrupt processing. If such a method is adopted, in order to avoid the initial value random number update process being executed in both, when performing the initial value random number update process in the main processing, it is necessary to prohibit interrupts before updating and then canceling the interrupt. However, if the initial value random number update process is not performed in the timer interrupt processing as in this embodiment, but only within the main processing, there is no problem in canceling the interrupt before the initial value random number update process, which has the advantage of simplifying the main processing.

On the other hand, if a power outage has occurred (step X54; Y), a process of temporarily prohibiting interrupts (step X55) and a process of outputting off data to all output ports (step X56) are performed.
Then, the power failure inspection area check data 1 is saved in the power failure inspection area 1 (step X57), and the power failure inspection area check data 2 is saved in the power failure inspection area 2 (step X58). Furthermore, after performing a checksum calculation process (step X59) for calculating a checksum at the time of power failure of the RWM and a process for saving the calculated checksum (step X60), a process for prohibiting access to the RWM (step X61) is performed, and then the power of the gaming machine is waited for to be cut off. In this way, by saving the check data in the power failure inspection area and calculating the checksum at the time of power failure, it is possible to determine whether the information stored in the RWM before the power failure is correctly backed up when the power is turned on again.

From the above, in a gaming machine equipped with a main control means (gaming control device 100) that controls the overall game, and slave control means (payout control device 200, presentation control device 300, etc.) that perform various controls in accordance with instructions from the main control means, the main control means is equipped with a standby means (gaming control device 100) that delays the start-up of the main control means when the power is turned on, and sets a predetermined standby time for waiting for the start-up of the slave control devices, and a power outage monitoring means (gaming control device 100) that monitors the occurrence of a power outage during the predetermined standby time.
The system also includes a power supply unit 400 that supplies power to various devices, and the power supply unit 400 is configured to output a power outage monitoring signal when it detects the occurrence of a power outage, and the power outage monitoring means (game control device 100) is configured to determine that a power outage has occurred when it continues to receive the power outage monitoring signal for a predetermined period of time.

In addition, the main control means (game control device 100) is equipped with a RAM 111C capable of storing data, an initialization operation unit (RAM initialization switch 112) that can be operated from the outside, and an initialization means (game control device 100) that initializes the data stored in RAM 111C based on the operation of the initialization operation unit, and is configured to read the operation status of the initialization means before the start of the standby time.
In addition, the main control means (game control device 100) is configured to permit access to RAM 111C after the waiting time has elapsed.

[Timer interrupt processing]
Next, the timer interrupt process will be described. The timer interrupt process is started when a periodic timer interrupt signal generated by the CTC circuit in the clock generator is input to the CPU 111A. In other words, it is an interrupt routine that is started at a predetermined period. When a timer interrupt occurs in the gaming microcomputer 111, the interrupt is automatically disabled, and the timer interrupt process of FIG. 15 is started.

When timer interrupt processing begins, first register bank 1 is specified (step X101). Switching to register bank 1 is equivalent to performing a register save process in which the value held in a specified register (for example, a register used in the main processing) is moved to the RWM. Next, the upper address of the RAM start address is set in a specified register (for example, the D register) (step X102). In step X102, the same process as in step X4 in the main processing is performed, but the register bank is different. Next, input processing (step X103) is performed to take in inputs and signals from various sensors and switches, that is, to read the status of each input port.

Next, it is determined whether the probability setting change flag or the probability setting confirmation flag is set (step X104), and if the probability setting change flag or the probability setting confirmation flag is set (step X104; Y), a probability setting change/confirmation process (step X122) is performed and the timer interrupt process is terminated.
On the other hand, when both the probability setting change flag and the probability setting confirmation flag are not set (step X104; N), output processing (step X105) is performed to perform drive control of actuators such as solenoids (big prize opening solenoid 38b, lever solenoid 38f, normal power solenoid 37c) based on the output data set in various processes. When a launch stop signal is output in step X5 in the main process, a launch permission signal is output by performing this output processing, and the launch permission signal is set to a state in which it can be set to an allowed state. This launch permission signal is output to the launch control device via the payout control device. At that time, no processing of the signal is performed. In addition, the launch permission signal is a first signal indicating the launch permission state as seen from the game control device, and a second signal (launch permission signal) indicating the launch permission state as seen from the payout control device is also generated in the payout control device and output to the launch control device. In other words, when two launch permission signals are output to the launch control device and both are launch permission, the game ball is configured to be in a state in which it can be launched.

Next, a payout command transmission process (step X106) is performed to output the commands set in the transmission buffer to the payout control device 200, followed by a random number update process 1 (step X107) and a random number update process 2 (step X108). In the random number update process 1 (step X107), the initial values (start values) of the special pattern random number, winning random number, and normal pattern random number that are the subject of the initial value random number update process are updated. After that, a prize port switch/status monitoring process (step X109) is performed to monitor whether or not there is a normal signal input from the start port 1 switch 36a, start port 2 switch 37a, prize port switch 35a, and large prize port switch 38a, and to monitor errors such as setting prize balls, opening the front frame and glass frame, and illegal winning into the normal variable prize device 37 and special variable prize device 38.

Next, it is determined whether an abnormal discharge is occurring (step X110). An abnormal discharge is when the number of game balls discharged from the special variable winning device 38 (the number of game balls detected by the specific area switch 38d and the remaining ball discharge port switch 38e) exceeds the number of game balls that flowed into the special variable winning device 38 (the number of game balls detected by the large winning port switch 38a). If an abnormal discharge is occurring, an abnormal discharge flag is set. If an abnormal discharge is occurring (step X110; Y), the process proceeds to step X116. In other words, the game is prevented from progressing.

On the other hand, if an abnormal ejection is not occurring (step X110; N), a special chart game process (step X112) is performed to process the special chart change display game, and a regular chart game process (step X114) is performed to process the regular chart change display game, and a segment LED editing process (step X115) is performed to drive the segment LEDs provided on the gaming machine 10, which display the special chart change display game and various information related to the game, to display the desired content.

Then, a magnet irregularity monitoring process (step X116) is performed to check the detection signal from the magnetic sensor 61 and determine whether there is any abnormality, a panel radio wave irregularity monitoring process (step X117) is performed to check the detection signal from the panel radio wave sensor 62 and determine whether there is any abnormality, a vibration irregularity monitoring process (step X118) is performed to check the detection signal from the vibration sensor 65 and determine whether there is any abnormality, and an abnormal discharge monitoring process (step X119) is performed to determine whether an abnormal discharge has occurred. Furthermore, an external information editing process (step X120) is performed to set signals to be output to various external devices in an output buffer, and a performance display monitor control process (step X121) is performed to control the performance display device 153, and then the timer interrupt process is terminated.

In this embodiment, the process of restoring the interrupt disabled state (i.e., the process of allowing an interrupt) and the process of restoring the register bank designation (i.e., the process of designating register bank 0) are performed automatically at the time of interrupt return (at the end of timer interrupt processing). Note that, depending on the CPU used, there are gaming machines for which it is necessary to instruct the execution of the process of restoring the interrupt disabled state and the process of restoring the register bank designation.

[Special game processing]
Next, the details of the special game process (step X112) in the above timer interrupt process will be described. In the special game process, the input of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a is monitored, the whole process related to the special game variable display game is controlled, and the display of the special game is set.

As shown in FIG. 16, the special chart game process first performs a start port switch monitoring process (step A1) that monitors the winning of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a. In the start port switch monitoring process, when a game ball wins in the normal variable winning device 37 that constitutes the start winning port 36 or the second start winning port, various random numbers (such as a jackpot random number) are extracted, and a game result advance determination is performed to determine the game result based on the winning in advance at a stage before the start of the special chart variable display game based on the winning.

Next, a large prize opening switch monitoring process (step A2) is performed. In this large prize opening switch monitoring process, a process is performed to monitor the detection of a game ball at the large prize opening switch 38a provided in the special variable prize device 38. Then, a specific area switch monitoring process is performed to monitor the detection of a game ball in the specific area 38h (step A3).

Next, if the special game processing timer is not "0", it is updated by -1 (step A4). The minimum value of the special game processing timer is set to "0". Then, it is determined whether the value of the special game processing timer is "0" (step A5). If the value of the special game processing timer is "0" (step A5; Y), that is, if the timer is up or has already timed out, a special game sequence branch table to be referenced for branching to the process corresponding to the special game processing number is set in a register (step A6), and the table is used to obtain the branch destination address of the process corresponding to the special game processing number (step A7). Then, a subroutine call is made according to the special game processing number (step A8).

In step A8, if the special chart game processing number is "0", the start of the special chart change display game is monitored, and special chart normal processing (step A9) is performed to set the start of the change in the special chart change display game, set the performance, and set information necessary for processing during the special chart change.
In step A8, if the special chart game processing number is "1", special chart change processing (step A10) is performed to set the stop display time of the special chart and to set information necessary for processing during the special chart display.

In step A8, if the special chart game processing number is "2", if the result of the special chart variable display game is a jackpot, special chart display processing (step A11) is performed to set a fanfare command according to the type of jackpot, set a fanfare time according to the large prize opening pattern of each jackpot, and set information required for fanfare/interval processing.

In step A8, if the special game processing number is "3", fanfare/interval processing (step A12) is performed to set the opening time of the large prize opening, update the number of times it is opened, and set information necessary for processing while the large prize opening is open.
In step A8, if the special game processing number is "4", if the jackpot round is not the final round, an interval command is set, and if it is the final round, an ending command is set, and processing during opening of the large prize opening (step A13) is performed to set information necessary for processing the remaining balls in the large prize opening, etc.

In step A8, if the special game processing number is "5", if the jackpot round is the final round, a process for setting the time for the remaining balls in the jackpot opening to be discharged, and a process for setting information necessary for performing jackpot end processing, etc., are performed in the jackpot opening remaining balls process (step A14).
In step A8, if the special game processing number is "6", a jackpot end process (step A15) is performed to set information necessary for performing special game normal processing, etc.

In step A8, if the special game processing number is "7", small win fanfare processing (step A16) is performed, which sets the opening time and opening pattern of the large prize opening when a small win occurs, sets the fanfare command, and sets information necessary for performing small win processing.
In step A8, if the special game processing number is "8", small win processing (step A17) is performed to set an ending command and information necessary for small win remaining ball processing.
In step A8, if the special game processing number is "9", small win remaining ball processing (step A18) is performed, which includes processing to set the time for the remaining balls that entered the large prize opening during small win processing to be discharged, and setting information necessary for small win end processing.
In step A8, if the special game processing number is "10", a small win end process (step A19) is performed to set information necessary for performing special game normal processing.

After that, a table for controlling the fluctuation of the special symbol 1 display 51 is prepared (step A20), and then a pattern fluctuation control process (step A21) for controlling the fluctuation of the special symbol by the special symbol 1 display 51 is performed. Then, a table for controlling the fluctuation of the special symbol 2 display 52 is prepared (step A22), and then a pattern fluctuation control process (step A23) for controlling the fluctuation of the special symbol by the special symbol 2 display 52 is performed. Then, a lever solenoid control process (step A24) for controlling the operation of the lever solenoid 38f is performed, and the special symbol game process is terminated. On the other hand, if the value of the special symbol game process timer is not "0" in step A5 (step A5; N), i.e., if the timer has not timed out, the process proceeds to step A20 and the subsequent processes are performed.

[Special diagram start switch common processing]
Next, the details of the special drawing start port switch common processing performed in the above-mentioned start port switch monitoring processing will be described. The special drawing start port switch common processing is a process that is commonly performed for each input when there is an input of the start port 1 switch 36a or the start port 2 switch 37a.

As shown in FIG. 17, in the special start port switch common processing, first, the start port signal output count, which is the number of times information on the number of winnings to the start port switch to be monitored among the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a is output to the management device outside the gaming machine 10, is loaded (step A131), the loaded value is updated by +1 (step A132), and it is determined whether the output count will overflow (step A133). If the output count does not overflow (step A133; N), the updated value is saved in the start port signal output count area of the RWM (step A134), and the process proceeds to step A135. On the other hand, if the output count overflows (step A133; Y), the process proceeds to step A135. In this embodiment, values from "0" to "255" can be stored in the start port signal output count area. Then, if the loaded value is "255", the updated value becomes "0" by updating by +1, and it is determined that the output count will overflow.

Next, it is determined whether the number of reserved special drawings (start memories) to be updated that corresponds to the start port switch to be monitored, among the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a, is less than the upper limit (step A135). If the number of reserved special drawings to be updated is not less than the upper limit (step A135; N), the special drawing start port switch common processing is terminated.

Also, if the number of reserved special charts to be updated is less than the upper limit (step A135; Y), the number of reserved special charts to be updated (reserved number of special charts 1 or reserved number of special charts 2) is updated by +1 (step A136), and the target start port winning flag is saved (step A137). Next, the address of the random number storage area corresponding to the start port switch and reserved number of special charts to be monitored is calculated (step A138), and the jackpot random number prepared in the hardware random number acquisition process is saved in the jackpot random number storage area of the RWM (step A139).

Next, the special pattern random number of the start port switch to be monitored is extracted and prepared (step A140), and saved in the special pattern random number storage area of the RWM (step A141).
Next, the fluctuation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 are saved in the fluctuation pattern random number storage area of the corresponding RWM (step A145), and a special chart reservation information determination process (step A146) is performed.
Next, a decorative special chart reservation number command corresponding to the start port switch and special chart reservation number to be monitored is prepared (step A147), a performance command setting process (step A148) is performed, and the special chart start port switch common processing is terminated.

Here, the game control device 100 (RAM 111C) serves as a start memory means that extracts a predetermined random number based on the detection of a game ball in the start area of the start winning port 36 or the normal variable winning device 37, and stores the predetermined number as a start memory that serves as the right to execute the variable display game, with an upper limit of the predetermined number. Also, the start memory means (game control device 100) stores various random number values extracted based on the winning of a game ball in the first start winning port (start winning port 36) as a first start memory with an upper limit of the predetermined number, and stores various random number values extracted based on the winning of a game ball in the second start winning port (normal variable winning device 37) as a second start memory with an upper limit of the predetermined number.

[Special chart reservation information determination process]
Next, the details of the special chart reserved information determination process (step A146) in the above-mentioned start port switch common process will be described. The special chart reserved information determination process is a pre-reading process that determines the result-related information corresponding to the start memory before the start timing of the special chart variable display game based on the corresponding start memory.

As shown in FIG. 18, first, a jackpot determination process (step A154) is performed to determine whether or not a jackpot has occurred based on whether or not the jackpot random number value matches the jackpot determination value. If the determination result is a jackpot (step A155; Y), a jackpot special pattern random number check table corresponding to the target start port switch is set (step A156), and stop pattern information corresponding to the special pattern random number prepared in step A140 of the special pattern start port switch common process is obtained (step A157), and the process proceeds to step A168.

On the other hand, if the judgment result is not a big win (step A155; N), a small win judgment process (step A159) is performed to judge whether or not it is a small win depending on whether the big win random number value matches the small win judgment value. Then, if the judgment result is a small win (step A160; Y), a special chart pattern random number check table for small wins is set (step A161), the stop pattern information corresponding to the special chart pattern random number prepared in step A140 of the special chart start port switch common processing is obtained (step A162), and the process proceeds to step A168.

On the other hand, if the judgment result is not a small win (step A160; N), a support win judgment process (step A163) is performed to judge whether or not the support win is a win by whether or not the big win random number value matches the support win judgment value. If the judgment result is not a support win (step A164; N), the stop pattern information of a loss is set (step A167) and the process proceeds to step A168.
In addition, if the judgment result is a support hit (step A164; Y), a special chart pattern random number check table for a support hit is set (step A165), stopping pattern information corresponding to the special chart pattern random number prepared in step A140 of the special chart start port switch common processing is obtained (step A166), and processing proceeds to step A168.
Incidentally, the support hit can be derived only when the game state is the first specific game state ST41, and here the determination is made taking into consideration the game state in which the special chart change display game based on the start memory is executed.

Then, a pre-reading stop symbol command corresponding to the target start switch and stop symbol information is prepared (step A168), and a performance command setting process is performed (step A169). Next, a special symbol information setting process (step A170) is performed to set the special symbol information, which is a parameter for setting a variation pattern, and a variation pattern setting process is performed to set the variation mode of the special symbol variation display game (step A171).
Then, a pre-reading variation pattern command corresponding to the first half variation number indicating the first half variation pattern and the second half variation number indicating the second half variation pattern in the variation mode of the special chart variation display game is prepared (step A172), a performance command setting process is performed (step A173), and the special chart reservation information determination process is terminated. Note that the special chart information setting process in step A170 and the variation pattern setting process in step A171 are the same as the process executed at the start of the special chart variation display game in the special chart normal process.

By the above processing, a look-ahead pattern command including the result of the special chart change display game based on the start memory to be looked-ahead, and a look-ahead change pattern command including information on the change pattern in the special chart change display game based on that start memory are prepared and sent to the performance control device 300. This makes it possible to inform the performance control device 300 of the judgment result (look-ahead result) of the result-related information corresponding to the start memory (whether it is a jackpot or not and the type of change pattern) before the start timing of the special chart change display game based on the corresponding start memory, and in particular, by changing the decorative special chart start memory display displayed on the display device 41, it becomes possible to notify the player of the result-related information before the start timing of the special chart change display game.

In other words, the game control device 100 serves as a pre-determination means for determining the random number stored as a start memory in the start memory means (game control device 100) before the variable display game based on the start memory is executed (for example, determining whether or not a special result will result). Note that the random number value stored in correspondence with the start memory may be determined in advance not only at the time of the start winning that generated the start memory, but also at any time before the variable display game based on the start memory is executed.

[Special chart normal processing]
Next, the details of the special chart normal processing (step A9) in the special chart game processing described above will be explained. As shown in FIG. 19, in the special chart normal processing, first, it is determined whether the special chart 2 reserved number (second start memory number) is "0" (step A301). If it is determined that the special chart 2 reserved number is "0" (step A301; Y), it is determined whether the special chart 1 reserved number (first start memory number) is "0" (step A305). Then, if it is determined that the special chart 1 reserved number is "0" (step A305; Y), it is determined whether the customer waiting demo has started (step A309), and if the customer waiting demo has not started (step A309; N), a customer waiting demo in progress flag is set in the customer waiting demo flag area (step A310).

Next, prepare a customer waiting demo command (step A311) and perform a performance command setting process (step A312). Next, set "0" for the special chart normal processing as the processing number (step A313), and save the processing number in the special chart game processing number area (step A314). Then, clear the variable pattern discrimination flag area (step A315), save the fraud monitoring period flag in the large prize winning port fraud monitoring period flag area (step A316), and end the special chart normal processing. In other words, when the special chart variable display game is in a state where it can be started but the starting condition is not satisfied, the customer waiting demo command that constitutes the waiting information is sent to the performance control device 300.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step A309 that the customer waiting demo has already started (step A309; Y), the process proceeds to step A313 without carrying out the processes of steps A310 to A312.

In addition, in step A301, if the number of reserved special figures 2 is not "0" (step A301; N), prepare a decorative reserved special figure number command corresponding to the reserved number of special figures 2 (step A302). Next, perform a performance command setting process (step A303), perform a special figure 2 variable start process (step A304), and end the normal special figure process.
In addition, in step A305, if the number of reserved special figures 1 is not "0" (step A305; N), prepare a decorative reserved special figure number command corresponding to the reserved number of special figures 1 (step A306). Next, perform a performance command setting process (step A307), perform a special figure 1 change start process (step A308), and end the normal special figure process.

[Special Chart 1 Change Start Processing]
Next, the details of the special chart 1 variation start process (step A308) in the above-mentioned special chart normal process will be described. The special chart 1 variation start process is a process performed at the start of the first special chart variation display game. As shown in FIG. 20(a), first, the special chart 1 variation flag indicating the type of the special chart variation display game to be executed (here, special chart 1) is saved in the variation pattern discrimination flag area (step A321). Next, a jackpot flag 1 setting process (step A322) is performed in which miss information or jackpot information is set in the jackpot flag 1 for determining whether the first special chart variation display game is a jackpot by judging the jackpot random number, and miss information or small hit information is set in the small hit flag for determining whether the first special chart variation display game is a small hit, and miss information or support hit information is set in the support hit flag for determining whether the first special chart variation display game is a support hit.

Next, a special chart 1 stop pattern setting process (step A323) for setting the special chart 1 stop pattern (pattern information) is performed, followed by a special chart information setting process (step A324) for setting the special chart information, which is a parameter for setting the variation pattern. Parameters used include the game status, number of reserved plays, stop pattern pattern number, and remaining number of normal power support plays. Next, a special chart 1 variation pattern setting information table is prepared (step A325), which is a table in which information is set for referencing various information related to setting the variation pattern of the first special chart variation display game. After that, a variation pattern setting process (step A326) is performed to set the variation pattern, which is the variation mode in the first special chart variation display game, and a variation start information setting process (step A327) is performed to set information on the start of variation in the first special chart variation display game.

Next, the processing number is set to "1" for processing during special chart change (step A328), and the processing number is saved in the special chart game processing number area (step A329).
Then, the customer waiting demo flag area is cleared (step A330), and a signal related to the start of the fluctuation of the special pattern 1 (for example, the special pattern 1 fluctuation signal is ON) is saved in the test signal output data area (step A331). After that, the fluctuation flag is saved in the special pattern 1 fluctuation control flag area (step A332), and the initial value (here, 100 ms) of the blinking control timer (the timer for the blinking period of the special pattern 1 display 51) is set in the special pattern 1 blinking control timer area (step A333). Next, the initial value (here, "0") is saved in the special pattern 1 variable pattern number area (step A334), and the special pattern 1 fluctuation start processing is terminated.

[Special Chart 2 Change Start Processing]
Next, the details of the special chart 2 variation start process (step A304) in the above-mentioned special chart normal process will be described. The special chart 2 variation start process is a process performed at the start of the second special chart variation display game, and is a process similar to the process in the special chart 1 variation start process shown in Figure 20 (a) for the second start memory.

As shown in FIG. 20(b), first, the special chart 2 change flag indicating the type of the special chart change display game to be executed (here, special chart 2) is saved in the change pattern discrimination flag area (step A341). Next, a jackpot random number is judged and miss information or jackpot information is set in the jackpot flag 2 to determine whether the second special chart change display game is a jackpot or not, and a jackpot flag 2 setting process (step A342) is performed to set miss information or small hit information in the small hit flag to determine whether the second special chart change display game is a small hit or not, and to set miss information or support hit information in the support hit flag to determine whether the second special chart change display game is a support hit or not.

Next, a special chart 2 stop pattern setting process (step A343) for setting the special chart 2 stop pattern (pattern information) is performed, followed by a special chart information setting process (step A344) for setting the special chart information, which is a parameter for setting the variation pattern. Parameters used include the game status, number of reserved plays, stop pattern number, and remaining number of normal power support plays. Next, a special chart 2 variation pattern setting information table, which is a table in which information for referencing various information regarding the setting of the variation pattern of the second special chart variation display game is set, is prepared (step A345). After that, a variation pattern setting process (step A346) is performed to set the variation pattern, which is the variation mode in the second special chart variation display game, and a variation start information setting process (step A347) is performed to set information on the start of variation in the second special chart variation display game.

Next, the processing number is set to "1" for processing during special chart change (step A348), and the processing number is saved in the special chart game processing number area (step A349).
Then, the customer waiting demo flag area is cleared (step A350), and a signal related to the start of the variation of the special pattern 2 (for example, the special pattern 2 variation signal is ON) is saved in the test signal output data area (step A351). After that, the variation flag is saved in the special pattern 2 variation control flag area (step A352), and the initial value (here, 100 ms) of the blinking control timer (the timer for the blinking period of the special pattern 2 display 52) is set in the special pattern 2 blinking control timer area (step A353). Next, the initial value (here, "0") is saved in the special pattern 2 variation pattern number area (step A354), and the special pattern 2 variation start processing is terminated.

In other words, the game control device 100 serves as a special chart change display game execution control means that executes a special chart change display game based on the start memory stored in the start memory means. Also, the special chart change display game execution control means executes a first special chart change display game as a special chart change display game based on the first start memory, and executes a second special chart change display game as a special chart change display game based on the second start memory.

[Special chart 1 stop pattern setting process]
Figure 21 shows the special chart 1 stop pattern setting process (step A323) in the special chart 1 change start process of this embodiment.
In this special chart 1 stop pattern setting process, first, it is determined whether the jackpot flag 1 is a jackpot (step A431), and if it is a jackpot (step A431; Y), a special chart pattern random number is loaded from the special chart 1 special chart pattern random number storage area (for reserved number 1) (step A432). Next, a special chart 1 jackpot pattern table is set (step A433), and the stop pattern number corresponding to the loaded special chart pattern random number is obtained and saved in the special chart 1 stop pattern number area (step A434). This process selects the type of jackpot.

After that, the special chart 1 big win stop pattern information table is set (step A435), the stop pattern corresponding to the stop pattern number is obtained and saved in the stop pattern pattern area (step A436). The stop pattern pattern is used to set the stop pattern on the special chart display (here, the special chart 1 display 51) and the stop pattern on the display device 41. Next, the round number upper limit value information corresponding to the stop pattern number is obtained and saved in the round number upper limit value information area (step A437), the time reduction judgment data corresponding to the stop pattern number is obtained and saved in the time reduction judgment data area (step A438), and the performance mode transition information corresponding to the stop pattern pattern and the probability state is saved (step A439). This information is used to set the variation pattern scenario, which is information regarding the execution mode of the special game state, the performance mode after the special game state ends, and the transition of the variation selection table group after the special game state ends. Then, a decorative special chart command corresponding to the stop pattern is prepared (step A455).

On the other hand, if the big win 1 flag is not a big win (step A431; N), it is determined whether the small win flag 1 is a small win (step A440), and if it is a small win (step A440; Y), a special pattern random number is loaded from the special pattern 1 special pattern random number storage area (for reserved number 1) (step A441). Next, the special pattern 1 small win table is set (step A442), the stop pattern number corresponding to the loaded special pattern random number is obtained and saved in the special pattern 1 stop pattern number area (step A443). This process selects the small win type. After that, the stop pattern pattern corresponding to the stop pattern number is obtained and saved in the stop pattern pattern area (step A444), the performance mode transition information corresponding to the stop pattern pattern is saved (step A445), and the decorative special pattern command corresponding to the stop pattern pattern is prepared (step A455).

Also, if the small win flag 1 is not a small win (step A440; N), it is determined whether the support win flag 1 is a support win (step A446), and if it is a support win (step A446; Y), a special chart pattern random number is loaded from the special chart 1 special chart pattern random number storage area (for reserved number 1) (step A447). Next, a special chart 1 support win pattern table is set (step A448), and the stop pattern number corresponding to the loaded special chart pattern random number is obtained and saved in the special chart 1 stop pattern number area (step A449). This process selects the type of support win.

Then, a stopping pattern pattern corresponding to the stopping pattern number is obtained and saved in a stopping pattern pattern area (step A450), time reduction judgment data corresponding to the stopping pattern number is obtained and saved in a time reduction judgment data area (step A451), presentation mode transition information corresponding to the stopping pattern is saved (step A452), and a decorative special pattern command corresponding to the stopping pattern is prepared (step A455).
In addition, if the support hit flag 1 is not a support hit (step A446; N), the stop symbol number at the time of loss is saved in the special symbol 1 stop symbol number area (step A453), the loss stop symbol pattern is saved in the stop symbol pattern area (step A454), and a decorative special symbol command corresponding to the stop symbol pattern is prepared (step A455). By the above processing, the stop symbol corresponding to the result of the special symbol variable display game is set.
In addition, since the support hit can be derived only when the gaming state is the first specific gaming state ST41, the processing of steps A446 to A452 may be performed only when the gaming state is the first specific gaming state ST41.

Then, the decorative special symbol command is saved in the decorative special symbol command area (step A456), and the performance command setting process (step A457) is performed. This decorative special symbol command is later sent to the performance control device 300. Then, the symbol data corresponding to the stop symbol number is saved in the test signal output data area (step A458), the special symbol 1 special symbol symbol random number storage area (for reserved number 1) is cleared to 0 (step A459), and the special symbol 1 stop symbol setting process is terminated.

[Special chart 2 stop pattern setting process]
22 shows the special chart 2 stop pattern setting process (step A343) in the special chart 2 variable start process of this embodiment. Note that the special chart 2 stop pattern setting process is the same process as the special chart 1 stop pattern setting process, but for the special chart 2.
In this special chart 2 stop pattern setting process, first, it is determined whether the jackpot flag 2 is a jackpot (step A471), and if it is a jackpot (step A471; Y), a special chart pattern random number is loaded from the special chart 2 special chart pattern random number storage area (for reserved number 1) (step A472). Next, a special chart 2 jackpot pattern table is set (step A473), and the stop pattern number corresponding to the loaded special chart pattern random number is obtained and saved in the special chart 2 stop pattern number area (step A474). This process selects the type of jackpot.

Then, the special chart 2 big win stop pattern information table is set (step A475), the stop pattern corresponding to the stop pattern number is obtained and saved in the stop pattern pattern area (step A476). The stop pattern pattern is used to set the stop pattern on the special chart display (here, the special chart 2 display 52) and the stop pattern on the display device 41. Next, the round number upper limit value information corresponding to the stop pattern number is obtained and saved in the round number upper limit value information area (step A477), the time reduction judgment data corresponding to the stop pattern number is obtained and saved in the time reduction judgment data area (step A478), and the performance mode transition information corresponding to the stop pattern pattern and the probability state is saved (step A479). This information is used to set the variation pattern scenario, which is information regarding the execution mode of the special game state, the performance mode after the special game state ends, and the transition of the variation selection table group after the special game state ends. Then, the decorative special chart command corresponding to the stop pattern is prepared (step A495).

On the other hand, if the big win flag 2 is not a big win (step A471; N), it is determined whether the small win flag 2 is a small win (step A480), and if it is a small win (step A480; Y), a special pattern random number is loaded from the special pattern 2 special pattern random number storage area (for reserved number 1) (step A481). Next, a special pattern 2 small win table is set (step A482), and the stop pattern number corresponding to the loaded special pattern random number is obtained and saved in the special pattern 2 stop pattern number area (step A483). This process selects the small win type. After that, the stop pattern pattern corresponding to the stop pattern number is obtained and saved in the stop pattern pattern area (step A484), the performance mode transition information corresponding to the stop pattern pattern is saved (step A485), and a decorative special pattern command corresponding to the stop pattern pattern is prepared (step A495).

Also, if the small win flag 2 is not a small win (step A480; N), the stopping pattern number at the time of the miss is saved in the special chart 2 stopping pattern number area (step A493), the missing stopping pattern pattern is saved in the stopping pattern pattern area (step A494), and a decorative special chart command corresponding to the stopping pattern pattern is prepared (step A495). By the above processing, the stopping pattern corresponding to the result of the special chart variable display game is set.

Then, the decorative special symbol command is saved in the decorative special symbol command area (step A496), and the performance command setting process (step A497) is performed. This decorative special symbol command is later transmitted to the performance control device 300. Then, the pattern data corresponding to the stop symbol number is saved in the test signal output data area (step A498), the special symbol 2 special symbol pattern random number storage area (for reserved number 1) is cleared to 0 (step A499), and the special symbol 2 stop symbol setting process is terminated.
In this way, when setting the stopping pattern for each result, by using a common special pattern random number regardless of the result, the number of types of random numbers required can be reduced, simplifying the specifications and programs of the gaming machine and reducing the burden on control.

[Special chart change processing]
FIG. 23 shows the special chart change processing (step A10) in the special chart game processing of this embodiment.
In this special pattern change process, first, prepare a pattern stop command corresponding to the change pattern discrimination flag (step A601), and perform a performance command setting process (step A602). Next, set a display time corresponding to the stop pattern (step A603), and save the set display time in the special pattern game processing timer area (step A604). That is, the game control device 100 serves as a stop display time setting means for setting the stop display time that displays the stop result state of the change display game.

Next, it is determined whether normal power support is in progress (step A605), and if normal power support is not in progress (step A605; N), the process proceeds to step A612. If normal power support is in progress (step A605; Y), the time reduction change count 1 in the time reduction change count 1 field is updated by -1 (step A609), and it is determined whether the time reduction change count 1 has become 0 (step A610).
If the time-saving variation count 1 is 0 (step A610; Y), a time-saving end setting process is performed to end the normal power support (step A611), and the process proceeds to step A612. If the time-saving variation count 1 is not 0 (step A610; N), the process proceeds to step A612.
That is, the normal power support is terminated when the time-shortening variation count 1 becomes 0. In addition, the number of times the special chart 1 variation display game is executed, the number of times the special chart 2 variation display game is executed, and the total number of times the special chart 1 variation display game and the special chart 1 variation display game are executed may be counted, and the normal power support may be terminated when any of them reaches a specified number.

After performing the performance mode information check process (step A612), it is determined whether the remaining reserved consumption state has ended (step A613). The remaining reserved consumption state here ends when the end condition of the remaining reserved consumption state ST5 is satisfied, and also includes the case where there is no remaining reserved at the end of the specific game state ST4.
If the remaining reserved consumption state has not ended (step A613; N), the process proceeds to step A616. If the remaining reserved consumption state has ended (step A613; Y), the process determines whether the result is a loss (step A614).
If the result is not a loss (step A614; N), proceed to step A616.
If the result is a miss (step A614; Y), a signal regarding the end of the time-saving feature (for example, turning OFF the jackpot 2 signal) is saved in the external information output data area (step A615), and the process proceeds to step A616.

In step A616, the processing number is set to "2" for the special pattern display processing (step A616), and the processing number is saved in the special pattern game processing number area (step A617). Furthermore, a signal related to the end of the fluctuation of special pattern 1 (e.g., the special pattern 1 fluctuation signal is turned OFF) is saved in the test signal output data area (step A618), a signal related to the end of the fluctuation of special pattern 2 (e.g., the special pattern 2 fluctuation signal is turned OFF) is saved in the test signal output data area (step A619), and a control timer initial value (e.g., 256 ms) is saved in the pattern determination count signal control timer area related to the number of times the special pattern fluctuation display game is executed for output to the external information terminal (step A620). After that, as information for controlling the special chart 1 variation display game in the special chart 1 display 51, a stop flag related to the stop of variation in the special chart 1 display 51 is saved in the special chart 1 variation control flag area (step A621), and as information for controlling the special chart 2 variation display game in the special chart 2 display 52, a stop flag related to the stop of variation in the special chart 2 display 52 is saved in the special chart 2 variation control flag area (step A622), and the special chart variation processing is terminated.

[Time-saving end setting process]
24 shows the time-saving end setting process (step A611) during the special pattern change process. In this time-saving end setting process, first, a signal related to the end of the time-saving (for example, the special pattern 1 change time shortening state signal is OFF, the special pattern 2 change time shortening state signal is OFF, the normal pattern 1 high probability state signal is OFF, the normal pattern 1 change time shortening state signal is OFF, and the normal electric role 1 open extension state signal is OFF) is saved in the test signal output data area (step A632).

Next, a number without time reduction is saved in the game status display number area (step A633), a normal game mode flag with low probability and no time reduction is saved in the normal game mode flag area (step A634), and a special game mode flag with low probability and no time reduction is saved in the special game mode flag area (step A635).
Then, the time reduction change count 1 area is cleared (step A636).
Then, a signal related to a left hit instruction (e.g., turning OFF launch position designation signals 1 and 2) is saved in the test signal output data area (step A638), the number in the left hit state is saved in the game state display number 2 area (step A639) in order to turn off the display LED during right hit (e.g., the first game state display unit 56a), and normal base state information is saved in the normal base state judgment area (step A640), and the time-saving end setting process is terminated.

[Processing during special chart display]
Figures 25 and 26 show the processing during special chart display (step A11) in the special chart game processing of this embodiment.
In this processing during special chart display, first, the support hit flag 1 set in the jackpot flag 1 setting processing and the support hit flag 2 set in the jackpot flag 2 setting processing are loaded (step A701), and the support hit flag 1 area and the support hit flag 2 area of the RWM are cleared (step A702).
Next, the small hit flag 1 set in the big hit flag 1 setting process and the small hit flag 2 set in the big hit flag 2 setting process are loaded (step A703), and the small hit flag 1 area and small hit flag 2 area of the RWM are cleared (step A704).

Then, the jackpot flag 1 set in the jackpot flag 1 setting process and the jackpot flag 2 set in the jackpot flag 2 setting process are loaded (step A705), and the jackpot flag 1 area and the jackpot flag 2 area of the RWM are cleared (step A706). Then, it is determined whether the loaded jackpot flag 2 is a jackpot (step A707), and if it is a jackpot (step A707; Y), a test signal (e.g., a condition device operation signal ON, a role continuous operation device operation signal ON, a special pattern 2 hit signal ON) related to the start of the jackpot of the second special pattern variable display game (special pattern 2 jackpot) is saved in the test signal output data area of the RWM (step A710), and the round number upper limit value table is set (step A711).

On the other hand, if the jackpot flag 2 is not a jackpot (step A707; N), it is determined whether the loaded jackpot flag 1 is a jackpot (step A708), and if it is a jackpot (step A708; Y), a test signal (e.g., a condition device operation signal ON, a role continuous operation device operation signal ON, a special pattern 1 hit signal ON) related to the start of a jackpot in the first special pattern variable display game (a jackpot in special pattern 1) is saved in the test signal output data area of the RWM (step A709), and the round number upper limit value table is set (step A711).

Then, the round number upper limit value corresponding to the round number upper limit value information (in this embodiment, "10" or "3") is obtained and saved in the round number upper limit value area of the RWM (step A712). Next, the round LED pointer corresponding to the round number upper limit value information is obtained and saved in the round LED pointer area of the RWM (step A713).

Next, a decorative special symbol command is loaded from the decorative special symbol command area of the RWM and prepared (step A714), and a performance command setting process (step A715) is performed. After that, a probability information command related to information that sets the probability of a winning result in the normal symbol variation display game and the special symbol variation display game to the normal probability state (low probability state) is prepared (step A716), and a performance command setting process (step A717) is performed. Next, a fanfare command corresponding to the symbol information (stop symbol number or stop symbol pattern) set in the special symbol 1 or special symbol 2 stop symbol setting process is prepared (step A718), and a performance command setting process (step A719) is performed. This fanfare command forms the special game state start information that is sent to the performance control device 300 when the special game state starts.

Next, the signal corresponding to the large prize opening information and the state of the probability of winning in the normal chart variation display game and the special chart variation display game is saved in the external information output data area of the RWM (step A720). In the case of this embodiment, in step A720, the large prize opening information and the signal corresponding to the state of the probability are saved as the large prize opening information and the large prize opening 2 signal and the large prize opening 3 signal. Note that the ON/OFF of each is determined by the large prize opening information and the state of the probability. For example, the large prize opening 2 signal is ON when it is a large prize opening with balls (large prize opening information other than large prize opening information 1), and when it is a large prize opening without balls (so-called sudden jackpot, etc., the large prize opening information is large prize opening information 1), it is ON if it is a large prize during the time-saving state, and OFF otherwise.
In addition, the jackpot 3 signal is ON when the jackpot is a jackpot with balls, and is OFF when the jackpot is a jackpot without balls. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, all jackpots are jackpots with balls.

Then, the jackpot fanfare time corresponding to the jackpot opening information and the probability state of a winning result in the normal chart variable display game and the special chart variable display game is set (step A721), and the set jackpot fanfare time is saved in the special chart game processing timer area (step A722). Then, the special chart game mode flag is loaded, and the loaded flag is saved in the special chart game mode flag save area (step A723). This stores information on the probability state and time-saving state of the special chart when a special result occurs. Then, the presentation mode after the end of the special game state is determined based on the stored information.

Then, the large prize port illegal winning count area of the large prize port corresponding to the large prize port opening information is cleared (step A724), and the illegal monitoring period out flag is saved in the large prize port illegal monitoring period flag area of the large prize port corresponding to the large prize port opening information (step A725). After that, fanfare/interval processing transition setting process 1 (step A726) is performed to transition to fanfare/interval processing, and the special chart display processing is terminated. In other words, the game control device 100 constitutes a special game state generating means that generates a special game state that converts the special variable winning device 38 to an open state based on the result of either the first special chart variable display game or the second special chart variable display game being a special result.

On the other hand, if the jackpot flag 1 is not a jackpot (step A708; N), it is determined whether the probability state of the special chart variable display game is in a high probability state (step A727). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, since the special chart probability is always constant, it is determined that the high probability state is not always in place (step A727; N), and it is determined whether the ceiling reached flag is present (step A728).
If there is a ceiling reached flag (step A728; Y), the process for starting normal power support based on reaching the ceiling is not performed, and the process proceeds to step A732. The ceiling reached flag is set based on reaching the ceiling, and is cleared based on the occurrence of a jackpot. This makes it possible to prevent normal power support based on reaching a new ceiling from starting until after the jackpot has passed, when normal power support is started based on reaching the ceiling.

If the ceiling reached flag is not set (step A728; N), the value in the ceiling counter area is updated by +1 (step A729), and it is determined whether the ceiling has been reached (step A730). If the ceiling has not been reached (step A730; N), the process proceeds to step A732. If the ceiling has been reached (step A730; Y), the ceiling time-saving activation flag and the ceiling reached flag are set (step A731), and the process proceeds to step A732.

In step A732, it is determined whether the loaded small hit flag 2 is a small hit (step A732), and if it is a small hit (step A732; Y), a test signal regarding the start of the small hit (special symbol 2 small hit) of the second special symbol variable display game (for example, turning the special symbol 2 small hit signal ON) is saved in the test signal output data area of the RWM (step A735), and the process proceeds to step A736.
Also, if the small hit flag 2 is not a small hit (step A732; N), it is determined whether the loaded small hit flag 1 is a small hit (step A733), and if it is a small hit (step A733; Y), a test signal regarding the start of the small hit (special hit 1 small hit) of the first special symbol variable display game (for example, turning the special symbol 1 small hit signal ON) is saved in the test signal output data area of the RWM (step A734), and processing proceeds to step A736.

Next, it is determined whether the probability state of the special chart variable display game is in a high probability state (step A736). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, since the special chart probability is always constant, it is determined that the high probability state is not always in place (step A736; N), and a decorative special chart command is loaded from the decorative special chart command area and prepared (step A737), and a performance command setting process (step A738) is performed. Next, a small win fanfare command is prepared (step A739), and a performance command setting process (step A740) is performed, before moving on to the process of step A741. This small win fanfare command also constitutes special game state start information that is sent to the performance control device 300 when the special game state begins.

Then, it is determined whether normal power support is in progress (step A741), and if normal power support is not in progress (step A741; N), a small hit fanfare processing transition setting process (step A746) is performed to transition to small hit fanfare processing, and the special chart display processing is terminated.
In addition, when the normal power support is in progress (step A741; Y), it is determined whether the end condition of the normal power support is satisfied (step A743). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the end condition is that a small win is derived in the special chart 2 variable display game.
If the termination condition of the normal power support is not satisfied (step A743; N), the process of step A746 is performed to terminate the special chart display process. Also, if the termination condition of the normal power support is satisfied (step A743; Y), the time-saving end setting process for terminating the normal power support is performed (step A744), the signal regarding the time-saving end is saved in the external information output data area (step A745), and the process of step A746 is performed to terminate the special chart display process.

On the other hand, if the small hit flag 1 is not a small hit (step A733; N), it is determined whether or not there is a ceiling time-saving activation flag (step A751). If there is a ceiling time-saving activation flag (step A751; Y), the initial value of the ceiling time-saving count is saved in the time-saving fluctuation count area 1 (step A752), and the process proceeds to the support operation setting process (step A756).
Here, 250 is saved in the time-shortening variation count area 1 as the termination condition based on the total number of times the special chart 1 variation display game and the special chart 2 variation display game are executed.

In addition, if there is no ceiling time-saving activation flag (step A751; N), it is determined whether the loaded support hit flag 1 is a support hit (step A754). If it is not a support hit (step A754; N), a special chart normal processing transition setting process (step A757) is performed to transition to special chart normal processing, and the special chart display process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the support hit flag 1 is a support hit (step A754; Y), an initial value corresponding to the time reduction judgment data is saved in the time reduction variation count area 1 (step A755), and the process proceeds to the support operation setting process (step A756).
Here, 250 is saved in the time-shortening variation count area 1 as the termination condition based on the total number of times the special chart 1 variation display game and the special chart 2 variation display game are executed.
After the support activation setting process (step A756), a special chart normal processing transition setting process (step A757) is performed to transition to special chart normal processing, and the processing during special chart display is terminated.

In addition, since the support hit can be derived only when the gaming state is the first specific gaming state ST41, the processing of steps A754 to A756 may be performed only when the gaming state is the first specific gaming state ST41.
In addition, in the jackpot flag 1 setting process (step A322), a support hit determination may be made only when the game state is the first specific game state ST41, or in the jackpot flag 1 setting process (step A322), a support hit determination may be made without taking into account the game state, and in the special chart display processing, a normal power support setting process based on a support hit may be made only when the game state is the first specific game state ST41.

In the above process, the determination of whether the ceiling has been reached is made at the end of the special chart change display game (steps A727 to A731), and if a support win and reaching the ceiling occur in the same special chart change display game, the end condition of the specific game state ST4 is set based on reaching the ceiling (steps A751 to A756).

It is rare for both reaching the ceiling and winning the support hit to occur in the same special chart change display game, and constantly checking this at the start of the special chart change display game would be a waste of control. Therefore, by implementing the present embodiment, such wasteful processing is no longer necessary, and control at the start of the special chart change display game can be simplified.

In addition, when a specific fluctuation pattern or result mode is set based on a support hit or reaching the ceiling, if a support hit and reaching the ceiling occur in the same special chart fluctuation display game, the fluctuation pattern or result mode based on the support hit is selected at the start of the special chart fluctuation display game, but the end condition of the specific game state ST4 granted at the end of the special chart fluctuation display game is set to an end condition based on reaching the ceiling, not an end condition based on a support hit.
A contradiction occurs in that the fluctuation pattern and result mode are selected in accordance with a support hit, whereas the end condition of the specific game state ST4 to be granted is based on reaching the ceiling, but the player will not be dissatisfied because the transition to the specific game state ST4 remains unchanged.

If there is sufficient control at the start of the special chart fluctuation display game, it may be possible to determine whether reaching the ceiling and winning the support hit occur in the same special chart fluctuation display game at the start of the special chart fluctuation display game. If reaching the ceiling and winning the support hit occur in the same special chart fluctuation display game, the fluctuation pattern or result mode of the special chart fluctuation display game can be set to correspond to a miss result or to correspond to reaching the ceiling, thereby preventing inconsistencies from occurring.

[Fanfare/Interval Processing Transition Setting Process 1]
27 shows the fanfare/interval processing transition setting process 1 (step A726) in the special chart display processing described above. In this fanfare/interval processing transition setting process 1, first, the processing number for the fanfare/interval processing is set to "3" (step A791), and the processing number is saved in the special chart game processing number area (step A792).

Next, a signal related to the start of a jackpot (special game state) (for example, the jackpot 1 signal is ON (output for a jackpot + small jackpot), the jackpot 4 signal is ON (output for a jackpot)) is saved in the external information output data area (step A793), and a signal related to the end of high probability and time reduction (for example, the special pattern 1 high probability state signal is OFF, the special pattern 2 high probability state signal is OFF, the special pattern 1 fluctuation time reduction state signal is OFF, the special pattern 2 fluctuation time reduction state signal is OFF, the normal pattern 1 high probability state signal is OFF, the normal pattern 1 fluctuation time reduction state signal is OFF, the normal electric device 1 opening extension state signal is OFF) is saved in the test signal output data area (step A794). After that, the round number area for managing the number of rounds played in the special game state is cleared (step A795), a number without time reduction is saved in the game state display number area (step A796), and a normal game low probability & no time reduction flag is saved in the normal game mode flag area (step A797).

Then, the variable symbol discrimination flag area is cleared (step A798), the high probability notification flag area is cleared to turn off the game state display LED (for example, the third game state display unit 56c) provided on the game board 30 related to the display of the high probability state (step A799), and the special symbol low probability & no time reduction flag is saved in the special symbol game mode flag area (step A800). Next, a probability information command (low probability) is saved in the power outage recovery transmission command area that saves the command output to the performance control device 300 when the power outage is recovered (step A801), and the time reduction variation number 1 area for managing the number of special symbol variable display games that can be executed in the time reduction state is cleared (step A802). This ends the normal power support and time reduction state. Furthermore, the ceiling counter area is cleared (step A804), the ceiling time reduction activation flag area is cleared (step A805), and the ceiling reached flag area is cleared (step A806).

Then, the number of presentation mode 1 is saved in the presentation mode number area (step A807), the number of remaining presentation rotations area is cleared (step A808), and a no-update code is saved in the next mode transition information area (step A809). Then, a signal related to a right-hit instruction (e.g., launch position designation signals 1 and 2 are turned ON) is saved in the test signal output data area (step A810), and the number in the right-hit state is saved in the game state display number 2 area (step A811) in order to light the display LED during right-hit (e.g., first game state display unit 56a), and fanfare/interval processing transition setting process 1 is terminated.

[Support operation processing]
FIG. 28 shows the support activation processing (step A756) during the processing during the special chart display described above.
In this support operation setting process, first, a signal related to the start of time reduction (for example, the jackpot 2 signal and the jackpot 3 signal are ON) is saved in the external information output data area (step A821). Next, a timer initial value is saved in the time reduction signal control timer area (step A822). Here, 128 ms is saved as the timer initial value. As a result, of the signals related to the start of time reduction, the jackpot 3 signal is output for only a short time.

Next, signals related to the start of time reduction (e.g., special symbol 1 variable time reduction state signal ON, special symbol 2 variable time reduction state signal ON, normal symbol 1 high probability state signal ON, normal symbol 1 variable time reduction state signal ON, normal electric role 1 open extension state signal ON) are saved in the test signal output data area (step A823).

Furthermore, a number indicating time reduction is saved in the game status display number area (step A824), a normal high probability & time reduction flag is saved in the normal gate mode flag area (step A825), and in order to maintain the probability status flag and indicate time reduction, a special time reduction flag is combined with the special game mode flag area (step A826).
Next, a signal related to a right-hit instruction (e.g., launch position designation signals 1 and 2 are turned ON) is saved in the test signal output data area (step A827), and the number during the right-hit state is saved in the game state display number 2 area (step A828) in order to light up the display LED during right-hit (e.g., the first game state display unit 56a). Then, a presentation mode information address table is set (step A829), and the address of the table corresponding to the presentation mode transition information set at the start of the variation (when the stop pattern is set) is obtained (step A830). By obtaining the address of the corresponding table based on the presentation mode transition information, a variation pattern scenario, which is information regarding the transition of the variation selection table group, is also obtained.

Next, as a process for saving information required for managing the presentation mode in the game control device 100, first, the presentation mode number of the presentation mode to be set after the end of the special chart change display game in which the support hit is obtained is obtained and saved in the presentation mode number area (step A831). Furthermore, the number of remaining presentation rotations of the presentation mode to be set after the end of the special chart change display game in which the support hit is obtained is obtained and saved in the number of remaining presentation rotations area (step A832), and next mode transition information of the presentation mode to be set after the end of the special chart change display game in which the support hit is obtained is obtained and saved in the next mode transition information area (step A833). Based on the information saved here, the presentation mode and the change selection table group will transition based on the execution of a predetermined number of special chart change display games after the end of the special chart change display game in which the support hit is obtained.

Then, a probability information command corresponding to the performance mode number is prepared (step A834), the command is saved in a transmission command area at the time of power recovery (step A835), and a performance command setting process (step A836) is performed. Next, a performance rotation number command corresponding to the newly set remaining performance rotation number is prepared (step A837), a performance command setting process (step A838) is performed, a time reduction variation number command corresponding to the time reduction variation number is prepared (step A839), and a performance command setting process (step A840) is performed.
Then, the time reduction judgment data area is cleared (step A841), the presentation mode transition information area is cleared (step A842), and the support operation setting process is terminated.

[Jackpot end processing]
FIG. 29 shows the jackpot end processing (step A15) in the special chart game processing of this embodiment.
In this jackpot end process, first, it is determined whether or not the jackpot is a jackpot without time reduction (step A900). A jackpot without time reduction is a jackpot that transitions to the normal game state ST1 after the end of the first special game state ST2, and corresponds to a jackpot based on a 3R small win C.
If it is a jackpot without time reduction (step A900; Y), proceed to step A916. If it is not a jackpot without time reduction (step A900; N), save the signal related to the start of time reduction (for example, jackpot 2 signal ON) in the external information output data area (step A901). The signal related to the start of time reduction is saved in the external information output data area in a continuous form since it has been output during the jackpot. Next, save the signal related to the start of low probability & time reduction (for example, special pattern 1 variable time reduction state signal ON, special pattern 2 variable time reduction state signal ON, normal pattern 1 high probability state signal ON, normal pattern 1 variable time reduction state signal ON, normal electric role 1 open extension state signal ON) in the test signal output data area (step A902).

Next, a number with time reduction is saved in the game state display number area (step A903), a flag with normal high probability & time reduction is saved in the normal game mode flag area (step A904), and a flag with special time reduction is saved in the special game mode flag area (step A905). After that, the initial value of the time reduction change count area is saved (step A906). Here, an initial value according to the termination condition is saved in the time reduction change count 1 area. By the above processing, after the special game state ends, the normal power support state and the time reduction state are entered. In addition, by setting the initial value of the time reduction change count area, the normal power support state and the time reduction state are terminated by executing a predetermined number of special game change display games. In other words, the game control device 100 constitutes a specific game state generation control means that can generate a specific game state (time reduction state, normal power support state) in which the normal variation winning device 37 is in a state in which it is easy to win for a predetermined period of time after the special game state ends.

Then, the probability information command is saved in the area for sending commands when power is restored (step A910), and the effect command setting process (step A911) is performed. Here, the probability information command includes multiple commands that further include information on the effect mode in addition to "time reduction" or "no time reduction". Next, a time reduction change count command corresponding to time reduction change count 1 is prepared (step A914), and the effect command setting process (step A915) is performed.

Next, the processing number for the special chart normal processing is set to "0" (step A918), and the processing number is saved in the special chart game processing number area (step A917).
Then, the signal regarding the end of the jackpot (e.g., the jackpot 1 signal is OFF, the jackpot 3 signal is OFF, and the jackpot 4 signal is OFF) is saved in the external information output data area (step A918), and the signal regarding the end of the jackpot (e.g., the condition device operation signal is OFF, the role continuous operation device operation signal is OFF, the special symbol 1 hit signal is OFF, and the special symbol 2 hit signal is OFF) is saved in the test signal output data area (step A919). Next, the information in the probability fluctuation determination data area is cleared (step A920), the information in the round LED pointer area indicating the number of jackpot rounds is cleared (step A921), and the information in the performance mode transition information area is cleared (step A922). Then, the information in the special game mode flag save area is cleared (step A923), and the illegal monitoring period flag is saved in the large prize entrance illegal monitoring period flag area (step A924), and the jackpot end process is terminated.

[Specific area switch monitoring process]
FIG. 30 shows the specific area switch monitoring process (step A3) in the special chart game process. In this specific area switch monitoring process, first, it is determined whether or not a small win is occurring (step A41). Here, a small win refers to the period during which the small win process and the small win remaining ball process are being performed. If the small win is not occurring (step A41; N), the specific area switch monitoring process is terminated. That is, the specific area switch 38d is only valid during the period during which the small win process and the small win remaining ball process are being performed. Also, if a small win is occurring (step A41; Y), it is determined whether or not the condition device is operating (step A42).

If the condition device is in operation (step A42; Y), the specific area switch monitoring process is terminated. If the condition device is not in operation (step A42; N), it is determined whether there is an input to the specific area switch (step A43). If there is no input to the specific area switch (step A43; N), the specific area switch monitoring process is terminated. If there is an input to the specific area switch (step A43; Y), it is determined whether it is a detection effective period in which detection at the specific area switch is treated as valid (step A44). If it is not a detection effective period (step A44; N), the specific area switch monitoring process is terminated. If it is a detection effective period (step A44; Y), the specific area pass flag is set (step A45), and the specific area switch monitoring process is terminated. Later, a process is performed to generate the first special game state based on the presence of this specific area pass flag.

[Handling small remaining balls]
FIG. 31 shows the process shown in FIG. 31 in the small hit remaining ball process (step A18) in the special game process. In this small hit remaining ball process, first, it is determined whether a remaining ball error is occurring (step A861). If a remaining ball error is occurring (step A861; Y), it proceeds to step A863. If a remaining ball error is not occurring (step A861; N), it is determined whether the remaining ball counter is 0 (step A862). If the remaining ball counter is not 0 (step A862; N), the small hit remaining ball process is terminated. If the remaining ball counter is 0 (step A862; Y), it is processed to terminate the small hit from step A863 onwards.

In other words, the process to end the small win is performed after all remaining balls in the special variable winning device 38 have been discharged. However, in the case of a remaining ball error, in which discharge cannot be confirmed even after a predetermined time has passed since the last game ball flowed into the special variable winning device 38, the process moves to the process to end the small win, assuming that the time required for discharge has sufficiently passed. Of course, in the case of a remaining ball error, it is also possible not to move to the process to end the small win. Therefore, the process of step A861 may not be performed.

In the process for ending the small win, first, it is determined whether or not a specific area has been passed (step A863). If the game ball flows into and passes through the specific area 38h, it is detected by the specific area switch 38d and the specific area passing flag is set. Here, whether or not a specific area has been passed is determined based on the presence or absence of this specific area passing flag. If a specific area has been passed (step A863; Y), the process proceeds to step A870 and a process for generating a special game state is performed. If a specific area has not been passed (step A863; N), the process proceeds to step A864 and a process for ending the second special game state and making it possible to play the special chart change display game is performed.

In the process for ending the second special game state from step A864 onwards and making it possible to run the special chart variable display game, the process number is set to 10 for the small win end process (step A864), and the process number is saved in the special chart game process number area (step A865). Next, the small win ending time is saved in the special chart game process timer area (step A866), and a fraud monitoring period flag is saved in the upper large winning port fraud monitoring period flag area (step A867). Then, the large winning port count number area is cleared (step A868), the small win control pointer area is cleared (step A869), and the small win remaining ball process is terminated.

On the other hand, if a specific area has been passed (step A863; Y) and processing is performed to generate the first special game state from step A870 onwards, a command is loaded and prepared from the decorative special command area (step A870), and a performance command setting process is performed (step A871). Next, a V jackpot fanfare command is prepared (step A872), and a performance command setting process is performed (step A873).

Then, a signal regarding the start of the jackpot (V jackpot) is saved in the external information output data area (step A874), and a test signal regarding the start of the jackpot (V jackpot) (for example, a condition device operation signal ON, a role continuous operation device operation signal ON, and a special pattern 2 hit signal ON) is saved in the test signal output data area (step A875).

Then, the number during the big win is saved in the game state display number area (step A876), a round number upper limit table is set (step A877), and the round number upper limit (5 or 10) corresponding to the round number upper limit information is obtained and saved in the round number upper limit area (step A878). Furthermore, a round LED pointer corresponding to the round number upper limit information is obtained and saved in the round LED pointer area (step A879), and an initial value (1 in this case) is saved in the round number area (step A880). The upper limit for the number of rounds is set to 5 or 10 rounds, but since the small win operation corresponds to the first round, setting the round number initial value to 1 allows 4 or 9 rounds to be opened in the special game state.

Then, the processing number is set to 3 for fanfare/interval processing (step A881), and saved in the special game processing number area (step A882). Furthermore, the V jackpot fanfare time is saved in the special game processing timer area (step A883), and the fanfare/interval processing transition setting process (step A884) is performed, and then the process proceeds to step A868.

[Small hit end processing]
FIG. 32 shows the small win end processing (step A19) in the special chart game processing of this embodiment.
In this small win end process, first, it is determined whether or not the second specific game state ST42, that is, support C, is in progress (step A930). If it is in support C (step A930; Y), the process proceeds to step A937. If it is not in support C (step A930; N), it is determined whether or not the normal winning state is in progress (step A931). If it is not in the normal winning state (step A931; N), a signal related to a left hit instruction (e.g., launch position designation signals 1 and 2 are turned OFF) is saved in the test signal output data area (step A932), and the number in the left hit state is saved in the game state display number 2 area (step A933) in order to turn off the display LED during right hit (e.g., the first game state display unit 56a), and the process proceeds to step A937.

On the other hand, if the normal hit state is in progress (step A931; Y), it is determined whether the release pattern is pattern H1 (step A934). If the release pattern is not pattern H1 (step A934; N), the process proceeds to step A937. If the release pattern is pattern H1 (step A934; Y), the launch position designation signal 2 is saved as OFF in the test signal output data area (step A935), and the process proceeds to step A937.

Next, it is determined whether there is a ceiling time-saving activation flag (step A937). If there is no ceiling time-saving activation flag (step A937; N), the process proceeds to step A940. If there is a ceiling time-saving activation flag (step A937; Y), the initial value of the ceiling time-saving count is saved in the time-saving fluctuation count 1 area (step A938). Here, 250 is set as the time-saving fluctuation count 1 in the time-saving fluctuation count 1 area.
Then, the support operation setting process is performed (step A939), and the process proceeds to step A940.

Then, the processing number for the special chart normal processing is set to "0" (step A940), and the processing number is saved in the special chart game processing number area (step A941).
Furthermore, a signal regarding the end of the small win (e.g., turning the big win 1 signal OFF) is saved in the external information output data area (step A942), and a signal regarding the end of the small win (e.g., turning the special pattern 1 small win signal OFF, and the special pattern 2 small win signal OFF) is saved in the test signal output data area (step A943).
Next, the variable pattern discrimination flag area is cleared (step A944), the presentation mode transition information area is cleared (step A945), the fraud monitoring period flag is saved in the large prize port fraud monitoring period flag area (step A946), and the small win end processing is terminated.

Next, we will explain the control in the performance control device 300. The main control microcomputer (CPU) 311 of the performance control device 300 performs the main processing shown in FIG. 33 and timer interrupt processing (not shown).

[Main processing]
As shown in Fig. 33, the main process first performs the process at the start of the program. In this process at the start of the program, interrupts are first prohibited (step C1), and the CPU is initialized (step C2). Next, the VDP 312 is initialized (step C3), and interrupts are permitted (step C4). Next, the generation of display data is permitted (step C5), a random number seed is set (step C6), and the initial value at the time of power-on is saved in the area to be initialized (step C7). This clears the power outage detection flag and the like.

After the program start processing of steps C1 to C7, loop processing is performed as main loop processing. In this loop processing, first the WDT (watchdog timer) is cleared (step C8). Next, effect button input processing (step C9) is performed to create input information from the input signal (rising edge) based on the operation of the effect button 25 or cross key 29. Input from the effect button 25 or cross key 29 is read within the timer interrupt processing, and in this effect button input processing, processing to change the effect content is performed when input is received from the effect button 25 or cross key 29.

Then, a hall/player setting mode process is performed (step C10) to set the range of changes to the brightness and sound volume of the LEDs and LCD, and to accept operations by the player to change the brightness and sound volume of the LEDs and LCD. Next, a random number update process (step C11) is performed to update the random numbers that determine the details of the change mode of the special decoration chart change display game.

Next, a received command check process (step C12) is performed to analyze and respond to commands from the game control device 100, a display edit process (step C13) is performed to set and edit drawing commands to control the progress of the presentation, and the preparation of the drawing command is set to end (step C14). These processes include updating various data according to the content to be drawn, and finally setting the drawing data in the frame buffer. If the drawing data for the screen to be drawn is prepared within 1/30th of a second (approximately 33.3 ms), the image can be updated without any problems.

Then, it is determined whether it is frame switching timing (step C15). In this embodiment, in order to create a system period (1 frame 1/30 seconds), it is determined that it is frame switching timing when a V blank interrupt (1/60 seconds) occurs twice. Note that the frame switching timing can be changed as appropriate; for example, the image may be updated (frame switching) at 1/60 seconds, or may be updated (frame switching) at a timing slower than 1/60 seconds. If it is determined in step C15 that it is not frame switching timing (step C15; N), the process of step C15 is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step C15 that it is frame switching timing (step C15; Y), an instruction is given to draw the screen (step C16).

Then, a sound control process (step C17) is performed to control the sound output from the speakers (upper speaker 19a, lower speaker 19b), a decoration control process (step C18) is performed to control the LEDs of the board decoration device 46 and the frame decoration device 18 including the display board 350, and a movable body control process (step C19) is performed to control the motors and solenoids of the board performance device 44, a board performance setting process (step C20) is performed to control the performance, and then the process of clearing the WDT (step C8) is performed.

[Received command check process]
34 shows the received command check process in the main process described above. In this received command check process, first, the value of the command reception counter, which counts how many commands are received during one frame (1/30 seconds), is loaded as the number of received commands (step C201), and it is determined whether the number of received commands is not 0 (step C202). If it is determined that the number of received commands is 0 (step C202; N), the received command check process is terminated. If it is determined that the number of received commands is not 0 (step C202; Y), the content of the command reception counter area is decremented by the number of received commands (step C203).

Then, the contents of the received command buffer are copied to the command area (step C204), the command read index is updated by +1 in the range of 0 to 31 (step C205), and it is determined whether copying of the number of commands received has been completed (step C206). In this way, in this embodiment, commands are not analyzed directly in the received command buffer, but the contents of the received command buffer are copied to the command area (RAM area for analysis), and the command analysis work is performed in the command area. This makes it possible to move commands (data) and make space in case a command is sent from the game control device 100 during command analysis. In addition, command analysis can be performed collectively in units of one main processing round.

If it is determined in step C206 that copying of the commands corresponding to the number of received commands has not been completed (step C206; N), the process returns to step C204. If it is determined that copying of the commands corresponding to the number of received commands has been completed (step C206; Y), the contents of the command area are loaded (step C207), and the received command analysis process (step C208) is performed.

Then, the address of the command area is updated (step C209), and it is determined whether or not analysis of the number of received commands has been completed (step C210). If it is determined that analysis of the number of received commands has not been completed (step C210; N), the process returns to step C207. If it is determined that analysis of the number of received commands has been completed (step C210; Y), the received command check process ends. In this way, the received command check process analyzes all the commands received during one frame (1/30 seconds) at once. Note that in this embodiment, the configuration is such that up to 32 commands can be saved.

[Received command analysis process]
35 shows the received command analysis process in the above-mentioned received command check process. In this received command analysis process, first, the command upper byte is separated into MODE and the lower byte into ACT (ACTION) (step C231), and it is judged whether MODE and ACT are within the normal range (step C232, step C233). If it is judged that MODE and ACT are within the normal range (step C232; Y, step C233; Y), it is judged whether ACT is a correct combination with MODE (step C234).

Also, if it is determined in step C232 or step C233 that MODE or ACT is not within the normal range (step C232; N, step C233; N), or if it is determined in step C234 that ACT and MODE are not a correct combination (step C234; N), the received command analysis process is terminated.

If it is determined in step C234 that the ACT for MODE is a correct combination (step C234; Y), it is determined whether or not MODE is within the range of a variation command (step C235). A variation command is a command that instructs the variation pattern of the special chart. Then, if it is determined that MODE is within the range of a variation command (step C235; Y), variation command processing (step C236) is performed, and the received command analysis processing is terminated.

If it is determined in step C235 that MODE is not within the range of the variable commands (step C235; N), it is determined whether or not MODE is within the range of the big win commands (step C237). Big win commands are commands that command operations related to the performance during a big win (such as displaying the fanfare screen or round screen) and commands that command operations related to the performance during a small win (such as displaying the fanfare screen or end screen). Then, if it is determined that MODE is within the range of the big win commands (step C237; Y), big win command processing (step C238) is performed, and the received command analysis processing is terminated.

If it is determined in step C237 that MODE is not within the range of jackpot-related commands (step C237; N), it is determined whether MODE is within the range of pattern-related commands (step C239). Pattern-related commands are commands that instruct information about the special symbol's symbol (for example, what the stopping symbol of the special symbol should be). If it is determined that MODE is within the range of pattern-related commands (step C239; Y), pattern-related command processing (step C240) is performed, and the received command analysis processing is terminated.

Also, if it is determined in step C239 that MODE is not within the range of the symbol commands (step C239; N), it is determined whether MODE is within the range of one-shot commands such as reserved number commands and error commands (step C241). One-shot commands are commands that stand alone, unlike commands that make sense in combination, such as symbol commands and fluctuation commands. These one-shot commands include customer waiting demo commands, reserved number commands, symbol stop commands, probability information commands, error/incorrect commands, and model designation commands. Then, if it is determined that MODE is within the range of the one-shot commands (step C241; Y), one-shot command processing (step C242) is performed, and the received command analysis processing is terminated.

If it is determined in step C241 that MODE is not within the range of single-shot commands (step C241; N), it is determined whether MODE is within the range of pre-reading pattern commands (step C243). If it is determined that MODE is within the range of pre-reading pattern commands (step C243; Y), pre-reading pattern command processing (step C244) is performed, and the received command analysis processing is terminated.

Also, if it is determined in step C243 that MODE is not within the range of the look-ahead pattern command (step C243; N), it is determined whether or not MODE is within the range of the look-ahead fluctuation command (step C245). Then, if it is determined that MODE is within the range of the look-ahead fluctuation command (step C245; Y), a look-ahead fluctuation command process (step C246) is performed, and the received command analysis process is terminated. Also, if it is determined in step C245 that MODE is not within the range of the look-ahead fluctuation command (step C245; N), the received command analysis process is terminated.

The look-ahead variation command and the look-ahead pattern command are commands that contain information necessary to execute the look-ahead performance. The look-ahead performance (also called look-ahead notice or look-ahead notice performance) is a performance in which the display device 41 displays a decorative special pattern start memory in a different manner than usual, or displays a performance on the display device 41, in order to notify the player in advance with a certain degree of reliability whether or not the special pattern change display game corresponding to the unexecuted start memory (reserved) will be a jackpot (or what kind of change pattern will be) when the special pattern change display game is subsequently executed. The look-ahead system commands (look-ahead variation system commands and look-ahead pattern system commands) are commands that notify the player in advance of the change pattern or stop pattern corresponding to the start memory that is the target of the look-ahead performance, and are transmitted from the game control device 100 to the performance control device 300 at the time of start winning. The normal change system commands and pattern system commands that are not look-ahead are transmitted from the game control device 100 to the performance control device 300 at the start of the special pattern change display game.

Next, the game presentation and the like will be described.
An example of the presentation in the normal gaming state ST1 is shown in Fig. 36. The display contents are basically the same in other gaming states, but it is possible to not display some of the display contents depending on the gaming state. Also, the player can distinguish whether the gaming state is the normal gaming state ST1 or another gaming state by the display contents.

As shown in FIG. 36(a), a first decoration game display unit 81 that displays the first decoration game of the decoration special chart variable display games is provided in the center of the display area of the display device 41. The first decoration game display unit 81 displays the decoration special chart variable display game by displaying the identification information in a variable display area of the left variable display area 81a, the middle variable display area 81b, and the right variable display area 81c, and then displaying it in a stopped state.

A second decoration game display unit 82 is provided in the upper right corner of the display area of the display device 41, which displays the second decoration game of the decoration special pattern variable display games. The second decoration game displayed on the second decoration game display unit 82, like the first decoration game displayed on the first decoration game display unit 81, displays variable identification information in the left, middle, and right areas and then stops to display the result. The second decoration game display unit 82 displays identification information (small symbols) that is relatively smaller than the identification information (large symbols) displayed on the first decoration game display unit 81.

In addition, a standby memory display section 83 is provided in the lower right corner of the display area of the display device 41, which displays the decorative special chart start memory display corresponding to the start memory.
The standby memory display unit 83 displays a decorative special symbol start memory display corresponding to the first start memory or the second start memory. In the normal game state ST1, the game progresses mainly with the special symbol change display game based on the first start memory, so that the standby memory display unit 83 displays a decorative special symbol start memory display corresponding to the first start memory.
The decorative special start memory display displayed on the standby memory display unit 83 corresponds one-to-one with the start memory, and is displayed in order of storage so that the decorative special start memory display on the left end corresponds to the first stored start memory, and moves to the left each time it is consumed. In addition, the standby memory display unit 83 may display both the decorative special start memory display corresponding to the start memory (first start memory) that is the execution right of the special chart 1 variable display game and the decorative special start memory display corresponding to the start memory (second start memory) that is the execution right of the special chart 2 variable display game.
Furthermore, in the standby memory display unit 83, it is possible to suggest the results of the special chart change display game based on the start memory, the change pattern, and other predictive results by the display mode of the decorative special chart start memory display corresponding to the start memory.

An active memory display section 84 is provided to the left of the standby memory display section 83, which displays information about the start memory corresponding to the currently running special chart change display game. The decorative special chart start memory display on the left end of the standby memory display section 83 is shifted to the active memory display section 84 when the special chart change display game starts. Furthermore, the active memory display section 84 can suggest the results and change patterns of the currently running special chart change display game by the display mode of the active memory display displayed on the active memory display section 84.
The upper left corner of the display area of the display device 41 is provided with a first start memory number display section 85a which displays the first start memory number (special chart 1 reserved number), and a second start memory number display section 85b which displays the second start memory number (special chart 2 reserved number).

In addition, the display area displays a background image 90 corresponding to the stage in which the player is currently present. Each game state has at least one stage, and some game states include multiple stages. Each stage is associated with a background image 90 and BGM, and the background image 90 and BGM are changed to the corresponding background image 90 and BGM when the stage transitions with a change in game state, or when the stage transitions within the same game state. A stage is one of the presentation modes, and a stage transition corresponds to a transition from a first presentation mode before the transition to a second presentation mode after the transition.

36(a) shows a state in which the player is staying in the night stage among a plurality of stages in the normal game state ST1. In this state, a night background image corresponding to the night stage in the normal game state ST1 is displayed as the background image 90, and BGM corresponding to the night stage is output.
Among the night background images, the images of the moon and stars are fixed images 90a that are fixed and do not change or move, the image of the airplane is a dynamic image 90b that moves continuously, and the image of the planet is a variable image 90c that can change color and shape at a predetermined timing.

When a new special chart change display game is started, as shown in FIG. 36(b), the decorative special chart start memory display at the left end of the waiting memory display section 83 is shifted to the running memory display section 84, and the decorative special chart start memory display other than at the left end of the waiting memory display section 83 is shifted to the left within the waiting memory display section 83. Furthermore, the value in the first start memory number display section 85a changes. Also, the first decorative game display section 81 and the second decorative game display section 82 start to display changes in the identification information. Also, the dynamic display 90b of the background image 90 is designed to move over time.

The stage can be changed at a predetermined timing, and a suggestion effect that suggests a stage change, which is one of the presentation modes, can be executed.
36(a) and (b) show a state in which the player is staying in the stage before the transition, and the first presentation mode, which is the presentation mode before the transition, is in effect. Here, the stage before the transition is a night stage, and a background image 90 corresponding to the night stage is displayed. This background image 90 corresponds to the first image displayed in the first presentation mode.

When a suggestion effect is started which suggests a transition from this state to a second presentation mode, which is a different stage, a character forming a specific image 91 is displayed first, as shown in FIG. 36(c).
Here, the specific image 91 is displayed in front of the variable image 90c, and part of the variable image 90c is hidden. Also, the specific image 91 is displayed so as to overlap the rear of the variably displayed identifying information. The variable image 90c and identifying information are displays that tend to attract the player's attention, and by displaying the specific image 91 so as to overlap these displays, attention to the specific image 91 can be attracted.

If there is no stage transition, the specific image 91 is displayed as shown in Fig. 36(c), and then the specific image 91 gradually disappears as shown in Fig. 36(d), and finally is completely erased, and the suggestion effect ends. In other words, in this case, it becomes a so-called false suggestion effect.
Furthermore, when there is a stage transition, after a specific image 91 is displayed as shown in Fig. 36(c), the character forming the specific image 91 runs a brush forming an additional image 91a as shown in Fig. 36(e). In the portion where the brush is run, as shown in Fig. 36(f), the night background image forming the first image disappears and a substitute image 92 is displayed. Also, an image that does not belong to either image is displayed at a boundary portion 90d between the background image 90 forming the first image and the substitute image 92, so that it is clear that they are different images.

Thereafter, the specific image 91 is erased as shown in Fig. 36(g). At this time, the specific image 91 is erased so as to disappear in an instant. Note that the specific image 91 may be erased by moving the character constituting the specific image 91 off the screen.
Furthermore, a suggestion image 93 is displayed in the area where the substitute image 92 was displayed. Here, a background image 90 corresponding to a stage to which there is a possibility of transition as the second performance mode is displayed as the suggestion image 93, and this image constitutes predetermined information. This suggests a transition from a night stage corresponding to a night background image to a day stage corresponding to a day background image.
That is, this case constitutes a first suggestion effect in which the first image is displayed, the specific image 91 is displayed, and a suggestion image 93 suggesting a transition to the second presentation mode can be displayed. Also, a transition from the state of Fig. 36(c) to the state of Fig. 36(d) constitutes a second suggestion effect in which the first image is displayed, the specific image 91 is displayed, and the first presentation mode can be achieved without displaying the suggestion image 93.

By displaying the substitute image 92 while the specific image 91 is displayed, the player can pay attention to the action of the specific image 91, thereby increasing the interest of the game.
In addition, by displaying a suggestion image 93 which suggests a stage to which the player may move after the specific image 91 is erased, the player can clearly grasp the suggestion image 92, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.
Also, in this example, the substitute image 92 and the suggestion image 93 are displayed so as to overlap the rear of the variably displayed identification information, the waiting memory display section 83, and the running memory display section 84. The identification information, the waiting memory display section 83, and the running memory display section 84 are displays that tend to attract the player's attention, and by displaying the substitute image 92 and the suggestion image 93 so as to overlap these displays, attention to the specific image 91 can be drawn.

Then, as shown in Fig. 36(h), the stage transitions to the second performance mode. Here, the stage transitions to the daytime stage, and a daytime background image, which is a background image 90 corresponding to the daytime stage, is displayed in place of the background image 90 corresponding to the nighttime stage constituting the first image. This background image 90 corresponds to the second image displayed in the second performance mode. In this example, the daytime background image is displayed in common in the suggestive performance and the second performance mode, and it can be said that common predetermined information is displayed.
In the daytime background images shown in Figures 36 (g) and (h), the images of clouds and mountains are fixed images 90a that are fixed and do not change or move, the image of the balloon is a dynamic image 90b that moves continuously, and the image of the sun is a variable image 90c that can change color and shape at a predetermined timing.

Fig. 37 shows the display timing of the specific image 91 and the stage transition timing. The upper time chart in Fig. 37 shows the case where there is a stage transition, and the lower time chart shows the case where there is no stage transition.
The time (t105 to t106) from the start to the end of erasure of a specific image 91 in Figures 36 (f) to (g) when there is a stage transition is shorter than the time (t103 to t104) from the start to the end of erasure of a specific image 91 in Figures 36 (c) to (d) when there is no stage transition.
In addition, the time (t102 to t106) from the start of displaying specific image 91 shown in Figure 36(c) to the end of displaying specific image 91 shown in Figure 36(g) when there is a stage transition is longer than the time (t102 to t104) from the start of displaying specific image 91 shown in Figure 36(c) to the end of displaying specific image 91 shown in Figure 36(d) when there is no stage transition.

In addition, the second period (t102 to t104), which is the period from the start of displaying the specific image 91 shown in FIG. 36(c) when there is no stage transition until the specific image 91 is erased and returns to the state shown in FIG. 36(b) as shown in FIG. 36(d), is shorter than the first period (t102 to t107), which is the period from the start of displaying the specific image 91 shown in FIG. 36(c) when there is a stage transition until the second image is displayed in the second performance mode shown in FIG. 36(h).

This allows the suggestion effect to end early when there is no stage transition, preventing a decline in interest in the game. Also, when there is no stage transition, the period during which the specified object is hidden in the display area is shorter than when there is a stage transition, preventing a decline in interest in the game.
In the gaming machine of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 36, a variable image 90c, which is an image of a planet as a predetermined object, is hidden by a specific image 91. Here, a part of the variable image 90c is hidden, but the whole of the variable image 90c may be hidden. The variable image 90c can perform effects by changing the display mode, and by shortening the period during which the variable image 90c is hidden when there is no stage transition, it is possible to prioritize the effects of the variable image 90c, which is more valuable to the player, over the effects of stage transition, which is less valuable to the player, and to increase the interest of the game.

In addition, a variable image 90c that is a specified object may be used to suggest or notify a transition to the second performance mode.
Furthermore, the specified object is not limited to the variable image 90c, but may be the identification information of the first decorative game display section 81, the identification information of the second decorative game display section, the waiting memory display section 83, the running memory display section 84, the first start memory number display section 85a, the second start memory number display section 85b, etc.

Also, during the period from (c) to (g) of FIG. 36, the dynamic display 90b imitating an airplane continues to operate in the background image 90 of the night stage displayed as the first image.
Furthermore, here, the suggestive image 92 and the background image 90 forming the second image displayed in the second performance mode are the same background image 90 of the daytime stage, and the operation of the dynamic display 90b imitating a balloon continues in the suggestive image displayed during the period from (f) to (h) in FIG. 36 and the background image 90 of the daytime stage displayed as the second image.

The night stage and the day stage each have corresponding BGM. In the first performance mode shown in Fig. 36(a) and (b), a night background image corresponding to the night stage forming the first image is displayed, and BGM corresponding to the night stage forming the first sound is output.
36(c)-(g), in which the suggestive performance is being performed, a night background image corresponding to the night stage forming the first image is displayed, and a day background image corresponding to the day stage forming the second image and the specified information is displayed as the suggestive image 92, and BGM corresponding to the night stage forming the first sound is output in response to the night background image forming the first image. And in FIG. 36(h), which is the second performance mode, a day background image forming the second image and the specified information is displayed, so BGM corresponding to the day stage forming the second sound is output.
In other words, in the suggestion performance and the second performance mode, a second image constituting common specified information is displayed, but while the suggestion performance is being executed, background music corresponding to the common specified information or the second image is not output, whereas in the second performance mode, background music corresponding to the common specified information or the second image is output.

As described above, by displaying the suggestion image 92 in the suggestion performance, it is possible to suggest a stage transition, and for a player who is familiar with the game content, it is possible to grasp at an early stage the stage to which there is a possibility of transition, thereby increasing the enjoyment of the game.
In addition, in the suggestion performance, the specific image 91 is displayed regardless of whether there is a stage transition or not, so that the player can have an expectation of a stage transition at the stage when the specific image 91 is displayed, thereby improving the interest of the game.

As shown in Fig. 38(a), the display mode of the specific image 91 may suggest whether the stage will change. Here, the suggestion is made by the color of the specific image 91, but the suggestion may also be made by the type, shape, size, display position, etc. of the character. For example, the specific image 91 may be displayed in such a size that it overlaps all of the left variable display area 81a, the middle variable display area 81b, and the right variable display area 81c of the first decorative game display section 81.
38(b), the display mode of the additional image 91a may suggest whether the stage will change or not. Here, the suggestion is made by showing a brush different from a writing brush as the additional image 91a, but the suggestion may also be made by the type, shape, size, display position, or the way the character moves the additional image 91a.

Also, as shown in Fig. 38(c), the display mode of the boundary portion 90d may suggest whether or not the stage will change. Here, the boundary portion 90d is displayed as a diagonal line different from that in Fig. 36(g), but the suggestion may be made by the width, pattern, color, or change in pattern or color of the boundary portion 90d. For example, the display color of the boundary portion 90d may be a color corresponding to the stage suggesting the change. Also, the LEDs of the board decoration device 46 and the frame decoration device 18 may be illuminated in accordance with the display mode of the boundary portion 90d, and may be illuminated in the same color as the color of the boundary portion 90d, for example.
In addition, the LEDs of the board decoration device 46 and the frame decoration device 18 may be positioned on an extension of the boundary portion 90d and illuminated in accordance with the display of the boundary portion 90d, making it appear as if the boundary portion 90d continues outside the area of the display device 41.

Also, as shown in FIG. 38(d), the display mode of the suggestion image 93 may suggest whether or not the stage will change. Here, the size of the suggestion image 93 is smaller than that of FIG. 38(c), but the suggestion may be made based on the shape, size, position, etc. of the suggestion image 93. Also, the suggestion may be made based on the shape, size, position, etc. of the substitute image 92.

38(e), an image related to the background image 90 after the transition that constitutes the second image may be displayed as the suggestion image 93, instead of the background image 90 after the transition that constitutes the second image. Here, an image of the sun related to the daytime background image corresponding to the daytime stage is displayed. This image of the sun constitutes predetermined information that is displayed in common between the suggestion image 93 and the daytime background image that constitutes the second image when the stage is changed to the daytime stage.
As shown in FIG. 36(h), when an image of the sun constituting the specified information is displayed, background music corresponding to the day stage is output; however, while the suggestive performance is being executed, background music for the day stage corresponding to the display of the specified information is not output, and instead background music corresponding to the night stage of the background image 90 constituting the first image is output preferentially.

In addition, the suggestion image 93 may be a reduced version of the post-transition background image 90 which constitutes the second image, and when the stage transitions, the suggestion image 93 may be enlarged to become the background image 90.
Furthermore, the suggestion image 93 may be changed to yet another suggestion image 93 . For example, after a first suggestion image 93 is displayed, the suggestion image 93 may be changed to a second suggestion image 93 .

Also, as shown in FIG. 38(f), an image that is not included in the second image but is reminiscent of or explains the second image may be displayed as a suggestion image 93. Here, the character "daytime" is displayed as the suggestion image 93, which is not included in the background image 90 of the daytime stage of the second image but is reminiscent of or explains the daytime stage.

Also, as in Figure 36(g) and Figures 38(e) and (f), after the suggestion image 93 suggests a transition to a daytime stage, the game may transition to a stage that is not a daytime stage, as shown in Figure 38(g). Here, the game transitions to a rainy stage, and the background image 90 changes to a rainy background image.
Also, as shown in FIG. 38(h), an image of the sun associated with the background image 90 of the daytime stage and an image of rain associated with the background image 90 of the rainy stage may be displayed to suggest a transition to one of the stages.
The sun image constitutes the predetermined information displayed in common between the suggestion image 93 and the daytime background image that constitutes the second image when the stage has been changed to the daytime stage. The rain image constitutes the predetermined information displayed in common between the suggestion image 93 and the rainy background image that constitutes the second image when the stage has been changed to the rainy stage.
During the execution of the suggestive performance, the BGM for the day stage or the BGM for the rainy stage corresponding to the display of these predetermined information are not output, and the BGM corresponding to the night stage of the background image 90 forming the first image is output preferentially.

In addition, in Figure 36 (f), the night background image displayed as the first image in the area where the character forming the specific image 91 has moved the brush forming the additional image 91a disappears and an alternative image 92 is displayed, but as shown in Figure 39 (a), even during the period when the specific image 91 is displayed, it is also possible to display a suggested image 93 without displaying the alternative image 92.
In addition, the specific image 91 may not be displayed in the suggestion performance.

Also, although a stage transition is always made when the state of FIG. 36(f) is reached, there may be cases where the state returns to the original state of FIG. 36(b) midway and the stage does not transition.
For example, there may be cases where the stage does not change from one of the states of Fig. 36(e) to (g) back to the state of Fig. 36(b). In this case, the stage will progress to one of the stages of Fig. 36(c), (e) to (g) and then return to Fig. 36(b). However, the more the stage progresses, the lower the possibility of returning to the state of Fig. 36(b), and the more the stage of the suggestive performance progresses, the higher the possibility of transitioning to the second performance mode.

Furthermore, the suggestive effects are not limited to those described above, but may be anything that suggests whether or not the first presentation mode will change to the second presentation mode.
In addition, although the suggestive performance indicates whether or not the stage will change, it may also be configured to suggest the likelihood of the change. For example, it may also be configured to suggest that the first suggestive performance is more likely to become the second performance mode than the second suggestive performance. In addition, it may also be configured to have a plurality of different display modes as shown in FIG. 38(a) to (d), and to suggest the likelihood of the first performance mode changing to the second performance mode depending on the executed display mode. In addition, as the suggestive image 93 displayed in FIG. 38(e), (f), and (h), it may also be configured to have a plurality of suggestive images 93 corresponding to one performance mode, and to suggest the likelihood of the first performance mode changing to the second performance mode depending on the displayed suggestive image 93.

In addition, in the first suggestion performance, the specific image 91 is displayed while the first image is displayed, and then the suggestion image 93 is displayed, but the display order is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the first image, the specific image 91, and the suggestion image 93 are displayed within the period of the suggestion performance.
In addition, in the second suggestion performance, the specific image 91 is displayed while the first image is displayed, but the display order is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the first image and the specific image 91 are displayed within the period of the suggestion performance.

When the specific image 91 is erased without a stage transition as in FIG. 36(d), an image of the character feeling frustrated may be displayed as in FIG. 39(b) from the state of FIG. 36(c) and then erased. When the specific image 91 is erased with a stage transition as in FIG. 36(g), an image of the character feeling happy may be displayed as in FIG. 39(c) from the state of FIG. 36(f) and then erased. Alternatively, one of the erasure modes of FIG. 39(b) or (c) may be executed, and the other may be the erasure mode shown in FIG. 36. Using such erasure modes also makes it possible to vary the mode when the display of the specific image 91 is terminated.

In addition, the so-called false suggestion effect that is executed when there is a stage transition may or may not be executed depending on the type of stage that is suggested. For example, the false suggestion effect may be executed when a transition to a stage with a higher possibility of a special result is suggested, and the false suggestion effect may not be executed when a transition to a stage that does not suggest the possibility of a special result or a stage with the same possibility of a special result is suggested.
Furthermore, the stage transition may be performed periodically or irregularly. In the case where a transition to a stage that is transitioned irregularly is suggested and in the case where a transition to a stage that is transitioned regularly is suggested, a false suggestion effect may be executed in one case, and in the other case, the false suggestion effect may not be executed. For example, in the case where a transition to a stage that is transitioned irregularly is suggested, a false suggestion effect may be executed, and in the case where a transition to a stage that is transitioned regularly is suggested, the false suggestion effect may not be executed.
In addition, when a transition to a stage that is irregularly transitioned is suggested and when a transition to a stage that is regularly transitioned is suggested, the suggestive effect may be executed in one case, and may not be executed in the other case. For example, the suggestive effect may be executed only when a transition to a stage that is irregularly transitioned is suggested, and may not be executed when a transition to a stage that is regularly transitioned is suggested.

In addition, for multiple stages, the order of stage transitions may be fixed or may not be fixed, or both cases may be included. For stage transitions that occur in a fixed order and stage transitions that do not occur in a fixed order, suggestive effects may be used for one stage transition and not used for the other. For example, for stage transitions that occur in a fixed order, the destination stage is known, so suggestive effects do not need to be used. And for stage transitions that do not occur in a fixed order, suggestive effects may be used to suggest the destination stage.

In addition, during the period when the suggestive performance is being performed, the display mode of the decorative special chart start memory display of the standby memory display unit 83 and the running memory display of the running memory display unit 84 may not be changed. In addition, during the period when the suggestive performance is being performed, the standby memory display unit 83 and the running memory display unit 84 may be made invisible.
In addition, the first image and the second image may be displayed so as not to overlap with the decorative special chart start memory display of the waiting memory display unit 83 or the running memory display of the running memory display unit 84, or, if they overlap with the decorative special chart start memory display of the waiting memory display unit 83 or the running memory display of the running memory display unit 84, they may be displayed behind the decorative special chart start memory display of the waiting memory display unit 83 or the running memory display of the running memory display unit 84.

In addition, the first image in the first performance mode, the second image and the predetermined image in the second performance mode, and the suggested image 93 and the predetermined image in the suggested performance are set as the background image 90 corresponding to the stage, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be an image displayed in a part of the display area. Furthermore, the first image in the first performance mode and the specific image 91 may be displayed so as not to overlap each other.
In addition, although the first image and the second image are both images of the same size as the background image 90, they may be different sizes. For example, the second image may be larger than the first image to make the transition of the presentation mode easier to understand.

In addition, the first sound that can be output in response to the display of the first image and the second sound that can be output in response to the display of the second image or the specified information are described as BGM, but other sounds may also be used. For example, a specific sound or sound effect that is output over BGM may be the first sound or second sound, or the sound of a line spoken by a character may be the first sound or second sound.

40 and 41 show a case where the development of a reach state is suggested by a presentation similar to the suggestion presentation suggesting a stage transition described above. In the above example, a stage transition, which is one of the presentation modes, is suggested, but here, a reach state transition, which is one of the presentation modes, is suggested.
As shown in Fig. 40(a), the state where the variable display is performed changes to a normal reach in which the same identification information is temporarily stopped in the left variable display area 81a and the right variable display area 81c as shown in Fig. 40(b), resulting in a first performance mode. In a normal reach, a background image 90 corresponding to the current stage is displayed as the first image, and BGM corresponding to the current stage is output as the first sound. Of course, the first image and first sound may be set for a normal reach.

Then, a suggestion effect is started as shown in Fig. 40(c) This suggestion effect suggests that the effect mode will shift from the first effect mode, normal reach, to the second effect mode, SP reach.
In this suggestion effect, first, a character forming a specific image 91 is displayed as shown in Fig. 40(c). Here, the specific image 91 is displayed in front of the variable image 90c, and a part of the variable image 90c is hidden.

If the game does not progress to an SP reach, a specific image 91 is displayed as shown in FIG. 40(c), and then as shown in FIG. 40(d), the specific image 91 gradually disappears and is finally completely erased, and the suggestion performance ends. In this case, the medium variable display area 81b stops after a predetermined time as shown in FIG. 40(e), and the result state is displayed as a stopped state. Here, the result of a miss is displayed as a stopped state, but there are also cases where the result of a jackpot is displayed as a stopped state.

In addition, if there is a possibility of progressing to an SP reach, a specific image 91 is displayed as shown in FIG. 40(c), and then the character forming the specific image 91 runs a brush forming the additional image 91a as shown in FIG. 40(f). In the area where the brush is running as shown in FIG. 41(a), the night background image displayed as the first image disappears, and an alternative image 92 is displayed.

41(b), the specific image 91 is erased and a suggestion image 92 is displayed, suggesting a possible SP reach. The suggestion image 92 here is a background image of the sea, which is the background image 90 corresponding to the possible SP reach. This suggests that the normal reach will progress to an SP reach, and also suggests the type of SP reach that may progress.
Since the background image 90 of the normal reach, which is the first presentation mode, is displayed even during the execution of the suggestive presentation, BGM of the first sound corresponding to the background image 90 is output. Also, in Fig. 4(b), the background image 90 constituting the second image corresponding to the second presentation mode is also displayed in the suggestive image 93 constituting the predetermined information, and BGM of the first sound corresponding to the background image 90 of the normal reach is output.

Then, as shown in Fig. 41(c), the suggestive image 93 is erased, the suggestive effect ends, and only the first image is displayed, and after a predetermined time, the effect progresses to the SP reach, which is the second effect mode, as shown in Fig. 41(d). Here, instead of the background image 90 corresponding to the normal reach, which is the first image, a background image of the sea, which is the background image 90 corresponding to the SP reach, which is the second effect mode, is displayed as the second image. Also, BGM corresponding to this SP reach is output as the second sound.
In the ocean background image shown in Figure 41 (d), the images of clouds and ocean are fixed images 90a that are fixed and do not change or move, the image of the ship is a dynamic image 90b that moves continuously, and the image of the sun is a variable image 90c that can change color and shape at a predetermined timing.
In addition, there may be cases where the state of Fig. 41(c) changes to the state of Fig. 40(e) and the result state is displayed while remaining in a normal reach. Also, the state of Fig. 41(b) may change to the state of Fig. 41(d) without passing through the state of Fig. 41(c).

If the result is a jackpot, the jackpot result mode is displayed as a still image as shown in FIG. 41(e), and then the game moves to a special game mode. If the result is a miss, the miss result mode is displayed as a still image as shown in FIG. 41(f), and then the game returns from the background image 90 corresponding to the SP reach to the background image 90 corresponding to the stage currently being played as shown in FIG. 41(g).

Furthermore, even during the periods spanning Figures 40(a) to (f), 41(a) to (c), and (g), the operation of the dynamic display 90b resembling an airplane continues in the background image 90 of the night stage displayed as the first image.
Furthermore, the suggestion image 92 used here is the same as the background image 90 of the second image, and the operation of the dynamic display 90b imitating a ship continues in the suggestion image displayed in Fig. 41(b) and the background image 90 of the sea stage displayed as the second image in Figs. 41(d) to (f). Thus, from the state shown in Fig. 41(b) to the state shown in Fig. 41(c) where the display is temporarily terminated and then displayed again as shown in Fig. 41(d), continuous changes continue, and the dynamic display 90b moves from the position shown in Fig. 41(b) to the position shown in Fig. 41(d).

FIG. 42 shows another example of a case where the development of a reach state is suggested by a presentation similar to the suggestive presentation suggesting a stage transition described above.
Figures 42(a)-(e) are the same as Figures 36(c)-(g), and in Figure 42(e) a suggestion image 92 is displayed, suggesting a possible SP reach. Then, as shown in Figure 42(f), the suggestion image 93 is erased, the suggestion effect ends, and only the first image is displayed, and after a predetermined time, it becomes a normal reach, as shown in Figure 42(g). After that, it develops into an SP reach, in which the second image is displayed, as shown in Figure 42(h).

In this case, the presentation mode before the reach state is the first presentation mode, the presentation mode of the SP reach is the second presentation mode, and it can be said that the suggestion presentation suggests that the first presentation mode will change to the second presentation mode.
In addition, since a normal reach is passed through when an SP reach occurs, it can be said that the presentation mode before the reach state constitutes the first presentation mode, and the presentation mode of the normal reach constitutes the second presentation mode.
Furthermore, the presentation mode before entering a reach state is neither the first presentation mode nor the second presentation mode, the presentation mode of a normal reach is the first presentation mode, the presentation mode of an SP reach is the second presentation mode, and it can be said that the suggested presentation suggests that the state will become the first presentation mode before entering the first presentation mode and will transition to the second presentation mode.

In the above explanation, a stage and a reach state are given as examples of presentation modes, but other presentation modes may be used, and any presentation mode that transitions from the first presentation mode to the second presentation mode is acceptable.
For example, one of the normal game state ST1, the first special game state ST2, the second special game state ST3, the specific game state ST4, and the remaining reserved consumption state ST5 may be set as the first presentation mode, and the other game states may be set as the second presentation mode, and a suggestion presentation regarding the transition of the game state may be performed.
In addition, suggestive effects may be given not only during the execution of the special chart change display game, but also during an error notification to notify of an error that has occurred in the gaming machine, or during a transition to a customer waiting state where the special chart change display game is not being executed and there is no start memory, or regarding transitions from these states to other states, and suggestive effects may be given that suggest a transition from a first presentation mode to a second presentation mode during an error notification or during a customer waiting state.

In addition, one of the left-hitting game state and the right-hitting game state may be set to a first presentation mode and the other to a second presentation mode, and a suggestion presentation regarding the transition of the firing direction may be performed.
In addition, in the first special game state ST2 or the second special game state ST3, the above-mentioned suggestion effect may be performed as a so-called promotion effect that suggests that the state is more advantageous to the player than the initially notified state or that the state will transition to an advantageous state. In this case, the suggestion effect suggests a transition from the first presentation mode to the second presentation mode that is advantageous to the player.
In addition, a state in which the first image is displayed in a part of the display area without displaying the second image may be defined as a first presentation mode, and a state in which the second image is displayed in a part of the display area without displaying the first image may be defined as a second presentation mode, and a suggestion presentation may be performed to transition from a state in which the first image is displayed to a state in which the second image is displayed.

In addition, while the above example shows a transition from the first presentation mode to the second presentation mode in the same special chart change display game, it is also possible to suggest a transition from the first presentation mode to the second presentation mode over a period spanning multiple special chart change display games. For example, it is also possible to suggest a transition from the first presentation mode to the second presentation mode after multiple games have been played.

In view of the above, a gaming machine that executes a game based on the establishment of a predetermined condition, and generates an advantageous state for the player when the game results in a special result, is provided with a presentation control means (presentation control device 300) that controls presentations related to the game to be displayed on the display means (display device 41), and the presentation control means is capable of executing a suggestive presentation that suggests whether or not the first presentation mode, in which the first image is displayed on the display means, will change to a second presentation mode, in which the second image is displayed on the display means without displaying the first image. The suggestive presentations include a first suggestive presentation that can display the first image, a specific image 91, and a suggestive image 93 that suggests a transition to the second presentation mode, and a second suggestive presentation that can display the first image, a specific image 91, and a first presentation mode without displaying the suggestive image 93, and the first suggestive presentation suggests that there is a higher possibility of transitioning to the second presentation mode and that the execution period is longer than that of the second suggestive presentation.

Therefore, even if the second presentation mode is not transitioned to, the suggestive presentation is executed, so that the variety of presentations is increased, and the interest of the game can be improved. In addition, by displaying the suggestive image 93, it is possible to suggest not only that the presentation mode will transition, but also the type of presentation mode to be transitioned to, and the interest of the game can be improved. In particular, a player who understands the presentation content of the gaming machine can quickly grasp the presentation mode to be transitioned to by the suggestive image 93, and the interest of the game can be improved. In addition, since the suggestive image 93 is displayed after the specific image 91 is displayed, it is possible to prevent the player from missing the suggestive image 93. In addition, since the first suggestive presentation is more likely to transition to the second presentation mode than the second suggestive presentation and has a longer execution period, it is possible to end the suggestive presentation early if there is no transition of the presentation mode, and it is possible to prevent a decrease in the interest of the game by preventing meaningless presentations from dragging on.

In addition, the period from the display of the specific image 91 corresponding to the execution of the first suggestive performance to the transition to the second performance mode is longer than the period for displaying the specific image 91 corresponding to the execution of the second suggestive performance.
Therefore, when there is no transition in presentation mode, the suggestive presentation can be ended quickly, and meaningless presentation can be prevented from dragging on, thereby preventing a decline in interest in the game.

In addition, in a gaming machine which executes a game based on the establishment of a predetermined condition and generates an advantageous state for the player when the result of the game is a special result, the gaming machine is equipped with a presentation control means (presentation control device 300) which controls presentations related to the game so that they can be displayed on the display means (display device 41), and the presentation control means is capable of displaying a predetermined object (variable image 90c) on the display means, and is capable of executing a suggestive presentation which involves concealing part or all of the predetermined object to suggest whether or not a first presentation mode in which a first image is displayed on the display means will be changed to a second presentation mode in which a second image is displayed on the display means without displaying the first image, and in the suggestive presentation, the period for which the predetermined object is concealed differs between when there is no transition to the second presentation mode and when there is a transition to the second presentation mode.
Therefore, the period during which the predetermined object is concealed differs depending on whether or not the second presentation mode is entered, so that the variety of presentations increases and the interest in the game can be improved.

Further, the presentation control means is adapted to shorten the period for concealing the specified object in the suggestion presentation when there is no transition to the second presentation mode than when there is a transition to the second presentation mode.
Therefore, when there is no transition in the presentation mode, the period during which the specified object is concealed can be ended early and the presentation using the specified object can be resumed early, preventing a decline in interest in the game.

In addition, in a gaming machine which executes a game based on the establishment of a predetermined condition and generates an advantageous state for the player when the result of the game is a special result, the machine is equipped with a presentation control means (presentation control device 300) which controls presentations related to the game so that they can be displayed on a display means (display device 41), and speakers 19a, 19b which can output sound, and the presentation control means is capable of outputting a first sound in response to the display of a first image and is capable of outputting a second sound in response to the display of predetermined information, and is capable of transitioning between a first presentation mode in which the first image is displayed without displaying the predetermined information, a suggestive presentation in which the first image and the predetermined information are displayed, and a second presentation mode in which the predetermined information is displayed without displaying the first image, and in the suggestive presentation, the first sound can be output without outputting the second sound.
Therefore, while the suggestive performance is being performed, the output of the first sound gives the player the impression that the first performance mode is being maintained, and the player can maintain a sense of anticipation for a transition until the end of the suggestive performance, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

In addition, in a gaming machine which executes a game based on the satisfaction of predetermined conditions and generates an advantageous state for the player when the result of the game is a special result, the gaming machine is equipped with a presentation control means (presentation control device 300) which controls presentations related to the game so that they can be displayed on the display means (display device 41), and the presentation control means is capable of executing a suggestive presentation involving the display of a specific image 91 to suggest whether or not to transition from a first presentation mode in which a first image is displayed on the display means to a second presentation mode in which a second image is displayed on the display means without displaying the first image, and in the suggestive presentation, the period for which the specific image 91 is displayed differs between when there is no transition to the second presentation mode and when there is a transition to the second presentation mode.
Therefore, the period during which the specific image 91 is displayed varies depending on whether or not the second presentation mode is entered, and this increases the variety of presentations and improves the entertainment value of the game.

Furthermore, the presentation control means is configured to shorten the period during which the specific image 91 is displayed in the suggestion presentation when there is no transition to the second presentation mode, compared to when there is a transition to the second presentation mode.
Therefore, when there is no transition of the presentation mode, the period during which the specific image 91 is displayed can be ended early, and meaningless presentation can be prevented from dragging on, thereby preventing a decline in interest in the game.

In addition, in a gaming machine which executes a game based on the satisfaction of predetermined conditions and generates an advantageous state for the player when the result of the game is a special result, the machine is equipped with a presentation control means (presentation control device 300) which controls presentations related to the game so that they can be displayed on the display means (display device 41), and the presentation control means is capable of executing a suggestive presentation accompanied by the display of a specific image 91 to suggest whether or not to transition from a first presentation mode in which a first image is displayed on the display means to a second presentation mode in which a second image is displayed on the display means without displaying the first image, and in the suggestive presentation, the manner in which the display of the specific image 91 ends differs between when there is no transition to the second presentation mode and when there is a transition to the second presentation mode.
Therefore, the manner in which the display of the specific image 91 ends differs depending on whether or not there is a transition to the second presentation mode, so that the variety of presentations increases and the interest in the game can be improved.

[First Modification]
Next, a first modified example of the gaming machine of the above-mentioned embodiment will be described. Basically, the gaming machine has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the above-mentioned embodiment, and the following description will be omitted by attaching the same reference numerals to the parts having the same configuration, and will mainly describe the different parts. The gaming machine of this modified example has a different execution mode of the suggestion performance.

As shown in FIG. 43(a), a variable display is performed, and then a specific image 91 is displayed as shown in FIG. 43(b). In this suggestive performance, regardless of whether there is a stage transition or not, the character forming the specific image 91 holds the brush forming the additional image 91a as shown in FIG. 43(c), and in the area where the brush is moved as shown in FIG. 43(d), the night background image displayed as the first image disappears, and an alternative image 92 is displayed.

If there is no stage transition, the specific image 91, the substitute image 92 and the image of the boundary portion 90d gradually disappear, and are finally completely erased, as shown in FIG.
On the other hand, when there is a stage transition, the specific image 91 is erased as shown in Fig. 43(f). At this time, the specific image 91 is erased so as to disappear in an instant. Note that the character forming the specific image 91 may be erased by moving off the screen.
Furthermore, a suggestion image 93 is displayed in the area where the alternative image 92 was displayed, and the stage transitions as shown in Figure 43 (g), with a daytime background image, which is the background image 90 corresponding to the daytime stage forming the second image, being displayed in place of the background image 90 corresponding to the nighttime stage forming the first image.

Fig. 44 shows the display timing of the specific image 91 and the stage transition timing. The upper time chart in Fig. 44 shows the case where there is a stage transition, and the lower time chart shows the case where there is no stage transition.
In this suggestion performance, the time (t112 to t114) from the start of displaying the specific image 91 shown in Figure 43(b) when there is a stage transition to the end of erasing the specific image 91 shown in Figure 43(f) is shorter than the time (t112 to t116) from the start of displaying the specific image 91 shown in Figure 43(b) to the end of erasing the specific image 91 shown in Figure 43(e) when there is no stage transition.

By making the display period of the specific image 91 shorter when there is a stage transition in this way, the suggestive image 93 that follows the display of the specific image 91 can be displayed earlier, and the suggestive performance stage can be advanced earlier, so that the player's sense of expectation can be maintained uninterrupted, improving the enjoyment of the game.
In addition, by making the display period of the specific image 91 longer when there is no stage transition, it is possible to give the presentation a lingering impression, reduce the player's sense of disappointment, and prevent a decline in interest in the game. In addition, it is possible to provide the player with a period to confirm that there is no stage transition, making it easier for him or her to understand the content of the presentation.

In addition, the time (t113 to t114) from the start to the end of erasure of a specific image 91 in Figures 43 (d) and (f) when there is a stage transition is shorter than the time (t115 to t116) from the start to the end of erasure of a specific image 91 in Figures 43 (d) and (e) when there is no stage transition.
In other words, the time during which the variable image 90c, which is an image of a planet forming a specified object, is hidden by the specific image 91 is shorter when there is a stage transition than when there is no stage transition.
Therefore, when there is a stage transition, in addition to the display of the suggestion image 93, the display of the variable image 90c is also resumed at an early timing, and a plurality of effects are combined to effectively transition the presentation mode, resulting in a highly exciting state and increasing the interest in the game.

In addition, the second period (t112 to t116), which is the period from the start of displaying the specific image 91 shown in FIG. 43(b) when there is no stage transition until the specific image 91 is erased and returns to the state shown in FIG. 43(a) as shown in FIG. 43(e), is shorter than the first period (t112 to t117), which is the period from the start of displaying the specific image 91 shown in FIG. 43(b) when there is a stage transition until the second image is displayed in the second performance mode shown in FIG. 43(g).

In view of the above, a gaming machine which executes a game based on the establishment of predetermined conditions, and which creates an advantageous state for the player when the result of the game is a special result, is provided with a presentation control means (presentation control device 300) which controls presentations related to the game so that they can be displayed on the display means (display device 41), and the presentation control means is capable of displaying a predetermined object (variable image 90c) on the display means, and is capable of executing a suggestive presentation which involves concealing part or all of the predetermined object to suggest whether or not a first presentation mode in which a first image is displayed on the display means will be changed to a second presentation mode in which a second image is displayed on the display means without displaying the first image, and in the suggestive presentation, the period for which the predetermined object is concealed is shorter when transitioning to the second presentation mode than when transitioning to the second presentation mode is not made.
Therefore, when there is a transition in the presentation mode, the presentation by the specified object can be resumed early, and the transition in the presentation mode can be effectively produced, thereby improving the enjoyment of the game.

In addition, in a gaming machine which executes a game based on the establishment of a predetermined condition and generates an advantageous state for the player when the result of the game is a special result, the gaming machine is equipped with a presentation control means (presentation control device 300) which controls presentations related to the game so that they can be displayed on the display means (display device 41), and the presentation control means is capable of executing a suggestive presentation which involves the display of a specific image 91 to suggest whether or not to transition from a first presentation mode in which a first image is displayed on the display means to a second presentation mode in which a second image is displayed on the display means without displaying the first image, and in the suggestive presentation, the period during which the specific image 91 is displayed is shorter when transitioning to the second presentation mode than when transitioning to the second presentation mode is not made.
Therefore, when there is a transition in the presentation mode, the suggestive presentation stage can be advanced quickly, so that the player's sense of expectation can be maintained without interruption, and the interest of the game can be improved. Also, when there is no transition in the presentation mode, the player's sense of disappointment can be alleviated by providing a lingering impression of the presentation, and a decrease in the interest of the game can be prevented. Also, a period can be given for the player to confirm that there is no transition in the presentation mode, making it easier for the player to understand the content of the presentation.

The gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine shown in the above embodiment, but can be applied to all gaming machines that use gaming balls, such as other pachinko gaming machines, arrange ball gaming machines, and mahjong ball gaming machines. The present invention can also be applied to slot machines. Such slot machines are not limited to slot machines that use medals, but include all slot machines, such as slot machines that use gaming balls. The configurations of the above-mentioned modified examples can be applied in appropriate combination.

Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

10 Gaming machine 41 Display device (display means)
91 Specific image 300 Performance control device (performance control means)

Claims (2)

A gaming machine that executes a game based on the establishment of a predetermined condition, and generates a state advantageous to a player when the result of the game is a special result,
A presentation control means is provided for controlling a presentation related to a game to be displayed on a display means,
The display means includes:
A start memory number display unit that displays the number of times the predetermined condition is satisfied using a numeric image;
a standby memory display unit that displays the number of times the predetermined condition is satisfied using an image;
a first decorative game display unit for displaying identification information as the game;
The display unit includes a second decorative game display unit that displays identification information smaller than the identification information of the first decorative game display unit as the game,
The performance control means includes:
A suggestion effect accompanied by display of a specific image can be executed to suggest whether or not a first effect mode in which a first image is displayed on the display means will be changed to a second effect mode in which a second image is displayed on the display means without displaying the first image,
In the suggestion performance, the number image, the image image, the image of the identification information of the first decorative game display unit, and the image of the identification information of the second decorative game display unit are displayed superimposed on the first image, while a suggestion image is displayed in a suggestion image display area separated by a border image that is a boundary between the first image and the suggestion image display area, the suggestion image displaying the second image;
The image display area is expanded to an area where the standby memory display area and the first decorative game display area overlap with each other while the image display and the image of the identification information of the first decorative game display area are superimposed on the front side, thereby enabling a transition to the second performance mode;
A manner in which the display of the specific image is ended is different between a case in which the display does not transition to the second performance mode and a case in which the display transitions to the second performance mode.
Amusement machine. When the effect control means does not transition to the second effect mode, the expansion range of the suggestion image display area is not extended to the start memory number display unit and the second decoration game display unit.
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1.

Images