JP7732018B2 - gaming machines - Google Patents

Description

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

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

In addition, when the game start operation is performed after setting the number of bets for one game using the game value, the display of the changing identification information begins, and when the stop operation is performed after the display has started, the display of the changing identification information stops, and a prize can be won based on the display result derived at this time, and there are known gaming machines (e.g., slot machines) that can change the game state depending on the type of prize won.

Among such gaming machines, there is known a gaming machine capable of executing effects. For example, Patent Document 1 describes that when the effect step in the step-up effect reaches a specific stage, an effect image (second effect image) is displayed with a higher priority than the reserved display image (first effect image), thereby hiding the reserved display image displayed in the reserved display unit.
Patent Document 2 also describes providing a button operation instruction effect (second effect image) that overlaps with and is displayed simultaneously in parallel with the hold (first effect image).The patent document also describes that the button operation instruction effect is displayed lower than the hold in the first half of the button inoperable state, but is displayed higher than the hold in the second half of the button operable state.

Patent No. 6280461 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-32291

However, the gaming machines in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have the risk of losing balance between the visibility of each effect image and the volume of the effect sound when the display periods of the first and second effect images overlap. Furthermore, there is a persistent need to improve the effect of the effects.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its first object is to provide a gaming machine that can enhance the presentation effects. Furthermore, its second object is to provide a gaming machine that can balance the priority of presentation images and the volume of presentation sounds.

In order to achieve the first object, the present invention provides a gaming machine capable of playing games, the gaming machine comprising an image display means capable of displaying an image, the image including a plurality of symbols and an effect display that emphasizes a specific symbol that is one of the plurality of symbols and does not emphasize symbols other than the specific symbol among the plurality of symbols , the specific symbol and the effect display can be displayed so as to be superimposed, the specific symbol and the effect display can be changed in display mode, and a reference point for change when changing the display mode of the specific symbol so as to enlarge and reduce is set to a first reference point. If the reference point for the change when the display mode of the effect display is changed to expand radially is a second reference point, the first reference point and the second reference point are located at the same position. When the specific pattern and the effect display are superimposed and displayed, the effect display is displayed before the specific pattern, and then the display mode of the specific pattern expands around the first reference point, and the display mode of the effect display expands radially around the second reference point, which is located at the same position as the first reference point. The specific pattern continues to be displayed for a predetermined time even after the effect display disappears. This enhances the visual effect. Furthermore, the display mode of the specific pattern may change so that it shrinks during the predetermined time after the effect display disappears.
Furthermore, in order to achieve the second object, the present invention provides a gaming machine capable of displaying effect images, the gaming machine comprising sound output means capable of outputting effect sounds, the effect images including a first effect image and a second effect image, an overlapping period in which a display period of the first effect image and a display period of the second effect image overlap at least partially, the overlapping period including a first overlapping period in which display of the first effect image is prioritized over display of the second effect image and a second overlapping period in which display of the second effect image is prioritized over display of the first effect image, the effect sounds including a specific effect sound related to the second effect image, the sound output means restricting output of the specific effect sound in the second overlapping period and outputting the specific effect sound in the first overlapping period, the effect images further including a third effect image and a fourth effect image different from the first effect image and the second effect image, and the display mode of the third effect image and the fourth effect image can be changed. a reference position for a change when the display mode of the third performance image is changed and a reference position for a change when the display mode of the fourth performance image is changed are set, and when the third performance image and the fourth performance image are displayed superimposed on each other and the display modes of the third performance image and the fourth performance image are changed, the reference position for a change in the display mode of the third performance image and the reference position for a change in the display mode of the fourth performance image are the same, the reference position for a change in the display mode of the third performance image exists within a range defined by the vertical width and horizontal width of the third performance image, and the third performance image can be enlarged or reduced based on this reference position, and the reference position for a change in the display mode of the fourth performance image exists within a range defined by the vertical width and horizontal width of the fourth performance image, and the fourth performance image can be enlarged or reduced based on this reference position. Thus, it is possible to balance the priority of the performance image and the volume of the performance sound, making the performance easier to understand.

Furthermore, during the second overlap period, the display area of the first effect image is larger than the display area of the second effect image, so that each effect image can be displayed preferentially at an appropriate timing, thereby ensuring visibility of the multiple effect images.

Furthermore, the effect sound includes a special effect sound related to the first effect image, and the sound output means outputs the special effect sound during the second overlap period. This makes it possible to balance the priority of the effect image and the volume of the effect sound, making the effect easier to understand.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the game board unit alone. FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view showing a portion of the game board unit. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in a pachinko machine. 10 is a flowchart (1/2) illustrating an example of a procedure for a reset start process. 10 is a flowchart (2/2) illustrating an example of a procedure for a reset start process. 10 is a flowchart specifically illustrating an example of a procedure for a power interruption occurrence check process. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for an interrupt management process. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for switch input event processing. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for a first special symbol memory update process. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for a second special symbol memory update process. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for effect determination processing at the time of acquisition. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for a first special symbol game process. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for a second special symbol game process. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for special pattern variation pre-processing. A figure showing an example of a variation pattern selection table when the first special pattern is missed (low probability non-time shortening state). This figure shows an example of a variation pattern selection table (low probability time shortening state, high probability time shortening state) when the first special pattern is missed. A figure showing an example of a variation pattern selection table when the first special pattern is missed (high probability non-time shortening state). This figure shows an example of a variation pattern selection table when the second special pattern is missed (low probability non-time shortening state, low probability time shortening state, high probability time shortening state). A figure showing an example of a variation pattern selection table when the second special pattern is missed (high probability non-time shortening state). A figure showing an example of the configuration of a table for selecting the stop pattern when the first special pattern jackpot is hit. A figure showing an example of the configuration of a table for selecting the stop pattern when a second special pattern jackpot is hit. A figure showing an example of a variation pattern selection table when the first special pattern jackpot is hit (low probability non-time shortening state). A figure showing an example of a variation pattern selection table when a second special pattern jackpot is hit (low probability non-time shortening state). This figure shows an example of a variation pattern selection table (low probability time shortening state, high probability time shortening state) when the first special pattern jackpot is hit. This figure shows an example of a variation pattern selection table (low probability time shortening state, high probability time shortening state) when the second special pattern jackpot is hit. A figure showing an example of a variation pattern selection table when the first special pattern jackpot is hit (high probability non-time shortening state). A figure showing an example of a variation pattern selection table when a second special pattern jackpot is hit (high probability non-time shortening state). A figure showing an example of a variation pattern selection table when the first special pattern is hit small (low probability non-time shortening state). This figure shows an example of a variation pattern selection table (low probability time shortening state, high probability time shortening state) when the first special pattern is hit small. This figure shows an example of a variation pattern selection table when the first special pattern is hit slightly (high probability non-time shortening state). This figure shows an example of a variation pattern selection table (low probability non-time shortening state, low probability time shortening state, high probability time shortening state) when the first special pattern is hit small. This figure shows an example of a variable pattern selection table when a small hit is made on the second special pattern (high probability non-time shortening state). FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the lottery targets of the internal lottery. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a configuration of a number-of-times counter value management process. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for special symbol storage area shift processing. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing during special pattern variation. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the fluctuation of the first special pattern and the second special pattern. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing during the stop display of a special symbol. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a configuration of a display output management process. A flowchart showing an example of the configuration of the variable winning device management process during a jackpot. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for setting the large prize opening pattern when a jackpot occurs. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing the opening and closing operation of the large prize entry port when a jackpot occurs. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for closing the large prize entry port when a jackpot occurs. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for ending processing when a jackpot occurs. A flowchart showing an example of the configuration of the variable winning device management process when a small win occurs. This is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for setting the large prize opening pattern when a small win occurs. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing the opening and closing operation of the large prize opening when a small win occurs. This is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for closing the large prize opening when a small win occurs. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for ending processing when a small hit occurs. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for performance control processing. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing performance symbol management. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for pre-processing of the effect pattern change. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the change in the performance pattern. This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the timing of displaying the presentation image and outputting the presentation sound of the reach presentation at the time of a jackpot. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the display priority of the first effect image and the second effect image. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the presentation when a jackpot occurs. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the presentation when a jackpot occurs. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the presentation when a jackpot occurs. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the presentation when a jackpot occurs. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the presentation when a jackpot occurs. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing that the center of expansion of the effect image and the center of expansion of the pattern are the same. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing that the centers of expansion of the symbols are the same. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing that the center of the design and the center of enlargement of the effect image are the same.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

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

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

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

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

A unified lock unit 9 is provided on the inside of the right edge of the inner frame assembly 7 when viewed from the front in Fig. 1 (the left edge in Fig. 2). Correspondingly, locking devices (not shown) are also provided on the right edges (back sides) of the integrated door unit 4 and the outer frame unit 2. As shown in Fig. 1, when the integrated door unit 4 and inner frame assembly 7 are closed relative to the outer frame unit 2, the unified lock unit 9 on the back side, together with the locking device, disables the opening of the integrated door unit 4 and inner frame assembly 7.

A cylinder lock 6a with a keyhole is provided on the right edge of the tray unit 6. For example, when the manager of the amusement facility inserts a special key into the keyhole and turns the cylinder lock 6a clockwise, the unified lock unit 9 is activated, enabling the opening of the integrated door unit 4 together with the inner frame assembly 7. The entire assembly is opened from the outer frame unit 2 to the front side (moving like a door).
Then, the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is exposed on the front side.

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

The pachinko machine 1 also includes the above-mentioned game board unit 8 as a gaming unit.
The game board unit 8 is supported by the inner frame assembly 7 behind (inside) the integrated door unit 4. The game board unit 8 can be attached to and detached from the inner frame assembly 7, for example, with the integrated door unit 4 open to the front. The integrated door unit 4 has a vertically oval window 4a formed in its center, and a glass unit (not shown) is attached to this window 4a. The glass unit is, for example, a combination of two transparent plates (glass plates) cut to the shape of the window 4a. The glass unit is attached to the back side of the integrated door unit 4 via a mounting fixture (not shown). A game area 8a (game board surface, game board) is formed on the front of the game board unit 8, and this game area 8a can be seen by a player from the front side through the window 4a. When the integrated door unit 4 is closed, a space is formed between the inner surface of the glass unit and the game board surface, allowing game balls to flow down.

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

A loan operation unit 14 is provided on the top surface of the tray unit 6, and a ball loan button 10 and a return button 12 are arranged on this loan operation unit 14. When a player operates the ball loan button 10 with a valuable medium (for example, a magnetic recording medium, a medium with a built-in memory IC, etc.) inserted into a card unit (not shown), a number of game balls (for example, 125 balls) corresponding to a predetermined unit of degree (for example, 5 degrees) are loaned. For this reason, a degree display unit (
The card unit is provided with a card slot (not shown), and this slot display displays the remaining slots of the valuable medium inserted into the card unit. The player can have the valuable medium with remaining slots returned by operating the return button 12. In this embodiment, a gaming machine that connects to a card unit is used as an example, but the pachinko machine 1 may also be a cash machine (a gaming machine that does not connect to a card unit).

A handle unit 16 is installed on the lower right of the tray unit 6. By operating this handle unit 16, the player can activate the launch control board set 174 and launch (hit) game balls toward the game area 8a (see FIG. 3) (ball launching device).
The launched game ball rises from the lower edge of the game board unit 8 along the left edge, is guided by an outer band (not shown) and thrown into the game area 8a. A large number of obstacle nails and windmills (no reference numbers in the figure) are arranged in the game area 8a, and the thrown game ball flows down in the game area 8a while being guided and guided by the obstacle nails and windmills.
The structure of the game board will be described further below with reference to another drawing.
[Front frame configuration]
A lens unit 47 and an upper right illumination unit 49 are installed as components for performance purposes in the integrated door unit 4. A lamp 46 is incorporated into the lens unit 47, and a right lamp 50 is incorporated into the upper right illumination unit 49.

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

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

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

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

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

In addition, the external terminal board 160 is used to connect the pachinko machine 1 to external electronic devices (e.g., data display devices, hall computers, etc.), and various external information signals (e.g., prize ball information, door opening information, number of pattern confirmation information, jackpot information, starting port information, etc.) indicating the game progress status and maintenance status of the pachinko machine 1 are output from this external terminal board 160 to the external electronic devices.

The power cord 164 is connected to a power supply (e.g., AC 24V) installed in the island equipment of the game center.
) to ensure the power supply (electricity) necessary for the operation of the pachinko machine 1. In addition, the earth wire 166 is connected to an earth terminal also installed in the island equipment,
This ensures the earthing (grounding) of the pachinko machine 1.

[Configuration of the game board unit]
3 is a front view showing the game board unit 8 alone. The game board unit 8 has a base game board 8b, and a game area 8a is formed on the front side of this game board 8b. The game board 8b is made of, for example, a transparent resin plate, and when the game board unit 8 is fixed to the inner frame assembly 7, the front surface of the game board 8b is parallel to the glass unit.
The above-mentioned play area 8a is formed inside a launch rail (no reference number) that is installed in a substantially circular shape on the front side of the machine.

A relatively large presentation unit 40 is placed in the center of the game area 8a, and the game area 8a is roughly divided into a left part, a right part, and a lower part with this presentation unit 40 as the center. The left part of the game area 8a is in a normal game state (low probability non-time shortening state).
The right part of the game area 8a is a first game area (left-hand hitting area) used in advantageous game states (big hit game state, small hit game state, low probability time shortening state, high probability time shortening state, high probability non-shortening state, etc.), and the right part of the game area 8a is a second game area (right-hand hitting area, specific area) used in advantageous game states (big hit game state, small hit game state, low probability time shortening state, high probability time shortening state, high probability non-shortening state, etc.). The game ball is guided to the second game area through a guide passage 18 (launch rail or the ceiling part of the game area,
The game balls are guided to the second game area by a guide section, etc. In addition, within the game area 8a, a start gate 20, normal winning holes 22, 24, a first start winning hole 26, a second start winning hole 27, a variable start winning device 28, a variable winning device for big wins 29, a variable winning device for small wins 30, etc. are distributed and installed. The start gate 20 mainly targets the game balls guided from the guide passage 18 to the right-hand hitting area, and allows them to pass through, thereby generating a lottery trigger for the activation lottery (normal symbol lottery). In this embodiment, from the upstream side to the downstream side, the second start winning hole 27, the variable winning device for big wins 29,
The variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30 for small wins are arranged in that order.

Of these, the first start winning hole 26 is located in the center of the lower part of the play area 8a. The operating hole 19, start gate 20, second start winning hole 27, variable start winning device 28, variable big win winning device 29, and variable small win winning device 30 are located on the right side of the play area 8a. The normal winning holes 22 and 24 are located on the left side of the play area 8a.

At the top of the game area, a guide passage 18 is formed based on a section having an entrance (for example, the entrance to a row of passages formed at the top of the presentation unit 40) and an exit for guiding game balls fired toward the top of the game area to the right-hand hitting area.

As the game ball is launched into the game area 8a, it flows down and enters the first start winning port 26, the second start winning port 27, the operating port 19, the normal winning ports 22 and 24, passes through the start gate 20, and enters the variable start winning device 28 when activated, the variable winning device 29 for a big win when opening, and the variable winning device 30 for a small win when opening.

Then, the game ball that has passed through the start gate 20 continues to flow down within the game area 8a.
A start winning port 26, a second start winning port 27, normal winning ports 22, 24, a variable start winning device 28,
Game balls that enter the variable winning device 29 for big wins, the variable winning device 30 for small wins, and the operating port 19 are collected on the back side of the game board unit 8 through a through hole formed in the game board (plywood material, transparent board, etc. that constitutes the game board unit 8).

Here, in this embodiment, due to the configuration of the game area 8a (board surface), when a game ball is to enter the first starting winning port 26 or the normal winning ports 22, 24, it is necessary to hit the game ball into the area on the left side of the game area 8a (left-hit area) (performing a so-called ``left hit'').

On the other hand, when a game ball is to be inserted into the second start winning hole 27, the variable start winning device 28, the variable winning device for big win 29, or the variable winning device for small win 30, the right area (
The player must hit the ball into the right-hand hitting area (performing a so-called "right-hand hit").

In this embodiment, the variable start winning device 28 operates when a predetermined operating condition is met (when the normal symbol is displayed in a winning state for a predetermined stop display time). The variable start winning device 28 is equipped with a plate-shaped opening and closing member 28a. The opening and closing member 28a can move back and forth in the front and rear directions relative to the board surface, for example, by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown). In a normal state, the opening and closing member 28a protrudes from the surface of the game board 8b toward the player. At this time, the game ball rolls on the upper surface of the opening and closing member 28a, so that the variable start winning device 2
When the variable start winning device 28 is activated, the opening and closing member 28a is retracted into the inside of the board, allowing the game ball to flow into the variable start winning device 28. When the game ball flows into the variable start winning device 28, it becomes possible for the game ball to enter the second start winning port 28b provided in the variable start winning device 28.

The variable winning device 29 for the big win is activated when a predetermined condition is met (when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a big win).
It is located upstream of 8.

The variable winning device for big wins 29 is equipped with a plate-shaped opening and closing member 29a. The opening and closing member 29a can move back and forth in the front and rear directions relative to the board surface, for example, by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown). In a normal state, the opening and closing member 29a protrudes from the board surface of the game board 8b toward the player. At this time, the game balls roll on the upper surface of the opening and closing member 29a, so that the game balls cannot flow into the variable winning device for big wins 29. And, the variable winning device for big wins 29
When activated, the opening/closing member 29a is retracted into the interior of the board, allowing game balls to flow into the variable jackpot winning device 29. When game balls flow into the variable jackpot winning device 29, they can enter the upper large winning opening 29b provided in the variable jackpot winning device 29. A V winning opening is provided within the variable jackpot winning device 29 (upper large winning opening 29b). When a game ball enters the V winning opening, it is controlled to a probability variable state (high probability state). Note that, hereinafter, the upper large winning opening 29b may be simply referred to as the large winning opening.

The variable winning device for small wins 30 is activated when a specified condition is met (when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a small win). The variable winning device for small wins 30 is disposed downstream of the variable winning device for big wins 29.

The variable winning device for small wins 30 is equipped with a plate-shaped opening and closing member 30a. The opening and closing member 30a can move back and forth in the front and rear directions relative to the board surface, for example, by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown). In a normal state, the opening and closing member 30a protrudes from the board surface of the game board 8b toward the player. At this time, the game ball rolls on the upper surface of the opening and closing member 30a, so the game ball cannot flow into the variable winning device for small wins 30. The variable winning device for small wins 30
When activated, the opening and closing member 30a is drawn into the interior of the board, allowing game balls to flow into the small win variable winning device 30. When game balls flow into the small win variable winning device 30, they can enter the lower large winning opening 30b provided in the small win variable winning device 30. Hereinafter, the lower large winning opening 30b may be simply referred to as the large winning opening.

In addition, the entry of a game ball into each winning slot is also referred to as a "winning." In particular, the entry into the starting winning slot (first starting winning slot, second starting winning slot) is also referred to as a starting winning.

The game board unit 8 is provided with the presentation unit 40 from its center to its right side. The presentation unit 40 has its upper edge 40a functioning as a guide member that changes the direction of the game ball's flow, and various decorative components 40b are provided inside. The decorative components 40b enhance the decorativeness of the game board unit 8 with their three-dimensional shape, and can perform dramatic actions by emitting transmitted light from built-in light-emitting devices (e.g., LEDs). A liquid crystal display 42 (image display) is also provided inside the presentation unit 40, and various presentation images, including presentation symbols corresponding to special symbols, are displayed on this liquid crystal display 42. In this way, the game board unit 8 impresses the player with the characteristics of the pachinko machine 1 based on the configuration of its board surface and the decorativeness of the presentation unit 40. Furthermore, when the game board 8b is made of a transparent resin plate (e.g., an acrylic plate) as in this embodiment, the decorative components 40b are provided not only on the front side but also on the back side of the game board 8.
Decorative features can be added by placing various decorative objects (including movable objects and luminous objects) behind b.

For example, on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, a plurality of types of effect patterns (such as patterns showing numbers) different from the special patterns are displayed in synchronization with the display of the first special pattern and the display of the second special pattern. Here, the effect patterns are displayed in a variable manner (for example, scrolled up and down or updated) in each of the effect pattern display areas 42L, 42C, and 42R of "left,""center," and "right" in synchronization with the display of the first special pattern and the display of the second special pattern.

Also, for example, a display area for displaying a pending display corresponding to a variable display whose execution is pending is provided on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. In this example, a first pending display area 42a for displaying a pending display corresponding to the variable display of the first special symbol, and a second pending display area 42b for displaying a pending display corresponding to the variable display of the second special symbol are provided.

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

Additionally, the performance unit 40 is equipped with a driving source (e.g., a motor, solenoid, etc.) along with a movable body 40c for performance. The movable body 40c for performance can perform performances that involve the movement of tangible objects, in addition to performances using images on the liquid crystal display 42 and performances using light-emitting devices. Performances using these movable bodies 40c can exert a different appeal than performances using two-dimensional images.

A ball guide passage 41a is formed on the left edge of the play area 8a, and a rolling stage 41b is formed on its lower edge. The ball guide passage 41a opens diagonally upward to the left within the play area 8a, and when game balls flowing down the play area 8a randomly flow into the ball guide passage 41a, they pass through its interior and are released onto the rolling stage 41b. The upper surface of the rolling stage 41b has a smoothly curved surface, allowing game balls to roll freely in both the left and right directions.

In addition, an outlet 32 is formed in the game area 8a, and game balls that do not enter (win) in the various winning holes are eventually collected to the back side of the game board unit 8 through the outlet 32. In addition, normal winning holes 22, 24, first start winning hole 26, second start winning hole 27, 28b,
All game balls that have been shot into the game area 8a, including those that have entered the variable winning device for big wins 29, the variable winning device for small wins 30, and the operating port 19, are collected on the back side of the game board unit 8. The collected game balls are discharged outside the frame from the back side of the pachinko machine 1 through an out passage assembly (not shown), and then merge with the supply route of the island equipment (not shown).

4 is a front view showing an enlarged portion of the game board unit 8. That is, the game board unit 8 is provided with a normal symbol display device 33 and a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a at the lower left position within the window 4a, for example, as well as a first special symbol display device 34, a second special symbol display device 35, and a game status display device 38.

Of these, the normal symbol display device 33 alternately lights up two lamps (LEDs) to display the normal symbol in a variable manner, and displays the normal symbol in a static manner by turning on or off the lamps. The normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a displays the number of memories from 0 to 4 by turning on or off the two lamps (LEDs), or by combining blinking. For example, in a display mode where both lamps are turned off, the number of memories is displayed as 0, and in a display mode where one lamp is turned on, the number of memories is displayed as 1.
In the display mode where one lamp is flashing, the number of memories is displayed as 2, in the display mode where one lamp is flashing and another lamp is lit, the number of memories is displayed as 3, and in the display mode where both lamps are flashing, the number of memories is displayed as 4. Note that here, two lamps (LEDs) are used, but four lamps (LEDs) may be used to configure the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a. In this case,
The number of operating memories can be displayed by the number of lit lamps.

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

In addition, the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 are, for example, 7
The segment LED (with dots) can display the changing state and stop state of the corresponding first special symbol or second special symbol. Specifically, when a game ball enters the first start winning slot 26, the changing state of the first special symbol is displayed, and when a game ball enters the second start winning slot 27, 28b, the changing state of the second special symbol is displayed. In addition, the first special symbol display device 34
The second special symbol display device 35 may have a form in which a plurality of dot LEDs are arranged geometrically (for example, in a circular shape).

In addition, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a are
For example, the display mode, which is composed of a combination of two lamps (LEDs) being turned off, turned on, or blinking, respectively, displays the number of memories from 0 to 4. For example, the display mode in which both lamps are turned off displays the number of memories as 0, the display mode in which one lamp is turned on displays the number of memories as 1, and the display mode in which the same one lamp is blinking displays the number of memories as 2, and so on.
In a display mode in which one lamp is flashing and another lamp is lit, the number of memories is displayed as three, and in a display mode in which both lamps are flashing, the number of memories is displayed as four.

Each time a game ball enters the first start winning port 26, the first special pattern activation memory lamp 34a changes to a display mode in which the number increases by one (up to a maximum of four) to remember that a game ball has entered the first start winning port 26, and each time the ball enters and the special pattern begins to change, the lamp changes to a display mode in which the number decreases by one.

In addition, the second special pattern activation memory lamp 35a changes to a display mode in which the number of lights increases by one (up to a maximum of four) each time a game ball enters the second start winning port 27, 28b, in order to remember that a game ball has entered the second start winning port 27, 28b, and changes to a display mode in which the number of lights decreases by one each time the special pattern begins to change as a result of the ball entering the port.

In this embodiment, the first special symbol activation memory lamp 34a is not lit (the number of memories is 0).
In this case, even if a game ball enters the first start winning slot 26 when the first special symbol is already in a state where it can start to change (when the stop display is displayed), the display mode will not change. Also, when the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the second special symbol is already in a state where it can start to change (when the stop display is displayed).
Even if a game ball enters the second start winning hole 27, 28b, the display mode does not change.
The number of memories represented by the display mode of each special symbol activation memory lamp 34a, 35a (maximum 4)
represents the number of times the ball has been scored at which the first special symbol or the second special symbol has not yet started to change.

The game status display device 38 also includes LEDs corresponding to, for example, jackpot type indicator lamps 38a and 38b, a probability fluctuation status indicator lamp 38d, a time-saving status indicator lamp 38e, and a launch position designation lamp 38f. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol activation memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol activation memory lamp 34a, second special symbol activation memory lamp 35a, and game status display device 38 are mounted on a single integrated display board 89 and attached to the game board unit 8.

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

[Outline of game progress]
The game states of the pachinko machine 1 include a normal state (low probability non-time shortened state) and a small win rush (high probability non-time shortened state) in which it is easier to win a big win and a small win than in the normal state.
There are two types of states: a time-saving state (low probability time-saving state) in which the probability of winning a jackpot is the same as in the normal state, but the efficiency of the special symbol fluctuations is higher than in the normal state and small hit rush, and a probability-changing state (high probability time-saving state) in which the jackpot is more likely to occur than in the normal state and the efficiency of the special symbol fluctuations is higher than in the normal state and small hit rush. Hereinafter, the time-saving state may be referred to as the time-saving state.

The normal state (low probability non-time shortening state) is the initial setting state of the pachinko machine 1 (for example, when a system reset is performed and the predetermined recovery process is not executed after power-on).
In the normal state (low-probability non-time-shortening state), the player aims the game ball to the left of the game area 8a and performs the firing operation (so-called left shot). Therefore, in the normal state, the game ball mainly enters the first start winning slot 26, and the variable display of the first special symbol is mainly executed. In the normal state, when a normal jackpot occurs, the game transitions to the time-shortening state (low-probability time-shortening state) after the jackpot game ends, and when a probability variable jackpot occurs, the game transitions to the probability variable state (high-probability time-shortening state) after the jackpot game ends.

In the time-saving state (low-probability time-saving state), the player aims the game ball to the right of the game area and performs a right-hand shot (a so-called right shot), with the game ball mainly entering the second start winning slot 27 or the second start winning slot 28b, and the second special symbol variable display is executed. In the time-saving state, the probability of a "normal hit" in the variable display of the normal symbol is increased compared to the non-time-saving state, and the opening period of the variable start winning device 28 when the variable display of the normal symbol results in a "normal hit" is made longer than in the non-time-saving state, making it easier for the game ball to enter the variable start winning device 28. Also, in the time-saving state, a game ball may enter the second start winning slot 27 or the second start winning slot 28b, resulting in a small hit, but the opening period of the upstream variable start winning device 28 is long, so most game balls end up winning the variable start winning device 28. Therefore, there are very few cases where a game ball enters the downstream variable small win winning device 30 during a small win game, and the number of winning balls obtained through a small win game in the time-saving state is small.

In the probability variable state (high probability time-shortened state), the player aims the game ball to the right of the game area and performs a right-hand shot (so-called right-hand shot), and the game ball mainly enters the second start winning slot 27 or the second start winning slot 28b, causing the variable display of the second special symbol. Because the probability variable state is a high-probability state, the probability that the display result will be a "jackpot" is higher than in the normal state. Also, because the probability variable state is a time-shortened state, the majority of game balls enter the variable start winning device 28. Also, in the probability variable state, game balls may enter the second start winning slot 27 or the second start winning slot 28b, resulting in a small win, but because the opening time of the upstream variable start winning device 28 is long, most game balls end up entering the variable start winning device 28. Therefore, there are very few cases where a game ball enters the downstream variable small win winning device 30 during a small win game, and the number of prize balls obtained by a small win game in a probability variable state is small.

During the small win rush, the player fires the game ball (a so-called right shot) aiming to the right of the game area, and the game ball mainly enters the second start winning slot 27, causing the variable display of the second special symbol. During the small win rush, the game is controlled to a non-time-saving state, so the probability of a normal win decreases and the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 is shortened, reducing the frequency of game balls entering the second start winning slot 28b. Therefore, during the small win rush, when a game ball enters the second start winning slot 27 and a small win occurs, the game ball is more likely to enter the downstream variable small win winning device 30. Furthermore, during the variable display of the second special symbol, the probability of a small win increases, and the variable display time of the second special symbol is shorter than in the normal state.

The probability change state, small win rush, and time-saving state continue until a predetermined end condition is met, such as the execution of a predetermined number of special symbol variable displays, the start of the next big win game state, etc. The end condition is when the execution of a predetermined number of special symbol variable displays,
It is also called "number cut" (number cut special, etc.).

In the pachinko machine 1, when the game state is in the normal state, it is advantageous for the player to perform a firing operation (so-called left-hand shot operation) by aiming at the left side of the game area 8a. When the player performs a left-hand shot operation by rotating the handle unit 16 provided in the pachinko machine 1, and the game ball enters the first start winning hole 26, the first special symbol display device 34 starts to display the varying first special symbols. Note that even in the normal state, the second start winning hole 27 and the second start winning hole 28b
However, under normal circumstances, the time it takes for the second special symbol to change is extremely long, at around 10 minutes. Therefore, players usually perform left-handed shots.

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

If the jackpot pattern is displayed stationary in the changing display of the first special pattern, it is a "jackpot."
Also, if a losing symbol is displayed, it is a "miss."

After the display result of the variable display of the first special symbol becomes "jackpot", the game state is controlled to a jackpot game state, which is an advantageous state for the player.

In the jackpot game state, the upper large winning opening 29b formed by the jackpot variable winning device 29 is opened in a predetermined manner. This open state continues until either a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds) has elapsed or the number of game balls entering the upper large winning opening 29b reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10), whichever comes first. The predetermined period is the maximum period during which the upper large winning opening 29b can be opened in one round, and is hereinafter referred to as
This is also called the upper limit period of opening. One cycle in which the upper large winning hole 29b is in an open state is called a round (round game). In the jackpot game state, the round is played a predetermined upper limit number of times (
It can be repeated until it reaches the maximum number of times (7 times or 2 times).

In the jackpot gaming state, the player can win prize balls by making the gaming ball enter the upper large prize entry port 29b. Therefore, the jackpot gaming state is advantageous to the player. The more rounds in the jackpot gaming state and the longer the upper limit opening period, the more advantageous it is for the player.

In addition, the "big win" has a set big win type. For example, the opening mode of the big winning hole (
There are prepared a number of types of jackpots, such as the number of rounds and the maximum open period, and the game state after the jackpot game state (normal state, probability variable state (high probability state), small jackpot rush, time-saving state, etc.), and the jackpot type is set according to these. There may be provided jackpot types in which many prize balls can be obtained, and jackpot types in which few or almost no prize balls can be obtained.

After the jackpot game state ends, the game may be controlled to a probability variable state or a time-saving state depending on the type of jackpot. When the jackpot game ends and the game state is controlled to a probability variable state or a time-saving state, it is advantageous for the player to aim to the right of the game area and perform a firing operation (right-hit operation). When the player rotates the handle unit 16 provided on the pachinko machine 1 to perform a right-hit operation and the game ball passes through the start gate 20, the normal symbol display device 33 begins displaying a variable normal symbol. If the game ball passes through the start gate 20 while the previous normal symbol variable display is being executed (if the game ball passes through the start gate 20 but the normal symbol variable display based on that passage cannot be executed immediately), the normal symbol variable display based on that passage is suspended up to a predetermined upper limit (e.g., 4).

In this normal pattern variable display, if a normal winning pattern is displayed, the display result of the normal pattern will be "normal winning". On the other hand, if a normal pattern other than the normal winning pattern (a normal losing pattern) is displayed, the display result of the normal pattern will be "normal losing". When it becomes "normal winning",
The variable start winning device 28 is controlled to be in an open state for a predetermined period (the second start winning port 2
8b is in an open state).

When the game ball enters the second start winning hole 28b formed in the variable start winning device 28,
The special symbol display device 35 starts to display the second special symbol in a variable manner.

In the variable display of the second special symbol, if a big win symbol is displayed, it is a "big win," and if a small win symbol different from the big win symbol is displayed, it is a "small win." Also, if a losing symbol different from the big win symbol or small win symbol is displayed, it is a "miss."

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

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

After the small win game state is over, the game state is not changed, and the game state before the display result of the variable display of the special symbol becomes "small win" is continuously controlled.

In this embodiment, when the probability variable state is controlled, the game transitions to a small win rush mode when the time-saving state of the probability variable state ends. The number of symbol changes during the time-saving state of the probability variable state (hereinafter also referred to as the time-saving number) is set to 100. Meanwhile, in this embodiment, when a predetermined losing symbol (hereinafter referred to as the time-saving start losing symbol) stops as a result of the symbol change display during the probability variable state, one of several time-saving number options (in this example, 100, 50, or 10) is selected, and the newly determined number of time-saving number options is reset. Therefore, if the reset number of time-saving number options is smaller than the remaining number of time-saving number options, the time until the transition to the small win rush mode is shortened. If the reset number of time-saving number options is greater than the remaining number of time-saving number options, the time until the transition to the small win rush mode is extended. Furthermore, the number of game balls acquired is more likely to increase during the small win rush mode than during the time-saving state. For this reason, players play in the hope of shortening the time until the transition to the small win rush mode. The small win rush continues until a big win occurs. In this embodiment, the probability of a big win under normal circumstances is 1/29.
9. The probability of winning in the probability state is 1/29, and the probability of the time-saving start missing pattern (in other words,
The probability of winning the time-saving start draw is set at 1/100.

In the time-saving state, (1) control to increase the probability of winning a normal symbol, (2) control to shorten the time for which the normal symbol fluctuates, (3) control to lengthen the opening time of the second start winning slot, and (4) control to shorten the time for which the special symbol fluctuates can be performed, but all of the controls (1) to (4) may be performed, or some of the controls (1) to (4) may not be performed. For example,
The control to be performed among (1) to (4) may be different or the same between the time-saving state via a jackpot and the time-saving state via a miss at the start of the time-saving mode.

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

As an effect that is executed in accordance with the progress of the game, the display of the changing effect patterns begins in response to the start of the display of the changing first special pattern or the display of the changing second special pattern in the "left,""center," and "right" effect pattern display areas 42L, 42C, and 42R provided on the image display 42. At the timing when the display result (also called the confirmed special pattern) in the display of the changing first special pattern or the display of the changing second special pattern is displayed statically, the confirmed effect pattern (combination of three effect patterns) that is the display result of the display of the changing effect patterns is also displayed statically.

During the period from when the display of the changing effect symbols starts to when it ends, the display of the changing effect symbols may become a predetermined reach mode. Here, the reach mode refers to a mode in which the display of the stopped effect symbols on the screen of the image display 42 continues to change when the stopped effect symbols form part of the jackpot combination described below. Note that, hereinafter, the reach mode may also be referred to as the reach state.

In addition, a reach effect is executed in response to the above-mentioned reach state during the display of the varying effect symbols. In the pachinko machine 1, a plurality of types of reach effects are executed, which have different rates (also called the probability of a big hit) at which the display result (the display result of the varying display of the special symbol or the display result of the varying display of the effect symbol) becomes a "big hit" according to the effect state. The reach effects include, for example, a normal reach, a super reach which has a higher probability of a big hit than a normal reach, and
There is.

When the display result of the special symbol variation display is "jackpot," a confirmed effect pattern that becomes a predetermined jackpot combination is derived as the display result of the effect symbol variation display on the screen of the image display device 42 (the display result of the effect symbol variation display becomes "jackpot"). For example, the same effect pattern (for example, "7") is displayed stopped and aligned on a predetermined effective line in the "left,""center," and "right" effect symbol display areas 42L, 42C, and 42R.

In the case of a "probability jackpot" that is controlled to a probability jackpot state after the end of the jackpot game state, odd-numbered performance symbols (for example, "7") are displayed in a line, and in the case of a "non-probability jackpot (normal jackpot)" that is not controlled to a probability jackpot state after the end of the jackpot game state, even-numbered performance symbols (
For example, a combination of odd and even numbers (such as "6") may be displayed. In this case, odd-numbered symbols are called probability variable symbols, and even-numbered symbols are called non-probability variable symbols (normal symbols).

When the display result of the special symbol variation display is "small win", a predetermined small win combination (for example, "1 3 5") is derived as a display result of the variation display of the special symbol on the screen of the image display 42 (the display result of the variation display of the special symbol is "small win"). For example, the "left", "center", and "right" symbol display areas 42L,
The effect symbols constituting the chance symbols are stopped and displayed on the predetermined effective lines in 42C and 42R.

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

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

In addition, the image display 42 may temporarily stop the display of the effect pattern while it is being changed, and then resume the change display, thereby executing a pseudo-sequential effect that makes a single change display appear as if it were multiple changes.

During a jackpot gaming state, a jackpot effect is executed to notify the player of the jackpot gaming state. The jackpot effect may include an effect to notify the number of rounds or an upgrade effect indicating that the value of the jackpot gaming state is increasing. Also, during a small jackpot gaming state, a small jackpot effect is executed to notify the player of the small jackpot gaming state. It should be noted that common effects may be executed during a small jackpot gaming state and during jackpot gaming states for certain jackpot types (jackpot types in jackpot gaming states similar to a small jackpot gaming state, for example, jackpot types in which the subsequent gaming state is a high-probability state), preventing the player from knowing whether they are currently in a small jackpot gaming state or a jackpot gaming state. In such cases, common effects may be executed after the end of a small jackpot gaming state and after the end of a jackpot gaming state, preventing the player from distinguishing between a high-probability state and a low-probability state.

Also, for example, when the variable display of the special symbol is not being executed, a demo (demonstration) image is displayed on the image display 42.

[Control configuration]
Next, the configuration related to the control of the pachinko machine 1 will be explained. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the various electronic devices equipped in the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 is equipped with a main control device 70 (main control computer) which is the center of control operations, and this main control device 70 mainly has the function of controlling the progress of games in the pachinko machine 1.
is built into the main control board unit 170.

The main control device 70 is also equipped with a circuit board (main control board) on which a main control CPU 72, which is a central processing unit, is mounted, and the main control CPU 72 is configured as an LSI that integrates semiconductor memories such as a ROM 74 and a RAM (RWM) 76 together with a CPU core and registers (not shown). The main control device 70 also includes a random number generator 75 and a sampling circuit 7
Among these, the random number generator 75 generates hardware random numbers (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) for determining whether a special symbol lottery is a jackpot or whether a normal symbol lottery is a winning jackpot. The random numbers generated here are sent to the main control CP via a sampling circuit 77.
The main control device 70 is also equipped with an input/output (I/O) port 79 and peripheral ICs such as a clock generation circuit and a counter/timer circuit (CTC), not shown, which are mounted on the circuit board together with the main control CPU 72. Signal transmission paths, power supply paths, control buses, etc. are formed as wiring patterns on the circuit board (or in the inner layer portion).

A gate switch 78 for detecting the passage of a game ball is integrally provided in the start gate 20. The game board unit 8 is also provided with a first start winning port switch 80 corresponding to the first start winning port 26, second start winning port switches 82a, 82b corresponding to the second start winning port 27 and second start winning port 28b, first and second count switches 84a, 84b corresponding to the variable winning device for big win 29 and the variable winning device for small win 30, and a V winning detection switch 85 corresponding to the V winning port in the upper large winning port 29b.

The first start winning port switch 80 detects the entry of a game ball into the first start winning port 26, the second start winning port switch 82a detects the entry of a game ball into the second start winning port 27, and the second start winning port switch 82b detects the entry of a game ball into the second start winning port 28b. When a game ball is detected by the first start winning port switch 80 or the second start winning port switches 82a and 82b, a predetermined number of game balls (one ball) are paid out as prize balls based on this detection information.

In addition, the first count switch 84a is connected to the variable winning device 29 for the big win (the upper big winning opening 29b
The first and second count switches 84a, 84b detect the entry of game balls into the variable winning device 30 for small wins (lower large winning opening 30b) and count the number of game balls.
When the game balls are detected by the game ball detection unit 4b, a predetermined number of balls (for example, 1
0 game balls are paid out as prize balls.

The V entry detection switch 85 is for detecting that a game ball that has entered the jackpot variable entry device 29 (upper large entry port 29b) has entered the V entry port.

Similarly, the game board unit 8 is provided with a first winning port switch 86 that detects the entry of a game ball into the normal winning port 22, and a second winning port switch 81 that detects the entry of a game ball into the normal winning port 24. When a game ball is detected by the first winning port switch 86 or the second winning port switch 81, a predetermined number of game balls (six) are paid out as prize balls based on this detection information.

The winning detection signals of these switches are transmitted to the main control CPU via an input/output driver (not shown).
In this embodiment, due to the configuration of the game board unit 8, the gate switch 7
8. The winning detection signals from the first and second count switches 84a, 84b, the V winning detection switch 85, the first winning port switch 86, and the second winning port switch 81 are transmitted via a panel relay terminal board 87, which is provided with wiring patterns and connection terminals for relaying each winning detection signal.

The display operations of the above-mentioned normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a, and game status display device 38 are controlled based on control signals from the main control CPU 72. The main control CPU 72 outputs control signals to these display devices 33, 34, 35, 38 and lamps 33a, 34a, 35a according to the progress of the game, and controls the lighting state of each LED. In addition, these display devices 33, 34, 35
, 38 and lamps 33a, 34a, 35a are mounted on a single integrated display board 89 and installed in the game board unit 8, as described above, and control signals are transmitted from the main control CPU 72 to this integrated display board 89 via a panel relay terminal board 87.

The game board unit 8 is also provided with a normal electric accessory solenoid 88 corresponding to the variable start winning device 28, an upper large winning port solenoid 89 corresponding to the variable big win winning device 29, and a lower large winning port solenoid 90 corresponding to the variable small win winning device 30. These solenoids 88-90 operate (excite) based on control signals from the main control CPU 72, and respectively open and close (activate) the variable start winning device 28, the variable big win winning device 29, and the variable small win winning device 30. Note that control signals are also transmitted to these solenoids 88-90 from the main control CPU 72 via the panel relay terminal board 87.

In addition, a glass frame opening switch 91 is provided on the integrated door unit 4, and a plastic frame opening switch 93 is provided on the inner frame assembly 7. When the integrated door unit 4 is opened independently, a contact signal from the glass frame opening switch 91 is sent to the main control device 70 (main control C
When the inner frame assembly 7 is released from the outer frame unit 2, a contact signal from the plastic frame opening switch 93 is input to the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72). The main control CPU 72 can detect the open state of the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 from these contact signals. When the main control CPU 72 detects the open state of the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7, it generates a door open information signal as an external information signal.

A payout control device 92 is provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 1.
The dispensing control computer 92 controls the operation of the dispensing device unit 172. The dispensing control device 92 is equipped with a circuit board (dispensing control board) on which a dispensing control CPU 94 is mounted. The dispensing control CPU 94 also includes a CPU core (not shown) and a ROM 96,
It is configured as an LSI that integrates semiconductor memories such as AM98.
The payout control CPU 94 controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 based on the prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, and executes the payout operation of the requested number of game balls. In addition to the prize ball instruction command, the main control CPU 72 generates a prize ball information signal as an external information signal.

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

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

In addition, a full tank switch 161 is installed in the pachinko machine 1, for example, inside the lower tray 6c (at the rear position when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1). The prize balls (game balls) that are actually paid out are released into the upper tray 6b through the flow path unit 173, but when the upper tray 6b is full of game balls,
Any further game balls dispensed flow into the lower tray 6c as described above.
When the ball counter 160 is filled with game balls, the full tank switch 161 is turned on, and a full tank detection signal is input to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94).
Even if the PU 94 receives a prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, it temporarily suspends any further prize ball operations and stores the remaining number of unpaid prize balls in the RAM 98. The memory in the RAM 98 can be backed up even when the power is turned off, so even if a power outage (including a momentary power outage) occurs during play, the information on the remaining number of unpaid prize balls will not be lost.

A launch control board 108 and a launch solenoid 110 are installed on the back side of the pachinko machine 1. A ball feed solenoid 111 is also installed within the tray unit 6. The launch control board 108, launch solenoid 110, and ball feed solenoid 111 constitute the launch control board set 174 described above, and the launch control board 108 is equipped with drive circuits for the launch solenoid 110 and ball feed solenoid 111. The ball feed solenoid 111 sends game balls stored in the tray unit 6 one by one to a predetermined launch position within the launcher case. The launch solenoid 110 strikes the game balls sent to the launch position, continuously (intermittently) shooting the game balls one by one toward the play area 8a, as described above. The launch interval between game balls is, for example, approximately 0.6 seconds (up to 100 balls per minute).

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

The tray unit 6 is provided with a firing relay terminal board 118, and the firing lever volume 1
The signals from the launch relay terminal board 112, the touch sensor 114, and the launch stop switch 116 are
18 to the launch control board 108. The drive signal from the launch control board 108 is applied to the ball feed solenoid 111 via the launch relay terminal board 118. When a player operates the launch handle, an analog signal (which may be an encoded digital signal) is generated by the launch lever volume 112 according to the amount of operation, and the launch solenoid 110 is driven based on this signal. This adjusts the strength of the ball launch according to the amount of operation by the player. The drive circuit of the launch control board 108 stops driving the launch solenoid 110 when the detection signal from the touch sensor 114 is off (low level) or when a launch stop signal is input from the launch stop switch 116. In addition, a gaming ball etc. dispensing device connection terminal board 120 is connected to the launch relay terminal board 118. Similarly, when a card unit is not connected to this gaming ball etc. dispensing device connection terminal board 120, the drive circuit of the launch control board 108 stops driving the launch solenoid 110.

The tray unit 6 also houses a power display board 122 and a loan and return switch board 123. The power display board 122 is equipped with a power display (a 7-segment LED with 3 digits). The loan and return switch board 123 is also equipped with a switch module that is connected to the ball loan button 10 and the return button 12, respectively.
When the ball lending button 10 or the return button 12 is operated, the operation signal is transmitted from the lending and return switch board 123 to the card unit via the gaming ball lending device connection terminal board 120. In addition, the card unit transmits a degree signal indicating the remaining degree of the valuable medium to the degree display board 122 via the gaming ball lending device connection terminal board 120.
The display circuit (not shown) drives the display based on the credit signal to numerically display the remaining credits of the valuable medium. In addition, if no valuable medium is inserted into the card unit or if the remaining credits of the inserted valuable medium reach zero, the display circuit of the credit display board 122 can drive the display to display a demo (a display encouraging the insertion of valuable medium).

The pachinko machine 1 also includes a performance control device 124 (performance control computer) as a control configuration. This performance control device 124 controls the performance as the game progresses in the pachinko machine 1. The performance control device 124 also includes a performance control computer (Central Processing Unit)
It is equipped with a circuit board (composite sub-control board) that implements PU126.
126 includes a CPU core (not shown) and a ROM 128 and a RAM 129 as main memories.
30. The performance control device 124 is provided at the rear side of the pachinko machine 1 in a position covered by a rear cover unit 178.

The performance control device 124 is also equipped with input/output drivers and various peripheral ICs (not shown), as well as a lamp drive circuit 132 and an audio drive circuit 134.
The PU 126 controls the performance based on performance commands sent from the main control CPU 72, and issues commands to the lamp drive circuit 132 and the sound drive circuit 134 to control the various lamps 46, 5
The CPU 51 performs processing such as lighting up the LEDs 50 and the board lamp 53, and outputting actual sound effects and voices from the speakers 54a to 54d.

The performance control device 124 and the main control device 70 are connected to each other, for example, via a communication harness (not shown). However, communication between them is unidirectional, from the main control device 70 to the performance control device 124, and communication does not occur in the reverse direction. Note that the communication harness may be a parallel type depending on the bus width of the various commands sent from the main control device 70 to the performance control device 124, or a serial type depending on the hardware configuration of each driver IC (I/O).

The lamp driving circuit 132 is, for example, a PWM (pulse width modulation) IC or a MOSFET (MOSFET element) (not shown).
The lamp drive circuit 132 is equipped with switching elements such as T, and this lamp drive circuit 132 switches (or duty switches) the drive voltage applied to various lamps including LEDs to manage their operations such as light emission and blinking. In addition to lamps 46, 48, and 52, the various lamps also include a board lamp 53 for decoration and presentation that is installed on the game board unit 8. The board lamp 53 corresponds to the LED built into the presentation unit, or the LED built into the variable start winning device 28, the variable big win winning device 29, the variable small win winning device 30, etc.

The sound driving circuit 134 is a sound generator that includes a sound ROM, a sound control IC, an amplifier, and the like (not shown).
a to 54d are driven to output sound.

In this embodiment, a glass frame illumination board 136 is installed on the inner surface of the integrated door unit 4,
The drive signals from the lamp drive circuit 132 and the sound drive circuit 134 are applied to the various lamps 46, 50 and speakers 54a to 54d via a glass frame illumination board 136. A performance button 45 is connected to the glass frame illumination board 136, and when a player operates the performance button 45, a contact signal is input to the performance control device 124 through the glass frame illumination board 136. A jog dial 45a is connected to the glass frame illumination board 136, and when a player rotates the jog dial 45a, a rotation signal is input to the glass frame illumination board 136.
6 to the performance control device 124. Note that, although an example in which the performance button 45 and the jog dial 45a are connected to the glass frame illumination board 136 is given here, when a saucer illumination board is installed, the performance button 45 and the jog dial 45a may be connected to the saucer illumination board.

In addition, a panel illumination board 138 is installed on the game board unit 8, and in addition to the board lamps 53, a movable body motor 57 is connected to this panel illumination board 138. The movable body motor 57 drives the movable body 40c, for example, via a link mechanism (not shown). A drive signal from the lamp drive circuit 132 is applied to the board lamps 53 and the movable body motor 57 via the panel illumination board 138.

The liquid crystal display 42 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and its display screen can be seen through a substantially rectangular opening formed in the game board unit 8. In addition, an inverter board 158 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and this inverter board 158 generates AC power that is applied to the backlight (e.g., a cold cathode fluorescent lamp) of the liquid crystal display 42.
Furthermore, a performance display control device 144 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and the display operation of the liquid crystal display 42 is controlled by the performance display control device 144. The performance display control device 144 is equipped with a display control CPU 146, which is a general-purpose central processing unit, and a circuit board (performance display control board) on which a display processor VDP 152 is mounted. Of these, the display control CPU 146 is equipped with a CPU core (not shown), ROM 148, R
It is configured as an LSI that integrates semiconductor memories such as AM150.
The CPU 2 is configured as an LSI that integrates a processor core (not shown) and semiconductor memories such as an image ROM 154 and a VRAM 156. Note that part of the storage area of the VRAM 156 can be used as a frame buffer.

The ROM 128 of the performance control CPU 126 stores a basic program for controlling the performance, and the performance control CPU 126 executes the performance control in accordance with this program.
54d, and also includes control of the performance by image display using the liquid crystal display 42. The performance control CPU 126 transmits basic information about the performance (for example, a performance number) to the display control CPU 146, and the display control CPU 146 receives this information and
Based on the basic information, control is performed to display specific images for presentation.

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

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

The external terminal board 160 is connected to the dispensing control device 92 and is connected to the main control device 70 (main control CP
The various external information signals generated by the main control unit 70 (main control CPU 72) and the payout control unit 92 (payout control CPU 94) are output to the outside from the external terminal board 160 via the payout control unit 92.
An external information signal can be output to the outside of the main control device 70. The signals output from the external terminal board 160 are tallied, for example, by a hall computer (not shown) in the gaming facility. Note that although the configuration in which the signals are output via the payout control device 92 is given as an example here, the external information signal may be output directly from the main control device 70 to the external terminal board 160.

The above is an example of the configuration related to the control of the pachinko machine 1. Next, the main control C of the main control device 70
The control processing executed by the PU 72 will now be described.

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

6 and 7 are flowcharts showing an example of the procedure of the reset start process.
The processing performed by the main control CPU 72 will be explained step by step.

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

Step S102: Next, the main control CPU 72 enters the vector interrupt mode (mode 2).
and corrects the default RST interrupt mode (mode 0). Thereafter, the main control CPU 72 can refer to any address (where the least significant bit is 0) as an interrupt vector and execute the specified interrupt handler.

Step S103: The main control CPU 72 executes a reset standby process. This process waits for a certain amount of time (for example, several thousand ms) after the reset start (for example, when the power is turned on).
This is to ensure a certain amount of time (approximately) during which the main power interruption detection signal can be checked.
Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a loop counter for the waiting time, and then performs a bit check on the input port for the main power interruption detection signal while decrementing the value of the loop counter. The main power interruption detection signal is input from, for example, a power supply monitoring IC, which is a peripheral device. Then, if the main control CPU 72 confirms the input of the main power interruption detection signal before the loop counter reaches 0,
2 restarts processing from the beginning. This makes it possible to protect the system when, for example, the main power switch (not shown) is repeatedly turned on and off within a short period of time (about 1 to 2 seconds).

Step S104: Next, the main control CPU 72 permits access to the work area of the RAM 76. Specifically, the RAM protection setting value for the work area is reset (00H).
As a result, access to the work area of the RAM 76 is permitted thereafter.

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

Step S106: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the RAM clear switch has been operated (switched ON) by referring to the input signal from the RAM clear switch that was previously saved. If the RAM clear switch has not been operated (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S107.
Execute.

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

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

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

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

Step S111: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a presentation control restoration process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 transmits restoration commands (e.g., a machine type designation command, a special symbol probability state designation command, a special symbol destination determination presentation command, a presentation command when the number of operation memories increases, a presentation command when the number of operation memories decreases, a command for the remaining number of plays on the counter, a special game state designation command, etc.) to the presentation control device 124. In response to this, the presentation control device 124 can restore the presentation state (e.g., the internal probability state, the display mode of the presentation symbols, the presentation display mode of the number of operation memories, the sound output content, the light-emitting state of various lamps, etc.) that was in progress at the time of the previous power outage.

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

On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch was operated when the power was turned on (step S106:
Yes), or if the backup validity determination flag is not set (step S1
07: No), or if the backup information is not normal (step S108:
No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S113.

Step S113: The main control CPU 72 clears the contents stored in the RAM 76 except for the prohibited area. This initializes all work areas and stack areas of the RAM 76, and even if valid backup information is stored, the contents are erased.

Step S114: The main control CPU 72 also performs initial settings for the RAM 76.

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

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

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

When the above procedure is executed in the reset start processing, the main control CPU 72 moves to the main loop shown in FIG. 7 (connection symbol A→A).

Step S118, Step S119: The main control CPU 72 prohibits interrupts and then executes a power interruption check process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 performs a bit check on the input port of the main power interruption detection signal and monitors the occurrence of a power interruption (a drop in drive voltage). When a power interruption occurs, the main control CPU 72 clears the output port buffers corresponding to the normal electric role solenoid 88, the upper large prize opening solenoid 89, the lower prize opening solenoid 90, etc., and then executes the RA
The entire contents of the work area of M76 are backed up except for the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer, and the sum result value is saved in the sum check buffer.
The main control CPU 72 sets a valid value (e.g., "A55AH") in the backup validity determination flag area.
The main control CPU 72 then stores the value of the command, prohibits access to the RAM 76, and stops processing (NOP). On the other hand, if a power outage does not occur, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S120. Note that there is also a well-known programming example in which the CPU executes such processing in the event of a power outage as non-maskable interrupt (NMI) processing.

Step S120: The main control CPU 72 executes an initial value update random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers to update (change) the initial values of various software random numbers. In this embodiment, the jackpot determination random number (hardware random number),
And various random numbers (for example,
Random numbers for jackpot symbols, random numbers for reaching a winning position, random numbers for determining a variation pattern, etc. are generated on the program. These software random numbers are updated by a loop counter within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 9), and in this process, the initial value of the loop counter (not all random numbers are affected) is changed every time the random number value goes around. The random number for updating the initial value is used to randomly change this initial value, and in step S1
In step S118, the random number for updating the initial value is updated. Note that step S120 is executed after interrupts are prohibited in step S118 in order to prevent overlap (conflict) with another interrupt management process (step S202 in FIG. 9), which also executes similar processing. Note that in this embodiment, the jackpot determining random number and the win determining random number are hardware random numbers generated by the random number generator 75, and their update period is even faster (e.g., several μs) than the timer interrupt period (e.g., several ms), so there is no need to update the initial values of the jackpot determining random number and the win determining random number.

Step S121, Step S122: The main control CPU 72 allows an interrupt and executes other random number update processing. The random numbers updated in this processing are the winning type (
These are random numbers (reach determination random numbers, fluctuation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) that are not related to the determination of the winning type. This process is performed in the remaining time when a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main loop and the main control CPU 72 executes another interrupt management process (Figure 9). The contents of the interrupt management process will be described later.

[Power outage check process]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart specifically illustrating an example of the procedure for the power interruption occurrence check process.

Step S130: First, the main control CPU 72 sets a condition for checking whether a power interruption has occurred. This check condition can be set, for example, as an on-counter value for confirming that the main power interruption detection signal is being continuously output.

Step S132: Next, the main control CPU 72 reads the main power supply interruption detection switch input port and checks whether or not a main power supply interruption detection signal is being output (checks a specific bit). Although not specifically shown, the main power supply interruption detection switch is mounted, for example, on the main control device 70, and this main power supply interruption detection switch monitors the drive voltage supplied from the power supply control unit 162, and outputs a main power supply interruption detection signal when the voltage level falls below a reference voltage. The main power supply interruption detection switch may be built into the power supply control unit 162. Main control CPU
If U72 determines that the main power supply interruption detection signal is not currently being output (No), it exits this process and returns to the reset start process. On the other hand, if it determines that the main power supply interruption detection signal is being output (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S134.

Step S134: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the above-mentioned check conditions are met. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 subtracts, for example, 1 from the on-counter value set in the previous step S130.
Check whether the result is 0. If the on counter value is still not 0 at this time (
If the check condition is satisfied by repeating the loop from step S134 to step S132 (step S134: Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S136.

Step S136: The main control CPU 72 clears the output ports corresponding to the normal electric device solenoid 88, the upper large prize opening solenoid 89, and the lower prize opening solenoid 90, as well as the output port buffers corresponding to the test signal terminal and the command control signal.

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

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

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

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

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

Through the above process, all information stored in the work area of the RAM 76 that is to be backed up (subject to sum addition) is retained as memory in the RAM 76 even after the main power is turned off. Furthermore, after the checksum of the retained memory is confirmed to be normal in the reset start process (FIG. 6), it is restored as backup information at the time of power outage.

[Interrupt management process (timer interrupt process)]
Next, the interrupt management process (timer interrupt process) will be described. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the interrupt management process. The main control CPU 72 executes the interrupt management process at predetermined intervals (for example, every few ms) based on an interrupt request signal from the counter/timer circuit.
Each step will be explained in turn.

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

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

Step S202: The main control CPU 72 also executes the initial value update random number update process. The content of the process is the same as that described above.

Step S203: The main control CPU 72 executes input processing. In this processing, the main control CPU 72 inputs various switch signals from the input/output (I/O) port 79. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 receives a passage detection signal from the gate switch 78, and the input state (ON/OFF) of the winning detection signals from the first start winning port switch 80, the second start winning port switches 82a and 82b, the first and second count switches 84a and 84b, the first winning port switch 86, and the second winning port switch 81.
Lead the way.

Step S204: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing.
In this process, the gate switch 78, the first switch 79, and the
Based on the winning detection signals from the start winning slot switch 80 and the second starting winning slot switches 82a and 82b, an event that has occurred during the game is determined, and further processing is performed according to the event that has occurred. The specific content of the switch input event processing will be described later using another flowchart.

In this embodiment, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the first start winning port switch 80 or 81, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event has occurred that will trigger an internal lottery (lottery trigger) corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol, respectively. Also, when a passing detection signal (ON) is input from the gate switch 78, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event has occurred that will trigger a lottery corresponding to a normal symbol. When it is determined that either of these events has occurred, the main control CPU
72 executes processing according to each occurrence event.
The processing executed when a winning detection signal is input from the first or second start winning port switches 82a, 82b will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S205, Step S206: The main control CPU 72 executes the special symbol game process and the normal symbol game process during the interrupt management process. These processes are for specifically progressing the game in the pachinko machine 1. Among these, the special symbol game process (Step S
205), the main control CPU 72 controls the execution of the internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol described above, and controls the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35.
The variable display and stop display are controlled by the variable display device 2 for big wins according to the display results.
9 and the operation of the variable winning device for small win 30. Details of the special symbol game process will be described later using another flowchart.

In the normal symbol game process (step S206), the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display and stationary display by the normal symbol display device 33, and controls the operation of the variable start winning device 28 according to the display results. For example, the main control CPU 72 stores a random number (normal symbol winning determination random number) acquired in the switch input event process (step S204) triggered by passing through the start gate 20, reads the random number from the memory, and determines whether it falls within a predetermined winning range during the normal symbol game process. If the random number falls within the winning range, the normal symbol display device 33 displays a variable normal symbol, and displays the stationary normal symbol in a predetermined winning mode. After that, the main control CPU 72 energizes the normal electric role solenoid 88 to activate the variable start winning device 28. On the other hand, if the random number is outside the winning range, the main control CPU 72 displays the variable normal symbol in a losing mode after the display.

Step S207: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a prize ball payout process. In this process, the various switches 80, 81, 82a, 82b in the previous input process (step S203) are operated.
, 84a, 84b, 85, 86, the payout control device 92
A prize ball instruction command instructing the number of prize balls is output to the

Furthermore, in the prize ball payout process, the main control CPU 72 outputs a prize ball content command that conveys the details of the number of prize balls to the presentation control device 124. When a winning detection signal is input from the first and second count switches 84a and 84b corresponding to the variable winning device for big wins 29 or the variable winning device for small wins 30, a prize ball content command corresponding to the first profit (15 game balls) is generated. When a winning detection signal is input from the first winning port switch 86 and the second winning port switch 81 corresponding to the normal winning ports 22 and 24, a prize ball content command corresponding to the second profit (4 game balls) is generated. The prize ball content command is output in the presentation control output process (step S in FIG. 9).
212) to the performance control device 124.

The number of prize balls for the start slot for the first special symbol and the number of prize balls for the start slot for the second special symbol are each set to a specified number of one or more. The number of prize balls for the start slot for the first special symbol and the start slot for the second special symbol may be different. Furthermore, the minimum number of prize balls may be set based on the probability of winning the special symbol or the expected total number of game balls acquired (the average number of balls acquired during the series of periods from the first win to the end of the time-shortened state). Furthermore, if the probability of winning the special symbol, the expected total number of game balls acquired, the number of times the special prize slot is opened, the opening time of the special prize slot, the maximum number of prizes for the special prize slot, and the number of prize balls for the special prize slot satisfy predetermined conditions, a jackpot may be set in which the number of game balls acquired in a single jackpot is less than one-quarter of the maximum number of game balls acquired.

Step S208: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this processing, the main control CPU 72 stores external information signals (e.g., winning ball information, door opening information, symbol determination count information, jackpot information, starting gate information, etc.) in the port output request buffer for the gaming center hall computer via the external terminal board 160.

In this embodiment, among the various external information signals, for example, "Jackpot 1" to "Jackpot 5" can be output to the outside as jackpot information, thereby providing various jackpot information to external electronic devices (data display devices and hall computers) connected to the pachinko machine 1 (external information signal output means). In other words, the jackpot information can be output as multiple "Jackpot 1" to "Jackpot 5"
" By dividing the output into ", the type of jackpot (winning type) from these combinations can be calculated and managed by a hall computer (not shown), and changes in the internal probability state (low probability state or high probability state) and the shortening state of the pattern change time can be recognized, and even if it is not a non-winning, it can be recognized as a "jackpot"
It is possible to count and manage the occurrence of small wins (wins where the condition device does not operate) that are not classified as "big wins." Also, based on the big win information, for example, a data display device (not shown) can count and display the number of big wins that have occurred within the past few business days for each pachinko machine 1, recognize whether each machine is currently in a big win, or recognize whether each machine is currently in a shortened state of the pattern change time. In this external information processing, the main control CPU
72 controls the output state (ON or OFF set) of each of "Jackpot 1" to "Jackpot 5" in detail.

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

Step S210: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a display output management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first
Special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a
, controls the lighting state of the second special symbol activation memory lamp 35a, the game status display device 38, etc.
Specifically, the drive signals stored in the port output request buffer in the previous special symbol game process (step S205) or normal symbol game process (step S206) are output to the port. The drive signals are stored in the port output request buffer as byte data to be applied to each LED. This causes each LED to be driven in a predetermined display mode (such as a mode for displaying changing or stopped symbols, displaying the number of operation memories, displaying the game status, etc.).

Step S211: The main control CPU 72 also executes an output management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs the external information signal (byte data) stored in the port output request buffer in the previous external information process (step S208) to the port.
2 outputs the drive signals, test signals, etc. of the normal electric role solenoid 88, the upper large prize opening solenoid 89 and the lower prize opening solenoid 90 stored in the port output request buffer to the port.

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

Step S213: Then, the main control CPU 72 clears the port output request buffer stored in this CTC interrupt.

In this embodiment, the process of steps S205 to S212 (game control program module) is executed as a timer interrupt process.
There are also known programming examples in which the program is executed by incorporating it into the main loop of U.

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

Steps S215 and S216: Then, the main control CPU 72 restores the saved values of the registers (A to L) and permits the next CTC interrupt.
72 returns to the main loop (the program address indicated by the stack pointer).

[Switch input event processing]
10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the switch input event process (step S204 in FIG. 9). Each step will be explained below.

Step S10: The main control CPU 72 checks whether a winning detection signal has been input (a lottery trigger has occurred) from the first start winning port switch 80 corresponding to the first special symbol. If the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S12 and executes the first special symbol memory update process. The specific content of the process will be described further below using another flowchart. On the other hand, if there is no winning detection signal input (No),
The main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S14.

Step S14: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether a winning detection signal has been input (a lottery trigger has occurred) from the second start winning slot switch 82a, 82b corresponding to the second special symbol. If the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S16 and executes the second special symbol memory update process. Again, the specific process content will be described further below using a separate flowchart. On the other hand, if a winning detection signal has not been input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S18.

Step S18: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the upper large winning hole 29b of the variable winning device 29 for the big win is selected.
If the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S
The main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S20 and executes the upper large winning slot count process. In the upper large winning slot count process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls in the jackpot variable winning device 29 for each round during the jackpot game. On the other hand, if there is no winning detection signal input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S21a.

Step S21a: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the lower large winning port 30 of the variable winning device 30 for small winning is selected.
It is checked whether or not a winning detection signal has been input from the count switch 84b corresponding to b.
If the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S21b and executes the lower large winning slot count process. In the lower large winning slot count process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls in the variable winning device 30 for small winning during the big winning game. On the other hand, if the input of the winning detection signal is not confirmed (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S2
Go to 2.

Step S22: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not a passing detection signal has been input from the gate switch 78 corresponding to the normal symbol. If the input of this passing detection signal is confirmed (
If the answer is "Yes", the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S24 and executes the normal symbol memory update process. In the normal symbol memory update process, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the current normal symbol activation memory number is less than the upper limit number (for example, 4), and if the upper limit number has not been reached, acquires a random number per normal symbol. In addition, the main control CPU 72 increments the normal symbol activation memory number by 1. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the acquired random number value per normal symbol in the random number memory area of the RAM 76. On the other hand, if there is no winning detection signal input (No), the main control CPU 72
2, the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 9).

Once the above processing is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management processing (Figure 9).

[First special symbol memory update process]
11 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the first special symbol memory update process (step S12 in FIG. 10). The procedure of the first special symbol memory update process will be explained below step by step.

Step S30: Here, first, the main control CPU 72 references the value of the first special symbol activation memory number counter and checks whether the activation memory number (sometimes referred to as the pending memory number in this embodiment) is less than the maximum value (for example, 4). The activation memory number counter represents the number (number of sets) of jackpot determination random numbers, jackpot pattern random numbers, etc. stored in the random number storage area of RAM 76. Here, the random number storage area of RAM 76 is divided into eight sections (for example, 2 bytes each) that are used in common by the first special symbol and the second special symbol, and each section can store one set (set) of jackpot determination random numbers and jackpot pattern random numbers. At this time, if the value of the activation memory number counter corresponding to the first special symbol has reached the maximum value (No),
On the other hand, if the value of the operation memory number counter is less than the maximum value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S3
Go to 1.

Step S31: The main control CPU 72 adds one to the number of first special symbol activation memories.
The special symbol activation memory number counter is stored in, for example, an activation memory number area of the RAM 76,
The main control CPU 72 increments the counter value by 1. Based on the incremented counter value, the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 9) controls the lighting state of the first special symbol activation memory lamp 34a.

Step S32: Then, the main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77. The random number value is acquired by specifying the pin address of the random number generator 75. When the main control CPU 72 is an 8-bit processor,
The address is specified in two steps, one for the upper and one for the lower byte.
When the random number value for determining a jackpot is read from the designated address, it is saved in the destination address as the random number for determining a jackpot corresponding to the first special symbol.

Step S33: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires the jackpot symbol random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM 76. This random number value is also acquired by specifying the address of the jackpot symbol random number counter area. After reading the jackpot symbol random number value from the specified address, the main control CPU 72 saves it as the jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the first special symbol in the transfer destination address.

Step S34: The main control CPU 72 also sequentially acquires the reach determination random number and the variation pattern determination random number as random number values related to the variation conditions of the first special symbol from the variation random number counter area of the RAM 76. The acquisition of these random number values is also performed by specifying the address of the variation random number counter area. Then, when the main control CPU 72 acquires the reach determination random number and the variation pattern determination random number from the specified address, it saves them to the transfer destination address.

Step S35: The main control CPU 72 calculates the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot symbol random number,
The reach judgment random number and the variation pattern determination random number are both transferred to the random number storage area corresponding to the first special symbol, and these random numbers are stored as a set in the empty sections within the area. The multiple sections are set in order (for example, 1st to 4th), and if all of the 1st to 4th sections are empty at the current stage, the random numbers are stored in order starting from the 1st section. Alternatively, if the 1st section is already filled and the other 2nd to 4th sections are empty, the random numbers are stored in order starting from the 2nd section. The random number storage area is read out in a FIFO (Fi
First In First Out format.

Step S36: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the current special game management status (game state) is a jackpot. If it is not a jackpot (No), the main control CPU 7
2 executes the following steps S37 and S38. If a jackpot is occurring (Yes), the main control CPU 72 skips steps S37 and S38 and proceeds to step S38a. In this embodiment, this determination is made because no pre-reading effects are performed for balls that occur during a jackpot.

Step S37: When not in the jackpot (Step S36: No), the main control CPU 72 executes the process of determining the effect when the first special symbol is acquired.
Based on the first special symbol jackpot determination random number and the jackpot symbol random number obtained in steps S31 to S34, the result of the internal lottery is determined in advance (before the fluctuation starts), and the content of the presentation is determined based on the result (so-called "pre-read"). The specific content of the process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

Step S38: When returning from the acquisition time effect determination process, the main control CPU 72 next
Regarding special patterns, the upper byte of the special pattern advance judgment performance command (for example, "B8
H"). This upper byte data describes that the command type is "for special design destination determination performance related to the first special design." Note that the lower byte of the special design destination determination performance command is set in the previous acquisition performance determination process (step S37), so here, by combining the lower byte with the upper byte, for example, a one-word command is generated.

Step S38a: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets an effect command for the first special symbol when the number of operating memories increases. Specifically, a one-word effect command is generated by adding the increased number of operating memories (for example, "01H" to "04H") to the lower byte in response to the preceding value of the upper byte (for example, "BBH") that indicates the type of command. At this time, the lower byte defaults to "0" in the second digit, indicating that the value is the "result of an increase in the number of operating memories (change information)." In other words, if the lower byte is "01H," this means that the number of operating memories has increased by one from the previous number of operating memories, "00H," and the current number of operating memories is "
Similarly, if the lower byte is "02H" to "04H", this indicates that the number of activation memories has increased by one from the previous activation memories of "01H" to "03H", respectively, and that the current activation memory number is now "02H" to "04H". The preceding value "BBH" is a value that indicates that the current effect command is an activation memory number command for the first special symbol.

Step S39: Then, the main control CPU 72 executes the effect command output setting process for the first special symbol. This process is for transmitting the special symbol destination determination effect command generated in the previous step S38, the activation memory number increase effect command generated in step S38a, and the start port winning sound control command to the effect control device 124.

After completing the above processing, the main control CPU 72 executes the switch input event processing (FIG. 1
0).

[Second special symbol memory update process]
Next, Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the second special symbol memory update process (step S16 in Fig. 10). The procedure of the second special symbol memory update process will be explained below step by step.

Step S40: The main control CPU 72 references the value of the second special symbol activation memory number counter and checks whether the activation memory number is less than the maximum value. Similarly to the above, the second special symbol activation memory number counter represents the number (number of sets) of jackpot determination random numbers, jackpot pattern random numbers, etc. stored in the random number storage area of RAM 76. If the value of the second special symbol activation memory number counter has reached the maximum value (e.g., 4) (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event processing (FIG. 10). On the other hand, if the value of the second special symbol activation memory number counter is still less than the maximum value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S41 and subsequent steps.

Step S41: The main control CPU 72 increments the second special symbol activation memory count by 1 (increments the value of the second special symbol activation memory count counter). As in the previous step S31 (FIG. 11), the lighting state of the second special symbol activation memory lamp 35a is controlled in the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 9) based on the incremented counter value.

Step S42: Then, the main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 (second lottery element acquisition means, lottery element acquisition means). The method of acquiring the random number value is the same as that of step S32 (FIG. 1) described above.
Same as 1).

Step S43: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires the jackpot symbol random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM 76 (lottery element acquisition means). The method of acquiring the random number value is the same as that of step S33 (FIG. 11) described above.

Step S44: The main control CPU 72 also sequentially acquires reach determination random numbers and variation pattern determination random numbers related to the variation conditions of the second special symbol from the variation random number counter area of the RAM 76 (variation pattern determination element acquisition means, lottery element acquisition means). The acquisition of these random numbers is also performed in the same manner as in step S34 (FIG. 11) described above.

Step S45: The main control CPU 72 calculates the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot symbol random number,
The reach determination random number and the variation pattern determination random number are both transferred to a random number storage area corresponding to the second special symbol, and these random numbers are stored as a set in an empty section within the area (storage means, lottery element storage means). The storage method is the same as that of step S35 (FIG. 11) described above.

Step S45a: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks the current game management status (game status).
If the game is not in a jackpot (No), the main control C
The PU 72 executes the following steps S46 and S47.
), the main control CPU 72 skips steps S46 and S47 and proceeds to step S48.
The reason for this determination in this embodiment is that no predictive effects are performed for balls that occur during a jackpot.

Step S46: If it is not during a jackpot (Step S45a: No), then the main control C
The PU 72 executes a process for determining the effect of the second special symbol when it is acquired (pre-reading process execution means). This process is for determining the result of the internal lottery in advance (before the fluctuation starts) based on the second special symbol jackpot determination random number and the jackpot symbol random number acquired in the previous steps S42 to S44, respectively, and for determining the effect content based on the result. The specific content of the process will be described later.

Step S47: After returning from the acquisition time effect determination process, the main control CPU 72 next sets the upper byte of the special symbol destination determination effect command (for example, "B9H") (pre-reading process execution means). This upper byte data describes that the command type is "for special symbol destination determination effect related to the second special symbol." Similarly, here, the lower byte of the special symbol destination determination effect command was set in the previous acquisition time effect determination process (step S46), so here, by combining the lower byte with the upper byte, for example, a one-word command is generated.

Step S48: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets an effect command for the second special symbol when the number of activation memories increases. Here, a one-word effect command is generated by adding the increased number of activation memories (e.g., "01H" to "04H") to the lower byte in response to a leading value (e.g., "BCH") in the upper byte that indicates the type of command. Similarly, for the second special symbol, by default setting the second digit of the lower byte to "0," this value can indicate that the value is the "result of an increase in the number of activation memories (change information)." The leading value "BCH" indicates that the current effect command is an activation memory number command for the second special symbol.

Step S49: Then, the main control CPU 72 executes the effect command output setting process for the second special symbol. This prepares to transmit the special symbol destination determination effect command, the effect command when the number of operation memories increases, the start opening winning sound control command, etc. to the effect control device 124 for the second special symbol.

After completing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 executes the switch input event process (see FIG. 1
0).

[Performance determination process at acquisition time]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the acquisition time effect determination process.
2 executes this acquisition time effect determination process in the previous first special symbol memory update process and second special symbol memory update process (step S37 in FIG. 11, step S46 in FIG. 12). As described above, this process is executed for each of the first special symbol (when the ball enters the first start winning slot 26) and the second special symbol (when the ball enters the second start winning slot 27 or the variable start winning device 28). Therefore, the following explanation may apply to the process related to the first special symbol or the process related to the second special symbol. The contents of the process will be explained below along each procedure.

Step S50: The main control CPU 72 sets the lower byte (e.g., "00H") of the special drawing first determination performance command (first determination information). The byte data set here represents the standard value of the command (when missing).

Step S52: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot determination random number as the random number value for the first determination. The random number loaded here is the one stored in the RAM 76 in the first special symbol memory update process (step S35 in FIG. 11) or the second special symbol memory update process (step S45 in FIG. 12).

Step S54: Then, the main control CPU 72 determines whether the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (here, below the lower limit value). Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a comparison value (lower limit value) in the A register and subtracts the loaded random number value from this comparison value. The comparison value (lower limit value) is predetermined according to the probability of winning the internal lottery in the pachinko machine 1. Next, the main control CPU 72 determines whether the calculation result is 0 or a positive value, for example, from the value of the flag register. As a result, if the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (Yes),
Then, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S80.

Step S80: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a pre-determination process for fluctuation pattern information at the time of failure (a fluctuation pattern future determination means, a pre-reading process execution means).
U72 generates a fluctuation pattern future determination command (forecast information) for the fluctuation time at the time of failure. The generated fluctuation pattern future determination command reflects advance determination information on the fluctuation time (or fluctuation pattern number) when the "time shortening function" is activated.
For example, if the current state is the activation of the "time reduction function," the main control CPU 72 determines whether the variable time corresponds to the "miss reach variation (non-reduced variable time)" based on the loaded reach determination random number. As a result, if the variable time corresponds to the "miss reach variation (non-reduced variable time)," the main control CPU 72 determines whether the variable time corresponds to the "miss reach variation (non-reduced variable time)."
In the case of reach fluctuation, a corresponding fluctuation pattern destination determination command is generated.
The "reach group (reach type)" may also be determined from the reach mode random number, and a fluctuation pattern destination determination command may be generated based on the result. On the other hand, if the fluctuation time does not correspond to a "miss reach fluctuation (non-shortened fluctuation time)," the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to a "shortened fluctuation time during time reduction." Alternatively, if the current state is one in which the "time reduction function" is not activated (low probability state), the main control CPU 72 determines whether the fluctuation time corresponds to a "normal miss reach fluctuation" based on the loaded reach determination random number. As a result, if the fluctuation time corresponds to a "normal miss reach fluctuation," the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to a "normal miss reach fluctuation time." On the other hand, if the fluctuation time does not correspond to a "normal miss reach fluctuation," the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to a "normal miss reach fluctuation time." The generated fluctuation pattern destination determination command is set in the transmission buffer in the performance command output setting process (steps S39 and S49). In this processing, the main control CPU 72 may generate a fluctuation pattern destination determination command for the fluctuation pattern when a small hit occurs, similar to the processing when a miss occurs described above.

When the above procedure is executed, the main control CPU 72 executes the determination result management process in step S82, then ends the acquisition time effect determination process, and starts the first special symbol memory update process (FIG. 1
On the other hand, if the loaded random number is not outside the range of the winning value but is within the range in the judgment of the previous step S54 (step S5
4: No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S56.

Step S56: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the probability state expected flag based on the advance determination result is set. The probability state expected flag based on the advance determination result is set when there is a winning value among the jackpot determination random numbers stored up to now, even though fluctuations have not yet begun. Specifically, if there is a winning value among the jackpot determination random numbers stored up to now, and the jackpot pattern random number paired with it corresponds to a "probability variable pattern," the probability state expected flag is set to, for example, "A0H." This value represents a flag value for setting a high probability state as expected when making a pre-determination (foresight determination) of a jackpot determination random number obtained after this jackpot determination random number. On the other hand, if there is a winning value among the jackpot determination random numbers stored up to now, and the jackpot pattern random number paired with it corresponds to a "non-probability variable (normal) pattern," the probability state expected flag is set to, for example, "01
"H" is set. This value represents a flag value for setting a normal (low) probability state as a prediction when a pre-determination (foreseeing determination) of a jackpot determination random number obtained after this jackpot determination random number is made. If there is no winning value yet among the jackpot determination random numbers stored up to this point, the flag value is reset (00H). The value of the probability state prediction flag is stored, for example, in the flag area of RAM 76. Note that, although an example is given here in which a strict pre-determination of a win is made using the "probability state prediction flag," if a pre-determination of a win is made simply based on the current probability state, this step S56 and the subsequent steps S58, S60, S62, S76, etc. may be omitted.

If the probability state scheduled flag has not yet been set (step S
56: No), then step S66 is executed.

Step S66: In this case, the main control CPU 72 next sets the comparison value for low probability (normal) to A
The comparison value for low probability is also determined in advance according to the winning probability for the pachinko machine 1 at low probability.

Step S68: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the "current probability state flag."
This probability state flag indicates whether the current internal state is a high probability state (high probability state) or not, and is stored in the flag area of the RAM 76.
If the probability is high (during a special probability), the value "01H" is set as the status flag, and if the probability is low (during normal probability), the value of the status flag is reset ("00H").

Step S70: Then, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the currently loaded special pattern probability state flag does not represent a high probability (≠01H), and if the result is that it represents a high probability (No), it then executes step S64.

Step S64: The main control CPU 72 sets a high probability comparison value.
The comparison value for low probability set in the previous step S66 is rewritten. The comparison value for high probability is predetermined according to the winning probability in the high probability state in the pachinko machine 1.

In this way, if the probability state expected flag based on the previous determination result has not yet been set and the current internal state is a high probability, the comparison value is rewritten for a high probability state and the next step S72 is executed. On the other hand, if it is confirmed in the previous step S70 that the current probability state flag does not represent a high probability (Yes), the main control CPU 72 skips step S64 and executes the next step S72.

Step S72: The main control CPU 72 determines whether the random number loaded in the previous step S52 is outside the range of the winning value (lottery result determination means).
The main control CPU 7 subtracts the jackpot determination random number from the comparison value set for each state.
2 similarly determines whether the operation result is a negative value (<0) based on the value of the flag register,
As a result, if the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (Yes), the main control CPU 72
The main control CPU 72 executes a pre-determination process for the fluctuation pattern information when the winning combination is lost (step S80). On the other hand, if the loaded random number is not outside the winning combination range but is within the winning combination range (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S74.

Step S74: The main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot symbol type determination process. This process is for determining the type of jackpot (winning type) at that time based on the jackpot symbol random number paired with the jackpot determination random number. For example, when the main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot symbol random number for each symbol stored in the previous first special symbol memory update process (step S35 in FIG. 11) or second special symbol memory update process (step S45 in FIG. 12), step S54
Similarly, the main control CPU 72 executes a calculation using the comparison value, and determines from the result whether the jackpot type is a "non-variable symbol (normal symbol)" or a "variable symbol." The main control CPU 72 stores the determination result at this time as a special symbol destination determination value, and proceeds to the next step S76.

Step S76: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the probability state scheduled flag according to the result of the first determination. Specifically, if the special symbol first determination value stored in the previous step S74 indicates a "non-probability variable symbol", the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the probability state scheduled flag to "01H". On the other hand, if the special symbol first determination value indicates a "probability variable symbol", the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the probability state scheduled flag to "A0H". As a result, in the next and subsequent processing, step S5
At 6, it is determined that the flag is set.

Step S78: The main control CPU 72, as a lower byte of the special drawing destination determination performance command,
The special symbol determination value stored in the previous step S74 is set. For example, if the special symbol determination value corresponds to a "non-probability variable symbol", "01H" is set, and if it corresponds to a "probability variable symbol", "A0H" is set. In any case, by setting the data for the lower byte here, the standard lower byte data "00H" set in the previous step S50 is
will be rewritten.

Step S79: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a process for determining fluctuation pattern information in advance at the time of a jackpot. In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination command for the fluctuation time at the time of a jackpot. The fluctuation pattern destination command generated here reflects, for example, advance determination information regarding the reach fluctuation time (or fluctuation pattern number) at the time of a jackpot. In addition, the fluctuation pattern destination command generated here is set in the transmission buffer in the performance command output setting process (steps S39, S49).

The above is the procedure before the probability state scheduled flag is set based on the preliminary determination result (before the first internal win). In contrast, if the probability state scheduled flag is set via the previous step S76, the following procedure is executed. However, if a preliminary win determination is made based only on the current probability state, it is not necessary to execute the following steps S56, S58, S60, S62, and S76.

Step S56: When the main control CPU 72 confirms that a value has already been set in the probability state scheduled flag (Yes), it then executes step S58.

Step S58: The main control CPU 72 first sets the comparison value for low probability (normal) situations in register A.

Step S60: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the "probability state scheduled flag." The probability state scheduled flag is used to set the probability state in the subsequent future determinations based on the result of the previous future determination, and is stored in the flag area of the RAM 76. If the probability state based on the result of the previous future determination is scheduled to transition to a high probability (probable change), the value of the probability state scheduled flag is set to "A0H." Conversely, if the probability state based on the result of the previous future determination is scheduled to return to a low probability (normal), the value of the probability state scheduled flag is set to "01
"H" is set.

Step S62: Then, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the loaded probability state schedule flag does not represent a high probability schedule (≠ 01H), and if the result is that it represents a high probability schedule (No), it then executes step S64 and sets a comparison value for high probability.

In this way, if the probability state scheduled flag based on the previous determination result has already been set and its value is a value that is scheduled for a high probability, the comparison value is rewritten for a high probability, and the next step S72 and subsequent steps are executed. On the other hand, if it is confirmed in the previous step S62 that the probability state scheduled flag is not a flag that indicates a high probability schedule, but a normal (low) probability schedule (Yes), the main control CPU 72 skips step S64 and proceeds to the next step S
72 and onward. In this embodiment, a prior jackpot determination can be made taking into account subsequent changes in the internal state based on the prior determination result (normal probability state → high probability state, high probability state → normal probability state).

After completing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 returns to the first special symbol memory update process (FIG. 11) or the second special symbol memory update process (FIG. 12).

[Parallel fluctuation of the first special symbol and the second special symbol]
Next, the first special symbol game process and the second special symbol game process will be described in detail. In this embodiment, by separately executing internal lotteries for the first special symbol and the second special symbol, respectively, it is possible to display the first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 35 in a variable manner in parallel.
For this reason, in this embodiment, for each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the first special symbol game processing and the second special symbol game processing are separately performed under the control of the main control CPU 72 (1
The program is executed once per interrupt period.

[First special symbol game processing]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the first special symbol game processing.
The first special symbol game process first has a procedure (step S1000a) of checking whether the internal state flag is "big role start (big win game in progress)" or not.

Step S1000a: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the game status (internal status) corresponding to the second special symbol is "big role start (jackpot game in progress)." This check can be performed based on the progress of the processing performed so far for the second special symbol (the value of the second special symbol game management status). In this embodiment, this check is performed because if a jackpot game is in progress for the other second special symbol, the game for the first special symbol will not be allowed to proceed.

If the game is not currently in a jackpot, particularly with respect to the second special symbol (the second special symbol game management status is in a jackpot value) (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the processing of the next step S1000b.

The first special symbol game process also has a procedure (step S1000b) of checking whether the variable time measurement pause flag stored in the RAM 76 is ON and whether the game state is a small win. When the variable time measurement pause flag is ON, it means that the measurement of variable time is paused, and when the variable time measurement pause flag is OFF, it means that the measurement of variable time is not paused.

Step S1000b: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the variable time measurement pause flag stored in the RAM 76 is ON and whether the game status is a small win.
In this embodiment, this confirmation is performed because when a small win is being played for the other second special symbol and the first symbol is changing, the measurement of the change time of the first special symbol is temporarily stopped.

At this time, if the variable time measurement pause flag is not ON, or if the variable time measurement pause flag is ON but the game state is not a small win (No), the main control CPU
72 executes the processing from step S1000 onwards.
6000 is a program module that is the core of the first special symbol game processing.
Through the processing of these core steps S1000 to S6000, the main control CPU 72 can specifically control the progress of the game corresponding to the first special symbol.

On the other hand, if the variable time measurement pause flag is ON and a small win game is being played (
Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the processing of step S7000.

The core part of the first special symbol game processing includes a group of subroutines (program modules) of execution selection processing (step S1000), special symbol change pre-processing (step S2000), special symbol change processing (step S3000), special symbol stop display processing (step S4000), big win variable winning device management processing (step S5000), small win variable winning device management processing (step S6000). First, the basic flow of the core part of the first special symbol game processing will be explained along with each processing.

Step S1000b1: The main control CPU 72 executes a special game special symbol discrimination flag update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a process to determine which of the first special symbol and the second special symbol will be the target of processing. Here, the special game special symbol discrimination flag is a flag that specifies the target symbol, and is stored in the RAM 76. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes a process to set the value of the special game special symbol discrimination flag to a value corresponding to the first special symbol (for example, "0").

Step S1000: In the execution selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any of steps S2000 to S6000) from the "jump table." For example, the main control CPU 72 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the first special symbol game process as the return address in the stack pointer.

Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress status of the processes performed up to that point (first special symbol game management status). For example, if the first special symbol has not yet started to change (first special symbol game management status: 00H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol change pre-processing (step S2000) as the next jump destination. Also, if the special symbol change pre-processing has already been completed (first special symbol game management status: 01H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol change in progress process (step S3000) as the next jump destination. If the special symbol change in progress process has already been completed (first special symbol game management status: 02H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol stop display in progress process (step S4000) as the next jump destination.
In this embodiment, the address of the jump destination is specified in the "jump table" to select the process.
There are also known programming examples in which the CPU selects the next process to be executed by using a "process flag" or a "process selection flag." In such programming examples, the CPU calls each process, and at the first step of each process, it refers to the flag and performs a conditional branch (continue/stop).
However, the selection method of this embodiment eliminates the need for the main control CPU 72 to go to the trouble of calling each process one by one.

Step S2000: In the special symbol variation pre-processing, the main control CPU 72 prepares the conditions for starting the variation display of the first special symbol. Specifically, here, the jackpot determination (first
The main control CPU 72 determines the lottery execution means, lottery execution means) and variation pattern, and in the case of a jackpot, also determines the type of win. In addition, in conjunction with determining the type of win, the main control CPU 72 sets the number-cut counters for the "time-shortened state" and the "high probability state." The specific processing content will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S3000: In the special symbol variation process, the main control CPU 72 performs drive control of the first special symbol display device 34 while counting the variation timer.
An ON or OFF drive signal (1 byte data) is output to each segment and dot (numbers 0 to 7) of the ED. The pattern of the drive signal changes over time, thereby causing the first special symbol to change and be displayed.

This process also determines whether to activate the skip function. For example, if the first special symbol is in the process of changing to a jackpot and the second special symbol is not winning, the skip function is activated for the second special symbol. Activating this skip function forces the non-winning change of the second special symbol to end. The specific details of this process will be described later using a separate flowchart.

Step S4000: In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the drive of the first special symbol display device 34. Here, too, ON or OFF drive signals are output to each segment and dot of the 7-segment LED, but the pattern of the drive signals is constant, thereby causing the first special symbol to stop and display. The specific process will be described later using a separate flowchart.

Step S5000: The jackpot variable winning device management process is selected when the first special symbol is displayed as a jackpot in the previous special symbol display process. When the first special symbol is displayed as a jackpot, an opportunity arises to transition from the normal state to a jackpot game state (a special game state advantageous to the player). During a jackpot game involving the first special symbol, the jump destination is set to the jackpot variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the variable display of the first special symbol is not performed. In the jackpot variable winning device management process, the upper large winning port solenoid 89 is excited for a predetermined number of consecutive operations for a certain period of time (e.g., 29 seconds or until 10 wins are counted), causing the jackpot variable winning device 29 to open and close in a predetermined pattern (continuous operation of the special electric device). By concentrating game balls into the jackpot variable winning device 29 during this time,
The player is given an opportunity to win many prize balls at once (special game execution means).
In addition, this opening and closing operation of the variable winning device 29 for jackpots when a jackpot occurs is called a "round." For example, if the number of consecutive operations is seven in total, this is collectively called "seven rounds."

When the main control CPU 72 sets the large prize opening opening pattern (the number of rounds, the number of opening and closing operations per round, the opening time, etc.) in the variable prize winning device management process at the time of the jackpot, it increments the value of the round number counter by 1 each time it completes the opening and closing operation of the variable prize winning device 29 for one round.
The round number counter is incremented. The value of the round number counter is stored in a count area of the RAM 76, with an initial value of 0, for example. The main control CPU 72 also generates a round number command representing the value of the round number counter. The round number command is sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process. When the value of the round number counter reaches the set number of consecutive operations, the main control CPU 72 ends the jackpot game (big role) for the first special symbol for that round only.

Then, when the big win game ends, the main control CPU 72 sets the game status flag (probability flag,
The state (high probability state, time-saving state) after the end of the jackpot game is changed based on the time-saving flag. In the "high probability state," the probability fluctuation function is activated, and the probability of winning in the internal lottery is increased, for example, by about 10 times compared to normal. Also, in the "time-saving state," the fluctuation time-saving function is activated, and the activation lottery for the normal symbol becomes highly probable, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shortened, and the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 is extended, increasing the number of times it opens (so-called electric chute support is performed). Note that the "high probability state" and the "time-saving state" may be controlled to transition to only one of them, or to both.

In this embodiment, the "time shortening state" means a state in which the time required for the normal or special symbol to fluctuate is shortened by activating the fluctuating time shortening function, the probability of winning the normal symbol activation lottery becomes higher, and the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 is extended (opening extension function activated).

In addition, "non-time shortening state" means a state in which the variable time shortening function is not activated, so that the variable time of the normal or special pattern is not shortened, the probability of winning the activation lottery for the normal pattern is low, and the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 is not extended (opening extension function not activated).

Step S6000: The small win variable winning device management process is selected when the first or second special symbol is displayed as a small win in the previous special symbol display process. When the first or second special symbol is displayed as a small win, an opportunity occurs to transition from the normal state to the small win game state. During small win gameplay, the jump destination is set to the small win variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the special symbol is not displayed as a variable. During small win gameplay, the small win variable winning device 30 opens and closes a predetermined number of times for a predetermined opening time.

Step S7000: The process for temporarily suspending the fluctuation of the first special symbol is a process for maintaining the fluctuation of the first special symbol. The main control CPU 72 controls the operation of the first special symbol display device 34 when a small win is occurring for the second special symbol and the first special symbol is fluctuating. The first special symbol display device 34 is controlled by outputting an ON or OFF drive signal (1-byte data) to each segment and dot (numbers 0 to 7) of the 7-segment LED, thereby maintaining the first special symbol in an unsuspended state. If the measurement of the fluctuation time of the first special symbol is temporarily suspended, the measurement of the fluctuation time resumes after the small win ends. Even if the main control CPU 72 determines that a small win is occurring for the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 does not execute the process for temporarily suspending the fluctuation time measurement if the first special symbol is not fluctuating. The measurement of the fluctuation time may be forcibly terminated rather than paused.

[Second special symbol game processing]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the second special symbol game processing.
The second special symbol game process first has a procedure (step S1900a) of checking whether or not a jackpot is being achieved for the other first special symbol.

Step S1900a: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the game status corresponding to the first special symbol is "big win game in progress." This check can also be made based on the value of the first special symbol game management status as described above. Note that this determination does not include "small win game in progress."
It is also possible to add a determination as to whether or not

If the first special symbol is not currently in a jackpot game (the first special symbol game management status is in a jackpot game) (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the processing from step S1900a1 onwards. Steps S1900a1 to S6900 are each program modules that form the core of the second special symbol game processing. The main control CPU 72 can specifically control the progress of the game corresponding to the second special symbol through the processing of these core steps S1900a1 to S6900.

As explained in the first special symbol game processing, the core part of the second special symbol game processing also includes a special game special symbol discrimination flag update processing (step S1900a1), an execution selection processing (step S1900), a special symbol change pre-processing (step S2900), a special symbol change processing (step S3900), a special symbol stop display processing (step S4900),
The program includes a group of subroutines (program modules) for the variable winning device management process at the time of a big win (step S5900) and the variable winning device management process at the time of a small win (step S6900). Note that the description of the same content as the first special symbol game process will be omitted as appropriate.

Step S1900a1: The main control CPU 72 executes a special game special symbol discrimination flag update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a process to determine which of the first special symbol and the second special symbol will be the target of processing. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes a process to set the value of the special game special symbol discrimination flag to a value corresponding to the second special symbol (for example, "1").

Step S1900: In the execution selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any of steps S2900 to S6900) from the "jump table." For example, the main control CPU 72 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the second special symbol game process as the return address in the stack pointer.

Similarly, which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed up to that point (second special symbol game management status). For example, if the second special symbol has not yet started to change (second special symbol game management status: 00H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol change pre-processing (step S2900) as the next jump destination. Also, if the special symbol change pre-processing has already been completed (second special symbol game management status: 01H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol change in progress processing (step S3900) as the next jump destination. If the special symbol change in progress processing has been completed (second special symbol game management status: 02H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol stop display in progress processing (step S4900) as the next jump destination.

Step S2900: In the special symbol variation pre-processing in the second special symbol game processing, the main control CPU 72 performs work to prepare the conditions for starting the variable display of the second special symbol (second lottery execution means, lottery execution means).

Step S3900: Also, in the special pattern variation processing, the main control CPU 72 controls the driving of the second special pattern display device 35 while counting the variation timer.

Step S4900: In the special symbol stop display process in the second special symbol game process, the main control CPU 72 controls the drive of the second special symbol display device 35. Here, too, an ON or OFF drive signal is output to each segment and dot of the 7-segment LED, thereby causing the second special symbol to be stopped and displayed.

Step S5900: The variable winning device management process at the time of a big win is selected when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a big win in the previous special symbol stop display process. Here, too, the stop display mode of the second special symbol is determined in a mode according to the type of winning. In addition, the main control C
When the PU 72 sets the opening pattern of the big prize opening (the number of rounds, the number of opening and closing operations per round, the opening time, etc.) in the variable winning device management process at the time of the big prize, it increments the value of the round number counter by 1 each time it completes the opening and closing operation of the variable winning device 29 for one round. When the value of the round number counter reaches the set number of consecutive operations, the main control CPU
72 ends the jackpot game (big role) for the second special symbol for that round only.

Then, when the jackpot game for the second special symbol ends, the main control CPU 72 changes the state after the jackpot game ends based on the game state flags (probability change flag, time-saving flag).

Step S6900: The variable winning device management process at the time of small win is selected when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the mode of a small win in the previous special symbol stop display process (special game execution means). For example, when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the mode of a small win, an opportunity occurs to transition from the normal state up to that point to the small win game state. During the small win game, the jump destination is set to the variable winning device management process at the time of small win in the previous execution selection process (step S1000),
In a small win game, the variable winning device 30 for small win opens and closes a predetermined number of times for a predetermined opening time.

[Special pattern variation pre-processing]
16 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for special symbol variation pre-processing. The contents of the special symbol variation pre-processing described below can be common to the first special symbol game process (FIG. 14) and the second special symbol game process (FIG. 15). However, when the following procedure is applied to the first special symbol game process, the object of control is the first special symbol, and when applied to the second special symbol game process, the object of control is the second special symbol. Each procedure will be explained below.

Step S2090: First, the main control CPU 72 executes a process to check whether the variable time measurement pause flag stored in the RAM 76 is ON.

If it is determined that the variable time measurement paused flag is ON (Yes), the main control CPU
72 executes step S2092.

Step S2092: The main control CPU 72 executes a stop symbol readout process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 reads out the information on the stop symbols saved in the RAM 76. Then, based on the read-out information on the stop symbols, the main control CPU 72 sets the stop symbol number data when the first special symbol display device 34 loses. The main control CPU 72 also generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (when the winning combination is lost) to be sent to the performance control device 124. These commands are sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process.

Step S2094: The main control CPU 72 executes a remaining variable time readout process. In this process, the value of the variable timer (the value of the remaining variable time) saved in the RAM 76 is read out. The main control CPU 72 then sets the read variable timer value in the variable timer, and sets the value of the stop display time at the time of a miss in the stop symbol display timer.

Step S2096: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes the special pattern re-variation start process.
In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets a re-variation start flag for the special symbol in the flag area of the RAM 76. Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a re-variation start command to be sent to the performance control device 124. This re-variation start command is sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process.

Step S2098: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of turning OFF the variable time measurement paused flag stored in the RAM 76. This ends the situation in which the measurement of variable time is paused.
After completing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 executes the special symbol variation process (step S
3000 or step S3900) is set as the next jump destination, and the process returns to the special symbol game processing.

On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed in the previous step S2090 that the variable time measurement pause flag is ON (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2100.

Step S2100: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the number of activation memories of the special symbol to be controlled (the number of activation memories of the first special symbol or the number of activation memories of the second special symbol) remains (is greater than 0). This check can be performed by referring to the value of the activation memory number counter stored in the RAM 76. If the number of activation memories of the target symbol is 0 (No), the main control CPU
72 proceeds to step S2150.

Step S2150: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the other special symbol activation memory number is 0. That is, if the control target is the first special symbol, it checks whether the second special symbol activation memory number is 0, and if the control target is the second special symbol, it checks whether the first special symbol activation memory number is 0. This check can also be performed by referring to the value of the special symbol activation memory number counter. Then, if the other special symbol activation memory number is 0 (Yes),
), the main control CPU 72 executes the demo setting process in step S2500.

Step S2500: In this process, the main control CPU 72 checks whether any of the start winning slots has had a winning combination for a predetermined period of time, and if it determines that no winning combination has occurred for a predetermined period of time, generates a demo presentation command. The demo presentation command is output to the presentation control device 124 in the presentation control output process. After executing the demo setting process, the main control CPU 72 returns to the first special symbol game process (FIG. 14) or the second special symbol game process (FIG. 15). When returning, the main control CPU 72 returns to the end address of each special symbol game process (the same applies thereafter).

On the other hand, if the other special symbol activation memory number is not 0 (step S2150: No),
The main control CPU 72 returns to the first special symbol game process (FIG. 14) or the second special symbol game process (FIG. 15) without executing the demo setting process.

On the other hand, if the value of the special symbol activation memory number counter to be controlled is greater than 0 (step S2100: Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2160.

Step S2160: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the value (01H) is set in the big win flag or small win flag for the other special symbol. The big win flag or small win flag is a flag that is set when a big win or small win is achieved by internal lottery, and is reset when the big win game or small win game ends. Therefore, the check in this process is to check whether the result of the internal lottery for the other special symbol is a big win or small win. Note that if the variable display of the other special symbol is not being executed, the big win flag or small win flag is not set, so the check result is necessarily N.
In addition, here, the judgment content is "big hit or small hit", but "big hit"
It may be only a "small hit" or only a "small hit".

In this process, the value (01) of the big win flag or small win flag for the other special symbol is set.
If the value (H) is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S2202.
If the value is not set (01H), i.e., if the value is "00H" (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S2200.

Step S2200: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol memory area shift process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 reads out the lottery random numbers (jackpot determination random numbers, jackpot symbol random numbers) stored in the random number memory area of RAM 76, corresponding to the special symbol to be controlled. If random numbers are stored in two or more sections, the main control CPU 72 reads out and erases (consumes) the random numbers starting from the first section, and then shifts (shifts) the remaining random numbers one by one to the previous section. The read random numbers are stored, for example, in a separate temporary memory area. Each random number stored in the temporary memory area is used for the internal lottery in the next jackpot determination process. In addition, in this process, the main control CPU 72 subtracts one from the value of the activation memory number counter (the first special symbol or the second special symbol to be controlled) stored in RAM 76 and sets the resulting value as the "activation memory number at the start of fluctuation." As a result, in the above display output management process, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a or the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35
The display mode of the number of memories for the controlled item among a and a changes (decreases by 1). After completing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2300.

Step S2300: The main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot determination process (internal lottery).
In this process, the main control CPU 72 first sets a range of jackpot values and determines whether the read random number value (jackpot determination random number value) is included within this range. The range of jackpot values set at this time differs between the low probability state and the high probability state, and in the high probability state, the range of jackpot values is expanded to about 10 times that of the low probability state. Then, if the read random number value is included within the range of jackpot values, the main control CPU 72 sets the jackpot flag to "01H". By executing this process, when a lottery trigger occurs during play, the main control CPU 72 will enter a special symbol lottery (predetermined lottery) with a winning probability corresponding to the currently set value.
(lottery execution means).

Step S2302: The main control CPU 72 executes a small win determination process (internal lottery).
If the big win flag is not set, the main control CPU 72 then sets a range of small win values and determines whether the read random number value is included within this range (lottery execution means).
The "small hit" referred to here is something other than a non-win (miss), but is of a different nature to a "big hit." In other words, a "big hit" generates an opportunity (a turning point in the game) to transition to the above-mentioned "high probability state" or "time-shortened state," but a "small hit" does not generate such an opportunity. However, a "small hit" is positioned as something that satisfies the conditions for activating the variable winning device 30 for small hits, just like a "big hit." If the read random number value is within the range of the small hit value, the main control CPU 72 sets the small hit flag to "01H." Furthermore,
The probability of winning a small prize in the first special pattern lottery or the second special pattern lottery may be set to "approximately 1/1," and unless it corresponds to a big prize, it may be considered to be approximately a small prize; the probability of winning a small prize in the first special pattern lottery or the second special pattern lottery may be set to "approximately 1/2 to 1/4," and unless it corresponds to a big prize, it may be considered to be a small prize or a miss.

In this embodiment, the range of jackpot values and small jackpot values is pre-specified in the program as a winning range other than non-winning (means for specifying values other than non-winning), but it is also possible to write a jackpot determination table and a small jackpot determination table for each state into ROM 74 in advance, and read these out and compare them with the random number value to determine whether or not there is a jackpot.

Step S2202: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol memory area shift process. This process is the same as the previous step S2200, so a description thereof will be omitted. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S2404.

On the other hand, when the small hit determination process is completed (step S2302), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2400.

Step S2400: The main control CPU 72 sets the jackpot flag to the value (
If the value (01H) is not set in the jackpot flag (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S2402. If the value (01H) is set in the jackpot flag (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S2403.
Execute 410.

Step S2402: The main control CPU 72 sets the small hit flag to the value (
If the small hit flag is not set to a value (01H) (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S2404. The main control CPU 72 may determine whether a big hit (for example, 01H is set) or a small hit (for example, 0AH is set) based on the value of the common hit flag, without providing a big hit flag and a small hit flag separately.

Step S2404: The main control CPU 72 executes a process for determining a stop symbol when a loss occurs. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets stop symbol number data when a loss occurs by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. In addition, the main control CPU 72 sets a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (when a loss occurs) to be sent to the performance control device 124.
These commands are sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process.

In this embodiment, since 7-segment LEDs are used for the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35, for example, the display mode of the stop symbol when a loss occurs can always be set to only the lighting display of one segment (the central bar "-"), and the stop symbol number data can be fixed to one value (for example, 64H). In this case, the memory capacity used by the program can be reduced, the processing load on the main control CPU 72 can be reduced, and the processing speed can be improved. Note that instead of only the lighting display of one segment, the display mode of the stop symbol when a loss occurs can also be set to be distinguishable from a time-saving loss symbol or a simple loss symbol.

Step S2405: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a process for determining a fluctuation pattern when a win occurs. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines a fluctuation pattern number when a win occurs for the special symbol to be controlled (fluctuation pattern determination means). The fluctuation pattern number distinguishes the type (pattern) of the fluctuation display of the special symbol to be controlled, and corresponds to the fluctuation time required for the fluctuation display. The fluctuation patterns include various fluctuation patterns such as non-reach fluctuation, reach fluctuation, super reach fluctuation, etc. (similar to when a big win or a small win occurs).
Information about the variation pattern of the selected special symbol is sent to the performance control device as a variation pattern command.

Here, the variable time at the time of loss differs depending on whether the state is the "high probability state" or the "time shortened state" described above, so in this process, the main control CPU 72 loads the game state flag and checks whether the current state is the "high probability state" or the "time shortened state." For example, if it is the "time shortened state," the variable time at the time of loss is the shortened time (for example, 4 to 12
The time is set to approximately 1 second.

In addition, even if it is not in the "time shortening state", except for the case where a reach variation is performed, the variation time at the time of a miss is, for example, the "variable display start time operation memory number (0 to 3)" set in step S2200.
However, when a special variation pattern is selected, the variation time does not change depending on the number of memories. The time for the stopped display of the pattern when a loss occurs is constant (for example, about 0.5 seconds) regardless of the variation pattern. The main control CPU 72 sets the determined value of the variation time (when a loss occurs) in the variation timer, and also sets the value of the stopped display time when a loss occurs in the stopped pattern display timer.

In this embodiment, if the result of the internal lottery using the first special symbol is a non-winning result, the effect is controlled so that, for example, a "reach effect" is generated and the result is a loss, or a "reach effect" is not generated and the result is a loss. The "miss-time variation pattern selection table" pre-specifies variation patterns corresponding to multiple types of effects, for example, "non-reach effect" and "reach effect," and if the result is a non-winning result, one of these variation patterns is selected. Note that the reach effect includes various reach effects such as normal reach effect, long reach effect, super reach effect, story reach effect, etc.

[Example of a variation pattern selection table when the first special symbol is not selected]
Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of a variation pattern selection table (low probability non-time shortening state) when the first special pattern is missed, used in step S2405 of Figure 16.
This selection table is for when you lose in the low probability non-time shortened state in the first special symbol lottery (
This is a table used when the result is a non-winning result. In addition, this selection table has a structure in which the "comparison value" and "variation pattern number" are stored as a set of one byte each, starting from the first address. The "comparison value" can have, for example, eight gradationally different values, "1
"01", "201", "211", "221", "231", "241", "251",
"255 (FFH)" is set, and a "variation pattern number" of "1" to "8" is assigned to each "comparison value."

The variation pattern numbers "1" to "5" correspond to variation patterns in which no reach effect is performed and the result is a miss, and the variation pattern numbers "6" to "8" correspond to variation patterns in which the result is a miss after the reach effect. Note that the variation pattern selection table may have different table contents depending on the number of operation memories at the time of the start of the variation (the same applies below).

Here, the length of the set fluctuation time is significantly different between the non-reach fluctuation pattern and the reach fluctuation pattern. In other words, the "non-reach fluctuation pattern" is basically a short fluctuation time (
For example, it corresponds to approximately 3.0 seconds to 12.0 seconds depending on the number of working memories,
The "reach fluctuation pattern" corresponds to a fluctuation time that is more than twice as long (for example, about 30 to 150 seconds).

The variation pattern may be a variation pattern in which a pseudo-sequential preview effect is executed (the same applies to the variation pattern selection table below). The pseudo-sequential preview effect is an effect in which the effect pattern changes pseudo-once or multiple times during one variation of the special pattern.

Here, the pseudo 1 fluctuation (pseudo 1: first pseudo fluctuation) is a fluctuation in which the pseudo fluctuation of the performance pattern is executed once, and the pseudo 2 fluctuation (pseudo 2: second pseudo fluctuation) is,
The pseudo-variation of the performance pattern is executed twice. Also, the pseudo-3 variation (pseudo 3:3
A pseudo 4 variation (pseudo 4: fourth pseudo variation) is a variation in which a pseudo variation of the performance pattern is executed three times, and a pseudo 4 variation (pseudo 4: fourth pseudo variation) is a variation in which a pseudo variation of the performance pattern is executed four times.

Then, the main control CPU 72 compares the acquired fluctuation pattern determination random number value with the "comparison value" in the fluctuation pattern selection table in order, and if the random number value is equal to or less than the comparison value, selects the fluctuation pattern number corresponding to that comparison value (fluctuation pattern determination means). For example, if the fluctuation pattern determination random number value at that time is "190", the first comparison value "101" will be selected.
", the random number value exceeds the comparison value, so the main control CPU 72 sets the next comparison value "2
01" is compared with the random number value. In this case, the random number value is equal to or less than the comparison value, so the main control CPU 7
2 selects "2" as the corresponding variation pattern number.

Figure 18 is a diagram showing an example of a variation pattern selection table (low probability time shortening state/high probability time shortening state) used in step S2405 of Figure 16 when the first special pattern is missed.
This selection table is a table to be used when the first special symbol lottery is lost in the low probability time shortening state or the high probability time shortening state (when the first special symbol lottery is lost). Also, this selection table is, for example, a table to be used when the first special symbol lottery is lost in the low probability time shortening state or the high probability time shortening state (when the first special symbol lottery is lost).
The "variation pattern number" is stored as a set of one byte each. The "comparison value" can have eight different values, for example, "101", "201", "211", "2
The "comparison values" are "21", "231", "241", "251", and "255 (FFH)", and "variation pattern numbers" of "21" to "28" are assigned to each "comparison value".

The fluctuation pattern numbers "21" to "25" correspond to fluctuation patterns in which no reach effect is performed and the result is a miss, and the fluctuation pattern numbers "26" to "28" correspond to fluctuation patterns in which the result is a miss after the reach effect.

The main control CPU 72 sequentially compares the acquired fluctuation pattern determination random number value with the "comparison values" in the above fluctuation pattern selection table, and if the random number value is equal to or less than the comparison value, selects the fluctuation pattern number corresponding to that comparison value (fluctuation pattern determination means). For example, if the fluctuation pattern determination random number value at that time is "190," when compared with the first comparison value "101," the random number value exceeds the comparison value, so the main control CPU 72 compares the random number value with the next comparison value "201." In this case, because the random number value is equal to or less than the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 selects "22" as the corresponding fluctuation pattern number.

Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of a variation pattern selection table (high probability non-time shortening state) when the first special pattern is missed, used in step S2405 of Figure 16.
This selection table is a table used when the first special symbol is in a high probability non-time shortened state and misses (when it corresponds to a non-winning result) (variation pattern definition means). Also, this selection table has a structure in which, for example, "comparison value" and "variation pattern number" are stored in sets of one byte each in order from the first address. The "comparison value" can have, for example, eight gradually different values, "101", "201", "211", "221", "231", "241", "251", "261", "271", "281", "291", "301", "311", "321", "331", "341", "351", "361", "371", "381", "391", "401", "411", "421", "431", "441", "451", "461", "471", "481", "491", "501", "511", "521", "531", "541", "551", "561", "571", "581", "591", "621", "631", "641", "651", "761", "771", "881", "891", "981", "991", "991", "1001", "111", "121", "131", "141", "152", "161", "171", "181", "191", "201", "211", "221", "231", "241", "251", "391", "401", "511", "521", "531", "541", "551", "641", "771", "891", "991", "1001", "111
The "comparison values" are "41", "251", and "255 (FFH)", and "variation pattern numbers" of "41" to "48" are assigned to each "comparison value".

The variation pattern numbers "41" to "48" correspond to variation patterns in which no reach effect is performed and the result is a miss.

The main control CPU 72 sequentially compares the acquired fluctuation pattern determination random number value with the "comparison values" in the above fluctuation pattern selection table, and if the random number value is less than or equal to the comparison value, selects the fluctuation pattern number corresponding to that comparison value (fluctuation pattern determination means). For example, if the fluctuation pattern determination random number value at that time is "190," when compared with the first comparison value "101," the random number value exceeds the comparison value, so the main control CPU 72 compares the random number value with the next comparison value "201." In this case, because the random number value is less than or equal to the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 selects "42" as the corresponding fluctuation pattern number.

Figure 20 is a diagram showing a variation pattern selection table (low probability non-time shortening state, low probability time shortening state, high probability time shortening state) used in step S2405 of Figure 16 when the second special pattern is missed.
This selection table is a table to be used when the second special pattern lottery is unsuccessful in a low probability non-time shortening state, a low probability time shortening state, or a high probability time shortening state (variation pattern definition means).
In this table, all the variables have the same fluctuation pattern (the fluctuation time is a specified time (for example, several minutes to 10
The selection table is configured to select one predetermined fluctuation pattern (non-reach out fluctuation pattern 51) (fluctuation time setting means).
In addition, instead of using the same fluctuation pattern for all, the fluctuation pattern may be divided according to the type of miss.

Therefore, the main control CPU 72 selects "51" as the variation pattern number regardless of the value of the acquired variation pattern determination random number value.

Figure 21 is a variation pattern selection table (high probability non-time shortening state) used in step S2405 of Figure 16 when the second special pattern is missed.
This selection table is used when the second special symbol is a miss in a high probability non-time shortening state.
In this table, all the same fluctuation patterns (fluctuation time is, for example, about 0.5 to 10.0 seconds) are set, and this selection table is configured to select one predetermined fluctuation pattern (non-reach small hit fluctuation pattern 52).

Therefore, the main control CPU 72 selects "52" as the variation pattern number regardless of the value of the acquired variation pattern determination random number value.

[See Figure 16: Special symbol variation pre-processing]
The above steps S2404 and S2405 are control procedures when the jackpot determination result is a miss (non-win), but if the determination result is a jackpot (step S2400: Yes) or a minor jackpot (step S2402: Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the following procedure. First, the case of a jackpot will be explained.

Step S2410: The main control CPU 72 executes a process for determining a symbol to be stopped at a jackpot (winning type determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of winning symbol (the symbol number to be stopped at a jackpot) for each special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) based on the jackpot symbol random number. The relationship between the jackpot symbol random number value and the type of winning symbol is specified in advance in a special symbol determination data table (winning type determination means). Therefore, the main control CPU 72 can refer to the jackpot symbol selection table in the process for determining a symbol to be stopped at a jackpot and determine the type of winning symbol based on the jackpot symbol random number from the stored contents.

[Winning design when hitting the jackpot]
In this embodiment, four types of winning symbols are prepared as symbols that are selectively determined when a jackpot is won. The four types are "7-round normal symbol", "7-round probability variable symbol",
"2-round normal pattern" and "2-round special pattern".

In this embodiment, a jackpot in which the "7-round normal symbol" is selected may be referred to as a 7-round normal jackpot (sometimes abbreviated as a 7R normal jackpot or a 7R normal jackpot). Then, it is determined to be a jackpot in the jackpot determination process (internal lottery) of step S2300 of FIG. 16, and
When a "7-round normal pattern" is selected, it is sometimes referred to as winning a 7R normal jackpot or winning a 7R normal jackpot.

In addition, a jackpot in which the "7-round probability variable pattern" is selected may be referred to as a 7-round probability variable jackpot (sometimes abbreviated as a 7R probability variable jackpot or a 7R probability variable jackpot).
When a jackpot is determined to have occurred in the jackpot determination process (internal lottery) at 2300 and a "7-round probability variation pattern" is selected, this is sometimes referred to as winning a 7R probability variation jackpot or winning the 7R probability variation.

In addition, a jackpot in which a "2-round normal pattern" is selected is called a 2-round normal jackpot (
It may be abbreviated as 2R normal jackpot or 2R normal.) When a jackpot is determined to be a jackpot in the jackpot determination process (internal lottery) of step S2300 in FIG. 16 and a "2-round normal symbol" is selected, it may be called a 2R normal jackpot or a 2R normal jackpot. Also, a jackpot in which a "2-round probability variable symbol" is selected is called a 2-round probability variable jackpot (2R
(Sometimes abbreviated as "Kakken jackpot" or "2R Kakken").

In this embodiment, the selection ratio of the first special symbol and the second special symbol to be selected when a jackpot is won in the corresponding internal lottery is different.
72 distinguishes the winning symbol to be selected depending on whether the result of the current jackpot corresponds to the first special symbol or the second special symbol.

[First special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table]
Figure 22 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the first special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table used in step S2410 of Figure 16. When the result of the current jackpot corresponds to the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of winning symbol by referring to this first special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table.

In the table for selecting the stopping pattern when the first special pattern jackpot is hit, the left column shows the allocation values for each winning pattern, and each allocation value of "40" and "60" corresponds to a proportion when the denominator is 100.
In addition, the second column from the left shows the "7 round normal symbol" and "7 round probability symbol" corresponding to each distribution value. In other words, when a jackpot corresponding to the first special symbol is hit,
The probability that a "7-round normal symbol" will be selected is 40/100 (=40%), and the probability that a "7-round special symbol" will be selected is 60/100 (=60%). The magnitude of each distribution value corresponds to the selection ratio for each winning symbol using the jackpot symbol random number.

In any case, if the result of this jackpot corresponds to the first special symbol, the main control CPU 7
2 performs a selection lottery based on the jackpot symbol random number, and selectively determines the winning symbol at the selection ratio shown in the first special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table. Also, in the first special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table, as shown in the third column from the left, command data of, for example, 2 bytes is specified as the stop symbol command when a win occurs. The stop symbol command is written, for example, as a combination of MODE value and EVENT value, and the upper byte M
The ODE value "B1H" indicates that the current winning symbol was selected when the first special symbol was hit. The lower-order byte EVENT values "01H" to "02H" each indicate the type of winning symbol in the selection table. For example, if the current jackpot result corresponds to the first special symbol and a "7-round normal symbol" was selected as the winning symbol, the stop symbol command at the time of the win will be written as "B1H01H."

As described above, when the main control CPU 72 selects a winning symbol from the first special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table, it generates a stop symbol command at that time. The generated stop symbol command is sent to the effect control device 124, for example, in the effect control output process.
The main control CPU 72 determines the stop pattern number for the first special pattern at the time of a jackpot based on the selected winning pattern.

[Time-saving count]
The second column from the right of the first special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table shows the number of time reductions (number of time reductions) that will be granted after the jackpot game ends.
If the "7-round normal pattern" is selected, the number of time-saving times is set to 153.
If the "7-round probability variation pattern" is encountered, the number of time-saving times will be set to 100 (the number of time-saving times will not be set).

[Number of chances]
The right column of the first special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table shows the number of probability changes (probability change number, ST number) that will be given after the jackpot game ends. In this embodiment,
If the "7-round normal pattern" is matched, the number of chances is set to 0 (the number of chances is not set). On the other hand, if the "7-round chance pattern" is matched, the number of chances is set to 1000.
0 times is set.

[Second special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table]
Figure 23 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the second special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table used in step S2410 of Figure 16. When the result of the current jackpot corresponds to the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of winning symbol by referring to this second special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table.

In the table for selecting the stop symbol when the second special symbol jackpot occurs, the left column also shows the distribution value for each winning symbol, and each distribution value "20" and "80" corresponds to the ratio when the denominator is 100. Similarly, the second column from the left shows the "2-round normal symbol" and "2-round probability variable symbol" corresponding to the distribution value. In other words, when a jackpot corresponding to the second special symbol occurs, the probability that the "2-round normal symbol" will be selected is 20 out of 100 (= 20%).
The probability that the "2-round probability variation pattern" will be selected is 80 out of 100 (= 80%).

If the result of this jackpot corresponds to the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 performs a selection lottery based on the jackpot symbol random number, and selectively determines the winning symbol at the selection ratio shown in the second special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table. Similarly, the second special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table also specifies, for example, 2-byte command data as the stop symbol command when a win occurs, as shown in the third column from the left. Here too, the stop symbol command is written as a combination of the above-mentioned MODE value and EVENT value, and the upper byte of this is MOD
The E value "B2H" indicates that the winning symbol this time was selected when the second special symbol was hit. The lower-order byte EVENT values "01H" to "02H" each indicate the type of winning symbol corresponding to the selection table. For example, if the result of this jackpot corresponds to the second special symbol and a "2-round normal symbol" was selected as the winning symbol, the stop symbol command would be written as "B2H01H."

As described above, when the main control CPU 72 selects a winning symbol from the second special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table, it generates a stop symbol command at that time. The generated stop symbol command is sent to the effect control device 124, for example, in the effect control output process.
The main control CPU 72 determines the stop symbol number for the second special symbol at the time of a big win based on the selected winning symbol. The main control CPU 72 also generates a stop symbol command for a minor win in the same way as for a big win.

[Time-saving count]
The second column from the right of the second special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table shows the number of time reductions (number of time reductions) that will be granted after the jackpot game ends.
If the "2-round normal pattern" is selected, the number of time-saving times is set to 153.
If the "2-round probability variation pattern" is matched, the number of time-saving times will be set to 100 (the number of time-saving times will not be set).

[Number of chances]
The right column of the second special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table shows the number of probability changes (probability change number, ST number) that will be given after the jackpot game ends. In this embodiment,
If the "2-round normal pattern" is matched, the number of chances is set to 0 (the number of chances is not set). On the other hand, if the "2-round chance pattern" is matched, the number of chances is set to 1000.
0 times is set.

In this embodiment, in the time-shortened state, the game proceeds with the second special symbol. Also, in the second special symbol lottery, the probability of winning a small jackpot is approximately 1/1. Therefore, the number of fluctuations after a big jackpot game and the number of small jackpots correspond roughly one-to-one.

[See Figure 16: Special symbol variation pre-processing]
Step S2412: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a process for determining a fluctuation pattern at the time of a jackpot. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the fluctuation pattern determination random number shifted in the previous step S2200. In addition, the main control CPU 72 sets the determined value of the fluctuation time in the fluctuation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time in the stop symbol display timer. Generally, in the case of a jackpot reach fluctuation, a longer fluctuation time is determined than in the case of a miss.

In this embodiment, as a result of the internal lottery, 7 rounds of normal jackpot, 7 rounds of probability jackpot, 2
When a round normal jackpot or a two-round probability jackpot occurs, the game controls the jackpot by generating a "reach effect" in the performance. The "jackpot variation pattern selection table" specifies variation patterns corresponding to multiple types of "reach effects."
If a 7-round normal jackpot, a 7-round special jackpot, a 2-round normal jackpot, or a 2-round special jackpot occurs, one of the variation patterns will be selected.
In addition, when a win occurs while the fluctuation time shortening function is activated, a fluctuation pattern with a short fluctuation time (a fluctuation pattern that does not perform a reach effect) may be selected instead of a fluctuation pattern with a long fluctuation time.

[Example of a jackpot fluctuation pattern selection table]
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a variation pattern selection table (low probability non-time shortening state) used in step S2412 of FIG. 16 when the first special symbol hits.
This selection table is a table used when a win occurs in the low probability non-time shortened state in the first special symbol lottery (variation pattern definition means). Note that in this embodiment, no distinction is made between the variation patterns of a 7-round normal jackpot, a 7-round variable jackpot, a 2-round normal jackpot, and a 2-round variable jackpot, but a dedicated variation pattern selection table may be used for each jackpot (same below). Also, this selection table has a structure in which, for example, "comparison value" and "variation pattern number" are stored as a set of one byte each, in order from the first address. The "comparison value" can have, for example, eight gradually different values, "101", "201", "
"211", "221", "231", "241", "251", and "255 (FFH)" are provided, and "variation pattern numbers" of "61" to "6
8" is assigned.

The variation pattern numbers "61" to "68" all correspond to variation patterns in which a reach effect is performed and a win is achieved.

The main control CPU 72 sequentially compares the acquired fluctuation pattern determination random number value with the "comparison values" in the above fluctuation pattern selection table, and if the random number value is less than or equal to the comparison value, selects the fluctuation pattern number corresponding to that comparison value (fluctuation pattern determination means). For example, if the fluctuation pattern determination random number value at that time is "190," when compared with the first comparison value "101," the random number value exceeds the comparison value, so the main control CPU 72 compares the random number value with the next comparison value "201." In this case, because the random number value is less than or equal to the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 selects "62" as the corresponding fluctuation pattern number.

FIG. 25 is a variable pattern selection table (low probability non-time shortening state) at the time of the second special symbol jackpot used in step S2412 of FIG.
FIG.
This selection table is a table used when the second special symbol lottery is won in a low probability non-time shortened state (variation pattern definition means). Also, this selection table has a structure in which, for example, "comparison value" and "variation pattern number" are stored in sets of one byte each in order from the first address. The "comparison value" can have, for example, eight gradationally different values "10
1", "201", "211", "221", "231", "241", "251", "
255 (FFH)" is set, and a "variation pattern number" of "71" to "78" is assigned to each "comparison value."

The variation pattern numbers "71" to "78" all correspond to variation patterns in which a win occurs without a reach effect being performed.

The main control CPU 72 compares the acquired fluctuation pattern determination random number value with the "comparison values" in the above fluctuation pattern selection table in order, and if the random number value is less than or equal to the comparison value, selects the fluctuation pattern number corresponding to that comparison value (fluctuation pattern determination means). For example, if the fluctuation pattern determination random number value at that time is "190," when compared with the first comparison value "101," the random number value exceeds the comparison value, so the main control CPU 72 compares the random number value with the next comparison value "201." In this case, because the random number value is less than or equal to the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 selects "72" as the corresponding fluctuation pattern number.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of a variation pattern selection table (low probability time shortening state/high probability time shortening state) used in step S2412 of FIG. 16 when the first special symbol hits.
This selection table is a table used when the first special symbol lottery is won in a low probability time shortening state or a high probability time shortening state (variation pattern definition means). Also, this selection table has a structure in which, for example, "comparison value" and "variation pattern number" are stored in sets of one byte each in order from the first address. The "comparison value" can have, for example, eight gradually different values, "101", "201", "211", "221", "231", "24
The "comparison values" are "1", "251", and "255 (FFH)", and "variation pattern numbers" of "81" to "88" are assigned to each "comparison value".

The variation pattern numbers "81" to "88" all correspond to variation patterns in which a reach effect is performed and a win is achieved.

The main control CPU 72 compares the acquired fluctuation pattern determination random number value with the "comparison values" in the above fluctuation pattern selection table in order, and if the random number value is less than or equal to the comparison value, selects the fluctuation pattern number corresponding to that comparison value (fluctuation pattern determination means). For example, if the fluctuation pattern determination random number value at that time is "190," when compared with the first comparison value "101," the random number value exceeds the comparison value, so the main control CPU 72 compares the random number value with the next comparison value "201." In this case, because the random number value is less than or equal to the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 selects "82" as the corresponding fluctuation pattern number.

Figure 27 is a diagram showing an example of a variation pattern selection table (low probability time shortening state/high probability time shortening state) used in step S2412 of Figure 16 when a second special pattern jackpot occurs.
This selection table is used when the second special symbol lottery is won in a low probability time shortening state or a high probability time shortening state. In addition, this selection table has a structure in which the "comparison value" and "variation pattern number" are stored in sets of one byte each, starting from the first address. The "comparison value" can have, for example, eight gradationally different values, such as "101"
, "201", "211", "221", "231", "241", "251", "25
5 (FFH)" is provided, and for each "comparison value" there is a "fluctuation pattern number"
The numbers "91" to "98" are assigned to the digits.

The variation pattern numbers "91" to "98" all correspond to variation patterns in which a win occurs without a reach effect being performed.

The main control CPU 72 compares the acquired fluctuation pattern determination random number value with the "comparison values" in the fluctuation pattern selection table in order, and if the random number value is less than or equal to the comparison value, selects the fluctuation pattern number corresponding to that comparison value. For example, if the fluctuation pattern determination random number value at that time is "190," when compared with the first comparison value "101," the random number value exceeds the comparison value, so the main control CPU 72 compares the random number value with the next comparison value "201." In this case, because the random number value is less than or equal to the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 selects "92" as the corresponding fluctuation pattern number.

Figure 28 is a diagram showing an example of a variation pattern selection table (high probability non-time shortening state) when the first special pattern jackpot is achieved, used in step S2412 of Figure 16.
This selection table is a table to be used when the first special symbol lottery is won in a high probability non-time shortened state.
In this table, all the same fluctuation patterns (fluctuation time is, for example, approximately 0.5 to 10.0 seconds) are set, and this selection table is configured to select one predetermined fluctuation pattern (non-reach fluctuation pattern 101).

Therefore, the main control CPU 72 selects "101" as the variation pattern number regardless of the value of the acquired variation pattern determination random number value.

Figure 29 is a diagram showing an example of a variable pattern selection table (high probability non-time shortening state) when a second special pattern jackpot is achieved, used in step S2412 of Figure 16.
This selection table is a table used when the second special symbol lottery is won in a high probability non-time shortened state (variation pattern definition means).
In this table, all the same fluctuation patterns (fluctuation time is, for example, approximately 0.5 to 10.0 seconds) are set, and this selection table is configured to select one predetermined fluctuation pattern (non-reach fluctuation pattern 102).

Therefore, the main control CPU 72 selects "102" as the variation pattern number regardless of the value of the acquired variation pattern determination random number value.

[See Figure 16: Special symbol variation pre-processing]
Step S2414: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes other setting processes when a jackpot occurs.
In this process, if the type of winning symbol (the symbol number to be stopped at the time of the big win) determined in the previous step S2410 is a "7-round probability variable symbol" or a "2-round probability variable symbol", the main control CPU 7
2 sets the value (01H) to the probability variable flag as a game status flag stored in the flag area of RAM 76.

In addition, in this process, if the type of winning symbol (the symbol number that stops when a big win occurs) determined in the previous step S2410 is a "7-round normal symbol" or a "2-round probability variable symbol", the main control C
The PU 72 sets the value (01H) to the time-shortening flag as a game status flag stored in the flag area of the RAM 76 (time-shortening state transition means, variable time-shortening function activation means).

Furthermore, in the processing of step S2414, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop pattern (jackpot pattern) by the first special pattern display device 34 or the second special pattern display device 35 based on the stop pattern number at the time of the jackpot. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a lottery result command (at the time of the jackpot) along with the stop pattern command (at the time of the jackpot). These stop pattern command and lottery result command are also sent to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output processing.

Next, we will explain the processing when a small win occurs.
Step S2407: The main control CPU 72 executes a process for determining a symbol to be stopped at the time of a small win. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of winning symbol (
The winning symbol number at the time of a small win is determined. Similarly, the relationship between the random number value of the big win symbol and the type of winning symbol at the time of a small win is predefined in the special symbol selection table at the time of a small win. In this embodiment, the winning symbol at the time of a small win is determined using the big win symbol random number in order to reduce the load on the main control CPU 72, but a separate dedicated random number may also be used.

[Winning design for small wins]
In this embodiment, the winning pattern for a small win is only one type, the "single-open small win pattern," but other types such as a "two-open small win pattern" or a "three-open small win pattern" may also be prepared.

Step S2408: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a process for determining a fluctuation pattern at the time of a small win. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the fluctuation pattern determination random number shifted in the previous step S2200 (fluctuation pattern selection means). In addition, the main control CPU 72 sets the determined value of the fluctuation time in the fluctuation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time in the stop symbol display timer. In this embodiment, in the case of a small win, a reach fluctuation pattern can be selected, or a fluctuation pattern equivalent to that at the time of a normal loss fluctuation can be selected.

[Example of a variable pattern selection table when the first special symbol is hit]
Figure 30 is a diagram showing an example of a variable pattern selection table (low probability non-time shortening state) when the first special symbol is hit slightly, used in step S2408 of Figure 16.
This selection table is a table used when a small win occurs in the low probability non-time shortened state in the first special symbol lottery (variation pattern definition means). Also, this selection table has a structure in which, for example, "comparison value" and "variation pattern number" are stored in sets of one byte each in order from the top address. The "comparison value" can have, for example, eight stepwise different values "1
"01", "201", "211", "221", "231", "241", "251",
"255 (FFH)" is set, and "variation pattern numbers""211" to "218" are assigned to each "comparison value."

The fluctuation pattern numbers "211" to "215" correspond to fluctuation patterns in which a small win occurs without a reach effect, and the fluctuation pattern numbers "216" to "218" correspond to fluctuation patterns in which a small win occurs after a reach effect.

Then, the main control CPU 72 compares the acquired fluctuation pattern determination random number value with the "comparison value" in the fluctuation pattern selection table in order, and if the random number value is equal to or less than the comparison value, selects the fluctuation pattern number corresponding to that comparison value (fluctuation pattern determination means). For example, if the fluctuation pattern determination random number value at that time is "190", the first comparison value "101" will be selected.
", the random number value exceeds the comparison value, so the main control CPU 72 sets the next comparison value "2
01" is compared with the random number value. In this case, the random number value is equal to or less than the comparison value, so the main control CPU 7
2 selects "212" as the corresponding variation pattern number.

Figure 31 is a diagram showing an example of a variation pattern selection table (low probability time shortening state/high probability time shortening state) used in step S2408 of Figure 16 when the first special pattern is hit slightly.
This selection table is a table used when a small win occurs in the low probability time shortening state or the high probability time shortening state in the first special symbol lottery (variation pattern definition means). Also, this selection table has a structure in which, for example, "comparison value" and "variation pattern number" are stored in sets of one byte each in order from the first address. The "comparison value" can have, for example, eight gradually different values, "101", "201", "211", "221", "231", "2
The "comparison values" are "41", "251", and "255 (FFH)", and the "variation pattern numbers""221" to "228" are assigned to each "comparison value".

The fluctuation pattern numbers "221" to "225" correspond to fluctuation patterns in which a small win occurs without a reach effect, and the fluctuation pattern numbers "226" to "228" correspond to fluctuation patterns in which a small win occurs after a reach effect.

The main control CPU 72 sequentially compares the acquired fluctuation pattern determination random number value with the "comparison values" in the above fluctuation pattern selection table, and if the random number value is equal to or less than the comparison value, selects the fluctuation pattern number corresponding to that comparison value (fluctuation pattern determination means). For example, if the fluctuation pattern determination random number value at that time is "190," when compared with the first comparison value "101," the random number value exceeds the comparison value, so the main control CPU 72 compares the random number value with the next comparison value "201." In this case, because the random number value is equal to or less than the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 selects "222" as the corresponding fluctuation pattern number.

Figure 32 is a diagram showing an example of a variable pattern selection table (high probability non-time shortening state) when the first special symbol is hit slightly, used in step S2408 of Figure 16.
This selection table is a table used when a small win occurs in the high probability non-time shortening state in the first special symbol (variation pattern definition means). Also, this selection table has a structure in which, for example, "comparison value" and "variation pattern number" are stored in sets of one byte each in order from the top address. The "comparison value" can have, for example, eight gradationally different values "101
", "201", "211", "221", "231", "241", "251", "2
55 (FFH)" is set, and a "variation pattern number" of "241" to "248" is assigned to each "comparison value."

The variation pattern numbers "241" to "248" correspond to variation patterns in which no reach effect is performed and a small win occurs.

The main control CPU 72 sequentially compares the acquired fluctuation pattern determination random number value with the "comparison values" in the above fluctuation pattern selection table, and if the random number value is equal to or less than the comparison value, selects the fluctuation pattern number corresponding to that comparison value (fluctuation pattern determination means). For example, if the fluctuation pattern determination random number value at that time is "190," when compared with the first comparison value "101," the random number value exceeds the comparison value, so the main control CPU 72 compares the random number value with the next comparison value "201." In this case, because the random number value is equal to or less than the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 selects "242" as the corresponding fluctuation pattern number.

Figure 33 is a diagram showing the variable pattern selection table (low probability non-time shortening state, low probability time shortening state, high probability time shortening state) used in step S2408 of Figure 16 when the second special pattern is hit slightly.
This selection table is a table used when a small win occurs in the second special pattern lottery in a low probability non-time shortening state, a low probability time shortening state, or a high probability time shortening state (variation pattern definition means).
In this table, all the variables have the same fluctuation pattern (the fluctuation time is a specified time (for example, several minutes to 10
The selection table is configured to select one predetermined fluctuation pattern (non-reach small win fluctuation pattern 201) (fluctuation time setting means).

Therefore, the main control CPU 72 selects "201" as the variation pattern number regardless of the value of the acquired variation pattern determination random number value.

Figure 34 is a variable pattern selection table (high probability non-time shortening state) used in step S2408 of Figure 16 when the second special pattern is hit slightly.
This selection table is a table used when a small win occurs with the second special symbol in a high probability non-time shortening state (variation pattern definition means).
In this table, all the same fluctuation patterns (fluctuation time is, for example, about 0.5 to 10.0 seconds) are set, and this selection table is configured to select one predetermined fluctuation pattern (non-reach small hit fluctuation pattern 202).

Therefore, the main control CPU 72 selects "202" as the variation pattern number regardless of the value of the acquired variation pattern determination random number value.

[See Figure 16: Special symbol variation pre-processing]
Step S2409: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes other setting processing when a small hit occurs.
In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop pattern (small win pattern) by the first special pattern display device 34 or the second special pattern display device 35 based on the stop pattern number at the time of small win. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop pattern command and a lottery result command (at the time of small win) to be sent to the performance control device 124. These stop pattern command and lottery result command are also sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process.

Step S2415: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes the special symbol variation start process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 selects variation pattern data based on the variation pattern number (miss/win). At the same time, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol variation start flag in the flag area of the RAM 76. Then, the main control CPU 72 executes the special symbol variation start process.
4. This fluctuation start command is also transmitted to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process.

Step S2416: The main control CPU 72 executes the number cut counter value management process.
In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a process to update the value of the number-of-repeated counter. The details of this process will be described later. This process may also be executed during the process of displaying the special symbols.

After the above steps are completed, the main control CPU 72 executes the special symbol variation process (step S3000
Or step S3900) is set as the next jump destination, and the process returns to the special symbol game process.

[Fig. 14, Fig. 15: Special pattern change processing]
In the special pattern change process (step S3000 or step S3900), the main control CP
U72 loads the value of the variable timer set as described above from the register to the timer counter, and then decrements the value of the timer counter according to the passage of time (the number of counted clock pulses or the value of the interrupt counter). Then, while referring to the value of the timer counter, the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display of the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) that is the object of control until the value of the timer counter becomes 0. Then, when the value of the timer counter becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 starts the special symbol stop display process (step S4000 or step S49
00) to the next jump destination.

This process also determines whether to activate the skip function, and if it is determined in the previous big win or small win determination of the special symbol variation pre-processing that one special symbol is in the middle of a miss variation and the other special symbol corresponds to a big win or small win, the skip function is activated for one special symbol. The activation of this skip function forcibly ends the variation display of one special symbol.

[Fig. 14, Fig. 15: Processing during special symbol stop display]
In the special symbol stop display process (step S4000 or step S4900), the main control CPU 72 executes the stop symbol determination process (step S2092, step S2404,
The main control CPU 72 controls the stop display of the special symbol based on the stop symbol determined in steps S2407 and S2410. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command to be sent to the performance control device 124. The symbol stop command is sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process described above. When the stopped symbol is displayed for a predetermined time in the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 erases the symbol change flag.

Here, the above-mentioned big hit determination process (step S2300) and small hit determination process (step S
The execution conditions for 2302) will be briefly explained below.

[Internal lottery table]
FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a correspondence table for the internal lottery.
The corresponding special pattern in the internal lottery correspondence table is the internal lottery jackpot lottery (jackpot determination process)
When a small win lottery (small win determination process) is executed, it is determined whether or not to execute it based on the state of the other special pattern.

If the other special symbol is "in the jackpot fluctuation (in the fluctuation display when the jackpot flag is 01H)", the jackpot lottery and the small jackpot lottery will not be executed in the internal lottery for that special symbol. Therefore, the result of the internal lottery for that special symbol will be "miss".

Similarly, when the other special symbol is "in the small win fluctuation (in the fluctuation display when the small win flag is 01H)", the big win lottery and the small win lottery may not be executed in the internal lottery of the special symbol. In this case, the result of the internal lottery of the special symbol is,
In addition, when the "small win fluctuation (the fluctuation display when the small win flag is 01H)" is in progress, a method of executing a big win lottery and a small win lottery may be adopted.

On the other hand, if the other special symbol is "in a miss fluctuation (a fluctuation display when the big hit flag or small hit flag is 00H)", in the internal lottery for that special symbol, the big hit lottery is executed first, and if there is no big hit, the small hit lottery is executed. Therefore, the result of the internal lottery for that special symbol will be either a "big hit", a "small hit", or a "miss". Note that a miss fluctuation includes waiting for a fluctuation and a stop display.

In this way, when one special symbol is "in the middle of a big win fluctuation" (or "in the middle of a small win fluctuation"), the big win lottery or small win lottery will not be executed for the other special symbol, and as a result, the big win game or small win game will not be executed. In other words, when one special symbol is "in the middle of a big win fluctuation" (or "in the middle of a small win fluctuation"), the other special symbol will essentially be in a state where no lottery for a big win or small win will be executed.

[Number of cut-off counter value management process]
FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for managing the number of times counter value.
The explanation will be given following an example procedure.

Step S2420: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to load the number of times counter value. The "number of times counter value" is set in the probability change count area and time reduction count area of the RAM 76 in the "high probability state" and the "time reduction state", respectively. In this embodiment, when transitioning to the "high probability non-time reduction state", the number of times counter for the high probability state is set to a predetermined value (for example, 10,000 times), but the number of times counter for the time reduction state is not set. Also, when transitioning to the "low probability time reduction state", the number of times counter for the high probability state is not set, and the number of times counter for the time reduction state is set to a predetermined value (for example, 100 times). Furthermore, in the "high probability time reduction state",
When the transition is made to the high probability state, the counter for the number of times the game is played is set to a predetermined value (for example, 1000
0 times), and the number of times cut-off counter for the time shortening state is also set to a predetermined value (for example, 100
00 times).

Step S2422: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the loaded counter value is 0. At this time, if the counter value is already 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72
2 returns to the special symbol game process. On the other hand, if the number of times counter value is not 0 (No
), number of times counter value command (time reduction number of times designation command, special number of times designation command, ST
After generating the command (number of times specification command, etc.), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S2424.

Step S2424: The main control CPU 72 decrements (subtracts 1) the number of cut-off counter value.
Step S2426: Then, the main control CPU 72 determines whether the subtraction result is 0. If the subtraction result shows that the value of the cut-off counter is 0 (Yes), the main control CPU
On the other hand, if the value of the number-off counter is not 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol variation pre-processing (FIG. 16).

Step S2428: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to reset the flag when the number of times cut function is activated. In this embodiment, when the state is shifted to the "high probability non-time shortening state", the number of times cut counter for the high probability state is set to a predetermined value (for example, 10,000 times), so in this case, only the probability change flag is reset. Also, when the state is shifted to the "low probability time shortening state", the number of times cut counter for the time shortening state is set to a predetermined value (for example, 10
0 times), so in this case only the time-saving flag is reset. In addition, when transitioning to the "high probability time-saving state", the number-of-times-cut counter for the time-saving state is set to a predetermined value (for example, 10,000 times), and the number-of-times-cut counter for the high probability state is also set to a predetermined value (for example, 10,000 times), so in this case only the time-saving flag is reset.
Although these are the probability variation flag and time-saving flag, the probability of a situation occurring in which the special pattern changes 10,000 times without a winning result being obtained is extremely low.

After the above processing is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol variation pre-processing (FIG. 16). The number cut counter value management processing may be executed when variation is stopped.

[Special pattern memory area shift processing]
37 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the special symbol memory area shift process. The contents of the special symbol memory area shift process can be common to the processing of the first special symbol and the processing of the second special symbol. However, when the following procedure is applied to the first special symbol, the object of control is the first special symbol, and when applied to the second special symbol, the object of control is the second special symbol. Each procedure will be explained below.

Step S2210: First, the main control CPU 72 reads the RAM corresponding to the special symbol to be controlled.
Shift the random number storage area of 76. The specific contents of the process are as already described in the special symbol variation pre-processing.

Step S2212: The main control CPU 72 also subtracts (-1) from the value of the operation memory counter for the special symbol to be controlled. For example, if the special symbol to be controlled is the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 subtracts (-1) from the value of the operation memory counter corresponding to the first special symbol, and if the special symbol to be controlled is the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 subtracts (-1) from the value of the operation memory counter corresponding to the second special symbol.

Step S2214: Next, the main control CPU 72 calculates the value of the operation memory counter after the subtraction.
Set the "number of activation memories at the start of fluctuation" for the special pattern to be controlled.

Step S2216: The main control CPU 72 also sets an effect command for the reduction in the number of working memories for the special symbol being controlled. The effect command set here is also generated as a one-word command, but its structure is in contrast to the "effect command for increasing the number of working memories" described above. That is, the effect command for decreasing the number of working memories is obtained by adding a lower byte value (e.g., "00H" to "03H") representing the number of working memories after the reduction to the preceding value of the upper byte (e.g., "BBH") representing the command type, and further adding (logically adding) an additional value (e.g., "10H") representing the "reduction in the number of working memories due to consumption" to the lower byte value. Therefore, by logically adding the additional value "10H" to the lower byte, the second digit becomes "1," and this value represents the "result of a reduction in the number of working memories (change information)." That is, if the lower byte of the command is "13H," it means that the previous number of working memories is "4" (command notation is "14H").
This indicates that the number of active memories this time is "3" (command notation is "13H"). Similarly, if the lower byte is "12H" to "10H", this means that the number of active memories up to the previous time, "3" to "1" (command notation is "13H" to "11H"), has decreased by one, and the number of active memories this time is "2" to "0" (command notation is "12H" to "
10H"). The preceding value "BBH" above is a value indicating that the current effect command is an activation memory number command for the first special symbol. If the control target is the second special symbol, the preceding value will be a value (for example, "BCH") indicating that the current effect command is an activation memory number command for the second special symbol.

Step S2218: Then the main control CPU 72 executes the performance command output process.
This process is for transmitting a performance command to the performance control device 124 when the number of activation memories for the special symbols to be controlled, which were set in the previous step S2216, decreases (
storage number notification means).
After completing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol variation pre-processing (FIG. 16).

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the special symbol variation process. Each procedure will be explained below. The contents of the special symbol variation process described below can be common to the first special symbol game process (FIG. 14) and the second special symbol game process (FIG. 15). In other words, when the following procedure is applied to the first special symbol game process, the object of control is the first special symbol,
When applied to the second special symbol game processing, the object of control is the second special symbol.

Step S3100: The main control CPU 72 subtracts the value of the variable timer for the special pattern to be controlled (decrements the value corresponding to the interrupt period).

Step S3200: The main control CPU 72 then determines whether the static display time has ended based on the value of the variable timer that has been decremented this time. Specifically, if the value of the variable timer is not equal to or less than 0, the main control CPU 72 determines that the variable display time has not yet ended (No).
In this case, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game processing, and in the next interrupt cycle, jumps from the execution selection processing (step S1000 in FIG. 14 or step S1900 in FIG. 15) and repeatedly executes the special symbol variable display processing.

On the other hand, if the value of the variable timer is equal to or less than 0, the main control CPU 72 determines that the variable display time has ended (Yes). In this case, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S3300.

Step S3300: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the value (01H) is set in the jackpot flag for the special symbol to be controlled. If the value (01H) is set in the jackpot flag (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S3400. On the other hand, if the value (01H) is not set in the jackpot flag (No), the main control CPU
U72 then executes step S3600.

Step S3400: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the other special symbol is currently being displayed. This check is performed to check whether it is necessary to activate the skip function for the other special symbol (to forcibly terminate the other losing symbol's display) when the display of the target special symbol has ended in response to a jackpot win. If it is confirmed that the other special symbol is currently being displayed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 determines that it is necessary to activate the skip function for the other special symbol, and then executes step S3500.
On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the other special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner (No), the other special symbol is not being displayed in a variable manner, and there is no need to activate the skip function, so the main control CPU
72 then executes step S3600.

Step S3500: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to activate the skip function for the other special symbol. That is, the main control CPU 72 executes a process to terminate the variable display for the other special symbol. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the variable timer for the other special symbol to 0.

Step S3600: The main control CPU 72 executes the special symbol variation end process. In this process, as the variable display of the special symbol to be controlled ends, the value (01H) is set to the special symbol stop display flag in the flag area of the RAM 76. In addition, the main control CPU 7
2 sets the special symbol stop display process (step S4000 or step S4900) as the next jump destination. After the above procedure is completed, the process returns to the first special symbol game process (FIG. 14) or the second special symbol game process (FIG. 15).

Here, the probability of winning a big win and the probability of winning a small win in the gaming machine of this embodiment are set as follows.
For example, the probability of winning when the game state is normal (when the probability of winning the special symbol lottery is low) is set to about 1 in 319. Also, the probability of winning when the game state is advantageous (when the probability of winning the special symbol lottery is high) is set to about 1 in 100.
In addition, the probability of a small win is not subject to a lottery for the first special symbol, and is set to approximately 1/1 for the second special symbol.

[Skip function and variable time measurement pause function]
Below, we will explain in detail the skip function that forcibly stops the changing display midway on the first special pattern display device 34 or the second special pattern display device 35, and the function that temporarily stops the measurement of the changing time of the first special pattern display device 34.

Figure 39 is a timing chart showing the changes in the variable display of the first special pattern and the second special pattern.
Among these, (A) in FIG. 39 shows an example in which the skip function and variable time measurement pause function are not activated.
This is a timing chart showing the changes in each variable display when the skip function and the variable time measurement pause function do not operate, in the case where the first special symbol starts to display a variable corresponding to a miss while the second special symbol is displaying a variable corresponding to a jackpot.

Also, (B) in Figure 39 shows an "example of operation of the variable time measurement pause function," which is a timing chart showing the changes in each variable display when the variable time measurement pause function is activated in the case where the first special pattern starts to display a variable corresponding to a miss while the second special pattern is displaying a variable corresponding to a small hit.

Furthermore, (C) in Figure 39 shows an "example of skip function operation," which is a timing chart showing the changes in each variable display when the skip function is activated when the first special symbol starts to display a variable display corresponding to a jackpot during the variable display when the second special symbol is missing. The skip function and the variable time measurement pause function will be explained using these timing charts (A) to (C) as examples.

[Figure 39 (A): Example of non-operation of each function]
The state of each special symbol at time t0 indicates that the first special symbol is waiting to change, and the second special symbol is displaying a change in the event of a jackpot.

Then, at time t1, an internal lottery for the first special symbol is executed when a gaming ball enters the start winning slot corresponding to the first special symbol, and a variable display is started on the first special symbol display device 34 based on the result of the internal lottery. Here, since the second special symbol is being displayed as a variable display at the time of a jackpot, a jackpot lottery and a small jackpot lottery are not executed in the internal lottery for the first special symbol. Therefore, the result of the internal lottery corresponds to a miss. In the example shown, a miss (non-win) is selected as the result of the internal lottery for the first special symbol,
The variable time for the first special symbol is set between t1 and t2, and the variable display is set to end at time t2. Specifically, the time from time t1 to t2 is set in a variable timer for the first special symbol. The variable timer indicates the time during which the variable display can be executed, and the time during which the variable display is executed is subtracted from the variable timer, and the variable display ends when the variable timer reaches 0.

Next, at time t2, the variable timer for the first special symbol reaches 0, and the variable display for the first special symbol ends, and the first special symbol is displayed as a stop symbol in a manner corresponding to a miss. Note that, since the result of the internal lottery for the stopped and displayed first special symbol is a non-winning result,
In this case, the skip function does not operate for the second special symbol. Therefore, the variable display for the second special symbol continues. In other words, the variable timer for the second special symbol (at the time of the jackpot) is not replaced.

As described above, in this embodiment, even if a game ball enters the start winning slot for one special symbol while the other special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner at the time of a jackpot (or a minor jackpot), the jackpot lottery for the other special symbol is not executed. In other words, when one special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner at the time of a jackpot, the other special symbol will not be selected.

[Figure 39 (B): Example of variable time measurement pause function operation]
The state of each special symbol at time t0 indicates that the first special symbol is waiting to change, and the second special symbol is displaying a change when a small win occurs.

Then, at time t1, when a gaming ball enters the start winning slot corresponding to the first special symbol, an internal lottery for the first special symbol is executed, and based on the result of the internal lottery, a variable display is started on the first special symbol display device 34. Here, since the second special symbol is being displayed as a variable display for a small win, a big win lottery or a small win lottery is not executed in the internal lottery for the first special symbol. Therefore, the result of the internal lottery corresponds to a loss.
In the illustrated example, a losing result is selected as the result of the internal lottery for the first special symbol, the variable time for the first special symbol is set between t1 and t2, and the variable display is set to end at time t2. Specifically, the time from time t1 to t2 is set in the variable timer for the first special symbol. The variable timer represents the time during which the variable display can be executed,
The time during which the variable display is executed is subtracted from the variable timer, and the variable display ends when the variable timer reaches 0.

However, here, it is assumed that the fluctuation of the second special symbol at the time of a small win ends at time tx, which is a time between times t1 and t2. Then, a small win game related to the second special symbol is executed after time tx. Here, it is assumed that a small win game is executed from time tx to time t2. Then, the fluctuation time measurement pause function is activated, and measurement of the fluctuation time of the first special symbol is paused. Then, with the end of the small win game at time t2 as a trigger, measurement of the remaining fluctuation time is resumed.

As described above, in this embodiment, even if a game ball enters the start entry slot for one special symbol during the variable display of a small win for the other special symbol, the jackpot lottery and small win lottery among the internal lotteries for the other special symbol are not executed. When a small win game using one special symbol starts, the measurement of the variable time for the other special symbol is temporarily stopped, and then, after the small win game ends, the measurement of the variable time for the other special symbol is resumed. Note that a small win lottery or a jackpot lottery may be executed during the variable win game.

[Figure 39 (C): Example of skip function operation]
The state of each special symbol at time t0 indicates that the first special symbol is in a waiting state to change, and the second special symbol is in a state of displaying a change when a miss occurs.

Then, at time t1, an internal lottery for the first special symbol is executed when a gaming ball enters the start winning slot corresponding to the first special symbol, and based on the result of the internal lottery, a variable display is started on the first special symbol display device 34. Here, since the second special symbol is in the variable display state when it is a miss, a jackpot lottery is executed first in the internal lottery for the first special symbol, and if it does not result in a jackpot, a small jackpot lottery is executed. In other words, it indicates that the first special symbol is in a state where a jackpot lottery can be executed. Therefore, the result of the internal lottery will be a jackpot, a small jackpot, or a miss. Note that if a small jackpot is not selected in the first special symbol lottery, a jackpot or a miss will be selected. In the illustrated example, a jackpot is selected as the result of the internal lottery for the first special symbol, and the variable time for the first special symbol is t1
The time is set between t1 and t2, and the variable display is set to end at time t2. Specifically, the time from time t1 to t2 is set in the variable timer for the first special symbol. The variable timer indicates the time during which the variable display can be executed, and the time during which the variable display is executed is subtracted from the variable timer, and the variable display ends when the variable timer reaches 0.

Next, at time t2, the variable display for the first special symbol reaches 0, and the variable display for the first special symbol ends, and the first special symbol is displayed stationary in a manner corresponding to a jackpot. Since the result of the internal lottery for the displayed stationary first special symbol is a jackpot, and the variable display for the second special symbol is currently being executed, the skip function is activated. This skip function then terminates the variable display for the second special symbol when it loses or when it wins a minor win. Specifically, the variable timer for the second special symbol is replaced with 0. Therefore, the set variable time is skipped. Unlike the example of operation shown in FIG. 37 (B), the variable display for the skipped second special symbol when it loses is not executed again.

As described above, in this embodiment, if a gaming ball enters the start winning slot for one special symbol while the other special symbol is displaying a losing combination, a jackpot lottery or a small jackpot lottery is executed in the internal lottery for the other special symbol. In other words, when one special symbol is not displaying a losing combination or a small jackpot, a jackpot lottery or a small jackpot lottery is possible for the other special symbol. For example, if a gaming ball enters the start winning slot for the first special symbol while the second special symbol is displaying a losing combination or while the second special symbol is waiting to change, the jackpot lottery is executed first, followed by the small jackpot lottery, in the internal lottery for the first special symbol. Furthermore, if the variable display for one special symbol (second special symbol) at the time of a miss or small win is in progress and the variable display for the other special symbol (first special symbol) at the time of a big win is started and ends after the variable time has elapsed, the variable display for that special symbol (second special symbol) will be skipped, and the variable display can be forcibly ended.

[Special symbol stop display processing]
Next, Fig. 40 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the special symbol stop display processing (step S4000 in Fig. 14 or step S4900 in Fig. 15). Each procedure will be explained below. The contents of the special symbol stop display processing described below can also be common to the first special symbol game processing and the second special symbol game processing. That is, when the following procedure is applied to the first special symbol game processing, the control target is the first special symbol, and when applied to the second special symbol game processing, the control target is the second special symbol.

Step S4100: The main control CPU 72 subtracts (decrements by the interrupt period) the value of the stopped pattern display timer for the special pattern to be controlled.

Step S4200: Then, the main control CPU 72 determines whether the stopped display time has ended based on the value of the stopped symbol display timer that has been decremented this time. Specifically, if the value of the stopped symbol display timer is not equal to or less than 0, the main control CPU 72 determines that the stopped display time has not yet ended (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game processing, and in the next interrupt cycle, jumps from the execution selection processing (step S1000c in FIG. 14 or step S1900b in FIG. 15) and repeatedly executes the special symbol stopped display processing.

On the other hand, if the value of the stop symbol display timer is equal to or less than 0, the main control CPU 72 determines that the stop symbol display time has ended (Yes). In this case, the main control CPU 72 next performs step S4
Run 250.

Step S4250: The main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command and a stop display time end command. The symbol stop command and the stop display time end command are sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process described above. The main control CPU 72 also erases the symbol changing flag here. The "stop display time end command" is a command indicating that the stop display time of the special symbol has ended (passed).

Step S4300: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the jackpot flag (01H) is set. If the value of the jackpot flag (01H) is set (Yes),
), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S4350.

[When you win]
Step S4350: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination of the jump table for the special symbol to be controlled to "variable winning device management processing at the time of big win."
72 executes a process of deactivating various functions in this process. Specifically, the probability variation function is deactivated and the variation time shortening function is deactivated. As a result, before the special game (big role) starts, the game is shifted to a low probability non-time shortening state.

Step S4400: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets the internal status flag for control to "
In addition, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the continuous operation count status according to the type of jackpot symbol. For example, if the type of jackpot symbol is "7
If the type of jackpot symbol is a "2-round normal symbol" or a "2-round probability variable symbol", a value representing "2 rounds" is set in the continuous operation count status. Furthermore, if the type of jackpot symbol is a "2-round normal symbol" or a "2-round probability variable symbol", a value representing "2 rounds" is set in the continuous operation count status. Furthermore, the main control CPU 72 generates a status command representing a jackpot for the special symbol to be controlled. The status command representing a jackpot is sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process described above.

Step S4500: Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a continuous operation number command. The continuous operation number command is generated based on the previous process of determining the symbols to be stopped at the time of a jackpot (step S24 in FIG. 16).
The continuous activation count command can be generated based on the type of jackpot symbol (stop symbol number) determined in step 10). For example, if the type of jackpot symbol is a "7-round normal symbol" or a "7-round variable probability symbol," the continuous activation count command is generated as a value representing "7 rounds." Also, if the type of jackpot symbol is a "2-round normal symbol" or a "2-round variable probability symbol," the continuous activation count command is generated as a value representing "2 rounds." The generated continuous activation count command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process described above. After completing the above steps at the time of a jackpot, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process.

[If not selected]
On the other hand, if the winner is not selected, the following procedure is executed.

Step S4600: The main control CPU 72 determines whether the value of the jackpot flag (01H) is set in step S4300. That is, if the main control CPU 72 determines that the value of the jackpot flag (01H) is not set in step S4300 (No), it next executes step S4600.

If the value of the small hit flag (01H) is not set and it is simply a miss (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S4602.

Step S4602: The main control CPU 72 sets the address of the special symbol variation pre-processing as the jump destination address of the jump table. Then, the control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game processing (FIG. 14 or FIG. 15).

Then, after completing the processing of step S4612, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game processing (FIG. 14 or FIG. 15).

Step S4603: When the main control CPU 72 confirms that the value of the small win flag (01H) is set (step S4600: Yes), the main control CPU 72 checks whether the other special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner. This confirmation process is executed to check whether it is necessary to activate the variable time measurement pause function for the other special symbol when the variable display of the target special symbol at the time of a small win ends.

Then, when it is confirmed that the other special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner (Yes), it is necessary to activate the variable time measurement pause function for the other special symbol, and the main control CPU
72 then executes steps S4604a and S4604b. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the other special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner (No), the other special symbol is not being displayed in a variable manner, and the main control CPU
72 then executes step S4605.

Step S4604a: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to activate a function to temporarily suspend the measurement of the fluctuation time for the other special symbol, that is, a process to save the fluctuation information of the other special symbol. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes a process to temporarily suspend the measurement of the fluctuation time for the first special symbol, by saving the current value of the fluctuation timer (the value of the remaining fluctuation time) and the information of the stopped symbol in R.
The process of saving to AM76 is executed.

Step S4604b: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of turning ON the variable time measurement pause flag stored in the RAM 76. This results in a situation in which measurement of variable time is paused.

Step S4605: The main control CPU 72 sets the address of the variable winning device management process when a small win occurs as the jump destination address of the jump table.

Step S4606: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets "small win start (small win game in progress)" as an internal state flag for the special symbol to be controlled. Also, the main control CPU 72 generates a state command indicating that a small win game is in progress for the special symbol to be controlled. The state command indicating that a small win game is in progress is output by the effect control device 1 in the above-mentioned effect control output process.
It will be sent to 24.

[Display output management process]
FIG. 41 shows the display output management process (step S2 in FIG. 10) executed in the interrupt management process.
12 is a flowchart showing an example of the configuration of the display output management process. The display output management process includes subroutines for a special symbol display setting process (step S1200), a normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), a status display setting process (step S1220), an operation memory display setting process (step S1230), and a continuous operation count display setting process (step S1240).

Of these, the special symbol display setting process (step S1200), the normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), and the operation memory display setting process (step S1230) are performed by the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, and the normal symbol display device 36, as already described.
3. A process of generating and outputting drive signals to be applied to each LED of the normal symbol activation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol activation memory lamp 34a, and the second special symbol activation memory lamp 35a.

Status display setting process (step S1220) and continuous operation count display setting process (step S
1240) is a process for generating and outputting a drive signal to be applied to each LED of the game status display device 38. First, in the status display setting process, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting of the probability variation status display lamp 38d and the time-saving status display lamp 38e according to the value of the probability variation flag or the time-saving flag. For example, if the value (01H) is set in the probability variation flag when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting of the probability variation status display lamp 38d.
The main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the time-shortening status indicator lamp 38e. The probability variation status indicator lamp 38d remains lit until a jackpot game involving a special symbol is started, or until the probability variation function is turned off after the special symbol variation display has been performed a specified number of times, and then it is switched off (turned off). On the other hand, if the value (01H) is set in the time-shortening flag, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the time-shortening status indicator lamp 38e, regardless of whether the power is on or not. Furthermore, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting of the launch position designation lamp 38f according to the special game management status. In this case, the main control CPU 7
The main control CPU 72 determines the launch direction of the game ball based on the game progress (values of the special game management status, etc., and internal state) (launch direction determination means). For example, when the game state is a left-hand game state (low-probability non-time-shortening state), the main control CPU 72 determines that the game ball should be launched into the first game area (left-hand game area). On the other hand, when the game state is a right-hand game state (low-probability time-shortening state, high-probability time-shortening state, high-probability non-time-shortening state, jackpot game state, or small jackpot game state), the main control CPU 72 determines that the game ball should be launched into the second game area (right-hand game area). If the main control CPU 72 determines that the game state is a right-hand game state, it outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the launch position designation lamp 38f. During this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a process to generate a launch position designation command. The launch position designation command includes information for identifying whether the gaming state is a left-hand gaming state or a right-hand gaming state. The generated launch position designation command is transmitted to the performance control device.

In addition, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting of the jackpot type display lamps 38a, 38b in the continuous operation count display setting process. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to either of the jackpot type display lamps 38a, 38b based on the value of the continuous operation count status. At this time, the target to output the lighting signal is either of the display lamps 38a, 38b corresponding to the jackpot pattern specified by the value of the continuous operation count status. For example, if the value of the continuous operation count status specifies "2 rounds", the main control CPU
The PU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38b that indicates "2 rounds (2R)." If the value of the continuous operation count status indicates "7 rounds," the main control CP
U72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38a representing "7th round (7R)".

[Variable winning device management process at the time of big win]
Next, details of the variable winning device management process at the time of a jackpot will be explained. FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing an example of the configuration of the variable winning device management process at the time of a jackpot. The variable winning device management process at the time of a jackpot includes a game process selection process at the time of a jackpot (step S5100), a large winning hole opening pattern setting process at the time of a jackpot (step S5200), a large winning hole opening/closing operation process at the time of a jackpot (step S5
The configuration includes a group of subroutines for processing the closing of the big prize entry port when a big win occurs (step S5400), and processing the end of the big win when a big win occurs (step S5500).

Step S5100: In the jackpot game process selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the next process to be executed (one of steps S5200 to S5500). That is, the main control CPU 72 selects the program address of the next process to be executed from the jump table as the jump destination address, and also sets the end of the jackpot variable winning device management process as the return address in the stack pointer. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes that have been performed so far. For example, if the operation (opening and closing operation) of the jackpot variable winning device 29 has not yet begun, the main control CPU 72 selects the jackpot large winning opening pattern setting process (step S5200) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the process for setting the large prize opening pattern at the time of a jackpot has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the process for opening and closing the large prize opening at the time of a jackpot (step S5300) as the next jump destination, and if the process for opening and closing the large prize opening at the time of a jackpot has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the process for closing the large prize opening at the time of a jackpot (step S5400) as the next jump destination. Also, if the process for opening and closing the large prize opening at the time of a jackpot and the process for closing the large prize opening at the time of a jackpot are repeatedly executed for the set number of consecutive operations (number of rounds), the main control CPU 72 selects the process for ending at the time of a jackpot (step S5500) as the next jump destination. Each process will be explained in more detail below.

When a jackpot game is in progress, the main control CPU 72 can send a jackpot game in progress command to the presentation control device 124, indicating that a jackpot game is in progress.

[Big win opening pattern setting process]
43 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for setting the large prize opening pattern when a jackpot occurs. This process is for setting conditions such as the number of times the jackpot variable prize opening device 29 is opened and closed when a jackpot occurs, and the duration of each opening. Each procedure will be explained below.

Step S5204: The main control CPU 72 executes a process for selecting an opening pattern by symbol.
In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the opening pattern of the big prize opening (the number of times of opening per round and the time of each opening), the interval time between rounds, and the number of times of opening per round, depending on the winning symbol that applies this time.
Select the number of counts (maximum number of wins) during the round.

Step S5206: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of rounds to be executed in the current jackpot game based on the winning symbol selected in the previous jackpot stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 16). Specifically, if the major classification of "7-round normal symbol" or "7-round variable probability symbol" is selected as the winning symbol, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of rounds to be executed to 7. Also, if the winning symbol is selected as a "2-round normal symbol" or "2-round variable probability symbol," the main control CPU 72 sets the number of rounds to be executed to 2. The number of rounds to be executed set here is stored in, for example, a buffer area of the RAM 76 as a corresponding value in the program ("6" for 7, "1" for 2).

Step S5208: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets the jackpot opening timer based on the jackpot opening pattern operation pattern set in the previous step S5204. The timer value set here becomes the opening time of the jackpot variable winning device 29. If the jackpot opening timer value is set to a time of about 20.0 to 29.0 seconds, the opening time is 1
The time is long enough to easily cause a ball to enter the big prize hole during the opening of a round (for example, the time it takes for 10 or more game balls to be shot by the shot control board set 174, preferably 6 seconds or more).
If the value of the opening timer at the time of the big win is set to 0.1 seconds, the opening time is a short time (
For example, it is a time shorter than one second, preferably a time shorter than the interval between launches of game balls by the launch control board set 174).

Step S5210: The main control CPU 72 then sets an interval timer for a jackpot based on the special prize opening pattern set in the previous step S5204. The timer value set here becomes the waiting time between rounds during a jackpot.

Step S5212: After completing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the large prize opening opening/closing operation processing at the time of a jackpot, and returns to the variable prize winning device management processing at the time of a jackpot (Figure 47).

[Big prize opening/closing process at the time of big win]
44 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing the opening and closing operation of the big win opening when a big win occurs. This processing is for controlling the opening and closing operation of the big win variable winning device 29 when a big win occurs.
The following explains the steps.

Step S5301: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the special prize opening interval timer is counting down. Specifically, by checking whether the special prize opening interval timer set in the following step S5314 is already running, it is possible to check whether the special prize opening interval timer is counting down.

As a result, if it is confirmed that the big prize opening interval timer is counting down (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5314. On the other hand, if it is not confirmed that the big prize opening interval timer is counting down (No), the main control CPU
72 executes step S5302.

Step S5302: The main control CPU 72 opens the upper large winning opening 29b. Specifically, based on the operation pattern of the variable winning device during the jackpot, it outputs a drive signal to be applied to the upper large winning opening solenoid 89. This activates the variable winning device 29 for the jackpot, and the state changes from closed to open.

Step S5303: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an opening timer countdown process. In this process, the opening timer set in the process for setting the large prize opening pattern at the time of the jackpot (step S5208 in FIG. 48) is counted down.

Step S5306: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the special prize opening time has ended. Specifically, it checks whether the value of the opening timer after the countdown process is 0 or less. If the value of the opening timer is not 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72
Next, step S5308 is executed.

Step S5308: The main control CPU 72 executes a winning ball count process. In this process, the number of game balls that have entered the jackpot variable winning device 29 (the open upper large winning slot 29b) during the opening time is counted. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 increments the count value based on the winning detection signal input from the count switch 84a during the opening time.

Step S5310: Next, the main control CPU 72 counts the current number of counts until it reaches a predetermined number (10).
It is checked whether the count is less than the predetermined number. As described above, this predetermined number defines the upper limit of the number of winning balls (upper limit of the number of prize balls) allowed per opening (one round during a jackpot). If the count has not yet reached the predetermined number (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the jackpot variable winning device management process (FIG. 40). Then, when the jackpot variable winning device management process is next executed, the jump destination is currently set to the jackpot large winning opening opening/closing operation process, so the main control CPU 72 repeatedly executes the above steps S5301 to S5310.

When it is determined in step S5306 above that the time for opening the large prize slot has ended (Yes), or when it is confirmed in step S5310 that the count number has reached a predetermined number (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5312.

Step S5312: The main control CPU 72 closes the upper large winning opening 29b. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 stops the output of the drive signal applied to the upper large winning opening solenoid 89.
The variable winning device 29 for big wins shifts from an open state to a closed state.

Step S5314: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an interval timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a countdown of the jackpot interval timer set in the jackpot large prize opening pattern setting process (step S5210 in FIG. 48) described above. Note that the jackpot interval timer is set to a value based on the waiting time between rounds during a jackpot.

Step S5315: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the special prize opening interval time has ended. Specifically, it checks whether the value of the special prize opening interval timer after the countdown process is 0 or less, and if the value of the special prize opening interval timer is still not 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the end address of the special prize opening device management process at the time of a jackpot (FIG. 40). Then, when the special prize opening opening/closing operation process at the time of a jackpot is executed on the next call, it jumps from the first step S5301 and directly executes step S5314. On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the value of the special prize opening interval timer after the countdown process is 0 or less (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5318.

Step S5318: The main control CPU 72 increments the value of the opening count counter. The opening count counter value is stored in the count area of the RAM 76, for example, with an initial value of 0.

Step S5320: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the opening count counter after incrementing has reached the number of times set in the current round. Here, the reason for determining the "number of times set in the current round" is to accommodate an opening pattern in which, for example, "the jackpot variable winning device 29 is opened multiple times in one round during a jackpot." For example, if such an opening pattern is adopted in the sixth round, the "number of times set in the current round" is set to once for each of the first to fifth rounds. Therefore, since the counter value reaches the set number of times with one opening/closing operation in the first to fifth rounds (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next proceeds to step S5322.
We will proceed to the next step.

On the other hand, if the sixth round employs a pattern in which multiple opening and closing operations are repeated within one round, the counter value will not have reached the set number of times at the end of the first opening (No). In this case, when the main control CPU 72 returns to the jackpot variable prize-winning device management process, the jump destination is currently set to the jackpot prize opening and closing operation process, so the above steps S5301 to S5320 are repeatedly executed. As a result, the opening count counter is incremented in step S5318, and when the counter value reaches the set number of times (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5322.

Step S5322: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the jackpot time large prize opening closing process and returns to the jackpot time variable prize winning device management process (FIG. 47). Then, when the jackpot time variable prize winning device management process is executed next, the main control CPU 72 next executes the jackpot time large prize opening closing process.

[Big prize entry hole closing process at the time of big win]
45 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for closing the large prize winning hole when a jackpot is hit. This large prize winning hole closing process is for continuing or terminating the operation of the variable prize winning device 29 for a jackpot. The procedure will be explained below.

Step S5402: The main control CPU 72 increments the round number counter. As a result, for example, when the first round ends and the second round begins, the value of the round number counter is "1."

Step S5404: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the round number counter after incrementing has reached the set number of rounds to be executed.
72 refers to the value (1 to 15) of the round number counter after increment, and if the value is less than the set number of execution rounds (1 to 15 after subtracting 1) (No), then step S54
Execute 05.

Step S5405: The main control CPU 72 generates a round number command from the current value of the round number counter. This command is transmitted to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process, as described above. The performance control device 124 can confirm the current number of rounds based on the received round number command.

Step S5406: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big prize opening/closing operation processing when a big win occurs.

Step S5408: Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball number counter,
When a jackpot is hit, the process returns to the variable winning device management process (Figure 40).

When the main control CPU 72 next executes the jackpot variable prize winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 executes the next jump destination, the jackpot large prize winning port opening/closing operation process, in the jackpot game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 40). After executing the jackpot large prize winning port opening/closing operation process, the main control CPU 72 executes the jackpot large prize winning port closing process again, and repeatedly executes the above steps S5402 to S5408. As a result, the opening and closing operation of the jackpot variable prize winning device 29 is continuously executed until the actual number of rounds reaches the set number of execution rounds (2 or 7).

If the actual number of rounds reaches the set number of rounds to be executed (step S5404: Yes),
s), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5410.

Step S5410, Step S5412: In this case, the main control CPU 72 resets the round number counter (=0) and sets the next jump destination to the end processing at the time of a jackpot.

Step S5408: Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball number counter,
When the jackpot is hit, the process returns to the variable winning device management process (FIG. 40).
When 2 executes the variable winning device management process at the time of the big win, the end process at the time of the big win is selected.

[Ending process at jackpot]
46 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the termination process at the time of a jackpot. This termination process at the time of a jackpot is for preparing the conditions for terminating the operation of the jackpot variable winning device 29 at the time of a jackpot. The following explains the procedure example.

Step S5501: The main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot end time timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets an initial value for the jackpot end time timer, and then counts down the timer as time passes (each time this module is called).

Step S5502: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the jackpot end time has elapsed. Specifically, if the value of the jackpot end time timer has not yet reached 0, the main control CPU 72 determines that the jackpot end time has not elapsed (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 ends this module and returns to the jackpot variable winning device management process (FIG. 47).

After this, as time passes, when the value of the jackpot end time timer becomes 0, the main control CPU
72 determines that the end time for the big win has elapsed (Yes), and executes step S5503 and subsequent steps.

Step S5503, Step S5504: The main control CPU 72 resets the jackpot flag (00H). This ends the jackpot game state in the control processing of the main control CPU 72. The main control CPU 72 also erases "jackpot" from the internal state flag and declares the end of the jackpot as an internal state in the control processing. The main control CPU 72 also resets the value of the continuous operation count status.

Step S5506: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the value (01H) is set in the probability variable flag. This flag is set in the jackpot and other setting process (step S2414 in FIG. 16) during the special symbol variation pre-processing.

Step S5508: If a value is set in the probability variable flag (Step S5506:
If the answer is "Yes", the main control CPU 72 sets the number of chances (for example, 10,000). The set value of the chance number is stored in the chance counter area of the RAM 76, for example, and becomes the above-mentioned number-cut counter value. The chance number set here determines the variation of the special symbol (internal lottery) in subsequent games.
This is the upper limit number of times that the high probability state is performed. In this embodiment, since there is no substantial upper limit set for the high probability state, the probability that the number of times of the probability change will be reduced to 0 is low. If the value of the probability change flag is not set (step S5506: No), the main control CPU 72
Do not execute 08.

Step S5510: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the time-saving flag is set to a value (01H). This flag is set in the jackpot and other setting process (step S2414 in FIG. 16) during the special symbol variation pre-processing.

Step S5512: If a value is set in the time-saving flag (step S5
510: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the number of time-saving times (for example, 100 times or 10,000 times). The value of the set number of time-saving times is stored in the time-saving count area of the RAM 76 as described above. The set number of time-saving times becomes the upper limit number of times that the variable time of the special symbol is shortened in subsequent games. Note that if the value of the time-saving flag is not set (step S5510),
: No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute step S5512.

By executing such processing, when the time-saving flag is ON (when it corresponds to a 7-round normal pattern or a 2-round special pattern, and when a predetermined transition condition is met), the main control CPU 72 can transition to a time-saving state (advantageous state, easy-to-win state) in which favorable conditions (a state in which electric chute support is provided) are applied compared to a non-time-saving state (normal state, non-easy-to-win state) in which predetermined conditions (a state in which electric chute support is not provided) are applied to the game (advantageous state transition means).

Step S5520: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets the small win rush flag to the value (01H).
This flag is set in the previous cut-off counter value management process (step S2427d in FIG. 36).

Step S5512: Then, if a value is set in the small hit rush flag (Step S5520: Yes), the main control CPU 72 clears the value of the small hit rush flag.

Step S5514: Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a state designation command based on various flags. Specifically, when the jackpot flag is reset or the big win ends, a state designation command is generated that indicates the "normal" game state. Also, if the probability variable flag is set, a state designation command is generated that indicates the "high probability" internal state, and if the time-saving flag is set, a state designation command is generated that indicates the "time-saving" internal state. These state designation commands are sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process.

Step S5516: After the above steps, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big prize opening pattern setting process in case of a big win.

Step S5518: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination in the execution selection process (step S1000c in FIG. 14, step S1900b in FIG. 15) in the special symbol game process to the special symbol variation pre-processing. After completing the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 returns to the jackpot variable winning device management process (FIG. 42).

[Variable winning device management process at the time of small win]
Next, details of the variable winning device management process at the time of small win will be explained. Figure 47 is a flowchart showing an example of the configuration of the variable winning device management process at the time of small win. The variable winning device management process at the time of small win includes a game process selection process at the time of small win (step S6100), a large winning hole opening pattern setting process at the time of small win (step S6200), a large winning hole opening/closing operation process at the time of small win (step S6
It is configured to include a group of subroutines for processing the closing of the large prize entry port when a small win occurs (step S6400), and processing the end of processing when a small win occurs (step S6500).

Step S6100: In the small win game process selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the next process to be executed (one of steps S6200 to S6500). That is, the main control CPU 72 selects the program address of the next process to be executed from the jump table as the jump destination address, and also sets the end of the small win variable winning device management process as the return address in the stack pointer. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes that have been performed so far. For example, if the operation (opening and closing operation) of the small win variable winning device 30 has not yet begun, the main control CPU 72 selects the small win large winning port opening pattern setting process (step S6200) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the process for setting the large prize opening pattern when a small win has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the process for opening and closing the large prize opening when a small win has occurred (step S6300) as the next jump destination, and if the process for opening and closing the large prize opening when a small win has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the process for closing the large prize opening when a small win has occurred (step S6400) as the next jump destination. Also, if the process for opening and closing the large prize opening when a small win has occurred and the process for closing the large prize opening when a small win have been performed repeatedly for the set number of consecutive operations, the main control CPU 72 selects the process for ending the small win when a small win has occurred (step S6500) as the next jump destination. Each process will be explained in more detail below.

[Setting process for large prize opening pattern at small win time]
48 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for setting the pattern for opening the large prize opening when a small prize is won. This process is for setting conditions such as the number of times the variable prize winning device 30 for small prizes is opened and closed when a small prize is won, and the duration of each opening. Each procedure will be explained below.

Step S6212: The main control CPU 72 sets a "small win release pattern." In this embodiment, a "small win release pattern" is set according to the winning symbol. For example, if a single release is selected, a "0.6 second release" release pattern is set, and if a two-time release pattern is selected, a "0.8 second release" release pattern is set for the first and second times, respectively. Note that, since there is no concept of a "round" for a "small win," the "release pattern" is also expressed as "first release,""secondrelease," etc.

Step S6214: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of times the large prize opening will be opened based on the large prize opening opening pattern set in the previous step S6212. The number of times the large prize opening will be opened is set as follows:
For example, it is stored in a buffer area of the RAM 76 .

Step S6216: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets the small win opening timer. The value of the timer set here is the opening time per operation of the small win variable winning device 30.

Step S6218: The main control CPU 72 sets an interval timer when a small hit occurs.
The timer value set here is the waiting time for each opening and closing operation of the variable small win winning device 30 when a small win occurs, and this timer value is set to a time (for example, about 2 seconds) that allows the game balls to be lined up without any gaps on the top surface of the opening and closing member 30a.

Step S6220: After completing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the small win large prize opening opening/closing operation process, and returns to the small win variable prize winning device management process (FIG. 47). Then, the main control CPU 72 next executes the small win large prize opening opening/closing operation process (step S6
300).

When a small win game is in progress, the main control CPU 72 can send a small win game in progress command to the presentation control device 124, indicating that a small win game is in progress.

[Big prize opening/closing process at the time of small win]
49 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing the opening and closing operation of the large prize winning port when a small win occurs. This processing is for controlling the opening and closing operation of the variable small win winning device 30 when a small win occurs.
The following explains the steps.

Step S6301: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the interval timer is counting down. Specifically, by checking whether the interval timer to be set in the following step S6314 is already running, it is possible to check whether the interval timer is counting down.

As a result, if it is confirmed that the interval timer is counting down (Yes
On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the interval timer is counting down (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S6314.
Execute 6302.

Step S6302: The main control CPU 72 opens the lower large winning opening 30b. Specifically, it outputs a drive signal to be applied to the second large winning opening solenoid 97. This activates the variable small winning device 30, causing it to transition from a closed state to an open state.

Step S6304: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an opening timer countdown process. In this process, the opening timer set in the previous process for setting the large prize opening pattern at the time of a small win (step S6216 in FIG. 52) is counted down.

Step S6306: The main control CPU 72 then checks whether the open time has expired. Specifically, it checks whether the value of the open timer after the countdown process is equal to or less than 0. If the value of the open timer is still not equal to or less than 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S6308.

Step S6308: The main control CPU 72 executes a winning ball count process. In this process, the number of game balls that have entered the small win variable winning device 30 (the open lower large winning opening 30b) during the opening time is counted. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 increments the count value based on the winning detection signal input from the second count switch 85 during the opening time.

Step S6310: Next, the main control CPU 72 counts the current number of counts until it reaches a predetermined number (10).
This predetermined number is set to one opening (one opening at the time of a small win) as described above.
This defines the upper limit of the number of winning balls (upper limit of the number of prize balls) allowed per small win (number of times). If the count number has not yet reached the predetermined number (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the small win variable winning device management process (FIG. 47). Then, when the small win variable winning device management process is executed next, the jump destination is currently set to the small win large winning opening opening operation process, so the main control CPU 72 repeatedly executes the above steps S6301 to S6310.

When it is determined in step S6306 that the open time has ended (Yes), or when it is confirmed in step S6310 that the count number has reached a predetermined number (No), the main control CP
U72 then executes step S6312.

Step S6312: The main control CPU 72 closes the lower large prize opening 30b. Specifically, it stops the output of the drive signal applied to the second large prize opening solenoid 97. This causes the small prize variable winning device 30 to return from the open state to the closed state.

Step S6314: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes interval timer countdown processing. In this processing, the main control CPU 72 executes countdown of the interval timer set in the process for setting the large prize opening pattern at the time of small win (step S6218 in FIG. 48). Note that the interval timer at the time of small win is set to a value based on the waiting time for each time when the variable small prize winning device 30 is opened and closed multiple times at the time of small win.

Step S6315: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the interval time has ended. Specifically, it checks whether the value of the interval timer after the countdown process is 0 or less, and if the value of the interval timer is not 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the end address of the small win variable winning device management process (Fig. 47). Then, when the small win large winning opening opening operation process is executed at the next call, the first step S
The process jumps from step S6301 and directly executes step S6314. On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the value of the interval timer after the countdown process is equal to or less than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S6316.

Step S6316: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the small win large prize opening closing process and returns to the small win variable prize winning device management process (FIG. 47). Then, when the small win variable prize winning device management process is executed next, the main control CPU 72 executes the small win large prize opening closing process.

[Large prize winning hole closing process when small win occurs]
50 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for closing the large prize opening when a small prize is won. This large prize opening closing process when a small prize is won is intended to continue or terminate the operation of the variable prize winning device 30 for small prizes. The procedure will be explained below.

Step S6412: The main control CPU 72 increments the value of the opening count counter.

Step S6414: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the opening count counter after incrementing has reached the set number of openings. The number of openings is set in the previous process for setting the large prize opening pattern at the time of a small win (step S6214 in FIG. 52). If the value of the opening count counter has not yet reached the set number of openings (No), the main control CPU 72
executes step S6416.

Step S6416: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the large prize opening and closing operation processing when a small win occurs.
Step S6430: Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball number counter,
When a small hit occurs, the variable winning device management process (Figure 47) is resumed.

When the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 executes the next jump destination, the large winning opening opening/closing operation process at the time of small winning, in the game process selection process at the time of small winning (step S6100 in FIG. 47). Then, after executing the large winning opening opening/closing operation process at the time of small winning, the main control CPU 72 executes the large winning opening closing process at the time of small winning again, and the variable winning device 30 for small winning is closed until the actual opening number reaches the set opening number (for example, once or multiple times).
The opening and closing operations are repeatedly performed.

When the actual number of times of opening at the time of small win reaches the set number of times of opening (step S6414: Y
es), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S6418.

Step S6418, Step S6420: In this case, the main control CPU 72 resets the opening count counter (=0) and sets the next jump destination to the end processing at the time of small hit.

Step S6430: Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball number counter,
When a small win occurs, the process returns to the variable winning device management process (FIG. 47).
When 2 executes the variable winning device management process, the termination process at the time of small win is selected.

[Small hit end processing]
51 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the termination process at the time of a small win. This termination process at the time of a small win is intended to prepare the conditions for terminating the operation of the variable winning device 30 for small wins at the time of a small win. The following explains the procedure example.

Step S6502: The main control CPU 72 executes a small win end time timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets an initial value for the small win end time timer, and then counts down the timer as time passes (each time this module is called).

Step S6504: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the small win end time has elapsed. Specifically, if the value of the small win end time timer has not yet reached 0, the main control CPU 72 determines that the small win end time has not elapsed (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 ends this module and returns to the small win variable winning device management process (FIG. 47).

After this, as time passes, when the value of the small hit end time timer becomes 0, the main control CPU
72 determines that the end time for the small win has elapsed (Yes), and executes step S6506 and subsequent steps.

Step S6506, Step S6508: The main control CPU 72 resets the value of the small win flag (00H), and also erases "small win game in progress" from the internal status flag to end the small win game. Note that in the case of a small win, the internal condition device does not operate, so this procedure is simply for the purpose of erasing the flag.

Step S6510: After the above steps, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the large prize opening pattern setting process when a small win occurs.

Step S6512: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination in the execution selection process (step S1000c in FIG. 14, step S1900b in FIG. 15) in the special symbol game process to the special symbol variation pre-processing. After completing the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process at the time of small win.

[Performance control processing]
52 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the performance control process executed by the performance control CPU 126. This performance control process is executed, for example, in a timer interrupt process (interrupt management process) separate from a reset start (main) process (not shown). The performance control CPU 126 generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interrupt period (for example, a period of several tens of μs to several ms) while the reset start process is being executed, and executes the timer interrupt process.

The effect control process includes a command receiving process (step S400), an operating memory effect management process (step S401), an effect pattern management process (step S402), an effect mode management process (step S403), a display output process (step S404), a lamp driving process (step S405), and a combination of these processes.
6), sound drive processing (step S408), effect random number update processing (step S410), and other processing (step S412). The basic flow of the effect control processing will be explained below along with each processing.

Step S400: In the command reception process, the performance control CPU 126
72. The presentation control CPU 126 also analyzes the received commands and stores them by type in a command buffer area of the RAM 130. The presentation commands transmitted from the main control CPU 72 include, for example, a special symbol destination determination presentation command, a presentation command when the number of operation memories increases, a presentation command when the number of operation memories decreases, a start port winning sound control command, a demo presentation command, a lottery result command, a variation pattern command, a variation start command, a stop symbol command, a state designation command, a number of rounds command, a number of times cut counter value command, a variation pattern destination determination command, a stop display time end command, a launch position designation command, a payout command, a jackpot game command, a small jackpot game command, a prize ball content command, and a setting-related end designation command.

Step S401: In the operating memory performance management process, the performance control CPU 126 controls the execution of memory display performance using memory markers, etc., while referring to performance commands when the number of operating memories increases, performance commands when the number of operating memories decreases, etc.

Step S402: In the performance symbol management process, the performance control CPU 126 controls the content of the variable display performance and the stop display performance using the performance symbol and the fourth symbol based on the result of the internal lottery,
The CPU 126 controls the content of the presentation when the variable winning device for big win 29 or the variable winning device for small win 30 is opened or closed (presentation execution means). In this process, the presentation control CPU 126 selects a presentation pattern for various advance notice presentations (advance notice presentation before the occurrence of a reach, advance notice presentation after the occurrence of a reach, etc.).

Step S403: In the presentation mode management process, the presentation control CPU 126 controls the transition of the presentation mode according to the transition of the game state shown in FIG. 55 after the end of a jackpot or the end of the display of changing patterns.

The presentation mode indicates a basic presentation style that unifies, for example, the story, characters, background, etc. Each presentation mode changes the presentation style without changing the basic presentation style.

Step S404: In the display output process, the performance control CPU 126
4 (display control CPU 146) to instruct basic control information of the effect contents (for example, the number of activation memories of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the activation memory effect pattern number, the pre-reading notice effect pattern number, the variable effect pattern number, the variable notice effect number, the background pattern number, etc.).
) controls the display operation of the liquid crystal display 42 based on the instructed performance content (performance execution means).

Step S406: In the lamp driving process, the performance control CPU 126
2. In response to this, the lamp drive circuit 132 drives (turns on or off, blinks, changes brightness gradation, etc.) the various lamps 46 to 52 and the panel surface lamp 53 based on the control signal.

Step S408: In the next sound driving process, the performance control CPU 126 controls the sound driving circuit 13
The user instructs the content of the presentation (for example, background music, audio data, etc. during a variable display presentation, a reach presentation, a mode transition presentation, or a big win presentation) to the speaker 54. As a result, sounds according to the content of the presentation are output from the speakers 54, 55, and 56.

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

Step S412: In other processes, for example, the performance control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the drive IC of the movable body 40f. The movable body 40f operates using the movable body motor 57 as a drive source, and performs a performance in synchronization with the display of an image on the liquid crystal display 42 or independently.

[Performance design management processing]
53 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the effect symbol management process. The effect symbol management process includes an execution selection process (step S500), a pre-effect symbol change process (step S502), a process during effect symbol change (step S504), and a process during effect symbol stop display (step S506).
It also includes a group of subroutines for processing when the variable winning device is activated (step S508).
Below, the basic flow of the performance pattern management process will be explained along with each process.

Step S500: In the execution selection process, the performance control CPU 126 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any of steps S502 to S508). For example, the performance control CPU 126 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and also sets the end of the performance symbol management process as the return address in the "jump table". Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes that have been carried out so far. For example, if the variable display performance has not yet started, the performance control CPU 126 selects the performance symbol change pre-processing (step S502) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the performance symbol change pre-processing has already been completed, the performance control CPU
U126 selects the processing during the change of the effect pattern (step S504) as the next jump destination, and if the processing during the change of the effect pattern has been completed, selects the processing during the stop display of the effect pattern (
In addition, the variable winning device operation processing (step S508) is selected as the jump destination when the main control CPU 72 selects the variable winning device management processing at the time of a big win or the variable winning device management processing at the time of a small win. In this case, steps S502 to S506 are not executed.

Step S502: In the pre-processing of the effect symbol variation, the effect control CPU 126 prepares the conditions for starting the variable display effect using the effect symbol. Also, in this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the content of the reach effect according to various conditions (lottery results, winning type, variation pattern, etc.), and selects the effect pattern for the advance notice effect (a pre-reach notice pattern other than the advance notice effect pattern, a reach notice pattern after the occurrence of the reach, etc.). In addition, the effect control CPU 126 also controls the demo effect when the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state.

In addition, in this process, the presentation control CPU 126 determines (selects) the content of the variable display presentation when a small win is won. The content of the variable display presentation when a small win is won can be the same as the presentation when a loss occurs, in order to conceal the fact that a small win has been won.

Step S504: In the processing during the change of the effect symbols, the effect control CPU 126 generates control information to instruct the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) as necessary. For example, when an effect using the effect button 45 is performed while a change display effect using the effect symbols is being executed, the effect control CPU 126 monitors whether or not the effect button is operated by the player, and instructs the display control CPU 146 on control information for the effect content (button effect) according to the result.

Step S506: In the process of displaying the stop effect symbols, the effect control CPU 126 controls the content of the stop display effect using the effect symbols and moving images in a manner according to the result of the internal lottery. That is, the effect control CPU 126 instructs the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) to end the variable display effect and execute the stop display effect. In response to this, the effect display control device 14
The display control CPU 146 (4) actually ends the variable display effect that has been executed up until that point on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and executes the stop display effect. As a result, the stop display effect is executed in approximate synchronization with the stop display of the special symbol, and the result of the internal lottery can be instructed (disclosed, announced, notified, etc.) to the player in a dramatic manner.

Step S508: In the variable prize device activation process, the presentation control CPU 126 controls the presentation content during a small win or a big win. In this process, the presentation control CPU 126 selects the content of the big prize presentation depending on various conditions (e.g., the type of win). For example, in the case of a 16-round probability jackpot, the presentation control CPU 126 selects the big prize presentation pattern for the 16-round probability jackpot as the presentation content to be displayed on the LCD display 42, and instructs this to the presentation display control device 144 (display control CPU 146). As a result, an image of the big prize presentation is displayed on the display screen of the LCD display 42, and the presentation content changes as the round progresses.

[Pre-processing for effect pattern changes]
54 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for pre-processing of effect symbol variation. The following explains the procedure.

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

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

After completing the above steps, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the address at the end of the effect symbol management process. Then, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process, and then the display output process (step S404 in FIG. 52) and the lamp drive process (step S406 in FIG. 52) are performed.
The contents of the demonstration performance are controlled based on the demonstration performance pattern.

On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S600 that a demo performance command has not been saved (No), the performance control CPU 126 next executes step S604.

Step S604: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether the current change is a loss (non-winning) or not. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether a lottery result command for a non-winning situation is stored. If it is confirmed that a lottery result command for a non-winning situation is stored (Yes),
On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the lottery result command for the non-winning case is not stored (No), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S612.
606 is executed. It should be noted that confirmation of whether the current variation is a loss or not can also be performed based on the variation pattern command or the stop symbol command in addition to the lottery result command.
If the current fluctuation pattern command corresponds to a miss normal fluctuation or a miss reach fluctuation,
Alternatively, if the current stop symbol command specifies a non-winning symbol, the current change can be determined to be a loss.

Step S606: If the lottery result command is other than non-winning (losing) (Step S6
04: No), then the performance control CPU 126 checks whether or not the current fluctuation is a jackpot. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether or not the lottery result command for the jackpot has been saved. As a result, if it is confirmed that the lottery result command for the jackpot has been saved (Yes), the performance control CPU
U126 executes step S610. Conversely, if it is confirmed that the lottery result command for a jackpot has not been saved (No), all that remains are the lottery result commands for a minor jackpot, so in this case, the performance control CPU 126 executes step S608. It should be noted that it is also possible to confirm whether the current variation is a jackpot based on the variation pattern command or the stop symbol command. In other words, if the current variation pattern command corresponds to a jackpot variation, it can be determined that the current variation is a jackpot. Furthermore, if the current stop symbol command corresponds to a jackpot symbol, it can be determined that the current variation is a jackpot.

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

In addition, when a performance pattern number is selected, the performance control CPU 126 refers to a performance table (not shown) and determines the schedule (
The system determines the time of fluctuation, the type of reach and the timing of reach occurrence), the mode of stop display, etc. The types of effect symbols determined here all correspond to the "combination of symbols at the time of small win."

As described above, the presentation for a small win may be the same as the presentation for a loss, or may be a presentation specifically for a small win that clearly discloses that a small win has been won.

The above procedure is for the case of a "small hit", but if it is a big hit,
The PU 126 confirms in step S606 that it is a "jackpot" (Yes). In this case, the performance control CPU 126 executes step S610.

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

If the winning combination is not achieved, the following procedure is executed: That is, when the performance control CPU 126 determines in step S604 that the winning combination is not achieved (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S612.

Step S612: The performance control CPU 126 executes a process for selecting a variable performance pattern when a loss occurs. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 determines the performance pattern number when a loss occurs based on the variable pattern command (for example, "A0H00H" to "A6H7FH") received from the main control CPU 72. The performance pattern number when a loss occurs is selected from "normal variable performance" and "
The variations are classified into "time-saving miss variation,""miss reach variation," etc., and detailed reach variation patterns are defined for the "miss reach variation." Note that which variation pattern number the performance control CPU 126 selects is determined by the variation pattern command sent from the main control CPU 72.

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

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

Step S614: The presentation control CPU 126 executes a notice selection process (a notice presentation execution means). In this process, the presentation control CPU 126 selects by lottery the content of the notice presentation to be executed during the current variable display presentation. The content of the notice presentation is determined, for example, based on the result of an internal lottery (win or no win) or the current internal state (normal state, high probability state, time-shortened state). As described above, the notice presentation notifies the player that a reach state may occur during the variable display presentation, or that a jackpot may ultimately be reached.
Therefore, when a player does not win, the selection ratio of the preview effect is set low, but when a player wins, the selection ratio of the preview effect is set relatively high to increase the player's sense of anticipation.

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

Furthermore, when it is determined in this preview selection process that a preview effect is to be executed, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process for determining at what timing during the variable display the preview effect should be started. Note that preview effects include not only various preview effects executed during the variable display (step-up preview effect, conversation preview effect, cut-in preview effect, group preview effect, role-object drop effect, next preview effect, title color change effect), but also pseudo-continuous preview effect, look-ahead preview effect, memory marker change preview effect, etc.

Step S616: The effect control CPU 126 executes a mode effect management process, in which the effect control CPU 126 executes a process for selecting a background image according to the stay mode.

After completing the above steps, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol management process (end address). As a result, in the subsequent effect symbol change process (step S504 in FIG. 53), the change display effect and the stop display effect are executed based on the change display pattern actually selected, and the notice effect is executed based on various notice display patterns.

[Examples of changing display of performance patterns]
Next, we will explain in detail the display of the variations of the performance symbols on the LCD display 42. When an internal lottery for a jackpot is conducted in the pachinko machine 1, the variation pattern (variation time) is determined under the control of the main control CPU 72, and the variations are displayed using the first special symbol and the second special symbol. However, as mentioned above, the first special symbol and the second special symbol themselves are displayed by lighting and flashing using a 7-segment LED, so they lack visual appeal. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1,
A variable display effect is performed using performance patterns, etc.

The effect symbols used in normal mode include, for example, three: a left effect symbol, a center effect symbol, and a right effect symbol, which are displayed in a row on the left, center, and right sides of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. Each effect symbol represents, for example, the numbers "1" to "9." Here, the left effect symbol, center effect symbol, and right effect symbol all form a pattern row in which the numbers are arranged in descending order from "9" to "1." Such pattern rows are displayed in a variable manner, flowing (scrolling) vertically in the left, center, and right regions of the screen.

FIG. 55 is a series of diagrams showing examples of effect images corresponding to the variable display and stop display of special symbols. Here, an example of the variable display effect and stop display effect (result display effect) performed using the effect symbols for the variation of special symbols when a non-winning (missing) symbol occurs is shown. This variable display effect corresponds to a series of effects performed from the start of the variable display of the special symbol (here, the first special symbol, but it can also be the second special symbol) until the stop display (including the final stop). The stop display effect is an effect that represents the stop display of the special symbol and the result of the internal lottery at that time as a combination of effect symbols. Before explaining the specific contents of the control process, the basic flow of the variable display effect and stop display effect for each variation employed in this embodiment will be explained.

[Before change display]
55(a): For example, before the first special symbol starts to change (when the demo effect is not in progress), a row of three effect symbols is displayed large on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. At this time, the effect symbols are also displayed in a stopped state in accordance with the stopped display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol.

In addition, in the pre-change display area X1 at the bottom of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, markers (reference symbols M1 and M2 in the figure) that indicate the number of activation memories (in other words, the number of reserved memories) of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are displayed. The number of these markers M1 and M2 indicates the number of activation memories of the first special symbol and the second special symbol (the first special symbol activation memory lamp 34a, the second special symbol activation memory lamp 34b, the
The number of special symbol activation memory lamps 35a displayed increases or decreases in conjunction with changes in the activation memory number during play.

In addition, to facilitate visual distinction between the markers M1 and M2, the marker M1 corresponding to the first special symbol is displayed as, for example, a circle (○), and the marker M2 corresponding to the second special symbol is displayed as, for example, a heart. In the illustrated example, when all four markers M1 are lit, it indicates that the number of activation memories for the first special symbol is four, and when all markers M2 are hidden (indicated by dashed lines), it indicates that the number of activation memories for the second special symbol is zero.

Also, while the display of the changing performance symbols is in progress, for example, the fourth symbol (with reference symbols Z1 and Z2 in the figure) is displayed in the upper right corner of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. These fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are the "fourth performance symbols" following the left, center, and right performance symbols, and are displayed in a synchronized manner while the display of the changing performance symbols is in progress. The fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are simply marks (for example, a "□" shape) with colors added, and the display color can be changed to express the changing display. The fourth symbol Z1 corresponds to the first special symbol, and the fourth symbol Z2 corresponds to the second special symbol.
It corresponds to a special design.

Furthermore, the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are displayed stopped in a manner corresponding to a loss (for example, a white display color). This is to objectively make it clear that the stop display performance is being performed correctly and that the pachinko machine 1 is operating normally. Therefore, if the result of the internal lottery is not a "loss" but is actually, for example, a "15-round jackpot," the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are displayed stopped in a manner corresponding to this (for example, a red display color, etc.). Note that the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 may be displayed by an LED arranged on the board surface rather than on the LCD screen.

In Fig. 55 (b): For example, in synchronization with the start of the first special symbol variation, three symbol rows scroll and vary on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, thereby starting the variable display performance (performance execution means). That is, in synchronization with the start of the first special symbol variation, the left performance symbol, the center performance symbol, and the right performance symbol rows scroll (flow) vertically within the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, thereby starting the variable display performance. Also, before the start of variation, the markers M1 and M2 are displayed on the liquid crystal display 42.
It is displayed in the pre-change display area X1 in the band-shaped part at the bottom of
The display moves to the changing display area X2 using the base image displayed in the lower left part of the LCD display 42, and continues to be displayed until the special pattern (performance pattern) stops changing (the changing memory display performance). In the figure, the display of the performance pattern changes is simply indicated by a downward arrow. Also, during the changing display, each performance pattern is displayed in a transparent state (transparent display), so that the image (background image) that forms the background of the performance pattern is displayed on the display screen in an easily visible state.

Also, while the changing display of the performance symbols is in progress, the fourth symbol Z1 is displayed in a changing manner in the upper right corner of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and the fourth symbol Z1 expresses the changing display by changing its display color.

In Figure 55 (c): For example, after a certain amount of time (about half the time for the change) has passed, the left effect symbol stops changing first. In this example, the effect symbol representing the number "8" has stopped on the left side of the screen. Note that the background image is omitted here (the same applies hereafter).

As shown in Figure 55 (b), when the first special symbol starts to change, the number of activation memories for the first special symbol decreases by one, and the number of markers M1 displayed decreases by one accordingly. For example, if there were four activation memories up to that point, the oldest (oldest) memory display in marker M1 is moved by one to the changing display area X2, and an effect of consumption by internal lottery is also performed. This allows the player to be informed through the effect that the activation memories for the first special symbol have been consumed.

55(c), the marker M1, which was first in the memory order, moves to the changing display area X2, so that only three markers remain in the before-change display area X1, and the three markers M1 remaining on the screen are shifted in one direction (to the left in this case) by one marker each. This accurately expresses the context of the change in the number of working memories in the presentation, and also makes it possible to teach the player in an intuitive and easy-to-understand way that "the working memory has been consumed and one has been reduced" or "the working memory has been consumed and the special symbol is changing."

In Figure 55 (d): Following the left performance symbol, the right performance symbol stops changing. In this example, it shows that the performance symbol representing the number "3" has stopped in the center position of the screen. At this point, it is already confirmed that a reach state will not occur, so it is almost clear from the outside that this change is a non-reach (normal) change. Note that reach changes due to slip patterns, etc. are excluded here. A "slip pattern" is, for example, when a performance symbol representing the number "7" stops, and then the symbol row slides by one symbol to become the number "8".
The effect symbol will stop and develop into a reach.
There is also a pattern where the number "9" stops, then the sequence of symbols slides backward by one symbol and the number "8" stops, which leads to a reach. In addition, there are also other patterns where the symbol representing a completely different number, such as "5", stops,
There is also a pattern where a character appears on the screen and changes the right-hand row of symbols again, causing the symbol representing the number "8" to stop and develop into a reach.

(e) in Figure 55: The last medium performance pattern stops in synchronization with the display of the first special pattern.
If the result of this internal lottery is a non-winning result and the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a non-winning (missing) state, the performance symbol is also stopped and displayed in a non-winning (missing) state.
That is, in the illustrated example, the effect symbol representing the number "1" has stopped in the middle position of the screen, and in this case, since the effect symbol combination is "8"-"1"-"3", which is a miss, the effect shows that this variation corresponds to a normal "miss". At this time, the fourth symbol Z1 is displayed stopped in a manner corresponding to a miss (for example, a white display color).

In addition, when the stop display effect is performed, the marker M1 that had been moved to the changing display area X2 and continued to be displayed also becomes non-displayed.
This can be taught intuitively and clearly.

The above is an example of the variable display effect and the stop display effect (when no winning symbol is displayed) that are performed using the display symbol for each variable. Through such effects, the player can feel a sense of anticipation for a win, and ultimately the result of the internal lottery can be clearly indicated through the effects.

Furthermore, although the above example is for when a non-winning combination occurs, in the event of a jackpot (winning combination), after a reach effect is executed during the variable display effect, the effect symbols are stopped and displayed in a jackpot pattern (for example, a pattern in which the same numbers line up, such as "7"-"7"-"7") in the stop display effect. At this time, the stop display pattern of the effect symbols is basically selected to correspond to the winning pattern (the stop display pattern of the first special pattern display device 34 or the second special pattern display device 35) selected internally by the main control CPU 72. Also, in the event of a small win (winning combination), the effect symbols are stopped and displayed in a small win pattern (for example, a pattern that suggests a small win according to a certain rule, such as "1"-"3"-"5"). Also, in the event of a time-saving start miss or time-saving end miss, the effect symbols are stopped and displayed in a pattern corresponding to the respective combination (for example, a pattern that suggests a small win according to a certain rule, such as "2"-"4"-"6").

[Display timing of effect image and output timing of effect sound]
Next, in this embodiment, an example of the display timing of the effect image of the reach effect at the time of a jackpot will be described with reference to Fig. 56. In Fig. 56, an example will be described in which a specific reach effect is executed among the reach effects selected at the time of a jackpot.

56, when a specific reach effect is selected, a first effect image and a second effect image are displayed on the liquid crystal display 42. An overlap period is provided in which the display period of the first effect image and the display period of the second effect image overlap. The overlap period is divided into a first half (first overlap period) and a second half (second overlap period).

During the first overlapping period, the effect images are displayed so that the first effect image is in a higher layer than the second effect image. As a result, during the first overlapping period, the display of the first effect image is prioritized over the second effect image. Also, during the first overlapping period, the second effect image is displayed in a higher layer than the display area of the first effect image.
The display area for the effect image has become larger.

During the second overlapping period, the effect images are displayed so that the second effect image is in a higher layer than the first effect image. As a result, during the second overlapping period, the display of the second effect image is prioritized over the first effect image. Also, during the second overlapping period, the display area of the first effect image is larger than the display area of the second effect image.
The display area for the effect image has become larger.

Accordingly, the display area of the first effect image is larger in the second overlap period than in the first overlap period, and the display area of the second effect image is smaller in the second overlap period than in the first overlap period.

In this embodiment, a first effect sound related to the first effect image and a second effect sound related to the second effect image can be output from the speakers 54a to 54d. During the first overlap period, the first effect sound is not output, but the second effect sound is output. Meanwhile, during the second overlap period, the second effect sound is not output, but the first effect sound is output.

In this embodiment, by setting the priority of displaying the first and second performance images at the timings described above and by changing the size of the display area for the first and second performance images, it becomes possible to display each performance image with priority at an appropriate timing, thereby ensuring the visibility of each image when the first and second performance images are displayed at the same time.

It also makes it possible to balance the priority of the visual effects and the volume of the sound effects.
It can make the presentation easier to understand.

56, the output of the second effect sound is limited by not outputting the second effect sound during the second overlapping period, but the output can be limited in a different manner. For example, the volume of the second effect sound can be made lower than that of the first effect sound, the output signal for the second effect sound can be continuously output but the volume can be reduced, or the second effect sound can be not output while the first effect sound is being output. A similar configuration can be used to limit the output of the first effect sound during the first overlapping period.

[Example of a big win]
Next, a specific example of the effects at the time of a jackpot will be described with reference to Figures 57 to 62. The effect control CPU 126 sets the effect data in the variable effect pattern selection process at the time of a jackpot in step S610 of Figure 54, and based on the set effect data,
The effect is executed during the processing during the change of the effect pattern.

57(a) → 57(b) → 57(c) → 57(d) → 58(e) → 58(f) → 58(g) → 58(h) → 59(i) → 59(j) → 59(k)
→ Figure 59 (l) → Figure 60 (m) → Figure 60 (n) → Figure 60 (o) → Figure 60 (p) → Figure 61 (
q) → Figure 61(r) → Figure 61(s) → Figure 61(t) → Figure 62(u) → Figure 62(v) → Figure 6
62(w)→FIG. 62(x).

As shown in FIG. 57(a), in the state before the change of the performance pattern, the performance pattern 500L (hereinafter, left pattern 500L) is displayed in the performance pattern display area 42L of the liquid crystal display 42, the performance pattern 500C (hereinafter, middle pattern 500C) is displayed in the performance pattern display area 42C,
In 2R, the effect symbol 500R (hereinafter referred to as the right symbol 500R) is displayed. Also, as described above, the fourth symbol is displayed, and if there is a reserved memory, markers M1 and M2 are displayed.

As shown in FIG. 57(b), the reserved memory is consumed, and the left pattern 500L, the middle pattern 500C,
Assume that the variable display of the right pattern 500R has started.

As shown in Figures 57(c) and 57(d), let us say that the left pattern 500L and the right pattern 500R stop in a reach state, and a reach state occurs. In this example, an example is shown in which the reach state occurs with the number "7" effect pattern. At this time, the word "Reach!!" is displayed, indicating that a reach state has occurred. Note that the middle pattern 500C is in a fluctuating state.

As shown in FIG. 58(e), when a reach state occurs, each of the performance symbols 500L, 5
At this time, the effect symbols 500L, 500C, and 500R may be made semi-transparent. Then, the display of the first effect image 502 begins. In this example,
As the effect image 502, a plurality of faces with normal expressions are displayed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 58(f), the first effect image 502 is displayed as if it is approaching the player.

58(g), the appearance of first effect image 502 changes. In this example, the expressions of the multiple faces displayed as first effect image 502 change from normal to smiling.

Next, as shown in Fig. 58(h), the process shifts to a first overlapping period in which the display of the first effect image 502 takes priority over the display of the second effect image 504. In the first overlapping period, the second effect image 504 is displayed on a lower layer of the first effect image 502, and the second effect image 504 is displayed behind the first effect image 502.
04 is displayed. The second effect image 504 includes a first stage (first display period) and a second stage (second display period), and in the first overlap period, the second effect image 504 of the first stage is first displayed.
In this example, a plurality of hearts are displayed as the second effect image of the first stage.
Furthermore, during the first overlapping period, the display area of the second effect image 504 is larger than the display area of the first effect image 502. Also, during the first overlapping period, the first effect sound related to the first effect image 502 is not output, and the second effect sound related to the second effect image 504 is output from the speakers 54a to 54b.
d is output.

59(i), the second effect image 504 of the first stage continues to be displayed on the lower layer of the first effect image 502. Then, the second effect image 504 starts to change from the first stage to the second stage. In this example, the second effect image 504 of the second stage
At this time, the display area of the second effect image 504 is larger than the display area of the first effect image 502, and the first effect sound is not output, but the second effect sound is output from the speakers 54a to 54d.

Next, as shown in Fig. 59(j), the image changes to the second stage second effect image 504, the heart disappears, and the woman who appeared in Fig. 59(i) utters the words "Chance!", suggesting that a big win will occur. At this time, too, the second effect image 504 is displayed in a region larger than the display region of the first effect image 502.
The display area of the effect image 504 is large, and the first effect sound is not output, but the second effect sound is output from the speakers 54a to 54d, so that the female voice is output from the speakers 54a to 54d.

59(k), the process transitions to a second overlapping period in which the display of second effect image 504 takes priority over that of first effect image 502. During the second overlapping period, first effect image 502 is displayed in a lower layer than second effect image 504, and first effect image 502 is displayed behind second effect image 504. Furthermore, during the second overlapping period, the display area of first effect image 502 is larger than the display area of second effect image 504. Also, during the second overlapping period, the second effect sound is not output, and the first effect sound is output from speakers 54a to 54d.

59(l), the first effect image 502 continues to be displayed in a layer below the second effect image 504 of the second stage. At this time, the first effect image 502 moves behind the second effect image 504. At this time, the display area of the first effect image 502 is still larger than the display area of the second effect image 504, and the second effect sound is not output, but the first effect sound is output from the speakers 54a to 54d.

Next, as shown in Figure 60 (m), the screen returns to the variable display screen that displays the variable display of the performance symbols 500L, 500C, and 500R. At this time, the left symbol 500L and the right symbol 500R are displayed in a reduced size in a stopped state, and the center symbol 500C is displayed in a slowed-down state.

Then, as shown in FIG. 60(n), an effect image 506 appears, suggesting that the pattern will stop while the middle pattern 500C is changing, and emphasizing the pattern that will stop.

Next, as shown in FIG. 60(o), the middle symbol 500C is temporarily stopped in an enlarged state. In this example, the number "5" effect symbol is temporarily stopped. When the middle symbol 500C is temporarily stopped, the middle symbol 500C remains in the center position while oscillating. Also, the middle symbol 500C
When the symbol 500C is temporarily stopped, the effect image 506 is displayed in a layer below the middle symbol 500C. As a result, the middle symbol 500C and the effect image 506 are displayed superimposed on each other. Furthermore, the effect image 506 begins to expand.

Then, as shown in FIG. 60(p), the effect image 506 superimposed on the temporarily stopped middle symbol 500C is enlarged and displayed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 61(q), if the temporarily stopped middle pattern 500C does not stop completely, the variable display of the middle pattern 500C starts again and the effect image 506 appears.

Then, as shown in FIG. 61(r), the middle symbol 500C is temporarily stopped in an enlarged state. In this example, the number "6" effect symbol is temporarily stopped. When the middle symbol 500C is temporarily stopped, the middle symbol 500C remains in the center position while oscillating.
When C is temporarily stopped, the effect image 506 is displayed in a layer below the middle symbol 500C. As a result, the middle symbol 500C and the effect image 506 are displayed superimposed on each other. Furthermore, the effect image 506 begins to expand.

Then, as shown in FIG. 61(s), the effect image 506 superimposed on the temporarily stopped middle symbol 500C is enlarged and displayed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 61(t), if the temporarily stopped middle symbol 500C does not stop completely, the variable display of the middle symbol 500C starts again and the effect image 506 appears.

Next, as shown in FIG. 62(u), the middle symbol 500C is temporarily stopped in an enlarged state. In this example, the number "7" effect symbol is temporarily stopped. When the middle symbol 500C is temporarily stopped, the middle symbol 500C remains in the center position while oscillating. Also, the middle symbol 500C
When the symbol 500C is temporarily stopped, the effect image 506 is displayed in a layer below the middle symbol 500C. As a result, the middle symbol 500C and the effect image 506 are displayed superimposed on each other. Furthermore, the effect image 506 begins to expand.

Then, as shown in FIG. 62(v), the effect image 506 superimposed on the temporarily stopped middle symbol 500C is enlarged and displayed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 62(w), when the temporarily stopped middle pattern 500C completely stops,
The effect image 506 is erased while the middle pattern 500C remains enlarged.

62(x), the left and right symbols 500L and 500R, which had been reduced in size, are enlarged to their original size, and the center symbol 500C, which had been enlarged, is reduced to its original size, so that the effect symbols 500L, 500C, and 500R are aligned to the same size. In this example, the effect symbol "7" is aligned, resulting in a jackpot.

The timing at which the enlarged display of the medium pattern 500C begins may be earlier or later than the timing at which the display of the effect image 506 begins.

Furthermore, the timing at which the enlarged display of the middle pattern 500C is completed may be earlier or later than the timing at which the display of the effect image 506 is completed.

Furthermore, there may be a period during which the medium pattern 500C and the effect image 506 are displayed at the same time, or there may not be a period during which they are displayed at the same time.

[Display position of the production pattern and effect image]
Next, the display positions of the effect patterns and the effect images in the effect examples shown in Figures 57 to 62 will be explained using Figures 63 and 64. In Figures 63 and 64, the effect patterns are shown in white to clarify the contents of the illustrations.

As shown in Fig. 63, when the middle pattern 500C is enlarged and displayed (for example, in the state of Fig. 62(u)), the center of expansion C1 is set inside the middle pattern 500C as the reference position for enlargement. Also, when the effect image 506 is enlarged and displayed (for example, in the state of Fig. 62(v)), the center of expansion C2 is set inside the effect image 506 as the reference position for enlargement. Then, in this embodiment, when the middle pattern 500C and the effect image 506 are superimposed and displayed, the center of expansion C1 of the middle pattern 500C and the center of expansion C2 of the effect image 506 are set inside the effect image 506 as the reference position for enlargement.
This allows the perspective of the middle pattern 500C and the effect image 506 to be displayed in a suitable manner. The expansion centers C1 and C2 do not have to be in exactly the same position, but may be in approximately the same position.

In this embodiment, the reference position when the middle pattern 500C oscillates (in other words, the center of oscillation) is the same as the reference position for enlarging the effect image 506. Furthermore, the center when the middle pattern 500C oscillates is the same as the center when the other middle patterns 500C oscillate. In this case, too, they do not have to be the same position, but may be approximately the same position.

Also, as shown in FIG. 64, as mentioned above, the performance pattern "
When "7" is enlarged and displayed (for example, in the state of FIG. 62(u)), the expansion center C1 is set inside the middle pattern 500C as the reference position for expansion (in other words, the anchor point). Also, when the effect pattern "6", which is one of the middle patterns 500C, is enlarged and displayed (for example, in the state of FIG. 61(r)), the expansion center C3 is set inside the middle pattern 500C as the reference position for expansion. In this embodiment, the expansion center C1 when the effect pattern "7" is enlarged and the expansion center C3 when the effect pattern "6" is enlarged and displayed are in the same position. In this embodiment, the effect patterns "1" to "9" are displayed variably, but the expansion centers of each effect pattern, not limited to the effect patterns "6" and "7", are in the same position. This allows the perspective between the middle patterns 500C to be displayed in a suitable manner. Note that the expansion centers C1 and C3 do not have to be in exactly the same position, but may be in approximately the same position.

In this example, the effect image 506 is enlarged after the middle pattern 500C is enlarged, but it is also possible to configure the effect image 506 to be enlarged and then the middle pattern 500C to be enlarged.

Furthermore, when the display pattern is enlarged or reduced as the variable time elapses (for example, when the pattern is temporarily stopped or stopped), it is possible to configure the reference position when the display pattern is enlarged to be the same as the reference position when the display pattern is reduced.

[Modification]
Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described. In this modification, only the parts that differ from the above embodiment will be described in detail, and the description of the other parts will be omitted.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which both the middle pattern 500C and the effect image 506 are enlarged, but it is also possible to configure it so that when a reach performance is executed, only the effect image 506 is enlarged without changing the display mode of the middle pattern 500C.

In this configuration, as shown in Fig. 65, the center where the line passing through the center of the vertical width Y of the middle pattern 500C intersects with the line passing through the center of the horizontal width X is set as the center C4. Also, the reference position of the expansion set inside the effect image 506 (in other words, the anchor point) is set as the expansion center C5. Then, the center of the middle pattern 500C and the expansion center C of the effect image 506 are set as the center C5.
5 are positioned in the same position. This allows the perspective of the middle pattern 500C and the effect image 506 to be displayed in a suitable manner, as in the above embodiment. Note that the center C4 and the expansion center C5 do not have to be positioned exactly in the same position, but may be positioned approximately in the same position.

In this modified example, the middle pattern 500C is used as an example of the overlapping portion.
, right pattern 500R, etc., the superimposed part may be other performance patterns, or may be an image, a movable body, or a role object other than the performance pattern. For example, when the movable body is used as the superimposed part, the movable body is moved in front of the liquid crystal display 42, and an effect image that emphasizes the movable body is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, and the center of the movable body and the reference position for enlarging the effect image (in other words,
In this case, if the movable body rotates or swings in front of the liquid crystal display 42, the center of rotation or swing can be set to the same position as the center of the image and the reference position for the change in the effect image.

In this modified example, effect image 506 is used as an example of a special image, but the special image may be an image different from this modified example, such as a radiation image in which light spreads radially, as long as the reference position of the change can be identified.

As examples of the special image other than those of the above embodiment, for example, an item image, a text image, a window preview image, a hold preview image, and a promotional effect image that promotes the operation of the effect button 45 can be cited. When the display mode of these images changes, such as when they are enlarged, reduced, swung, or rotated, the reference position of the change should be the same as the center of the superimposed portion.

In this modified example, the example in which the effect image 506 is enlarged has been described as an example in which the display mode of the second image changes. However, the change is not limited to an enlarged display, and may be, for example, a radial display in which light spreads radially,
The display mode may be changed in a manner other than enlarged display, such as reduced display, swing display, or rotation display.

In this modified example, an example is given in which the reference position for the change in the display mode of the special image and the reference position of the superimposition section are the same when a reach effect is executed, but the present invention may also be applied when executing an effect other than a reach effect as long as there is a change in the display mode of the special image.

[Effects of the present embodiment]
(A1) In a gaming machine capable of displaying a performance image (in this example, a pachinko machine 1),
a sound output means (in this example, speakers 54a to 54d) capable of outputting sound effects;
The effect image includes a first effect image and a second effect image,
There is an overlapping period in which at least a part of the display period of the first effect image and the display period of the second effect image overlap (in this example, FIGS. 56 and 58(h) to 59(l)),
The overlapping period is divided into a first overlapping period (in this example, FIGS. 56 and 58(h) to 59(j)) in which the display of the first effect image is prioritized over the second effect image, and a second overlapping period (in this example, FIGS. 56 and 59(k) to 59(k)) in which the display of the second effect image is prioritized over the first effect image.
FIG. 59(l)
the effect sound includes a specific effect sound (in this example, a second effect sound) related to the second effect image,
The sound output means limits the output of the specific effect sound during the second overlapping period, and outputs the specific effect sound during the first overlapping period (in this example, Figures 56 and 59(k) to 59(l)).
Therefore, it is possible to balance the priority of the effect image and the volume of the effect sound, making the effect easier to understand.

(A2) During the second overlapping period, the display area of the first effect image is larger than the display area of the second effect image (in this example, Figures 56 and 59(k) to 59(l)).
Therefore, it becomes possible to display each effect image preferentially at an appropriate timing, thereby ensuring the visibility of a plurality of effect images.

(A3) The effect sound includes a special effect sound (in this example, the first effect sound) related to the first effect image, and the sound output means outputs the special effect sound during the second overlap period (in this example, Figures 56, 59(k) to 59(l)).
Therefore, it is possible to balance the priority of the effect image and the volume of the effect sound, making the effect easier to understand.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the priority of the first performance image and the second performance image were made different by using different layers, but the display priority may also be made different in a manner different from the above embodiment, for example, by displaying one normally and the other transparent or semi-transparent, or by displaying one large and the other small.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which a first overlapping period in which the display of the first performance image is prioritized over the second performance image is followed by a second overlapping period in which the display of the second performance image is prioritized over the first performance image, but the second overlapping period may be followed by a transition to the first overlapping period, or the first overlapping period and the second overlapping period may be alternately transitioned to, or transition to, at least one of the overlapping periods multiple times.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the display area of the first performance image is larger in the second overlap period than in the first overlap period, but it may also be configured so that the display area of the first performance image is always larger in the second overlap period, or so that the period during which the display area of the first performance image is larger is longer in the second overlap period than in the first overlap period.

For example, during the first overlap period, the display ratio of the first effect image to the entire screen of the liquid crystal display 42 is changed from 5% to 5% to 20% to 70% to 2% for each second, thereby displaying an image that occupies an area of approximately 20% on average for five seconds. Meanwhile, during the second overlap period, the display ratio of the first effect image to the entire screen of the liquid crystal display 42 is changed from 40% to 20%.
By changing the brightness in the following order, it is possible to display an image that occupies approximately 48% of the area on average over a 5-second period.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the display area of the second performance image is smaller in the second overlap period than in the first overlap period, but it may also be configured so that the display area of the second performance image is always smaller in the second overlap period, or so that the period during which the display area of the second performance image is smaller is longer in the second overlap period than in the first overlap period.

For example, during the first overlap period, the display ratio of the first effect image to the entire screen of the liquid crystal display 42 is changed from 40% to 5% to 50% to 70% to 75% every second.
The display is configured to display an image that occupies an area of about 48% on average per second, while during the second overlap period, the display ratio of the first effect image per second to the entire screen of the liquid crystal display 42 is set to 5.
By changing the brightness in the following order: % → 5% → 20% → 70% → 2%, it is possible to configure the display so that an image occupies approximately 20% of the area on average for 5 seconds.

In the above embodiment, the first sound effect is not output but the second sound effect is output during the first overlap period, but it is also possible to output the first and second sound effect during the first overlap period with the volume of the second sound effect being larger than the volume of the first sound effect, or to output the first and second sound effect while not outputting the first sound effect while the second sound effect is being output. This configuration allows the second sound effect to be clearly heard while prioritizing the display of the first image effect over the second image effect, thereby preventing a decrease in the effect of the second image effect and increasing the enjoyment of the game.

In the above embodiment, the first sound effect is output without outputting the second sound effect during the second overlap period, but the first and second sound effect may be output during the second overlap period with the volume of the first sound effect being greater than the volume of the second sound effect, or the first and second sound effect may be output without outputting the second sound effect while the first sound effect is being output. This configuration allows the first sound effect to be clearly heard while prioritizing the display of the second image effect over the first image effect, thereby preventing a reduction in the effect of the first image effect and increasing the enjoyment of the game.

In the above embodiment, the display of the first and second performance images is terminated when the second overlap period ends, but it is also possible to configure the display of only the first performance image to continue when the second overlap period ends, or to configure the display of only the second performance image to continue when the second overlap period ends.

In the above embodiment, the first effect image is not displayed according to the expected probability of a jackpot, but the display mode of the first effect image may be changed according to the expected probability of a jackpot. For example, the first effect image may be configured to develop in stages according to the expected probability of a jackpot (
(For example, the first effect image changes in stages in order of the likelihood of winning, from yellow < green < red < rainbow.) In this configuration, it is also possible to configure the display of different stages of the first effect image during the first overlap period and the second overlap period. By continuing to display the first effect image even after the second overlap period ends, it is possible to reconfirm which stage the pattern was at during the second overlap period. It is preferable that the time during which the first effect image continues to be displayed after the second overlap period is longer than the time for which the special symbol is confirmed to be displayed. This allows the player to reliably confirm which stage the first effect image is at.

The "determined display time" is the time for which the winning special symbol is displayed as a stop symbol, a mini symbol (small symbol), or a fourth symbol on the LCD display 42, and in the example of this gaming machine, it is set to 0.5 seconds regardless of the type of winning symbol or the game status at the time of winning.

Furthermore, the "determined display time" may be varied depending on the type of special symbol that has been won and the game state at the time of winning, but it is preferable to set it so that the display time of the first performance image after the second overlap period is longer than at least the shortest determined display time.

These configurations can also be applied to the second effect image in the same manner.

(B1) A gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 1) capable of playing a game,
an image display means (in this example, a liquid crystal display 42) capable of displaying an image;
The image includes a special image (in this example, an effect image 506),
Further provided is an overlapping portion (in this example, a medium pattern 500C) that can be overlapped with the special image,
The display mode of the special image can be changed (in this example, enlarged display) (in this example, Fig. 60(p), Fig. 61(s), Fig. 62(v)).
A reference position for changing the display mode of the special image is set (in this example, C5 in FIG. 65).
When the special image is displayed so as to be superimposed on the superimposition portion and the display mode of the special image is changed, the reference position for the change in the display mode of the special image is the same as the reference position of the superimposition portion (in this example, C4 in Figure 65) (in this example, Figure 65).

In the above embodiment, the medium pattern 500C is used as an example of the superimposed portion, and the effect image 506 is used as an example of the special image. An example is given in which the effect image 506 is displayed on a lower layer of the medium pattern 500C, that is, an example is given in which the special image is displayed on a lower layer of the superimposed portion.
The present invention is not limited to this example, and the special image may be displayed on the upper layer of the superimposition section, or may be displayed on both the upper layer and the lower layer of the superimposition section.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the reference position (i.e., anchor point) for the change in the special image is set inside the special image, but the reference position for the change may also be set outside the special image.

(B2) A gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 1) capable of playing games,
An image display means (in this example, a liquid crystal display 42) capable of displaying an image is provided,
The image includes a first image (in this example, a medium pattern 500C) and a second image (in this example, an effect image 506),
The first image and the second image can be displayed in a superimposed manner (in this example, FIG. 6
0(o), FIG. 61(r), FIG. 62(u)),
The display mode of the first image and the display mode of the second image can be changed (in this example, enlarged display) (in this example, Figs. 60(o)(p), 61(r)(s), 62(
u) (v)),
The reference position for changing the display mode of the first image (in this example, C1 in FIG. 63)
) and the reference position for changing the display mode of the second image (in this example, C in FIG. 63
2) is set,
When the first image and the second image are displayed superimposed and the display mode of the first image and the second image is changed, the reference position for the change in the display mode of the first image and the reference position for the change in the display mode of the second image are the same (in this example, Figure 63).

(B3) the first image is a plurality of types of identification information,
the image display means is capable of variably displaying the identification information,
When the identification information is variably displayed, the display mode of each of the plurality of types of identification information can be changed,
The reference position for the change when the display mode of each of the plurality of types of identification information changes is the same (in this example, FIG. 64).

In the above embodiment, the medium pattern 500C is used as an example of the first image, and the effect image 506 is used as an example of the second image, and an example is given in which the effect image 506 is displayed on a lower layer of the medium pattern 500C, i.e., an example is given in which the second image is displayed on a lower layer of the first image, but this example is not limiting, and the second image may be displayed on a higher layer of the first image, or the second image may be displayed on both the higher and lower layers of the first image.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the reference position (i.e., anchor point) for the change between the first image and the second image was set inside the first image and the second image, but the reference position for the change may also be set outside the first image and the second image.

The display timing of the first image and the second image can be set appropriately, and for example, the second image can be configured to start displaying before the first image and to be displayed until after the first image, or the first image can be configured to start displaying before the second image and to be displayed until after the second image.

In the above embodiment, the middle pattern 500C is used as the first image.
The first image may be other performance patterns, such as 00L, right pattern 500R, or it may not be a performance pattern, and the first image may be an image different from the above embodiment as long as the reference position for the change in display mode can be identified.

In the above embodiment, the effect image 506 was used as an example of the second image, but the second image may be an image different from that in the above embodiment, such as a radiation image in which light spreads radially, as long as the reference position of the change can be identified.

Examples of the first image and the second image other than those in the above embodiment include, for example, an item image, a text image, a window preview image, a hold preview image, and a promotional effect image that promotes the operation of the effect button 45. The reference position of the change when the display mode of these images changes, such as when they are enlarged, reduced, swung, or rotated, can be set to the same position as the reference position of the change of other images. The reference position (in other words, the center) of a character change can be, for example, the center of a single character, or the center of multiple characters in a sentence (phrase) consisting of multiple characters (for example, the center can be the middle character between the third and third characters from the left and right in a sentence consisting of five characters written horizontally).

In the above embodiment, an example in which the display mode of the first image is changed is described in which the middle pattern 500C is enlarged. However, the display mode is not limited to an enlarged display, and may be changed in a manner other than an enlarged display, such as a reduced display, a swinging display, or a rotating display.

In the above embodiment, an example in which the effect image 506 is enlarged is described as an example in which the display mode of the second image changes, but the display mode may change in a manner other than an enlarged display, such as a radial display in which light spreads radially, a reduced display, a swinging display, or a rotating display.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the reference position for the change in the display mode of the first image and the reference position for the change in the display mode of the second image are the same when a reach effect is executed, but the present invention may also be applied when executing an effect other than a reach effect if there is a change in the display mode of the first image or a change in the display mode of the second image.

In the above embodiment and the above modified example, the layer of the performance pattern was not changed,
For example, in the normal variable state before the reach state occurs, the middle pattern 500C is the left pattern 500L.
However, when a reach effect is executed, the middle pattern 500C may be made to be a higher layer than the left pattern 500L and the right pattern 500R.

In the above embodiment and the above modified example, the layer of the performance pattern was not changed,
For example, the layers may be changed between the same example of performance patterns, such as by displaying the next pattern to be enlarged on the upper layer of the pattern that has already been enlarged.

In the above embodiment and the above modified example, the performance patterns are configured to be enlarged and displayed individually, but the performance patterns that are displayed in a variable manner may also be superimposed on each other, for example, by enlarging the next pattern to be enlarged so that it is superimposed on the pattern whose enlargement has been completed.

In the above embodiment and modified example, LEDs are provided in a radiating arrangement, and the radiating LEDs
The reference position (in other words, the center) of the emission of light D and the reference position of the image change that changes the display mode on the liquid crystal display 42 may be set to the same position.

The above-mentioned embodiments and modified examples have been described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and it goes without saying that the present invention also includes modifications and additions that do not deviate from the spirit of the present invention.

[About slot machines]
In the above embodiment and modified example, an example of applying the present invention to a pachinko machine that uses game balls has been described, but the present invention may also be applied to a slot machine in which the number of bets is set using medals and credits as gaming value, the reels are spun by operating the start lever, the rotating reels are stopped by operating the stop button, and a prize can be won depending on the type of pattern or combination of patterns when the reels stop.

When the present invention is applied to a slot machine, in addition to the images mentioned in the above embodiment, for example, a navigation image may be displayed to notify the mode of stop operation (operation sequence, operation timing, etc.) in AT (assist time). Specifically, for example, in a slot machine provided with a plurality of stop buttons, a navigation image indicating the stop order by numbers ("1"
The display unit 100 displays a navigation image (e.g., "2", "3", etc.) and also displays an effect image that emphasizes each navigation image. The earlier the stop operation is performed, the larger the navigation image and effect image are displayed, and the size of the navigation image and effect image is changed each time a stop operation is performed. When changing the size of the navigation image and effect image, the reference position for the change in the navigation image and the reference position for the change in the effect image are set to the same position. This allows the perspective of each image to be displayed in an optimal way.

That is, when the gaming machine is a slot machine, the present invention becomes the following invention, and has the following correspondence with this embodiment.

A variable display unit (
A gaming machine (for example, a slot machine) that includes a display unit (for example, a reel), and that derives a display result by stopping the display of the variable display unit after the variable display unit is variably displayed, and that can generate a winning result according to the display result,
an image display means (for example, a liquid crystal display) capable of displaying an image;
The image includes a first image (e.g., a navigation image) and a second image (e.g., an effect image that emphasizes the navigation image),
The first image and the second image can be displayed in a superimposed manner,
A display mode of the first image and a display mode of the second image can be changed,
a reference position for a change when changing the display mode of the first image and a reference position for a change when changing the display mode of the second image are set,
A gaming machine characterized in that when the first image and the second image are displayed superimposed and the display mode of the first image and the second image is changed, the reference position for the change in the display mode of the first image and the reference position for the change in the display mode of the second image are the same.

It is preferable that the gaming machine includes an operating means (for example, a stop button) for stopping the variable display portion, and that the first image is an image that can identify the operating mode of the operating means.

1 Pachinko machine 8 Game board unit 8a Play area 20 Start gate 28 Variable start winning device 33 Normal symbol display device 33a Normal symbol operation memory lamp 34 First special symbol display device 35 Second special symbol display device 34a First special symbol operation memory lamp 35a Second special symbol operation memory lamp 38 Game status display device 42 Liquid crystal display 45 Performance button 70 Main control device 72 Main control CPU
74 ROM
76 RAM
124 Performance control device 126 Performance control CPU

Claims (2)

A gaming machine capable of playing games,
image display means for displaying an image;
the image includes a plurality of patterns and an effect display that emphasizes a specific pattern that is one of the plurality of patterns and does not emphasize patterns other than the specific pattern among the plurality of patterns ,
The specific pattern and the effect display can be displayed so as to be superimposed on each other,
The specific pattern and the effect display can be changed in display mode,
A reference point for the change when the display mode of the specific pattern is changed to be enlarged or reduced is set as a first reference point;
When the display mode of the effect display is changed so as to spread radially, a reference point of the change is defined as a second reference point.
The first reference point and the second reference point are located at the same position,
When the specific pattern and the effect display are superimposed and displayed, the effect display is displayed before the specific pattern,
Then, the display mode of the specific pattern expands around the first reference point, and the display mode of the effect display spreads radially around the second reference point, which is the same position as the first reference point,
The specific symbol continues to be displayed for a predetermined period of time even after the effect display has disappeared. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1,
The specific symbol changes its display mode so as to shrink during the predetermined time after the effect display disappears.