JP7729580B2 - gaming machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines, such as pachinko machines.

Conventional pachinko gaming machines are known to perform a hit determination to determine whether a winning ball has entered the starting slot, and are capable of executing various effects (specific effects) that suggest the possibility of a winning result.

Furthermore, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 below, the frequency (proportion ) of effects can be set arbitrarily by operating the operating means, which allows the player to be entertained by effects set to an appearance frequency that suits the player's preferences.

JP 2014-147628 A

However, in recent years, there are gaming machines that allow players to set percentages for specific effects, as described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, but simply being able to set percentages for specific effects is not interesting. Therefore, there is room for further improvement in order to allow players to enjoy specific effects that suit their preferences.

The gaming machine of the present invention comprises:
a game control means capable of controlling the game to a special game state;
A gaming machine equipped with a performance control means capable of executing a specific performance that suggests the possibility of being controlled to the special gaming state,
The specific effects include a first specific effect and a second specific effect different from the first specific effect,
The percentages related to the specific effects include a first percentage and a second percentage different from the first percentage,
The performance control means
A first ratio selected from a plurality of first ratio stages can be set based on a predetermined operation by a player;
A second ratio selected from a plurality of stages of second ratios can be set based on a predetermined operation by a player;
This gaming machine is characterized in that, when the setting of one selected first ratio and one selected second ratio is completed based on a single specified operation by the player, it is possible to start executing a specific display based on the set first ratio and second ratio.

This invention makes it possible to increase the enjoyment of gaming.

FIG. FIG. A front view showing the second large prize device and other details. FIG. (A) is a front view of the performance unit when the above-board movable device and the below-board movable device are in standby state, and (B) is a front view of the performance unit when the above-board movable device and the below-board movable device are activated. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main control board. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the sub-control board. (A) is a table showing random numbers related to the general map, and (B) is a table showing random numbers related to the special map. (A) is a winning determination table, (B) is a normal game fluctuation pattern determination table, and (C) is an auxiliary game control table. (A) is a jackpot determination table, (B) is a jackpot symbol type determination table, and (C) is a reach determination table. This is a special chart 1 variation pattern determination table. This is a special chart 2 variation pattern determination table. This is a look-ahead determination table. This is a jackpot game control table. FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a presentation mode. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of normal fluctuations in special chart fluctuation effects. This is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of N reach in the special chart change performance. This is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of an SP reach in the special chart change performance. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a hold effect. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a movable object effect. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of an operation presentation. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a customer waiting effect. 10 is a flowchart of a main control process. 10 is a flowchart of a main-side timer interrupt process. 10 is a flowchart of a special action process. 10 is a flowchart of a special symbol waiting process. 10 is a flowchart of a sub-control main process. 10 is a flowchart of a sub-side timer interrupt process according to the first embodiment. This is a special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table for the non-time-saving state, excerpted from the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of a table creation process according to the first embodiment. (A) is an excerpt from the distribution table for LOGO cut-in notices corresponding to SP miss variation 1 and SP jackpot variation 1, (B) is an excerpt from the distribution table for LOGO cut-in notices corresponding to SP miss variation 2 and SP jackpot variation 2, and (C) is an excerpt from the distribution table for LOGO cut-in notices corresponding to SP miss variation 3 and SP jackpot variation 3. (A) is an excerpt from the distribution table of the LOGO background announcement corresponding to SP miss variation 1 and SP jackpot variation 1, (B) is an excerpt from the distribution table of the LOGO background announcement corresponding to SP miss variation 2 and SP jackpot variation 2, and (C) is an excerpt from the distribution table of the LOGO background announcement corresponding to SP miss variation 3 and SP jackpot variation 3. 10 is a flowchart of a received command analysis process according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of a custom setting process according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of a custom setting process according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of a custom setting process according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of the variable effect start processing of the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of the preview performance selection process of the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of the preview performance selection process of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a distribution custom effect. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a distribution custom effect. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a distribution custom effect. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a distribution custom effect. This is a diagram showing an example of a special chart change effect in which a logo cut-in notice is made. This is a diagram showing an example of a special chart change effect in which a logo background announcement is made. 10 is a flowchart of a sub-side timer interrupt process according to the second embodiment. (A) is a table of information regarding LOGO cut-in previews stored in the preview performance memory unit of the second embodiment, and (B) is a table of information regarding LOGO background previews stored in the preview performance memory unit of the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of the preview performance selection process of the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of a logo cut-in notice selection process according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of a logo background preview selection process according to the second embodiment.

A first embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings referred to, identical parts will be given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations of identical parts will generally be omitted. Note that, for the sake of simplicity, this specification may use symbols or signs that refer to information, signals, physical quantities, components, etc., and omit or abbreviate the names of the information, signals, physical quantities, components, etc. corresponding to those symbols or signs. Furthermore, in any of the flowcharts described below, the execution order of multiple processes in any of the steps can be arbitrarily changed or executed in parallel, as long as no inconsistencies occur in the processing content.

1. Structure of the Gaming Machine A pachinko gaming machine PY1, which is a first embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention, will be described below. First, the structure of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described using Figures 1 to 5. In the following description, the left, right, up, and down directions of each part of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 refer to the left, right, up, and down directions (as viewed from the front) of a player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY1. Furthermore, "forward" refers to the direction from the pachinko gaming machine PY1 approaching the player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY1, and "rearward" refers to the direction from the player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY1 approaching the pachinko gaming machine PY1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 comprises a gaming machine frame 2. The gaming machine frame 2 comprises an outer frame 22 and a front door 23 that can be opened and closed relative to the outer frame 22. Furthermore, the front door 23 comprises a gaming board mounting frame 2A to which a gaming board unit YU (described later) is attached, and a front frame 23m that is rotatably supported on the gaming board mounting frame 2A via hinges 2B. The front frame 23m can be opened and closed relative to the gaming board mounting frame 2A. A transparent plate 23t is attached to the front frame 23m. When the front frame 23m is closed, the gaming board 1 attached to the gaming board mounting frame 2A faces the transparent plate 23t. Therefore, when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is installed in a gaming parlor, a player standing in front of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 can see the playing area 6 formed on the gaming board 1 through the transparent plate 23t. The transparent plate 23t can be made of a transparent glass plate, a transparent synthetic resin plate, or the like. It is sufficient that the playing area 6 can be seen from the front of the pachinko gaming machine PY1.

A handle 72k that can be rotated to launch game balls is provided at the lower right of the front of the front frame 23m. The amount by which the handle 72k is rotated (rotation angle) corresponds to the magnitude (launch strength) of the force applied to the game ball to launch it (the amount by which the launch device 72, described below, drives the launch solenoid). Therefore, game balls are launched with a launch strength that corresponds to the rotation of the handle 72k. In addition, a lower decorative body 36 that protrudes significantly forward is provided at the lower center of the front of the front frame 23m. An upper tray 34 is formed on the top surface of the lower decorative body 36 for storing game balls supplied to the handle 72k. In addition, a lower tray 35 is provided at the lower center of the front of the lower decorative body 36 for storing surplus game balls that cannot be accommodated in the upper tray 34.

An operable first input device (hereinafter referred to as the "normal button") 40 is provided on the top surface of the lower decorative body 36, forward of the upper tray 34. The normal button 40 is, for example, a button with a depression surface, a lever with a grip, or the like. Furthermore, an operable second input device (hereinafter referred to as the "special button") 41 is provided on the right decorative body 32, which is formed to protrude forward from the right edge of the surface of the front frame 23m. The special button 41 is, for example, a button with a depression surface, a lever with a grip, or the like. Furthermore, a select button 42 (operation means, input means) is provided on the top surface of the lower decorative body 36, next to the normal button 40. The select button 42 is, for example, a cross key that allows selection in four directions (up, down, left, right).

A speaker 52 capable of outputting sound is provided on the bottom surface of the upper decorative body 31, which protrudes forward from the top of the surface of the front frame 23m. The speaker 52 consists of a left speaker 52L located on the left side and a right speaker 52R located on the right side. Illuminating frame lamps 53 are also provided on the right edge of the front frame 23m and on the left and right sides of the lower tray 35 at the front of the lower decorative body 36. Furthermore, movable frame movable devices 58 are attached to the upper left and right edges of the front frame 23m as presentation devices intended to heighten the enjoyment of the game. The frame movable devices 58 consist of a left frame movable device 58L located on the left side and a right frame movable device 58R located on the right side.

The position and number of components and devices installed on the gaming machine frame 2 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

Next, the game board unit YU will be described mainly using Figures 2 to 5. The game board unit YU has a game board 1 and a presentation unit 1U attached to the back side of the game board 1. First, the game board 1 will be described. The game board 1 is made of a transparent synthetic resin plate. An opening 1A that is roughly circular when viewed from the front is formed in approximately the center of the game board 1. A roughly ring-shaped inner wall portion 1B protrudes forward along the opening 1A to define a play area 6 into which game balls can flow. In addition, a roughly ring-shaped outer wall portion 1C protrudes forward from the outside of the inner wall portion 1B to define the play area 6.

A play area 6 surrounded by an inner wall 1B, an outer wall 1C, etc. is formed on the front of the game board 1. In other words, the front of the game board 1 is divided into the play area 6 and the rest of the area by the inner wall 1B and the outer wall 1C.

The play area 6 is an area into which game balls launched by operating the handle 72k can flow, and is provided for playing games on the pachinko game machine PY1. Numerous game nails (not shown) protrude from the play area 6. The game nails form paths that appropriately guide game balls that enter the play area 6 and flow down the play area 6 to the first start opening 11, second start opening 12, general prize opening 10, gate 13, first large prize opening 14, and second large prize opening 15, which will be described later.

The game area 6 is provided with a first start winning device 11D, which has a first start opening 11 through which a game ball can enter, and a second start winning device (a so-called "electric chute") 12D, which allows or prevents the ball from entering the second start opening 12.

The first start entry device 11D is stationary. Therefore, the ease with which a gaming ball can enter the first start opening 11 remains constant (unchanging). The entry of a gaming ball into the first start opening 11 triggers a lottery for a first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as "Special Symbol 1") (obtaining and determining a random number related to Special Symbol 1, as described below; hereinafter referred to as "Special Symbol 1 lottery") and the variable display of Special Symbol 1. Furthermore, when a gaming ball enters the first start opening 11, a predetermined number of gaming balls (for example, four) are paid out as prize balls.

The electric chute 12D is equipped with an operable electric chute opening/closing member 12k. The electric chute opening/closing member 12k is normally (in its normal state) in a closed position, making it impossible or extremely difficult for a gaming ball to enter the second starting hole 12. When a special state is entered, it moves to an open position, allowing a gaming ball to enter the second starting hole 12. In this way, the movement of the electric chute opening/closing member 12k to the open position is also referred to as the "open state" of the second starting hole 12 or the electric chute 12D, and gaming balls can enter the second starting hole 12 only when it is in the open state. On the other hand, the electric chute opening/closing member 12k in its closed position is also referred to as the "closed state" of the second starting hole 12 or the electric chute 12D. In addition, when the second starting hole 12 or the electric chute 12D is in the "open state," it is also referred to as "the electric chute 12D being open," and when the electric chute 12D is in the "closed state," it is also referred to as "the electric chute 12D being closed."

The entry of a gaming ball into the second starting hole 12 triggers a lottery for a second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as "Special Symbol 2") (obtaining and determining a Special Symbol 2-related random number, described below; hereinafter referred to as "Special Symbol 2 lottery") and the variable display of Special Symbol 2. In addition, when a gaming ball enters the second starting hole 12, a predetermined number of gaming balls (for example, four) are paid out as prize balls.

The gaming area 6 also has a general winning opening 10 through which gaming balls can enter. When a gaming ball enters the general winning opening 10, a predetermined number of gaming balls (e.g., three) are paid out as prize balls.

The game area 6 is also provided with a gate 13 through which the game ball can pass. The passage of the game ball through the gate 13 triggers the drawing of a regular symbol (hereinafter referred to as "regular symbol") (i.e., the acquisition and determination of a regular symbol random number; hereinafter referred to as "regular symbol drawing") and the variable display of the regular symbol. The electric chute 12D is opened when the auxiliary game is played. In other words, the auxiliary game is a game that involves the opening of the electric chute 12D.

The gaming area 6 is also provided with a first large prize device 14D (hereinafter also referred to as "normal AT 14D") that has a first large prize opening 14 through which gaming balls can enter.

The first large prize winning device 14D is equipped with a normal AT opening/closing member 14k that can be operated between an open state and a closed state. The first large prize winning opening 14 is opened and closed by operation of the normal AT opening/closing member 14k. The normal AT opening/closing member 14k is normally in a closed state that blocks the first large prize winning opening 14, making it impossible or extremely difficult for a game ball to enter the first large prize winning opening 14. When the normal AT opening/closing member 14k is operated to the open state, it becomes possible for a game ball to enter the first large prize winning opening 14. In this way, game balls can enter the first large prize winning opening 14 only when the normal AT opening/closing member 14k is in the open state. When a game ball enters the first large prize winning opening 14, a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 14) are paid out as prize balls.

In addition, the game area 6 is provided with a guide stage 12g that guides game balls to the second starting port 12. Game balls rolling on the upper surface of the guide stage 12g can flow down toward the second starting port 12.

The game area 6 is also provided with a second large prize device 15D (hereinafter also referred to as "VAT 15D") having a second large prize opening 15 through which game balls can enter. The second large prize device 15D is equipped with an operable VAT opening/closing member 15k. The VAT opening/closing member 15k normally blocks the second large prize opening 15, making it impossible or extremely difficult for game balls to enter the second large prize opening 15. The VAT opening/closing member 15k can be in an open state. When the VAT opening/closing member 15k is in the open state, game balls can easily enter the second large prize opening 15. On the other hand, the state in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k blocks the second large prize opening 15 is also referred to as a "closed state." In this way, the second large prize opening 15 is opened and closed by the operation of the VAT opening/closing member 15k. When a gaming ball enters the second large winning slot 15, a predetermined number of gaming balls (for example, 14 balls) are paid out as prize balls.

Now, using Figure 3, we will explain the second large prize device 15D in detail. Inside the second large prize device 15D, there is a gate-shaped second large prize opening sensor 15a that detects a gaming ball that has entered the second large prize opening 15 and can allow the gaming ball to pass downward.

In the area downstream of the second large prize opening sensor 15a, there is a specific area 16 and a non-specific area 17 through which game balls can pass (enter). Game balls that pass through the second large prize opening sensor 15a are sorted by a sorting device 16D into either the specific area 16 or the non-specific area 17. The sorting device 16D is equipped with a sorting member 16k consisting of a substantially rectangular flat plate, and a sorting solenoid 16s that drives the sorting member 16k. The sorting member 16k is configured to be slidable left and right by the drive of the sorting solenoid 16s.

When the distribution solenoid 16s is not energized, the distribution member 16k is in a first state (passage-blocking state: when viewed from the front in Figure 3(A) , the left end of the distribution member 16k is located slightly to the right of the left end of the specific area 16, and the distribution member 16k covers the specific area 16 directly above) that prevents game balls from passing through to the specific area 16. When the distribution member 16k is in the first state, after a game ball enters the second large prize opening 15 passes through the second large prize opening sensor 15a, it is impossible or extremely difficult for it to pass through the specific area 16, and it passes through the non-specific area 17. The route of the game ball flowing from the second large prize opening 15 to the non-specific area 17 is called the first route.

On the other hand, when the distribution solenoid 16s is energized, the distribution member 16k is in a second state that allows game balls to pass through (enter) the specific area 16 (passage-permitting state: when viewed from the front in Figure 3 (B), the left end of the distribution member 16k is located slightly to the left of the right end of the specific area 16, the distribution member 16k does not cover the specific area 16 directly above, and the area directly above the specific area 16 is open). When the distribution member 16k is in the second state, a game ball that has entered the second large prize opening 15 can easily pass through the specific area 16 after passing the second large prize opening sensor 15a. The route of the game ball flowing down from the second large prize opening 15 to the specific area 16 is called the second route.

Basically, the distributing member 16k is maintained in the first state. In other words, the first state can be said to be the normal state of the distributing member 16k. Then, only during a specified round of play (e.g., 10 rounds), can the distributing solenoid 16s be energized and change to the second state.

Specific area sensor 16a and non-specific area sensor 17a are provided in specific area 16 and non-specific area 17, respectively, to detect game balls that pass through (enter) each area 16, 17 and allow the game balls to pass downward.

It is possible to provide only one of the first special prize device 14D and the second special prize device 15D, as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

Also, at approximately the bottom of the game area 6, two outlets 19 are provided for discharging game balls that have been shot into the game area 6 but have not entered any of the winning slots to the outside of the game area 6. The game board 1 is also provided with an illuminating board lamp 54.

The play area 6 through which game balls can flow can be divided into a left play area (first play area) on the left side of the center in the horizontal direction, and a right play area (second play area) on the right side. The operation of the handle 72k that launches the game ball so that it flows down the left play area is called a "left hit." On the other hand, the operation of the handle 72k that launches the game ball so that it flows down the right play area is called a "right hit." In the pachinko game machine PY1, the flow path through which game balls can flow when launched by a left hit is called the first flow path R1, and the flow path through which game balls can flow when launched by a right hit is called the second flow path R2. The first flow path R1 and the second flow path R2 are also composed of a number of game nails, etc.

A first starting opening 11 and two general winning openings 10 are provided on the first flow path R1. Therefore, by using a left-handed shot to launch a game ball down the first flow path R1, a player can aim for a win in the first starting opening 11 or the general winning opening 10. On the other hand, a second starting opening 12, a gate 13, a first large winning opening 14, and a second large winning opening 15 are provided on the second flow path R2. Therefore, by using a right-handed shot to launch a game ball down the second flow path R2, a player can aim for a win by passing through the gate 13 or in the second starting opening 12, the first large winning opening 14, or the second large winning opening 15.

In addition, game balls that do not enter any of the winning slots (first start slot 11, second start slot 12, general winning slot 10, first large winning slot 14, and second large winning slot 15) are guided to and discharged from the outlet 19. In addition, the number of winning balls awarded for each winning slot can be set appropriately.

In addition, displays 8 are located below and to the left of the play area 6 formed on the front of the game board 1 (in the area other than the play area 6). As shown in Figure 4, displays 8 include a special chart 1 display 81a that variably displays special chart 1, a special chart 2 display 81b that variably displays special chart 2, and a regular chart display 82 that variably displays regular charts. In addition, displays 8 include a special chart 1 reserved indicator 83a that displays the number of special chart 1 reserved (U1: the number of reserved variable displays of special chart 1 by the special chart 1 display 81a), and a special chart 2 reserved indicator 83b that displays the number of special chart 2 reserved (U2: the number of reserved variable displays of special chart 2 by the special chart 2 display 81b), which will be described later.

The variable display of special chart 1 is executed when the special chart 1 lottery is held in response to a game ball entering the first starting gate 11. Furthermore, the variable display of special chart 2 is executed when the special chart 2 lottery is held in response to a game ball entering the second starting gate 12. In the following explanation, special charts 1 and 2 are collectively referred to as special charts, and the special chart 1 lottery and special chart 2 lottery are collectively referred to as special chart lotteries. Furthermore, the special chart 1 display 81a and the special chart 2 display 81b are collectively referred to as the special chart display 81. Furthermore, the special chart 1 reserve display 83a and the special chart 2 reserve display 83b are collectively referred to as the special chart reserve display 83.

The variable display of the special symbol notifies the results of the special symbol lottery. In the variable display of the special symbol, the special symbol is displayed variably and then statically. The statically displayed special symbol (static special symbol, special symbol derived and displayed as a result of the variable display) is one special symbol selected from multiple types of special symbols by the special symbol lottery. If the static special symbol is a predetermined specific special symbol (a special symbol with a specific stopping pattern, i.e., a jackpot symbol), a jackpot game (an example of a special game) is played in which the jackpot openings (first jackpot opening 14 and second jackpot opening 15) are opened.

The special symbol display 81 is composed of, for example, eight LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) arranged horizontally, and displays a special symbol according to the result of the special symbol lottery depending on the lighting state of the LEDs. For example, if the result of the special symbol lottery is a jackpot (one of the multiple types of jackpots described below), the special symbol display 81 displays a jackpot symbol consisting of the first, second, fifth, and sixth LEDs from the left lit, such as "□□■■□□■■" (□: lit, ■: unlit). Furthermore, if the result of the special symbol lottery is a loss, the special symbol display 81 displays a loss symbol consisting of only the rightmost LED lit, such as "■■■■■■■□." The lighting state of the LEDs corresponding to the result of the special symbol lottery is not limited and can be set as appropriate. Therefore, for example, all LEDs may be turned off to indicate a loss symbol.

In addition, when the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, it is displayed for a predetermined variable time before it is displayed in a static manner. The variable display of the special symbol is, for example, a manner in which each LED lights up so that light flows repeatedly from left to right. The variable display of the special symbol is not particularly limited, and may be set as appropriate, such as all LEDs flashing simultaneously, unless each LED is displayed in a static manner (illuminated in a specific manner).

In the pachinko gaming machine PY1, when a gaming ball enters the first starting hole 11 or the second starting hole 12, various random numbers (an example of numerical information or judgment information) for conducting special drawing lotteries, etc., may be obtained. When a gaming ball enters the first starting hole 11 or the second starting hole 12, various random numbers (an example of numerical information or judgment information) for conducting special drawing lotteries, etc., are obtained, which corresponds to "predetermined conditions being met." These various random numbers are temporarily stored as special drawing lotteries in the special drawing lottery storage unit 105, which will be described later. Hereinafter, the various random numbers obtained when a gaming ball enters the first starting hole 11 are referred to as "special drawing lottery 1-related random numbers," and the various random numbers obtained when a gaming ball enters the second starting hole 12 are referred to as "special drawing lottery 2-related random numbers." Here, the special chart 1 related random numbers are stored as special chart 1 reservations in the special chart 1 reservation memory unit 105a within the special chart reservation memory unit 105. Meanwhile, the special chart 2 related random numbers are stored as special chart 2 reservations in the special chart 2 reservation memory unit 105b within the special chart reservation memory unit 105. An upper limit (for example, 4) can be set for the number of special chart 1 reservations (special chart 1 reservation number) that can be stored in the special chart 1 reservation memory unit 105a and the number of special chart 2 reservations (special chart 2 reservation number) that can be stored in the special chart 2 reservation memory unit 105b. Note that, below, special chart 1 reservations and special chart 2 reservations are collectively referred to as "special chart reservations," and the special chart 1 reservation number and special chart 2 reservation number are collectively referred to as the "special chart reservation number." Furthermore, special chart 1 related random numbers and special chart 2 related random numbers are collectively referred to as the "special chart related random numbers."

In the pachinko gaming machine PY1, if the variable display of the special symbol is not performed immediately after the gaming ball enters the first starting hole 11 or the second starting hole 12, specifically if a prize is won while the variable display of the special symbol is being performed or during a jackpot game, the variable display of the special symbol (or the right to draw a special symbol) for that prize can be reserved. The reserved special symbol stored in the special symbol reserve memory unit 105 is consumed when the variable display of the special symbol based on that reserved special symbol becomes possible. In other words, consuming the reserved special symbol means determining the special symbol-related random number, etc. corresponding to that reserved special symbol and executing the variable display of the special symbol to show the result of that determination.

The number of reserved special drawings is then displayed on the reserved special drawing display 83. The reserved special drawing 1 display 83a and the reserved special drawing 2 display 83b each consist of, for example, four LEDs, and the number of reserved special drawings can be displayed by lighting up the LEDs equal to the number of reserved special drawings.

The variable display of the normal map also notifies the result of the normal map lottery. In the variable display of the normal map, the normal map is displayed variably and then stopped. The stopped normal map (stop normal map, normal map derived and displayed as a result of the variable display) is one normal map selected from multiple types of normal maps by the normal map lottery. If the stopped normal map is a specific, predetermined normal map (a normal map with a predetermined stopping pattern, i.e., a winning pattern), an auxiliary game is played in which the second starting hole 12 (electric chute 12D) is opened.

The regular map display 82 is made up of, for example, two LEDs, and displays a regular map according to the result of the regular map lottery depending on how they light up. If the result of the regular map lottery is a win, the regular map display 82 displays a winning pattern consisting of both LEDs lit, such as "□□" (□: lit, ■: unlit). If the result of the regular map lottery is a loss, the regular map display 82 displays a losing pattern consisting of only the right LED lit, such as "■□". A losing pattern may also be one in which all LEDs are unlit. The lighting pattern of the LEDs corresponding to the result of the regular map lottery is not limited and can be set as appropriate.

In addition, before the normal map is displayed as stopped, the normal map is displayed as a variable display for a predetermined variable time. The variable display of the normal map is, for example, a mode in which both LEDs light up alternately. Note that the variable display of the normal map is not particularly limited, and may be set appropriately, such as all LEDs flashing simultaneously, unless each LED is displayed as stopped (lighted up in a specific mode).

In pachinko gaming machine PY1, when a gaming ball passes through gate 13, a normal symbol random number (an example of numerical information or judgment information) for conducting a normal symbol lottery may be obtained. This random number is stored in the normal symbol reserve memory unit 106, described below, on the condition that the normal symbol variable display or auxiliary game is not being executed. It is possible to set an upper limit (for example, four) on the number of normal symbol reserves (normal symbol reserve number) that can be stored in the normal symbol reserve memory unit 106. Note that, below, the normal symbol random number obtained when a gaming ball passes through gate 13 is also referred to as a "normal symbol-related random number."

Next, using Figure 5, we will explain the presentation unit 1U attached to the back of the game board 1. The presentation unit 1U is a unit made up of multiple devices that mainly perform presentations. The presentation unit 1U is equipped with an image display device 50, a first board movable device (hereinafter referred to as the "above-board movable device") 55, and a second board movable device (hereinafter referred to as the "below-board movable device") 56.

The image display device 50 is equipped with a display unit 50a that can display images, etc., and is configured, for example, with a 20-inch 3D LCD display, a dot display, a 7-segment display, etc.

The above-board movable device 55 is positioned forward of the display unit 50a, is movable along the display unit 50a, and includes a decorated above-board movable body 55k. The below-board movable device 56 is positioned forward of the display unit 50a, is movable along the display unit 50a, and includes a decorated below-board movable body 56k.

Figure 5(A) shows a schematic representation of the above-board movable body 55k and the below-board movable body 56k held in a normal standby state (initial position) when not in operation. When the drive source of the above-board movable device 55 is driven, the above-board movable body 55k moves downward (descends), and when the drive source of the below-board movable device 56 is driven, the below-board movable body 56k moves upward (rises). At this time, the image display device 50 is covered by the lowered above-board movable body 55k or the raised below-board movable body 56k, making the image display device 50 difficult to see.

The position and number of components and devices installed on the game board unit YU can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

2. Electrical Configuration of the Gaming Machine Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 7. As shown in Figures 6 to 7, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is equipped with a game control board (hereinafter referred to as the "main control board") 100 that controls game profits (game progress) such as special symbol lottery, variable display of special symbols, jackpot game, game state setting (described later), normal symbol lottery, variable display of normal symbols, and supplementary games, a presentation control board (hereinafter referred to as the "sub-control board") 120 that controls presentations such as game presentations (special symbol variable presentations, hold presentations, jackpot game presentations) according to the progress of the game by the main control board 100, customer waiting presentations, and operation promotion presentations that prompt operation during the period (operation valid period) when operation of the normal button 40 or the special button 41 is valid, and a payout control board 170 that controls the payout of game balls, etc., located further back than the image display device 50 on the gaming board 1. The main control board 100 can be positioned as a game control unit that controls the game. The sub-control board 120 can be positioned as a performance control unit that controls the performance together with the image control board 140, lamp control circuit 151, and audio control circuit 161 described below. The performance control unit only needs to be equipped with at least the sub-control board 120 and be able to control game performance, customer waiting performance, and operation prompt performance using performance means (image display device 50, speaker 52, frame lamp 53, board lamp 54, movable devices 55, 56, etc.).

The pachinko gaming machine PY1 also has a power supply board 190. The power supply board 190 supplies power to the main control board 100, the sub-control board 120, and the payout control board 170, and also supplies the necessary power to other devices via these boards. The power supply board 190 is provided with a backup power circuit 192. When power is not supplied to the pachinko gaming machine PY1, the backup power circuit 192 supplies power to the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 and the presentation RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120, which will be described later. Therefore, the information stored in the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 and the presentation RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120 is retained even when power is lost to the pachinko gaming machine PY1. In the first embodiment, the performance RAM 124 is provided with a notice performance memory unit 107 (information storage means) that stores the set reliability of the logo cut-in notice in the customer waiting performance described below, the winning occupancy rate of the logo cut-in notice, the set reliability of the logo background notice, the set winning occupancy rate of the logo background notice, a distribution table (see FIG. 32) of 100 logo cut-in notices created by the performance control microcomputer 121 in the table creation process (S4105) described below, and a distribution table (see FIG. 33) of 100 logo background notices created by the performance control microcomputer 121 in the table creation process (S4105) described below. A power switch 191 is also connected to the power supply board 190. The power is turned on and off by turning the power switch 191 on or off. In addition, a backup power supply circuit for the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 may be provided on the main control board 100, and a backup power supply circuit for the performance RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120 may be provided on the sub-control board 120.

As shown in Figure 6, the main control board 100 is equipped with a game control one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as the "game control microcomputer") 101, which controls the progress of game play on the pachinko game machine PY1 according to a program. The game control microcomputer 101 (game control means, variable pattern selection means) includes a game ROM (Read Only Memory) 103 that stores programs and tables for controlling the progress of game play, a game RAM (Random Access Memory) 104 used as work memory, and a game CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102 that executes the programs stored in the game ROM 103.

The gaming ROM 103 stores programs for performing the main control processing and main timer interrupt processing, which will be described later. The gaming ROM 103 also stores a jackpot determination table, a jackpot symbol type determination table, a reach determination table, a special symbol variation pattern determination table, a look-ahead determination table, a jackpot game control table, a win determination table, a regular symbol variation pattern determination table, and an auxiliary game control table, which will be described later. The gaming ROM 103 may be external. The gaming RAM 104 also includes the special symbol reserve memory unit 105 and regular symbol reserve memory unit 106, which have been described above.

The main control board 100 also includes a gaming I/O (Input/Output) port 118 for inputting and outputting data and signals, and a RAM clear switch 119 for causing the gaming CPU 102 to clear information stored in the gaming RAM 104.

Various sensors MS and actuators MA are connected to the main control board 100 via a predetermined relay board (not shown). Therefore, signals output by the various sensors MS are input to the main control board 100. The main control board 100 also outputs signals to the various actuators MA.

The various sensors MS connected to the main control board 100 include a first start gate sensor that detects game balls that have entered the first start gate 11, a second start gate sensor that detects game balls that have entered the second start gate 12, a general entry gate sensor that detects game balls that have entered the general entry gate 10, a gate sensor that detects game balls that have passed through the gate 13, a first large entry gate sensor that detects game balls that have entered the first large entry gate 14, a second large entry gate sensor 15a that detects game balls that have entered the second large entry gate 15, a specific area sensor 16a that detects game balls that have passed through (entered) the specific area 16, and a non-specific area sensor 17a that detects game balls that have passed through (entered) the non-specific area 17. When each sensor detects a game ball, it outputs a signal to the main control board 100 according to its detection content. The type and number of sensors connected to the main control board 100 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

The various actuators MA connected to the main control board 100 include an electric chute solenoid that drives the electric chute opening/closing member 12k of the electric chute 12D, a first large prize opening solenoid that drives the normal AT opening/closing member 14k of the first large prize device 14D, a second large prize opening solenoid that drives the VAT opening/closing member 15k of the second large prize device 15D, and a distribution solenoid 16s that drives the distribution member 16k of the distribution device 16D. The type and number of actuators connected to the main control board 100 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

Furthermore, displays 8 (special chart display 81, regular chart display 82, and special chart reserved display 83) are connected to the main control board 100. The display of these displays 8 is controlled by the game control microcomputer 101.

The main control board 100 also sends various commands to the payout control board 170 and receives signals from the payout control board 170 to monitor payouts. The payout control board 170 is connected to a card unit CU (installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine PY1 and enabling ball lending based on information such as an inserted prepaid card) and a prize ball payout device 73, as well as to a launching device 72 via a launch control circuit 175. The launching device 72 includes a handle 72k (see Figure 1).

The payout control board 170 uses the prize ball payout device 73 and the loan ball payout device 74 to pay out prize balls or loan balls based on signals from the game control microcomputer 101 and signals from the connected card unit CU. The number of game balls paid out is output to the payout control board 170.

The launching device 72 is also equipped with a touch switch that can detect contact with the handle 72k (see Figure 1) by a player or other person. When the player operates the handle 72k, the touch switch detects the player's contact with the handle 72k and outputs a detection signal to the payout control board 170. A launch volume knob that can detect the rotation angle (amount of operation) of the handle 72k is also connected to the launching device 72. The launching device 72 drives the launch solenoid so that gaming balls are launched with a strength that corresponds to the rotation angle of the handle 72k detected by the launch volume knob. In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine PY1, when rotation of the handle 72k is maintained, one gaming ball is launched approximately every 0.6 seconds.

In addition, the main control board 100 sends various commands containing information about the game to the sub-control board 120 as the game progresses. The sub-control board 120 can grasp the progress of the game (the content of game control) by the main control board 100 based on the various commands sent from the main control board 100. The connection between the main control board 100 and the sub-control board 120 is a unidirectional communication connection that only allows signals to be sent from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 120. In other words, a unidirectional circuit (e.g., a circuit using a diode) (not shown) is interposed between the main control board 100 and the sub-control board 120 as a means for restricting communication direction.

As shown in Figure 7, the sub-control board 120 is equipped with a presentation control one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as the "presentation control microcomputer") 121, which controls the presentation of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 according to a program. The presentation control microcomputer 121 (presentation control means) includes a presentation ROM 123 that stores programs for controlling presentations as the game progresses using the main control board 100, a presentation RAM 124 used as work memory, and a presentation CPU 122 that executes the programs stored in the presentation ROM 123.

The performance ROM 123 also stores programs for performing the sub-control main processing, reception interrupt processing, and sub-side timer interrupt processing, which will be described later. Note that the performance ROM 123 may also be external.

The sub-control board 120 also includes a presentation I/O port 138 for inputting and outputting data and signals, and an RTC (Real Time Clock) 139. The RTC 139 measures the current date and time. The RTC 139 operates on power supplied to the pachinko gaming machine PY1 from a designated island power supply device (not shown). When power is not supplied from the island power supply device, the RTC 139 operates on power supplied from a backup power circuit 192 provided on the power supply board 190. This allows the RTC 139 to measure the current date and time even when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is not powered on. A backup power circuit for the RTC 139 may be provided on the sub-control board 120. The backup power circuit may include a capacitor and an internal battery (such as a button battery).

An image control board 140 is connected to the sub-control board 120. The presentation control microcomputer 121 of the sub-control board 120 causes the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 to control the display of the image display device 50 based on commands received from the main control board 100, i.e., in accordance with the progress of the game by the main control board 100. The connection between the sub-control board 120 and the image control board 140 is a two-way communication connection that allows signals to be sent both from the sub-control board 120 to the image control board 140 and from the image control board 140 to the sub-control board 120.

The image control board 140 includes an image ROM 142 that stores programs for image control, an image RAM 143 used as work memory, and an image CPU 141 that executes the programs stored in the image ROM 142. The image control board 140 also includes a CGROM 145 that stores image data to be displayed on the image display device 50, a VRAM 146 that is used to expand the image data stored in the CGROM 145, and a VDP (Video Display Processor) 144. Naturally, all or part of these electronic components may be configured on a single chip. The CGROM 145 stores, for example, image data (still image data and video data, specifically image data for characters, items, figures, letters, numbers, symbols, etc. (including effect designs), background images, etc.) for displaying images on the image display device 50.

The VDP 144 reads image data from the CGROM 145 and displays it in the display area in the VRAM 146 in accordance with a display list created by the image CPU 141 based on instructions from the performance control microcomputer 121. The VDP 144 then appropriately combines the displayed image data and draws an image in the frame buffer in the VRAM 146. The image drawn in the frame buffer is then output to the image display device 50 as an RGB signal. As a result, various performance images are displayed on the display unit 50a.

The display list consists of a group of commands that instruct the execution of drawing on a frame-by-frame basis. The display list contains information on various parameters, such as the type of image to be drawn, the position at which the image is drawn, the display priority, the display magnification, and the image transparency.

The performance control microcomputer 121 outputs voice, music, sound effects, etc. from the speaker 52 via the audio control circuit 161 based on commands received from the main control board 100, i.e., in accordance with the progress of the game by the main control board 100.

Audio data such as the sound output from the speaker 52 is stored in the performance ROM 123 of the sub-control board 120. The audio control circuit 161 may be a board with a CPU mounted on it. In this case, the CPU may be made to perform audio control. In this case, a ROM may be mounted on the board and audio data may be stored in the ROM. The speaker 52 may also be connected to the image control board 140, and the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 may be made to perform audio control. In this case, audio data may be stored in the image ROM 142 of the image control board 140.

The sub-control board 120 is also connected to various switches that serve as input units, various actuators SA that serve as drive sources, and various lamps SL via a specified relay board (not shown). Signals output by the various switches are input to the sub-control board 120. The sub-control board 120 also outputs signals to the various actuators SA. The sub-control board 120 also controls the lighting of the various lamps SL via a lamp control circuit 151 based on commands received from the main control board 100.

The various switches connected to the sub-control board 120 include a normal button detection switch 40a, a special button detection switch 41a, and a select button detection switch 42a. The normal button detection switch 40a detects when the normal button 40 is pressed. The special button detection switch 41a detects when the special button 41 is pressed. The select button detection switch 42a detects when the select button 42 is pressed. Each detection switch 40a, 41a, 42a outputs a signal to the sub-control board 120 according to the detection content. The type and number of switches connected to the sub-control board 120 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

The various actuators SA connected to the sub-control board 120 include motors that drive the above-board movable devices 55, below-board movable devices 56, frame movable devices 58, etc., and can drive the motors to cause each movable device to perform a specified operation. In more detail, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates operation pattern data that determines the operating mode of each movable device, and controls the operation of each movable device via the lamp control circuit 151. The type and number of actuators connected to the sub-control board 120 can be changed as appropriate, as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

The various lamps SL connected to the sub-control board 120 include frame lamps 53, board lamps 54, etc., and cause each lamp to emit light. In more detail, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates light-emitting pattern data (data that determines the on/off status, light color, etc., also known as lamp data) that determines the light-emitting mode of each lamp, and controls the light emission of each lamp according to the light-emitting pattern data. Note that data stored in the performance ROM 123 of the sub-control board 120 is used to create the light-emitting pattern data.

A CPU may be mounted on the lamp control circuit 151 board. In this case, the CPU may be configured to control the lighting of each lamp and the operation of each movable device. In this case, a ROM may be mounted on the board, and data related to lighting patterns and operation patterns may be stored in the ROM. The type and number of lamps connected to the sub-control board 120 may also be changed as appropriate, provided that this does not interfere with gameplay.

3. Main Games Played by the Gaming Machine Next, the main games played by the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

3-1. Games Related to Regular Maps First, we will explain games related to regular maps. When a launched game ball passes through the gate 13, the pachinko game machine PY1 performs a regular map lottery. After the regular map lottery is performed, the regular map display 82 displays a variable regular map (a variable display followed by a static display). The statically displayed regular maps include winning and losing patterns. Note that the losing regular map patterns are also referred to as "losing regular maps" to distinguish them from the losing special map patterns described below. When a winning pattern is statically displayed, an auxiliary game is executed, and the game related to the passage through the gate 13 ends. On the other hand, when a losing regular map is statically displayed, no auxiliary game is played, and the game related to the passage through the gate 13 ends. In the following, when a game ball passes through the gate 13 without the variable regular map display or auxiliary game being performed, this is referred to as "the establishment of the regular map variation start condition."

When the pachinko gaming machine PY1 performs this series of games (regular symbol lottery, variable regular symbol display, auxiliary games), it acquires regular symbol-related random numbers when the regular symbol variation start conditions are met. The acquired regular symbol-related random numbers include regular symbol random numbers, as shown in Figure 8 (A). Regular symbol random numbers are random numbers (determination information) used to determine whether a win has occurred. Each random number has an appropriate range.

3-1-1. Win Determination Win determination is a determination to determine whether a win has occurred (whether or not a supplemental game is executed) using one or more win determination tables, such as those shown in FIG. 9A. The win determination table can be associated with the game state, as described below. That is, the game state includes a non-time-saving state and a time-saving state, and it is possible to distinguish between a win determination table used in the non-time-saving state (a non-time-saving win determination table) and a win determination table used in the time-saving state (a time-saving win determination table). In each win determination table, a determination value (a normal symbol random number value) of the normal symbol random number is assigned to the win or miss result of the win determination. Therefore, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 compares the acquired normal symbol random number with the win determination table to determine whether the win is a win or a miss. Then, based on the win determination result, a normal symbol variation pattern determination is performed to display the variable normal symbol. If the win determination result is a win, the winning symbol is basically displayed stationary in the variable normal symbol display. On the other hand, if the result of the winning judgment is a loss, the loss normal map is basically displayed as a static image on the variable display of the normal map. Also, the probability of winning can be changed as appropriate.

3-1-2. Map fluctuation Map fluctuation pattern determination is a determination to determine the map fluctuation pattern using one or more map fluctuation pattern determination tables as shown in Figure 9 (B). Map fluctuation patterns are identification information related to predetermined items related to the variable display of the map, such as map fluctuation time.

The normal map fluctuation pattern determination table can be associated with the game state. In other words, it is possible to distinguish between a normal map fluctuation pattern determination table used in a non-time-saving state (non-time-saving normal map fluctuation pattern determination table) and a normal map fluctuation pattern determination table used in a time-saving state (time-saving normal map fluctuation pattern determination table).

Each normal map fluctuation pattern determination table stores one normal map fluctuation pattern, which is the result of the normal map fluctuation pattern determination, for each stopped normal map. In other words, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 can vary the normal map fluctuation time between the non-time-saving state and the time-saving state. For example, in the non-time-saving state, when a losing normal map (a losing normal map) is stopped and displayed, a normal map fluctuation pattern with a normal map fluctuation time of, for example, 30 seconds is determined for the variable display of the normal map, and when a winning pattern is stopped and displayed, a normal map fluctuation pattern with a normal map fluctuation time of, for example, 30 seconds is determined for the variable display of the normal map. Also, in the time-saving state, when a losing normal map is stopped and displayed, a normal map fluctuation pattern with a normal map fluctuation time of, for example, 5 seconds is determined for the variable display of the normal map, and when a winning pattern is stopped and displayed, a normal map fluctuation pattern with a normal map fluctuation time of, for example, 5 seconds is determined for the variable display of the normal map. The variable display of the normal map with the normal map fluctuation time corresponding to the normal map fluctuation pattern determined by this determination is performed by the normal map display device 82. Furthermore, these map fluctuation times can be changed as appropriate. In this way, hit detection and map fluctuation pattern detection are performed, and the map display 82 displays the map in a variable manner.

3-1-3. Auxiliary Game Auxiliary game is executed when a winning symbol is displayed (derived) as a display result (a result of a regular symbol lottery) in the variable display of the regular symbol.

Auxiliary games include various elements that make up the auxiliary game (auxiliary game components), such as the number of times the electric chute 12D opens and the opening time for each opening. Each of these elements is associated with a game state. The pachinko gaming machine PY1 controls the auxiliary game using one or more auxiliary game control tables, such as those shown in Figure 9 (C), based on the game state. The auxiliary game control tables are associated with game states. Each auxiliary game control table stores auxiliary game components. The number of times each element opens and the opening time can be changed as appropriate.

The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can vary the opening time of the electric chute 12D between auxiliary games in the non-time-shortened state and auxiliary games in the time-shortened state. For example, in auxiliary games in the non-time-shortened state, the electric chute 12D is opened for a first opening time (a time during which it is difficult to get the game ball to enter the electric chute 12D (e.g., 0.08 seconds)). Note that, below, auxiliary games in the non-time-shortened state are also referred to as "short-open auxiliary games." Also, in auxiliary games in the time-shortened state, the electric chute 12D is opened for a second opening time that is longer than the first opening time (a time during which it is easy to get the game ball to enter the electric chute 12D (e.g., 3.00 seconds)). Note that, below, auxiliary games in the time-shortened state are also referred to as "long-open auxiliary games."

3-2. Games Related to Special Symbols Next, we will explain games related to special symbols. When a launched game ball enters the first starting hole 11, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 conducts a special symbol 1 lottery. When the special symbol 1 lottery is conducted, the special symbol 1 display 81a displays a variable special symbol 1 (a variable display followed by a static display) to notify the result of the special symbol 1 lottery. Here, the statically displayed special symbol 1 includes a jackpot symbol and a losing symbol. In other words, the results of the special symbol 1 lottery include a jackpot symbol and a losing symbol. When a jackpot symbol is displayed statically, a jackpot game is executed, a new game state is established, and the game based on the winning is terminated. On the other hand, when a losing symbol is displayed statically, the jackpot game is not conducted, and the game based on the winning is terminated.

Similarly, when a fired game ball enters the second starting hole 12, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 conducts a special drawing for the special symbol 2. When the special symbol 2 drawing is conducted, the special symbol 2 display 81b displays a variable special symbol 2 (a variable display followed by a static display) to notify the result of the special symbol 2 drawing. Here, the statically displayed special symbol 2 includes a jackpot symbol and a losing symbol. In other words, the results of the special symbol 2 drawing include a jackpot symbol and a losing symbol. When a jackpot symbol is displayed as a static jackpot symbol, a jackpot game is executed, a new game state is established, and the game based on that winning is terminated. On the other hand, when a losing symbol is displayed as a static jackpot symbol, the jackpot game is not conducted and the game based on that winning is terminated.

In the following, the entry of a gaming ball into the first start hole 11 is referred to as the "fulfillment of the first start condition," and the entry of a gaming ball into the second start hole 12 is referred to as the "fulfillment of the second start condition." Furthermore, the "fulfillment of the first start condition" and the "fulfillment of the second start condition" are collectively referred to as the "fulfillment of the start condition." Furthermore, the losing special symbols are also referred to as "losing special symbols" to distinguish them from the aforementioned losing regular symbols.

When the pachinko gaming machine PY1 performs this series of games (special symbol lottery, variable display of special symbols, jackpot game, and game state setting), it acquires special symbol-related random numbers when the start conditions are met and makes various judgments about these random numbers. The acquired special symbol-related random numbers include special symbol random numbers (jackpot random numbers), jackpot symbol type random numbers, reach random numbers, and special symbol variation pattern random numbers, as shown in Figure 8 (B). Special symbol random numbers are random numbers used to make jackpot judgments. Jackpot symbol type random numbers are random numbers used to make jackpot symbol type judgments. Reach random numbers are random numbers used to make reach judgments. Special symbol variation pattern random numbers are random numbers used to make special symbol variation pattern judgments. An appropriate range is set for each random number. Note that random numbers are also sometimes referred to as judgment information.

3-2-1. Jackpot Determination Jackpot determination is a determination to determine whether or not a jackpot has occurred (whether or not a jackpot game is executed) using one or more jackpot determination tables such as those shown in FIG. 10(A). The game state includes a normal probability state and a high probability state, and the jackpot determination table is associated with whether the state is the normal probability state or the high probability state. In other words, it is possible to distinguish between a jackpot determination table used in the normal probability state (normal probability jackpot determination table) and a jackpot determination table used in the high probability state (high probability jackpot determination table).

In each jackpot determination table, a special symbol random number determination value (special symbol random number value) is assigned to the jackpot and miss results of the jackpot determination. The pachinko gaming machine PY1 compares the acquired special symbol random number with the jackpot determination table to determine whether it is a jackpot or a miss. As shown in Figure 10 (A), the high-probability jackpot determination table has more special symbol random number determination values that determine a jackpot than the normal-probability jackpot determination table. In addition, the probability of winning a jackpot can be changed as appropriate.

3-2-2. Jackpot Symbol Type Determination Jackpot symbol type determination is a determination to determine the type of jackpot symbol (jackpot symbol type) using one or more jackpot symbol type determination tables as shown in Figure 10 (B) when the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot. It is possible to associate each type of jackpot symbol with the content of the jackpot, in other words, the components of the jackpot consisting of the gaming benefits granted to the player.

The jackpot symbol type determination table can be associated with the type of special symbol that is variably displayed; in other words, the type of starting gate from which the winning combination that resulted in the jackpot symbol type determination (which generated the jackpot symbol type determination) occurred. In other words, it is possible to distinguish between the jackpot symbol type determination table used when variably displaying special symbol 1 (first jackpot symbol type determination table) and the jackpot symbol type determination table used when variably displaying special symbol 2 (second jackpot symbol type determination table).

There are multiple types of jackpot symbols, and in each jackpot symbol type determination table, a determination value of the jackpot symbol type random number (jackpot symbol type random number value) is assigned to the jackpot symbol type, which is the result of the jackpot symbol type determination. Therefore, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 compares the acquired jackpot symbol type random number with the jackpot symbol type determination table to determine the type of jackpot symbol. Then, in the first jackpot symbol type determination table and the second jackpot symbol type determination table, the jackpot symbol type random number value is assigned appropriately to various jackpot symbols. Furthermore, the assignment rate for the jackpot symbol type can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the number of jackpot symbol types can be increased or decreased as appropriate.

For example, as shown in Figure 10 (B), the allocation rate for the jackpot symbol type determined for special chart 1 can be 50% for jackpot symbol X and 50% for jackpot symbol Y, and the allocation rate for the jackpot symbol type determined for special chart 2 can be 100% for jackpot symbol Z. In this way, it is possible to have different allocation rates for the jackpot symbol type between the special chart 1 lottery, which is held when a gaming ball enters the first starting slot 11, and the special chart 2 lottery, which is held when a gaming ball enters the second starting slot 12.

3-2-3. Reach judgment Reach judgment is a judgment to determine whether or not to generate a reach in the special chart variation performance described later when the result of the jackpot judgment is a miss, using one or more reach judgment tables as shown in FIG.

The reach determination table can be associated with the game state. In other words, it is possible to distinguish between a reach determination table used in a non-time-saving state (a non-time-saving reach determination table) and a reach determination table used in a time-saving state (a time-saving reach determination table).

In each reach determination table, the reach random number determination value (reach random number value) is assigned to either "reach in hand (reach occurs)" or "reach not in hand (reach does not occur)," which are the reach determination results. Therefore, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 compares the acquired reach random number with the reach determination table to determine whether or not there is a reach (whether or not there is a reach). As shown in Figure 10 (C), it is possible to make the number of reach random numbers determined as "reach in hand (reach occurs)" different between the non-time-saving reach determination table and the time-saving reach determination table. Note that, below, "reach in hand (reach occurs)," which is performed on the assumption that the result of the jackpot determination is a "miss," is sometimes referred to as "reach in hand, miss," and "no reach (reach not occurs)" is sometimes referred to as "no-reach, miss."

3-2-4. Special symbol fluctuations The special symbol fluctuation pattern determination is a determination to determine the fluctuation pattern of the variable display of the special symbol (special symbol fluctuation pattern) using one or more special symbol fluctuation pattern determination tables (special symbol fluctuation pattern determination tables) as shown in Figures 11 and 12, and is performed whether the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot or a miss. The special symbol fluctuation pattern is identification information for identifying predetermined items such as the special symbol fluctuation time and the presentation flow (presentation content) of the special symbol fluctuation presentation described below. Note that the special symbol fluctuation pattern can include identification information regarding the results of the jackpot determination and the reach determination, in addition to the special symbol fluctuation time and the presentation flow (presentation content) of the special symbol fluctuation presentation. It is possible to use multiple types of special symbol fluctuation patterns, each with different identification information, as special symbol fluctuation patterns, and the number of such patterns can be changed as appropriate.

The special symbol fluctuation pattern determination table can be associated with the type of special symbol that performs the variable display that is the subject of the determination; in other words, the type of starting gate where the winning result that resulted from the special symbol fluctuation pattern determination occurred. In other words, it is possible to distinguish between the special symbol fluctuation pattern determination table used when performing the variable display of special symbol 1 (special symbol 1 fluctuation pattern determination table: Figure 11) and the special symbol fluctuation pattern determination table used when performing the variable display of special symbol 2 (special symbol 2 fluctuation pattern determination table: Figure 12).

Furthermore, each special chart fluctuation pattern determination table can also be associated with a game state. That is, it is possible to distinguish between the special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table used in the non-time-saving state (special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table for non-time-saving) and the special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table used in the time-saving state (special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table for time-saving). Similarly, it is possible to distinguish between the special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table used in the non-time-saving state (special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table for non-time-saving) and the special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table used in the time-saving state (special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table for time-saving).

In addition, each special symbol fluctuation pattern determination table associated with a game state can also be associated with a jackpot determination result, a jackpot symbol type determination result, or a reach determination result. In other words, the non-time-saving special symbol 1 fluctuation pattern determination table and the non-time-saving special symbol 2 fluctuation pattern determination table each have patterns for jackpots (by jackpot symbol type), reach and misses, and no reach and misses. Similarly, the time-saving special symbol 1 fluctuation pattern determination table and the time-saving special symbol 2 fluctuation pattern determination table each have patterns for jackpots (by jackpot symbol type), reach and misses, and no reach and misses.

Furthermore, each special chart 1 variation pattern determination table for a no-reach miss can also be associated with the number of reserved special charts. For example, it is possible to distinguish between a special chart 1 variation pattern determination table for a no-reach miss that is used when the number of reserved special charts 1 (U1) is 0 to 2, and a special chart 1 variation pattern determination table for a no-reach miss that is used when the number of reserved special charts 1 (U1) is 3 to 4. Furthermore, each special chart 2 variation pattern determination table for a no-reach miss can also be associated with the number of reserved special charts. For example, it is possible to distinguish between a special chart 2 variation pattern determination table for a no-reach miss that is used when the number of reserved special charts 2 (U2) is 0 to 2, and a special chart 2 variation pattern determination table for a no-reach miss that is used when the number of reserved special charts 2 (U2) is 3 to 4.

The special symbol display 81 then performs a variable display of the special symbol for the special symbol variation time according to the special symbol variation pattern determined by each special symbol variation pattern determination. When the jackpot symbol is displayed as a static display result (the result of the special symbol lottery) in the variable display of the special symbol, the next variable display of the special symbol is not immediately performed, and the jackpot game continues.

In addition, each special chart change pattern can be associated with a special chart change presentation flow as shown in the second column from the right in the tables in Figures 11 and 12.

As shown in the rightmost columns of the tables in Figures 11 and 12, special chart variation patterns are sometimes given names in association with the special chart (jackpot determination result) and the content of the special chart variation presentation. For example, a special chart variation pattern related to a jackpot is called a "jackpot variation." On the other hand, a special chart variation pattern in which an SP reach, a type of reach, occurs among a reach-and-miss is called an "SP miss variation," a special chart variation pattern in which an L reach, a type of reach, occurs among a reach-and-miss is called an "L miss variation," a special chart variation pattern in which a reach-and-miss ends the special chart variation presentation with an N reach, a type of reach, is called an "N miss variation," and a special chart variation pattern related to a no-reach miss is called a "normal miss variation."

3-2-5. Prediction Judgment The pachinko gaming machine PY1 performs a prediction judgment using one or more prediction judgment tables such as those shown in FIG. 13 based on the acquired special symbol-related random numbers. Prediction judgments include, for example, determining whether a special symbol random number is determined to be a jackpot in the jackpot judgment, determining which jackpot symbol type a jackpot symbol type a jackpot symbol type random number is determined to be, and determining which special symbol variation pattern a special symbol variation pattern random number is determined to be in the special symbol variation pattern judgment. The prediction judgment table can be associated with the type of start gate related to the start winning. In other words, it is possible to distinguish between a prediction judgment table (first prediction judgment table) for when a winning ball enters the first start gate 11 and a prediction judgment table (second prediction judgment table) for when a winning ball enters the second start gate 12.

The look-ahead judgment table can also be associated with the game state. That is, it is possible to distinguish between a look-ahead judgment table used when the game is not in a time-saving state (a look-ahead judgment table for non-time-saving) and a look-ahead judgment table used when the game is in a time-saving state (a look-ahead judgment table for time-saving).

In other words, it is possible to distinguish between the first pre-reading judgment table used when the time-saving state is not in effect, the first pre-reading judgment table used when the time-saving state is in effect, the second pre-reading judgment table used when the time-saving state is not in effect, and the second pre-reading judgment table used when the time-saving state is in effect. It should be noted that the types of judgments included in the pre-reading judgment can be changed as appropriate.

3-3. Jackpot Game Next, we will explain the jackpot game. The jackpot game includes multiple rounds of play accompanied by the opening and closing of the jackpot opening (first jackpot opening 14 or second jackpot opening 15), an opening (also referred to as OP) from the start of the jackpot game until the start of the first round of play, and an ending (also referred to as ED) from the end of the final round of play until the end of the jackpot game. Each round of play begins with the end of the opening or the end of the previous round of play, and ends with the start of the next round of play or the start of the ending. It is also possible to not have an OP or ED. Note that, hereinafter, a predetermined number of rounds of play (predetermined order) will simply be referred to as a "round." For example, the first round of play will be referred to as "1st round (1R)," and the tenth round of play will be referred to as "10th round (10R)."

The elements that make up such a jackpot game (jackpot game components) include the number of rounds of play, the number of times the jackpot opening (first jackpot opening 14 or second jackpot opening 15) occurs during each round of play, the type of jackpot opening and the opening time (opening pattern) for each opening, the time it remains closed until the next opening (closing time), the opening time (opening time), and the ending time (ending time). After the special symbol is displayed, the pachinko game machine PY1 controls the jackpot game using one or more jackpot game control tables such as those shown in FIG. 14. The jackpot game control table stores jackpot game components for each jackpot game. It is possible to control one or more types of jackpot games as jackpot games.

For example, as shown in FIG. 14, from Round 1 to Round 10, a round game is played in which the first large prize opening 14 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds, or a round game in which the first large prize opening 14 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds. Then, in Round 10 (the final round), a round game is played in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds, or a round game in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds. Furthermore, in each round game, when a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 10 balls) are detected by the large prize opening sensor, the round game is ended even if the maximum opening time of the large prize openings 14, 15 has not yet elapsed.

The number of times and duration of each element can be changed as appropriate. The jackpot game can also be played using both the first jackpot slot 14 and the second jackpot slot 15, or just one of them.

The specific area 16 will now be described in detail. The specific area 16 is controlled by the distribution member 16k to assume a closed state in which a prize cannot be won and an open state in which a prize can be won. Therefore, the operating mode of the distribution member 16k can be referred to as the opening/closing mode of the specific area 16. Hereinafter, the operating mode of the distribution member 16k will also be referred to as the "opening/closing mode of the specific area 16." In this way, the distribution member 16k is controlled in a certain operating mode (the specific area 16 is in a certain open/closed state). The difficulty (ease) of allowing a gaming ball to enter the specific area 16 during a jackpot game is determined by the combination of the certain operating mode of the distribution member 16k (the certain open/closed mode of the specific area 16) and the opening/closing mode of the second large prize opening 15 during a jackpot game. Hereinafter, the open state of the specific area 16 will also be referred to as "V-open."

For 15 seconds after the second large prize opening begins to open, the distribution solenoid 16s is energized, and the distribution member 16k is controlled to the second state (Figure 3(B)). Therefore, in round games in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds, it is easy for the gaming ball to pass through the specific area 16 (to enter the specific area 16) due to the relationship between the opening time and timing of the second large prize opening 15 and the time and timing for which the distribution member 16k is controlled to the second state. On the other hand, in round games in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds, it is nearly impossible (difficult) for the gaming ball to pass through the specific area 16 (to enter the specific area 16) due to the relationship between the opening time and timing of the second large prize opening 15 and the time and timing for which the distribution member 16k is controlled to the second state. In this way, during a jackpot game, it is possible to execute two types of jackpot games: one in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distributing member 16k operate in a first opening pattern (V-long opening pattern) that makes it easy for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 (hereinafter also referred to as "V passage"), and one in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distributing member 16k operate in a second opening pattern (V-short opening pattern) that makes it difficult or impossible for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16. In this way, a jackpot game in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distributing member 16k operate in the V-long opening pattern is called a "V-long jackpot." On the other hand, a jackpot game in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distributing member 16k operate in the V-short opening pattern is called a "V-short jackpot."

3-4. Game States Next, the game states will be explained. As shown in FIG. 15, the pachinko game machine PY1 can be set to any one of the game states of a "low-probability low base game state," a "low-probability high base game state," a "high-probability low base game state," a "high-probability high base game state," and a "jackpot game state." The "low-probability low base game state" can be abbreviated as a "low-probability low base state," the "low-probability high base game state" as a "low-probability high base state," the "high-probability low base game state" as a "high-probability low base state," and the "high-probability high base game state" as a "high-probability high base state." The game states include a state related to the probability of determining a "jackpot" in the jackpot determination and a state related to the ease of opening the electric chute 12D. The former includes a normal probability state and a high probability state. The latter includes a non-time-saving state and a time-saving state.

The normal probability state is set in a "low probability, low base game state" or a "low probability, high base game state," and is a state in which the probability of a jackpot being determined in a jackpot determination is normal. The high probability state is set in a "high probability, low base game state" or a "high probability, high base game state," and is a state in which the probability of a jackpot being determined in a jackpot determination is higher than the normal probability. Therefore, the high probability state can be said to be a state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal probability state. When the pachinko game machine PY1 is first turned on, the normal probability state is set. Then, by winning a jackpot, it is possible to switch from the normal probability state to the high probability state. For example, during a jackpot game, it is possible to switch to the high probability state by the game ball passing through specific area 16. It is also possible to switch to the high probability state depending on the type of jackpot symbol. The high probability state can be switched from the high probability state to the normal probability state by a predetermined number of jackpot determinations being made without winning a jackpot, or by winning the next jackpot.

The non-time-saving state is set in the "low-probability, low-base game state," "high-probability, low-base game state," or "jackpot game state." The time-saving state is set in the "low-probability, high-base game state" or "high-probability, high-base game state," and is a game state in which the opening time of the electric chute 12D during a single supplementary game is more likely to be longer than in the non-time-saving state. For example, in the time-saving state, the opening time of the electric chute 12D is longer (e.g., 3.00 seconds) than in the non-time-saving state (e.g., 0.08 seconds). Furthermore, in the time-saving state, a special symbol variation pattern determination table can be used to determine the special symbol variation pattern, which is designed to select a special symbol variation pattern with a shorter special symbol variation time more frequently than in the non-time-saving state (see Figures 11 and 12). As a result, in the time-saving state, the pace of reserved special symbols is increased, making it easier for a valid win (a win that can be recorded as reserved special symbols) to occur in the starting slot. This allows for smooth gameplay and the aim of winning a jackpot.

In addition, the time-saving state can make it easier for the normal map change time to be shorter than the non-time-saving state. For example, in the time-saving state, the normal map change time (5 seconds) is determined, which is shorter than the normal map change time (30 seconds) determined in the non-time-saving state. Therefore, the time-saving state allows for more normal map lottery draws to be performed per unit time.

In addition, it is possible to make it easier for a hit to be determined in the time-saving state compared to the non-time-saving state. For example, in the time-saving state, a hit is determined with a higher probability (e.g., 59,936/65,536) than the probability of a hit being determined in the non-time-saving state (e.g., 6,600/65,536). Therefore, the number of times a hit is determined per unit time is greater in the time-saving state.

In this way, in the time-saving state, the electric chute 12D is open for a longer period of time per unit of time compared to the non-time-saving state, making it easier for game balls to enter the second starting hole 12 more frequently. As a result, the base, which is the ratio of the number of winning balls to the number of balls fired, becomes higher. Therefore, in the time-saving state, where the base is high, players can aim for a jackpot without significantly reducing the number of game balls they have. Therefore, it can be said that the time-saving state is more advantageous to players than the non-time-saving state.

When the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is first powered on, it is set to the non-time-saving mode. Then, for example, the time-saving mode can be set by winning a jackpot. The time-saving mode can be changed from the time-saving mode to the non-time-saving mode by a predetermined number of jackpot determinations being made without winning a jackpot, or by winning the next jackpot.

In addition, in the time-saving mode, compared to the non-time-saving mode, it is easier to win, the normal map fluctuation time is more likely to be shorter, and the electric chute 12D is more likely to be open for a single supplementary game. There are three points about normal map play that are advantageous to the player. However, these points may only be some of them.

The gaming state after the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is first powered on is a "low probability, low base gaming state" in which a normal probability state and a non-time-saving state are set. This gaming state is also called the "normal gaming state." In the "jackpot gaming state," hit determination is performed but a jackpot determination is not performed, so a non-time-saving state is set upon the start of a jackpot game. Furthermore, it is possible to use all or just some of the gaming states described above.

4. Main Effects of the Gaming Machine Next, the main effects performed by the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

4-1. Presentation Mode First, the presentation mode will be explained. Presentation mode refers to a category of presentation (or a higher-level conceptual attribute). The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can set the following presentation modes: customer waiting presentation mode, normal presentation mode, probability variation presentation mode, time-saving presentation mode, and jackpot presentation mode.

The customer waiting display mode can be set when special symbol variation displays are not being performed in the "low probability low base game state," "low probability high base game state," "high probability low base game state," and "high probability high base game state," and is a display mode that indicates a standby state in which special symbol variation displays are not being performed. When the customer waiting display mode is set, a customer waiting display (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a demo display) is performed. In the customer waiting display, for example, as shown in FIG. 16 (A-1), a selection standby image G200 is displayed on the display unit 50a to allow settings related to the displays of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 (such as volume adjustment and custom allocation of the LOGO display (specific display) described below). The effect settings include volume settings for the sound output from the speaker 52, customization of the reliability of the logo cut-in notice displayed on the display unit 50a, customization of the winning share of the logo cut-in notice displayed on the display unit 50a, customization of the reliability of the logo background notice displayed on the display unit 50a, and customization of the winning share of the logo background notice displayed on the display unit 50a. Other settings may include brightness settings for the display unit 50a ("light intensity settings"). Also, as shown in FIG. 16 (A-2), a customer waiting demo image G202 different from the selection waiting image 200 may also be displayed. The customer waiting demo image G202 is an image that can be used to create effects using the features of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, such as by featuring the main character of the pachinko gaming machine PY1. This increases the interest in the customer waiting effect mode and makes the pachinko gaming machine PY1 stand out in the gaming hall where it is installed.

The normal presentation mode can be set when a special symbol variation presentation is being performed in a "low-probability, low-base game state" or a "high-probability, low-base game state," and is a presentation mode that indicates a non-time-saving mode. The normal presentation modes include, for example, a first normal presentation mode in which a background image depicting a daytime mountain scene (normal daytime background image G102) is displayed on the display unit 50a as shown in FIG. 16 (B-1); a second normal presentation mode in which a background image depicting an evening mountain scene (normal evening background image G103) is displayed on the display unit 50a as shown in FIG. 16 (B-2); and a third normal presentation mode in which a background image depicting a nighttime mountain scene (normal nighttime background image G104) is displayed on the display unit 50a as shown in FIG. 16 (B-3). Switching between these modes is based on one condition: the special symbol variation presentation being performed one or more times without a jackpot being won. Furthermore, each of the first to third normal presentation modes has a normal early presentation mode before a reach is achieved in the special chart variation presentation, and a normal late presentation mode after a reach is achieved. In the normal early presentation mode, one of the daytime normal background image G102, evening normal background image G103, or nighttime normal background image G104 is displayed on the display unit 50a, while in the normal late presentation mode, a dedicated background image corresponding to the type of reach is displayed. In addition, a special presentation mode that is set only in the "high probability low base game state" may be provided.

The probability variation presentation mode is a presentation mode that can be set when a special symbol variation presentation is being performed in a "high probability, high base game state," and is a presentation mode that indicates a high probability state and a time-saving state. In the probability variation presentation mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 16 (B-4), a background image representing space (probability variation background image G105) is displayed on the display unit 50a. Furthermore, the probability variation presentation mode includes a probability variation pre-stage presentation mode before a reach is achieved in the special symbol variation presentation, and a probability variation post-stage presentation mode after a reach is achieved. In the probability variation pre-stage presentation mode, the probability variation background image G105 is displayed on the display unit 50a, while in the probability variation post-stage presentation mode, a dedicated background image corresponding to the type of reach is displayed.

The time-saving presentation mode is a presentation mode that can be set when a special symbol variation presentation is being performed in a "low probability, high base game state," and is a presentation mode that indicates that the normal probability state and the time-saving state are in effect. In the time-saving presentation mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 16 (B-5), a background image representing the sky (time-saving background image G106) is displayed on the display unit 50a. Furthermore, the time-saving presentation mode includes a pre-time-saving presentation mode before a reach is achieved in the special symbol variation presentation, and a post-time-saving presentation mode after a reach is achieved. In the pre-time-saving presentation mode, the time-saving background image G106 is displayed on the display unit 50a, while in the post-time-saving presentation mode, a dedicated background image corresponding to the type of reach is displayed.

The jackpot presentation mode is a presentation mode that can be set when a jackpot game is being played in the "jackpot game state," and is a presentation mode that indicates that a jackpot game is being played. In the jackpot presentation mode, for example, during the opening of a jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 16 (C-1), the display unit 50a displays a jackpot opening presentation in which an opening image G107 suggesting the start of the jackpot game and a right-hit image G108 encouraging a "right hit" are displayed. During a round of a jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 16 (C-2), the display unit 50a displays a round presentation in which a round image G109 indicating the number of rounds and a prize ball number image G110 indicating the number of prize balls paid out are displayed. During the ending of a jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 16 (C-3), the display unit 50a displays a jackpot ending presentation in which an ending image G111 suggesting the presentation mode that will be set after the jackpot game and a total prize ball number image G112 indicating the total number of prize balls paid out are displayed.

The types of presentation modes can be changed or added as appropriate.

4-2. Special Symbol Variation Presentation Next, we will explain the special symbol variation presentation (also simply referred to as "variation presentation"). When the variable display of the special symbol begins, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 executes the special symbol variation presentation based on the special symbol variation pattern related to the variable display of the special symbol and the special symbol lottery results (jackpot determination results, jackpot symbol type determination results, reach determination results, and special symbol variation pattern determination results). In the special symbol variation presentation, the display unit 50a displays a variation of the effect symbol superimposed on a predetermined background image. The effect symbol is composed of, for example, numeral symbols 1 to 9. In the variation display of the effect symbol, the effect symbol changes with the start of the variable display of the special symbol and stops with the end of the variable display of the special symbol. In other words, after the variable display of the effect symbol is performed for the special symbol variation time, the variation stops and the effect symbol is displayed as a still image. The result of the special symbol lottery is then announced by the still image of the effect symbol.

In addition to the display of changing special symbols, other effects can be produced using various display devices such as the image display device 50, speaker 52, frame lamp 53, board lamp 54, movable devices 55, 56, 58, normal button 40, and special button 41. In this case, other effects can continue to be produced even after the display of the stopped symbol.

4-2-1. Display Area of the Display Unit 50a of the Image Display Device 50, as shown in Figure 17 (A), the display unit 50a can be divided horizontally into three approximately equal parts, with a left display area 50b1, a middle display area 50b2, and a right display area 50b3 on the left, center, and right sides. The left display area 50b1 is an area that displays the left display area EZ1 when the display area is stopped during the special variable display. Similarly, the middle display area 50b2 and the right display area 50b3 are areas that display the middle display area EZ2 and the right display area EZ3.

In addition, as shown in Figure 17 (A), a small symbol area 50c can be provided in one section at the left end (top left corner) of the top edge of the display unit 50a. The small symbol area 50c is an area that variably displays small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 when variable display of special symbols is being performed. The small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are composed of, for example, number symbols 1 to 9.

In Figure 17(A), the left performance pattern area 50b1, the middle performance pattern area 50b2, the right performance pattern area 50b3, and the small pattern area 50c are clearly indicated by dashed double-dashed lines, but this is written to indicate the range of the left performance pattern area 50b1, the middle performance pattern area 50b2, the right performance pattern area 50b3, and the small pattern area 50c, and is not actually displayed.

4-2-2. Normal Variation In the special symbol variation effect, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 can first perform a normal variation. The normal variation functions as an effect that indicates that the variable display of the special symbol has begun.

When the variable display of the special symbols begins, for example, as shown in Figure 17(A), the left effect symbol EZ1, the middle effect symbol EZ2, and the right effect symbol EZ3 are displayed frozen on the display unit 50a, along with the left small symbol KZ1, the middle small symbol KZ2, and the right small symbol KZ3. The variable display of the special symbols is not taking place, and the display is in a standby state. As the variable display of the special symbols begins, as shown in Figure 17(B), the variable display of the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 begins, along with the variable display of the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3. Note that the "↓" in Figure 17 indicates that the symbols are currently being displayed. Then, when the special symbol variation pattern of the variable display of this special symbol is, for example, "normal miss variation," as shown in Fig. 17 (C-1), the left effect symbol EZ1 and the right effect symbol EZ3 temporarily stop in different stop patterns, and then, as shown in Fig. 17 (D), the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stop and display in a stop pattern suggesting a miss (so-called barrage). At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 also stop and display all at once in a stop pattern suggesting a miss. There are several types of stop patterns suggesting a miss, such as "1, 1, 2" and "2, 4, 6," in which the left and right symbols are not the same. On the other hand, when the special symbol variation pattern of the variable display is a special symbol variation pattern with a reach, such as an "N miss variation," as shown in Figure 17 (C-2), the left effect symbol EZ1 and the right effect symbol EZ3 temporarily stop in the same stopping pattern (a so-called reach eye), and a reach is established. At this time, the variable display of the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 continues, and a reach effect is performed according to the special symbol variation pattern. Note that the stopping order and stopping pattern of the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 can be changed as appropriate.

4-2-3. N Reach The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can perform N Reach when a reach is achieved during normal variation. N Reach is a presentation that suggests that the result of the jackpot determination may be a "jackpot," and functions as a presentation to make the player expect a jackpot.

In an N reach, as shown in Figure 18 (A), the reach-established state is maintained for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds), and as shown in Figure 18 (B), the rate of change of the middle effect symbol EZ2 gradually slows down. If the special symbol change pattern of the variable display of the special symbol is, for example, "N miss change," the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed stopped in a stopping pattern that suggests a reach miss (a so-called reach miss), as shown in Figure 18 (C-1). At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a stopping pattern that suggests a reach miss. There are several types of stopping patterns that suggest a reach miss, such as "7-6-7" and "5-3-5," where the left and right symbols are the same but the center symbol is different from the left and right symbols. On the other hand, when the special symbol variation pattern of the variable display of the special symbol is, for example, "N jackpot variation," it is displayed stopped in a manner suggesting a jackpot (so-called double numbers), as shown in Figure 18 (C-2). There are several types of stop patterns suggesting a jackpot, such as "7-7-7" and "2-2-2," in which the left, right, and center symbols are the same. At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped in a manner suggesting a jackpot. Note that the effects of the N reach are not limited to the gradual deceleration of the center effect symbol EZ2, and can be changed or added as appropriate.

The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can perform an SP reach after an N reach. The SP reach is a presentation that suggests that the result of the jackpot determination is more likely to be a "jackpot" than an N reach, and functions as a presentation to make the player expect a jackpot.

In an SP Reach, after an N Reach, for example, as shown in FIG. 19(A), a background image dedicated to the SP Reach (SP Reach background image G113) is displayed on the display unit 50a, and an image indicating the start of the SP Reach (SP Reach start title image) G1 is displayed in the center of the display unit 50a. Then, as shown in FIG. 19(B), a special SP Reach effect (e.g., a battle effect) is performed. Then, when the final stage of the special Reach effect is reached, if the special symbol variation pattern of the variable display of the special symbol is, for example, "SP jackpot variation," as shown in FIG. 19(C-1), a presentation suggesting a jackpot (e.g., a display showing the main character rejoicing after winning the battle) is performed on the display unit 50a, and the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed in a stopped state suggesting a jackpot (so-called double numbers). At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed in a stopped state suggesting a jackpot. On the other hand, when the special symbol variation pattern of the variable display of the special symbol is, for example, "SP Miss Variation," as shown in FIG. 19 (C-2), an effect suggesting a miss (for example, an enemy character displaying joy at winning a battle) is displayed, and the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed stopped in a manner suggesting a reach miss. At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a manner suggesting a miss. The effect content of the SP reach can be changed or added as appropriate.

Here, we will explain in detail the possibility (jackpot expectation) of the EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 display symbols for each reach stopping in a manner indicating a jackpot. The jackpot expectation for each reach is determined by the execution probability based on the result of the jackpot determination. For example, if the execution probability of an N reach is set to 10% if the result of the jackpot determination is a "miss" and 100% if the result of the jackpot determination is a "jackpot," and the execution probability of an SP reach is set to 4% if the result of the jackpot determination is a "miss" and 100% if the result of the jackpot determination is a "jackpot," then it is possible to set the jackpot expectation for an SP reach higher than the jackpot expectation for an N reach. Furthermore, if SP Reach A and SP Reach B are executable as SP reaches, and the execution probability of SP Reach A is set to 2% if the result of the jackpot determination is a "miss" and 20% if the result of the jackpot determination is a "jackpot," and the execution probability of SP Reach B is set to 2% if the result of the jackpot determination is a "miss" and 30% if the result of the jackpot determination is a "jackpot," then it is possible to set the jackpot expectation rate for SP Reach B higher than that of SP Reach A. In this way, it is possible to set the jackpot expectation rate by appropriately setting the execution probability according to the result of the jackpot determination.

4-3. Hold Icon Display Area The display unit 50a of the image display device 50 can be provided with a hold icon display area 50d consisting of four display areas, as shown in FIG. 20A. The hold icon display area 50d is composed of a first display area 50d1, a second display area 50d2, a third display area 50d3, and a fourth display area 50d4. A hold icon HA can be displayed in each display area 50d1, 50d2, 50d3, or 50d4 depending on the number of special 1 or special 2 reservations. For example, if the number of special 1 reservations is "1," the hold icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1, and if the number of special 1 reservations is "2," the hold icon HA is displayed in both the first display area 50d1 and the second display area 50d2.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 20(A), an icon display area 50e consisting of a single display area can be provided near the reserved icon display area 50d. The icon display area 50e can display an icon TA that is the same as or different from the reserved icon HA in response to the start of the special chart change performance.

The number of display areas that make up the hold icon display area 50d can be changed as appropriate. Also, the hold icon display area 50d can be a display area that displays both the special chart 1 hold number and the special chart 2 hold number, or a display area that displays only one of them.

The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform a hold effect in response to a game ball entering the first start hole 11 or the second start hole 12. The hold effect can notify the player of the number of special 1 reserves or special 2 reserves.

In the hold effect, when a game ball enters the first starting hole 11 while the number of reserved balls in special chart 1 is "0," the special chart change effect begins, and the icon TA is displayed in the icon display area 50e, as shown in FIG. 20(B). Then, when two more game balls enter the first starting hole 11 during the special chart change effect, the hold icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1 and the second display area 50d2 of the hold icon display area 50d, as shown in FIG. 20(C), and the player is notified that the number of reserved balls in special chart 1 is "2." After that, when the special chart change presentation ends and a new special chart change presentation begins, as shown in FIG. 20 (D), the reserve icon HA that was displayed in the first display area 50d1 of the reserve icon display area 50d moves to the icon display area 50e and is displayed as the icon TA, and the reserve icon HA that was displayed in the second display area 50d2 of the reserve icon display area 50d moves to the first display area 50d1 and is displayed, and the player is notified that the number of reserved special charts 1 is "1".

The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can perform a notice performance at any timing during the special symbol variation performance. The notice performance is a performance using the image display device 50, speaker 52, frame lamp 53, board lamp 54, movable devices 55, 56, 58, input devices 40, 41, etc., and can suggest the results of the jackpot determination and the special symbol variation pattern determination.

The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can perform a movable body effect as a preview effect using the movable devices 55, 56, and 58. The movable body effect is an effect in which the movable devices 55, 56, and 58 are activated, and functions as an effect to make the player anticipate a jackpot.

In the movable body effect, for example, when an N reach progresses to an SP reach, as shown in FIG. 21(A), the above-board movable device 55 and the below-board movable device 56 are activated, and the above-board movable device 55k and the below-board movable device 56k move so that they overlap on the display unit 50a as seen by the player, suggesting that the game will progress to an SP reach. At this time, an effect image is displayed in the space on the display unit 50a that does not overlap with the above-board movable device 55k and the below-board movable device 56k. Then, as shown in FIG. 21(B), the above-board movable device 55k and the below-board movable device 56k return to their normal standby state (initial position), and the game progresses to an SP reach. Note that the movable body effect is not limited to suggesting the game will progress to an SP reach, and can be modified or added as appropriate. Furthermore, the operation of the movable devices in the movable body effect can be modified or added as appropriate.

The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can perform operation effects as advance notice effects using the normal buttons 40 and the special buttons 41. The operation effects are effects in which the player operates the normal buttons 40 and the special buttons 41, and function as effects that make the player anticipate a big win.

In the operation presentation, for example, in an SP reach, a period (a button operation valid period) occurs during which pressing the special button 41 is valid. When this button operation valid period begins, a presentation (a button operation prompt presentation) is presented to prompt the player to press the special button 41, as shown in FIG. 22(A). In the button operation prompt presentation, a button operation prompt image G3 is displayed on the display unit 50a. The button operation prompt image G3 includes an image (special button image G31) that resembles the special button 41, an image (a press operation image G32) that represents the operation mode of the special button 41 (i.e., the press operation), and an image (a remaining valid operation period image G33) that represents the remaining time of the valid button operation period. The remaining valid operation period image G33 is comprised of a generally curved progress bar that changes over time to allow the player to easily understand the remaining time of the valid operation period. Thereafter, in response to the special button 41 being pressed during the valid button operation period, or after the valid button operation period has elapsed without the special button 41 being operated, the on-board movable device 55 is activated as shown in FIG. 22(B), and as seen by the player, the on-board movable body 55k moves so that it overlaps the display unit 50a, indicating the likelihood of a jackpot. Note that the operational effects are not limited to the activation of the on-board movable device 55, and can be changed or added as appropriate.

The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can perform a pre-reading effect for the special chart 1 reserve or special chart 2 reserve for which the special chart lottery has not yet been held as a notice effect. The pre-reading effect functions as an effect to suggest in advance the result of the special chart lottery for the special chart 1 reserve or special chart 2 reserve.

In the pre-reading effect, for example, if the result of the pre-reading judgment for the special chart 1 reserve is a "jackpot," the reserve icon HA, which is normally displayed as a "circle," may be displayed as a "☆" in the reserve icon display area 50d, as shown in Figure 20 (C). Furthermore, if the result of the pre-reading judgment is a "miss," the reserve icon HA may be displayed as a "☆" as a so-called false effect. Note that the pre-reading effect can be performed on both or either the special chart 1 reserve and the special chart 2 reserve. Furthermore, it is not limited to changing the display mode of the reserve icon HA, and it can be changed or added as appropriate. For example, it is also possible to change the stopping mode of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the special chart variation effect.

4-5. Customer Waiting Effects When the customer waiting effect mode is set, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 can perform a customer waiting effect. The customer waiting effect may be performed before the special symbol change begins after the power is turned on, or if the next special symbol change does not begin for a predetermined time after the special symbol change. For example, the customer waiting effect is performed as shown in Figure 23 if the next special symbol change does not occur for a predetermined time after the previous special symbol change. In this embodiment, the waiting image displayed by the customer waiting effect basically changes in four stages.

Figure 23 (A) shows the display unit 50a with the EZ symbol in the special symbol variation display frozen against the normal daytime background image G102 (still symbol image). In addition, the small KZ symbol is also frozen in the upper left area.

Figure 23 (B) shows the state in which the selection standby image G200 is displayed. The selection standby image G200 is a standby image indicating that pressing the up or down button on the select button 42 will transition to a custom allocation effect, which allows customization of the reliability and winning occupancy rate of the logo effect (logo cut-in announcement, logo background announcement). The selection standby image G200 is also a standby image indicating that pressing the left or right button on the select button 42 can change the set volume. The stopped-displayed effect pattern EZ and small pattern KZ are also shown.

Figure 23 (C) shows the state in which the hall code corresponding image G201 is displayed. The hall code corresponding image G201 is a standby image that shows the main character and the name of the amusement facility corresponding to the hall code information. The hall code information is information that can be displayed by entering a predetermined number of digits corresponding to each amusement facility.

Figure 23 (D) shows the state in which the customer waiting demo image G202 is displayed. In this embodiment, the customer waiting demo image G202 is a waiting image showing a battle between the main character and an enemy character in the pachinko gaming machine PY1. This customer waiting demo image G202 is able to appropriately appeal to players who are unsure which gaming machine to play at the gaming parlor about the pachinko gaming machine PY1.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, when the special symbol variable effect ends and the display of the EZ symbol stops for a predetermined time (approximately 30 seconds) (see FIG. 23(A)), a selection standby image G200 is displayed (see FIG. 23(B)). Also, when the selection standby image G200 is displayed for a predetermined time (approximately 30 seconds), a hall code corresponding image G201 is displayed (see FIG. 23(C)). Furthermore, when the hall code corresponding image G201 is displayed for a predetermined time (approximately 30 seconds), a customer waiting demo image G202 is displayed (see FIG. 23(E)). And when the customer waiting demo image G202 is displayed for a predetermined time (approximately 30 seconds), a selection standby image G200 is displayed (see FIG. 23(B)).

In other words, as shown in Figure 23, in this form of customer waiting effect, during the period when the special chart change is not being performed, it is possible to repeatedly execute a selection waiting demo effect that can display a selection waiting image G200, a hall code corresponding demo effect that can display a hall code corresponding image G201, and a specific demo effect that can display a customer waiting demo image G202, in this order. Furthermore, if a special chart change is initiated during the customer waiting effect, the customer waiting effect can be terminated and the special chart change effect can be executed.

5. Game Control by Game Control Microcomputer 101 Next, game control by game control microcomputer 101 will be explained with reference to Figures 24 to 27. Note that counters, timers, buffers, etc. that appear in the game control by game control microcomputer 101 described below are provided in game RAM 104.

[1. Main control main processing]
When the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is powered on, the gaming control microcomputer 101 provided on the main control board 100 reads out and executes the main control main processing program shown in Fig. 23 from the gaming ROM 103. As shown in the figure, the main control main processing first performs power-on processing (S001). The power-on processing performs settings such as permission to access the gaming RAM 104, settings for the gaming CPU 102, and settings for the SIO, PIO, and CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time).

Following the power-on process, interrupts are prohibited (S002), and the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003) is executed. In this normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003), the counter values of the various random numbers shown in Figures 8(A) and 8(B) are updated by incrementing them by 1. When the counter value of each random number reaches its upper limit, it returns to "0" and is incremented again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0", and may be changed randomly. Furthermore, at least some of the random numbers may be so-called hardware random numbers generated using a known random number generation circuit consisting of a counter IC or the like.

When the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S003) is completed, an interrupt is permitted (S004). While the interrupt is permitted, the main timer interrupt process (S005) can be executed. The main timer interrupt process (S005) is executed based on an interrupt pulse repeatedly input to the gaming CPU 102, for example, at a cycle of 4 msec. In other words, the main timer interrupt process (S005) is executed at a cycle of 4 msec. Then, between the end of the main timer interrupt process (S005) and the start of the next main timer interrupt process (S005), the update process of the counter values of various random numbers by the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S003) is repeatedly executed. Note that if an interrupt pulse is input to the gaming CPU 102 while the interrupt is prohibited, the main timer interrupt process (S005) does not start immediately, but starts after the interrupt is permitted (S004).

[2. Main-side timer interrupt processing]
Next, the main timer interrupt process (S005) will be described. As shown in Fig. 24, the main timer interrupt process (S005) first executes an output process (S101). In the output process (S101), commands and the like set in the output buffer provided in the gaming RAM 104 of the main control board 100 in each process described below are output to the sub-control board 120, the payout control board 170, and the like.

In the input process (S102) that follows the output process (S101), the game control microcomputer 101, for example, receives a detection signal from a lower tray full switch that detects whether the lower tray 35 is full, and stores this as lower tray full data in the output buffer of the game RAM 104.

The normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103) that is performed next is the same as the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003) that is performed in the main control main process of Figure 23. In other words, the update process for the counter values of the various random numbers shown in Figures 8(A) and 8(B) is performed both during the execution period of the main timer interrupt process (S005) and during other periods (the period from the end of the main timer interrupt process (S005) until the start of the next main timer interrupt process (S005)).

Following the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S103), the game control microcomputer 101 performs a sensor detection process (S104), then a normal action process (S105), and then a special action process (S106). The sensor detection process, normal action process, and special action process will be described later.

Following the special operation processing (S106), sorter control processing is performed to control the sorter 16D (S107).

Next, the game control microcomputer 101 executes other processing (S108) and ends the main timer interrupt processing (S005). Other processing (S108) includes power-off monitoring processing when the power is turned off and updating the timer stored in the game RAM 104. Another other processing (S108) is payout control processing, which pays out prize balls to the player. In the payout control processing, a prize ball request signal is sent to the payout control board 170 in response to the entry of game balls into each winning slot. In other words, the payout control board 170 pays out prize balls based on the prize ball request signal.

The gaming control microcomputer 101 then repeatedly executes steps S002 to S004 of the main control main processing until the next interrupt pulse is input to the gaming CPU 102 (see Figure 23). When the interrupt pulse is input (approximately 4 msec later), it again executes the main timer interrupt processing (S005). In the output processing (S101) of the re-executed main timer interrupt processing (S005), the gaming control microcomputer 101 outputs the commands, etc. that were set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104 in the previous main timer interrupt processing (S005).

[2-1. Sensor detection process]
In the sensor detection process (S104), the general winning slot sensor process, the gate sensor process, the second starting slot sensor process, the first starting slot sensor process, the first large winning slot sensor process, the second large winning slot sensor process, and the specific area sensor process are sequentially performed. Then, the commands generated in each process are set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104.

The general prize opening sensor process determines whether a game ball has been detected by the general prize opening sensor. Furthermore, a command for the general prize opening sensor is generated based on the results of this process.

The gate sensor process determines whether a gaming ball has been detected by the gate sensor. If it is determined that a gaming ball has been detected, the normal symbol random number indicated by the counter value of the normal symbol random number counter is obtained, and the obtained normal symbol random number is stored in the normal symbol reserve memory unit 106 provided in the gaming RAM 104. Note that if a predetermined number of normal symbol random numbers (for example, four) are stored in the normal symbol reserve memory unit 106, the newly obtained normal symbol random number is not stored. Furthermore, a command for the gate sensor is generated depending on the results of this process.

The second start port sensor process determines whether a gaming ball has been detected by the second start port sensor. If it is determined that a gaming ball has been detected, special symbol 2-related random numbers consisting of a special symbol random number counter, a jackpot symbol type random number counter, a reach random number counter, and a special symbol variation pattern random number counter are acquired, and the acquired special symbol 2-related random numbers are stored in the special symbol 2 reserve memory unit 105b provided in the gaming RAM 104. The special symbol 2 reserve memory unit 105b has multiple memory areas, from area 1 to area n (n is an integer greater than or equal to 2), and the acquired special symbol 2-related random numbers are stored in order, starting from area 1. Note that if special symbol 2-related random numbers have been stored up to area n, the newly acquired special symbol 2-related random numbers are not stored. In addition, a second look-ahead judgment is made using the acquired special symbol 2-related random numbers and a second look-ahead judgment table. In addition, depending on the results of this processing, a command for the second start gate sensor is generated, which includes a special chart 2 reserved number command indicating the number of special chart 2 related random numbers (special chart 2 reserved number) stored in the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 105b and a second start winning command indicating the result of the second pre-reading judgment.

The first start gate sensor process determines whether a gaming ball has been detected by the first start gate sensor. If it is determined that a gaming ball has been detected, special symbol 1 related random numbers consisting of a special symbol random number counter, a jackpot symbol type random number counter, a reach random number counter, and a special symbol variation pattern random number counter are acquired, and the acquired special symbol 1 related random numbers are stored in the special symbol 1 reserve memory unit 105a provided in the gaming RAM 104. The special symbol 1 reserve memory unit 105a has multiple memory areas, from area 1 to area n (n is an integer greater than or equal to 2), and the acquired special symbol 1 related random numbers are stored in order, starting from area 1. Note that if special symbol 1 related random numbers have been stored up to area n, newly acquired special symbol 1 related random numbers are not stored. In addition, a first pre-reading judgment is made using the acquired special symbol 1 related random numbers and the first pre-reading judgment table. In addition, depending on the results of this processing, a command for the first start gate sensor is generated, which includes a special chart 1 reserved number command representing the number of special chart 1-related random numbers (special chart 1 reserved number) stored in the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a and a first start winning command representing the result of the first pre-read judgment.

The first large prize opening sensor process determines whether a gaming ball has been detected by the first large prize opening sensor. It also generates a command for the first large prize opening sensor according to the results of this process.

The second large prize opening sensor process determines whether a gaming ball has been detected by the second large prize opening sensor. It also generates a command for the second large prize opening sensor according to the results of this process.

The specific area sensor process determines whether a gaming ball has been detected by the specific area sensor. Furthermore, a command for the specific area sensor is generated depending on the results of this process.

[2-2. Normal Operation Processing]
In the normal operation process (S105), normal symbol standby process, normal symbol variation process, normal symbol determination process, and auxiliary game control process are performed in sequence. Then, the commands generated in each process are set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104.

The normal symbol standby process is a process that is performed during standby when the variable display of the normal symbol and auxiliary play are not being performed. In the normal symbol standby process, a win determination is made based on the normal symbol random number stored in the normal symbol reserve memory unit 106. In addition, a normal symbol fluctuation pattern determination is made based on the current game state to determine the normal symbol fluctuation pattern. A normal symbol fluctuation start command is then generated that includes information regarding the results of the win determination and the normal symbol fluctuation pattern. Then, the normal symbol display unit 82 is caused to start variable display of the normal symbol based on the normal symbol fluctuation time associated with the determined normal symbol fluctuation pattern.

Normal pattern change processing is a process that is performed during the variable display of the normal map. In the normal pattern change processing, the normal map is stopped and displayed based on the result of the hit determination as the normal map change time elapses since the variable display of the currently running normal map began. Then, a normal map change stop command is generated, indicating the end of the variable display of the normal map.

The normal symbol determination process is performed when a normal symbol is displayed as stopped. During the normal symbol determination process, a determination is made as to whether the stopped normal symbol is a winning symbol after a predetermined stop time (e.g., 0.8 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the stopped display of the active normal symbol. If a winning symbol is displayed as stopped, auxiliary play is started based on the current game state and the auxiliary game control table, and an auxiliary game start command indicating the start of auxiliary play is generated.

The auxiliary game control process is performed when an auxiliary game is being played. The auxiliary game control process controls the auxiliary game based on the current game state and the auxiliary game control table. Furthermore, an auxiliary game control command is generated depending on the results of this process.

[2-3. Special Action Processing]
In the special operation processing (S106), as shown in Figure 26, the processing related to the special chart display 81 and the large prize device (first large prize device 14D and second large prize device 15D) is divided into four stages, and "special operation status 1, 2, 3, 4" is assigned to each of these stages. Then, if the "special operation status" is "1" (YES in S1301), the game control microcomputer 101 performs a special symbol standby process (S1302); if the "special operation status" is "2" (NO in S1301, YES in S1303), it performs a special symbol changing process (S1304); if the "special operation status" is "3" (NO in both S1301 and S1303, YES in S1305), it performs a special symbol determination process (S1306); if the "special operation status" is "4" (NO in S1301, S1303, and S1305), it performs a special electric accessory process (S1307). The special operation status is initially set to "1."

In the special symbol standby process (S1302), random numbers such as the jackpot random number obtained in the start port sensor detection process (see Figure 27) are judged using a predetermined judgment table (see Figures 10, 11, and 12). Then, the display of a variable special symbol to notify the result of the jackpot lottery begins, and the special operation status is set to "2." The special symbol standby process (S1302) will be described in more detail later.

The special symbol change processing (S1304) determines whether the special symbol change time has elapsed, and if so, the special symbol is displayed in a stopped state, a change stop command is set in the output buffer, and the special operation status is set to "3".

The special symbol determination process (S1306) determines whether the stopped special symbol is a jackpot symbol. If it is, the special operation status is set to "4" to execute the special electric device process. At this time, the jackpot opening command is set in the output buffer. If it is not a jackpot symbol, the special operation status is set to "1" to execute the special symbol standby process again. Note that in the special symbol determination process (S1306), in order to manage the control period of the high probability state, if the probability change flag is ON, the value of the probability change counter is decremented by 1, and if it becomes "0," the probability change flag is turned OFF. Also, in order to manage the control period of the time-saving state (i.e., high base state), if the time-saving flag is ON, the value of the time-saving counter is decremented by 1, and if it becomes "0," the time-saving flag is turned OFF. Also, when the special operation status is set to "4," if the probability change flag or time-saving flag is ON, it is returned to OFF. In other words, the jackpot state is controlled to a low probability, low base state during jackpot play.

In the special electric device processing (S1307), a jackpot game (special game) is played in which the first large prize opening 14 and the second large prize opening 15 are opened according to a predetermined opening pattern (opening time and number of openings, see Figure 19) that corresponds to the type of jackpot won. The special electric device processing (S1307) will be described in more detail later.

[2-3-1. Special symbol standby process]
In the special symbol waiting process (S1302), as shown in Fig. 27, first, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls in the second starting port 12 (i.e., the number of reserved balls for special symbol 2) is "0" (S1401). If the number of reserved balls for special symbol 2 is "0" (YES in S1401), that is, if there is no memory of the random number counter value group acquired due to winning in the second starting port 12, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls in the first starting port 11 (i.e., the number of reserved balls for special symbol 1) is "0" (S1407). Then, if the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 is also "0" (YES in S1407), that is, if there is no memory of the group of random number counter values obtained as a result of winning at the first starting port 11, it is determined whether the customer waiting flag is ON (S1415), and if it is ON, this process is terminated, and if it is not ON, a customer waiting command is set in the output buffer (S1416) and the customer waiting flag is set ON (S1417).

In step S1401, if the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 is not "0" (NO in S1401), that is, if there is one or more stored random number counter value groups (reserved information for special chart 2) obtained as a result of winning at the second starting port 12, a special chart 2 jackpot determination process (S1402) and a special chart 2 variation pattern selection process (S1403) are performed.

In the special chart 2 jackpot determination process (S1402), a jackpot random number value is read and a jackpot determination is made based on the jackpot determination table (see Figure 10 (A)) corresponding to the current game state. If the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, a win type random number value is read and the win type is determined based on the win type determination table (see Figure 10 (B)). Then, special chart stop pattern data corresponding to the win type is set in the special chart buffer provided in the gaming RAM 104. If the result of the win/loss determination is a "miss," special chart stop pattern data corresponding to the miss pattern is set in the special chart buffer.

In the special chart 2 variation pattern selection process (S1403), a variation pattern random number value is read out and a variation pattern is selected based on the special chart variation pattern determination table (see Figure 12). In this process, if the result of the above-mentioned hit/miss determination is a "miss," a reach random number value is read out and a decision is made based on the reach determination table (see Figure 10 (C)) as to whether the variation pattern should be a reach/miss variation pattern or a no-reach/miss variation pattern.

As shown in Figure 12, once the fluctuation pattern is determined, the fluctuation time is also determined. In addition, if a reach occurs, it is also determined whether the reach will be a normal reach or a super reach (SP reach) (see the notes section of Figure 12). An SP reach is a reach with a longer fluctuation time after reaching than a normal reach, and the allocation rate of the table is set so that the expected probability of winning (expectation of winning a jackpot) is higher than that of a normal reach. In this form, an SP reach is executed in a progressive manner via a normal reach.

Returning to Figure 27, following the special chart 2 variation pattern selection process (S1403), the game control microcomputer 101 decrements the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 by 1 (S1404). Then, the storage location (memory area) of various counter values in the special chart 2 reservation memory unit 105b is shifted by one from the current position toward the side from which it is read, and the memory area corresponding to the fourth reserved ball in the special chart 2 reservation memory unit 105b (the memory area farthest from the side from which it is read) is cleared (S1405). In this way, the second reserved special charts are consumed in the order in which they were reserved.

The game control microcomputer 101 then executes the special symbol 2 variation start process (S1406). In the special symbol 2 variation start process (S1406), the special operation status is set to "2" and a variation start command is set to start the display of the variation of the second special symbol. The variation start command (also referred to as the special symbol 2 variation start command) set in the special symbol 2 variation start process (S1406) includes information on the special symbol stop symbol data set in the special symbol 2 jackpot determination process (S1402) and information on the variation pattern (including information on the variation time) set in the special symbol 2 variation pattern selection process (S1403). The game control microcomputer 101 then determines whether the customer waiting flag is ON (S1413), and if it is ON, it turns the customer waiting flag OFF (S1414) and ends this process; if it is not ON, it ends this process without executing step S1414.

Furthermore, if the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 is "0" but the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 is not "0" (YES in S1401 and NO in S1407), that is, if there is no reserved information for special chart 2 but there is one or more memories of random number counter values obtained as a result of winning at the first starting port 11 (reserved information for special chart 1), then the special chart 1 jackpot determination process (S1408) and the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process (S1409) are performed. The special chart 1 jackpot determination process (S1408) is the same process as the special chart 2 jackpot determination process (S1402), so a description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process (S1409) is the same process as the special chart 2 variation pattern selection process (S1403), so a description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the game control microcomputer 101 decrements the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 by 1 (S1410). Then, the storage location (memory area) of various counter values in the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a is shifted by one from the current position toward the side from which it is read, and the memory area corresponding to the fourth reserved ball in the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a (the memory area farthest from the side from which it is read) is cleared (S1411). In this way, the first reserved special charts are consumed in the order in which they were reserved.

The game control microcomputer 101 then executes the special symbol 1 variation start process (S1412). In the special symbol 1 variation start process (S1412), the special operation status is set to "2" and a variation start command is set to start the variation display of the first special symbol. The variation start command (also referred to as the special symbol 1 variation start command) set in the special symbol 1 variation start process (S1412) includes information on the special symbol stop symbol data set in the special symbol 1 jackpot determination process (S1408) and information on the variation pattern (including information on the variation time) set in the special symbol 1 variation pattern selection process (S1409). The game control microcomputer 101 then determines whether the customer waiting flag is ON (S1413), and if it is ON, it turns the customer waiting flag OFF (S1414) and ends this process; if it is not ON, it ends this process without executing step S1414.

As mentioned above, in this mode, the variable display of the special symbol based on the reserved first special symbol is only performed when the reserved second special symbol is "0" (YES in S1401). In other words, the consumption of the reserved second special symbol is executed before the consumption of the reserved first special symbol. And in this mode, the lottery based on the reserved second special symbol makes it easier for the player to win a jackpot that is more profitable for them than the lottery based on the reserved first special symbol.

[2-3-2. Special pattern change processing]
The special symbol variation process (S1304) is a process performed during the variable display of the special symbol. In the special symbol variation process, as the special symbol variation time elapses, the special symbol display device 81 ends the variable display of the special symbol and stops displaying the special symbol according to the result of the jackpot determination. If the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, the jackpot symbol indicating a jackpot is stopped and displayed, and if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, the miss symbol indicating a miss is stopped and displayed. Then, a special symbol variation stop command indicating the end of the variable display of the special symbol is generated.

[2-3-3. Special symbol determination process]
The special symbol determination process (S1306) is a process that is performed when a special symbol is displayed in a stopped state. In the special symbol determination process, if the currently displayed special symbol is a jackpot symbol, a transition to a jackpot game state is made. An opening command indicating the start of a jackpot game is then generated. The opening command includes information regarding the result of the jackpot type determination. Furthermore, if the currently displayed special symbol is a losing symbol and the high probability state is to be ended, a normal probability state is set. A high probability end command indicating a transition to the normal probability state is then generated. Furthermore, if the currently displayed special symbol is a losing symbol and the time-saving state is to be ended, a non-time-saving state is set. A time-saving end command indicating a transition to a non-time-saving state is then generated.

[2-3-4. Jackpot game control process]
The special electric device processing (S1307) performs a jackpot game control process and a game state setting process. The jackpot game control process is a process performed in the jackpot game state. In the jackpot game control process, a jackpot game is performed using a jackpot game control table. After transitioning to the jackpot game state, each round of play begins according to the passage of the opening time or closing time. Then, a round game command indicating the start of the round of play is generated. Furthermore, an ending is started according to the end of the final round of play. Then, an ending command indicating the end of the jackpot game is generated. The ending command includes information regarding the result of the jackpot type determination.

[2-3-5. Game status setting process]
The gaming state setting process is a process performed when the jackpot gaming state ends. In the gaming state setting process, when changing from a normal probability state to a high probability state, the high probability state is set when the jackpot gaming state ends. When limiting the duration of the high probability state, the duration of the high probability state (for example, the number of times the special symbol is variable displayed that the high probability state can continue without winning a jackpot) is also set. Then, a high probability setting command indicating the setting of the high probability state is generated. Furthermore, when changing from a non-time-saving state to a time-saving state, the time-saving state is set when the jackpot gaming state ends. When limiting the duration of the time-saving state, the duration of the time-saving state (for example, the number of times the special symbol is variable displayed that the time-saving state can continue without winning a jackpot) is also set. Then, a time-saving setting command indicating the setting of the time-saving state is generated.

Note that the commands generated by the game control microcomputer 101 for each process can be added or modified as appropriate.

6. Control of performance by performance control microcomputer 121 Next, the control of performance by performance control microcomputer 121 will be described with reference to Figures 28 and 29. Note that counters, timers, flags, buffers, etc. that appear in the following description of the control of performance by performance control microcomputer 121 are provided in performance RAM 124.

[1. Sub-control main processing]
When the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is powered on, the performance control microcomputer 121 provided on the sub-control board 120 reads out the sub-control main processing program shown in Fig. 28 from the performance ROM 123 and executes it. As shown in the figure, the sub-control main processing first performs power-on processing in response to power-on (S4001). The power-on processing performs, for example, setting of the performance CPU 122, setting of the SIO, PIO, CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time), etc.

Next, interrupts are prohibited (S4002), and random number seed update processing is executed (S4003). The random number seed update processing (S4003) updates the values of various effect determination random number counters used to make judgments regarding various effects. The effect determination random numbers include special symbol variation effect pattern determination random numbers used to determine special symbol variation patterns, preview effect determination random numbers used to determine various preview effects (LOGO preview effects (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview), etc.), and effect pattern determination random numbers used to determine the stopping pattern of the effect patterns. The method for updating the effect determination random number counters for various effects can be the same as the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update processing performed by the main control board 100 described above. Instead of incrementing the random number value by one, the update can be performed by increments of two. This also applies to the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update processing performed by the main control board 100 described above.

Once the random number seed update process is completed, the command transmission process is executed (S4004). In the command transmission process, various commands stored in the output buffer in the performance RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120 are sent to the image control board 140. Upon receiving the commands, the image control board 140 displays an image on the display unit 50a in accordance with the received commands (executing various image-based performances). In addition to the various performances performed by the image control board 140, the sub-control board 120 also outputs audio from the speaker 52 via the audio control circuit 161 (executing various audio-based performances), illuminates the frame lamp 53 and board lamp 54 via the lamp control circuit 151 (executing various light-emitting performances), and activates the movable devices 55, 56, and 58 (executing various movable object performances through movement).

The performance control microcomputer 121 then enables interrupts (S4005). Thereafter, steps S4002 to S4005 are looped. While interrupts are enabled, reception interrupt processing (S4010) and sub-side timer interrupt processing (S4011) can be executed.

The reception interrupt process (S4010) is executed each time a command sent from the main control board 100 is input to the performance control microcomputer 121. In the reception interrupt process (S4010), the performance control microcomputer 121 stores the various commands sent and received by the output process (S101) of the main control board 100 in the reception buffer of the performance RAM 124. This reception interrupt process is executed with priority over other interrupt processes (S4011).

[2. Sub-side timer interrupt processing]
The sub-side timer interrupt process (S4011) is executed each time an interrupt pulse having a predetermined period (for example, 1 msec period) is input to the sub-control board 120. As shown in Fig. 29, the sub-side timer interrupt process (S4011) sequentially executes input process (S4101), light emission data output process (S4102), movable device control process (S4103), watchdog timer process (S4104), table creation process (S4105), received command analysis process (S4106), effect timer update process (S4107), audio control process (S4108), and effect data creation process (S4109).

The input process detects operations on player-operable control elements such as the normal button detection switch 40a, special button detection switch 41a, and select button detection switch 42a. The input process also creates switch data (edge data and level data) based on detection signals from the normal button detection switch 40a, special button detection switch 41a, and select button detection switch 42a. The light-emission data output process outputs light-emission data to the lamp control circuit 151 to illuminate lamps such as the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 at timings that match image effects, etc., based on the performance data created in the performance data creation process described below. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 121 illuminates the frame lamp 53, the board lamp 54, etc. in a predetermined light-emission mode in accordance with the light-emission data. The movable device control process outputs drive data to perform movable object effects that operate movable devices such as movable devices 55, 56, and 58 at predetermined timings based on the performance data created in the performance data creation process. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 121 performs a movable body performance by operating movable devices 55, 56, 58, etc. in a predetermined operating mode in accordance with the drive data. The watchdog timer processing resets the watchdog timer.

In the received command analysis process, the command stored in the receive buffer of the performance RAM 124 by the receive interrupt process (S4010) is analyzed, and processing according to the command (for example, selecting a performance, setting a performance mode, setting a command, etc.) is performed. In the performance timer update process, the timer used to measure the time related to each performance is updated. In the audio control process, audio data (data that controls the audio output from the speaker 52) is created and output to the audio control circuit 161 based on the results of the received command analysis process. In the performance data creation process, performance data is created based on the results of the received command analysis process.

7. LOGO Notice Effects A more detailed description of the features of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment will be provided below. In the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment, a LOGO notice effect may be executed during the execution of a special chart variation effect. Here, the LOGO notice effect is a type of notice effect in which the main character LOGO is displayed on the display unit 50a. The LOGO notice effect includes a LOGO cut-in notice (first specific effect, suggestive effect) and a LOGO background notice (second specific effect).

Another feature of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment is that in the customer waiting performance, the reliability (reliability) of the LOGO cut-in notice, the winning share (share rate) of the LOGO cut-in notice, the reliability (reliability) of the LOGO background notice, and the winning share (share rate) of the LOGO background notice can be set by the performance control microcomputer 121 by operating the select button 42 and normal button 40 to specify the reliability and winning share rate that suit the player's preferences.

Here, the reliability (first rate, set value, reliability) indicates the probability that the result of the determination by the special chart jackpot determination process (special chart 1 jackpot determination process (S1408), special chart 2 jackpot determination process (S1402)) will be a jackpot when a predetermined effect (e.g., LOGO cut-in announcement, LOGO background announcement) is executed. Furthermore, the hit occupancy rate (second rate, set value, hit occupancy rate) indicates the probability that the predetermined effect (LOGO cut-in announcement, LOGO background announcement) will be executed when the result of the determination by the special chart jackpot determination process (special chart 1 jackpot determination process (S1408), special chart 2 jackpot determination process (S1402)) is a jackpot.

In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment, the reliability of the LOGO cut-in announcement and the reliability of the LOGO background announcement can each be set to one of 10 levels ("10%, "20%, "30%, "40%, "50%, "60%, "70%, "80%, "90%, or "100%"). Furthermore, the winning share of the LOGO cut-in announcement and the winning share of the LOGO background announcement can each be set to one of 10 levels ("10%, "20%, "30%, "40%, "50%, "60%, "70%, "80%, "90%, or "100%"). As a result, in the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment, the reliability and winning share of the logo cut-in announcement and the reliability and winning share of the logo background announcement can be finely set by the presentation control microcomputer 121 to suit the player's preferences.

8. Special symbol 1 variation pattern of the first embodiment In the first embodiment, the game control microcomputer 101 determines the special symbol variation pattern in the special symbol variation pattern selection process (special symbol 1 variation pattern selection process (S1409), special symbol 2 variation pattern selection process (S1403), see FIG. 27) based on the result of the jackpot determination performed in the special symbol jackpot determination process (special symbol 1 jackpot determination process (S1408), special symbol 2 jackpot determination process (S1402), see FIG. 27), the result of the reach determination, and the special symbol variation pattern random number. When it is determined that a jackpot has occurred, the number of special symbol variation patterns selectable by the game control microcomputer 101 in the special symbol variation pattern selection process (special symbol 1 variation pattern selection process (S1409), special symbol 2 variation pattern selection process (S1403), see FIG. 27) is "1000". In addition, when it is determined to be a miss, the number of special chart variation patterns that can be selected by the game control microcomputer 101 in the special chart variation pattern selection process (special chart 1 variation pattern selection process (S1409), special chart 2 variation pattern selection process (S1403), see Figure 27) is "1000".

Next, an excerpt from the special chart 1 variation pattern determination table for the non-time-saving state will be explained using Figure 30. Note that, since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment has a large number of special chart variation patterns, Figure 30 shows an excerpt from the special chart 1 variation pattern determination table for the non-time-saving state.

When the game control microcomputer 101 of the first embodiment determines that a jackpot has been won in the special chart 1 jackpot determination process (S1408) in a non-time-saving state, it can determine the special chart 1 variation pattern as P01, P71, P72, P02, or P03. The special chart 1 variation pattern to be determined is determined by a special chart variation pattern random number. The allocation rate (selection ratio) of the special chart 1 variation pattern can be changed as appropriate within the range that does not interfere with gameplay.

In addition, in the first embodiment, when the special chart 1 jackpot determination process (S1408) determines a miss in the non-time-saving mode and the reach determination result is "reach," the game control microcomputer 101 can determine "P04," "P73," "P74," "P05," or "P06" as the special chart 1 variation pattern. The special chart 1 variation pattern to be determined is determined by a special chart variation pattern random number. The allocation rate (selection rate) of the special chart 1 variation pattern can be changed as appropriate within the range that does not interfere with gameplay.

In addition, in the first embodiment, when the special chart 1 jackpot determination process (S1408) determines a miss in the non-time-saving mode and the reach determination result is "no reach," the game control microcomputer 101 can determine "P07" or "P08" as the special chart 1 variation pattern. The number of reserved special charts 1 determines which of these two special chart 1 variation patterns is determined. When the number of reserved special charts 1 is 0 to 2, a special chart variation pattern with a relatively long special chart variation time is likely to be determined, and when the number of reserved special charts 1 is 3 to 4, a special chart variation pattern with a relatively short special chart variation time is likely to be determined.

Here, special chart 1 variation pattern "P01" is SP jackpot variation 1, which goes from normal variation → reach → N reach → development effect → SP reach, and special chart 1 variation pattern "P04" is SP miss variation 1, which goes from normal variation → reach → N reach → development effect → SP reach.

Here, special chart 1 variation pattern "P71" is an SP jackpot variation 2 in which normal variation → reach → N reach → first development suggestion effect → development effect → SP reach takes place, and special chart 1 variation pattern "P73" is an SP miss variation 2 in which normal variation → reach → N reach → first development suggestion effect → development effect → SP reach takes place. Here, the first development suggestion effect functions as an effect that suggests that a development effect will take place while the special chart variation effect is being executed. Note that the first development suggestion effect is different from the second development suggestion effect described below.

Here, special chart 1 variation pattern "P72" is an SP jackpot variation 3 in which normal variation → reach → N reach → second development suggestion effect → development effect → SP reach takes place, and special chart 1 variation pattern "P74" is an SP jackpot variation 3 in which normal variation → reach → N reach → second development suggestion effect → development effect → SP reach takes place. Here, the second development suggestion effect functions as an effect that suggests that a development effect will take place while the special chart variation effect is being executed. Note that the second development suggestion effect is a different effect from the first development suggestion effect.

Here, special chart 1 variation pattern "P02" is an L jackpot variation in which normal variation → reach → N reach → development effect → L reach occurs, and special chart 1 variation pattern "P05" is an L miss variation in which normal variation → reach → N reach → development effect → L reach occurs.

Special chart 1 variation pattern "P03" is an N jackpot variation where the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 reach a reach, but no L reach or SP reach occurs, as in normal variation → reach → N reach. Special chart 1 variation pattern "P06" is an N miss variation where the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 reach a reach, but no L reach or SP reach occurs, as in normal variation → reach → N reach.

In addition, special chart 1 variation pattern "P07" is a normal miss variation in which the variation ends in 13 seconds without the EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 symbols reaching a reach. In addition, special chart 1 variation pattern "P08" shown in Figure 30 is a normal miss variation in which the variation ends in 4 seconds without the EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 symbols reaching a reach.

In the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment, a logo preview effect (logo cut-in preview, logo background preview) may be performed even during execution of a special chart variation effect based on any of the special chart 1 variation patterns: SP jackpot variation 1, SP jackpot variation 2, SP jackpot variation 3, SP miss variation 1, SP miss variation 2, or SP miss variation 3. SP jackpot variation 1, SP jackpot variation 2, SP jackpot variation 3, SP miss variation 1, SP miss variation 2, and SP miss variation 3, in which a logo preview effect (logo cut-in preview, logo background preview) can be performed during execution of a special chart variation effect, are referred to as specific special chart variation patterns. In addition, SP jackpot fluctuation 1, SP jackpot fluctuation 2, and SP jackpot fluctuation 3 are referred to as specific jackpot special chart fluctuation patterns, and SP miss fluctuation 1, SP miss fluctuation 2, and SP miss fluctuation 3 are referred to as specific miss special chart fluctuation patterns.

9. Control of Performance by Performance Control Microcomputer 121 of First Embodiment Next, the control process of performance by the performance control microcomputer 121 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 31 to 40.

By the way, it is expected that the game control microcomputer 101 will select a specific jackpot special chart variation pattern in the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process (S1409) and the number of times a specific losing special chart variation pattern is selected in the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process (S1409) will have an extreme ratio. If such an extreme ratio occurs, the effect control microcomputer 121 may not be able to perform a proper calculation when determining whether or not to execute a preview effect in the special chart variation effect.

For example, in the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process (S1409), a specific jackpot special chart variation pattern may be selected once as the special chart variation pattern selected by the game control microcomputer 101, but a specific loss special chart variation pattern may be selected 1,000 times, resulting in the ratio of special chart variation patterns selected by the game control microcomputer 101 in the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process (S1409) being 1 (specific jackpot special chart variation pattern):1,000 (specific loss special chart variation pattern). In this case, if a specific loss special chart variation pattern is selected in the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process (S1409), and a LOGO preview effect is executed 10% of the time, when a special chart variation effect based on a specific loss special chart variation pattern is executed 1,000 times, the LOGO preview effect will be executed during the execution of 100 of the 1,000 special chart variation effects. Furthermore, if a LOGO preview effect with a reliability of 10% is attempted during the execution of a special symbol variation effect, the LOGO preview effect will always be executed if a specific jackpot special symbol variation pattern is selected. Furthermore, if the reliability of the LOGO preview effect is low (for example, 1%), the LOGO preview effect will always be executed if a specific jackpot special symbol variation pattern is selected. If the number of times the above-mentioned specific jackpot special symbol variation pattern is selected and the number of times a specific losing special symbol variation pattern is selected becomes extremely different, there is a risk that when a LOGO cut-in preview is executed during the special symbol variation effect, the result of the jackpot determination will be revealed to the player before the special symbol variation effect ends.

In the first embodiment, the presentation control microcomputer 121 first performs the table creation process (S4105) of the sub-side timer interrupt process (S4011) shown in FIG. 31 to create a distribution table for the LOGO preview effect. This allows the presentation control microcomputer 121 to determine in advance whether to execute a LOGO preview effect in a special chart change effect based on a specific special chart change pattern that may reveal the result of the jackpot determination to the player before the special chart change effect ends due to the LOGO cut-in preview executed in the special chart change effect. Next, in the preview effect selection process (S5504) described below, the presentation control microcomputer 121 is configured to select a LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) based on the distribution table created in the table creation process (S4105). This means that no matter which of the 10 levels of reliability and hit occupancy rate of the set logo preview effect (logo cut-in preview, logo background preview) is set to, it is possible to execute a logo preview effect (logo cut-in preview, logo background preview) that accurately indicates its reliability. This makes it possible to prevent the results of the jackpot determination from being revealed before the player's special chart variation effect has ended.

The table creation process (S4105) will be explained using Figure 31. The table creation process (S4105) is a process in which the effect control microcomputer 121 creates an allocation table for the LOGO preview effects (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) used in the preview effect selection process (S5504) when the reliability and hit occupancy rate of the LOGO preview effects (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) have been set.

The table creation process (S4105) will be explained using Figure 31. First, in the table creation process (S4105), the effect control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not a distribution table for LOGO preview effects (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) has been created, i.e., whether or not a distribution table for LOGO preview effects (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) is stored in the preview effect memory unit 107 (4201). If a distribution table for LOGO preview effects (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) has been created (YES in S4201), the process proceeds to step S4202. If a distribution table for LOGO preview effects (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) has not been created (NO in S4201), the process ends.

In step S4202, the effect control microcomputer 121 allocates in 1/1000 increments whether to execute a LOGO cut-in announcement during a special chart change effect based on a specific jackpot special chart change pattern, and whether to execute a LOGO background announcement during the execution of a special chart change effect based on a specific jackpot special chart change pattern, so as to achieve the set hit occupancy rate for the LOGO announcement effect (LOGO cut-in announcement, LOGO background announcement) (S4202).

Specifically, in step S4202, the effect control microcomputer 121 allocates a numerical value corresponding to the hit occupancy rate of the set LOGO advance notice effect (LOGO cut-in advance notice, LOGO background advance notice) to the execution (with advance notice) of the LOGO advance notice effect (LOGO cut-in advance notice, LOGO background advance notice) in the special chart variation effect based on a specific jackpot special chart variation pattern. Next, the effect control microcomputer 121 subtracts the allocated value from the value of 1000 and allocates the result to the non-execution (without advance notice) of the LOGO advance notice effect (LOGO cut-in advance notice, LOGO background advance notice) in the special chart variation effect based on a specific jackpot special chart variation pattern.

For example, if the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO cut-in notice is set to "10%", in step S4202, the presentation control microcomputer 121 allocates 100 to the execution of the LOGO cut-in notice in the special chart variation presentation based on SP jackpot variation 1 (with notice, see Figure 32), and allocates 900, which is the value obtained by subtracting 100 from the value of 1000, to the non-execution of the LOGO cut-in notice in the special chart variation presentation based on a specific jackpot special chart variation pattern (without notice, see Figure 32) (without notice:with notice = 900:100). Also, for example, if the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO background announcement is set to "10%", in step S4202, the presentation control microcomputer 121 allocates 100 to the execution of the LOGO background announcement in the special chart variation presentation based on a specific jackpot special chart variation pattern (with announcement, see FIG. 32), and allocates 900, which is the value obtained by subtracting 100 from the value of 1000, to the non-execution of the LOGO background announcement in the special chart variation presentation based on a specific jackpot special chart variation pattern (without announcement, see FIG. 32) (without announcement:with announcement = 900:100).

Next, in step S4203, the effect control microcomputer 121 calculates the execution probability (hereinafter also referred to as the appearance rate of the LOGO announcement effect) of a LOGO announcement effect (LOGO cut-in announcement, LOGO background announcement) in a special chart change effect based on a specific jackpot special chart change pattern from the number of special chart change patterns (1000) selected when a jackpot is determined in the special chart jackpot determination process (special chart 1 jackpot determination process, special chart 2 jackpot determination process). The execution probability of a LOGO cut-in announcement in a special chart change effect based on a specific jackpot special chart change pattern is hereinafter also referred to as the appearance rate of the LOGO cut-in announcement. The execution probability of a LOGO background announcement in a special chart change effect based on a specific jackpot special chart change pattern is hereinafter also referred to as the appearance rate of the LOGO background announcement.

Specifically, in step S4203, the presentation control microcomputer 121 calculates the occurrence rate of the LOGO preview effect by multiplying the probability of a specific jackpot special chart fluctuation pattern being selected, calculated from the number of special chart fluctuation patterns (1000) selected when a jackpot is determined in the special chart jackpot determination process (special chart 1 jackpot determination process, special chart 2 jackpot determination process), by the value allocated in step S4201 to the execution (with preview) of the LOGO preview effect in the special chart fluctuation effect based on the specific jackpot special chart fluctuation pattern/1000.

For example, in step S4203, the presentation control microcomputer 121 calculates the appearance rate (0.0012) of the LOGO cut-in announcement by multiplying the probability (0.012) of selecting SP jackpot variation 1, calculated from the number of special chart variation patterns (1000) selected when a jackpot is determined in the special chart jackpot determination process (special chart 1 jackpot determination process, special chart 2 jackpot determination process), by the value (100)/1000 allocated in step S4201 to the execution of the LOGO cut-in announcement in the special chart variation presentation based on SP jackpot variation 1 (see Figure 32). Also, for example, in step S4203, the presentation control microcomputer 121 calculates the appearance rate (0.0012) of the LOGO background announcement by multiplying the probability (0.012) that SP jackpot variation 1 will be selected, calculated from the number of special chart variation patterns (1000) selected when a jackpot is determined in the special chart jackpot determination process (special chart 1 jackpot determination process, special chart 2 jackpot determination process), by the value (100)/1000 allocated to the execution of the LOGO background announcement in the special chart variation presentation based on SP jackpot variation 1 in step S4201 (see FIG. 33).

Next, in step S4204, the effect control microcomputer 121 changes the allocation of whether or not to execute the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) in the special chart variation effect based on a specific losing special chart variation pattern in 1/1000 increments (S4204). Specifically, for example, in step S4204, if the effect control microcomputer 121 has assigned 1 to the execution of the LOGO background preview (with preview) in the special chart variation effect based on a specific losing special chart variation pattern and assigned 999 to the non-execution of the LOGO background preview (with preview) in the special chart variation effect based on a specific losing special chart variation pattern, the effect control microcomputer 121 will increase the execution of the LOGO background preview (with preview) in the special chart variation effect based on a specific losing special chart variation pattern to 2 and decrease the non-execution of the LOGO background preview (without preview) in the special chart variation effect based on a specific losing special chart variation pattern to 998, thereby making the changes.

Next, in step S4205, the effect control microcomputer 121 calculates the execution probability (hereinafter also referred to as the appearance rate of the LOGO notice effect (appearance rate of the LOGO cut-in notice, appearance rate of the LOGO background notice)) of executing a LOGO notice effect (LOGO cut-in notice, appearance rate of the LOGO background notice) during the execution of a special chart change effect based on a specific jackpot special chart change pattern, from the number of special chart change patterns (1000) selected when a miss is determined in the special chart jackpot determination process (special chart 1 jackpot determination process, special chart 2 jackpot determination process).

Specifically, in step S4205, the effect control microcomputer 121 calculates the occurrence rate of the LOGO preview effect by multiplying the probability of a specific missing special chart variation pattern being selected, calculated from the number of special chart variation patterns (1000) selected when a miss is determined in the special chart jackpot determination process (special chart 1 jackpot determination process, special chart 2 jackpot determination process), by the value allocated in step S4204 to the execution (with preview) of the LOGO preview effect in the special chart variation effect based on the specific missing special chart variation pattern/1000.

For example, in step S4205, the presentation control microcomputer 121 calculates the appearance rate of the LOGO cut-in announcement (0.010802, see Figure 32(A)) by multiplying the probability (0.011, see Figure 32(A)) of selecting SP miss variation 1, calculated from the number of special chart variation patterns (1000) selected when a miss is determined in the special chart jackpot determination process (special chart 1 jackpot determination process, special chart 2 jackpot determination process), by the value allocated in step S4204 to the execution of the LOGO cut-in announcement in the special chart variation presentation based on SP miss variation 1 (982, see Figure 32(A))/1000.

Also, for example, in step S4205, the presentation control microcomputer 121 calculates the appearance rate of the LOGO background announcement (0.010802, see Figure 33(A)) by multiplying the probability (0.011, see Figure 33(A)) of selecting SP miss variation 1, calculated from the number of special chart variation patterns (1000) selected when a miss is determined in the special chart jackpot determination process (special chart 1 jackpot determination process, special chart 2 jackpot determination process), by the value allocated in step S4204 to the execution of the LOGO background announcement in the special chart variation presentation based on SP miss variation 1 (982, see Figure 33(A))/1000.

Next, in step S4206, the effect control microcomputer 121 calculates the reliability of the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) performed during the execution of the special chart change effect based on a specific special chart change pattern.

Specifically, in step S4206, the presentation control microcomputer 121 calculates the reliability of the LOGO preview presentation (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) by dividing the appearance rate of the LOGO preview presentation (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) in the special chart variation presentation based on the specific jackpot special chart variation pattern calculated in step S4203 by the sum of the appearance rate of the LOGO preview presentation (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) in the special chart variation presentation based on the specific jackpot special chart variation pattern calculated in step S4203 and the appearance rate of the LOGO preview presentation in the special chart variation presentation based on the specific losing special chart variation pattern calculated in step S4205, rounding the result to the nearest whole number and multiplying it by 100. In step S4206, the performance control microcomputer 121 may round up to the nearest decimal point, or may round up or round down to the first decimal place or beyond.

For example, in step S4206, the presentation control microcomputer 121 calculates the reliability (10%) of the LOGO cut-in announcement from the appearance rate (0.0012, see Figure 32(A)) of the LOGO cut-in announcement in the special chart variation presentation based on SP jackpot variation 1 calculated in step S4203 by the sum (0.01202) of the appearance rate (0.0012, see Figure 32(A)) of the LOGO cut-in announcement in the special chart variation presentation based on SP jackpot variation 1 calculated in step S4203 and the appearance rate (0.010802, see Figure 32(A)) of the LOGO cut-in announcement in the special chart variation presentation based on SP miss variation 1 calculated in step S4205, by rounding up the decimal point (0.09998) and multiplying it by 100.

Also, for example, in step S4206, the presentation control microcomputer 121 calculates the reliability (10%) of the LOGO cut-in announcement by rounding up the decimal point (0.09998) obtained by dividing the appearance rate (0.0012, see Figure 33(A)) of the LOGO background announcement in the special chart variation presentation based on SP jackpot variation 1 calculated in step S4203 by the sum (0.01202) of the appearance rate (0.0012, see Figure 33(A)) of the LOGO background announcement in the special chart variation presentation based on SP jackpot variation 1 calculated in step S4203 and the appearance rate (0.010802, see Figure 33(A)) of the LOGO announcement presentation in the special chart variation presentation based on SP miss variation 1 calculated in step S4205, and multiplying the result by 100.

Next, in step S4207, the presentation control microcomputer 121 determines whether the reliability calculated in step S4206 is as close as possible to the reliability of the set LOGO preview presentation (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) (the reliability selected by the player using the normal button 40 (any between 10% and 100%)). If the reliability calculated in step S4206 is as close as possible to the set reliability (YES in S4207), proceed to step S4208. Also, if the reliability of the LOGO preview presentation (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) calculated in step S4206 is not as close as possible to the reliability of the set LOGO preview presentation (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) (NO in S4207), return to step S4204 again. In other words, in the table creation process (S4105) of the first embodiment, based on the allocation of whether or not to execute the LOGO preview performance (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) changed in step S4204, the processing from step S4204 to step S4207 is basically performed until the reliability calculated by the performance control microcomputer 121 in step S4205 becomes as close as possible to the set reliability (YES in step S4206). In the table creation process (S4105) of the first embodiment, if the performance control microcomputer 121 repeats the processes from step S4204 to step S4207 and determines whether or not to execute all logo preview effects (logo cut-in preview, logo background preview), but the reliability of the logo preview effects (logo cut-in preview, logo background preview) calculated by the performance control microcomputer 121 in step S4205 does not come as close as possible to the set reliability, then the process proceeds to step S4208.

Next, in step S4208, the performance control microcontroller 121 creates a distribution table for LOGO preview performances (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) (S4207), stores the created distribution table in the preview performance memory unit 107 (S4208), and terminates this processing. Note that, if, as a result of repeating the processing from step S4204 to step S4207, even after allocating whether or not to execute all logo preview effects (logo cut-in preview, logo background preview), the reliability of the logo preview effects (logo cut-in preview, logo background preview) calculated by the performance control microcomputer 121 in step S4205 does not come as close as possible to the set reliability, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates a distribution table for logo preview effects (logo cut-in preview, logo background preview) corresponding to the reliability of the logo preview effect (logo cut-in preview, logo background preview) that is closest to the set reliability (S4208), stores the created distribution table in the preview effect storage unit 107 (S4208), and terminates this processing.

In the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment, there are 10 levels of winning occupancy rate for the LOGO cut-in notice, and there are also 10 levels of reliability for the LOGO cut-in notice, which means that there are 100 possible combinations of winning occupancy rate for the LOGO cut-in notice and reliability for the LOGO cut-in notice. Therefore, in step S4108, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates 100 types of LOGO cut-in notice allocation tables according to combinations of winning occupancy rate for the LOGO cut-in notice and reliability for the LOGO cut-in notice. Furthermore, there are 10 levels of winning occupancy rate for the LOGO background notice, and there are also 10 levels of reliability for the LOGO background notice, which means that there are 100 possible combinations of winning occupancy rate for the LOGO background notice and reliability for the LOGO background notice. Therefore, in step S4108, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates a distribution table for 100 types of logo background announcements according to the combination of the logo background announcement winning occupancy rate and the logo background announcement reliability.

Next, the distribution table for LOGO cut-in announcements created in the table creation process (S4105) will be explained using Figure 32. Note that Figure 32 shows an excerpt from the distribution table for LOGO cut-in announcements based on the reliability of the LOGO cut-in announcement (10%) and the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO cut-in announcement (10%).

First, the LOGO cut-in notice in the special chart variation effect based on SP jackpot variation 1 and SP miss variation 1 will be explained using Figure 32 (A). 100 is allocated to the execution (with notice) of the LOGO cut-in notice in the special chart variation effect based on SP jackpot variation 1, and 900, which is the value obtained by subtracting 100 from the value of 1000, is allocated to the non-execution (without notice) of the LOGO cut-in notice in the special chart variation effect based on SP jackpot variation 1. Also, as shown in Figure 32 (A), the probability that SP jackpot variation 1 will be selected from the special chart variation patterns selected when a miss is determined is 0.012. As a result, as shown in Figure 32 (A), the appearance rate of the LOGO cut-in notice in the special chart variation effect based on SP jackpot variation 1 is 0.0012.

Also, as shown in Figure 32(A), 982 is allocated to the execution of the LOGO cut-in notice (with notice) in the special chart variation effect based on SP miss variation 1, and 18, the value obtained by subtracting 982 from the value of 1000, is allocated to the non-execution of the LOGO cut-in notice (without notice) in the special chart variation effect based on the SP miss variation 1 pattern. Also, as shown in Figure 32(A), the probability that SP miss variation 1 will be selected from the special chart variation patterns selected when a miss is determined is 0.011. As a result, the appearance rate of the LOGO cut-in notice in the special chart variation effect based on SP miss variation 1 is 0.010802. As shown in Figure 32(A), the reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice in the special chart variation effect based on SP miss variation 1 and SP jackpot variation 1 is shown to be 10%.

Next, we will use Figure 32 (B) to explain the LOGO cut-in announcement in the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot variation 2 and SP miss variation 2. 100 is allocated to the execution of the LOGO cut-in announcement in the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot variation 2, and 900, which is the value obtained by subtracting 100 from the value of 1000, is allocated to not executing the LOGO cut-in announcement in the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot variation 2. Also, as shown in Figure 32 (B), the probability that SP jackpot variation 2 will be selected from the special chart change patterns selected when a miss is determined is 0.012. As a result, the appearance rate of the LOGO cut-in announcement in the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot variation 2 is 0.0012.

Also, as shown in Figure 32(B), 720 is allocated to the execution of the LOGO cut-in notice (with notice) in the special chart variation effect based on SP miss variation 2, and 280, which is the value obtained by subtracting 720 from the value of 1000, is allocated to the non-execution of the LOGO cut-in notice (without notice) in the special chart variation effect based on the SP miss variation 1 pattern. Also, as shown in Figure 32(B), the probability that SP miss variation 2 will be selected from the special chart variation patterns selected when a miss is determined is 0.011. This means that the appearance rate of the LOGO cut-in notice in the special chart variation effect based on SP miss variation 2 is 0.0108. As shown in Figure 32(B), this shows that the reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice in the special chart variation effect based on SP miss variation 2 and SP jackpot variation 2 is 10%.

Next, we will use Figure 32(C) to explain the LOGO cut-in notice in the special chart variation effect based on SP jackpot variation 3 and SP miss variation 3. 100 is allocated to the execution of the LOGO cut-in notice (with notice) in the special chart variation effect based on SP jackpot variation 3, and 900, which is the value obtained by subtracting 100 from the value of 1000, is allocated to the non-execution of the LOGO cut-in notice (without notice) in the special chart variation effect based on SP jackpot variation 3. Also, as shown in Figure 32(C), the probability that SP jackpot variation 3 will be selected from the special chart variation patterns selected when a miss is determined is 0.0097. As a result, the appearance rate of the LOGO cut-in notice in the special chart variation effect based on SP jackpot variation 3 is 0.00097.

Also, as shown in Figure 32(C), 1000 is assigned to the execution of a LOGO cut-in notice (with notice) in a special chart variation effect based on SP miss variation 3, and 0, which is the value obtained by subtracting 1000 from the value of 1000, is assigned to the non-execution of a LOGO cut-in notice (without notice) in a special chart variation effect based on an SP miss variation 3 pattern. Also, as shown in Figure 32(C), the probability that SP miss variation 3 will be selected from the special chart variation patterns selected when a miss is determined is 0.001. Also, the appearance rate of a LOGO cut-in notice in a special chart variation effect based on SP miss variation 3 is 0.001. As shown in Figure 32(C), it is shown that the reliability of a LOGO cut-in notice in a special chart variation effect based on SP miss variation 3 and SP jackpot variation 3 is 49%.

Next, the logo background announcement in the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot variation 1 and SP miss variation 1 will be explained using Figure 33 (A). 100 is allocated to the execution of the logo background announcement (with announcement) in the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot variation 1, and 900, which is the value obtained by subtracting 100 from the value of 1000, is allocated to the non-execution of the logo background announcement (without announcement) in the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot variation 1. Also, as shown in Figure 33 (A), the probability that SP jackpot variation 1 will be selected from the special chart change patterns selected when a miss is determined is 0.012. As a result, the appearance rate of the logo background announcement in the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot variation 1 is 0.0012.

Also, as shown in Figure 33(A), 982 is allocated to the execution of the LOGO background announcement (with announcement) in the special chart variation presentation based on SP miss variation 1, and 18, the value obtained by subtracting 982 from the value of 1000, is allocated to the non-execution of the LOGO background announcement (without announcement) in the special chart variation presentation based on the SP miss variation 1 pattern. Also, as shown in Figure 33(A), the probability that SP miss variation 1 will be selected from the special chart variation patterns selected when a miss is determined is 0.011. This means that the appearance rate of the LOGO background announcement in the special chart variation presentation based on SP miss variation 1 is 0.010802. As shown in Figure 33(A), this shows that the reliability of the LOGO background announcement in the special chart variation presentation based on SP miss variation 1 and SP jackpot variation 1 is 10%.

Next, the logo background announcement in the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot variation 2 and SP miss variation 2 will be explained using Figure 33 (B). 100 is allocated to the execution of the logo background announcement (with announcement) in the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot variation 2, and 900, which is the value obtained by subtracting 100 from the value of 1000, is allocated to the non-execution of the logo background announcement (without announcement) in the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot variation 1. Also, as shown in Figure 33 (B), the probability that SP jackpot variation 2 will be selected from the special chart change patterns selected when a miss is determined is 0.012. As a result, the appearance rate of the logo background announcement in the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot variation 1 is 0.0012.

Also, as shown in Figure 33(B), 720 is allocated to the execution of the LOGO background announcement (with announcement) in the special chart variation presentation based on SP miss variation 2, and 280, which is the value obtained by subtracting 720 from the value of 1000, is allocated to the non-execution of the LOGO background announcement (without announcement) in the special chart variation presentation based on the SP miss variation 2 pattern. Also, as shown in Figure 33(B), the probability that SP miss variation 2 will be selected from the special chart variation patterns selected when a miss is determined is 0.015. This means that the appearance rate of the LOGO background announcement in the special chart variation presentation based on SP miss variation 1 is 0.0108. As shown in Figure 33(B), this shows that the reliability of the LOGO background announcement in the special chart variation presentation based on SP miss variation 2 and SP jackpot variation 2 is 10%.

Next, we will use Figure 33(C) to explain the LOGO background announcement in the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot variation 3 and SP miss variation 3. 100 is allocated to the execution of the LOGO background announcement (with announcement) in the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot variation 3, and 900, which is the value obtained by subtracting 100 from the value of 1000, is allocated to the non-execution of the LOGO background announcement (without announcement) in the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot variation 3. Also, as shown in Figure 33(C), the probability that SP jackpot variation 3 will be selected from the special chart change patterns selected when a jackpot is determined. As a result, the appearance rate of the LOGO background announcement in the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot variation 3 is 0.00097.

Also, as shown in Figure 33(C), 1000 is assigned to the execution of the LOGO background announcement (with announcement) in the special chart variation presentation based on SP miss variation 3, and 0, which is the value obtained by subtracting 1000 from the value of 1000, is assigned to the non-execution of the LOGO background announcement (without announcement) in the special chart variation presentation based on the SP miss variation 3 pattern. Also, as shown in Figure 33(C), the probability that SP miss variation 3 will be selected from the special chart variation patterns selected when a miss is determined is 0.001. As a result, the appearance rate of the LOGO background announcement in the special chart variation presentation based on SP miss variation 3 is 0.001. As shown in Figure 33(C), this shows that the reliability of the LOGO background announcement in the special chart variation presentation based on SP miss variation 3 and SP jackpot variation 3 is 49%.

Next, the received command analysis process of this embodiment will be described in detail using Figure 34. As shown in Figure 34, the received command analysis process (S4105) first determines whether a customer waiting command has been received from the main control board 100 (S5001). If a customer waiting command has been received (YES in S5001), the customer waiting effect process (S5002) is performed, followed by the custom setting process (S5003) described below, and then proceeds to step S5004.

In the customer waiting effect processing (S5002), the effect control microcomputer 121 sets the customer waiting timer to a waiting time (e.g., 30 seconds) and sets the customer waiting flag to "1." Here, the customer waiting timer is a counter that measures the display timing of various images (selection waiting image G200, hall code corresponding image G201, customer waiting demo image G202; see Figure 23) that are displayed sequentially as customer waiting effects. Note that the period from when the sub-control board 120 receives a customer waiting command until it receives the next fluctuation start command (i.e., the period during which the customer waiting waiting flag is ON in the main control board 100) is referred to as the customer waiting state.

The customer waiting flag is a flag that indicates the stage of the customer waiting state. More specifically, as shown in the table in Figure 31, a customer waiting flag of "0" indicates that the machine is not currently in a customer waiting state (i.e., not currently waiting for a customer). A customer waiting flag of "1" indicates that the machine is currently displaying a still image in which the EZ effect symbol has completely stopped (i.e., the machine has started waiting for a customer). A customer waiting flag of "2" indicates that the machine is currently displaying the selection waiting image G200. A customer waiting flag of "3" indicates that the machine is currently displaying the hall code corresponding image G201. A customer waiting flag of "4" indicates that the machine is currently displaying the customer waiting demo image G202. A customer waiting flag of "5" indicates that the machine is currently displaying the allocation custom image G203, the first allocation custom image G204, the first setting content image G205, the second allocation custom image G206, and the second setting content image G207.

In the customer waiting effect processing (S5002), the effect control microcomputer 121 displays the still symbol image (showing the EZ symbol displayed still) shown in FIG. 23(A). When the waiting time (e.g., 30 seconds) set in the customer waiting timer has elapsed, the effect control microcomputer 121 sets a new waiting time (e.g., 30 seconds) in the customer waiting timer and sets the value of the customer waiting flag to "2." When the effect control microcomputer 121 sets the value of the customer waiting flag to "2," it is time to switch from the still symbol image to the selection waiting image G200, so it sets a selection waiting image display command to display the selection waiting image G200 in the output buffer of the effect RAM 124. Upon receiving the selection waiting image display command set here, the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 displays the selection waiting image G200 (see FIG. 23(B)) on the display unit 50a. This starts the customer waiting effect in this embodiment.

Furthermore, in the customer waiting effect processing (S5002), the effect control microcomputer 121 displays the selection waiting image G200 shown in FIG. 23(B). When the waiting time (e.g., 30 seconds) set in the customer waiting timer has elapsed, the effect control microcomputer 121 sets a new waiting time (e.g., 30 seconds) in the customer waiting timer and sets the value of the customer waiting flag to "3." Because it is now time to switch from the selection waiting image G200 to the hall code corresponding image G201, the effect control microcomputer 121 sets a hall code corresponding image display command for displaying the hall code corresponding image G201 in the output buffer of the effect RAM 124. Upon receiving the hall code corresponding image display command set here, the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 displays the hall code corresponding image G201 (see FIG. 23(C)) on the display unit 50a.

Furthermore, in the customer waiting effect processing (S5002), the effect control microcomputer 121 displays the hall code corresponding image G201 shown in Figure 23 (C). When the waiting time set in the customer waiting timer (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed, it sets a new waiting time (e.g., 30 seconds) in the customer waiting timer and sets the value of the customer waiting flag to "4." Because it is now time to switch from the hall code corresponding image G201 to the customer waiting demo image G202, the effect control microcomputer 121 sets a customer waiting demo image display command to display the customer waiting demo image G202 in the output buffer of the effect RAM 124. Upon receiving the customer waiting demo image display command set here, the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 displays the customer waiting demo image G202 (see Figure 23 (D)) on the display unit 50a.

In addition, in the customer waiting effect processing (S5002) of the first embodiment, when the selection waiting image G200 shown in FIG. 23(B) is displayed, if the select button detection switch 42a detects that the up or down button on the select button 42 is pressed, the effect control microcomputer 121 resets the customer waiting timer to "0" and sets the customer waiting flag to "5" even if the waiting time set in the customer waiting timer (e.g., 30 seconds) has not yet elapsed. Since this is the timing to switch from the selection waiting image G200 to the allocation custom image G203, the effect control microcomputer 121 sets a distribution custom image display command for displaying the distribution custom image G203 in the output buffer of the effect RAM 124. Upon receiving the distribution custom image display command set here, the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 displays the distribution custom image G203 shown in FIG. 41(A) on the display unit 50a. This allows the player to press the select button 42 and the normal button 40 while the allocation custom image G203 is displayed on the display unit 50a to select either the "first allocation custom" text image DK1 or the "second allocation custom image" text image DK2 and confirm that selection.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether a variation start command (special chart 1 variation start command or special chart 2 variation start command) has been received from the main control board 100 (S5004), and if so, performs the variation performance start processing described below (S5005).

Next, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not a special chart variation stop command has been received from the main control board 100 (S5006), and if so (YES in S5006), performs a variation performance end process (S5007). In the variation performance end process (S5007), the variation stop command is analyzed, and based on the analysis results, a variation performance end command for ending the variation performance is set in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124.

Next, the effect control microcomputer 121 determines whether an opening command has been received from the main control board 100 (S5008), and if so (YES in S5008), performs opening effect selection processing (S5009). In the opening effect selection processing (S5009), the opening command is analyzed and, based on the analysis results, the pattern (content) of the opening effect to be executed during the opening of the jackpot game is selected. Then, an opening effect start command for starting the opening effect with the selected opening effect pattern is set in the output buffer of the effect RAM 124.

Next, the effect control microcomputer 121 determines whether a round designation command has been received from the main control board 100 (S5010), and if so (YES in S5010), performs round effect selection processing (S5011). In the round effect selection processing (S5011), the round designation command is analyzed, and based on the analysis results, a round effect pattern (content) to be executed during the round play of the jackpot game is selected. Then, a round effect start command to start the round effect with the selected round effect pattern is set in the output buffer of the effect RAM 124.

Next, the presentation control microcomputer 121 determines whether an ending command has been received from the main control board 100 (S5012), and if so (YES in S5012), performs an ending presentation selection process (S5013). In the ending presentation selection process (S5013), the ending command is analyzed and, based on the analysis results, a pattern (content) of the ending presentation to be executed during the ending of the jackpot game is selected. An ending presentation start command to start the ending presentation using the selected ending presentation pattern is then set in the output buffer of the presentation RAM 124.

Next, the effect control microcomputer 121 performs other processing (S5014) based on received commands other than those mentioned above (for example, processing to perform effects associated with the variable display of normal symbols). Then, the received command analysis processing (S4105) ends.

Next, the custom setting process (S5003) of the first embodiment will be described in detail using Figures 35 to 37. As shown in Figure 35, the custom setting process (S5003) first determines whether the value of the customer waiting flag is "5" (S5101). If the value of the customer waiting flag is not "5" (NO in S5101), the process ends and proceeds to step S5004 in Figure 34. If it is determined that the value of the customer waiting flag is "5" (YES in S5101), the process determines whether the sorting custom image G203 is being displayed on the display unit 50a (S5102). If it is determined that the sorting custom image G203 is being displayed on the display unit 50a (YES in S5102), the process proceeds to step S5103. If it is determined that the sorting custom image G203 is not being displayed on the display unit 50a (NO in S5102), the process proceeds to step S5105.

In step S5103, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether the selection of the "First Allocation Custom" item image shown in the allocation custom image G203 has been confirmed, i.e., whether the normal button detection switch 40a has detected the arrow image YZ shown in the allocation custom image G203 while pointing to the "First Allocation Custom" item image (S5103). If the selection of the "First Allocation Custom" text image DK1 shown in the allocation custom image G203 has been confirmed (YES in S5103), the performance control microcomputer 121 sets a first allocation custom image display command for displaying the first allocation custom image G204 in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124. Upon receiving the first allocation custom image display command, the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 displays the first allocation custom image G204 shown in FIG. 42(A) on the display unit 50a. Furthermore, if the selection of the "First Allocation Custom" text image DK1 shown in the allocation custom image G203 is not confirmed (NO in S5103), proceed to step S5110 in FIG. 36.

Next, in step S5105, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether the first allocation custom image G204 is displayed on the display unit 50a (S5105). If the first allocation custom image G204 is displayed on the display unit 50a (YES in S5105), it determines whether the "Back" item image or the "Initialize" item image indicated by the first allocation custom image G204 displayed on the display unit 50a has been determined, that is, whether the normal button detection switch 40a has detected the arrow image YZ indicated by the first allocation custom image G204 indicating the "Back" item image or the "Initialize" item image (S5106). If the "Back" item image or the "Initialize" item image has not been determined (NO in S5106), proceed to step S5107. Also, if the "Back" item image or the "Initialize" item image is selected (YES in S5106), proceed to step S5117 in FIG. 37.

Next, in step S5107, the effect control microcomputer 121 determines whether the normal button detection switch 40a has been detected, i.e., whether the normal button 40 has been pressed (predetermined operation). If the normal button detection switch 40a has been detected (YES in S5107), the settings for the reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice, the winning share of the LOGO cut-in notice, the reliability of the LOGO background notice, and the winning share of the LOGO background notice selected by the player by pressing the select button 42 are confirmed (S5108), and the process proceeds to step S5109. This makes it possible to change the reliability and winning share of the LOGO notice effects (LOGO cut-in notice, LOGO background notice) executed during the special chart variation effect to suit the player's own preferences.

Next, in step S5109, the presentation control microcomputer 121 sets a first setting content image display command in the output buffer of the presentation RAM 124 to display the first setting content image G205 on the display unit 50a, and proceeds to step S5121. The image CPU 141 of the image control board 140, having received the first setting content image display command set here, causes the display unit 50a to display, for example, the first setting content image G205 shown in Figure 43 (B). By displaying the first setting content image G205 on the display unit 50a, it is possible to show the player the reliability of the LOGO preview presentation (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) selected by the player, and the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO preview presentation (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) (see Figure 43 (B)). Additionally, by displaying the first setting content image G205 on the display unit 50a, it is possible to show the player the reliability of the current LOGO preview performance (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) and a password for the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO preview performance (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) (see Figure 43 (B)).

In step S5103, if the character image DK1 of "First Allocation Custom" in the allocation custom image G203 displayed on the display unit 50a is not selected (NO in S5103), in step 5110 of Figure 36, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether the selection of the character image DK2 of "Second Allocation Custom" shown in the allocation custom image G203 displayed on the display unit 50a has been decided, that is, whether the normal button detection switch 40a has detected a state in which the arrow image YZ shown in the allocation custom image G203 is pointing to the character image DK2 of "Second Allocation Custom." If the selection of the "Second Allocation Custom" text image DK2 shown in the allocation custom image G203 is confirmed (YES in S5110), the performance control microcomputer 121 sets a second allocation custom image display command for displaying the second allocation custom image G206 in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124 (S5111), and proceeds to step S5112. The image CPU 141 of the image control board 140, which receives the second allocation custom image display command set here, causes the display unit 50a to display the second allocation custom image G206 shown in FIG. 44(A). If the selection of the "Second Allocation Custom" text image DK2 shown in the allocation custom image G203 is not confirmed (NO in S5110), proceeds to step S5112.

Next, in step S5112, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether the second allocation custom image G206 is displayed on the display unit 50a. If the second allocation custom image G206 is displayed on the display unit 50a (YES in S5112), the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether the "Back" item image or the "Initialize" item image indicated by the second allocation custom image G206 displayed on the display unit 50a has been determined, that is, whether the normal button detection switch 40a has detected the arrow image YZ indicated by the second allocation custom image G206 indicating the "Back" item image or the "Initialize" item image (S5113). If the "Back" item image or the "Initialize" item image has not been determined (NO in S5113), the process proceeds to step S5114. Also, if the "Back" item image or the "Initialize" item image is selected (YES in S5113), proceed to step S5117 in FIG. 37.

Next, in step S5114, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether the normal button detection switch 40a has been detected, i.e., whether the normal button 40 has been pressed (predetermined operation). If the normal button detection switch 40a has been detected (YES in S5114), the performance control microcomputer 121 then determines whether the entered password is the correct password (S5115). Note that the password in step S5115 refers to a password that includes information on the reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice, the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO cut-in notice, the reliability of the LOGO background notice, and the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO background notice set by the performance control microcomputer 121 indicated by the password image PS when the first setting content image G205 is displayed on the display unit 50a.

If the entered password is correct (YES in S5115), the performance control microcontroller 121 confirms the reliability and winning occupancy rate of the LOGO preview performance (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) in one go based on the information about the reliability of the LOGO preview performance (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) contained in the entered password and the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO preview performance (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) (S5116), and proceeds to step S5121 in Figure 35. This eliminates the need to have the player press the select button 42 while the first allocation custom image G204 is displayed on the display unit 50a and select one by one the reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice, the winning share of the LOGO cut-in notice, the reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice, and the winning share of the LOGO cut-in notice that suits the player's preferences. Instead, by having the player enter a password and press the normal button 40, it becomes possible to provide the reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice, the winning share of the LOGO cut-in notice, the reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice, and the winning share of the LOGO cut-in notice that suits the player's preferences.

If the second sorting custom image G206 is not displayed on the display unit 50a in step S5112 (NO in S5112), if the normal button detection switch 40a is not detected in step S5114 (NO in S5114), or if the correct password is not entered in step S5115 (NO in S5115), this process ends.

Also, if the process proceeds to step S5121 in Figure 35, in step S5121 the performance control microcomputer 121 sets a selection standby image display command for displaying the selection standby image G200 in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124 (S5121). Here, in step S5121, the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140, which has received the set selection standby image display command, displays the selection standby image G200 (see Figure 23 (A)) on the display unit 50a.

If the "Back" item image or the "Initialize" item image is determined in step S5106 (YES in S5106), or if the "Back" item image or the "Initialize" item image is determined in step S5113 (YES in S5113), then in step S5117 of FIG. 37, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether the "Initialize" item image has been determined, i.e., whether the normal button detection switch 40a has detected the arrow image YZ shown in the first allocation custom image G204 or the second allocation custom image G206 indicating the "Initialize" item image.

In step S5117, if the effect control microcomputer 121 determines that the "Initialize" item image has been selected (YES in S5117), it initializes the reliability and winning occupancy rate set for the LOGO preview effects (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview), changes the reliability and winning occupancy rate of the LOGO preview effects (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) to their initial values (default values) (S5118), and then terminates this processing. Note that in the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment, the initial value for the reliability of the LOGO cut-in preview is, for example, "10%", the initial value for the reliability of the LOGO background preview is, for example, "10%," the initial value for the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO cut-in preview is, for example, "20%," and the initial value for the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO background preview is, for example, "20%".

Also, in step S5117, if the performance control microcomputer 121 determines that the "Initialize" item image has not been determined, that is, if it determines that the "Back" item image displayed on the display unit 50a has been determined (NO in S5117), the process proceeds to step S5119. In S5119, the performance control microcomputer 121 sets a selection standby image display command for displaying the selection standby image G200 in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124, and sets the value of the customer waiting flag to "2" (S5120). Here, in step S5119, the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140, which has received the set selection standby image display command, displays the selection standby image G200 (see Figure 23 (A)) on the display unit 50a.

As shown in Figure 38, in the variable effect start process (S5005), the effect control microcomputer 121 first analyzes the variable effect start command (S5501). The variable effect start command includes information on the variable effect pattern (see Figures 11, 12, and 30) and information on special symbol stop pattern data based on the determination of a jackpot, etc. Next, in the effect symbol selection process (S5502), the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that will ultimately be displayed as stopped symbols in the variable effect are determined by lottery using a not-shown effect symbol lottery table based on the variable effect pattern.

Next, in the variable effect pattern selection process (S5503), the effect control microcomputer 121 determines (selects) the variable effect pattern, which is the content of the variable effect. Once the variable effect pattern is determined, the details of the variable effect content will be determined, including the time of the variable effect, the variable display mode of the effect pattern, whether or not there will be a reach effect, the content of the reach effect, whether or not there will be an operation prompt effect, the content of the operation prompt effect, the effect development configuration, and the type of background for the effect pattern.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 121 performs a preview performance selection process (S5504), which will be described later. This determines the content of the preview performance, such as the so-called logo cut-in preview (see Figure 45(E)), logo background preview (see Figures 46(B) and 46(C)), step-up preview performance, or chance-up preview performance. Information about the preview performance selected in the preview performance selection process is stored in a specified memory area of the performance RAM 124, and is also included in a preview performance start command and sent to the image control board 140. Upon receiving the preview performance start command, the image control board 140 displays an image of the specified preview performance on the display unit 50a. Furthermore, the performance control microcomputer 121 appropriately controls the performance means (speaker 52, frame lamp 53, board lamp 54, movable device, input device, etc.) related to that preview performance, based on the preview performance information stored in the performance RAM 124.

Then, the performance control microcomputer 121 sets a variable performance start command to the output buffer of the performance RAM 124 to start the variable performance with the selected performance symbol, variable performance pattern, and preview performance (S5505), and ends the variable performance start process (S5005). When the variable performance start command set in step (S5505) is sent to the image control board 140, the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 reads out a specified performance image from the image ROM 142 and performs a variable performance on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50. Also, during the variable performance start process (S5005), if the customer waiting timer is greater than "0", the performance control microcomputer 121 clears the value of the customer waiting timer to "0" and clears the value of the customer waiting flag to "0".

Next, the preview performance selection process (S5504) of the first embodiment will be explained in detail using Figures 39 and 40. First, in the preview performance selection process (S5504), the performance control microcomputer 121 extracts a random number for determining the preview performance (S5601). The random number for determining the preview performance takes a value in the range of 0 to 99. Next, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether the reliability or winning occupancy rate of the LOGO preview performance (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) has been set (S5602). If it is determined that the reliability or winning occupancy rate of the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) has been set (YES in S5602), it is determined whether the special chart variation pattern information included in the variation start command is information on a specific special chart variation pattern ("P01", "P71", "P72", "P04", "P73", "P74", see FIG. 30) (S5603). Also, if it is determined that the reliability or winning occupancy rate of the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) has not been set (NO in S5602), the process proceeds directly to step S5614 in FIG. 40.

If the effect control microcomputer 121 determines in step S5603 that the information is for a specific special symbol variation pattern ("P01", "P71", "P72", "P04", "P73", "P74", see FIG. 30) (YES in S5603), it then refers to the LOGO cut-in notice distribution table (see FIG. 32) created in the table creation process (S4105) based on the set LOGO cut-in notice reliability and hit occupancy rate (S5604), and proceeds to step S5605. Also, if the effect control microcomputer 121 determines in step S5603 that the information is not for a specific special symbol variation pattern ("P01", "P71", "P72", "P04", "P73", "P74", see FIG. 30) (NO in S5603), it proceeds directly to step S5614 in FIG. 40.

Next, in step S5605, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether the referenced LOGO cut-in notice allocation table is an appropriate allocation table. Here, an appropriate allocation table is a table in which the difference between the reliability of the set LOGO cut-in notice and the reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice allocation table is within a specific value (for example, 5%). In step S5605, if the performance control microcomputer 121 determines that the referenced LOGO cut-in notice allocation table is an appropriate allocation table (YES in S5605), it proceeds to step S5606. On the other hand, if the performance control microcomputer 121 determines that the referenced LOGO cut-in notice allocation table is not an appropriate allocation table (NO in S5605), it proceeds to step S5609 in FIG. 40.

Next, in step S5606, the performance control microcomputer 121 performs a lottery to determine whether or not to execute a LOGO cut-in notice during the execution of the special symbol variation performance, based on the LOGO cut-in notice allocation table (see FIG. 32) and the notice performance determination random number extracted in step S5601. Next, in step S5607, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not to execute a LOGO cut-in notice during the execution of the special symbol variation performance, based on the result of the lottery in step S5606. If a LOGO cut-in notice is to be executed during the execution of the special symbol variation performance (YES in S5606), the performance control microcomputer 121 selects the LOGO cut-in notice (S5608) and proceeds to step S5609 in FIG. 40. Also, in step S5607, if the performance control microcomputer 121 does not execute a LOGO cut-in notice during the execution of the special symbol variation performance (NO in S5607), the performance control microcomputer 121 proceeds directly to step S5609 in FIG. 40.

Next, in step S5609 of Figure 40, the performance control microcomputer 121 references the LOGO background preview allocation table (see Figure 33) created in the table creation process (S4105) and proceeds to step S5610.

Next, in step S5610, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether the referenced LOGO background preview distribution table is an appropriate distribution table. An appropriate distribution table is one in which the difference between the set reliability and the reliability in the LOGO background preview distribution table is within a specific value (for example, 5%). In step S5610, if the performance control microcomputer 121 determines that the referenced LOGO background preview distribution table is an appropriate distribution table (YES in S5610), it proceeds to step S5611. Furthermore, if the performance control microcomputer 121 determines that the referenced LOGO cut-in preview distribution table is not an appropriate distribution table (NO in S5610), it proceeds to step S5614.

Next, in step S5611, the effect control microcomputer 121 draws lots to determine whether or not to execute a LOGO background announcement during the execution of the special chart change effect, based on the LOGO background announcement allocation table (see Figure 33) and the announcement effect determination random number extracted in step S5601. Next, in step S5612, it determines whether or not to execute a LOGO background announcement during the execution of the special chart change effect, based on the result of the lottery in step S5611.

In step S5612, if the performance control microcomputer 121 determines that a LOGO background announcement will be executed during the execution of the special chart change performance (YES in S5612), it selects the LOGO background announcement (S5613) and then proceeds to step S5614. Also, if the performance control microcomputer 121 determines that a LOGO background announcement will not be executed during the execution of the special chart change performance (NO in S5612), it proceeds directly to step S5614.

In step S5614, the performance control microcomputer 121 draws lots to determine whether to execute other preview performances based on the preview performance determination random number extracted in step S5601.

Next, based on the lottery result in step S5615, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not to execute other preview performances in step S5615. If the performance control microcomputer 121 determines to execute other preview performances (YES in S5615), in step S5616 the performance control microcomputer 121 selects other preview performances and terminates this processing. For example, if the reliability and hit occupancy rate of the LOGO preview performances (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) have not been set, i.e., if the reliability and hit occupancy rate of the LOGO preview performances (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) are at their initial values, the performance control microcomputer 121 selects the LOGO preview performances (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) in step S5616 based on the extracted preview performance determination random number.

In the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment, the effect control microcomputer 121 is able to execute LOGO preview effects (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) in the preview effect selection process (S5504) using the allocation table created in the table creation process (S4105). This allows the LOGO preview effects (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) to be executed such that the reliability and winning occupancy rate of the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) specified by the player matches the reliability and winning occupancy rate of the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) experienced by the player while playing, thereby preventing a large discrepancy between the reliability and winning occupancy rate of the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) specified by the player.

10. Setting the LOGO Notice Effect Next, the distribution custom effect will be explained using Figures 41 to 44. When the up button or down button of the select button 42 is pressed while the selection standby image G200 shown in Figure 23 (B) is displayed, the distribution custom effect is executed in the customer waiting effect, and the distribution custom image G203 is displayed on the display unit 50a, as shown in Figure 41 (A).

As shown in FIG. 41(A), a sorting custom image G203 is displayed on the display unit 50a. The sorting custom image G203 displayed on the display unit 50a includes a title image indicating "sorting custom," a text image DK1 indicating "first sorting custom," a text image DK2 indicating "second sorting custom," an arrow image YZ, a first select button operation image SB1 consisting of an image imitating the select button 42 and a text image indicating "up and down to select," and a normal button operation image TB consisting of an image imitating the normal button 40 and a text image indicating "confirm."

The first select button operation image SB1 of the allocation custom image G203 displayed on the display unit 50a allows the player to understand that by pressing the up or down button of the select button 42, the text image indicated by the arrow image YZ can be changed to the text image DK1 indicating "First Allocation Custom" or the text image DK2 indicating "Second Allocation Custom." Furthermore, the normal button operation image TB of the allocation custom image G203 displayed on the display unit 50a allows the player to understand that by pressing the normal button 40, the text image indicated by the arrow image YZ will be selected to either the text image DK1 indicating "First Allocation Custom" or the text image DK2 indicating "Second Allocation Custom." Furthermore, when the display unit 50a switches from the selection standby image G200 to displaying the allocation custom image G203, the arrow image YZ displayed on the display unit 50a changes to the text image DK1 indicating "First Allocation Custom," as shown in FIG. 41(A).

For example, when the allocation custom image G203 is displayed on the display unit 50a and the arrow image YZ selects the text image DK1 indicating "First Allocation Custom" (see Figure 41 (B-1)), if the player presses the normal button 40, the first allocation custom will be confirmed and the display will proceed to the example presentation shown in Figure 42 (A).

On the other hand, when the allocation custom image G203 is displayed on the display unit 50a and the arrow image YZ selects the text image DK2 indicating "Second Allocation Custom" (see Figure 41 (B-2)), if the player presses the normal button 40, the display will proceed to the example presentation shown in Figure 44 (A).

For example, when proceeding to the performance example of Figure 42 (A), the first allocation custom image G204 is displayed on the display unit 50a. The first allocation custom image G204 displayed on the display unit 50a includes a title text image indicating "First Allocation Custom," a text image indicating "LOGO Cut-in Notice," a text image indicating the reliability of the LOGO Cut-in Notice, a text image indicating the selected reliability value, a first reliability numerical image area KS including 10 reliability numerical images, a text image indicating the "win occupancy rate" for the LOGO Cut-in Notice, a text image indicating the selected win occupancy value, a first win occupancy numerical image area KT including 10 win occupancy numerical images, a text image indicating "LOGO Background Notice," and a text image indicating the LOGO It includes a text image indicating the "reliability" of the background preview, a text image indicating the selected reliability value, a second reliability numerical image area HS containing 10 reliability numerical images, a text image indicating the "win occupancy rate" of the LOGO background preview, a text image indicating the set win occupancy value, a second win occupancy numerical image area HT containing 10 win occupancy numerical images, an item image indicating "back", an item image indicating "initialize", a second select button operation image SB2 consisting of an image imitating the select button 42 and a text image indicating "up and down to select, left and right to switch", and a normal button operation image TB.

The second select button operation image SB2 of the first allocation custom image G204 displayed on the display unit 50a allows the player to understand that by pressing the up or down button on the select button 42, it can be changed to a text image indicating the "reliability" of the LOGO cut-in prediction, a text image indicating the "hit occupancy rate" of the LOGO cut-in prediction, a text image indicating the "reliability" of the LOGO background prediction, a text image indicating the "hit occupancy rate" of the LOGO background prediction, a text image DK2 indicating "second allocation custom," a "back" item image, or an "initialize" item image. Additionally, the second select button operation image SB2 of the first allocation custom image G204 displayed on the display unit 50a allows the player to understand that by pressing the left or right direction button of the select button 42, it is possible to select the reliability of the logo cut-in notice, the winning occupancy rate of the logo cut-in notice, the reliability of the logo background notice, and the winning occupancy rate of the logo background notice.

For example, when the first allocation custom image G204 is displayed on the display unit 50a and the arrow image YZ selects a text image indicating the "reliability" of the LOGO cut-in announcement, each time the right button of the select button 42 is pressed once, the white reliability number image in the first reliability number image area KS displayed on the display unit 50a can be changed to a black reliability number image. Each time the image changes to a black reliability number image, the player can understand that the reliability of the LOGO cut-in announcement has increased by 10%.

Furthermore, when the first allocation custom image G204 is displayed on the display unit 50a and the arrow image YZ selects a text image indicating the "reliability" of the LOGO cut-in announcement, each time the left button of the select button 42 is pressed once, the black reliability number image in the first reliability number image area KS can be changed to a white reliability number image. Each time the image changes to a white reliability number image, the player can understand that the reliability of the LOGO cut-in announcement has decreased by 10%.

For example, when the first allocation custom image G204 is displayed on the display unit 50a and the arrow image YZ selects a text image indicating the "win occupancy rate" for the LOGO cut-in notice, each time the right button of the select button 42 is pressed once, the white win occupancy rate numerical image in the first win occupancy rate numerical image area KT can be changed to a black win occupancy rate numerical image. Each time the image changes to a black win occupancy rate numerical image, the player can understand that the win occupancy rate for the LOGO cut-in notice has increased by 10%.

Furthermore, when the first allocation custom image G204 is displayed on the display unit 50a and the arrow image YZ selects a text image indicating the "win occupancy rate" for the LOGO cut-in notice, each time the left button of the select button 42 is pressed once, the black win occupancy rate numerical image in the first win occupancy rate numerical image area KT can be changed to a white win occupancy rate numerical image. Each time the image changes to a white win occupancy rate numerical image, the player can understand that the win occupancy rate for the LOGO cut-in notice has decreased by 10%.

For example, when the first allocation custom image G204 is displayed on the display unit 50a and the arrow image YZ selects a text image indicating the "reliability" of the LOGO background announcement, each time the right button of the select button 42 is pressed once, the white reliability number image in the second reliability number image area HS can be changed to a black reliability number image. Each time the image changes to a black reliability number image, the player can understand that the reliability of the LOGO background announcement has increased by 10%.

Furthermore, when the first allocation custom image G204 is displayed on the display unit 50a and the arrow image YZ selects a text image indicating the "reliability" of the LOGO background announcement, each time the left button of the select button 42 is pressed once, the black reliability number image in the second reliability number image area HS can be changed to a white reliability number image by one. Each time the image changes to a white reliability number image, the player can understand that the reliability of the LOGO background announcement has decreased by 10%.

For example, when the first allocation custom image G204 is displayed on the display unit 50a and the arrow image YZ selects a text image indicating the "win occupancy rate" for the LOGO background preview, each time the right button of the select button 42 is pressed once, the white win occupancy rate numerical image in the second win occupancy rate numerical image area HT can be changed to a black win occupancy rate numerical image. Each time the image changes to a black win occupancy rate numerical image, the player can understand that the win occupancy rate for the LOGO background preview has increased by 10%.

Furthermore, when the first allocation custom image G204 is displayed on the display unit 50a and the arrow image YZ selects a text image indicating the "win occupancy rate" for the LOGO background preview, each time the left button of the select button 42 is pressed once, the black win occupancy rate numerical image in the second win occupancy rate numerical image area HT can be changed to a white win occupancy rate numerical image one by one. Each time the image changes to a white win occupancy rate numerical image, the player can understand that the win occupancy rate for the LOGO background preview has decreased by 10%.

For example, when the presentation example shown in Figure 42 (A) is displayed and the arrow image YZ selects a text image indicating the "reliability" of the LOGO cut-in announcement, if the player presses the right direction button of the select button 42 once, the arrow image YZ selects a text image indicating the "win occupancy rate" of the LOGO cut-in announcement, and then presses the right direction button of the select button 42 once, the presentation example shown in Figure 42 (B) will be displayed.

As shown in Figure 42(B), of the ten reliability numerical value images in the first reliability numerical value image area KS, the leftmost white reliability numerical value image has changed to a black reliability numerical value image, and has changed from a character image indicating "DEF" to a character image indicating a reliability value of "10%." Note that "DEF" indicates the initial value (default value). Also, as shown in Figure 42(B), of the ten winning occupancy rate numerical value images in the first winning occupancy rate numerical value image area KT, the leftmost white winning occupancy rate numerical image has changed to a black winning occupancy rate numerical image, and has changed from a character image indicating "DEF" to a character image indicating a reliability value of "10%." By displaying the first allocation custom image G204 shown in FIG. 42(B), the player can understand that by pressing the select button 42, they have selected the reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice to be "10%" and the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO cut-in notice to be "10%."

For example, if the arrow image YZ selects a text image indicating the "reliability" of the LOGO background preview, and the player presses the right button of the select button 42 once, the leftmost white reliability numerical image of the ten reliability numerical images in the second reliability numerical image area HS displayed on the display unit 50a will change to a black reliability numerical image. Also, if the arrow image YZ selects a text image indicating the "win occupancy rate" of the LOGO background preview, and the player presses the right button of the select button 42 once, the leftmost white win occupancy rate numerical image of the ten win occupancy rate numerical images in the second win occupancy rate numerical image area HT displayed on the display unit 50a will change to a black win occupancy rate numerical image.

After that, as shown in FIG. 43(A), one reliability value image located at the leftmost position in the second reliability value image area HS is displayed in black, and a text image indicating the set winning occupancy value, which is "10%", is displayed. Also, as shown in FIG. 43(A), one winning occupancy value image located at the leftmost position in the second winning occupancy value image area HT is displayed in black, and a text image indicating the set winning occupancy value, which is "10%", is displayed. By displaying the first allocation custom image G204 shown in FIG. 43(A), the player can understand that by pressing the select button 42, they have selected the reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice and the reliability of the LOGO background notice to be "10%", and have selected the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO cut-in notice and the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO background notice to be "10%".

Next, when the player presses the normal button 40 once, the player's selected LOGO cut-in prediction reliability ("10%), LOGO cut-in prediction winning occupancy rate ("10%), LOGO background prediction reliability ("10%), and LOGO background prediction winning occupancy rate ("10%) are selected and determined, and then set by the presentation control microcomputer 121. In this case, the process proceeds from Figure 43 (A) to Figure 43 (B).

As shown in FIG. 43(B), a first setting content image G205 is displayed on the display unit 50a. The first setting content image G205 displayed on the display unit 50a includes a text image indicating that the reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice selected and determined by the player is "10%", a text image indicating that the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO cut-in notice set by the player is "10%,", a text image indicating that the reliability of the LOGO background notice set by the player is "10%,", and a text image indicating that the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO background notice set by the player is "10%". By displaying the first setting content image G205 shown in FIG. 43(B) on the display unit 50a, it becomes possible for the player to understand the reliability and winning occupancy rate of the LOGO notice performance (LOGO cut-in notice, LOGO background notice) selected and determined by the player.

Also, as shown in Figure 43 (B), a password image PS is displayed showing a password containing information set by the effect control microcomputer 121 regarding the reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice, the winning share of the LOGO cut-in notice, the reliability of the LOGO background notice, and the winning share of the LOGO background notice. By displaying the password image PS on the display unit 50a, the next time a game is played, the player can enter the password indicated by the password image PS shown in Figure 43 (A) to enjoy the reliability and winning share of the LOGO notice effect (LOGO cut-in notice, LOGO background notice) selected by the player this time.

When a predetermined period of time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed since the first setting content image G205 was displayed on the display unit 50a, the allocation customization effect will end, and the first setting content image G205 displayed on the display unit 50a will change to the selection standby image G200 (see Figure 23 (B)).

Next, for example, if the display proceeds to the performance example in Figure 44 (A), the second allocation custom image G206 is displayed on the display unit 50a. The second allocation custom image G206 displayed on the display unit 50a displays a title text image showing "Second allocation custom," a text image showing "Please enter your password," an arrow image YZ, a password entry screen image PN, an item image for "Back," an item image for "Initialize," number images from "0" to "5," and a black arrow image YK indicating the upward direction.

When the second sorting custom image G206 shown in Figure 44 (A) is displayed on the display unit 50a, each time the down button of the select button 42 is pressed once, the image showing the arrow image YZ will switch between the password entry screen image PN, the "Back" item image, and the "Initialize" item image, in that order.

In the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment, when the second allocation custom image G206 shown in FIG. 44(A) is displayed on the display unit 50a and the arrow image YZ is pointing to the password entry screen image PN, pressing the left or right button of the select button 42 will change the number indicated by the black arrow image YK. Also, when the black arrow image YK is indicated, each time the up button of the select button 42 is pressed once, the number indicated by the black arrow image YK will be entered from the left of the password entry screen image PN.

For example, when the right button of the select button 42 is pressed once while the black arrow image YK is indicating "0," the black arrow image YK will point to "1." When the up button of the select button 42 is pressed once while the black arrow image YK is indicating "1," a "1" is first input from the left of the password entry screen image PN. When the right button of the select button 42 is pressed three times while the black arrow image YK is indicating "1," the black arrow image YK will point to "4." When the up button of the select button 42 is pressed once while the black arrow image YK is indicating "4," a "4" is input to the password entry screen image PN. When the left button of the select button 42 is pressed three times while the black arrow image YK is indicating "4," the black arrow image YK will point to "1." Then, when the up button of the select button 42 is pressed once while the black arrow image YK is indicating "1," a "1" is input into the password entry screen image PN. Furthermore, when the right button of the select button 42 is pressed four times while the black arrow image YK is indicating "1," the black arrow image YK changes to a state where it indicates "5." When the up button of the select button 42 is pressed once while the black arrow image YK is indicating "5," a "5" is input into the password entry screen image PN. Then, as shown in FIG. 44(B), the password entry screen image PN displayed on the display unit 50a displays "1415" as the entered password. Note that the password shown in FIG. 44(B) is merely an example. It can be changed as appropriate depending on the information on the reliability of the logo cut-in preview, the reliability of the logo background preview, the winning occupancy rate of the logo cut-in preview, and the winning occupancy rate of the logo background preview.

When "1415" is entered in the password entry screen image PN on the display unit 50a, and the normal button 40 is pressed once and the entered password ("1415" in Figure 44(B)) is displayed, if it is the correct password, the process will proceed to Figure 44(C). If the password is not correct, the password displayed on the password entry screen image PN on the display unit 50a will be erased.

As shown in Figure 44 (C), the second setting content image G207 will be displayed on the display unit 50a. The second setting content image G207 displayed on the display unit 50a includes a text image indicating that the reliability of the LOGO cut-in notification is "10%", a text image indicating that the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO cut-in notification set by the player is "10%,", a text image indicating that the reliability of the LOGO background notification set by the player is "10%,", and a text image indicating that the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO background notification set by the player is "10%". By displaying the second setting content image G207 shown in Figure 42 (C) on the display unit 50a, the player can understand that the reliability of the LOGO cut-in notification has been set to "10%", the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO cut-in notification has been set to "10%,", the reliability of the LOGO background notification has been set to "10%," and the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO background notification has been set to "10%".

In the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment, when the first allocation custom image G204 is displayed on the display unit 50a, pressing the select button 42 allows the player to select the reliability and winning share of the LOGO preview effects (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) from 10 levels each, and then confirm the selection by pressing the normal button 40. However, since the reliability and winning share of the LOGO preview effects (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) must be selected from 10 levels each, it is expected that the player will find it tedious to precisely specify the reliability and winning share of the LOGO background preview from 10 levels each. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment, when the second allocation custom image G206 is displayed on the display unit 50a, entering a password allows the player to set the reliability and winning share of the LOGO cut-in preview all at once. This eliminates the need to press the select button 42 to select the reliability and hit occupancy rate of the logo cut-in preview, and then select the reliability and hit occupancy rate of the logo background preview. This prevents the user from feeling that setting the reliability and hit occupancy rate of the logo cut-in preview and the reliability and hit occupancy rate of the logo background preview is a hassle.

In recent years, technology has become widespread that allows various people to communicate by sharing videos and still images taken with camera-equipped mobile phones using SNS (social networking services). By sharing the above-mentioned password with various people using SNS, various people can experience the reliability and winning rate of the LOGO preview effects (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) set by the player. This can make it possible to get young people who use SNS interested in playing pachinko gaming machines.

Next, an example of a special chart change effect when a LOGO cut-in notice is executed will be explained using Figure 45. Note that the change effect shown in Figure 45 is when the change effect is executed by the effect control microcomputer 121 based on special chart change pattern "P01" or special chart change pattern "P04."

When the display of the special symbols begins to change, the display of the left performance symbol EZ1, the middle performance symbol EZ2, and the right performance symbol EZ3 also begins to change, and the display of the left small symbol KZ1, the middle small symbol KZ2, and the right small symbol KZ3 also begins to change (see Figure 45 (A)). A background image depicting a daytime mountain scene (normal daytime background image G102) is displayed on the display unit 50a.

After that, as shown in Figure 45 (B), the left effect symbol EZ1 and the right effect symbol EZ3 on the display unit 50a will temporarily stop in a reach state ("5↓5"), and the game will proceed to an N reach.

Next, after the development effect is performed, as shown in Figure 45 (C), a background image dedicated to SP Reach (SP Reach background image G113) is displayed on the display unit 50a, and an image indicating that SP Reach has started (SP Reach start title image) G1 is displayed in the center of the display unit 50a. After that, as shown in Figure 45 (D), an effect dedicated to SP Reach (for example, a battle effect) is performed.

When a special SP reach effect (e.g., a battle effect) is being performed on the display unit 50a, a logo cut-in notice may be displayed, as shown in FIG. 45(E). As shown in FIG. 45(E), when a logo cut-in notice is displayed, a logo cut-in notice image G208 consisting of the main character and a text image stating "You've become a fine knight" is displayed on the display unit 50a. For example, if the player himself/herself has set the reliability and hit occupancy rate of the logo cut-in notice, the display unit 50a will display the logo cut-in notice image G208, letting the player know that a logo cut-in notice has been made, thereby enabling the player to clearly understand the reliability and hit occupancy rate of the logo cut-in notice that the player has set to their own preferences. Furthermore, if the player himself/herself has not set the reliability and hit occupancy rate of the logo cut-in notice, the player will be able to understand the reliability and hit occupancy rate of the default logo cut-in notice for the pachinko gaming machine PY1.

The display of the LOGO cut-in preview image G208 on the display unit 50a will end, the LOGO cut-in preview in the special chart change presentation will end, and the presentation will proceed to the presentation example shown in Figure 19 (C-1) or the presentation example shown in Figure 19 (C-2).

Next, an example of a special chart change effect when a logo background announcement is executed will be explained using Figure 46. Note that the change effect shown in Figure 46 is the case where the change effect is executed by the effect control microcomputer 121 based on special chart change pattern "P01" or special chart change pattern "P04."

When the display of the special symbols begins to change, the display of the left performance symbol EZ1, the middle performance symbol EZ2, and the right performance symbol EZ3 also begins to change, and the display of the left small symbol KZ1, the middle small symbol KZ2, and the right small symbol KZ3 also begins to change (see Figure 46 (A)). A background image depicting a daytime mountain scene (normal daytime background image G102) is displayed on the display unit 50a.

After that, a logo background announcement is made while the special symbol variation effect is being performed. When the logo background announcement is made, the normal daytime background image G102 displayed on the display unit 50a (see Figure 46(A)) is replaced by a logo background announcement background image G209 (see Figures 46(B) and 46(C)) showing the main character, LOGO, engaged in battle. The logo background announcement background image G209 is composed of a video in which the main character, LOGO, is engaged in battle. The story content of the video related to the logo background announcement background image G209 can be set as appropriate. For example, if the player himself sets the reliability and winning percentage of the logo background announcement, the display of the logo background announcement background image G209 on the display unit 50a allows the player to understand that a logo background announcement has been made, thereby enabling the player to clearly understand the reliability and winning percentage of the logo background announcement set according to the player's own preferences. Additionally, if the player does not set the reliability or winning occupancy rate of the logo background announcement, it will be possible for the player to understand the reliability and winning occupancy rate of the default logo background announcement.

The display of the LOGO background preview background image G209 on the display unit 50a will end, the LOGO background preview in the special chart change performance will end, and the game will progress to N Reach.

Some conventional pachinko gaming machines allow players to freely set the frequency of preview effects that appear during special chart change effects by pressing a performance button provided on the machine. By pressing the performance button, players can freely set the frequency of preview effects that appear during special chart change effects to suit their preferences, allowing them to enjoy the game.

However, in recent years, there are machines that allow players to freely set the frequency at which preview effects appear during special chart change effects, but this is not very interesting as it simply allows players to set the frequency at which preview effects appear. Therefore, there is room for improvement in order to allow players to enjoy preview effects that suit their preferences.

In the first embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, the player can set the reliability and winning occupancy rate for two types of preview effects, the LOGO cut-in preview and the LOGO background preview, in 10 stages by pressing the select button 42 and the normal button 40 (see Figures 42 and 43). This allows the player to set the reliability and winning occupancy rate for not only one type of preview effect executed during the execution of the special chart change effect, but also two types of preview effects to suit the player's preferences in more detail. Therefore, for example, if the LOGO preview effect is executed during the execution of the special chart change effect, a player who wants to guarantee a jackpot can specify the reliability and winning occupancy rate of the LOGO cut-in preview at 100% and the reliability and winning occupancy rate of the LOGO background preview at 100%. Players who want to see the LOGO cut-in notice or LOGO background notice while various special chart change effects are being performed will specify a low reliability for the LOGO notice effects (LOGO cut-in notice, LOGO background notice). In this way, by providing players with LOGO notice effects (LOGO cut-in notice, LOGO background notice) with reliability and winning occupancy rates that suit the preferences of various players, it is possible to entertain players with the LOGO notice effects (LOGO cut-in notice, LOGO background notice).

11. Effects of the First Embodiment As described in detail above, in the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment, when the first allocation custom image G204 is displayed on the display unit 50a during the customer waiting effect, the reliability and winning share of the logo cut-in notice and the reliability and winning share of the logo background notice can be set by the effect control microcomputer 121 by pressing the normal button 40. As a result, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment can provide logo cut-in notices and logo background notices with reliability and winning share selected by the player. This makes it possible to enjoy logo cut-in notices and logo background notices with reliability and winning share that match the player's preferences, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment, when the first allocation custom image G204 is displayed on the display unit 50a during the customer waiting effect, pressing the normal button 40 causes the effect control microcomputer 121 to provide the player with a logo cut-in notice with a set reliability and winning occupancy rate, and a logo background notice with a set reliability and winning occupancy rate. This makes it possible to fully enjoy logo cut-in notices and logo background notices with a set reliability and winning occupancy rate that more precisely suits the player's preferences, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment, when the first allocation custom image G204 is displayed on the display unit 50a during the customer waiting performance, one of the ten levels of reliability for the LOGO cut-in notice can be selected by pressing the upper left or upper right button of the select button 42, and set by pressing the normal button 40. Also, when the first allocation custom image G204 is displayed on the display unit 50a, one of the ten levels of winning occupancy for the LOGO background notice can be selected by pressing the upper left or upper right button of the select button 42, and set by pressing the normal button 40. This allows the reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice and the winning occupancy of the LOGO background notice to be set in detail, making it less likely that the player will feel uncomfortable with the set reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice and the winning occupancy of the LOGO background notice. This makes it possible to enjoy the logo cut-in announcement and logo background announcement without any sense of incongruity, increasing the player's interest in the game.

In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment, when the first allocation custom image G204 is displayed on the display unit 50a during the customer waiting performance, the reliability and winning occupancy rate of the LOGO cut-in notice and the reliability and winning occupancy rate of the LOGO background notice can be set by the performance control microcomputer 121 by pressing the normal button 40. However, separately setting the reliability and winning occupancy rate of the LOGO cut-in notice and the reliability and winning occupancy rate of the LOGO background notice can be time-consuming, and the setting itself may seem troublesome. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment, when the second allocation custom image G206 is displayed on the display unit 50a during the customer waiting effect, if a password is entered by pressing the select button 42 and the normal button 40 is pressed, the reliability and hit occupancy rate of the LOGO cut-in notice and the reliability and hit occupancy rate of the LOGO background notice can be set all at once by the effect control microcomputer 121. This simplifies the setting of the reliability and hit occupancy rate of the LOGO cut-in notice and the reliability and hit occupancy rate of the LOGO background notice, making it less likely that the setting itself will be perceived as troublesome, as would be the hassle of separately setting the reliability and hit occupancy rate of the LOGO cut-in notice and the reliability and hit occupancy rate of the LOGO background notice.

12. Modifications Next, modifications of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the above embodiment will be described. In the description of the modifications, the same components as those of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described again. Of course, the components of the modifications may be appropriately combined. Furthermore, technical features in the above first embodiment and the following modifications may be appropriately deleted unless they are described as essential in this specification.

Second Embodiment
Next, a pachinko gaming machine PY1 of a second embodiment, which is a modified example of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment, will be described. In the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment, the reliability of the LOGO notice effect (LOGO cut-in notice, LOGO background notice) was 10 levels, and the winning share of the LOGO notice effect (LOGO cut-in notice, LOGO background notice) was also 10 levels. Therefore, in the table creation process (S4105) of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment, the effect control microcomputer 121 had to create 100 types of allocation tables corresponding to 100 combinations of the reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice and the winning share of the LOGO cut-in notice, and create 100 types of allocation tables corresponding to 100 combinations of the reliability of the LOGO background notice and the winning share of the LOGO background notice. Therefore, in the pachinko game machine PY1 of the first embodiment, it becomes necessary to create 200 types of allocation tables for LOGO cut-in announcements and LOGO background announcements, and by storing 200 types of allocation tables in the announcement performance memory unit 107 of the performance RAM 124, the load on the storage capacity of the performance RAM 124 may become a problem.

Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the second embodiment, the appearance frequency of the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background) is calculated each time a special chart variation effect based on a specific special chart variation pattern is executed, and whether or not to execute the LOGO preview effect is selected is considered to be a configuration in which the frequency of selection of a specific special chart variation pattern selected by the gaming control microcomputer 101 since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on, the result of the jackpot determination, the number of times a LOGO preview effect has been executed in a special chart variation effect based on a miss variation on the pachinko gaming machine PY1 since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on, the number of times a LOGO preview effect has been executed in a special chart variation effect based on a jackpot variation on the pachinko gaming machine PY1 since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on, and the currently set reliability and hit occupancy rate of the LOGO preview effect. This eliminates the need for the effect control microcomputer 121 to create a distribution table according to the combination of the reliability and winning occupancy rate of the logo preview effect (logo cut-in preview, logo background preview), thereby reducing the load on the storage capacity of the effect RAM 124.

The configuration of the second embodiment described above will be explained using Figures 47 to 51. First, the sub-side timer interrupt processing (S4011) of the second embodiment will be explained. First, the sub-side timer interrupt processing (S4011) of the second embodiment is executed each time an interrupt pulse is input at a predetermined period (for example, 1 msec period) to the sub-control board 120. In the sub-side timer interrupt processing (S4011), as shown in Figure 47, input processing (S4101), light emission data output processing (S4102), movable device control processing (S4103), watchdog timer processing (S4104), received command analysis processing (S4106), effect timer update processing (S4107), audio control processing (S4108), and effect data creation processing (S4109) are performed in sequence. That is, in the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the second embodiment, the table creation process (S105) performed in the sub-side timer interrupt process (S4011) of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment is not performed, and the process proceeds from step S4104 to step S4106.

Next, using Figure 48, we will explain the contents stored in the preview effect storage unit 107 of the second embodiment. Note that the preview effect storage unit 107 of the second embodiment does not store a distribution table (see Figures 32 and 33) for LOGO preview effects (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview).

First, the information related to the LOGO cut-in announcement stored in the announcement effect storage unit 107 will be explained using Figure 48 (A). Note that the announcement effect storage unit 107 shown in Figure 48 (A) stores information on the number of times a specific special symbol variation pattern selected by the game control microcomputer 101 has been selected (number of times information, judgment result information) in the special symbol 1 variation pattern selection process (S1409, see Figure 27) of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the second embodiment since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on, and information on the number of times a LOGO cut-in announcement has been executed in the special symbol variation effect based on the specific special symbol variation pattern (suggested effect number information).

In the second embodiment, the preview performance memory unit 107 stores information on the number of selections (3) in which the game control microcomputer 101 has selected SP jackpot variation 1 (special chart variation pattern "P01", see FIG. 30) in the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process (S1409, see FIG. 27) of the pachinko game machine PY1 since the pachinko game machine PY1 was first powered on, information on the number of selections (10) in which the game control microcomputer 101 has selected SP miss variation 1 (special chart variation pattern "P04", see FIG. 30) since the pachinko game machine PY1 was first powered on, information on the number of selections (10) in which the game control microcomputer 101 has selected SP miss variation 2 (special chart variation pattern "P071", see FIG. 30) since the pachinko game machine PY1 was first powered on, and The information stored includes information on the number of selections (4) in which SP miss variation 2 (special chart variation pattern "P73", see FIG. 30) was selected by the game control microcomputer 101 since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on, information on the number of selections (15) in which SP big win variation 3 (special chart variation pattern "P072", see FIG. 30) was selected by the game control microcomputer 101 since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on, and information on the number of selections (20) in which SP miss variation 3 (special chart variation pattern "P74", see FIG. 30) was selected by the game control microcomputer 101 since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on (see FIGS. 30 and 48(A)).

Also, as shown in FIG. 48 (A), the notice effect memory unit 107 of the second embodiment stores information on the number of times (1) a LOGO cut-in notice has been executed in a special chart change effect based on SP jackpot variation 1 (special chart change pattern "P01", see FIG. 30) since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on, information on the number of times (2) a LOGO cut-in notice has been executed in a special chart change effect based on SP miss variation 1 (special chart change pattern "P04", see FIG. 30) since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on, and information on the number of times (3) a LOGO cut-in notice has been executed in a special chart change effect based on SP jackpot variation 2 (special chart change pattern "P71", see FIG. 30) since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on. Stored information includes the number of rows (2), the number of times (4) the LOGO cut-in announcement has been executed in the special chart change presentation based on SP miss variation 2 (special chart variation pattern "P73", see FIG. 30) since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on, the number of times (6) the LOGO cut-in announcement has been executed in the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot variation 3 (special chart variation pattern "P72", see FIG. 30) since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on, and the number of times (8) the LOGO cut-in announcement has been executed in the special chart change presentation based on SP miss variation 3 (special chart variation pattern "P74", see FIG. 30) since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on (see FIG. 48 (A)).

Next, information related to the LOGO background announcement stored in the announcement effect memory unit 107 will be explained using Figure 48 (B). Note that the announcement effect memory unit 107 shown in Figure 48 (B) stores information on the number of times a specific special chart variation pattern selected by the game control microcomputer 101 has been selected in the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process (S1409, see Figure 27) since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on, and information on the number of times the LOGO background announcement has been executed since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on.

In the second embodiment, the preview performance memory unit 107 stores information on the number of selections (4) in which the game control microcomputer 101 selected SP jackpot variation 1 (special chart variation pattern "P01", see Figure 30) in the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process (S1409, see Figure 27) since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on, information on the number of selections (15) in which the game control microcomputer 101 selected SP miss variation 1 (special chart variation pattern "P04", see Figure 30) since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on, and information on the number of selections (15) in which the game control microcomputer 101 selected SP jackpot variation 2 (special chart variation pattern "P071", see Figure 30) since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on. The information stored includes information on the number of selections (5) that were made, information on the number of selections (20) that SP miss variation 2 (special chart variation pattern "P73", see FIG. 30) was made by the game control microcomputer 101 since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on, information on the number of selections (3) that SP jackpot variation 3 (special chart variation pattern "P072", see FIG. 30) was made by the game control microcomputer 101 since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on, and information on the number of selections (10) that SP miss variation 3 (special chart variation pattern "P74", see FIG. 30) was made by the game control microcomputer 101 since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on (see FIG. 30, FIG. 48(B)).

Also, as shown in FIG. 48 (B), the notice effect memory unit 107 of the second embodiment stores information on the number of times (2) the LOGO background notice has been executed in the special chart change effect based on SP jackpot variation 1 (special chart variation pattern "P01", see FIG. 30) since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on, information on the number of times (4) the LOGO background notice has been executed in the special chart change effect based on SP miss variation 1 (special chart variation pattern "P04", see FIG. 30) since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on, and information on the number of times (4) the LOGO background notice has been executed in the special chart change effect based on SP jackpot variation 2 (special chart variation pattern "P71", see FIG. 30) since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on. Stored information includes the number of lines (6), the number of times (8) the LOGO background announcement has been executed in the special chart change presentation based on SP miss variation 2 (special chart variation pattern "P73", see FIG. 30) since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on, the number of times (1) the LOGO background announcement has been executed in the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot variation 3 (special chart variation pattern "P72", see FIG. 30) since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on, and the number of times (2) the LOGO background announcement has been executed in the special chart change presentation based on SP miss variation 3 (special chart variation pattern "P74", see FIG. 30) since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on (see FIG. 48 (B)).

Next, the preview effect selection process (S5504) of the second embodiment will be described using Figures 49 to 51. First, in the preview effect selection process (S5504) of the second embodiment, the effect control microcomputer 121 extracts a random number for determining the preview effect (S5701). Next, in step S5702, if the information included in the received special symbol variation start command is a specific special symbol variation pattern ("P01," "P71," "P72," "P04," "P73," or "P74"; see Figure 30), the effect control microcomputer 121 counts the number of times each special symbol variation pattern has been selected by the game control microcomputer 101 (S5702). In step S5702, each time the effect control microcomputer 121 counts a special symbol variation pattern, it writes information about the counted special symbol variation pattern to the preview effect storage unit 107. As a result, the information on the number of selections stored in the preview performance storage unit 107 in which SP jackpot variation 1 (special chart variation pattern "P01", see FIG. 30) was selected, the information on the number of selections in which SP miss variation 1 (special chart variation pattern "P04", see FIG. 30) was selected, the information on the number of selections in which SP jackpot variation 2 (special chart variation pattern "P71", see FIG. 30) was selected, the information on the number of selections in which SP miss variation 2 (special chart variation pattern "P73", see FIG. 30) was selected, the information on the number of selections in which SP jackpot variation 3 (special chart variation pattern "P72", see FIG. 30) was selected, or the information on the number of selections in which SP miss variation 3 (special chart variation pattern "P74", see FIG. 30) was selected will increase by one for the number of selections corresponding to the counted special chart variation pattern.

The performance control microcomputer 121 then performs the LOGO cut-in preview selection process (S5703) described below, and the LOGO background preview selection process (S5704) described below. The performance control microcomputer 121 then performs a lottery for other preview effects (S5705), and then ends this processing. In step S5705, the performance control microcomputer 121 uses the preview effect determination random number extracted in step S5701 to perform a lottery to determine whether or not to execute a preview effect other than the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview).

Next, the LOGO cut-in notice selection process (S5703) will be explained using Figure 50. First, in the LOGO cut-in notice selection process (S5703), the performance control microcomputer 121 first determines whether or not to execute the LOGO cut-in notice (S5801). Note that the reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice is set to 10%, and the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO cut-in notice is set to 20%. Specifically, in step S5801, if the information included in the received special chart variation start command is a specific special chart variation pattern ("P01", "P71", "P72", "P04", "P73", "P74", see FIG. 30), the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not to execute a LOGO cut-in notice in the special chart variation performance based on the SP jackpot variation based on the information on the number of times the SP jackpot variation was selected (see FIG. 48(A)) stored in the notice performance storage unit 107, the set LOGO cut-in notice winning occupancy rate, and the notice performance determination random number extracted in step S5701.

For example, in step S5801, if the information contained in the received special chart variation start command is SP jackpot variation 1, the presentation control microcomputer 121 determines, based on the random number for determining the preview presentation extracted in step S5701, whether or not to execute a LOGO cut-in preview in the special chart variation presentation based on SP jackpot variation 1, with a probability of the set LOGO cut-in preview winning occupancy rate (20%).

Also, for example, in step S5801, if the information included in the received special symbol variation start command is SP miss variation 1, the presentation control microcomputer 121 calculates a miss occupancy rate (54%), which is the probability of executing a LOGO cut-in announcement in the special symbol variation presentation based on SP miss variation 1, according to the method for calculating the miss occupancy rate of the LOGO cut-in announcement shown in FIG. 50, based on the information on the number of SP miss variations 1 (e.g., 10 times, see FIG. 48(A)) stored in the announcement presentation memory unit 107 and the information on the number of SP jackpot variations 1 (e.g., 3 times, see FIG. 48(A)) stored in the announcement presentation memory unit 107. Next, the presentation control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not to execute a LOGO cut-in announcement in the special symbol variation presentation based on SP miss variation 1 with the probability of the calculated miss occupancy rate (54%) based on the announcement presentation determination random number extracted in step S5701.

In addition, if the reliability and winning occupancy rate of the LOGO cut-in announcement have not been set, and if the information contained in the received special chart change start command is a specific special chart change pattern ("P01", "P71", "P72", "P04", "P73", "P74", see Figure 30), the effect control microcomputer 121 determines whether to execute a LOGO cut-in announcement in a special chart change presentation based on a specific special chart change pattern, based on the random number for determining the announcement presentation extracted in step S5701, with the probability of either the initial value (default value) winning occupancy rate (e.g., 10%) or the initial value losing occupancy rate calculated using the calculation method shown in Figure 50.

Next, the presentation control microcomputer 121 calculates the current reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice in the special chart variation presentation based on the SP jackpot variation (S5802). Here, the current reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice (current reliability) is not the set reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice or the initial value of the reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice, but the reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice calculated based on the number of times the LOGO cut-in notice has been executed since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on until the current special chart variation presentation. Specifically, in step S5802, the performance control microcomputer 121 divides the total number of times that the LOGO cut-in notice has been executed in the special chart variation performance based on the SP jackpot variation from the time the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on to the current special chart variation performance by the total number of times that the LOGO cut-in notice has been executed in the special chart variation performance based on the SP jackpot variation from the time the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on to the current special chart variation performance, and the total number of times that the LOGO cut-in notice has been executed in the special chart variation performance based on the SP miss variation from the time the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was powered on to the current special chart variation performance, and multiplies the value obtained by this division by 100 to determine the reliability of the current LOGO cut-in notice. Also, if the performance control microcomputer 121 has not set the reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice, the processing of step S5802 is performed based on the initial reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice. In step S5802, the performance control microcomputer 121 may round up to the nearest decimal point, or may round up or round down to the first decimal place or beyond.

For example, if it is determined in step S5801 that a LOGO cut-in notice will be executed in the special chart change effect based on SP jackpot change 1, then in step S5802, the effect control microcomputer 121 calculates the number of times that the LOGO cut-in notice has been executed since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on until the special chart change effect based on this SP jackpot change 1 (1 (see Figure 48 (A)) + 1 (execution of this LOGO cut-in notice))). The current reliability (50%) of the LOGO cut-in announcement is calculated by dividing the total number of times the LOGO cut-in announcement has been executed until the special chart change presentation based on jackpot change 1 (1 (see Figure 48(A)) + 1 (execution of this LOGO cut-in announcement)) by the total number of times the LOGO cut-in announcement has been executed in the special chart change presentation based on SP miss change 1 from when pachinko machine PY1 was first turned on until the current special chart change presentation (2, see Figure 48(A)), and multiplying the result by 100.

Also, for example, if it is decided in step S5801 not to execute a LOGO cut-in notice in the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot change 1, in step S5802, the presentation control microcomputer 121 calculates the number of times (1 (see Figure 48 (A))) that a LOGO cut-in notice has been executed up to the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot change 1 from the time the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on until the current special chart change presentation. The current reliability of the LOGO cut-in announcement (approximately 33%) is calculated by dividing the total number of times the LOGO cut-in announcement was executed up until the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot change 1 up until the chart change presentation (1 (see FIG. 48(A))) by the total number of times the LOGO cut-in announcement was executed in the special chart change presentation based on SP miss change 1 from when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on until the current special chart change presentation (2, see FIG. 48(A)), and multiplying the result by 100. In this case, the presentation control microcomputer 121 calculated the reliability by rounding up to the nearest whole number in step S5802, but it may also round up to the nearest whole number, or it may round up or down to the first decimal place or beyond.

Also, for example, if it is decided in step S5801 that a LOGO cut-in notice will be executed in a special chart change effect based on SP miss change 1, in step S5802, the effect control microcomputer 121 calculates the number of times (1 (see Figure 48 (A))) that a LOGO cut-in notice has been executed up to the special chart change effect based on SP jackpot change 1 from the time the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on until the current special chart change effect. The current reliability of the LOGO cut-in announcement (25%) is calculated by dividing the total number of times the LOGO cut-in announcement has been executed until the special chart change effect based on SP jackpot change 1 up until the result (1 (see Figure 48(A))) and the total number of times the LOGO cut-in announcement has been executed since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first turned on until the special chart change effect based on this SP miss change 1 (2 (see Figure 48(A)) + 1 (execution of this LOGO background announcement)), and multiplying the value obtained by this division by 100.

Also, for example, if it is decided in step S5801 not to execute a LOGO cut-in notice in the special chart change presentation based on SP miss variation 1, in step S5802, the presentation control microcomputer 121 calculates the number of times (1 (see Figure 48 (A))) that a LOGO cut-in notice has been executed up to the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot variation 1 from the time the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on until the current special chart change presentation. The current reliability of the LOGO cut-in announcement (approximately 33%) is calculated by dividing the total number of times the LOGO cut-in announcement has been executed up until the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot change 1 up until the change presentation (1 (see FIG. 48(A))) and the total number of times the LOGO cut-in announcement has been executed up until the special chart change presentation based on SP miss change 1 from when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on until the current special chart change presentation (2 (see FIG. 48(A))), and multiplying the value obtained by this division by 100. In this case, the presentation control microcomputer 121 calculated the reliability by rounding up to the nearest whole number in step S5802, but it may also round up to the nearest whole number, or it may round up or down to the first decimal place or beyond.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether the difference between the current reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice calculated in step S5802 and the reliability of the set LOGO cut-in notice is within 10% (predetermined value) (S5803). If the performance control microcomputer 121 determines that the difference between the current reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice calculated in step S5802 and the reliability of the set LOGO cut-in notice is within 10% (YES in S5803), it maintains the decision made in step S5801 as to whether or not to execute the LOGO cut-in notice (S5804), and terminates this processing. Furthermore, if it is determined that the difference between the current reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice calculated in step S5802 and the set reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice is not within 10% (NO in S5803), the decision as to whether or not to execute the LOGO cut-in notice determined in step S5801 is changed (S5805), and this processing is terminated.

Specifically, for example, if the effect control microcomputer 121 determines in step S5801 to execute a LOGO cut-in notice during the execution of a special symbol variation effect, and determines that the difference between the current reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice calculated in step S5802 and the set reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice is within 10% (YES in S5803), the result determined in step S5801 will be maintained (S5804). In other words, the LOGO cut-in notice will be executed during the execution of this special symbol variation effect. In this case, the effect control microcomputer 121 writes the number of times the LOGO cut-in notice has been executed in a special symbol variation effect based on a specific special symbol variation pattern to the notice effect storage unit 107, and the number of times the LOGO cut-in notice corresponding to the special symbol variation pattern stored in the notice effect storage unit 107 has been executed is increased by 1. On the other hand, for example, if in step S5801 the effect control microcomputer 121 decides to execute a LOGO cut-in notice during the execution of the special chart variation effect, and it determines that the difference between the current reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice calculated in step S5802 and the set reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice exceeds 10% (NO in S5803), the result determined in step S5801 will be changed (S5805). In other words, the LOGO cut-in notice will not be executed during the execution of this special chart variation effect.

Also, for example, if the effect control microcomputer 121 determines in step S5801 that a LOGO cut-in notice will not be executed during the execution of the special chart variation effect, and determines that the difference between the current reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice calculated in step S5802 and the set reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice is within 10% (YES in S5803), the result determined in step S5801 will be maintained (S5804). In other words, a LOGO cut-in notice will not be executed during the execution of the current special chart variation effect. On the other hand, for example, in step S5801, if the performance control microcomputer 121 decides not to execute the LOGO cut-in notice during the execution of the special chart variation performance, and the difference between the current reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice calculated in step S5802 and the reliability of the set LOGO cut-in notice exceeds 10%, that is, if it is determined that the current reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice calculated in step S5802 is too low (for example, the set reliability is 20% and the current reliability is 9%) (NO in S5803), the result determined in step S5801 will be changed (S5805). In other words, the LOGO cut-in notice will be executed during the execution of the special chart variation performance this time. In this case, the performance control microcomputer 121 writes the number of times that a LOGO cut-in notice has been executed in a special chart variation performance based on a specific special chart variation pattern into the notice performance storage unit 107, and the number of times that the LOGO cut-in notice corresponding to the special chart variation pattern stored in the notice performance storage unit 107 has been executed is increased by 1.

Also, if the performance control microcomputer 121 has not set the reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice, the judgment in step S5803 is made based on the initial reliability value of the LOGO cut-in notice.

Next, the LOGO background preview selection process (S5704) will be explained using Figure 51. First, in the LOGO background preview selection process (S5704), the performance control microcomputer 121 first determines whether or not to execute the LOGO background preview (S5901). Note that the reliability of the LOGO background preview is set to 10%, and the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO background preview is set to 20%. Specifically, in step S5901, if the information included in the received special chart variation start command is a specific special chart variation pattern ("P01", "P71", "P72", "P04", "P73", "P74", see Figure 30), the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not to execute a LOGO background preview in the special chart variation performance based on the SP jackpot variation based on the information on the number of times the SP jackpot variation was selected (see Figure 48 (B)) stored in the preview performance storage unit 107, the set LOGO background preview winning occupancy rate, and the preview performance determination random number extracted in step S5701.

For example, in step S5901, if the information contained in the received special chart variation start command is SP jackpot variation 1, the presentation control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not to execute a LOGO background preview in the special chart variation presentation based on SP jackpot variation 1, with a probability of the set LOGO background preview winning occupancy rate (20%), based on the preview presentation determination random number extracted in step S5701.

Also, for example, in step S5901, if the information included in the received special chart variation start command is SP miss variation 1, the presentation control microcomputer 121 calculates a miss occupancy rate (51%), which is the probability of executing a LOGO background announcement in a special chart variation presentation based on SP miss variation 1, based on the information on the number of SP miss variations 1 (e.g., 15 times, see FIG. 48(B)) stored in the preview presentation memory unit 107 and the information on the number of SP jackpot variations 1 (e.g., 4 times, see FIG. 48(A)) stored in the preview presentation memory unit 107, in accordance with the method for calculating the miss occupancy rate of the LOGO background announcement shown in FIG. 51. Next, the presentation control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not to execute a LOGO background announcement in a special chart variation presentation based on SP miss variation 1 with the probability of the calculated miss occupancy rate (51%) based on the preview presentation determination random number extracted in step S5701. In this case, in step S5901, the performance control microcomputer 121 calculated the reliability by rounding up to the nearest decimal point, but it may also round up to the nearest decimal point, or it may round up or down to the first decimal place or beyond.

Furthermore, if the reliability and winning occupancy rate of the LOGO background announcement have not been set, and if the information contained in the received special chart change start command is a specific special chart change pattern ("P01", "P71", "P72", "P04", "P73", "P74", see Figure 30), the presentation control microcomputer 121 determines whether to execute the LOGO background announcement in a special chart change presentation based on a specific special chart change pattern, based on the random number for deciding the announcement presentation extracted in step S5701, with the probability of either the initial value (default value) winning occupancy rate (e.g., 10%) or the initial value losing occupancy rate calculated using the calculation method shown in Figure 50.

Next, the presentation control microcomputer 121 calculates the current reliability of the LOGO background announcement in the special chart change presentation based on the SP jackpot change (S5902). Here, the current reliability of the LOGO background announcement does not refer to the set reliability of the LOGO background announcement or the initial value of the reliability of the LOGO background announcement, but rather the reliability of the LOGO background announcement calculated based on the number of times the LOGO background announcement has been executed since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first turned on until the current special chart change presentation. Specifically, in step S5902, the presentation control microcomputer 121 divides the total number of times that the LOGO background announcement has been executed in the special chart change presentation based on the SP jackpot fluctuation from when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on to the current special chart change presentation, plus the total number of times that the LOGO background announcement has been executed in the special chart change presentation based on the SP miss fluctuation from when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on to the current special chart change presentation, by the number of times that the LOGO background announcement has been executed in the special chart change presentation based on the SP jackpot fluctuation from when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on to the current special chart change presentation, and multiplies the result by 100 to determine the current reliability of the LOGO background announcement. Also, if the presentation control microcomputer 121 has not set the reliability of the LOGO background announcement, the processing of step S5902 is performed based on the initial reliability of the LOGO background announcement.

For example, if it is decided in step S5901 that a LOGO background announcement will be executed in the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot variation 1, then in step S5902, the presentation control microcomputer 121 calculates the number of times that the LOGO background announcement has been executed since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on until the special chart change presentation based on this SP jackpot variation 1 (2 (see Figure 48 (B)) + 1 (execution of this LOGO background announcement)). The current reliability of the logo background announcement (43%) is calculated by dividing the total number of times the logo background announcement has been executed until the special chart change presentation based on P jackpot change 1 (2 (see Figure 48(B)) + 1 (execution of this logo background announcement)) by the total number of times the logo background announcement has been executed in the special chart change presentation based on SP miss change 1 from when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on until the current special chart change presentation (4, see Figure 48(B)), and multiplying the result by 100. In this case, the presentation control microcomputer 121 calculated the reliability by rounding up to the nearest whole number in step S5902, but it may also round up to the nearest whole number, or it may round up or down to the first decimal place or beyond.

Also, for example, if it is determined in step S5901 that a LOGO background announcement will not be executed in the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot change 1, then in step S5902, the presentation control microcomputer 121 calculates the number of times (2 (see Figure 48 (B))) that the LOGO background announcement has been executed up to the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot change 1 since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on until the current special chart change presentation. The reliability of the current logo background announcement (33%) is calculated by dividing the total number of times the logo background announcement was executed up until the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot change 1 in the current special chart change presentation (2 (see Figure 48(B))) by the total number of times the logo background announcement was executed in the special chart change presentation based on SP miss change 1 from when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on until the current special chart change presentation (4, see Figure 48(B)), and multiplying the result by 100. In this case, the presentation control microcomputer 121 calculated the reliability by rounding up to the nearest whole number in step S5902, but it may also round up to the nearest whole number, or it may round up or down to the first decimal place or beyond.

Also, for example, if it is decided in step S5901 that a LOGO background announcement will be executed in a special chart change presentation based on SP miss change 1, in step S5902, the presentation control microcomputer 121 calculates the number of times (2 (see Figure 48 (B))) that the LOGO background announcement has been executed up to the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot change 1 from when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on until the current special chart change presentation. The current reliability of the logo background announcement (20%) is calculated by dividing the total number of times the logo background announcement has been executed up until the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot variation 1 up until the presentation (2 (see Figure 48(B))) and the total number of times the logo background announcement has been executed since pachinko machine PY1 was first turned on up until the special chart change presentation based on this SP miss variation 1 (4 (see Figure 48(B)) + 1 (execution of this logo background announcement)), and multiplying the value obtained by this division by 100.

Also, for example, if it is decided in step S5901 that a LOGO background announcement will not be executed in the special chart change presentation based on SP miss change 1, then in step S5902, the presentation control microcomputer 121 calculates the number of times (2 (see Figure 48 (B))) that the LOGO background announcement has been executed up to the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot change 1 from the time the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on until the current special chart change presentation. The reliability of the current logo background announcement (33%) is calculated by dividing the total number of times the logo background announcement is executed up until the special chart change presentation based on SP jackpot change 1 up until the special chart change presentation (2 (see Figure 48(B))) by the total number of times the logo background announcement is executed up until the special chart change presentation based on SP miss change 1 from when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on until the current special chart change presentation (4 (see Figure 48(B))), and multiplying the result by 100. In this case, the presentation control microcomputer 121 calculated the reliability by rounding up to the nearest whole number in step S5902, but it may also be rounded up to the nearest whole number, or it may be rounded up or down to the first decimal place or beyond.

Next, the performance control microcontroller 121 determines whether the difference between the current reliability of the LOGO background preview calculated in step S5902 and the reliability of the set LOGO background preview is within 10% (predetermined value) (S5903). If the performance control microcontroller 121 determines that the difference between the current reliability of the LOGO background preview calculated in step S5902 and the reliability of the set LOGO background preview is within 10% (YES in S5903), it maintains the decision made in step S5901 as to whether or not to execute the LOGO background preview (S5904) and terminates this processing. Furthermore, if it is determined that the difference between the current reliability of the LOGO background preview calculated in step S5902 and the reliability of the set LOGO background preview is not within 10% (NO in S5903), the decision as to whether or not to execute the LOGO background preview determined in step S5901 is changed (S5905), and this processing is terminated.

Specifically, for example, if the performance control microcomputer 121 determines in step S5901 to execute a LOGO background announcement during the execution of a special symbol variation performance, and determines that the difference between the current reliability of the LOGO background announcement calculated in step S5902 and the set reliability of the LOGO background announcement is within 10% (YES in S5903), the result determined in step S5901 will be maintained (S5904). In other words, the LOGO background announcement will be executed during the execution of this special symbol variation performance. In this case, the performance control microcomputer 121 writes the number of times the LOGO background announcement has been executed in a special symbol variation performance based on a specific special symbol variation pattern to the announcement performance memory unit 107, and the number of times the LOGO background announcement corresponding to the special symbol variation pattern stored in the announcement performance memory unit 107 has been executed is increased by 1. On the other hand, for example, if in step S5901 the effect control microcomputer 121 decides to execute a logo background announcement during the execution of the special chart change effect, and it determines that the difference between the current reliability of the logo background announcement calculated in step S5902 and the set reliability of the logo background announcement exceeds 10% (NO in S5903), the result determined in step S5901 will be changed (S5905). In other words, the logo background announcement will not be executed during the execution of this special chart change effect.

Also, for example, if the effect control microcomputer 121 determines in step S5901 that the LOGO background announcement will not be executed during the execution of the special chart change effect, and determines that the difference between the current reliability of the LOGO background announcement calculated in step S5902 and the reliability of the set LOGO background announcement is within 10% (YES in S5903), the result determined in step S5801 will be maintained (S5904). In other words, the LOGO background announcement will not be executed during the execution of the current special chart change effect. On the other hand, for example, if the effect control microcomputer 121 determines in step S5901 not to execute a logo background notice during the execution of a special symbol variation effect, and determines that the difference between the current reliability of the logo background notice calculated in step S5902 and the set reliability of the logo background notice exceeds 10%, i.e., the current reliability of the logo background notice calculated in step S5902 is too low (e.g., the set reliability is 20% and the current reliability is 9%) (NO in S5903), the result determined in step S5901 will be changed (S5905). In other words, the logo background notice will be executed during the execution of this special symbol variation effect. In this case, the effect control microcomputer 121 writes the number of times the logo background notice has been executed in a special symbol variation effect based on a specific special symbol variation pattern to the notice effect storage unit 107, and the number of times the logo background notice corresponding to the special symbol variation pattern stored in the notice effect storage unit 107 is executed is increased by one.

Also, if the performance control microcomputer 121 has not set the reliability of the LOGO background preview, the judgment in step S5903 is made based on the initial reliability of the LOGO background preview.

The pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the second embodiment executes logo preview effects (logo cut-in preview, logo background preview) that are designed so that the reliability and winning share of the logo preview effects (logo cut-in preview, logo background preview) specified by the player match the reliability and winning share of the logo preview effects (logo cut-in preview, logo background preview) experienced by the player while playing the game. This prevents a large discrepancy between the reliability and winning share of the logo preview effects (logo cut-in preview, logo background preview) specified by the player. Furthermore, unlike the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment, there is no need to use a distribution table for logo preview effects (logo cut-in preview, logo background preview), which reduces the load on the storage capacity of the presentation RAM 124.

<Effects of the second embodiment>

As explained in detail above, in the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the second embodiment, a LOGO cut-in notice may be executed in a special chart change presentation based on one of the special chart change patterns "P01," "P71," "P72," "P04," "P73," or "P74," depending on the number of times each special chart change pattern is selected from the special chart change patterns "P01," "P71," "P72," "P04," "P73," or "P74," as well as the set reliability and set win occupancy rate. This makes it possible to provide the player with an accurate LOGO cut-in notice in the special chart change presentation that corresponds to the set reliability and set win occupancy rate in the special chart change presentation. Therefore, because the LOGO cut-in notice is executed during the SP reach, it is possible to prevent the player from learning the result of the jackpot determination before the special chart change presentation has finished.

Furthermore, according to the second embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, whether or not a LOGO cut-in notice will be executed in a special chart change presentation based on one of the special chart change patterns "P01," "P71," "P72," "P04," "P73," or "P74" may be determined based on the number of times each special chart change pattern from "P01," "P71," "P72," "P04," "P73," or "P74" is selected, the set reliability, and the set win occupancy rate. This makes it possible to provide the player with an accurate LOGO cut-in notice in the special chart change presentation that corresponds to the set reliability and set win occupancy rate in the special chart change presentation. Therefore, because the LOGO cut-in notice is executed during the SP reach, it is possible to prevent the player from learning the result of the jackpot determination before the special chart change presentation has finished.

Furthermore, according to the second embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, when a decision is made as to whether or not a LOGO cut-in notice will be executed in a special chart variation effect based on one of the special chart variation patterns "P01," "P71," "P72," "P04," "P73," or "P74," the decision as to whether or not a LOGO cut-in notice will be executed in the special chart variation effect may be changed based on the current reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice calculated based on the number of times a suggestive effect has been executed in the special chart variation effect and the set reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice. This makes it possible to provide the player with a LOGO cut-in notice with a reliability within 10% of the set reliability. Therefore, the LOGO cut-in notice executed in the special chart variation effect allows the player to understand the exact reliability that has been set, making it possible to prevent the player from knowing the result of the jackpot determination before the execution of the special chart variation effect is completed.

Furthermore, according to the second embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, if the difference between the current reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice and the set reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice exceeds 10%, the decision as to whether or not to execute the LOGO cut-in notice in the special chart change presentation based on one of the special chart change patterns "P01," "P71," "P72," "P04," "P73," or "P74" is changed. This makes it possible to provide the player with a LOGO cut-in notice with an accurate reliability within 10% of the set reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice and the current reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice. Therefore, even if the LOGO cut-in notice is executed in the special chart change presentation, the reliability is within 10%, making it possible to prevent the LOGO cut-in notice from revealing the result of the jackpot determination to the player before the execution of the special chart change presentation is completed.

Furthermore, according to the second embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, whether or not a LOGO cut-in notice is executed in a special symbol variation effect may be determined based on the number of times each of the special symbol variation patterns "P01," "P71," "P72," "P04," "P73," or "P74" is selected and the reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice set by the effect control microcomputer 121 when the normal button 40 is pressed while the first allocation custom image G204 is displayed on the display unit 50a. This makes it possible to provide the player with an accurate LOGO cut-in notice according to the reliability set by the player himself/herself in a special symbol variation effect based on the special symbol variation pattern "P01," "P71," "P72," "P04," "P73," or "P74." Therefore, when a LOGO cut-in notice is executed in a special symbol variation effect, the LOGO cut-in notice allows the player to understand the reliability set by the player himself/herself.

<Other changes>
In the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the second embodiment, for a specific special chart variation pattern (special chart variation patterns "P01", "P71", "P72", "P04", "P73", "P74", see FIG. 30) selected by the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process (S1409, see FIG. 27), whether or not to execute a LOGO notice effect (LOGO cut-in notice, LOGO background) is determined each time a special chart variation effect based on a specific special chart variation pattern is executed, depending on the number of times that a LOGO notice effect has been executed in the special chart variation effect based on miss variations since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on until the present, the number of times that a LOGO notice effect has been executed in the special chart variation effect based on jackpot variations since the pachinko gaming machine PY1 was first powered on until the present, and the reliability and hit occupancy rate of the LOGO notice effect currently set by the effect control microcomputer 121. However, other modified examples may be used in which a calculation method different from that of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the second embodiment is used to determine whether or not to execute a logo preview effect (logo cut-in preview, logo background) in a special chart variation effect based on a specific special chart variation pattern (special chart variation patterns "P01", "P71", "P72", "P04", "P73", "P74", see FIG. 30). In the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the other modified examples described above, the preview effect storage unit 107 may store information on the number of times a specific special chart variation pattern (special chart variation patterns "P01", "P71", "P72", "P04", "P73", "P74", see FIG. 30) has been selected by the game control microcomputer 101. In this case, the presentation control microcomputer 121 may determine whether or not to execute a LOGO preview performance (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) in a special chart variation performance based on a specific special chart variation pattern in the preview performance selection process, based on information on the number of times a specific special chart variation pattern (special chart variation patterns "P01", "P71", "P72", "P04", "P73", "P74", see Figure 30) has been selected by the game control microcomputer 101, the reliability of the set LOGO preview performance (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview), and the hit occupancy rate of the set LOGO preview performance (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview). This allows the function of specifying the reliability and winning occupancy rate of the LOGO preview performance (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) without using an allocation table as in the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment, and makes it possible to provide LOGO preview performance (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) that corresponds to the reliability and winning occupancy rate specified to suit the player's preferences by calculation based on the number of times the game control microcomputer 101 selected a specific special chart variation pattern (special chart variation patterns ``P01'', ``P71'', ``P72'', ``P04'', ``P73'', ``P74'', see Figure 30) in the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process (S1409, see Figure 27).

The configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the second embodiment may be used in combination with the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the other modified examples described above. In this case, for example, in the preview effect selection process, the basic effect control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not to execute a LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) during the execution of a special chart variation effect based on a specific special chart variation pattern, based on information on the number of times a specific special chart variation pattern (special chart variation patterns "P01," "P71," "P72," "P04," "P73," and "P74"; see FIG. 30) has been selected by the game control microcomputer 101, the reliability of the set LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview), and the hit occupancy rate of the set LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview). Then, the performance control microcomputer 121 writes the number of times that the LOGO preview performance (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) has been executed into the preview performance memory unit 107, and stores it in the preview performance memory unit 107. Furthermore, if the result determined based on the information on the number of times a specific special chart variation pattern was selected by the game control microcomputer 101 in the preview effect selection process, the reliability of the set LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview), and the winning occupancy rate of the set LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) deviates from the reliability or winning occupancy rate of the set LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview), the effect control microcomputer 121 may change the execution of the determined LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) based on the information on the number of times the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) has been executed, which is stored in the preview effect storage unit 107.

In the above embodiments, when a game ball enters (enters) the first start port 11 or the second start port 12, various random numbers (an example of numerical information or judgment information) for conducting a special drawing lottery, etc., are obtained, which corresponds to "predetermined conditions being met." However, this is not limited to this. For example, other start ports different from the first start port and the second start port 12 may be provided. Note that when a game ball enters the other start port, a special drawing lottery 1 or a special drawing lottery 2 may be conducted. In this case, when a game ball enters (enters) any of the first start port 11, the second start port 12, or another start port, various random numbers (an example of numerical information or judgment information) for conducting a special drawing lottery, etc., are obtained, which may correspond to "predetermined conditions being met."

In the above embodiments, the LOGO cut-in notice and LOGO background notice correspond to "specific effects." However, this is not limited to this. The LOGO cut-in notice, the LOGO background notice, and other notice effects different from the LOGO cut-in notice and the LOGO background notice may also correspond to "specific effects." Here, other notice effects may include a notice effect in which a specific effect image is displayed on the display unit 50a, a notice effect in which a specific sound is output from the speaker 52, a notice effect in which the frame lamp 53 or the board lamp 54 lights up in a specific lighting mode, a hold icon notice, a step-up notice, etc.

In the above embodiments, the LOGO cut-in notice corresponds to the "first specific effect." However, this is not limited to this. For example, the "first specific effect" may be an effect in which a specific effect image is displayed on the display unit 50a, a specific sound is output from the speaker 52, the frame lamp 53 or the board lamp 54 is illuminated in a specific lighting pattern, or a hold icon notice, a step-up notice, a notice using an effect image, or the like. However, the first specific effect is a different effect from the second specific effect.

In the above embodiments, the logo background announcement corresponds to the "second specific effect." However, this is not limited to this. For example, the "second specific effect" may be an effect in which a specific effect image is displayed on the display unit 50a, a specific sound is output from the speaker 52, the frame lamp 53 or the board lamp 54 is illuminated in a specific lighting mode, or a hold icon announcement, a step-up announcement, an announcement using an effect image, or the like. However, the second specific effect is a different effect from the first specific effect.

In the above embodiments, pressing the normal button 40 when the first allocation custom image G204 or the second allocation custom image G206 is displayed on the display unit 50a corresponds to a "predetermined operation." However, this is not limited to this. For example, while a customer waiting effect is being executed, based on the player pressing the select button 42, the effect control microcomputer 121 may be able to set the reliability of the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) selected by pressing the select button 42, or the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview). In this case, pressing the select button 42 may correspond to a "predetermined operation." Furthermore, for example, while a customer waiting effect is being executed, the effect control microcomputer 121 may be able to set the reliability of the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) selected by pressing the select button 42, or the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview), based on the player pressing the special button 41. In this case, pressing the special button 41 may correspond to the "predetermined operation."

In each of the above embodiments, the reliability of the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) corresponds to the "first rate related to a specific effect." However, this is not limited to this. For example, the appearance rate of the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) in the special chart change effect may correspond to the "first rate related to a specific effect." Also, for example, the probability that the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) will be executed in the special chart change effect executed when the result of the jackpot determination is a miss may correspond to the "first rate related to a specific effect."

In each of the above embodiments, the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) corresponds to the "second rate related to the specific effect." However, this is not limited to this. For example, the probability that the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) will be executed in a special chart change effect executed when the result of the jackpot determination is a miss may correspond to the "second rate related to the specific effect." Also, for example, the appearance rate of the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) in a special chart change effect may correspond to the "second rate related to the specific effect."

In each of the above embodiments, the player could select the reliability of the LOGO cut-in announcement and the winning share of the LOGO cut-in announcement from 10 levels each by pressing the select button 42, and the selected reliability of the LOGO cut-in announcement and the winning share of the LOGO cut-in announcement were set by the presentation control microcomputer 121 by pressing the normal button 40. This made it possible to execute a LOGO cut-in announcement with the set reliability and winning share during the execution of the special symbol variation presentation. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the presentation control microcomputer 121 may set only one of the reliability of the LOGO cut-in announcement or the winning share of the LOGO cut-in announcement by pressing the normal button 40. In this case, a LOGO cut-in announcement with the set reliability or winning share during the execution of the special symbol variation presentation may be executed.

In each of the above embodiments, the player could select the reliability of the LOGO background prediction and the winning share of the LOGO background prediction from 10 levels each by pressing the select button 42, and the reliability of the selected LOGO background prediction and the winning share of the LOGO background prediction were set by the presentation control microcomputer 121 by pressing the normal button 40. This made it possible to execute a LOGO background prediction with the set reliability and winning share during the execution of the special symbol variation presentation. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the presentation control microcomputer 121 may set only one of the reliability of the LOGO background prediction or the winning share of the LOGO background prediction by pressing the normal button 40. In this case, a LOGO background prediction with the set winning share or reliability may be executed during the execution of the special symbol variation presentation.

In each of the above embodiments, by pressing the select button 42, the player can select from 10 levels each for the reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice, the reliability of the LOGO background notice, the winning share of the LOGO cut-in notice, and the winning share of the LOGO background notice. By pressing the normal button 40, the selected reliability and winning share are set by the presentation control microcomputer 121. However, this is not limited to this. For example, other preview effects different from the LOGO cut-in notice and the LOGO background notice may be executed during the execution of the special chart change effect. In this case, by pressing the select button 42, the reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice, the reliability of the LOGO background notice, the reliability of the other preview effects, the winning share of the LOGO cut-in notice, and the winning share of the LOGO background notice may be set by the presentation control microcomputer 121. Furthermore, for example, the reliability of the logo cut-in preview, the reliability of the logo background preview, the winning share of the logo cut-in preview, the winning share of the logo background preview, and the winning share of other preview effects may be set by the effect control microcomputer 121.

In each of the above embodiments, the reliability of the logo cut-in announcement could be set by the performance control microcomputer 121 to a selected reliability level from 10 levels (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%). However, this is not limited to this. For example, the reliability of the logo cut-in announcement could be selected from 9 levels or less (e.g., 10%, 50%, 100%) and set by the performance control microcomputer 121. Also, for example, the reliability of the logo cut-in announcement could be selected from 11 levels or more and set by the performance control microcomputer 121.

In each of the above embodiments, the reliability of the logo background preview could be selected from 10 levels (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%) and set by the performance control microcomputer 121. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the reliability of the logo background preview could be selected from 9 levels or less (e.g., 10%, 50%, 100%) and set by the performance control microcomputer 121. Also, for example, the reliability of the logo background preview could be selected from 11 levels or more and set by the performance control microcomputer 121.

In each of the above embodiments, the winning share of the LOGO cut-in announcement could be selected from 10 levels (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%) and set by the performance control microcomputer 121. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the winning share of the LOGO cut-in announcement may be selected from 9 levels or less (e.g., 10%, 50%, 100%) and set by the performance control microcomputer 121. Also, for example, the winning share of the LOGO cut-in announcement may be selected from 11 levels or more and set by the performance control microcomputer 121.

In each of the above embodiments, the winning occupancy rate of the logo background announcement could be selected from 10 levels (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%) and set by the performance control microcomputer 121. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the winning occupancy rate of the logo background announcement may be selected from 9 levels or less (e.g., 10%, 50%, 100%) and set by the performance control microcomputer 121. Also, for example, the winning occupancy rate of the logo background announcement may be selected from 11 levels or more and set by the performance control microcomputer 121.

In the above embodiments, the select button 42 corresponds to the "input means." However, this is not limited to this. For example, the normal button 40 may correspond to the "input means." Also, for example, the special button 41 may correspond to the "input means."

In the above embodiments, a numeric password corresponds to "specific information." However, this is not limited to this. For example, a password consisting of a combination of alphabetic characters and numbers may also correspond to "specific information."

In each of the above embodiments, when the second allocation custom image G206 is displayed on the display unit 50a, pressing the select button 42 to enter a numeric password and then pressing the normal button 40 causes the reliability of the LOGO cut-in preview, the winning share of the LOGO cut-in preview, the reliability of the LOGO background preview, and the winning share of the LOGO background preview to be set all at once. However, this is not limited to this. For example, when the select button 42 is pressed to enter a numeric password and then pressing the normal button 40, either the reliability of the LOGO cut-in preview or the reliability of the LOGO background preview, and either the winning share of the LOGO cut-in preview or the winning share of the LOGO background preview may be set all at once by the performance control microcomputer 121.

In each of the above embodiments, during the execution of a customer waiting effect, the effect control microcomputer 121 was able to set the reliability of the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) selected by pressing the select button 42, and the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview), based on the player's pressing of the normal button 40. However, this is not limited to this. For example, during the execution of a customer waiting effect, the effect control microcomputer 121 may be able to set the presentation mode of the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) by pressing the select button 42 and the normal button 40. In this case, for example, the presentation mode of the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) may include a first presentation mode and a second presentation mode different from the first presentation mode. The first presentation mode may be a mode that makes it easy for not only the player but also players playing around the pachinko gaming machine PY1 to understand that the LOGO preview performance of the first presentation mode (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) has been executed, while the second presentation mode may be a mode that makes it difficult for players playing around the pachinko gaming machine PY1 to understand that the LOGO preview performance of the second presentation mode (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) has been executed, but makes it easy for players playing the pachinko gaming machine PY1 to understand that the LOGO preview performance of the second presentation mode (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) has been executed. This makes it possible to provide the player with a LOGO preview performance (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) of a presentation mode that suits the player's preferences, and to entertain the player.

In each of the above embodiments, the reliability of the logo cut-in notice set by the effect control microcomputer 121 based on the player's selection, the reliability of the logo background notice set by the effect control microcomputer 121 based on the player's selection, the winning share of the logo cut-in notice set by the effect control microcomputer 121 based on the player's selection, and the winning share of the logo background notice set by the effect control microcomputer 121 based on the player's selection corresponded to the "setting values for the specific effects that have been set." However, this is not limited to this. For example, the initial value (default value) of the reliability of the logo cut-in notice, the initial value (default value) of the winning share of the logo cut-in notice, the initial value (default value) of the reliability of the logo background notice, and the initial value (default value) of the winning share of the logo background notice may also correspond to the "setting values for the specific effects that have been set." Furthermore, for example, the reliability of the logo cut-in notice set by the effect control microcomputer 121 based on the selection made by the player, the reliability of the logo background notice set by the effect control microcomputer 121 based on the selection made by the player, the miss occupancy rate of the logo cut-in notice set by the effect control microcomputer 121 based on the selection made by the player (the probability that the logo cut-in notice will be executed when the result of the jackpot determination is a miss), and the miss occupancy rate of the logo cut-in notice set by the effect control microcomputer 121 based on the selection made by the player (the probability that the logo cut-in notice will be executed when the result of the jackpot determination is a miss) may correspond to the "setting value related to the specific effect that has been set."

In each of the above embodiments, a LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) was executed during the execution of a special chart variation effect based on a specific special chart variation pattern (special chart variation patterns "P01", "P71", "P72", "P04", "P73", and "P74", see Figure 30). However, this is not limited to this. For example, a LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) may be executed during the execution of a special chart variation effect based on a special chart variation pattern other than special chart variation patterns "P01", "P71", "P72", "P04", "P73", and "P74".

In each of the above embodiments, the effect control microcomputer 121 was able to set the reliability and winning occupancy rate of the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) based on the player pressing the select button 42 and normal button 40. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the effect control microcomputer 121 may be configured in such a way that it is not possible to set the reliability and winning occupancy rate of the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) based on the player pressing the select button 42 and normal button 40.

In the above embodiments, the LOGO cut-in preview corresponds to a "suggestive effect." However, this is not limited to this. The LOGO background preview may also correspond to a "suggestive effect." Furthermore, other preview effects that are different from the LOGO cut-in preview and the LOGO background preview may also correspond to a "suggestive effect." Here, other preview effects may include a preview effect in which a specific effect image is displayed on the display unit 50a, a preview effect in which a specific sound is output from the speaker 52, a preview effect in which the frame lamp 53 or the board lamp 54 is illuminated in a specific lighting mode, a hold icon preview, a step-up preview, etc.

In each of the above embodiments, the information stored in the performance RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120 is retained even when power is lost to the pachinko gaming machine PY1, and therefore the information stored in the preview performance memory unit 107 is retained even when power is lost to the pachinko gaming machine PY1. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the information stored in the preview performance memory unit 107 may be information that is not retained when power is lost to the pachinko gaming machine PY1. Also, for example, the information stored in the preview performance memory unit 107 may be initialized when the player presses the normal button 40 during a customer waiting performance.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the preview effect memory unit 107 stored information on the number of selections in which a specific special symbol variation pattern was selected (see Figure 48). However, this is not limited to this. For example, information on the number of selections in which a specific special symbol variation pattern was selected may be stored in the gaming RAM 104. In this case, a command including information on the number of selections in which a specific special symbol variation pattern was selected may be sent from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 120, and the effect control microcomputer 121 of the sub-control board 120 that receives the command may perform LOGO cut-in preview selection processing (S5703) and LOGO background preview selection processing (S5704).

In addition, in the second embodiment described above, information on the number of times a specific jackpot special symbol variation pattern was selected and information on the number of times a specific losing special symbol variation pattern was selected was stored in the preview effect storage unit 107, thereby storing information on the result of the jackpot determination. However, this is not limited to this. For example, information on the result of the jackpot determination may be stored in the preview effect storage unit 107 from information on special symbol stop symbol data based on the jackpot determination, etc., included in the special symbol variation start command.

In the second embodiment, in the LOGO cut-in notice selection process (S5702), if the information included in the received special symbol change start command is a specific special symbol change pattern ("P01," "P71," "P72," "P04," "P73," "P74"; see FIG. 30), the effect control microcomputer 121 determines whether to execute a LOGO cut-in notice in the special symbol change performance based on the number of times the specific special symbol change pattern has been selected (see FIG. 48) stored in the notice performance memory unit 107, the reliability of the set LOGO cut-in notice, and the hit occupancy rate of the set LOGO cut-in notice (see FIG. 50). However, this is not limited to this. For example, in the change performance pattern selection process (S5503), when the effect control microcomputer 121 determines the change performance pattern, which is the content of the special symbol change performance, the execution of the LOGO cut-in notice and the content of the LOGO cut-in notice may also be determined. Also, for example, there may be a first variation effect pattern in which a LOGO cut-in notice is executed in the special symbol variation effect, and a second variation effect pattern in which a LOGO cut-in notice is not executed in the special symbol variation effect. In this case, for example, in the variation effect pattern selection process (S5503), the effect control microcomputer 121 may be configured to switch the variation effect pattern selected between the first variation effect pattern and the second variation effect pattern based on the information on the number of selections of a specific special symbol variation pattern (see FIG. 48) stored in the notice effect storage unit 107, the set reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice, and the set winning occupancy rate of the LOGO cut-in notice. With this configuration, it is possible to provide the player with a LOGO cut-in notice with accurate reliability and winning occupancy rate in the special symbol variation effect depending on the determined variation effect pattern. Therefore, by varying the variable presentation pattern determined by the presentation control microcomputer 121 in the variable presentation pattern selection process (S5503), it is possible to make it difficult for the player to grasp the result of the jackpot determination by the LOGO cut-in notice before the execution of the special chart variable presentation is completed. In addition, multiple variable presentation patterns including the first variable presentation pattern and the second variable presentation pattern may be stored in the presentation RAM 124.

Furthermore, if the presentation control microcomputer 121 is configured to switch the selected presentation pattern to the first or second variation presentation pattern based on the information on the number of times a specific special chart variation pattern has been selected (see Figure 48) stored in the preview presentation memory unit 107, the reliability of the set LOGO cut-in preview, and the hit occupancy rate of the set LOGO cut-in preview, the presentation control microcomputer 121 may, after selecting the first or second variation presentation pattern, decide whether or not to execute the LOGO cut-in preview in step S5801 of the second embodiment described above. In this case, after determining whether or not to execute the logo cut-in notice in step S5801, the performance control microcomputer 121 may calculate the current reliability of the logo cut-in notice (S5802) and determine whether the difference between the current reliability of the logo cut-in notice calculated in step S5802 and the set reliability of the logo cut-in notice is within 10% (predetermined value) (S5803). Furthermore, depending on the result determined in step S5803, the performance control microcomputer 121 may either maintain the result determined in step S5801 (S5804) or change the result determined in step S5801 (S5805).

In the configuration for switching to the first or second variable presentation pattern, the first variable presentation pattern in which a LOGO cut-in notice is executed corresponds to the "first variable presentation pattern," and the second variable presentation pattern in which a LOGO cut-in notice is not executed corresponds to the "second variable presentation pattern." However, this is not limited to this. For example, in the variable presentation pattern selection process (S5503), when the presentation control microcomputer 121 determines the variable presentation pattern that is the content of the special chart variable presentation, it may also determine whether or not to execute a LOGO background notice and the content of the LOGO background notice. In this case, for example, there may be a third variable presentation pattern in which a LOGO background notice is executed in the special chart variable presentation, and a fourth variable presentation pattern in which a LOGO background notice is not executed in the special chart variable presentation. The third variable presentation pattern may correspond to the "first variable presentation pattern," and the fourth variable presentation pattern may correspond to the "second variable presentation pattern."

Furthermore, in a configuration for switching to the first or second variable presentation pattern, the presentation control microcomputer 121 may be configured to determine one of the first, second, third, or fourth variable presentation patterns based on information on the number of times a specific special symbol variable presentation pattern has been selected (see FIG. 48) stored in the preview presentation memory unit 107, the reliability of the set logo preview presentation (logo cut-in preview, logo background preview), and the hit occupancy rate of the set logo preview presentation (logo cut-in preview, logo background preview). Furthermore, for example, there may be a fifth variable presentation pattern in which a logo cut-in preview and a logo background preview are executed in the special symbol variable presentation. In this case, the presentation control microcomputer 121 may be configured to determine one of the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth variable presentation patterns based on the information on the number of times a specific special chart variable pattern has been selected (see Figure 48) stored in the preview presentation memory unit 107, the reliability of the set logo preview presentation (logo cut-in preview, logo background preview), and the winning occupancy rate of the set logo preview presentation (logo cut-in preview, logo background preview).

In the second embodiment, in the LOGO cut-in notice selection process (S5702), if the information included in the received special symbol change start command is a specific special symbol change pattern ("P01," "P71," "P72," "P04," "P73," "P74"; see FIG. 30), the effect control microcomputer 121 determines whether to execute a LOGO cut-in notice in the special symbol change effect based on the number of times the specific special symbol change pattern has been selected (see FIG. 48) stored in the notice effect memory unit 107, the reliability of the set LOGO cut-in notice, and the set hit occupancy rate of the LOGO cut-in notice (see FIG. 50). However, this is not limited to this. For example, the effect control microcomputer 121 may be able to set the miss occupancy rate of the LOGO cut-in notice selected by the player. In this case, in the LOGO cut-in notice selection process (S5702), if the information contained in the received special chart change start command is a specific special chart change pattern ("P01", "P71", "P72", "P04", "P73", "P74", see Figure 30), the effect control microcomputer 121 may decide whether or not to execute a LOGO cut-in notice in the special chart change performance based on the information on the number of times the specific special chart change pattern has been selected (see Figure 48) stored in the notice performance memory unit 107, the reliability of the set LOGO cut-in notice, and the miss occupancy rate of the LOGO cut-in notice. Furthermore, in the LOGO cut-in notice selection process (S5702), if the information included in the received special chart change start command is a specific special chart change pattern ("P01", "P71", "P72", "P04", "P73", "P74", see Figure 30), the effect control microcomputer 121 may determine whether or not to execute a LOGO cut-in notice in the special chart change performance based on the information on the number of times the specific special chart change pattern has been selected (see Figure 48) stored in the notice performance storage unit 107, the set reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice, the hit occupancy rate of the LOGO cut-in notice, and the miss occupancy rate of the LOGO cut-in notice.

In the second embodiment described above, in the LOGO cut-in notice selection process (S5702), the effect control microcomputer 121 could change the decision of whether to execute a LOGO cut-in notice in step S5801 depending on whether the difference between the calculated current reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice in the special chart variation effect based on the SP jackpot variation and the set reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice is within 10%. However, this is not limited to this. For example, in the LOGO cut-in notice selection process (S5702), the effect control microcomputer 121 could change the decision of whether to execute a LOGO cut-in notice in step S5801 depending on whether the reliability matches, without calculating the difference between the calculated current reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice in the special chart variation effect based on the SP jackpot variation and the set reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice.

In the second embodiment above, 10% corresponds to the "predetermined value." However, this is not limited to this. For example, it may be a value lower than 10%. This makes it possible to provide the player with a LOGO cut-in notice that has no difference in reliability between the LOGO cut-in notice executed during the execution of the special chart variation effect and the reliability of the set LOGO cut-in notice. Furthermore, the value may be higher than 10%, as long as it does not cause too much divergence between the current reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice and the reliability set by the effect control microcomputer 121.

In each of the above embodiments, a LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) was executed in a special chart variation effect based on a specific special chart variation pattern ("P01", "P71", "P72", "P04", "P73", "P74", see Figure 30). However, this is not limited to this. For example, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 as a whole may be configured to execute a LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) in a special chart variation effect based on various special chart variation patterns. In this case, the LOGO preview effects (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) corresponding to the reliability of the LOGO preview effects (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) set by the effect control microcomputer 121 and the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO preview effects (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) may be executed as a special chart variation effect based on various special chart variation patterns for the entire pachinko gaming machine PY1.

In each of the above embodiments, the performance control microcomputer 121 was able to set the reliability and hit occupancy rate of the LOGO preview performance (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) to 100%. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the performance control microcomputer 121 may be able to set the reliability and hit occupancy rate of the LOGO preview performance (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) to a value close to 100% (e.g., 99.9%).

In each of the above embodiments, when the reliability of the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) and the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) are initial values (default values), the reliability numerical images, such as the first reliability numerical image area KS, displayed on the display unit 50a are all white reliability numerical images (see Figure 42 (A)). However, this is not limited to this. For example, when the reliability of the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) and the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) are initial values (default values), the reliability numerical images, such as the first reliability numerical image area KS, displayed on the display unit 50a may be displayed as black reliability numerical images, depending on the initial values (default values). As a result, even if the reliability of the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) and the winning occupancy rate of the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) are initial values (default values), the player can be made to understand the reliability of the LOGO preview effect (LOGO cut-in preview, LOGO background preview) and the initial value (default value) of the winning occupancy rate by checking the black reliability numerical image, etc., in the first reliability numerical image area KS, etc., displayed on the display unit 50 a. Specifically, for example, if the initial value (default value) of the reliability of the LOGO cut-in preview is "10%," the leftmost reliability numerical image of the ten reliability numerical image images in the first reliability numerical image area KS displayed on the display unit 50 a may be displayed as a black reliability numerical image in accordance with the initial value (default value) of "10%." As a result, by displaying a single black reliability value image in the first reliability value image area KS displayed on the display unit 50a, it becomes possible for the player to understand that the initial value (default value) of the reliability of the LOGO cut-in announcement is "10%."

In each of the above embodiments, in the variable effect start process (S5005), the effect control microcomputer 121 determines the variable effect pattern in the variable effect pattern selection process (S5503), and then determines in the preview effect selection process (S5504, see Figures 39 and 49) whether or not to execute a preview effect (e.g., a logo cut-in preview, a logo background preview) during the execution of the special symbol variable effect. However, this is not limited to this. For example, in the variable effect start process (S5005), the effect control microcomputer 121 may determine in the preview effect selection process (S5504) whether or not to execute a preview effect (e.g., a logo cut-in preview, a logo background preview) during the execution of the special symbol variable effect, and then determine the variable effect pattern in the variable effect pattern selection process (S5503).

In addition, in the above embodiment, a first starting hole 11 (fixed starting hole) in which the ease with which the game ball can enter remains unchanged, and a second starting hole 12 (variable starting hole, starting hole associated with the electric chute 12D) in which the ease with which the game ball can enter can be changed are provided, but only one of these may be provided.

In addition, in the above configuration, the special chart 2 determination process is performed with priority over the special chart 1 determination process (the special chart 2 variable display is performed with priority over the special chart 1 variable display), but the special chart 1 determination process may also be performed with priority over the special chart 2 determination process (the special chart 1 variable display is performed with priority over the special chart 2 variable display). In this case, it is advisable to make the special chart 1 lottery a lottery that is more likely to result in a favorable jackpot than the special chart 2 lottery.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the gaming machine determines whether to transition to a high-probability state based on the type of jackpot symbol that is won, but it may also be a so-called V-guaranteed machine (a gaming machine that controls to a high-probability state based on the passage of a specific area (V area) within the jackpot opening). In addition, in the above embodiment, the gaming machine is configured as a gaming machine that, once controlled to a high-probability state, continues to be controlled to the high-probability state until the start of the next jackpot game (a so-called probability loop type gaming machine), but it may also be configured as a so-called ST machine (a gaming machine with a limited number of probability games). It may also be configured as a so-called type 1/2 mixed machine or a swing-type gaming machine. In other words, the inventions presented in this specification can be suitably employed in gaming machines with various gameplay types, regardless of the gameplay type of the gaming machine.

In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine, but it can also be applied to other pinball gaming machines such as arrange ball machines and mahjong ball gaming machines.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the variable display of the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 is performed in approximate synchronization with the variable display of the special symbols. However, instead of consisting of three symbols like the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3, it may consist of two or more symbols. For example, two separate symbols, special symbol 1 and special symbol 2, may be provided. Also, one common symbol may be provided for special symbol 1 and special symbol 2. In these cases, the display may be performed on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50, and the control thereof may be performed by the sub-control board 120. Also, an LED device that displays symbols may be provided in an area other than the play area 6 of the game board 1. In this case, the control of the LED device may be performed by the main control board 100 or the sub-control board 120.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the main control board 100 performs basic control related to the progress of the game, and the sub-control board 120 performs basic control related to the progress of the presentation in response to the progress of the game (game control), so game control and presentation control are performed on different boards, but they may also be configured to be performed on a single board. In this case, the image control board 140 may be included in that single board, or may be provided separately from that single board.

13. Inventions Described in the Above-mentioned Embodiments The above-mentioned embodiments describe the following inventions (Means A1 to A6, Means B1 to B5). In the following description of the inventions, corresponding component names and expressions in the above-mentioned embodiments and symbols used in the drawings are added in parentheses for reference. However, the components of each invention are not limited to these additions.

The invention according to means A1 is:
A game control means (game control microcomputer 101) that can determine whether or not a win has been made based on the establishment of a predetermined condition (when a game ball enters the first starting hole 11 or the second starting hole 12, various random numbers (examples of numerical information and determination information) for conducting special drawing lottery, etc. are acquired);
In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a performance control means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of executing a specific performance (LOGO notice performance (LOGO cut-in notice, LOGO background notice)) that indicates whether the result of the judgment is a win or not,
The specific effects include a first specific effect (LOGO cut-in notice) and a second specific effect (LOGO background notice) different from the first specific effect,
The performance control means
A first ratio (reliability) for the specific effect and a second ratio (win occupancy rate) for the specific effect that is different from the first ratio can be set based on a predetermined operation by the player (pressing the normal button 40),
The first specific effect in which the first ratio is set can be executed based on the predetermined operation,
This gaming machine is characterized in that it is possible to execute the second specific effect, to which the second ratio is set, based on the specified operation.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, it is possible to provide the player with a first specific effect with a first rate set for that effect and a second specific effect with a second rate set for that effect, based on a predetermined operation by the player. This allows the player to enjoy the first and second specific effects with rates set for the specific effects according to their preferences, thereby increasing their interest in the game.

The invention according to means A2 is as follows:
A gaming machine according to means A1,
The performance control means
The first specific effect in which the second ratio is set can be executed based on the predetermined operation,
This gaming machine is characterized in that it is possible to execute the second specific effect, to which the first ratio is set, based on the specified operation.

A gaming machine with this configuration can provide a player with a first specific effect, which has a first rate and a second rate set for the specific effect, and a second specific effect, which has a first rate and a second rate set for the specific effect, based on a predetermined operation by the player. This allows the player to fully enjoy the first specific effect and the second specific effect, which have rates set for the specific effect that more closely match the player's preferences, and can increase the player's interest in the game.

The invention according to means A3 is:
In the gaming machine according to means A1 or A2,
The first ratio is divided into a plurality of stages (10 stages),
The second ratio is divided into a plurality of stages (10 stages),
The performance control means
One of the first ratios can be set based on the predetermined operation,
This gaming machine is characterized in that one of the second ratios can be set from among the plurality of levels of the second ratio based on the predetermined operation.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, a first rate may be set from among multiple levels of first rates for specific effects based on a predetermined operation by the player. Furthermore, a second rate may be set from among multiple levels of second rates for specific effects based on a predetermined operation by the player. This allows the first rate and second rate for specific effects to be set precisely, making it less likely that the player will feel uncomfortable with the first rate and second rate for specific effects that have been set. This makes it possible for the player to enjoy the first and second specific effects without feeling uncomfortable, increasing the player's interest in the game.

The invention according to means A4 is:
In the gaming machine according to any one of means A1 to A3,
The first rate is a reliability indicating the probability that the result of the judgment is a win when the specific effect is executed (reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice),
This gaming machine is characterized in that the second rate is a winning occupancy rate (winning occupancy rate of LOGO background announcement) that indicates the probability that the specific effect will be executed when the result of the judgment is a winning one.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, when the first specific effect is executed, it is possible for the player to grasp the reliability tailored to their preferences, and when the second specific effect is executed, it is possible for the player to grasp the winning occupancy tailored to their preferences. This allows the player to clearly grasp the degree of expectation for winning from the reliability and winning occupancy, allowing them to enjoy the game and increase their interest in the game.

The invention according to means A5 is:
In the gaming machine according to any one of means A1 to A4,
An input means (select button 42) is provided which allows a player to input information;
The performance control means
This gaming machine is characterized in that the first ratio and the second ratio can be set simultaneously based on the input of specific information (password, see Figure 44 (B)) into the input means.

For example, setting the first rate for a specific effect and the second rate for a specific effect separately can be time-consuming, which can lead to players feeling that setting the first rate for a specific effect and the second rate for a specific effect is a hassle. However, with a gaming machine configured in this way, the first rate for a specific effect and the second rate for a specific effect can be set together based on the input of specific information into the input means. This simplifies the setting of the first rate for a specific effect and the second rate for a specific effect, making it possible to prevent players from feeling that setting the first rate for a specific effect and the second rate for a specific effect is a hassle.

The invention according to means B1 is:
A game control means (game control microcomputer 101) that determines whether or not a win has been made based on the establishment of a predetermined condition (when a game ball enters the first starting hole 11 or the second starting hole 12, various random numbers (examples of numerical information and judgment information) for conducting special drawing lottery, etc. are acquired);
In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a performance control means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of executing a predetermined performance,
A variation pattern selection means (game control microcomputer 101, step S1403 in FIG. 27, step S1409 in FIG. 27) for selecting one variation pattern from a plurality of variation patterns based on the result of the judgment;
and an information storage means (preview performance storage unit 107, see FIG. 7) that can store information related to the performance.
The information storage means
Number of times information indicating the number of times a specific variation pattern was selected from among the plurality of variation patterns (information on the number of times each special variation pattern was selected from the special variation patterns "P01", "P71", "P72", "P04", "P73", or "P74"; see FIG. 48 (A)) can be saved,
When the specific variation pattern is selected, the judgment result information indicating the result of the judgment (information judged as a jackpot or miss in the special chart 1 jackpot judgment process (S1408) (see FIG. 48 (A)) can be saved,
The performance control means
Based on the fluctuation pattern, a fluctuation performance (special chart fluctuation performance) that suggests the result of the judgment can be executed,
In the variation effect based on the specific variation pattern, a suggestion effect (LOGO cut-in notice) that suggests the possibility that the result of the judgment is a win can be executed,
This gaming machine is characterized in that the suggestive effect may be executed in the variable effect depending on the number of times information and the setting value for the suggestive effect that has been set (LOGO cut-in notice selection process (S5703), see Figure 50).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, suggestive effects may be executed in the variable effects in accordance with the count information indicating the number of times a specific variable pattern has been selected and the setting value for the suggestive effects that has been set. This makes it possible to provide the player with accurate suggestive effects in the variable effects that correspond to the count information and the setting value that has been set. This makes it possible to prevent suggestive effects from being executed in the variable effects and the player from learning the results of the judgment before the variable effects have ended.

The invention according to means B2 is as follows:
A gaming machine according to means B1,
The performance control means
The variation performance according to the selected predetermined variation performance pattern can be executed based on the variation pattern,
The variation performance pattern includes a first variation performance pattern (a first variation performance pattern in which a LOGO cut-in notice is executed in a special chart variation performance) including the execution of the suggestion performance, and a second variation performance pattern (a second variation performance pattern in which a LOGO cut-in notice is not executed in a special chart variation performance) including the non-execution of the suggestion performance,
The first variation presentation pattern or the second variation presentation pattern can be selected according to the number of times information and the setting value related to the set suggestion presentation.
This is a gaming machine characterized by the above.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, a first variable presentation pattern that includes the execution of a suggestive presentation, or a second variable presentation pattern that includes not executing a suggestive presentation, is selected depending on the count information indicating the number of times a specific variable presentation pattern has been selected and the setting value for the suggestive presentation that has been set. As a result, depending on the selected variable presentation pattern, a suggestive presentation may be executed in the variable presentation, or a suggestive presentation may not be executed in the variable presentation. Therefore, by varying the selected variable presentation pattern depending on the count information and the setting value, it is possible to provide the player with accurate suggestive presentations in the variable presentation. In this way, by varying the selected variable presentation pattern, it is possible to prevent the player from understanding the result of the judgment before the variable presentation ends, even if a suggestive presentation is executed in the variable presentation.

The invention according to means B3 is:
A gaming machine according to means B1 or B2,
The set values include an occupancy rate (a hit occupancy rate of the LOGO cut-in notice) indicating the probability that the suggestive effect will be executed when the result of the judgment is a hit, and a reliability (reliability of the LOGO cut-in notice) indicating the probability that the result of the judgment will be a hit when the suggestive effect is executed,
The performance control means
This gaming machine is characterized in that it is possible to determine whether or not to execute the suggestive effect in the variable effect depending on the number of times information, the set occupancy rate, and the set reliability (LOGO cut-in notice selection process (S5703), see Figure 50).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, whether or not a suggestive effect will be executed in a variable effect may be determined based on the count information indicating the number of times a specific variable pattern has been selected, the set occupancy rate, and the set reliability. This makes it possible to provide the player with an accurate suggestive effect in the variable effect that corresponds to the count information, the set occupancy rate, and the set reliability. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from understanding the result of the judgment based on the occupancy rate and reliability before the suggestive effect is executed in the variable effect and the variable effect ends.

The invention according to means B4 is:
A gaming machine according to means B3,
The information storage means
The suggestion performance number information indicating the number of times the suggestion performance has been performed (information on the number of times a LOGO cut-in notice has been performed in a special chart change performance, see FIG. 48 (A)) can be saved,
The performance control means
When it is determined whether or not to execute the suggestive performance, the current reliability of the suggestive performance (the reliability of the current LOGO cut-in notice) can be calculated based on the suggestive performance count information,
This gaming machine is characterized in that the decision as to whether or not to execute the suggestion effect in the variable effect can be changed depending on the current reliability and the set reliability (step S5803, step S5805, Figure 50).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the current reliability of the suggestive effect is calculated based on the saved information on the number of suggestive effects, and the decision on whether or not to execute the suggestive effect in the variable effect is changed based on this current reliability and the set reliability. This makes it possible to provide the player with suggestive effects of accurate reliability. Therefore, by allowing the player to accurately understand the reliability through the suggestive effect, it is possible to prevent the player from understanding the results of the judgment.

The invention according to means B5 is:
A gaming machine according to means B4,
The performance control means
This gaming machine is characterized in that, if the difference between the current reliability and the set reliability exceeds a predetermined value (10%), the decision on whether to execute the suggestive performance is changed (step S5803, step S5805, Figure 50).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, if the difference between the current reliability and the set reliability exceeds a predetermined value, the decision on whether or not to execute a suggestive effect is changed in the variable effect. This makes it possible to provide the player with a suggestive effect with an accurate reliability where the set reliability and the current reliability are within a predetermined value. Therefore, even if a suggestive effect is executed, the reliability will be accurate, making it possible to further prevent the player from understanding the results of the judgment through the suggestive effect.

The invention according to means B6 is:
A gaming machine according to any one of means B1 to B5,
The performance control means
This gaming machine is characterized in that the setting value can be set based on a predetermined operation by the player (pressing the normal button 40 when the first allocation custom image G204 or the second allocation custom image G206 is displayed on the display unit 50a).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, whether or not a suggestive effect is executed in a variable effect may be determined based on the count information indicating the number of times a specific variable pattern has been selected and the setting value set based on a specified operation by the player. This makes it possible to provide the player with an accurate suggestive effect in the variable effect that corresponds to the setting value selected by the player himself. Therefore, when a suggestive effect is executed, it becomes possible for the player to understand the setting value selected by the player himself through the suggestive effect.

42...Select button 40...Normal button 100...Game control board 101...Game control microcomputer 107...Preview effect memory unit 120...Effect control board 121...Effect control microcomputer 124...Effect RAM
PY1...Pachinko game machine

Claims (3)

a game control means capable of controlling the game to a special game state;
A gaming machine equipped with a performance control means capable of executing a specific performance that suggests the possibility of being controlled to the special gaming state,
The specific effects include a first specific effect and a second specific effect different from the first specific effect,
The percentages related to the specific effects include a first percentage and a second percentage different from the first percentage,
The performance control means
A first ratio selected from a plurality of first ratio stages can be set based on a predetermined operation by a player;
A second ratio selected from a plurality of stages of second ratios can be set based on a predetermined operation by a player;
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the setting of one selected first ratio and one selected second ratio is completed based on a single specified operation by a player, it is possible to start executing a specific display based on the set first ratio and second ratio. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1,
The performance control means
The first specific effect set to the first ratio can be executed,
A gaming machine characterized in that the second specific effect set at the second rate can be executed. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2,
The performance control means
The second specific effect set to the first rate can be executed,
A gaming machine characterized in that the first specific effect set to the second rate can be executed.