JP7701415B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko machines, arrange ball machines, mahjong ball gaming machines, slots, and enclosed pachinko machines (controlled gaming machines) that circulate enclosed gaming balls inside, and more specifically to gaming machines that are equipped with functions desired by players, thereby providing gaming content that satisfies players and thus offering a gaming machine with a variety of presentations.

As a conventional gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, for example, a gaming machine as described in Patent Document 1 is known. This gaming machine allows customization of the game presentation, making it easy to recognize the customization status.

JP 2022-173598 A

However, although the above gaming machines make it easy to recognize the customization status, there was a problem with the customization function itself, in that the customization function and the accompanying game presentation content did not fully satisfy players.

In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a gaming machine with a variety of presentations, by equipping it with functions that players desire, thereby providing game content that satisfies players.

The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means. Note that the parentheses indicate reference symbols of the embodiments described below, but the present invention is not limited to these.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, when a plurality of types of identification information are changed when a predetermined start condition is satisfied, a hold storage means (for example, a main control RAM 600c shown in FIG. 4) stores up to a predetermined upper limit number of start holds that change identification information that has not yet started even though the start condition is satisfied;
A look-ahead determination means (for example, the main control CPU 600a shown in FIG. 4) that performs a look-ahead determination on the start-up hold before the change for the start-up hold is started;
A special performance (for example, a chance announcement at the time of winning) that is started with a change before the change performance for the start hold of the pre-reading judgment target and is started when the start condition is established;
A special performance (for example, a pre-reading notice performance) that is started with a change prior to the change performance for the start hold of the pre-reading judgment target and is executed with a plurality of changes including the change performance for the start hold of the pre-reading judgment target;
A performance setting means (for example, the setting button 15 shown in FIG. 1 ) for setting a predetermined performance based on an operation by a player,
The effect setting means is capable of setting whether or not the special effect is to be made to appear, and further
The effect setting means can set whether or not to change the expectation of a winning game state in the special effect in a normal game state and in an advantageous state advantageous to the player (e.g., a RUSH state) (e.g., increasing the expectation of a pre-reading state),
When the effect setting means is set to change the expectation level for a winning game state in the special effect, the expectation level for a winning game state for the special effect in the advantageous state is higher than the expectation level for a winning game state for the special effect in the normal game state (for example, see the look-ahead reserved change table SB_SYH_TBL2 shown in FIG. 17(a) and the second look-ahead reserved change table SB_D2SYH_TBL shown in FIG. 19(b) ).
When the effect setting means is set to allow the special effect to appear, the rate at which the special effect is selected is higher in reach effects with a high expectation of a winning game state in the event of a win (for example, a strong SP reach (win) in the winning chance notification lottery table SB_NH_TBL shown in FIG. 14) than in reach effects with a high expectation of a winning game state in the event of a win (for example, a strong SP reach (miss) in the winning chance notification lottery table SB_NH_TBL shown in FIG. 14) (for example, when the low expectation winning chance notification in the winning chance notification lottery table SB_NH_TBL shown in FIG. 14 is "none") .

According to the present invention, by equipping gaming machines with functions that players desire, it is possible to provide gaming content that satisfies players, thereby providing gaming machines with a variety of presentations.

1 is an oblique view showing the appearance of an amusement machine according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board according to the embodiment. 1A and 1B are side cross-sectional views of the special symbol 2 starting device according to the embodiment, in which FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control device of the gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of a screen for customizing the performance when the waiting demo screen is displayed, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a screen for customizing the performance content while waiting for customers or while the special pattern is changing. (a) to (c-1) show example screens when a winning chance notification is executed when the expectation of a winning game state is low, and (a) to (c-2) show example screens when a winning chance notification is executed when the expectation of a winning game state is high. 13A to 13D are diagrams showing example screens that appear when the setting for the winning chance notification is OFF and a hold change effect occurs. (a) to (b) are figures showing example screens when the setting for the winning chance notification is ON, a winning chance notification is executed when the expectation of a winning game state is low, and further, a pending change effect is generated. (a) to (d) are figures showing example screens when the pattern change has finished and the pattern change has stopped, and a winning chance notification, which has a high expectation of a winning game state, is generated for the first start reserved ball when the game ball wins a prize. (a) to (d) are figures showing example screens in which a winning chance notification, which has a high expectation of a winning game state, is generated for the first start reserved ball when the game ball enters a winning state just before the pattern stops (while the pattern is still changing). 10A is a timing chart relating to the example screen shown in FIG. 9, and FIG. 10B is a timing chart relating to the example screen shown in FIG. 13A shows a table indicating the ratio of each level when the volume or light intensity can be set in five levels, and FIG. 13B shows a table of another embodiment different from that of FIG. 13A. 1A shows the jackpot probability of the gaming machine according to the embodiment, FIG. 1B shows a symbol allocation table, and FIG. 1C shows a variation pattern allocation table. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a prize-winning chance notification lottery table. (a) shows a look-ahead reserve change table used when the look-ahead expectation increase setting is OFF, and (b) shows a look-ahead zone performance table used when the look-ahead expectation increase setting is OFF. This figure shows an example of a presentation executed when a lottery is drawn, with reference to the look-ahead reserve change table shown in Figure 15(a) and the look-ahead zone presentation table shown in Figure 15(b). (a) shows a look-ahead reserve change table used when the look-ahead expectation increase setting is ON, and (b) shows a look-ahead zone performance table used when the look-ahead expectation increase setting is ON. 1A shows a step-up prediction table used when the setting for the chance notification when winning is OFF, and FIG. 1B shows a step-up prediction table used when the setting for the chance notification when winning is ON. (a) shows a first look-ahead pending change table used when the look-ahead expectation increase setting is OFF, and (b) shows a second look-ahead pending change table used when the look-ahead expectation increase setting is ON. (a) shows a first look-ahead chance eye forecast table used when the look-ahead expectation increase setting is OFF, and (b) shows a second look-ahead chance eye forecast table used when the look-ahead expectation increase setting is ON. (a) shows a timing chart when a pre-reading chance eye prediction is executed during a rush state (normal fluctuation (1.5 seconds)), (b) shows a timing chart when a pre-reading chance eye prediction is executed during a normal game state (normal fluctuation (12 seconds)), and (c) shows a timing chart when a pre-reading chance eye prediction is executed during a normal game state (normal fluctuation (3 seconds)). 13A to 13F are diagrams showing example screens when a pre-reading chance eye announcement is executed during a RUSH state (normal fluctuation (1.5 seconds)). (a) to (h) are diagrams showing example screens when a pre-reading chance eye forecast is executed during normal game play (normal fluctuation (12 seconds)). 13A to 13C are diagrams showing example screens when the performance content is customized while the special symbol is changing. 13A to 13H are diagrams showing example screens displaying the duration of time in the RUSH state and the number of balls won. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a main process of a main control according to the embodiment. FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating the continuation of the main processing of the main control shown in FIG. 26. FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating the setting switching process shown in FIG. 26. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a power supply abnormality check process. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a timer interrupt process of main control according to the embodiment. A flowchart explaining the normal pattern processing shown in Figure 30. FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating the special pattern processing shown in FIG. 30. A flowchart explaining the start port check process 1 (2) shown in Figure 32. A flowchart explaining the special pattern change start processing shown in Figure 32. FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating the hit determination process shown in FIG. 34. A flowchart explaining the processing during the special pattern change shown in Figure 32. A flowchart explaining the processing during the special pattern confirmation time shown in Figure 32. (a) shows a normal pattern hit determination table used when conducting a lottery to determine whether a normal pattern is a hit or a loss, (b) shows a special pattern big hit determination table used when conducting a lottery to determine whether a special pattern is a hit or a loss, (c) shows a special pattern small hit determination table used when conducting a lottery to determine whether a special pattern is a hit or a loss, and (d) shows a special electric support pattern hit determination table used when conducting a lottery to determine whether a special pattern is a hit or a loss. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing main processing of sub-control according to the embodiment. FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the data analysis process shown in FIG. 39. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a command reception process of sub-control according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process of the sub-control according to the embodiment. 13A is a flowchart illustrating an initial command list for moving images, FIG. 13B is a flowchart illustrating a regular command list for moving images, and FIG. 13C is a flowchart illustrating a command list for still images.

Below, one embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings, using a pachinko gaming machine as an example. Note that in the following description, when directions such as up, down, left and right are indicated, they refer to up, down, left and right when viewed from the front of the illustration.

<Explanation of the external appearance of the pachinko machine>
First, the external configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Explanation of the external appearance of the front of the pachinko machine>

As shown in Figure 1, the pachinko machine 1 is configured with a rectangular front frame 3 attached to the front of a wooden outer frame 2 so that it can be opened and closed, and a game board 4 mounted inside a game board storage frame (not shown) attached to the underside of the front frame 3. The game board 4 is mounted with the game area 40 shown in Figure 2 facing the front, and a glass door frame 5 supporting transparent glass is provided in front of this game area 40 as shown in Figure 1. The game area 40 is an area surrounded by a ball guide rail 6 (see Figure 2) arranged on the surface of the game board 4.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko game machine 1 has a front operation panel 7 disposed below the glass door frame 5, an upper tray unit 8 disposed on the front operation panel 7, and an upper tray 9 for storing ejected game balls formed integrally with the upper tray unit 8. The front operation panel 7 also has a ball loan button 11 and a prepaid card ejection button 12 (card return button 12). The upper tray surface of the upper tray 9 is provided with a push-button type performance button device 13 that can be pressed by the player to change the performance effect when a built-in lamp (not shown) is lit. The upper tray 9 also has a ball ejection button 14 for ejecting the game balls stored in the upper tray 9 downward, and a setting button 15 consisting of an approximately cross key. The setting buttons 15 can be operated by the player and are made up of a circular decision key 15a located in the center, a triangular up key 15b located above the decision key 15a in the figure, a triangular left key 15c located to the left of the decision key 15a in the figure, a triangular right key 15d located to the right of the decision key 15a in the figure, and a triangular down key 15e located below the decision key 15a in the figure.

As shown in FIG. 1, a launch handle 16 for operating the launch unit is provided on the right end of the front operation panel 7, and speakers 17 for emitting background music (BGM) and sound effects (SE) are provided on both upper side surfaces of the front frame 3 and near the launch handle 16. In addition, decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that create a dramatic effect through light decoration are arranged around the perimeter of the front frame 3.

<Explanation of the appearance of the game board>
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, a liquid crystal display device 41 consisting of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like is arranged in the approximate center of the game area 40 of the game board 4. The liquid crystal display device 41 divides the display area into three areas, left, center, and right, and can independently display numbers, characters, letters (character conversations, lyrics telops, etc.) or patterns (special patterns and normal patterns). Around the liquid crystal display device 41, a top decoration 42a, a left decoration 42b, and a right decoration 42c for decoration are provided, and a movable role device 43 is arranged on the back side of the top decoration 42a, the left decoration 42b, and the right decoration 42c. In addition, decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that produce a performance effect by light decoration are arranged on the top decoration 42a, the left decoration 42b, and the right decoration 42c.

As shown in FIG. 2, the movable part device 43 is composed of an upper movable part 43a, a left movable part 43b, a right movable part 43c, and an upper left movable part 43d, which perform predetermined performance operations as the game progresses, and a motor (not shown) such as a two-phase stepping motor that drives each of the upper, left, right, and upper left movable parts 43a to 43d. In addition, decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that create performance effects through light decoration are arranged on these upper, left, right, and upper left movable parts 43a to 43d.

On the other hand, the special symbol 1 start hole 44 is arranged directly below the liquid crystal display device 41, and inside it is provided a special symbol 1 start hole switch 44a (see FIG. 4) that detects winning balls. The number of valid winning balls detected by this special symbol 1 start hole switch 44a (see FIG. 4), that is, the number of first start reserved balls, is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 as a predetermined number (for example, 4). Note that, when a game ball enters the special symbol 1 start hole 44 and is detected by the special symbol 1 start hole switch 44a (see FIG. 4), this number of first reserved balls is added by 1 (+1), and when the variable display of special symbols such as numbers, characters, or symbols (decorative symbols) begins, it is subtracted by 1 (-1). Note that decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that create a dramatic effect by light decoration are arranged around the special symbol 1 start hole 44.

On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 2, a special symbol 2 start device 45 is disposed on the lower right side of the liquid crystal display device 41. As shown in Fig. 3, this special symbol 2 start device 45 is composed of a special symbol 2 start port 45a, an opening/closing section 45b that can change the special symbol 2 start port 45a between an "open state" in which the game ball YK can enter and a "closed state" in which the game ball YK cannot enter, an entry guide section 45c that can change between a "guiding state" that guides the game ball YK toward the special symbol 2 start port 45a and a "non-guiding state" that does not guide the game ball YK, and a special symbol 2 start port switch 45a1 (see Fig. 4) that detects the game ball YK that has entered the special symbol 2 start port 45a.

The special symbol 2 start hole 45a opens almost horizontally toward the right side in the front left-right direction shown in FIG. 2, and a special symbol 2 start hole switch 45a1 (see FIG. 4) that detects winning balls is provided inside the special symbol 2 start hole 45a. The number of valid winning balls detected by the special symbol 2 start hole switch 45a1 (see FIG. 4), that is, the number of second start reserved balls, is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 as a predetermined number (for example, 4). Note that when a game ball enters the special symbol 2 start hole 45a and is detected by the special symbol 2 start hole switch 45a1 (see FIG. 4), the number of second start reserved balls is increased by 1 (+1), and when the variable display of special symbols such as numbers, characters, or patterns (decorative patterns) begins, the number of second start reserved balls is decreased by 1 (-1).

The opening/closing section 45b is equipped with an opening/closing member 45b1 that can move left and right relative to the special symbol 2 starting hole 45a, and a normal electric role solenoid 45b2 (see FIG. 4) that drives and controls the opening/closing member 45b1. When the opening/closing section 45b is in the closed state, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the opening/closing member 45b1 protrudes into the special symbol 2 starting hole 45a (moves to the left in the figure) to prevent the game ball YK from entering the special symbol 2 starting hole 45a, and when in the open state, as shown in FIG. 3(a), it retreats to the right in the figure to allow the game ball YK to enter the special symbol 2 starting hole 45a.

The ball entry guide section 45c is equipped with a guide member 45c1 that slopes downward from the right side to the left side as shown in FIG. 2 (sloping downward toward the special symbol 2 starting hole 45a). This guide member 45c1 is driven and controlled by the normal electric role solenoid 45b2 (see FIG. 4).

As shown in FIG. 3(a), when the ball entry guide section 45c is in the guide state, the guide member 45c1 slides and protrudes to the front side of the play area 40 (the glass door frame 5 side shown in FIG. 1) and guides the game ball YK placed on the upper side to the special symbol 2 start hole 45a, and when in the non-guide state, the guide member 45c1 slides backward (to the rear side of the play area 40) and retreats, as shown in FIG. 3(b). As a result, even if the game ball YK is placed on the guide member 45c1 when it is in the guide state, if the guide member 45c1 changes to the non-guide state before the game ball YK enters the special symbol 2 start hole 45a and the guide member 45c1 slides backward, the game ball YK will flow downstream without entering the special symbol 2 start hole 45a. The guide member 45c1 and the opening and closing member 45b1 are designed to operate in conjunction with each other. That is, when the guide member 45c1 is in the guiding state, the opening/closing member 45b1 retreats to the right side as shown in FIG. 3(a) to allow the game ball YK to enter the special pattern 2 starting hole 45a, and when the guide member 45c1 is in the non-guiding state, the opening/closing member 45b1 protrudes to the left side as shown in FIG. 3(b) to prevent the game ball YK from entering the special pattern 2 starting hole 45a.

In the following, the special symbol 2 starter 45 described above may be referred to as a normal electric device. In addition, the special symbol 2 starter 45 is equipped with decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that create a dramatic effect through light decoration.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, a winning device 46 is arranged on the right side of the special symbol 1 starting hole 44. When the winning device 46 wins the lottery for the special symbol described below, that is, during a winning game state, the opening and closing door 46a is driven and controlled by a special electric device solenoid 46b (see FIG. 4) so that the large winning hole (not shown) closed by the opening and closing door 46a opens, allowing the game ball to enter the large winning hole (not shown). The game ball that enters the large winning hole (not shown) is detected as a winning ball by a large winning hole switch 46c (see FIG. 4) provided inside the large winning hole (not shown).

On the other hand, when the special symbol is not selected, i.e., when the game is not in a winning state, the special electric device solenoid 46b (see FIG. 4) drives and controls the opening and closing door 46a, and the large prize opening (not shown) is closed. This prevents the game ball from entering the large prize opening (not shown). In the following, the device combining the opening and closing door 46a and the special electric device solenoid 46b may be referred to as the special electric device. In addition, the winning device 46 is equipped with decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that create a dramatic effect through light decoration.

The prize-winning device 46 is provided with a distribution device 47, which is a conventionally known structure. As shown in FIG. 2, the distribution device 47 has a V-area 47a and an outlet 47b. When a game ball enters the large prize opening (not shown), the game ball is distributed to either the V-area 47a or the outlet 47b. The distribution device 47 does not distribute a game ball that has entered the large prize opening (not shown) to the V-area 47a, but to the outlet 47b, unless a specified game state is reached.

On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 2, a normal symbol start port 48 consisting of a gate is arranged in the upper right part of the liquid crystal display device 41, and a normal symbol start port switch 48a (see Fig. 4) that detects the passage of the game ball is provided inside the normal symbol start port. In addition, a general prize port 49 is arranged on the right side of the winning device 46 and on the left side of the special symbol 1 start port 44. This general prize port 49 is composed of an upper right general prize port 49a arranged on the right side of the winning device 46, an upper left general prize port 49b arranged on the left side of the special symbol 1 start port 44, a middle left general prize port 49c, and a lower left general prize port 49d. Inside the upper right general winning opening 49a is an upper right general winning opening switch 49a1 (see FIG. 4) that detects the passage of the game ball, inside the upper left general winning opening 49b is an upper left general winning opening switch 49b1 (see FIG. 4) that detects the passage of the game ball, inside the middle left general winning opening 49c is a middle left general winning opening switch 49c1 (see FIG. 4) that detects the passage of the game ball, and inside the lower left general winning opening 49d is a lower left general winning opening switch 49d1 (see FIG. 4) that detects the passage of the game ball. In addition, the general winning openings 49 are equipped with decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that create a dramatic effect with light decoration.

On the other hand, just below the special pattern 1 starting hole 44, there is an outlet 50 into which game balls (out balls) that flow down to the lowest part of the game area 40 without winning are placed. The game balls that enter this outlet 50 are detected as non-winning balls by the outlet switch 50a (see FIG. 4) provided inside, and the winning balls described above also flow down to the lowest part of the game area 4 through the back side of the game board 4, so they are detected by the outlet switch 50a (see FIG. 4). Therefore, the outlet switch 50a (see FIG. 4) detects the total number of outs discharged, that is, the same number of game balls as the game balls launched into the game area 40 by the launch handle 16. In addition, when counting the game balls launched into the game area 40 by the launch handle 16, a switch may be provided at the point where the ball guide rail 6 enters the game area 40 to count them.

On the other hand, three seven-segment displays are arranged in the lower right periphery of the play area 40 of the game board 4, two of which are special symbol display devices 51, and the remaining seven-segment display device 53a displays special symbol 1, special symbol 2, the number of balls reserved for the start of normal symbols, and the game status (for example, favorable game status, etc.). As shown in FIG. 2, this special symbol display device 51 is composed of a special symbol 1 display device 51a and a special symbol 2 display device 51b, and to the left of the special symbol 1 display device 51a is a normal symbol display device 52 consisting of one LED, and furthermore, a round lamp 53b that notifies the number of rounds of the jackpot game, and a right hit notification lamp 53c that notifies the right hit are provided.

In addition, an identification lamp device 51A that displays identification information corresponding to special pattern 1 and special pattern 2 is provided on the upper end side of the left ornament 43b.

This identification lamp device 51A has first and second identification lamps 51Aa and 51Ab for informing the player that special symbol 1 or special symbol 2 is changing, or that special symbol 1 or special symbol 2 has won or lost. This first identification lamp 51Aa corresponds to special symbol 1, and the second identification lamp 51Ab corresponds to special symbol 2. When special symbol 1 is changing, the first identification lamp 51Aa flashes, when special symbol 1 is a win, the first identification lamp 51Aa is lit, and when special symbol 1 is a loss, the first identification lamp 51Aa is turned off. Furthermore, when special symbol 2 is changing, the second identification lamp 51Ab flashes, when special symbol 2 is a win, the second identification lamp 51Ab is lit, and when special symbol 2 is a loss, the second identification lamp 51Ab is turned off.

In addition, although not shown, multiple game pegs are arranged in the play area 40 of the game board 4, and a windmill 54 is arranged as a member for changing the falling direction of the game ball.

<Description of the control device>
Next, the control device that performs electronic control according to the progress of the game and is provided in the pachinko game machine 1 having the above-mentioned external configuration will be explained using Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, this control device is mainly composed of a main control board 60 that controls the overall game operation, a payout/launch control board 70 that pays out game balls based on control commands from the main control board 60, and a sub-control board 80 that controls images, lights, and sounds.

<Description of the main control board>
The main control board 60 is mainly equipped with a one-chip microcomputer 600 consisting of a main control CPU 600a, a main control ROM 600b which stores a game program describing a series of game control procedures, and a main control RAM 600c which functions as a working area, buffer memory, etc., a measurement/setting display device 610 consisting of 7 segments which displays (performance display) information related to the ratio of the number of winning balls when the probability of winning is low (when the probability of winning is in a normal low probability state), and also displays the setting contents of the probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player, a RAM clear switch 620, and a setting key switch 630.

The main control board 60 configured in this manner is connected to a payout/launch control board 70 which controls the payout motor M to pay out game balls. In addition, there are connected a special pattern 1 start port switch 44a which detects winning at the special pattern 1 start port 44, a special pattern 2 start port switch 45a1 which detects winning at the special pattern 2 start port 45a, a normal pattern start port switch 48a which detects passage through the normal pattern start port 48, an upper right general prize port switch 49a1, an upper left general prize port switch 49b1, a middle left general prize port switch 49c1, and a lower left general prize port switch 49d1 which detect winning at the general prize ports 49 (upper right general prize port 49a, upper left general prize port 49b, middle left general prize port 49c, and lower left general prize port 49d), a large prize port switch 46c which detects winning at a large prize port (not shown) which is opened or closed by the opening and closing door 46a, and an outlet switch 50a which can detect the same number of game balls as the game balls launched into the game area 40 by the launch handle 16. In addition, a normal electric role solenoid 45b2 that drives and controls the opening and closing member 45b1 and the guide member 45c1, a special electric role solenoid 46b that controls the operation of the opening and closing door 46a, a distribution device 47, a special symbol 1 display device 51a, a special symbol 2 display device 51b, a normal symbol display device 52, a 7-segment display device 53a, a round lamp 53b, and a right-hit notification lamp 53c are also connected. In addition, a fraud detection board 55 that detects fraudulent behavior by the player is connected.

When the main control board 60 configured in this way receives a signal from the special symbol 1 start port switch 44a, the special symbol 2 start port switch 45a1, or the normal symbol start port switch 47a at the main control CPU 600a, it conducts a lottery and determines the special symbol variation pattern and the display content of the stop symbol or normal symbol according to the winning/losing information that is the lottery result, and transmits the determined information to the special symbol 1 display device 51a, the special symbol 2 display device 51b, or the normal symbol display device 52. As a result, the lottery result is displayed on the special symbol 1 display device 51a, the special symbol 2 display device 51b, or the normal symbol display device 52. Furthermore, the main control board 60, i.e., the main control CPU 600a, generates a performance control command DI_CMD including the determined information and transmits it to the sub-control board 80. In addition, when the main control board 60, i.e., the main control CPU 600a, receives signals from the special symbol 1 start port switch 44a, the special symbol 2 start port switch 45a, the upper right general prize port switch 49a1, the upper left general prize port switch 49b1, the middle left general prize port switch 49c1, the lower left general prize port switch 49d1, and the large prize port switch 46c, it determines how many game balls to pay out to the player, and sends a payout control command PAY_CMD containing this determined information to the payout/launch control board 70, which then pays out the game balls to the player.

In addition, if the result of the lottery is that a normal symbol is selected, the normal electric role solenoid 45b2 is controlled to keep the opening/closing member 45b1 in the open state and the guide member 45c1 in the guide state for a specified time, and if the result is that a special symbol is selected, the special electric role solenoid 46b is controlled to open the big prize opening (not shown).

In a type 1/type 2 mixed gaming machine, when a small win game state is reached, the opening and closing door 46a is controlled to repeatedly open and close the large prize opening (not shown), and when a game ball enters the large prize opening (not shown), the distribution device 47 is controlled so that the game ball is distributed to the V area 47a.

On the other hand, the main control board 60, i.e., the main control CPU 600a, measures the number of winning balls each time it receives a signal from the special symbol 1 start port switch 44a, the special symbol 2 start port switch 45a1, the upper right general winning port switch 49a1, the upper left general winning port switch 49b1, the middle left general winning port switch 49c1, the lower left general winning port switch 49d1, and the large winning port switch 46c, and measures the total number of game balls discharged each time it receives a signal from the outlet switch 50a. Then, the main control board 60, i.e., the main control CPU 600a, outputs to the measurement/setting display device 610 the content (performance display) regarding the ratio of how many winning balls were generated during low probability, etc., based on the measured number of winning balls and the total number of game balls discharged. As a result, the content (performance display) regarding the ratio of how many winning balls were generated during low probability, etc., is displayed on the measurement/setting display device 610.

Furthermore, the measurement and setting display device 610 can display the setting contents of the probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player in six steps, for example, from "1" to "6". When changing such setting contents, a dedicated key is inserted into the setting key switch 630 and turned ON, and the setting contents of the probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player can be changed in six steps, for example, from "1" to "6" by the RAM clear switch 620 (for example, the setting "6" has the highest probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player, and the setting "1" has the lowest probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player). The setting change contents are then displayed on the measurement and setting display device 610, and when the setting change contents are confirmed, the dot on the lower right side of the 7-segment lights up to indicate that the setting contents have been confirmed.

On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch 620 is pressed except when a dedicated key is inserted into the setting key switch 630 and turned ON, the entire memory area of the main control RAM 600c is not cleared, but only a portion of the memory area is cleared.

On the other hand, when the main control board 60, i.e., the main control CPU 600a, receives a fraud detection signal that detects a player's fraudulent behavior using a magnetic sensor, radio wave sensor, or vibration sensor mounted on the fraud detection board 55, it generates a fraud error command (presentation control command DI_CMD) and sends it to the sub-control board 80.

<Explanation about the payout/launch control board>
The payout/launch control board 70 receives a payout control command PAY_CMD from the main control board 60 (main control CPU 600a) and generates a payout motor signal based on the received payout control command PAY_CMD. The payout motor signal thus generated controls the payout motor M to pay out game balls to the player. Furthermore, the payout/launch control board 70 performs processing to start or stop the operation of firing game balls in response to the player's operation based on a prize ball count signal indicating the payout operation of game balls and a status signal related to an abnormality in the payout operation.

Meanwhile, a touch sensor is provided on the periphery of the launch handle 16 shown in FIG. 1, and when the player's hand touches the touch sensor of the launch handle 16, the touch sensor outputs a detection signal to the payout/launch control board 70, as shown in FIG. 4. In response to this, the payout/launch control board 70 transmits the detection signal to the main control board 60 (main control CPU 600a). The main control board 60 (main control CPU 600a) then transmits the detection signal to the sub-control board 80 as a presentation control command DI_CMD. This makes it possible to transmit information as to whether or not the player has touched the handle 16 to play to the sub-control board 80.

The payout/launch control board 70 also processes balls to be loaned to players. That is, when the ball loan button 11 shown in Figures 1 and 4 is pressed, a ball loan signal is sent to the CR unit (not shown) located adjacent to the pachinko game machine 1. In response to this, the CR unit sends a ball loan request signal to the payout/launch control board 70. Then, in response to this signal, the payout/launch control board 70 pays out game balls to the player, and when the payout is complete, it sends a ball loan completion signal to the CR unit. Thus, in this way, the payout/launch control board 70 processes balls to be loaned to players.

<Explanation about the sub-control board>
The sub-control board 80 is equipped with a sub-one-chip microcomputer 800 which is made up of a sub-control CPU 800a which receives performance control commands DI_CMD from the main control board 60 (main control CPU 600a) and controls the execution and image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, a sub-control ROM 800b which stores control programs describing performance control procedures, and a sub-control RAM 800c which functions as a working area, buffer memory, etc.

Furthermore, the sub-control board 80 is equipped with a sound LSI 801 that generates desired background music and sound effects, a sound RAM 802 that functions as a working area or buffer memory, a VDP 803 that generates image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 based on instructions from the sub one-chip microcomputer 800, a DDR2 SDRAM 804 that is composed of a working area for expanding compressed video data and a frame buffer area for temporarily storing image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, and a game ROM 805 that stores in advance CG data of compressed still image data and compressed video data, and sound data such as background music and sound effects. Note that a still image is a so-called sprite image, which represents a single image such as text data such as characters, a background image, or a special pattern. Also, a moving image means a collection of multiple still images (multiple frames) that change continuously, and smooth operation is reproduced by drawing multiple still images continuously on the liquid crystal display device 41.

The sub-control board 80 thus configured is connected to a decorative lamp board 90 equipped with decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that produce lamp effects, and is further connected to a push button type effect button device 13 that the player can press to change the effect when the built-in lamp (not shown) is lit, and a speaker 17 that emits background music and sound effects. The sub-control board 80 is further connected to a movable role device 43 that performs a predetermined effect operation as the game progresses, an identification lamp device 51A that notifies the player when the special symbol 1 or special symbol 2 is changing, or when the special symbol 1 or special symbol 2 has won or lost, a setting button 15 that allows various settings, and a liquid crystal display device 41.

The sub-control board 80 thus configured receives a presentation control command DI_CMD sent from the main control board 60 (main control CPU 600a) at the sub-control CPU 800a, which includes basic information required for the special symbol variation pattern based on the lottery result, the current game state, the number of balls on hold for starting, the decorative symbols to be stopped based on the lottery result, etc. Then, the sub-control CPU 800a determines by lottery the presentation pattern corresponding to the received presentation control command DI_CMD from among a large number of presentation patterns previously stored in the sub-control ROM 800b, and temporarily stores a control signal instructing the execution of the determined presentation pattern in the sub-control RAM 800c.

The sub-control CPU 800a transmits to the sound LSI 801 a control signal related to sound, among the control signals that instruct the execution of the presentation pattern stored in the sub-control RAM 800c. In response to this, the sound LSI 801 reads out sound data corresponding to the control signal from the game ROM 805 or sound RAM 802, and outputs it to the speaker 17. This causes the speaker 17 to produce background music and sound effects corresponding to the presentation pattern determined above.

The sub-control CPU 800a also transmits to the decorative lamp board 90 a light-related control signal among the control signals that instruct the execution of the performance pattern stored in the sub-control RAM 800c. This causes the decorative lamp board 90 to control the turning on and off of decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that produce the lamp performance effect, thereby executing a lamp performance corresponding to the performance pattern determined above.

Then, the sub-control CPU 800a transmits to the VDP 803 a command list relating to images among the control signals for instructing the execution of the performance pattern stored in the sub-control RAM 800c. As a result, the VDP 803 generates image data to display an image based on the command list, and transmits the generated image data to the liquid crystal display device 41, so that an image corresponding to the determined performance pattern is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41. Note that the image data displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 is updated every frame, but the VSYNC (vertical synchronization signal) shown in FIG. 4 is transmitted from the VDP 803 to the sub-control CPU 800a as an interrupt signal so that the sub one-chip microcomputer 800 (sub-control CPU 800a) can know that the display operation of this one frame has ended. This allows the sub-control CPU 800a to know that one frame's worth of image data has been displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41. Note that this VSYNC interrupt signal is generated, for example, every 33 ms.

Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 800a transmits to the movable role device 43 a control signal related to a movable role among the control signals that instruct the execution of the performance pattern stored in the sub-control RAM 800c. As a result, the movable role device 43 moves in accordance with the determined performance pattern.

<Power supply board explanation>
Incidentally, power is supplied to each of the boards described above from a power supply board 130 shown in Fig. 4. This power supply board 130 is configured to include a voltage generation unit 1300, a voltage monitoring unit 1310, and a system reset generation unit 1320. This voltage generation unit 1300 receives an AC voltage of 24V, which is an external power source supplied from a transformer (not shown) installed in the game arcade, and generates multiple types of DC voltages, and the generated DC voltages are supplied to each board (not shown).

The voltage monitoring unit 1310 monitors the AC 24V voltage, and outputs a voltage abnormality signal ALARM to the main control board 60 if a voltage abnormality is detected due to a cutoff of this voltage or the occurrence of a power outage. The voltage abnormality signal ALARM outputs an "L" level signal when a voltage abnormality occurs, and outputs an "H" level signal when the voltage is normal.

On the other hand, the system reset generation unit 1320 generates a system reset signal RST when the power is turned on, and the generated system reset signal RST is output to each board.

<Explanation of production customization settings>
Here, the performance customization settings will be described.

Nowadays, it is possible to customize the setting so that the first start reserved ball notifies the player in advance whether or not there is a high expectation of a winning game state when the game ball enters the special pattern 1 start hole 44 (see Figure 2).

Specifically, when the customer waiting demo screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 (see FIG. 2), if the player presses the performance button device 13 (see FIG. 1), a menu screen (see image P1) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 as shown in FIG. 5(a). As shown in FIG. 5(a), this menu screen has the words "Performance customization" (see image P1a) displayed in the upper center of the screen, and customizable performance contents (see image P1b) such as "Winning chance notification", "Increased expectation of foresight", "Premium up", and "Auto button" are displayed below it. The winning chance notification is a high expectation foresight notice that, if it appears, increases the expectation of a winning game state. In addition, the increase in expectation of foresight notice is a method of lowering the appearance rate of a foresight notice with a low expectation of a winning game state (for a change in the reserved state but ending in a normal reach) and adjusting the allocation value so that it appears during a reach with a high expectation of a winning game state, such as a strong SP reach. Furthermore, premium up means increasing the appearance rate of premium effects that guarantee a win during a winning variation. Conversely, if premium effects do not appear, the expectation of a win will be lower than when custom settings are OFF. On the other hand, the auto button means that when an effect occurs that requires the button device 13 to be pressed, it is determined that the button device 13 has been pressed even if the player does not press the button device 13.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 5(a), such customizable performance contents (see image P1b) can be selected (see image P1c) with the cross key and can be confirmed (see image P1d) with the button. Specifically, when the player presses the up key 15b and the down key 15e shown in FIG. 1, the square frame W1 shown in FIG. 5(a) moves up and down, and the customizable performance contents (see image P1b) can be selected. Then, after selecting the customizable performance contents (see image P1b) (in FIG. 5(a), "Chance notification at the time of winning" is selected), the player presses the left key 15c and the right key 15d shown in FIG. 1 to set the ON/OFF of the selected customizable performance contents. Thus, after making such settings, the player presses the decision key 15a shown in FIG. 1 to confirm the setting contents. To return to the normal screen, the player moves the square frame W1 shown in FIG. 5(a) to "Return to normal screen" (see image P1e) and presses the decision key 15a shown in FIG. 1 to return to the normal screen. In this embodiment, the setting contents are decided by pressing the decision key 15a shown in FIG. 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. The setting contents may be decided without pressing the decision key 15a shown in FIG. 1 at the stage where the ON/OFF setting of the customizable effect contents is set by pressing the left key 15c and right key 15d shown in FIG. 1.

On the other hand, it is possible to set customizable performance contents not only when the customer waiting demo screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 (see FIG. 2) but also during customer waiting or during the change of special symbols. In this embodiment, an example of setting customizable performance contents during the change of special symbols will be described. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a state in which the decorative symbols are changing at high speed (see image P10), and the resident symbols are changing at high speed (see image P11) in accordance with the decorative symbols, and the state is displayed indicating that the symbols are changing. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the customizable performance contents (see image P12) are displayed in the lower left corner of the screen, and the ON/OFF contents (see image P13) are also displayed, and further, it is displayed that the selection can be made with the cross key (see image P14) and that the decision can be made with the button (see image P15). Specifically, when the player presses the up key 15b and the down key 15e shown in FIG. 1, the customizable performance contents (see image P12) can be selected. Then, after selecting the customizable effect content (see image P12) (in FIG. 5(b), "Chance notification at the time of winning" is selected), the player can press the left key 15c and the right key 15d shown in FIG. 1 to set the ON/OFF of the selected customizable effect content (see image P13). Thus, after making such a setting, the player presses the decision key 15a shown in FIG. 1 to confirm the setting content. Note that such a setting display for customizing the effect may be made to continue to be displayed while the special pattern is changing. Also, during a strong SP reach, the display of the customizable effect content (see image P12) and the ON/OFF content (see image P13) may be made non-displayed, and only a display indicating that selection can be made with the cross key (see image P14) may be made, and the display of the customizable effect content (see image P12) and the ON/OFF content (see image P13) may be made to be displayed by the player operating the setting button 15 shown in FIG. 1.

<Explanation of the winning chance notification>
Next, the winning chance notification set as above will be described.

The winning chance notification is executed as follows:

That is, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays an image of the decorative patterns (see image P20) in which the left decorative pattern P20a, the center decorative pattern P20b, and the right decorative pattern P20c are rapidly changing, and also displays an image of the resident patterns (left resident pattern, center resident pattern, right resident pattern) (see image P21) rapidly changing. As shown in FIG. 6(a), a changing icon indicating that a change is currently occurring is displayed in the lower left corner of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 41 (see image P22a), and to the right of this is displayed the first reserved image (see image P22b) indicating that one first start reserved ball is being reserved. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the "Bobo Shogun" logo on the upper decoration 42a is lit up in yellow.

In this state, when the game ball enters the special symbol 1 start hole 44 (see FIG. 2), the second reserved image (see image P22c) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 to the right of the first reserved image (see image P22b), as shown in FIG. 6 (b-1) and (b-2). At this time, if the main control CPU 600a executes a look-ahead judgment on the second first reserved start ball and the result is a miss variation such as a normal variation, normal reach, or weak reach, which has a low expectation of a winning game state, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the "Bobo Shogun" logo on the upper decoration 42a to light up in white, as shown in FIG. 6 (b-1). After that, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the "Bobo Shogun" logo on the upper decoration 42a to light up in the original yellow, as shown in FIG. 6 (c-1).

Thus, when the expectation of a winning game state is low, the winning chance notification will be executed as described above. However, in some cases, when the winning state fluctuates, the winning chance notification as described above may be executed. Note that in this embodiment, when the expectation of a winning game state is low, the winning chance notification is executed, but when the expectation of a winning game state is low, the winning chance notification may not be executed, i.e., no effect may be produced. Alternatively, when the expectation of a winning game state is low, only a sound or only a lamp may be produced.

On the other hand, when the main control CPU 600a executes a look-ahead judgment on the second first start reserved ball and the result is a strong miss SP reach or a winning fluctuation, which indicates a high expectation of a winning game state, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the "Bobo Shogun" logo on the upper decoration 42a to flash or light up red intensely, as shown in FIG. 6 (b-2). In addition, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1 to emit a "beep!" (see SE1) sound effect (SE) as shown in FIG. 6 (b-2). Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the upper left movable role 43d to repeatedly move from the rear of the upper decoration 42a, which is the retreat position, to the front of the liquid crystal display device 41 and back to its original position, as shown in FIG. 6 (b-2).

Thus, after executing the above-mentioned control, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the "Bobou Shogun" logo on the upper decoration 42a to continue to light up in red, as shown in FIG. 6 (c-2), until the fluctuation of the second first start reserved ball begins.

Therefore, the winning chance notification is executed in the manner described above. If the winning chance notification is set to OFF, the effect as described with reference to FIG. 6 does not appear, and only when the winning chance notification is set to ON, the effect as described with reference to FIG. 6 appears. If the winning chance notification were to occur automatically even though the player has not set anything, the expectation of the change for the first start reserved ball that has won before the change has begun would be announced in advance, which would damage the player's hopes of maintaining their hopes until the latter half of the change.

The winning chance notification can be executed together with other look-ahead preview effects (look-ahead reserved change preview effect, look-ahead zone effect). Therefore, when a player turns on the winning chance notification setting in the manner described above, the appearance rate (allocation value) of other look-ahead preview effects (look-ahead reserved change preview effect, look-ahead zone effect) and preview effects during change (step-up preview effect, conversation preview effect) is changed inside the gaming machine. This is because, if the winning chance notification reveals that the expectation of a winning game state is low (almost nonexistent), the player will not have any expectation of a win even if a look-ahead preview effect for the first start reserved ball or a preview effect that increases the expectation level is displayed in the preview effect when the first start reserved ball changes. This point will be explained below using a concrete example.

When the setting for the winning chance notification is OFF, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays an image of a rapidly changing decorative pattern (see image P20) as well as an image of the resident patterns (left resident pattern, middle resident pattern, right resident pattern) (see image P21) rapidly changing. Also, as shown in FIG. 7(a), a changing icon (see image P22a) is displayed in the lower left corner of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 41. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the "Bobo Shogun" logo on the upper decoration 42a is lit up in yellow.

In this state, when the game ball enters the special symbol 1 starting hole 44 (see FIG. 2), the first reserved image (see image P22b) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 as shown in FIG. 7(b). At this time, when the first reserved image (see image P22b) turns blue, if the setting for the winning chance notification is OFF, the player can have hope of a win with this reserved ball due to the change in the reserved ball.

Thus, when a change is made to this first reserved image (see image P22a in Fig. 7(c)), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a reach (tenpai) state in which the left decorative pattern (see image P20a) and the right decorative pattern (see image P20c) have stopped at the same pattern and the middle decorative pattern (see image P20b) is changing, as shown in Fig. 7(c). Furthermore, the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a text image (see image P23) that reads "reach" in the center of the screen, and further displays in the bottom right corner of the screen a state in which the resident pattern (see image P21) is changing. This indicates a normal reach state, and since the first pending image (see image P22b) was blue, ultimately, as shown in FIG. 7(d), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a losing image in which the left decorative pattern (see image P20a), the middle decorative pattern (see image P20b), and the right decorative pattern (see image P20c) have stopped (in the illustration, they have stopped at "656"), and the resident pattern (see image P2A) has also stopped at the same numbers.

However, because the setting for the winning chance notification is OFF, the player can expect a win until the fluctuation stops. In other words, the expectation of a winning game state for the winning first start reserved ball changes based on various preview effects, so the player can expect a win until the fluctuation stops, such as when the color of the reserved image changes from blue to red, which indicates a high expectation of a winning game state.

On the other hand, even if the setting for the chance notification at the time of winning is ON, if the appearance rate (allocation value) of the notice is the same as when the setting for the chance notification at the time of winning is OFF, the following state will occur. That is, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays an image of a decorative pattern (see image P20) that is changing at high speed, and also displays an image of resident patterns (left resident pattern, center resident pattern, right resident pattern) (see image P21) that are changing at high speed. Then, as shown in FIG. 8(a), a changing icon (see image P22a) is displayed in the lower left corner of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 41. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the "Bobo Shogun" logo on the upper decoration 42a is lit up in yellow.

In this state, when the game ball enters the special symbol 1 start hole 44 (see FIG. 2), the first reserved image (see image P22b) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 as shown in FIG. 8(b). At this time, if the main control CPU 600a executes a pre-reading judgment on the first first reserved ball and the result is a miss variation of a normal reach with a low expectation of a winning game state, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the "Bobo Shogun" logo on the upper decoration 42a to light up in white as shown in FIG. 8(b). At this time, if the setting of the winning chance notification is the same notice appearance rate (allocation value) as OFF, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the first reserved image (see image P22b) to change to blue. Therefore, the first reserved image (see image P22b) that has changed to blue is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 as shown in FIG. 8(b).

However, since the "Bobou Shogun" logo on the upper decoration 42a is lit in white, the first reserved image (see image P22b) that has changed to blue indicates a low expectation of a winning game state (in this embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 7, this is a miss variation of a normal reach). Therefore, it suggests that there is almost no expectation of a winning game state. Therefore, even if the first reserved image (see image P22b) changes to blue, the player cannot expect a win. In other words, when the setting for the winning chance notification is ON, the player cannot expect that the color of the reserved image will change from blue to red, which indicates a high expectation of a winning game state. Therefore, the player's interest in the reserved change notice performance will decrease. Therefore, if the expectation of a winning game state for the first start reserved ball when the game ball enters the special pattern 1 start hole 44 (see FIG. 2) is low, it is necessary to reduce the appearance rate (allocation value) of the reserved change notice, etc. It should be noted that the details of this appearance rate (allocation value) will be described later.

As explained above, the winning chance notification alone is enough to determine whether or not there is hope for a winning game state due to the fluctuations at the time of winning when the game ball enters the special symbol 1 starting hole 44 (see Figure 2). Therefore, the other advance notice effects when the winning chance notification setting is turned ON serve to further increase the expectation of a winning game state in notifications with a high expectation of a winning game state, such as those shown in Figures 6 (b-2) and (c-2).

The winning chance notification is an effect that occurs when the first start reserved ball enters the special pattern 1 starting hole 44 (see Figure 2) and the game ball enters the reserved hole, so the effect is executed even if the first start reserved ball enters when the patterns stop changing or if the first start reserved ball enters just before the patterns stop. Therefore, when a winning chance notification occurs with a high expectation of a winning game state as shown in Figures 6 (b-2) and (c-2), it occurs across the change of special patterns. This point will be explained below using concrete examples as Cases 1 and 2.

<Case 1 explanation>
First, as Case 1, we will explain a case where, when the pattern change has ended and the pattern change has stopped, a winning chance notification is generated for the first start reserved ball when the game ball enters the special pattern 1 start hole 44 (see Figure 2) and there is a high expectation of a winning game state.

At the timing T1 shown in FIG. 11(a), the fluctuation of the middle decorative pattern among the fluctuating decorative patterns stops, and as shown in FIG. 9(a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays the left decorative pattern (see image P20a), the middle decorative pattern (see image P20b), and the right decorative pattern (see image P20c) in a stopped state (in the figure, they are stopped at "656"). At this time, as shown in FIG. 9(a), the state in which the resident pattern (see image P21) is still fluctuating is displayed in the lower right corner of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 41, and further, a fluctuating icon is displayed (see image P22a), and further, to the right of that, the first reserved image (see image P22b) indicating that one first start reserved ball is reserved is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41. As shown in FIG. 9(a), the "Bobo Shogun" logo on the upper decoration 42a is lit in yellow.

Next, at timing T2 shown in FIG. 11(a), when the fluctuation of the resident pattern stops, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the liquid crystal display device 41 to display the resident pattern (see image P21) stopped at the same number as the decorative pattern (in the figure, "656") as shown in FIG. 9(b), and further controls the floating icon (see image P22a shown in FIG. 9(a)) to disappear. Note that, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the "Bobou Shogun" logo on the upper decoration 42a remains lit in yellow.

Next, at timing T3 shown in Fig. 11(a), when a game ball enters the special symbol 1 start hole 44 (see Fig. 2) and a winning chance notification occurs with a high expectation of a winning game state, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the liquid crystal display device 41 to display a second reserved image (see image P22b) indicating that two first start reserved balls are reserved, as shown in Fig. 9(c). Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the upper decoration 42a to flash or light up in red intensely, as shown in Figs. 9(c) to (d). In addition, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the speaker 17 shown in Fig. 1 to emit a sound effect (SE) of "beep beep!" (see SE1) as shown in Figs. 9(c) to (d). At this time, as shown in FIG. 11(a), when the change for the first reserved image (see image P22b) starts at timing T4, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the liquid crystal display device 41 to display the image of the decorative pattern (see image P20) that changes at high speed, and the image of the resident pattern (left resident pattern, center resident pattern, right resident pattern) (see image P21) that changes at high speed, as shown in FIG. 9(d). Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the liquid crystal display device 41 to display the change icon (see image P22a) and the first reserved image (see image P22b). At this time, the winning chance notification, which has a high expectation of a winning game state, is executed across the stopped state of the pattern shown in FIG. 9(c) without stopping the performance just because the change has started at timing T4 shown in FIG. 11(a). In other words, basically, the effects that were performed in the previous variation will end in the next variation, but the effects that notify you of the chance to win will not end and will continue to be performed.

That concludes Case 1.

<Explanation of Case 2>
Next, as Case 2, we will explain a case where a winning chance notification with a high expectation of a winning game state occurs for the first start pending ball when the game ball enters the special pattern 1 start hole 44 (see Figure 2) just before the pattern stops (while the pattern is still changing).

As shown in FIG. 10(a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a state in which the left decorative pattern (see image P20a) has stopped at "6", the right decorative pattern (see image P20c) has stopped at "8", and the middle decorative pattern (see image P20b) is rapidly changing. Furthermore, the liquid crystal display device 41 displays in the lower right corner of the screen a state in which the resident pattern (see image P21) is changing, and also displays a changing icon (see image P22a), and further to the right of that, the first reserved image (see image P22b). Note that, as shown in FIG. 10(a), the "Bobo Shogun" logo on the upper decoration 42a remains lit in yellow.

In this state, at timing T5 shown in FIG. 11(b), the rapidly changing middle decorative pattern stops changing, and as shown in FIG. 10(b), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays the left decorative pattern (see image P20a), middle decorative pattern (see image P20b), and right decorative pattern (see image P20c) stopped (as shown, stopped at "658"). At this time, as shown in FIG. 10(b), the bottom right corner of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 41 displays the state in which the resident pattern (see image P21) is still changing. Note that, as shown in FIG. 10(b), the "Bobo Shogun" logo on the upper decoration 42a remains lit in yellow.

Next, at timing T6 shown in Fig. 11(b), when a game ball enters the special symbol 1 start hole 44 (see Fig. 2) and a winning chance notification occurs with a high expectation of a winning game state, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the liquid crystal display device 41 to display a second reserved image (see image P22c) indicating that two first start reserved balls are reserved, as shown in Fig. 10(c). Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the upper decoration 42a to flash or light up in red intensely, as shown in Figs. 10(c) to (d). In addition, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the speaker 17 shown in Fig. 1 to emit a sound effect (SE) of "beep!" (see SE1) as shown in Figs. 10(c) to (d). At this time, as shown in FIG. 11(b), when the variation of the resident pattern stops at timing T7, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the liquid crystal display device 41 to display the resident pattern (see image P21) in a stopped state with the same number as the decorative pattern (in the figure, "658") as shown in FIG. 10(d), and further controls to erase the variable icon (see image P22a shown in FIG. 10(c)). At this time, the winning chance notification, which has a high expectation of a winning game state, will continue to be executed even if the variation of the resident pattern stops at timing T7 shown in FIG. 11(b) and the pattern is stopped. In other words, basically, in the pattern stopped state, the performance executed during the variation will be terminated, but the performance of the winning chance notification will not be terminated and will be executed. At timing T8 shown in FIG. 11(b), the variation of the first reserved image (see image P22b shown in FIG. 10(d)) will start.

That concludes Case 2.

Therefore, in this way, even if the first start reserved ball wins when the pattern stops changing, or if the first start reserved ball wins just before the pattern stops, the winning chance notification effect is executed.

<Explanation of the volume and light settings for the chance announcement when winning>
Incidentally, the volume and light intensity of the winning chance notification are adjusted by the player differently from other advance notice effects and variable effects. To explain this in detail, the volume and light intensity can be set, for example, to five levels by the player using the setting button 15 shown in FIG. 1. That is, as shown in FIG. 12(a), when the volume and light intensity are set to "5" out of five levels, the volume and light intensity of the variable effect remain the original volume and light intensity (100%), the volume and light intensity of the advance notice effect remain the original volume and light intensity (100%), and the volume and light intensity of the winning chance notification effect remain the original volume and light intensity (100%).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12(a), when the volume and light intensity are set to "4" on a 5-level scale, the volume and light intensity of the variable performance are suppressed to 80% of the original volume and light intensity, the volume and light intensity of the preview performance are suppressed to 80% of the original volume and light intensity, and the volume and light intensity of the performance of the chance announcement when winning are suppressed to 80% of the original volume and light intensity. Also, when the volume and light intensity are set to "3" on a 5-level scale, the volume and light intensity of the variable performance are suppressed to 60% of the original volume and light intensity, and the volume and light intensity of the preview performance are suppressed to 60% of the original volume and light intensity. However, the volume and light intensity of the performance of the chance announcement when winning are suppressed to 80% of the original volume and light intensity, which is the same as when the volume and light intensity are set to "4" on a 5-level scale.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12(a), when the volume and light intensity are set to "2" on a 5-level scale, the volume and light intensity of the variable performance are suppressed to 40% of the original volume and light intensity, the volume and light intensity of the preview performance are suppressed to 40% of the original volume and light intensity, and the volume and light intensity of the performance of the chance announcement when winning are suppressed to 70% of the original volume and light intensity. When the volume and light intensity are set to "1" on a 5-level scale, the volume and light intensity of the variable performance are suppressed to 20% of the original volume and light intensity, and the volume and light intensity of the preview performance are suppressed to 20% of the original volume and light intensity. However, the volume and light intensity of the performance of the chance announcement when winning are suppressed to 70% of the original volume and light intensity, which is the same as when the volume and light intensity are set to "2" on a 5-level scale.

Therefore, the volume and light intensity of the winning chance notification are reduced by a smaller range than other effects. This is to ensure that the player is aware that a winning chance notification has occurred, even if the player has set it to a low volume.

The original volume of the winning chance notification is higher than the original volume of the variable performance and the original volume of the preview performance. In other words, if the volume of the sound data used in the winning chance notification (for example, the sound effect (SE) "beep!" (see SE1) shown in FIG. 6(b-2)) is set to "100", the volume of the sound data used in the variable performance (BGM, sound effects (SE), etc.) and preview performance (sound effects (SE), etc.) is set to less than "100" (for example, BGM during the variable is "60", sound effects (SE) when the pattern stops is "70", and sound effects (SE) for preview performance is "90", etc.). This makes the player more aware that a winning chance notification has occurred.

In this embodiment, the volume and the light intensity are set simultaneously, but the volume and the light intensity may be set separately. In this case, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the volume of the winning chance notification can be set to the original volume (100%) regardless of which of the five levels from "1" to "5" is set. The light intensity of the winning chance notification can be set to the original light intensity (100%) when set to "5" of the five levels, to 80% of the original light intensity when set to "4" of the five levels, to 60% of the original light intensity when set to "3" of the five levels, to 40% of the original light intensity when set to "2" of the five levels, and to 20% of the original light intensity when set to "1" of the five levels. Therefore, by making the volume suppression rate of the winning chance notification smaller than the change range of other effects, the player can be made aware that a winning chance notification has occurred even if the player has set it to a low volume.

<Explanation of allocation value of chance announcement when winning>
Here, the allocation values for the winning chance notification will be described.

First, when the special symbols start to change, the main control CPU 600a performs a lottery with the probability of winning shown in FIG. 13(a), and depending on the lottery result, it refers to the symbol allocation table M_ZF_TBL shown in FIG. 13(b) to perform a lottery for the special symbol. Specifically, if the lottery result is a miss, the probability is as shown that either Miss A or Miss B will be won. Also, if the lottery result is a win, the probability is as shown that either a small ball output (e.g., 450 balls in 3 rounds) or a large ball output (e.g., 1500 balls in 10 rounds) will be won.

On the other hand, depending on the result of the lottery, the variation pattern of the special symbol is selected by referring to the variation pattern allocation table M_HP_TBL shown in FIG. 13(c). Specifically, when "Miss A" is selected by the lottery described above and 0 to 1 first start reserved ball is reserved, the probability of winning is shown in the figure, either normal variation 12 seconds variation (miss) or challenge performance failure. Also, when "Miss A" is selected and 2 first start reserved balls are reserved, the probability of winning is shown in the figure, either normal variation 8 seconds variation (miss) or challenge performance failure. Furthermore, when "Miss A" is selected and 3 first start reserved balls are reserved, the probability of winning is shown in the figure, either normal variation 3 seconds variation (miss) or challenge performance failure. On the other hand, if "Miss B" is selected by the lottery described above, the player will win one of the following with the probability shown: Normal reach (Miss), Weak SP reach (Miss), Normal reach → Alternate route performance (Miss), Weak SP reach → Alternate route performance (Miss), Weak SP → Strong SP reach (Miss).

On the other hand, if "small payout" is selected by the lottery described above, the probability of winning is as shown in the figure, which of the following will occur: normal reach (win), weak SP reach (win), normal reach → different route presentation (win), weak SP reach → different route presentation (win), weak SP → strong SP reach (win). On the other hand, if "large payout" is selected by the lottery described above, the probability of winning is as shown in the figure, which of the following will occur: normal reach (win), weak SP reach 1 (win), weak SP reach 2 (win), normal reach → different route presentation (win), weak SP reach → different route presentation (win), weak SP → strong SP reach (win), weak SP → strong SP reach → revival presentation (win).

On the other hand, before starting the variation of the special symbol corresponding to the first start reserved ball generated in response to the signal received from the special symbol 1 start port switch 44a, a lottery is held in advance with the jackpot probability shown in FIG. 13(a) described above, and a lottery for the special symbol is held in accordance with the lottery result by referring to the pattern allocation table M_ZF_TBL shown in FIG. 13(b). Then, in accordance with these lottery results, a pre-reading lottery is held to determine in advance whether the variation pattern of the special symbol will be executed by referring to the variation pattern allocation table M_HP_TBL shown in FIG. 13(c). The main control CPU 600a sends the lottery result to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) as a performance control command DI_CMD. The pattern allocation table M_ZF_TBL and the variation pattern allocation table M_MP_TBL are stored in the main control ROM 600b (see FIG. 4).

Thus, upon receiving the result of such a look-ahead lottery (look-ahead judgment), the sub-control CPU 800a executes a lottery for a chance notification at the time of winning by referring to the winning chance notification lottery table SB_NH_TBL shown in FIG. 14. However, this lottery is executed only when the setting for the chance notification at the time of winning is ON.

To be more specific, the items listed on the vertical axis of the winning chance notification lottery table SB_NH_TBL shown in FIG. 14 indicate the lottery results sent from the main control CPU 600a. The winning chance notification lottery table SB_NH_TBL is stored in the sub-control ROM 800b (see FIG. 4).

Thus, the sub-control CPU 800a refers to the winning chance notification lottery table SB_NH_TBL shown in FIG. 14 and performs the lottery as follows:

In other words, in the case of normal fluctuation (miss), challenge performance failure (miss), normal reach (miss), or weak SP reach (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a selects a chance announcement at the time of winning, which has a low expectation of a winning game state. This results in the performances shown in Figures 6(a) to 6(c-1).

On the other hand, in the case of normal reach ⇒ another route presentation (miss) and weak SP reach ⇒ another route presentation (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to select either a winning chance notification with low expectation for a winning game state or a winning chance notification with high expectation for a winning game state. In this case, when the other route presentation (miss) is executed, it is basically treated as a reach with low expectation for a winning game state. Nevertheless, in order to give the player some hope, it is made possible for a winning chance notification with high expectation for a winning game state to occur. When a winning chance notification with high expectation for a winning game state occurs, the presentation shown in Figures 6(a) to 6(c-2) is executed.

On the other hand, when the game progresses from Weak SP to Strong SP (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a selects the winning chance notification with a high expectation of a winning game state. This is because when a winning chance notification with a low expectation of a winning game state occurs and a Strong SP reach occurs, the winning chance notification with a high expectation of a winning game state is always selected in the case of a miss, in order to make the player aware that a win is confirmed.

On the other hand, in the case of a normal reach (win), the sub-control CPU 800a selects a winning chance notification that has a low expectation of a winning game state, and does not select a winning chance notification that has a high expectation of a winning game state.

In addition, in the case of a weak SP reach (win), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery using the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to select either a winning chance notification with a low expectation of a winning game state, or a winning chance notification with a high expectation of a winning game state. At this time, since a weak SP reach is treated as a reach with a low expectation of a winning game state, it is designed so that a winning chance notification with a high expectation of a winning game state will hardly occur.

On the other hand, in the case of weak SP reach ⇒ another route presentation (win), weak SP ⇒ strong SP reach (win), and weak SP ⇒ strong SP reach ⇒ revival presentation (win), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to win either a winning chance notification with a low expectation for a winning game state or a winning chance notification with a high expectation for a winning game state. At this time, in the case of another route presentation and strong SP reach, a winning chance notification with a low expectation for a winning game state may appear. This is because even if a winning chance notification with a low expectation for a winning game state occurs, if the another route presentation occurs, the player has high expectations that the game may be in a winning game state, so that a winning chance notification with a low expectation for a winning game state may appear. However, in the case of another route presentation, as explained above, there is a possibility of a miss, so a win is not confirmed.

Thus, in the winning chance notification lottery table SB_NH_TBL shown in FIG. 14, in the case of a strong SP reach, in the case of a miss, a winning chance notification with a high expectation for a winning game state always appears. On the other hand, in the case of a win, a winning chance notification with a low expectation for a winning game state may appear. Therefore, when a strong SP reach is executed, the probability that a winning chance notification with a high expectation for a winning game state appears is higher in the case of a strong SP reach in the case of a miss than in the case of a strong SP reach in the case of a win. This is because, if a strong SP reach occurs in a situation where a winning chance notification with a high expectation for a winning game state does not appear, the player will recognize it as a performance configuration that guarantees a win, which is called "breaking the rules." Therefore, in the case of a miss, in a situation where a winning chance notification with a high expectation for a winning game state does not occur, a strong SP reach will occur, so that the allocation value is set in this way so as not to damage the player's expectations. Note that "breaking the rules" refers to a presentation state that meets certain conditions, such as when a high-expectation reach occurs, a high-expectation winning chance notification should occur, but the winning chance notification does not occur.

Therefore, as explained above, the sub-control CPU 800a will execute the lottery for the winning chance notification by referring to the winning chance notification lottery table SB_NH_TBL shown in FIG. 14.

It is also possible to not execute the winning chance notification effect when the expectation of a winning game state is low. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the "Bobo Shogun" logo on the upper decoration 42a remains lit in yellow. Furthermore, in this case, the "Low expectation winning chance notification" in the winning chance notification lottery table SB_NH_TBL shown in FIG. 14 becomes "none."

<Explanation of increased anticipation>
Next, the increase in the read-ahead expectation level described with reference to FIG. 5(a) will be explained. Unlike the winning chance notification, this increase in the read-ahead expectation level causes a read-ahead notice to appear even if the setting is OFF. By turning the setting ON, when the read-ahead notice appears, the expectation level for a winning game state increases (increases). However, the appearance rate of the read-ahead notice decreases accordingly. In other words, since the appearance rate of a miss decreases, the appearance rate of the read-ahead notice itself decreases, but the expectation level for a winning game state increases (increases). This point will be explained in detail below.

The look-ahead pending change table SB_SYH_TBL1 shown in FIG. 15(a) is stored in the sub-control ROM 800b (see FIG. 4) and is used when look-ahead expectation increase is set to OFF.

To explain in more detail, when the sub-control CPU 800a receives the lottery result (performance control command DI_CMD) pre-read by the main control CPU 600a with reference to the variation pattern allocation table M_HP_TBL shown in FIG. 13(c), it performs the following lottery with reference to the pre-read pending change table SB_SY_TBL1 shown in FIG. 15(a).

That is, the sub-control CPU 800a refers to the pre-read reserve change table SB_SYH_TBL1 shown in FIG. 15(a) and performs a lottery to determine whether the reserved image of the first start reserved ball when the game ball enters the special pattern 1 start hole 44 (see FIG. 2) should be changed to nothing, blue, green, red, or rainbow.

Specifically, in the case of normal variation (miss), challenge performance failure (miss), or normal reach (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a will draw a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether the result will be either no change or a change to blue.

In addition, in the case of a weak SP reach (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a will draw a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether to make no change, to change the color to blue, or to change the color to green.

On the other hand, in the case of a normal reach ⇒ another route presentation (miss) or a weak SP reach ⇒ another route presentation (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether to make no change, change to blue, change to green, or change to red.

On the other hand, when a weak SP ⇒ strong SP reach (miss) occurs, the sub-control CPU 800a will draw a lottery to determine whether the color will change to blue, green, or red, based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure.

On the other hand, in the case of normal reach (win), weak SP reach (win), normal reach → different route presentation (win), weak SP reach → different route presentation (win), weak SP → strong SP reach (win), weak SP → strong SP reach → revival presentation (win), the sub-control CPU 800a will draw lots based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether to make no change, change to blue, change to green, change to red, or change to rainbow colors.

Thus, when the pre-read expectation increase is set to OFF, a lottery regarding the reserved change is executed by referring to the pre-read reserve change table SB_SYH_TBL1 shown in FIG. 15(a). In this pre-read reserve change table SB_SYH_TBL1, even in the case of a change that does not result in a reach, such as a normal change or a challenge performance, the reserved image may change to blue, so that the player does not get bored with the pattern change. However, if the reserved image remains blue, the expectation of a winning game state is low, so the player expects the reserved image to change to green or red. Note that the pre-read reserve change table SB_SYH_TBL1 shown in FIG. 15(a) is merely a change in the reserved image of the first start reserved ball when the game ball enters the special pattern 1 start hole 44 (see FIG. 2). Therefore, when the first start reserved ball that has been pre-read changes, a notice performance in which the reserved image changes is executed separately.

The look-ahead zone performance table SB_SYZ_TBL1 shown in Figure 15 (b) is stored in the sub-control ROM 800b (see Figure 4) and is used when look-ahead expectation increase is set to OFF.

The look-ahead zone effect is a look-ahead preview effect that starts from the change after the first start reserved ball that has been looked for and judged to be a winner wins. There are two types of look-ahead zone effects: weak zone effects and strong zone effects. Of these, the strong zone effects have a higher expectation of a winning game state. Note that a false zone effect entry is an effect used to liven things up, making it look like a zone effect is being executed but is not actually being executed.

To explain in more detail, when the sub-control CPU 800a receives the lottery result (performance control command DI_CMD) pre-read by the main control CPU 600a with reference to the fluctuation pattern allocation table M_HP_TBL shown in Figure 13 (c), it performs the following lottery with reference to the pre-read zone performance table SB_SYZ_TBL1 shown in Figure 15 (b).

That is, when the game ball enters the special pattern 1 start hole 44 (see FIG. 2), the sub-control CPU 800a refers to the look-ahead zone effect table SB_SYZ_TBL1 shown in FIG. 15(b) and performs a lottery to determine whether to not perform a zone effect, to perform a false zone effect entry, to perform a weak zone effect, or to perform a strong zone effect for the first start reserved ball.

Specifically, in the case of normal variation (miss), challenge performance failure (miss), or normal reach (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a draws a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether the zone performance will not be performed or a false zone performance entry will be performed.

In addition, in the case of a weak SP reach (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether the winner will be either no zone performance, a false zone performance entry, or a weak zone performance.

On the other hand, in the case of normal reach ⇒ different route presentation (miss) or weak SP reach ⇒ different route presentation (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether to win no zone presentation, to execute a false zone presentation entry, to execute a weak zone presentation, or to execute a strong zone presentation.

On the other hand, when the weak SP ⇒ strong SP reach (miss) occurs, the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether to win no zone performance, to execute a weak zone performance, or to execute a strong zone performance.

On the other hand, the sub-control CPU 800a selects not to perform zone presentation in the case of a normal reach (win).

In addition, in the case of a weak SP reach (win), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether to win either no zone performance, a false zone performance entry, or a weak zone performance.

On the other hand, in the case of normal reach ⇒ another route presentation (win), or weak SP reach ⇒ another route presentation (win), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether to win no zone presentation, to execute a false zone presentation entry, to execute a weak zone presentation, or to execute a strong zone presentation.

On the other hand, in the case of Weak SP ⇒ Strong SP reach (win) or Weak SP ⇒ Strong SP reach ⇒ Revival performance (win), the sub-control CPU 800a draws a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether to win no zone performance, to execute a weak zone performance, or to execute a strong zone performance.

Thus, when the pre-read expectation increase is set to OFF in this manner, a lottery for the zone presentation will be carried out by referring to the pre-read zone presentation table SB_SYZ_TBL1 shown in FIG. 15(b).

Here, referring to the look-ahead reserve change table SB_SYH_TBL1 shown in FIG. 15(a) and the look-ahead zone effect table SB_SYZ_TBL1 shown in FIG. 15(b), an example of the effect executed when the lottery is drawn will be explained with reference to FIG. 16.

Figure 16 shows an example of a presentation in which a pre-reading preview lottery is conducted for a reserved ball that has won the second first start reserved ball, and the reserved image turns red, and the pre-reading zone presentation is also won.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16(a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays an image of a decorative pattern (see image P20) that is changing at high speed, and also displays an image of resident patterns (left resident pattern, center resident pattern, right resident pattern) (see image P21) that are changing at high speed. As shown in FIG. 16(a), a variable icon is displayed in the lower left corner of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 41 (see image P22a), and to the right of it, a first reserved image (see image P22b) and a second reserved image (see image P22c) are displayed. At this time, the sub-control CPU 800a refers to the pre-read reserved change table SB_SYH_TBL1 shown in FIG. 15(a) and performs a lottery to change the second reserved image (see image P22c), and as a result, the second reserved image (see image P22c) that has changed to red is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 shown in FIG. 16(a). In addition, the sub-control CPU 800a has selected the second reserved image (see image P22c) to execute a zone effect as a result of a lottery conducted by the sub-control CPU 800a with reference to the look-ahead zone effect table SB_SYZ_TBL1 shown in FIG. 15(b). However, at this point, the zone effect is not executed, and the next symbol change is the starting point.

In other words, when the pattern fluctuation stops from the state shown in FIG. 16(a), the sub-control CPU 800a controls the liquid crystal display device 41 shown in FIG. 16(b) so that the left decorative pattern (see image P20a), the middle decorative pattern (see image P20b), and the right decorative pattern (see image P20c) stop (in the illustration, they stop at "658"), and the resident pattern (see image P2A) also stops at the same number. At this time, as shown in FIG. 16(b), the display of the variable icon (see image P22a shown in FIG. 16(a)) is erased.

Next, when a change is made to the first reserved image (see image P22a shown in Figures 16 (c-1) and (c-2)), the sub-control CPU 800a causes the liquid crystal display device 41 shown in Figures 16 (c-1) and (c-2) to display an image of the decorative pattern (see image P20) changing at high speed, and also causes the liquid crystal display device 41 to display an image of the resident patterns (left resident pattern, middle resident pattern, right resident pattern) (see image P21) changing at high speed. At this time, if the second reserved image (see image P22c in Figures 16 (a) and (b)) has been selected to execute a weak zone effect, the sub-control CPU 800a causes the liquid crystal display device 41 to display a strip-shaped caption reading "Violent Zone" (see image P30), as shown in Figure 16 (c-1). On the other hand, if the second reserved image (see image P22c in Figs. 16(a) and 16(b)) is selected to execute the strong zone effect, the sub-control CPU 800a displays a strip-shaped telop (see image P31) of "violent zone extreme" on the liquid crystal display device 41 as shown in Fig. 16(c-2). Thus, the zone effect is executed in this manner. The strip-shaped telop (see image P30) of "violent zone" and the strip-shaped telop (see image P31) of "violent zone extreme" are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 until the pattern change for the second reserved image (see image P22c in Figs. 16(a) and 16(b)) starts. In addition, when a false zone effect entry is executed, the strip-shaped telop (see image P30) of "violent zone" shown in Fig. 16(c-1) and the strip-shaped telop (see image P31) of "violent zone extreme" shown in Fig. 16(c-2) are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 as if they were displayed, but then disappear.

Thus, when the look-ahead expectation increase described with reference to Figure 5(a) is set to ON, the look-ahead reserved change table SB_SYH_TBL1 shown in Figure 15(a) and the look-ahead zone performance table SB_SYZ_TBL1 shown in Figure 15(b) described above use the look-ahead reserved change table SB_SYH_TBL2 shown in Figure 17(a) instead of the look-ahead reserved change table SB_SYH_TBL1 shown in Figure 15(a), and the look-ahead zone performance table SB_SYZ_TBL2 shown in Figure 17(b) is used instead of the look-ahead zone performance table SB_SYZ_TBL1 shown in Figure 15(b). The look-ahead reserved change table SB_SYH_TBL2 shown in FIG. 17(a) and the look-ahead zone performance table SB_SYZ_TBL2 shown in FIG. 17(b) are stored in the sub-control ROM 800b (see FIG. 4).

The sub-control CPU 800a refers to the look-ahead reserve change table SB_SYH_TBL2 shown in FIG. 17(a) and performs the lottery as follows:

In the case of normal variation (miss), challenge performance failure (miss), normal reach (miss), or weak SP reach (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a selects not to change anything based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure.

In addition, when a normal reach results in a different route presentation (miss) or a weak SP reach results in a different route presentation (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a will draw a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether to make no change, to change to blue, or to change to green.

On the other hand, when the weak SP ⇒ strong SP reach (miss) occurs, the sub-control CPU 800a will draw a lottery to determine whether the color will change to green or red based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure.

On the other hand, in the case of normal reach (win), weak SP reach (win), normal reach → different route presentation (win), weak SP reach → different route presentation (win), weak SP → strong SP reach (win), weak SP → strong SP reach → revival presentation (win), the sub-control CPU 800a will draw lots based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether to make no change, change to blue, change to green, change to red, or change to rainbow colors.

Thus, when the look-ahead expectation increase is set to ON in this way, a lottery regarding the reserve change is executed by referring to the look-ahead reserve change table SB_SYH_TBL2 shown in FIG. 17(a). Note that the look-ahead reserve change table SB_SYH_TBL2 shown in FIG. 17(a) makes it difficult for green or red, which have a high expectation for a winning game state, to appear in a different route presentation of a miss. In a different route presentation, since a winning chance notification, which has a high expectation for a winning game state, almost never appears, it makes it difficult for a look-ahead notice with a pattern that has a high expectation for a winning game state to appear. This is to avoid damaging the player's expectations.

On the other hand, the sub-control CPU 800a refers to the look-ahead zone performance table SB_SYZ_TBL2 shown in FIG. 17(b) and performs a lottery for the zone performance as follows:

The sub-control CPU 800a selects not to perform a zone presentation in the case of normal fluctuation (miss), challenge presentation failure (miss), normal reach (miss), weak SP reach (miss), or normal reach (win).

In addition, in the case of normal reach ⇒ different route presentation (miss), weak SP reach ⇒ different route presentation (miss), or weak SP reach (win), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether to either not perform a zone presentation or to perform a weak zone presentation.

On the other hand, when the weak SP reach is followed by a strong SP reach (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a will draw a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether to win no zone performance, to execute a weak zone performance, or to execute a strong zone performance.

On the other hand, in the case of normal reach ⇒ another route presentation (hit), weak SP reach ⇒ another route presentation (hit), weak SP ⇒ strong SP reach (hit), or weak SP ⇒ strong SP reach ⇒ revival presentation (hit), the sub-control CPU 800a will draw lots based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether to win no zone presentation, to execute a weak zone presentation, or to execute a strong zone presentation.

Thus, when the pre-read expectation increase is set to ON in this manner, a lottery for the zone presentation will be carried out by referring to the pre-read zone presentation table SB_SYZ_TBL2 shown in FIG. 17(b).

Therefore, by turning on the look-ahead expectation increase in this way, the look-ahead preview effect does not appear in normal fluctuations and normal reaches, which are fluctuations with low expectations for a winning game state. Therefore, although the appearance rate of the look-ahead preview effect decreases when looking at the overall fluctuation, the player can expect a big win game state just by seeing the look-ahead preview effect. Regarding the strong SP reach, the look-ahead reserve change table SB_SYH_TBL2 shown in FIG. 17(a) makes it easier for patterns with high expectations for a winning game state (green and red) to appear, but the look-ahead zone effect table SB_SYZ_TBL2 shown in FIG. 17(b) makes it harder for patterns with high expectations for a winning game state (strong zone effect) to appear. With a Strong SP Reach, players are hoping for a winning game state, but if they miss, either the look-ahead reserve change or the look-ahead zone presentation, which both show a pattern that gives high hopes for a winning game state, the player will be disappointed, so the system is designed to avoid damaging the player's expectations while also preventing them from getting excessively hopeful.

When the winning chance notification is turned ON and the pre-reading expectation increase is set to OFF, if a lottery for the reserve change is executed by referring to the pre-reading reserve change table SB_SYH_TBL1 shown in FIG. 15(a), a blue reserve will appear in which the reserved image of the first start reserved ball changes to blue in a normal reach or weak SP reach with low expectation of a winning game state. However, since the winning chance notification with high expectation of a winning game state does not occur when the first start reserved ball is reserved when the game ball enters the special pattern 1 start hole 44 (see FIG. 2), there is a problem that the player's expectation of the blue reserve is almost lost. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the winning chance notification is turned ON, even if the pre-reading expectation increase is not set to ON, the pre-reading notice effect is drawn by referring to the pre-reading reservation change table SB_SYH_TBL2 shown in FIG. 17(a) and the pre-reading zone effect table SB_SYZ_TBL2 shown in FIG. 17(b). In this embodiment, when the winning chance notification is turned ON, the pre-reading reservation change table SB_SYH_TBL2 shown in FIG. 17(a) and the pre-reading zone effect table SB_SYZ_TBL2 shown in FIG. 17(b) are referenced, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a pre-reading reservation change table or a pre-reading zone effect table with a lower appearance rate in the case of a miss may be referenced. In addition, in this embodiment, when the winning chance notification is turned ON, if the pre-reading expectation increase is set to ON, it is automatically set to OFF. That is, it is set to OFF on the menu screen (see image P1) displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 shown in FIG. 5(a). However, in actual internal control, regardless of the player's settings for the increase in the read-ahead expectation, the increase in the read-ahead expectation is switched to the same state as ON.

<Explanation of the chance announcement when winning and the preview effect during the change>
Next, the winning chance notification and the advance notice performance during the change will be explained. The allocation value is also changed for the advance notice performance during the change (advance notice performance showing the expectation of the winning game state for the change) when the winning chance notification is set to ON. In other words, when the normal change or normal reach occurs, the winning chance notification with high expectation of the winning game state does not appear in the winning chance notification, so the player will not be interested in the advance notice performance for that change. Therefore, when the winning chance notification is set to ON, the appearance rate of the advance notice performance is reduced. Below, the step-up advance notice performance will be explained as an example.

The step-up preview table SB_STU_TBL1 shown in FIG. 18(a) is stored in the sub-control ROM 800b (see FIG. 4) and is used when the winning chance notification is set to OFF.

To explain in more detail, when the sub-control CPU 800a receives the lottery result (performance control command DI_CMD) drawn by the main control CPU 600a with reference to the fluctuation pattern allocation table M_HP_TBL shown in Figure 13 (c), it refers to the step-up notice table SB_STU_TBL1 shown in Figure 18 (a) and draws a step-up notice as follows.

Specifically, in the case of normal fluctuation 3-second fluctuation (miss) and normal fluctuation 8-second fluctuation (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether the step-up preview performance will not be performed or the first step-up preview performance (SU1) will be performed.

In addition, in the case of normal variation, 12-second variation (miss), challenge performance failure (miss), or normal reach (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether the step-up preview performance will not be performed, the first step-up preview performance (SU1) will be performed, or the second step-up preview performance (SU2) will be performed.

On the other hand, in the case of a weak SP reach (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether the step-up preview performance will not be performed, the first step-up preview performance (SU1) will be performed, the second step-up preview performance (SU2) will be performed, or the third step-up preview performance (SU3) will be performed.

On the other hand, in the case of normal reach → another route performance (miss), weak SP reach → another route performance (miss), weak SP → strong SP reach (miss), normal reach (win), weak SP reach (win), normal reach → another route performance (win), weak SP reach → another route performance (win), weak SP → strong SP reach (win), weak SP → strong SP reach → revival performance (win), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether to win by not performing a step-up advance performance, performing up to the first step-up advance performance (SU1), performing up to the second step-up advance performance (SU2), performing up to the third step-up advance performance (SU3), or performing up to the fourth step-up advance performance (SU4).

Thus, when the winning chance notification is set to OFF in this manner, the step-up notification lottery will be executed by referring to the step-up notification table SB_STU_TBL1 shown in FIG. 18(a).

On the other hand, if the winning chance notification is set to ON, the step-up notice table SB_STU_TBL2 shown in FIG. 18(b) is used. Note that this step-up notice table SB_STU_TBL2 shown in FIG. 18(b) is stored in the sub-control ROM 800b (see FIG. 4).

The sub-control CPU 800a refers to the step-up notice table SB_STU_TBL2 shown in FIG. 18(b) and performs the step-up notice lottery as follows.

The sub-control CPU 800a selects not to execute the step-up preview performance in the case of normal fluctuation 3-second fluctuation (miss) and normal fluctuation 8-second fluctuation (miss).

In addition, in the case of normal variation, 12-second variation (miss), challenge performance failure (miss), or normal reach (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether the step-up preview performance will not be executed, or the first step-up preview performance (SU1) will be executed.

On the other hand, in the case of a weak SP reach (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether the step-up preview performance will not be performed, the first step-up preview performance (SU1) will be performed, or the second step-up preview performance (SU2) will be performed.

On the other hand, in the case of normal reach → another route performance (miss), weak SP reach → another route performance (miss), weak SP → strong SP reach (miss), normal reach (win), weak SP reach (win), normal reach → another route performance (win), weak SP reach → another route performance (win), weak SP → strong SP reach (win), weak SP → strong SP reach → revival performance (win), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether to win by not performing a step-up advance performance, performing up to the first step-up advance performance (SU1), performing up to the second step-up advance performance (SU2), performing up to the third step-up advance performance (SU3), or performing up to the fourth step-up advance performance (SU4).

Thus, when the winning chance notification is set to ON in this manner, the step-up notification lottery is executed by referring to the step-up notification table SB_STU_TBL2 shown in FIG. 18(b).

Therefore, when the winning chance notification is set to ON, if a normal fluctuation or normal reach occurs, the winning chance notification with a high expectation of a winning game state will not appear, so the appearance rate of the preview effect is reduced as described above.

<Explanation of performance customization in RUSH state (right-hitting state)>
Next, the performance customization in the RUSH state (right-hit state), which is a favorable state for the player compared to the normal game state, will be described. The performance customization described with reference to FIG. 5 can be performed even in the RUSH state, which is a state in which it is easy to obtain the next big win after a big win. For example, the look-ahead expectation increase during the RUSH state is the same in that it customizes the expectation for the winning game state, although the type and variation of the look-ahead notice are different from those in the normal game state. Specifically, in the RUSH state, the expectation for the winning game state when the look-ahead expectation increase is set to ON is higher than the expectation for the winning game state when the look-ahead expectation increase is set to ON during the normal game state. During the RUSH state, it is easier to win, so that if the look-ahead expectation increase is set to ON, the player's expectation is set to be high if the look-ahead notice performance appears. Below, the look-ahead hold change performance and the look-ahead chance eye notice performance will be described as examples.

The first pre-read reserved change table SB_D1SYH_TBL shown in FIG. 19(a) is stored in the sub-control ROM 800b (see FIG. 4) and is used when pre-read expectation increase is set to OFF. That is, when the game ball enters the special pattern 2 start hole 45a (see FIG. 2), a lottery is performed to determine whether the reserved image of the second start reserved ball when it enters the special pattern 2 start hole 45a (see FIG. 2) should be changed to nothing, blue, green, red, or rainbow, by referring to the first pre-read reserved change table SB_D1SYH_TBL shown in FIG. 19(a).

Specifically, in the case of a normal variation (miss) or a failed Tenpai Aori effect (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a will draw a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether the result will be either no change or a change to blue.

In addition, in the case of a normal reach (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a will draw a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether to make no change, to change the color to blue, or to change the color to green.

On the other hand, in the case of an SP reach (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a will draw a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether to make no change, change the color to blue, change the color to green, or change the color to red.

On the other hand, in the case of a normal reach (win), SP reach (win), or sudden win (win), the sub-control CPU 800a will draw a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether the color will change to nothing, blue, green, red, or rainbow.

Thus, in this way, when the look-ahead expectation increase is set to OFF during the RUSH state, a lottery regarding the reserved change will be carried out by referring to the first look-ahead reserved change table SB_D1SYH_TBL shown in FIG. 19(a).

On the other hand, during the RUSH state, if the look-ahead expectation increase is set to ON, a lottery regarding the reserved change will be executed by referring to the second look-ahead reserved change table SB_D2SYH_TBL shown in FIG. 19(b). Note that the second look-ahead reserved change table SB_D2SYH_TBL shown in FIG. 19(b) is stored in the sub-control ROM 800b (see FIG. 4).

The sub-control CPU 800a refers to the second look-ahead reserved change table SB_D2SYH_TBL shown in FIG. 19(b) and performs the lottery as follows:

The sub-control CPU 800a selects not to make any changes in the case of normal fluctuation (miss), Tenpai Aori performance failure (miss), or normal reach (miss).

In addition, in the case of an SP reach (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a will draw a lottery to determine whether to change the color to nothing, blue, green, or red.

On the other hand, in the case of a normal reach (win), SP reach (win), or sudden win (win), the sub-control CPU 800a will draw to determine whether the color will change to nothing, blue, green, red, or rainbow.

Thus, in this way, when the look-ahead expectation increase is set to ON during the RUSH state, a lottery regarding the reserved change will be carried out by referring to the second look-ahead reserved change table SB_D2SYH_TBL shown in FIG. 19(b).

Therefore, if a pre-reading preview like this appears during the RUSH state, there is a high probability of winning.

Next, we will explain the pre-reading chance eye prediction. This pre-reading chance eye prediction is a prediction that suggests the expectation of a winning game state by adding an effect to the decorative pattern or displaying it superimposed when the decorative pattern at the time of the fluctuation stop is, for example, displayed in the order of numbers (123) or only even numbers (246). Note that this pre-reading chance eye prediction is a prediction performance that is only executed during the fluctuation.

The first pre-reading chance eye forecast table SB_D1SYC_TBL shown in FIG. 20(a) is stored in the sub-control ROM 800b (see FIG. 4) and is used when the pre-reading expectation increase is set to OFF. That is, for the second start reserved ball when the game ball enters the special pattern 2 start hole 45a (see FIG. 2), a lottery is performed to determine whether to add an effect to the decorative pattern or not to display it overlapping, to add a blue effect or to display it overlapping, to add a green effect or to display it overlapping, or to add a red effect or to display it overlapping, by referring to the first pre-reading chance eye forecast table SB_D1SYC_TBL shown in FIG. 20(a).

Specifically, in the case of a normal variation (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether the decorative pattern will have an effect added or not be displayed overlapping, or whether a blue effect will be added or displayed overlapping.

In addition, in the case of a failed Tenpai Aori performance (miss) or a normal reach (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a will draw a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether to add an effect to the decorative pattern or not display it overlappingly, add a blue effect or display it overlappingly, or add a green effect or display it overlappingly.

On the other hand, in the case of SP reach (miss), normal reach (win), SP reach (win), or sudden win (win), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether to add or not display an effect to the decorative pattern or to display it overlapping, to add or display a blue effect overlapping, to add or display a green effect overlapping, or to add or display a red effect overlapping.

Thus, in this way, when the pre-reading expectation increase is set to OFF during the RUSH state, a lottery regarding the pre-reading chance eye prediction will be carried out by referring to the first pre-reading chance eye prediction table SB_D1SYC_TBL shown in Figure 20 (a).

On the other hand, during the RUSH state, if the pre-reading expectation increase is set to ON, a lottery regarding the pre-reading chance eye prediction will be executed by referring to the second pre-reading chance eye prediction table SB_D2SYC_TBL shown in FIG. 20(b). Note that the second pre-reading chance eye prediction table SB_D2SYC_TBL shown in FIG. 20(b) is stored in the sub-control ROM 800b (see FIG. 4).

The sub-control CPU 800a refers to the second pre-reading chance eye prediction table SB_D2SYC_TBL shown in FIG. 20(b) and performs the lottery as follows:

In the case of normal variation (miss), Tenpai Aori performance failure (miss), or normal reach (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a selects whether to add an effect to the decorative pattern or not to display it superimposed.

In addition, in the case of an SP reach (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether to add an effect to the decorative pattern or not display it overlappingly, add a blue effect or display it overlappingly, or add a green effect or display it overlappingly.

On the other hand, in the case of a normal reach (win), SP reach (win), or sudden win (win), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery based on the allocation value (probability) shown in the figure to determine whether to add or not display an effect to the decorative pattern or to display it overlapping, to add or display a blue effect overlapping, to add or display a green effect overlapping, or to add or display a red effect overlapping.

Thus, in this way, when the pre-reading expectation increase is set to ON during the RUSH state, a lottery for the pre-reading chance eye prediction will be carried out by referring to the second pre-reading chance eye prediction table SB_D2SYC_TBL shown in Figure 20 (b).

Therefore, if a pre-reading preview like this appears during the RUSH state, there is a high probability of winning.

<Explanation of the pre-reading preview performance in RUSH state (right-hitting state)>
The above-described pre-reading chance eye notice is also executed in the normal game state. However, in the normal game state, the high-speed pattern change time is longer than in the RUSH state, and the pre-reading chance eye notice is executed after each decorative pattern is recognized. In other words, in the RUSH state, the change time is short, so the proportion of the time during which the pre-reading notice performance is executed in the change time is higher than in the normal game state. This point will be specifically explained below.

First, the execution of the pre-reading chance eye notice during the RUSH state (normal fluctuation (1.5 seconds)) will be described. At the timing T20 shown in FIG. 21(a), the fluctuation of the symbols starts, and as shown in FIG. 22(a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays an image of the decorative symbols (see image P20) fluctuating at high speed, and also displays an image of the resident symbols (left resident symbol, center resident symbol, right resident symbol) (see image P21) fluctuating at high speed. Then, as shown in FIG. 22(a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a fluctuating icon (see image P22a) in the lower left corner of the screen, as well as the first reserved image (see image P22b) and the second reserved image (see image P22c). And, as shown in FIG. 22(a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays the words "Right Hit" (see image P40) in small letters at the top right corner of the screen to encourage the player to hit right.

Next, at timing T21 shown in Figure 21 (a), when the decorative pattern stops, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the liquid crystal display device 41 to display the left decorative pattern (see image P20a), middle decorative pattern (see image P20b), and right decorative pattern (see image P20c) in a stopped state (in the figure, they are stopped at "246"), as shown in Figure 22 (b). At this time, in order to notify that the stopped left decorative pattern (see image P20a), middle decorative pattern (see image P20b), and right decorative pattern (see image P20c) are chance patterns, the sub-control CPU 800a performs control so that the liquid crystal display device 41 adds or superimposes effect P41 (a blue effect is exemplified in FIGS. 22(c) and (d)) to the left decorative pattern (see image P20a), middle decorative pattern (see image P20b), and right decorative pattern (see image P20c), as shown in FIGS. 22(c) to (d) (see also timings T21 to T22 shown in FIG. 21(a)).

Next, at timing T22 shown in FIG. 21(a), when the pattern fluctuation stops, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the liquid crystal display device 41 shown in FIG. 22(e) so that the left decorative pattern (see image P20a), middle decorative pattern (see image P20b), and right decorative pattern (see image P20c) stop (in the illustration, they stop at "246"), and the resident pattern (see image P21) also stops at the same number. At this time, as shown in FIG. 22(e), the display of the variable icon (see image P22a shown in FIG. 22(f)) is erased.

Thus, in this way, the foresight prediction of chances is carried out so as to stay within one fluctuation.

Next, at the timing T23 shown in FIG. 21(a), when the change to the first reserved image is executed (see image P22b shown in FIG. 22(e)), the sub-control CPU 800a causes the liquid crystal display device 41 shown in FIG. 22(f) to display an image of the decorative pattern (see image P20) changing at high speed, and also causes the liquid crystal display device 41 to display an image of the resident pattern (left resident pattern, center resident pattern, right resident pattern) (see image P21) changing at high speed. Note that, in the case where the pre-reading chance eye notice is executed within this one change, as explained above, at the timing T24 shown in FIG. 21(a), the decorative pattern stops, and the left decorative pattern (see image P20a), center decorative pattern (see image P20b), and right decorative pattern (see image P20c) effects P41 are added or superimposed and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, and the change of the pattern stops at the timing T25 shown in FIG. 21(a).

Therefore, in this way, the pre-reading chance prediction is kept within one fluctuation and does not extend over to the next fluctuation.

Furthermore, during the RUSH state (normal fluctuation (1.5 seconds)), the pre-reading chance eye prediction is executed for 1/2 (e.g., 0.75 seconds) per fluctuation time, i.e., 50% of the time per fluctuation time is the pre-reading chance eye prediction performance time.

Next, the execution of the pre-reading chance eye notice in the normal game state (normal fluctuation (12 seconds)) will be explained. At timing T30 shown in FIG. 21(b), the fluctuation of the patterns begins, and as shown in FIG. 23(a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays an image of the decorative patterns (see image P20) fluctuating at high speed, as well as an image of the resident patterns (left resident pattern, middle resident pattern, right resident pattern) (see image P21) fluctuating at high speed. Then, as shown in FIG. 23(a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a fluctuating icon (see image P22a) in the lower left corner of the screen, as well as the first reserved image (see image P22b) and the second reserved image (see image P22c).

Next, at timing T31 shown in FIG. 21(b), when the left decorative pattern stops, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the liquid crystal display device 41 to display the left decorative pattern (see image P20a) in a stopped state (in the illustration, it is stopped at "2"), as shown in FIG. 23(b).

Next, at timing T32 shown in FIG. 21(b), when the right decorative pattern stops, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the liquid crystal display device 41 to display the state in which the right decorative pattern (see image P20c) has stopped (in the illustration, it has stopped at "6"), as shown in FIG. 23(c).

Next, at timing T33 shown in Figure 21 (b), when the middle decorative pattern stops, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the liquid crystal display device 41 to display the state in which the middle decorative pattern (see image P20b) has stopped (in the illustration, stopped at "4"), as shown in Figure 23 (d). At this time, in order to notify that the stopped left decorative pattern (see image P20a), middle decorative pattern (see image P20b), and right decorative pattern (see image P20c) are chance patterns, the sub-control CPU 800a performs control so that the liquid crystal display device 41 displays effect P41 (a blue effect is exemplified in FIGS. 23(e) and (f)) on the left decorative pattern (see image P20a), middle decorative pattern (see image P20b), and right decorative pattern (see image P20c), or superimposes the effect, as shown in FIGS. 23(e) to (f) (also see timings T33 to T34 shown in FIG. 21(b)).

Next, at timing T34 shown in FIG. 21(b), when the pattern fluctuation stops, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the liquid crystal display device 41 shown in FIG. 23(g) so that the left decorative pattern (see image P20a), middle decorative pattern (see image P20b), and right decorative pattern (see image P20c) stop (in the illustration, they stop at "246"), and the resident pattern (see image P21) also stops at the same number. At this time, as shown in FIG. 23(g), the display of the variable icon (see image P22a shown in FIG. 23(f)) is erased.

Thus, in this way, the pre-reading chance prediction is executed so that the normal game state also stays within one fluctuation.

Next, at timing T35 shown in Figure 21 (b), when a change is made to the first reserved image (see image P22b shown in Figure 23 (g)), the sub-control CPU 800a causes the liquid crystal display device 41 shown in Figure 23 (h) to display an image of the decorative pattern (see image P20) changing at high speed, as well as an image of the resident patterns (left resident pattern, center resident pattern, right resident pattern) (see image P21) changing at high speed.

Therefore, in this way, the pre-reading chance prediction is kept within one fluctuation and does not extend over to the next fluctuation.

Furthermore, in the normal game state (normal fluctuation (12 seconds)), the execution of the pre-reading chance eye prediction is 1/16 (e.g., 0.75 seconds) per fluctuation time, i.e., 6% of the time per fluctuation time is the pre-reading chance eye prediction presentation time.

Next, the execution of the pre-reading chance eye notice in the normal game state (normal fluctuation (3 seconds)) will be explained. At timing T40 shown in FIG. 21(c), the fluctuation of the patterns begins, and as shown in FIG. 23(a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays an image of the decorative patterns (see image P20) fluctuating at high speed, as well as an image of the resident patterns (left resident pattern, middle resident pattern, right resident pattern) (see image P21) fluctuating at high speed. Then, as shown in FIG. 23(a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a fluctuating icon (see image P22a) in the lower left corner of the screen, as well as the first reserved image (see image P22b) and the second reserved image (see image P22c).

Next, at timing T41 shown in Figure 21 (c), when the decorative pattern stops, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the liquid crystal display device 41 to display the left decorative pattern (see image P20a), middle decorative pattern (see image P20b), and right decorative pattern (see image P20c) in a stopped state (in the figure, they are stopped at "246"), as shown in Figure 23 (d). At this time, in order to notify that the stopped left decorative pattern (see image P20a), middle decorative pattern (see image P20b), and right decorative pattern (see image P20c) are chance patterns, the sub-control CPU 800a performs control so that the liquid crystal display device 41 displays effect P41 (a blue effect is exemplified in FIGS. 23(e) and (f)) on the left decorative pattern (see image P20a), middle decorative pattern (see image P20b), and right decorative pattern (see image P20c), or superimposes the effect, as shown in FIGS. 23(e) to (f) (also see timings T41 to T42 shown in FIG. 21(c)).

Next, at timing T42 shown in FIG. 21(c), when the pattern fluctuation stops, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the liquid crystal display device 41 shown in FIG. 23(g) so that the left decorative pattern (see image P20a), middle decorative pattern (see image P20b), and right decorative pattern (see image P20c) stop (in the illustration, they stop at "246"), and the resident pattern (see image P21) also stops at the same number. At this time, as shown in FIG. 23(g), the display of the variable icon (see image P22a shown in FIG. 23(f)) is erased.

Thus, in this way, the pre-reading chance prediction is executed so that the normal game state also stays within one fluctuation.

Next, at timing T43 shown in Figure 21 (c), when a change is made to the first reserved image (see image P22b shown in Figure 23 (g)), the sub-control CPU 800a causes the liquid crystal display device 41 shown in Figure 23 (h) to display an image of the decorative pattern (see image P20) changing at high speed, and also displays an image of the resident patterns (left resident pattern, center resident pattern, right resident pattern) (see image P21) changing at high speed.

Therefore, in this way, the pre-reading chance prediction is kept within one fluctuation and does not extend over to the next fluctuation.

Furthermore, in the normal game state (normal fluctuation (3 seconds)), the pre-reading chance eye prediction is executed for 1/3 (e.g., about 1.0 second) per fluctuation time, i.e., 33% of the time per fluctuation time is the pre-reading chance eye prediction presentation time.

As explained above, in the normal game state, the high-speed pattern fluctuation time is longer than in the RUSH state, and the pre-reading chance eye announcement is executed after the stopped pattern of each decorative pattern is recognized. Therefore, as explained above, in the RUSH state, the fluctuation time is short, so the proportion of time during one fluctuation period in which the pre-reading announcement performance is executed is higher than in the normal game state.

As explained above, the winning chance notification is an effect that occurs when the first start reserved ball enters the special pattern 1 starting hole 44 (see Figure 2) and the game ball enters the reserved winning hole, so it is an effect with a fixed duration (at least an effect with decorative lights and sound) regardless of the change time executed at the time of the reserved winning. However, as explained above, the pre-reading chance eye notice is kept within one change and does not cross over into the next change. Although not explained above, the notice effect due to the pre-reading reserved change is also kept within one change and does not cross over into the next change.

<Description of a modified example of the winning chance notification>
The above-described prize winning chance notification can be performed as follows.

When the winning chance notification is set to ON, if the special symbol is changing, the custom setting is displayed, and the notification is set to ON after a certain change (for example, a change equal to the number of reserved symbols displayed when the setting is switched). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 24(a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a state in which the decorative symbol is changing at high speed (see image P10) and the resident symbol is changing at high speed (see image P11) to indicate that the special symbol is changing. At this time, as shown in FIG. 24(a), the customizable performance content (see image P12) is displayed in the lower left corner of the screen, and the ON/OFF content (see image P13) is also displayed, and further, it is displayed that the selection can be made with the cross key (see image P14) and that the decision can be made with the button (see image P15).

At this time, when the player selects "Chance notification when winning" using the setting button 15 shown in FIG. 1, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the liquid crystal display device 41 to display "Waiting for setting chance notification when winning" (see image P45), as shown in FIG. 24(b). Then, when the setting of the chance notification when winning is completed, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the liquid crystal display device 41 to display "Chance notification when winning" (see image P46), as shown in FIG. 24(c). This notifies the player that the "Chance notification when winning" has been set.

When the message "Waiting for Winning Chance Notification Setting" (see image P45) shown in FIG. 24(b) is displayed, the first start reserved ball when a game ball enters the special pattern 1 start hole 44 (see FIG. 2) is not subject to the lottery for the winning chance notification, and the winning chance notification ON setting is reflected after a predetermined change (for example, a change equivalent to the number of reserved balls displayed when the setting is switched). This is because if the first start reserved ball is present when the winning chance notification setting is switched ON during the change of the special pattern, there may be something within that first start reserved ball that will result in a strong SP reach. For this reason, the winning chance notification ON setting is reflected after the predetermined change has ended.

On the other hand, the sounds (sound effects, etc.) and lights in the winning chance announcement have a higher priority than the sounds and lights in other preview performances. In other words, even if other preview performances are being executed, the sounds (sound effects, etc.) and lights in the winning chance announcement are executed with priority over the sounds (sound effects, etc.) and lights in other preview performances.

On the other hand, the winning chance notification can be executed even during the SP reach. Also, depending on the SP reach presentation, only either sound or light may be executed. Thus, by making the winning chance notification appear even during the SP reach and informing the player of the expectation of a winning game state, it is possible to make the player have expectations not only for the SP reach that is being executed, but also for the first start reserved ball.

On the other hand, when a first start reserved ball with a high expectation of a winning game state wins a first start reserved ball after the appearance of a winning chance notification, a winning chance notification for the first start reserved ball can be made to appear. To explain in more detail, if a winning chance notification with a high expectation of a winning game state appears for the first start reserved ball but is a miss, and the subsequent first start reserved ball is also a miss, if the winning chance notification is not made to appear, a strong SP reach will occur even though a winning chance notification with a high expectation of a winning game state does not appear. This causes the player to have expectations that a big win game state will occur due to a so-called "rule violation." That is, as explained with reference to the winning chance notification lottery table SB_NH_TBL shown in FIG. 14, in a strong SP reach, a winning chance notification with a low expectation of a winning game state appears only when there is a win. Therefore, to prevent the player from mistaking this pattern, in the case of a miss, even if the previous first start reserved ball that was the subject of the winning chance notification with high expectation of a winning game state has not yet changed, if the new first start reserved ball wins the winning chance notification with high expectation of a winning game state, it will be executed.

On the other hand, if the first start reserved ball for which the winning chance notification appears enters a jackpot game state, the winning chance notification may not be displayed for the first start reserved ball that entered later, even if it wins a winning chance notification with a high expectation of a winning game state. In this case, if a jackpot game state is entered, the first start reserved ball that entered later will fluctuate in the RUSH state after the jackpot, and the fluctuating pattern selected will be different, so for the first start reserved ball that entered later, it is possible not to perform a lottery that references the winning chance notification lottery table SB_NH_TBL shown in FIG. 14.

On the other hand, the winning chance notification is triggered by the first start reserved ball entering the reserved state when a game ball enters the special pattern 1 starting hole 44 (see FIG. 2), but is not executed once the winning first start reserved ball has started to change. The winning chance notification is merely a presentation to notify the player of the expectation of a winning game state until the winning first start reserved ball starts to change. For this reason, the winning chance notification is not executed once the change has started or while the change is currently in progress. This is because the role of the winning chance notification is different for changes that are currently being performed, as there are advance notice presentations such as step-up notices.

<Explanation of the residence time display in RUSH state>
In the above-described RUSH state, the player's stay time during the RUSH state and the number of balls won are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, so that the player can feel the number of balls won per unit time during the RUSH state. This point will be explained below using a specific example.

As shown in FIG. 25(a), an image saying "RUSH ENTER!" (see image P50) is displayed in the center of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 41, and the small letters "Right Hit" (see image P40) are displayed in the upper right corner of the screen to encourage the player to hit to the right. In other words, the RUSH entry screen is displayed.

Next, during the RUSH state, as shown in FIG. 25(b), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays an image of the decorative pattern (see image P20) that is changing at high speed, as well as an image of the resident patterns (left resident pattern, center resident pattern, right resident pattern) (see image P21) that are changing at high speed. At this time, the sub-control CPU 800a measures the stay time using a stay time timer that measures the RUSH stay time, and controls the liquid crystal display device 41 to display the measured stay time (see image P51) as shown in FIG. 25(b). The sub-control CPU 800a also controls the liquid crystal display device 41 to display (see image P52) the number of balls won, including the first hit before the stay time timer started to measure, as shown in FIG. 25(b). The sub-control CPU 800a starts measuring the residence time timer after entering the RUSH state, and does not measure the residence time with the residence time timer during the first jackpot (during the jackpot game state transitioned from the normal game state). Also, if there is no first start reserved ball and/or second start reserved ball after entering the RUSH state (if there is no second start reserved ball for the main special pattern 2 variation in at least the RUSH state), the sub-control CPU 800a does not start measuring the residence time timer, but starts measuring it after the first start reserved ball or second start reserved ball wins and the variation begins.

Next, when the pattern fluctuations stop, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the liquid crystal display device 41 shown in Figure 25 (c) so that the left decorative pattern (see image P20a), the middle decorative pattern (see image P20b), and the right decorative pattern (see image P20c) stop (in the illustration, they stop at "777"), and the resident pattern (see image P21) also stops at the same number. At this time, as shown in Figure 25 (c), the liquid crystal display device 41 continues to display the stay time display (see image P51).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the liquid crystal display device 41 shown in FIG. 25(d) to execute a start interval presentation before the start of the jackpot round game, in which "Jackpot!" (see image P53) is displayed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 25(d), the liquid crystal display device 41 is configured to continuously display the display of the stay time (see image P51).

Next, during the jackpot round play, the sub-control CPU 800a causes the liquid crystal display device 41 shown in FIG. 25(e) to display (see image P54) the cumulative number of balls won since the first jackpot (in the illustration, it displays "Total 02490"), and also displays (see image P55) the number of balls won in the current jackpot play. At this time, as shown in FIG. 25(e), the liquid crystal display device 41 is configured to continuously display the stay time (see image P51).

Next, when the RUSH continues, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the liquid crystal display device 41 shown in FIG. 25(e) to execute a final interval presentation after the end of the big win round play, in which an image "RUSH CONTINUES!" (see image P56) is displayed in the center of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 41. At this time, as shown in FIG. 25(f), the liquid crystal display device 41 is configured not to continue to display the stay time (see image P51 shown in FIG. 25(e)). However, the sub-control CPU 800a continues to measure the stay time timer.

Next, during the RUSH state, as shown in FIG. 25(g), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays an image of the decorative pattern (see image P20) changing at high speed, as well as an image of the resident patterns (left resident pattern, center resident pattern, right resident pattern) (see image P21) changing at high speed. At this time, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the display to display (see image P57) the cumulative number of balls won (shown as "05400" in the figure), as well as the residence time (see image P51).

Next, after the RUSH has ended, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the liquid crystal display device 41 to display a result screen. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 25(h), the sub-control CPU 800a controls the liquid crystal display device 41 to display (see image P58) the cumulative number of balls won (in the illustration, it displays "Total 06930"), as well as the stay time (see image P51). Note that the measurement of the stay time timer is stopped when the final fluctuation of the RUSH is stopped.

Therefore, by displaying the time spent in the RUSH state and the number of balls won on the liquid crystal display device 41 in this way, the player can be made to feel the number of balls won per unit time during the RUSH state.

Note that even if the liquid crystal display device 41 does not display the residence time during a jackpot game in the RUSH state, the sub-control CPU 800a continues to measure the residence time timer.

In addition, even if the liquid crystal display device 41 does not display the residence time during the start interval or end interval of the jackpot game during the RUSH state, the sub-control CPU 800a continues to measure the residence time timer.

In addition, when the machine is waiting for customers (when there are zero second start reserved balls), the sub-control CPU 800a stops the measurement of the residence time timer, but does not stop it immediately; it waits until a predetermined time (e.g., five seconds) has elapsed after the fluctuation has stopped, and then stops measuring. Then, when a new fluctuation starts, the sub-control CPU 800a resumes measuring the residence time timer.

Even if the game returns to normal play after the RUSH ends, the sub-control CPU 800a does not clear the stay time timer, and if a jackpot game occurs within a predetermined number of fluctuations, it resumes measuring the stay time timer from the start of the jackpot. As a result, from the start of the jackpot, the liquid crystal display device 41 displays the cumulative number of balls won (in the figure, "Total 06930") shown in FIG. 25(h) and the stay time for which measurement has been resumed (see image P51). Note that the predetermined number of fluctuations is, for example, 10 fluctuations in which a special stage performance is executed, the appearance of which differs from that of the normal play state. If a jackpot occurs again within this predetermined number of fluctuations, measurement of the stay time timer will be resumed as described above. However, if a jackpot game does not occur within this predetermined number of fluctuations, the stay time timer will be cleared.

<Main control: Program explanation>
Here, the processing method of the various contents described above will be explained in detail below. First, the outline of the program stored in the main control ROM 600b (see FIG. 4) processed by the main control board 60 will be explained in detail by referring to FIGS. 26 to 38.

<Main control: Explanation of main processing>
First, when the power is turned on to the pachinko game machine 1, a power-on signal is sent to indicate that the DC voltage generated by the voltage generating unit 1300 of the power supply board 130 (see FIG. 4) has been applied to each control board, and upon receiving this signal, the main control CPU 600a (see FIG. 4) reads out a program stored in the main control ROM 600b (see FIG. 4) and performs the main control main processing shown in FIG. 26. At this time, the main control CPU 600a first sets itself to an interrupt-prohibited state (step S1).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a stack pointer setting process to set the value of the stack pointer inside the main control CPU 600a to correspond to the final address of the normal stack area (step S2).

Then, the main control CPU 600a clears the WDT (not shown) (step S3) and clears the output port that outputs the launch control signal (step S4).

The main control CPU 600a then sets the startup waiting time for the sub-control board 80 (step S5), decrements (-1) the set waiting time (step S6), and clears the WDT (not shown) (step S7).

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the set waiting time has become "0" (step S8), and if it is not "0" (step S8: ≠ 0), it returns to processing of step S7, and if it is "0" (step S8: = 0), it proceeds to processing of step S9.

Then, the main control CPU 600a acquires the voltage abnormality signal ALARM (see FIG. 4) output from the power supply board 130 (voltage monitoring unit 1310) (see FIG. 4) twice, checks whether the levels of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM acquired twice match, stores it in an internal register of the main control CPU 600a (not shown), and checks the level of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM (step S9). If the level of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM is the "L" level (step S10: YES), the process returns to step S9, and if the level of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM is the "H" level (step S10: NO), the process proceeds to step S11. That is, the main control CPU 600a repeats the same process until the voltage abnormality signal ALARM changes to a normal level (i.e., the "H" level) (steps S9 to S10). In this way, by acquiring the voltage abnormality signal ALARM twice, an accurate signal can be read.

Next, the main control CPU 600a permits data writing to the main control RAM 600c (step S11) and initializes the work area of the main control RAM 600c (step S12). Specifically, it sets the power supply abnormality confirmation counter to 00H and sets the system operation status to 01H.

Next, the main control CPU 600a sends a processing command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80 to cause the LCD display device 41 to display a standby screen (step S13).

Then, the main control CPU 600a clears the WDT (not shown) (step S14) and checks whether a signal indicating that power has been applied (power-on signal) has been received from the dispensing control board 70 (step S15). If the power-on signal has not been received (step S15: OFF), the process returns to step S14, and if the power-on signal has been received (step S15: ON), the process proceeds to step S16.

Next, the main control CPU 600a acquires the level data of the RAM clear switch 620 and the setting key switch 630, and saves them in the working area of the normal RAM area of the main control RAM 600c (step S16).

Next, the main control CPU 600a acquires a door open signal indicating whether the glass door frame 5 shown in FIG. 1 is open or not, the signal of the RAM clear switch 620 that has been evacuated to the working area of the main control RAM 600c, and the signal of the setting key switch 630 (step S17), and checks whether all are ON (step S18). If all are ON (step S18: YES), the main control CPU 600a performs a setting switching process (step S19).

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of setting switching processing>
Here, this setting switching process will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

First, the main control CPU 600a sends a setting switching start command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80, indicating that a setting change is being made (step S50).

The main control CPU 600a then clears the backup flag (step S51). This backup flag is data that indicates whether or not backup processing has been performed when a voltage drop due to a power outage or the like is detected during the power supply abnormality check processing shown in FIG. 29. The backup flag is cleared in order to detect in step S21 shown in FIG. 27, which will be described later, a case in which power has been interrupted for some reason during the setting switching processing and the main control RAM 600c has not been backed up normally.

Then, the main control CPU 600a sets the system operation status to 02H (step S52), obtains the set value of the probability of generating a special game state advantageous to the player stored in the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 4), and sets it in the W register (step S53). To be more specific, if the set value is, for example, "1" to "6", the program will set the set values "1" to "6" in the W register in correspondence with values "00H" to "05H".

Next, the main control CPU 600a compares the value set in the W register with the maximum set value of the probability of generating a special game state advantageous to the player (e.g., "05H" corresponding to "6") (step S54). If the value set in the W register is greater than the maximum set value of the probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player (e.g., "05H" corresponding to "6") (step S55: YES), the main control CPU 600a determines that the value is an abnormal value and sets 00H to the W register (step S56).

On the other hand, if the value set in the W register is smaller than the maximum probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player (for example, "05H" corresponding to "6") (step S55: NO), it is determined to be a normal value and the process proceeds to step S57.

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the security signal output to the hall computer used to manage the game island of the amusement arcade to ON, and outputs the security signal to the hall computer (step S57).

Then, the main control CPU 600a sets the LED common port to 00H (step S58).

Then, the main control CPU 600a outputs the value set in the W register to the LED data port (step S59).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the LED common port that displays the setting value to ON (step S60).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets a predetermined value in a register in the main control CPU 600a so that a 4 ms wait is applied, and performs a countdown process (step S61). This process is to check for changes in the level data of the RAM clear switch 620 (see FIG. 4) and the setting key switch 630 (see FIG. 4) by waiting at least 4 ms from the previous acquisition of the switch level to ensure that the change in the level data is not due to an irregularity such as noise. Furthermore, when checking for changes in the voltage abnormality signal in the subsequent power abnormality check process and counting the power abnormality confirmation counter, a 4 ms time is also left to ensure that the "L" level of the voltage abnormality signal is not due to an irregularity such as noise.

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a power supply abnormality check process (step S62). This power supply abnormality check process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 29.

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of power supply abnormality check processing>
As shown in Fig. 29, the main control CPU 600a twice acquires the voltage abnormality signal ALARM (see Fig. 4) output from the power supply board 130 (voltage monitoring unit 1310) (see Fig. 4) (step S80), and checks whether the levels of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM acquired twice match (step S81). If they match (step S81: YES), the main control CPU 600a checks the level of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM (step S82), and if they do not match (step S81: NO), the process returns to step S80.

Next, if the level of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM is at the "H" level (step S82: OFF), the main control CPU 600a clears the power abnormality confirmation counter (step S83) and ends the power abnormality check process.

On the other hand, if the voltage abnormality signal ALARM is at the "L" level (step S82: ON), the main control CPU 600a increments (+1) the power supply abnormality confirmation counter (step S84) and checks the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter (step S85). If the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter is not 2 or more (step S85: NO), the power supply abnormality check process ends.

On the other hand, if the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter is 2 or greater (step S85: YES), the main control CPU 600a sends a power cut command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80 indicating that the power supply has been cut off (step S86).

Then, the main control CPU 600a checks the value of the system operation status (step S87). If the value of the system operation status is 02H, it determines that the setting change process is in progress (step S87: YES), does not set the backup flag to ON, and proceeds to the processing of step S89. In this way, a case where power is interrupted for some reason during the setting change process and the main control RAM 600c is not backed up normally can be detected in step S21 shown in FIG. 27 described later.

On the other hand, if the value of the system operation status is not 02H, it is determined that the setting change process is not in progress (step S87: NO), and the backup flag is set to ON (step S88).

Next, the main control CPU 600a disables data writing to the main control RAM 600c (step S89) and clears the output data of all output ports (step S90). It then disables timer interrupts (step S91) and performs an infinite loop process to wait for the voltage to drop.

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of setting switching processing>
Thus, when the power supply abnormality check process (step S62) is completed through the above-mentioned processes, the main control CPU 600a creates switch edge data for the RAM clear switch 620 signal and switch edge data for the setting key switch 630 signal from the previous and current level data of the RAM clear switch 620 and the level data of the setting key switch 630 (step S63).The main control CPU 600a stores the created edge data in the main control RAM 600c.

Then, the main control CPU 600a checks the edge data stored in the main control RAM 600c, and if the setting key switch 630 is ON (step S64: NO), it proceeds to processing of step S65, and if the setting key switch 630 is OFF (step S64: YES), it proceeds to processing of step S67.

Next, if the RAM clear switch 620 is ON (step S65: NO), the main control CPU 600a increments (+1) the value of the W register (step S66) and returns to processing of step S54.

On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch 620 is OFF (step S65: NO), the process returns to step S57.

Thus, the above process is repeated until the setting key switch 630 is turned OFF. When the setting key switch 630 is turned OFF, the main control CPU 600a overwrites the value of the W register with the setting value of the probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player (for example, the setting value "00H" to "05H" corresponding to "1" to "6") stored in the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 4) (step S67).

Next, the main control CPU 600a outputs a setting confirmation display to the LED data port (step S68).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sends a setting switching end command (performance control command DI_CMD) reflecting the setting value to the sub-control board 80 (step S69).

<Main control: Explanation of main processing>
Thus, after going through the above-mentioned processing and completing the setting switching processing (step S19) shown in FIG. 26, the main control CPU 600a proceeds to processing of step S26 shown in FIG.

On the other hand, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the signal of the RAM clear switch 620 and the signal of the setting key switch 630 are all ON (step S18), and if they are not all ON (step S18: NO), the main control CPU 600a performs the process of step S20 shown in FIG. 27.

That is, the main control CPU 600a acquires the set value of the probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player stored in the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 4) (for example, a set value between "00H" and "05H" corresponding to "1" to "6"), and checks whether it is equal to or less than the set maximum value (for example, "05H" corresponding to "6") (step S20). If it is equal to or less than the set maximum value (step S20: YES), it checks whether the backup flag is set to ON (step S21).

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of RAM error processing>
If the value is not below the set maximum value (step S20: NO) or the backup flag is not set to ON (step S21: NO), the main control CPU 600a sends a RAM error command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80 indicating that there is a RAM error (step S22).

Next, the main control CPU 600a outputs an error indication to the LED data port (step S23).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a power supply abnormality check process (step S24), returns to the process of step S23, and repeats the process. Note that this power supply abnormality check process is the same as the power supply abnormality check process shown in FIG. 29.

<Main control: Explanation of main processing>
On the other hand, if the backup flag is set to ON (step S21: YES), the signal of the RAM clear switch 620 is confirmed (step S25).

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of RAM clear processing>
When the signal of the RAM clear switch 620 is ON (step S25: YES), or when the setting switching process (step S19) shown in FIG. 26 is performed, the main control CPU 600a does not clear the measurement RAM area and measurement stack area of the main control RAM 600c, but clears the normal RAM area and normal stack area of the main control RAM 600c (step S26).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the RAM clear notification timer to 30 seconds (30s) (step S27), and sets the timer that outputs a security signal to the hall computer used to manage the game island in the amusement arcade to 30 seconds (30s) (step S28).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets initial values in part of the main control RAM 600c (step S29) and proceeds to processing in step S41.

<Main control: Explanation of main processing>
On the other hand, if the signal of the RAM clear switch 620 is OFF (step S25: NO), the main control CPU 600a acquires a door open signal indicating whether the glass door frame 5 shown in Fig. 1 is open or not, and a signal of the setting key switch 630 (step S30), and checks whether all are ON or not (step S31). If all are not ON (step S31: NO), the process proceeds to step S40.

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of setting confirmation processing>
On the other hand, if all are ON (step S31: YES), the main control CPU 600a sends a setting value command (performance control command DI_CMD) reflecting the setting value to the sub-control board 80 (step S32).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets a timer to 30 seconds (30s) to output a security signal to the hall computer used to manage the game island in the amusement arcade (step S33).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the security signal output to the hall computer used to manage the game island in the amusement arcade to ON, and outputs the security signal to the hall computer for the 30 seconds (30s) set by the timer (step S34).

Next, the main control CPU 600a outputs the setting value to the LED data port (step S35).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets a predetermined value in a register within the main control CPU 600a so that a 4 ms wait is applied, and performs a countdown process (step S36).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a power supply abnormality check process (step S37). Note that this power supply abnormality check process is the same process as the power supply abnormality check process shown in FIG. 29.

Next, the main control CPU 600a creates switch edge data for the setting key switch 630 signal from the previous and current level data of the setting key switch 630 (step S38). The main control CPU 600a stores the created edge data in the main control RAM 600c.

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks the edge data stored in the main control RAM 600c (step S39), and if the setting key switch 630 is ON (step S39: NO), the process returns to step S34.

<Main control: Explanation of main processing>
On the other hand, if the setting key switch 630 is OFF (step S39: YES), initial values for the backup flag, error detection timer, etc. are set in part of the main control RAM 600c (step S40).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sends a command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80 indicating whether power will be restored by clearing the RAM or by a backup (step S41).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a game status notification information update process to update the game status notification information (step S42).

Then, the main control CPU 600a sets the internal function register (step S43). Specifically, it sets the launch control signal to ON and sends it to the dispensing control board 70. This causes the dispensing control board 70 to control the launch control board 71 to start operating. It also sets the CTC, which is provided inside the main control CPU 600a and has functions such as creating a pulse output at a constant period and measuring time. In other words, the main control CPU 600a sets the time constant register of the CTC so that a timer interrupt is generated periodically every 4 ms.

The above process is the initial process for the main control process.

Then, the main control CPU 600a performs a prize ball winning count management process 1 (step S45) that calculates performance such as the total number of game balls shot into the game area 40, including the number of winning balls and the number of non-winning balls, while prohibiting interrupts to itself (step S44). The main control CPU 600a then performs an update process for various random number counters (step S46), returns to an interrupt permitted state (step S47), returns to step S44, and performs a loop process that repeats the processes of steps S44 to S47. This loop process and the interrupt process described below constitute regular processing.

<Main control: Explanation of timer interrupt processing>
Next, with reference to FIG. 30, a timer interrupt program that interrupts the above-mentioned main processing and is started every 4 ms will be described.

When this timer interrupt occurs, a save process is executed to save the contents of the registers in the main control CPU 600a to the stack area of the main control RAM 600c (step S100), and then a voltage abnormality check process is executed (step S101). This voltage abnormality check process is the same process as the power supply abnormality check process shown in FIG. 29.

Next, the main control CPU 600a inputs the ON/OFF signals of various switches including the special symbol 1 start port switch 44a (see FIG. 4), the special symbol 2 start port switch 45a1 (see FIG. 4), the normal symbol start port switch 48a (see FIG. 4), the upper right general winning port switch 49a1 (see FIG. 4), the upper left general winning port switch 49b1 (see FIG. 4), the middle left general winning port switch 49c1 (see FIG. 4), the lower left general winning port switch 49d1 (see FIG. 4), the outlet switch 50a (see FIG. 4), and the big winning port switch 46c (see FIG. 4), and stores the ON/OFF signal levels and their rising states in the working area of the main control RAM 600c (step S102). At this time, if the big winning port switch 46c (see FIG. 4) is ON, the counter that counts the winning balls due to the big win is updated. Therefore, the LCD display device 41 shown in FIG. 25(b) will display the number of balls won, including the first hit before the residence time timer began measuring.

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs timer subtraction processing for various timers (normal symbol fluctuation timer, normal symbol gimmick timer, etc.) that manage the time of each game operation (step S103).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs random number management processing (step S104). Specifically, it performs processing to update the random numbers for the normal symbols, special symbols, etc., used in the winning/losing lottery.

Then, the main control CPU 600a performs an error management process (step S105). The error management process is to determine whether there is an abnormality inside the device, such as a stop in the supply of game balls, a jam in the game balls, or a disconnection in the special symbol 1 start port switch 44a (see FIG. 4), the special symbol 2 start port switch 45a1 (see FIG. 4), the normal symbol start port switch 48a (see FIG. 4), the upper right general winning port switch 49a1 (see FIG. 4), the upper left general winning port switch 49b1 (see FIG. 4), the middle left general winning port switch 49c1 (see FIG. 4), the lower left general winning port switch 49d1 (see FIG. 4), the out port switch 50a (see FIG. 4), or the large winning port switch 46c (see FIG. 4). When an error occurs, a command (performance control command DI_CMD) corresponding to the error is sent to the sub-control board 80.

Next, the main control CPU 600a executes the prize ball management process (step S106). This prize ball management process outputs a payout control command PAY_CMD to cause the payout/launch control board 70 (see FIG. 4) to perform a payout operation. In addition, a command (presentation control command DI_CMD) corresponding to the value of a counter that counts the number of balls won due to a jackpot is sent to the sub-control board 80. As a result, the sub-control CPU 800a sends to the VDP 803 a command list related to an image (video) to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, which corresponds to the received counter value. As a result, the VDP 803 generates image (video) data to display an image based on the command list, and sends the generated image (video) data to the liquid crystal display device 41, whereby the number of balls won is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, as shown in FIG. 25 (b), (e), (g), and (h).

Next, the main control CPU 600a executes normal symbol processing (step S107). This normal symbol processing executes a lottery to determine whether the normal symbol will be selected, and determines the normal symbol's variation pattern and the normal symbol's stop display state based on the lottery result. Details of this processing will be described later.

Then, the main control CPU 600a executes the normal electric role management process (step S108). This normal electric role management process generates a signal related to the control of the normal electric role solenoid 45b2 (see FIG. 4) required for the normal electric role release game to occur based on the lottery result of the normal symbol process (step S107).

Then, the main control CPU 600a executes special symbol processing (step S109). In this special symbol processing, a lottery is executed to determine whether the special symbol will be selected, and the variation pattern of the special symbol and the stop display mode of the special symbol are determined based on the result of the lottery. In addition, the winning probability flag and the normal symbol probability flag, which indicate whether the game state is a time-saving game state, are also processed.

Then, the main control CPU 600a executes a special electric role management process (step S110). In this special electric role management process, when the jackpot lottery result is a "big win" or "small win", the necessary setting process is performed to execute and control the winning game corresponding to the win. At this time, a signal related to the control of the special electric role solenoid 46b (see FIG. 4) is also generated. Note that, when the jackpot lottery result is a "big win" or "small win", a command related to that (presentation control command DI_CMD) is sent to the sub-control board 80.

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs right-hit notification information management processing (step S111). In this right-hit notification information management processing, processing is performed to produce a "launch position guidance effect (right-hit notification effect)" that gives a right-hit instruction notification in situations where right-hitting is advantageous, such as when the opening and closing member 45b is opened a predetermined number of times for a predetermined time, or when the opening and closing door 46a is opened and the large prize opening (not shown) is opened.

Next, the main control CPU 600a executes LED management processing (step S112).

Then, the main control CPU 600a executes an external terminal management process (step S113). In this external terminal management process, predetermined game information is output to the hall computer used for managing the game island of the game center, such as the number of times a win has occurred during a winning game, the number of times a special pattern has changed, information on the detection of a winning ball entering a winning slot, information on the time-saving game state, and security information.

Then, the main control CPU 600a performs solenoid management processing (step S114). At this time, the main control CPU 600a checks the signal related to the control of the normal electric role solenoid 45b2 (see FIG. 4) generated in the normal electric role management processing (step S108), and checks the signal related to the control of the special electric role solenoid 46b (see FIG. 4) generated in the special electric role management processing (step S110). Then, based on this signal, the operation/stop of the normal electric role solenoid 45b2 or the special electric role solenoid 46b is controlled, and the opening/closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric role) is opened, and the time during which the guide member 45c1 is in the guide state is extended/not extended, or the opening/closing door 46a (see FIG. 2) is operated so that the large prize opening (not shown) is opened or closed.

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs processing outside the use area (step S115). In this processing, the performance display value calculated in the prize ball winning count management processing 1 in step S45 shown in FIG. 27 is displayed on the measurement and setting display device 610 (see FIG. 4).

Then, the main control CPU 600a clears the WDT (not shown) (step S116), returns to the interrupt enabled state (step S117), restores the contents of the registers that were saved in the stack area of the main control RAM 600c, and ends the timer interrupt (step S118). This causes the process to return from the interrupt processing routine to the main processing (see FIG. 27).

<Main control: Explanation of normal pattern processing>
Next, the normal symbol processing will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 31, the normal symbol processing first checks whether the passage of a game ball has been detected at the normal symbol start port 48 (see FIG. 2) consisting of a gate, that is, checks the signal level of the normal symbol start port switch 48a (see FIG. 4) of the normal symbol start port 48 (step S150). If the passage of a game ball is detected (step S150: YES), the main control CPU 600a checks the main control RAM 600c in which the number of start reserved balls for the normal symbol is stored to determine whether the number of start reserved balls for the normal symbol is, for example, 4 or more (step S151). At that time, if the number of start reserved balls for the normal symbol is less than 4 (step S151: ≠ MAX), the number of start reserved balls for the normal symbol is increased by 1 (step S152). After that, the main control CPU 600a stores the random number value for determining whether the normal symbol wins, which is used to draw the winning or losing lottery for the normal symbol, in the main control RAM 600c, which stores the number of balls reserved for the start of the normal symbol (step S153), and then proceeds to the processing of step S154.

On the other hand, if the passing of a game ball is not detected in step S150 (step S150: NO), or if it is determined in step S151 that the number of initial reserved balls for normal symbols is 4 or more (step S151: = MAX), the processing of steps S152 to S153 is not performed, and the processing proceeds to step S154.

When the main control CPU 600a proceeds to processing of step S154, it checks whether the normal symbol win activation flag is set to ON, i.e., whether the normal symbol win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S154). If the normal symbol win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S154: ON), it determines that the normal symbol is winning, updates the display data for the normal symbol (step S163), and then ends the normal symbol processing.

On the other hand, if the normal symbol hit operation flag is not set to 5AH (step S154: OFF), the process state indicating the behavior of the normal symbol, i.e., the value of the normal symbol operation status flag, is checked (step S155). Then, if the normal symbol operation status flag is 00H, the main control CPU 600a determines that the state is before the normal symbol starts to change, and proceeds to step S156, where it is checked whether the number of balls reserved for the start of the normal symbol is 0 (step S156).

The main control CPU 600a checks the main control RAM 600c in which the number of reserved balls for starting normal symbols is stored, and if it determines that it is 0 (step S156: = 0), it updates the display data for the normal symbols (step S163) and ends the normal symbol processing. On the other hand, if it determines that it is not 0 (step S156: ≠ 0), it subtracts 1 from the number of reserved balls for starting normal symbols (step S157).

Then, the main control CPU 600a performs a hit determination of the random number value corresponding to the number of balls reserved for the normal symbol stored in the main control RAM 600c using the normal symbol hit determination table NPP_TBL shown in FIG. 38(a). That is, if the normal symbol probability change flag indicating the game state is OFF, the main control CPU 600a determines whether the random number value is equal to or greater than the lower limit value (249 in the figure) and equal to or less than the upper limit value (250 in the figure) of the normal symbol hit determination table NPP_TBL (normal state) shown in FIG. 38(a), and if it is equal to or greater than the lower limit value and equal to or less than the upper limit value, it sets the normal symbol hit determination flag to 5AH and turns it ON. In all other cases, the normal symbol hit determination flag is turned OFF.

On the other hand, if the normal symbol winning probability flag indicating the game state is ON, a determination is made as to whether the random number value is equal to or greater than the lower limit (4 in the figure) and equal to or less than the upper limit (250 in the figure) of the normal symbol winning determination table NPP_TBL (winning probability state) shown in FIG. 38(a), and if it is equal to or greater than the lower limit and equal to or less than the upper limit, the normal symbol winning determination flag is set to 5AH and turned ON. In all other cases, a process is performed to set the normal symbol winning determination flag to OFF (step S158).

Thus, the main control CPU 600a determines the stopping pattern (normal stopping pattern) based on the lottery result determined by the random number lottery process (step S159).

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the normal pattern time-saving flag, which shortens the normal pattern fluctuation time, is set to ON, and if it is set to ON, it sets the normal pattern fluctuation timer to a corresponding fluctuation time, and if it is set to OFF, it performs processing to set the normal pattern fluctuation timer to the normal fluctuation time (step S160).

Next, the main control CPU 600a shifts the memory area of the main control RAM 600c in which the random number value used to select the winning or losing normal symbol corresponding to the initial reserved number of balls for the normal symbol is stored (step S161). In other words, if a maximum of four regular pattern start reserved balls can be reserved, the random number value used for the lottery for the regular pattern corresponding to the regular pattern start reserved ball number of four is shifted to the main control RAM 600c in which the random number value used for the lottery for the regular pattern corresponding to the regular pattern start reserved ball number of three is stored, the random number value used for the lottery for the regular pattern corresponding to the regular pattern start reserved ball number of three is shifted to the main control RAM 600c in which the random number value used for the lottery for the regular pattern corresponding to the regular pattern start reserved ball number of two is stored, and the random number value used for the lottery for the regular pattern corresponding to the regular pattern start reserved ball number of two is shifted to the main control RAM 600c in which the random number value used for the lottery for the regular pattern corresponding to the regular pattern start reserved ball number of one is stored.

After this process, the main control CPU 600a sets the normal symbol operation status flag used in step S155 above to 01H, and performs a process of setting the main control RAM 600c, in which the random number value used to select the winning or losing lottery for the normal symbol corresponding to the initial reserved ball count of 4 for the normal symbol, to 00H (step S162).

After completing the processing of step S162, the main control CPU 600a updates the display data for the normal symbol (step S163) and ends the normal symbol processing.

On the other hand, if the processing state indicating the behavior of the normal symbol, i.e., the value of the normal symbol operation status flag, is 01H in step S155, the main control CPU 600a determines that the normal symbol is changing, proceeds to step S164, and checks whether the normal symbol change timer is 0 or not (step S164). If the normal symbol change timer is not 0 (step S164: ≠ 0), the display data of the normal symbol is updated (step S163), and the normal symbol processing is terminated. Then, if the normal symbol change timer is 0 (step S164: = 0), the main control CPU 600a sets the normal symbol operation status flag used in step S155 to 02H, and sets the normal symbol change timer to, for example, about 600 ms in order to maintain the result of the lottery for the normal symbol for a certain period of time (step S165).

After completing the processing of step S165, the main control CPU 600a updates the display data for the normal symbol (step S163) and ends the normal symbol processing.

On the other hand, in step S155, if the processing state indicating the behavior of the normal symbol, i.e., the value of the normal symbol operation status flag, is 02H, the main control CPU 600a judges that the normal symbol is in the confirmation time (the normal symbol fluctuation has ended and is stopped), and proceeds to step S166 to check whether the normal symbol fluctuation timer is 0 or not (step S166). If the normal symbol fluctuation timer is not 0 (step S166: ≠ 0), the display data of the normal symbol is updated (step S163), and the normal symbol processing is terminated. Then, if the normal symbol fluctuation timer is 0 (step S166: = 0), the main control CPU 600a sets the normal symbol operation status flag used in step S155 to 00H (step S167), and checks whether the normal symbol hit determination flag is set to ON (5AH is set) (step S168).

As a result, if the normal symbol hit determination flag is set to OFF (5AH is not set) (step S168: OFF), the main control CPU 600a updates the display data for the normal symbol (step S163) and ends the normal symbol processing. Then, if the normal symbol hit determination flag is set to ON (5AH is set) (step S168: ON), the main control CPU 600a sets the normal symbol hit activation flag used in step S154 to ON (5AH is set) (step S169), and then ends the normal symbol processing.

<Main control: Explanation of special pattern processing>
Next, the special symbol process will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 32, the special symbol processing first checks whether or not a game ball (winning ball) has been detected at the special symbol 1 start hole switch 44a (see FIG. 4) of the special symbol 1 start hole 44 (see FIG. 2) (step S200), and then checks whether or not a game ball (winning ball) has been detected at the special symbol 2 start hole switch 45a1 (see FIG. 4) of the special symbol 2 start hole 45a (see FIG. 2) (step S201).

<Main control: Special pattern processing: Explanation of starting port check processing>
This process will be explained in detail with reference to Fig. 33. The main control CPU 600a checks whether the game ball has entered (won) the special symbol 1 start hole 44 or the special symbol 2 start hole 45a, that is, checks the level of the special symbol 1 start hole switch 44a of the special symbol 1 start hole 44 or the special symbol 2 start hole switch 45a1 of the special symbol 2 start hole 45a (step S250). If the game ball has not entered (won) (step S250: NO), the special symbol process ends.

On the other hand, if a game ball is detected to have entered the game (winning) (step S250: YES), the main control CPU 600a checks whether the number of start-reserved balls that will trigger a change in the special pattern is a predetermined number stored in the main control RAM 600c (step S251). If the number of start-reserved balls is less than four (step S251: ≠ MAX), the number of start-reserved balls is incremented by one (+1) (step S252).

Next, the main control CPU 600a stores the random number value used when the special symbol stops, the random number value for the variation pattern, and the random number value for determining a jackpot in the main control RAM 600c, which stores the number of start-up reserved balls that trigger the variation of the special symbol (step 253).

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks the current game state (whether the special symbol jackpot determination flag is set to ON, etc.) and determines whether or not pre-reading is prohibited (step S254). If pre-reading is not prohibited (step S254: NO), the main control CPU 600a obtains the random number value for jackpot determination used in the lottery to determine whether the special symbol will win or lose, which was stored in the main control RAM 600c in step S253 (step S255), and further obtains a random number determination table for winning at the start port (not shown) (step S256).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a lottery using the random number value for determining a jackpot obtained in step S255 and the random number determination table (not shown) for determining whether a symbol has entered the starting hole obtained in step S256, and performs a lottery for a special symbol based on the lottery result by referring to the symbol allocation table M_ZF_TBL shown in Fig. 13(b). Furthermore, the type of jackpot (rank-up bonus hit, normal jackpot, etc.) is determined using the random number value for the special symbol stored in the main control RAM 600c in step S253, and a fluctuation pattern is determined using the fluctuation pattern allocation table M_HP_TBL shown in Fig. 13(c) using the random number value for the fluctuation pattern, and a special symbol starting hole winning command is generated accordingly (step S257). At this time, not only the big win lottery but also the small win lottery is held, and the type of small win is determined using the random number value for the special pattern described above, or a different random number value from the random number value for the special pattern, and the fluctuation pattern is determined using a random number value for the fluctuation pattern, and a special pattern start hole winning command is generated accordingly.

Next, the main control CPU 600a generates a lower byte start pending addition command corresponding to the special pattern start opening winning command generated above (step S258).

On the other hand, the main control CPU 600a ends the processing of step S258 above, or if the first or second start reserved ball count of special pattern 1 or 2 is 4 or more in step S251 above (step S251: = MAX), or if pre-reading is prohibited (step S254: YES), it generates a start reserved addition command in the upper byte according to the increased number of start reserved balls (step S259).

Next, the main control CPU 600a combines the lower byte start pending addition command generated in step S258 above with the upper byte start pending addition command generated in step S259 above, and transmits the combined command as a start pending addition command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80 (step S260).

<Main control: Explanation of special pattern processing>
Thus, when the processing of steps S200 and S201 shown in Fig. 32 is completed, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the special symbol small win activation flag is set to ON, that is, whether the special symbol small win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S202). If the special symbol small win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S202: ON), it is determined that the special symbol is in a small win, and after updating the display data of the special symbol (step S208), the special symbol processing is completed.

On the other hand, if the special symbol small win activation flag is not set to 5AH (step S202: OFF), it is checked whether the special symbol big win activation flag is set to ON, i.e., whether the special symbol big win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S203). If the special symbol big win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S203: ON), it is determined that the special symbol is in a big win, and after updating the display data for the special symbol (step S208), the special symbol processing is terminated.

On the other hand, if the special symbol jackpot activation flag is not set to 5AH (step S203: OFF), the processing state indicating the behavior of the special symbol, i.e., the value of the special symbol operation status flag, is checked (step S204). To explain in more detail, if the value of the special symbol operation status flag is 00H or 01H, the main control CPU 600a determines that the special symbol is waiting to change (indicating that the special symbol has not changed and is waiting for the next change), and performs special symbol change start processing (step S205).

<Main control: Special symbol processing: Explanation of special symbol variation start processing>
This process will be explained in detail with reference to Fig. 34. The main control CPU 600a checks whether the start reserved ball count, which is the trigger for the special symbol to change, is 0 or not (step S300). That is, the main control CPU 600a checks whether it is stored in the main control RAM 600c, and if it determines that the start reserved ball count is 0 (step S300: = 0), it checks whether the value of the special symbol operation status flag is 00H or not (step S301). If the value of the special symbol operation status flag is 00H (step S301: YES), the special symbol change start process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the value of the special pattern operation status flag is not 00H (step S301: NO), the main control CPU 600a sends a customer waiting demo command to the sub-control board 80 (see Figure 4) as a performance control command DI_CMD (step S302).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the special pattern operation status flag to 00H (step S303) and ends the special pattern change start process.

On the other hand, if the main control CPU 600a determines that the number of start-up pending balls is not 0 (step S300: ≠ 0), it subtracts 1 from the start-up pending ball count (-1) (step S304) and sends a start-up pending subtraction command to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) as a performance control command DI_CMD (step S305).

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks the value of the special pattern time-saving count counter described below, and sends a time-saving count command to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) as a performance control command DI_CMD (step S306).

Next, the main control CPU 600a shifts the memory area in the main control RAM 600c in which the random number values used when the special symbol stops, the random number values for the variable pattern, and the random number values for determining a jackpot (see step S253 in FIG. 33) are stored (step S307), and sets 0 to the area in the main control RAM 600c in which the random number values used to determine whether the special symbol corresponding to start hold 4 has been selected (step S308).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs hit determination processing (step S309).

<Main control: Special pattern processing: Win determination processing explanation>
This process will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 35. The main control CPU 600a acquires a random number value for determining a jackpot from the main control RAM 600c in which the random number value for determining a jackpot (see step S253 in Figure 33) is stored (step S370).

Next, the main control CPU 600a acquires the address of the winning determination table corresponding to the changing special symbol. That is, it acquires the address of the special symbol big winning determination table SDH_TBL shown in FIG. 38(b) and the special symbol small winning determination table SDP_TBL shown in FIG. 38(c) (step S371).

Next, the main control CPU 600a changes the acquired address to the address where the judgment value is stored (step S372).

Next, the main control CPU 600a acquires information as to whether the judgment value differs for each set value (step S373), and checks the value of the acquired information (step S374). If the acquired value is "0" (step S374: = 0), the process proceeds to step S377. If the acquired value is not "0" (step S374: ≠ 0), the main control CPU 600a acquires the set value of the probability of generating a special game state advantageous to the player (for example, a set value of "00H" to "05H" corresponding to "1" to "6") stored in the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 4) (step S375).

Next, the main control CPU 600a changes the address where the judgment value corresponding to the acquired setting value is stored (step S376).

Next, the main control CPU 600a obtains a judgment value from the current address (step S377).

Next, the main control CPU 600a changes the address to the first address where the next determination value is stored (step S378) and compares the obtained random number value for determining a jackpot with the obtained determination value (step S379).

Next, if the acquired random number value for determining a jackpot is not smaller than the acquired determination value (step S380: NO), the main control CPU 600a returns to the processing of step S373 and repeats the processing of steps S373 to S380 until the acquired random number value for determining a jackpot becomes smaller than the acquired determination value (step S380: YES).

Next, if the acquired random number value for determining a big win becomes smaller than the acquired determination value (step S380: YES), the main control CPU 600a acquires a special symbol big win determination flag and a special symbol small win determination flag according to the game status (step S381), and ends the win determination process.

<Main control: Special symbol processing: Explanation of special symbol variation start processing>
Thus, after completing the above-mentioned winning determination process (step S309), the main control CPU 600a uses the random number value used when stopping the special pattern stored in the main control RAM 600c in step S253 of Figure 33 to conduct a lottery by referring to the pattern allocation table M_ZF_TBL shown in Figure 13 (b), and generates a stopping pattern for the special pattern according to the lottery result (step S310).

Then, the main control CPU 600a prepares to transition to a game state such as a normal state, a time-saving state, a latent high probability state, or a high probability state (step S311). Note that here, in the event of a jackpot, flag data is prepared in advance for turning ON a flag corresponding to the game state after the transition, among the normal symbol time-saving flag, the normal symbol high probability flag, the special symbol time-saving flag, the special symbol high probability flag, and the easy-to-win flag, which are set after the jackpot. In addition, the number of time-saving times to be set in the special symbol time-saving times counter and the number of high probability times to be set in the special symbol high probability times counter are also prepared. Note that the easy-to-win flag is a flag that indicates whether the game state is a time-saving game state or not.

Then, the main control CPU 600a uses the random number value for the variation pattern stored in the main control RAM 600c in step S253 of FIG. 33 to perform a lottery by referring to the variation pattern allocation table M_HP_TBL shown in FIG. 13(c), generates a variation pattern of the special symbol according to the lottery result, and transmits the variation pattern command of the generated variation pattern of the special symbol to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) as a performance control command DI_CMD (step S312). Note that in this step S312, the main control CPU 600a sets the variation time in the special symbol variation timer.

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the special pattern changing flag to 5AH and turns it ON (step S313).

Next, the main control CPU 600a generates a pattern designation command that designates the special pattern to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 (step S314), and performs processing to transmit the generated pattern designation command to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) as a performance control command DI_CMD (step S315).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the special pattern operation status flag to 02H (step S316) and ends the special pattern change start process.

<Main control: Explanation of special pattern processing>
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 32, when the value of the special pattern operation status flag is 02H, the main control CPU 600a determines that the special pattern is changing (indicating that the special pattern is currently changing), and performs special pattern changing processing (step S206).

<Main control: Special pattern processing: Explanation of processing during special pattern fluctuation>
This process will be explained in detail with reference to Fig. 36. First, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the time set in the special symbol fluctuation timer in step S312 in Fig. 34 has elapsed, i.e., whether it has reached 0 (step S400). If the special symbol fluctuation timer is not 0 (step S400: NO), the main control CPU 600a ends the special symbol fluctuation process.

On the other hand, if the special pattern change timer is 0 (step S400: YES), the main control CPU 600a sends a pattern determination command to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) as a performance control command DI_CMD (step S401).

The main control CPU 600a then sets the special symbol operation status flag to 03H and the special symbol changing flag to 00H. The main control CPU 600a then sets the special symbol changing timer to, for example, about 500 ms in order to maintain the result of the special symbol winning/losing lottery for a certain period of time (step S402). The main control CPU 600a then ends the special symbol changing process.

<Main control: Explanation of special pattern processing>
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 32, if the value of the special pattern operation status flag is 03H, the main control CPU 600a determines that the special pattern is being confirmed (indicating that the special pattern fluctuation has ended and is stopped), and performs processing during the special pattern confirmation time (step S207).

<Main control: Special pattern processing: Explanation of processing during special pattern confirmation time>
This process will be explained in detail with reference to Fig. 37. First, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the time set in the special symbol fluctuation timer in step S312 in Fig. 34 has elapsed, i.e., whether it has reached 0 (step S450). If the special symbol fluctuation timer is not 0 (step S450 ≠ 0), the main control CPU 600a ends the special symbol confirmation time process.

On the other hand, if the special symbol fluctuation timer is 0 (step S450 = 0), the main control CPU 600a sets the special symbol operation status flag to 01H (step S451) and checks whether the special symbol jackpot determination flag is set to ON (whether 5AH is set) (step S452). If the special symbol jackpot determination flag is set to ON (if 5AH is set) (step S452: YES), the special symbol jackpot determination flag is set to 00H, the special symbol jackpot operation flag is set to 5AH, the normal symbol time reduction flag is set to 00H, the normal symbol probability change flag is set to 00H, the special symbol time reduction flag is set to 00H, the special symbol probability change flag is set to 00H, and the easy winning flag is set to 00H. Furthermore, the main control CPU 600a performs a process of setting the special symbol time-saving count counter described below to 0000H and the special symbol probability change count counter to 00H (step S453), and ends the special symbol confirmation time process.

On the other hand, if the special symbol big win judgment flag is not set to ON (5AH is not set) (step S452: NO), the main control CPU 600a checks whether the special symbol small win judgment flag is set to ON (5AH is set) (step S454). If the special symbol small win judgment flag is set to ON (5AH is set) (step S454: YES), the special symbol small win judgment flag is set to 00H, and the special symbol small win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S455). At this time, the normal symbol time-saving flag, the special symbol time-saving flag, and the easy winning flag are set to ON (5AH is set), and the special symbol time-saving count counter is set to the number of time-saving times.

After completing the processing of step S455 above, or if the special pattern small win determination flag is not set to ON (if 5AH is not set) (step S454: NO), the main control CPU 600a checks whether the value of the special pattern time-saving counter is 0 (step S456).

If the value of the special symbol time-saving count counter is not 0 (step S456: NO), the value of the special symbol time-saving count counter is decremented by 1 (-1) (step S457), and the main control CPU 600a checks again whether the value of the special symbol time-saving count counter is 0 or not (step S458). If the value of the special symbol time-saving count counter is 0 (step S458: YES), the normal symbol time-saving flag is set to 00H, the normal symbol probability variable flag is set to 00H, the easy win flag is set to 00H, and the normal symbol time-saving flag is set to 00H (step S459).

After completing the processing of step S459 above, or if the value of the special pattern time-saving count counter is 0 (step S456: YES), or if the value of the special pattern time-saving count counter is not 0 (step S458: NO), the main control CPU 600a checks whether the value of the special pattern probability change count counter is 0 (step S460). If the value of the special pattern probability change count counter is 0 (step S460: YES), the processing during the special pattern confirmation time is terminated.

On the other hand, if the value of the special symbol probability change counter is not 0 (step S460: NO), the main control CPU 600a subtracts 1 (-1) from the value of the special symbol probability change counter (step S461) and checks again whether the value of the special symbol probability change counter is 0 (step S462). If the value of the special symbol probability change counter is not 0 (step S462: NO), the process during the special symbol confirmation time ends.

On the other hand, if the value of the special symbol probability change count counter is 0 (step S462: YES), the main control CPU 600a performs processing to set the normal symbol time-saving flag to 00H, the normal symbol probability change flag to 00H, the easy win flag to 00H, the special symbol time-saving flag to 00H, and the special symbol probability change flag to 00H (step S463), and ends the processing during the special symbol confirmation time.

<Main control: Explanation of special pattern processing>
Thus, when the processing of any one of steps S205, S206, and S207 shown in FIG. 32 is completed, the main control CPU 600a updates the display data of the special symbol (step S208), and then ends the special symbol processing.

<Description of the processing contents of the sub-control board>
Next, the method of processing the performance contents described with reference to Figures 6 to 12 and Figures 14 to 25 above will be specifically explained with reference to the processing contents (program outline) of the sub-control board 80 shown in Figures 39 to 43.

First, when the power is turned on to the pachinko game machine 1, a power-on signal is sent from the power supply board 130 (see FIG. 4) to each control board to indicate that power has been turned on. Then, upon receiving this signal, the sub-control CPU 800a performs the main processing shown in FIG. 39.

<Sub-control: Explanation of main process>
As shown in Fig. 39, the sub-control CPU 800a first initializes the internal registers and sets the input/output direction of the input/output ports. It then sets the data sent from the output port set in the output direction to be transferred serially (step S1000).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a initializes the memory area in the sub-control RAM 800c that stores the performance control command DI_CMD received from the main control board 60 (see FIG. 4) (step S1001). The sub-control CPU 800a then performs interrupt permission setting processing for the input port that receives the interrupt signal from the main control board 60 (step S1002).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a initializes the memory areas in the sub-control RAM 800c used as a working area and stack area (step S1003), and issues an initialization command to the sound LSI 801 (see FIG. 4). This causes the sound LSI 801 to initialize the registers provided therein (step S1004).

The sub-control CPU 800a then checks the memory area in the sub-control RAM 800c in which the motor data for operating the motors (not shown) that operate the top, left, right, and top left movable parts 43a to 43d (see FIG. 2) is stored to determine whether an abnormality has occurred in the motors (not shown). If abnormal data is stored, the sub-control CPU 800a issues a command to return the motors to their origin position (retracted position). This causes the top, left, right, and top left movable parts 43a to 43d to return to their initial positions (step S1005).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a sets the CTC (Counter Timer Circuit) that is provided inside and has functions such as generating a pulse output at a constant period and measuring time. In other words, the sub-control CPU 800a sets the time constant register of the CTC so that a timer interrupt occurs periodically every 1 ms (step S1006).

Then, the sub-control CPU 800a performs a checksum calculation, which is an 8-bit addition calculation, on the working area of the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1007), and compares the checksum calculation value with the checksum calculation value calculated in the memory backup (see step S1015) described below and stored in the sub-control RAM 800c to confirm whether they match (step S1008). If they do not match (step S1008: NO), a process is performed to clear all areas in the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1009).

On the other hand, if there is a match (step S1008: YES) or after completing the processing of step S1009, the sub-control CPU 800a disables the watchdog timer function (not shown) (step S1010) and refreshes the hardware of the sub-control CPU 800a, VDP 803, etc. (step S1011).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a reads the presentation control command DI_CMD received from the main control board 60 (see FIG. 4) stored in the memory area of the sub-control RAM 800c, and determines by lottery a presentation pattern corresponding to the contents of the command from among a large number of presentation patterns pre-stored in the sub-control ROM 800b (step S1012). At this time, if the winning chance notification is set to ON, the sub-control CPU 800a refers to the winning chance notification lottery table SB_NH_TBL shown in FIG. 14 to perform a lottery for the winning chance notification.

When the winning chance notification is set to OFF and the look-ahead expectation increase is set to OFF, the sub-control CPU 800a refers to the look-ahead reserve change table SB_SYH_TBL1 shown in FIG. 15(a) and performs a lottery regarding reserve changes. Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 800a refers to the look-ahead zone performance table SB_SYZ_TBL1 shown in FIG. 15(b) and performs a lottery regarding zone performance.

On the other hand, when the winning chance notification is set to ON, or when the winning chance notification is set to OFF and the pre-reading expectation increase is set to ON, the sub-control CPU 800a refers to the pre-reading reserve change table SB_SYH_TBL2 shown in FIG. 17(a) and performs a lottery regarding the reserve change. Furthermore, it refers to the pre-reading zone performance table SB_SYZ_TBL2 shown in FIG. 17(b) and performs a lottery regarding the zone performance.

On the other hand, when the winning chance notification is set to OFF, the sub-control CPU 800a refers to the step-up notification table SB_STU_TBL1 shown in FIG. 18(a) and performs a lottery for the step-up notification. On the other hand, when the winning chance notification is set to ON, the sub-control CPU 800a refers to the step-up notification table SB_STU_TBL2 shown in FIG. 18(b) and performs a lottery for the step-up notification.

On the other hand, when the pre-read expectation increase is set to OFF during the RUSH state, the sub-control CPU 800a refers to the first pre-read reserve change table SB_D1SYH_TBL shown in FIG. 19(a) and conducts a lottery regarding the reserve change.

On the other hand, when the pre-read expectation increase is set to ON during the RUSH state, the sub-control CPU 800a refers to the second pre-read reserve change table SB_D2SYH_TBL shown in FIG. 19(b) and conducts a lottery regarding the reserve change.

On the other hand, when the pre-reading expectation increase is set to OFF during the RUSH state, the sub-control CPU 800a refers to the first pre-reading chance eye prediction table SB_D1SYC_TBL shown in FIG. 20(a) and conducts a lottery regarding the pre-reading chance eye prediction.

On the other hand, when the pre-reading expectation increase is set to ON during the RUSH state, the sub-control CPU 800a refers to the second pre-reading chance eye prediction table SB_D2SYC_TBL shown in FIG. 20(b) and conducts a lottery regarding the pre-reading chance eye prediction.

Thus, in step S1012, a lottery is held to select various effects.

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a performs a process to analyze the input contents of the setting button 15 or the effect button device 13 obtained in the timer interrupt process described below (step S1013). Specifically, the sub-control CPU 800a analyzes whether the setting button 15 or the effect button device 13 was pressed by the player at the moment it was released, or whether it was still pressed.

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the operation of the top, left, right, and top left movable parts 43a to 43d (see FIG. 2), controls the lighting or extinguishing of the decorative lamps such as LED lamps, which are light-emitting means mounted on the decorative lamp board 90 (see FIG. 4), controls the speaker 17, and controls the images displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 (step S1014), based on the performance pattern determined by lottery in step S1012. As a result, the sound effect (SE) "Beep!" (see SE1) shown in FIG. 6 (b-2), FIG. 9 (c) to (d), and FIG. 10 (c) to (d) is emitted from the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1. In addition, in this step S1014, a process is performed to determine whether to start, stop, or continue the measurement of the residence time timer. As a result, the sub-control CPU 800a transmits to the VDP 803 a command list relating to an image (video) to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, which is information corresponding to the value of the dwell time timer. As a result, the VDP 803 generates image (video) data to display an image based on the command list, and transmits the generated image (video) data to the liquid crystal display device 41, so that the dwell time as shown in Figures 25(b) to (e), (g), and (h) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41.

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a performs a checksum calculation, which is an 8-bit addition operation on the working area of the sub-control RAM 800c, and performs memory backup processing to store the checksum calculation value in the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1015).

Then, the sub-control CPU 800a checks whether a VSYNC interrupt signal has been sent from the VDP 803 to the sub-control CPU 800a (step S1016). If a VSYNC interrupt signal has not been sent (step S1016: NO), the sub-control CPU 800a repeats the process of step S1016 until a VSYNC interrupt signal is sent, and when a VSYNC interrupt signal is sent (step S1016: YES), the process returns to step S1007 again and repeats the processes of steps S1007 to S1016.

<Sub-control: Data analysis processing>
Next, the data analysis process of step S1014 of the main process will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 40. First, the sub-control CPU 800a generates a command list for generating image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 by the VDP 803, based on the performance scenario data corresponding to the performance pattern determined by lottery in step S1012 (step S1050).

Next, if the performance scenario data contains data indicating that a performance produced by pressing the performance button device 13 is enabled or data indicating that a performance produced by repeatedly hitting the setting button 15 is enabled, the sub-control CPU 800a stores the data in a memory area within the sub-control RAM 800c.

Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 800a performs processing to generate a control signal related to light based on the data contents of the lamp data stored in the above-mentioned performance scenario data, and store the signal in the sub-control RAM 800c. At this time, the light intensity setting described with reference to FIG. 12 is also taken into consideration.

The sub-control CPU 800a also determines the operation content of the upper, left, right, and upper left movable props 43a to 43d based on the data content of the movable prop data stored in the performance scenario data, and generates motor data for the motor (not shown) of the movable prop device 43 according to the determined operation content.

Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 800a generates a control signal related to sound based on the data content of the sound data stored in the performance scenario data (step S1051). At this time, the volume setting described with reference to FIG. 12 is also taken into consideration.

Thus, the sub-control CPU 800a repeats the processing of steps S1050 and S1051 described above until all data based on the presentation pattern determined by lottery in step S1012 shown in FIG. 40 has been generated (step S1052: NO), and when all of the data has been generated (step S1052: YES), it proceeds to processing of step S1053.

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a performs button-enabled processing based on the contents stored in the sub-control RAM 800c in step S1051 and the input contents of the setting button 15 or the effect button device 13 processed in step S1013 shown in FIG. 39 (step S1053). At this time, the effect customization settings described with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 24 are performed.

<Sub-control: command reception interrupt processing>
Next, referring to Figure 41, we will explain the processing that occurs when a performance control command DI_CMD and an interrupt signal are sent from the main control board 60 while such main processing is being executed.

As shown in FIG. 41, when the sub-control CPU 800a receives the interrupt signal, it executes a save process to save the contents of each register to a stack area in the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1100). The sub-control CPU 800a then reads the register of the input port that received the performance control command DI_CMD (step S1101) and calculates a pointer indicating the address of the command transmission/reception memory area in the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1102).

Then, the sub-control CPU 800a again reads the register of the input port that received the performance control command DI_CMD (step S1103) and checks whether the value read in step S1101 matches the value read in step S1103. If they do not match (step S1104: NO), the process proceeds to step S1107. If they match (step S1104: YES), the performance control command DI_CMD received from the main control board 60 is stored in the address corresponding to the calculated pointer (step S1105). This stored performance control command DI_CMD is read out by the sub-control CPU 800a when processing step S1012 shown in FIG. 39.

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a updates the pointer indicating the address of the command transmission/reception memory area in the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1106), and restores the registers saved in the processing of step S1100 (step S1107). This causes the process to return to the main processing shown in FIG. 39.

<Sub-control: Timer interrupt processing>
Next, referring to FIG. 42, a process to be performed when a timer interrupt occurs every 1 ms, which is set in step S1006 (see FIG. 39) of the main process, will be described.

As shown in FIG. 42, when a timer interrupt occurs every 1 ms, the sub-control CPU 800a executes a save process to save the contents of each register to the stack area in the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1150).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a twice acquires the data of the setting button 15, the data of the performance button device 13, the motor data of the movable role device 43, etc. (step S1151), and checks whether the data acquired twice matches (step S1152). If the data does not match (step S1152: NO), the sub-control CPU 800a repeats the processing of step S1151 until the data matches, and if the data matches (step S1152: YES), it stores the matching data in the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1153).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a receives a signal from the setting button 15 or the effect button device 13 (step S1154). This received signal is analyzed by the button analysis process of step S1013 shown in FIG. 39.

Then, the sub-control CPU 800a transmits the light-related control signal stored in the sub-control RAM 800c in step S1051 shown in FIG. 40 to the decorative lamp board 90 (see FIG. 4) (step S1155). This causes the "Bobo Shogun" logo on the upper decoration 42a shown in FIGS. 6 to 10 and 16 to be lit. At this time, the control signal required to turn on or off the identification lamp device 51A (see FIG. 2) is also transmitted.

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a restores the registers that were saved in step S1150 (step S1156). This returns to the main processing shown in FIG. 39.

<Sub-control: Command list>
The command list generated in step S1050 shown in FIG. 40 will now be described in detail with reference to FIG.

This command list is a sequence of commands for the VDP 803 (command parser 8035), but the contents and order of the commands differ slightly depending on whether you are instructing the drawing of a video or a still image.

When instructing VDP803 to draw a video, the initial command list is as shown in Figure 43(a) and the regular command list is as shown in Figure 43(b).

As shown in FIG. 43(a), the sub-control CPU 800a first generates a command to set the memory area of the DDR2 SDRAM 804 in which the frame buffer area is set, and the memory area of the DDR2 SDRAM 804 in which video data is stored (step S1200).

Next, a command is generated to instruct the decoding of the video (step S1201). Specifically, this is an instruction as to which compressed video data to decode, along with the address of the CG data storage area in the game ROM 805 where the relevant video is stored, the number of frames of that video, etc.

Next, the command for the termination process is entered to complete the generation of the initial command list (step S1202).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a generates the regular command list shown in FIG. 43(b).

As shown in FIG. 43(b), this steady-state command list is composed of video rendering instructions, and in the initial command list, a command is generated to determine which frame number of the decoded data is to be rendered at which coordinate position on the liquid crystal display device 41 for the decoded video data (step S1203). Next, a termination command is entered to complete the generation of the steady-state command list (step S1204).

On the other hand, when instructing the VDP 803 to draw a still image, as shown in FIG. 43(c), the sub-control CPU 800a first generates a command to set the memory area of the DDR2 SDRAM 804 in which the frame buffer area is set (step S1210).

Next, a command is generated to instruct decoding of the still image (step S1211). Specifically, this is an instruction as to which still image compressed data to decode, and is instructed together with the address and data size of the CG data storage area of the game ROM 805 where the corresponding still image is stored.

Next, a command is generated to indicate at what coordinate position on the liquid crystal display device 41 the decoded still image data should be drawn, and in what manner (rotation angle, reduction/enlargement, etc.) (step S1212). Next, a termination command is entered, completing the generation of the command list for still images (step S1213).

These command lists for moving images and still images are sent to the VDP 803 (see FIG. 4), processed appropriately, and then sent to the liquid crystal display device 41. As a result, the images shown in FIGS. 5 to 10, 16, and 22 to 25 are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41.

Therefore, through the above-mentioned processing, the performance contents described with reference to Figures 6 to 12 and Figures 14 to 25 are executed.

According to the present embodiment described above, by equipping the gaming machine with the functions that players desire, it is possible to provide gaming content that satisfies players, thereby providing a gaming machine with a variety of presentations.

<Description of Modifications>
In this embodiment, the sound LSI 801 and the VDP 803 are configured separately, but they may be integrated into one chip.

In addition, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which the sub-control CPU 800a is provided within the sub one-chip microcomputer 800, but this is not limiting, and the sub-control CPU 800a may be provided within the VDP 803.

1 Pachinko game machine 15 Setting button (performance setting means)
600a Main control CPU (read-ahead determination means)
600c Main control RAM (hold storage means)
800a Sub-control CPU (changing means)
SB_SYH_TBL2 Read-ahead reserved change table SB_D2SYH_TBL Second read-ahead reserved change table

Claims (1)

a reservation storage means for storing up to a predetermined upper limit number of start reservations for changing the identification information when a predetermined start condition is satisfied and multiple types of identification information are changed, the start condition being satisfied but not yet started;
A look-ahead determination means for performing a look-ahead determination on the start-up hold before a change to the start-up hold is started;
A special effect that is started with a change prior to the change effect for the start hold of the pre-reading judgment target and is started when the start condition is established;
A special performance that is started with a change prior to the change performance for the start hold of the pre-reading judgment target and is executed with a plurality of changes including the change performance for the start hold of the pre-reading judgment target;
A performance setting means for setting a predetermined performance based on an operation by a player,
The effect setting means is capable of setting whether or not the special effect is to be made to appear, and further
The effect setting means is capable of setting whether or not to change the expectation level for a winning game state in the special effect in a normal game state and in an advantageous state advantageous to a player,
When the effect setting means is set to change the expectation level for a winning game state in the special effect, the expectation level for a winning game state for the special effect in the advantageous state is higher than the expectation level for a winning game state for the special effect in the normal game state ,
When the special effect is set to be able to appear by the effect setting means, the rate at which the special effect is selected in a reach effect with a high expectation of a winning game state in the case of a win is higher than the rate at which the special effect is selected in a reach effect with a high expectation of a winning game state in the case of a win .

Images