JP7732864B2 - gaming machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine that displays variable information and can be controlled to provide an advantageous state for the player.

In pachinko gaming machines and the like, there is a super reach effect in which an ally character and an enemy character face off in a reach effect, and this reach effect is performed while the lines of both characters are displayed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-125667 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-050316

In the super reach effects in which lines are displayed as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, there was room for improvement in the way the lines were displayed.

The present invention aims to increase the entertainment value of gaming machines equipped with super reach effects that display dialogue.

(A) A gaming machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player,
a performance execution means capable of executing a performance;
A display means;
Light emitting means;
a light emission control means capable of controlling the light emission means;
a sound output means;
a sound output control means capable of controlling the sound output means,
The effect execution means is capable of executing a specific effect capable of informing whether or not the advantageous state is controlled,
The display means
A character can be displayed during the execution of the specific effect,
A first character display, a second character display, and a third character display related to the character can be displayed according to the progress of the specific effect,
a first display area capable of displaying the character and the first character display, and a second display area that is different from the first display area and capable of displaying the second character display;
The specific performance includes an introduction part until the result of whether or not the advantageous state is controlled is notified, and a result notification part that notifies the result of whether or not the advantageous state is controlled,
In the introduction part, the first character display and the second character display can be displayed,
The third character display can be displayed in the result notification part,
the first character representation is larger than the second character representation;
the display mode of the first character display includes a basic display mode and a high expectation display mode that is selected more frequently than the basic display mode when controlled to the advantageous state;
The display mode of the second character display includes the basic display mode and the high expectation display mode,
the display mode of the third character display is a result notification mode corresponding to the result notification part,
When controlled to the advantageous state, the rate at which the first character display is displayed in the high expectation display mode is higher than the rate at which the second character display is displayed in the high expectation display mode,
a display time of the first character display is longer than a display time of the second character display;
The sound output control means is capable of causing the sound output means to output, when the first character display is displayed in the high expectation display mode, a specific sound indicating that the first character display is displayed in the high expectation display mode.
It is characterized by:

This feature makes it possible to make a color that is thought to have a lower chance of winning than red into a color with a higher chance of winning by increasing the chance of winning the corresponding color of the character compared to the other chance-up colors, and also allows people to focus on the color of the character and the character itself.

In addition, another aspect of the gaming machine is
A gaming machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player (for example, a jackpot, etc.),
A performance execution means (for example, a performance control CPU 120, etc.) capable of executing a performance;
Display means (for example, an image display device 5, etc.),
The effect execution means is capable of executing a first specific effect (e.g., story reach A, etc.) and a second specific effect (e.g., story reach B, etc.) that suggest that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state,
The display means
A first character can be displayed during the execution of the first specific effect (for example, a first ally character 004IWC01 can be displayed during the execution of story reach A),
A second character can be displayed during the execution of the second specific effect (for example, a third ally character SKY010 can be displayed during the execution of story reach B, etc.),
A character display related to the first character can be displayed according to the progress of the first specific effect (for example, a line L, etc.),
A character display related to the second character can be displayed according to the progress of the second specific effect (for example, a line L, etc.),
The character display can be displayed in multiple colors,
The plurality of colors include a first color (e.g., white), a second color (e.g., red), a third color (e.g., purple), and a fourth color (e.g., blue),
the third color is a color corresponding to the first character (for example, the color corresponding to the first ally character 004IWC01 is purple, etc.);
the fourth color is a color corresponding to the second character (for example, the color corresponding to the third ally character SKY010 is blue, etc.);
The first color and the second color are not colors corresponding to the first character and the second character (for example, white and red are not colors corresponding to characters, etc.),
When the character display is displayed in the second color, the expectation of being controlled to the advantageous state is higher than when the character display is displayed in the first color (for example, the expectation of a jackpot is higher in red than in white),
When the character display is displayed in the third color, the expectation of being controlled to the advantageous state is higher than when the character display is displayed in the first color and when the character display is displayed in the second color (for example, purple has a higher expectation of a jackpot than white or red, etc.),
When the character display is displayed in the fourth color, the probability of being controlled to the advantageous state is higher than when the character display is displayed in the first color and when the character display is displayed in the second color (for example, the probability of a jackpot is higher with blue than with white or red).

This feature makes it possible to make a color that is thought to have a lower chance of winning than red into a color with a higher chance of winning by increasing the chance of winning the corresponding color of the character compared to the other chance-up colors, and also allows people to focus on the color of the character and the character itself.

The present invention may have only the specific features of the invention set forth in the claims of the present invention, or it may have both the specific features of the invention set forth in the claims of the present invention and features other than those specific features.

1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine according to this embodiment. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing various control boards and the like installed in a pachinko gaming machine. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a game control main process. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a timer interrupt process for game control. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a special symbol process. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a performance control main process. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a performance control process. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing various control boards and the like installed in a pachinko gaming machine. This is a diagram showing the numerical range of a jackpot and the numerical range of a miss with time reduction in the variable display of the first special chart in normal state or time reduction state. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a time-saving number determination table. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the names and contents of each main control command. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the game control main processing. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the normal processing of special symbols. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the normal processing of special symbols. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the special symbol stopping process. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the special symbol stopping process. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a variable display start setting process. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the preview performance determination process. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the chance-up effect determination process. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the percentage of chance-up effects. An explanatory diagram of the timing and rate of chance-up effects. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a battle reach is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a battle reach is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a battle reach is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a battle reach is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a battle reach is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a battle reach is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where story reach A is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where story reach A is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where story reach A is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where story reach A is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where story reach A is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where story reach A is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where story reach A is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where story reach A is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where story reach B is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where story reach B is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where story reach B is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where story reach B is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where story reach B is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where story reach B is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where story reach B is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where story reach B is executed. An explanatory diagram of the aspect of the chance-up presentation of line L. This is an explanatory diagram of when the chance-up effect of line L is executed. This is an explanatory diagram of the timing when the chance-up effect of the Battle Reach line S is executed. This is an explanatory diagram of the timing when the chance-up effect of the story reach line S is executed. This is an explanatory diagram of the timing when the chance-up effect of the story reach line L is executed. This is an explanatory diagram of the period during which the chance-up effect of the story reach line L is executed. This is an explanatory diagram comparing the lines S of story reach and battle reach. This is an explanatory diagram comparing the jackpot and miss times for story reach and battle reach. An explanatory diagram of the chance-up effect of line L.

The following describes an embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention, with reference to the drawings.

(Features: Sky Form)

(SKY2021-1150) Form 1-1 gaming machine is
A gaming machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player (for example, a jackpot, etc.),
A performance execution means (for example, a performance control CPU 120, etc.) capable of executing a performance;
Display means (for example, an image display device 5, etc.),
The effect execution means is capable of executing a specific effect (for example, Story Reach A, Story Reach B, etc.) that suggests that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state,
The display means
A character can be displayed during the execution of the specific effect (for example, Story Reach A (FIG. 34), Story Reach B (FIG. 42), etc.),
A first character display (e.g., a line L) and a second character display (e.g., a line S) related to the character can be displayed according to the progress of the specific effect,
a first display area capable of displaying the character and the first character display (for example, a character and a line L are displayed in a display area at the center of the image display device 5), and a second display area capable of displaying the second character display without displaying the character (for example, a display area image SKY005 is displayed in a display area at the end of the image display device 5, and a line S is displayed superimposed on the display area image SKY005),
the first character representation is larger than the second character representation;
The display mode of the first character display includes a basic display mode (e.g., white, etc.) and a high expectation display mode (e.g., red, a corresponding color, etc.) that is selected more frequently than the basic display mode when the game is controlled to the advantageous state,
The display mode of the second character display includes the basic display mode (e.g., white, etc.) and the high expectation display mode (e.g., red, etc.),
When controlled to the advantageous state, the rate at which the first character display is displayed in the high expectation display mode (for example, the rate at which line L is displayed in a red display mode, etc.) is higher than the rate at which the second character display is displayed in the high expectation display mode (for example, the rate at which line S is displayed in a red display mode, etc.).

This feature allows the user to focus attention on the text displayed in each display area by varying the size of the text displayed in the first and second display areas and the proportion of the text displayed in the second display mode.

a light-emitting means (e.g., a main lamp, a frame lamp, etc.);
A light emission control means (for example, a performance control CPU 120, etc.) capable of controlling the light emission means;
audio output means (e.g., speakers 8L and 8R);
A sound output control means (for example, a performance control CPU 120) capable of controlling the sound output means;
A movable body control means (for example, a performance control CPU 120, etc.) capable of controlling the operation of the movable body,
the light emission control means is capable of causing the light emitting means to emit light in a light emission mode of the same color as the high expectation display mode (for example, a red light emission mode, a light emission mode of a corresponding color, etc.) when the first character display (for example, a line L, etc.) is displayed in the high expectation display mode,
the sound output control means is capable of, when the first character display is displayed in the high expectation display mode, outputting a sound corresponding to the high expectation display mode from the sound output means (for example, when the line L is displayed in a red display mode, outputting a sound corresponding to red, etc.);
The movable body control means is capable of operating the movable body when the first character display is displayed in the high expectation display mode (for example, when the line L is displayed in a red display mode, the movable body SKY004 operates, etc.).

This feature makes it easy for players to understand that a chance-up effect has been executed, increasing their interest in the game.

A gaming machine of aspect 1-3 is the gaming machine according to aspect 1-1, wherein the first character display is displayed in a moving manner (for example, a moving display, etc.).

This feature makes the first character display more noticeable, increasing interest in the game.

The gaming machine of form 1-4 is a gaming machine according to any one of forms 1-1 to 1-3,
The display time of the first character table is longer than the display time of the second character display (for example, the display time of the first displayed line L (SKY007) is designed to be longer than the display time of the line S (SKY006)).

This feature makes the first character display more noticeable, increasing interest in the game.

(Features: Sky Form)

(SKY2021-1151) The gaming machine of type 2-1 is
A gaming machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player (for example, a jackpot, etc.),
A performance execution means (for example, a performance control CPU 120, etc.) capable of executing a performance;
Display means (for example, an image display device 5, etc.),
The effect execution means is capable of executing a specific effect (for example, Story Reach A, Story Reach B, etc.) that suggests that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state,
The specific effect is composed of a first effect part (e.g., (2-11) to (2-11) etc.) and a second effect part (e.g., (2-22) to (2-36) etc.),
The display means
A predetermined display (for example, a line L) related to the specific performance can be displayed according to the progress of the specific performance,
The predetermined display can be displayed multiple times during the execution of the first performance part (for example, (2-11) to (2-11), etc.),
The predetermined display can be displayed multiple times during the execution of the second performance part (for example, (2-22) to (2-36), etc.),
The display mode of the predetermined display includes a basic display mode (e.g., white, etc.) and a high expectation display mode (e.g., red, a corresponding color, etc.) that is selected more frequently than the basic display mode when the game is controlled to the advantageous state,
The display pattern of the predetermined display in the first performance part includes a first pattern in which the predetermined display is displayed multiple times in the basic display mode (for example, the dialogue L is displayed in the white display mode, etc.), and a second pattern in which the predetermined display is displayed multiple times including the high expectation display mode (for example, the dialogue L changes from the white display mode to the red display mode, etc.),
When the predetermined display is displayed according to the first pattern in the first performance part (for example, the dialogue L is displayed in a white display mode (2-11) to (2-11), etc.), the predetermined display is displayed multiple times in the basic display mode in the subsequent second performance part (for example, the dialogue L is displayed in a white display mode (2-22) to (2-36), etc.), and when the predetermined display is displayed according to the second pattern in the first performance part (for example, the dialogue L changes from a white to a red display mode (2-11) to (2-11), etc.), the predetermined display is displayed multiple times including the high expectation display mode in the subsequent second performance part (for example, the dialogue L changes from a white to a red display mode (2-22) to (2-36), etc.).

This feature allows the predetermined display shown in the first presentation part to be displayed again in the second presentation part, making the predetermined display more memorable to the player and enhancing the presentation effect of the specific presentation.

The gaming machine of form 2-2 is the gaming machine according to form 2-1,
The display time of the predetermined display (for example, the line L displayed for the second time) displayed in the second performance part is shorter than that of the predetermined display (for example, the line L displayed for the first time) displayed in the first performance part.

This feature allows the player to recognize that a predetermined display is important by displaying it again after it has been displayed once, and by shortening the display time the second time it is displayed, the change can be made smoother.

a light-emitting means (e.g., a main lamp, a frame lamp, etc.);
A light emission control means (for example, a performance control CPU 120, etc.) capable of controlling the light emission means;
audio output means (e.g., speakers 8L and 8R);
A sound output control means (for example, a performance control CPU 120, etc.) capable of controlling the sound output means,
The light emission control means
When the predetermined display is displayed in the high expectation display mode in the first performance part, it is possible to make the light emitting means emit light in a light emitting mode of the same color as the high expectation display mode (for example, a red light emitting mode, a light emitting mode of a corresponding color, etc.),
When the predetermined display is displayed in the high expectation display mode in the second performance part, the light emitting means can be made to emit light in a light emitting mode corresponding to the second predetermined part (for example, a white light emitting mode flashing at high speed, etc.),
The sound output control means
When the predetermined display is displayed in the high expectation display mode in the first performance part, a sound (e.g., specific sound 1, specific sound 3, etc.) corresponding to the high expectation display mode can be output from the sound output means,
When the specified display is displayed in the high expectation display mode in the second performance part, it is possible to output a sound corresponding to the second specified part (e.g., specific sound 2, etc.) from the sound output means.

This feature allows you to focus on the specified display during the first performance part, and during the second performance part, you can focus on the specified display while also focusing on the second specified part.

The gaming machine of form 2-4 is a gaming machine according to any one of forms 2-1 to 2-3,
In the second performance part, the predetermined display and a character image related to the specific performance are displayed alternately (for example, ally character 004IWC02 and line L are displayed alternately).

According to this feature, by displaying a predetermined display sandwiched between a character in the second presentation part, the relationship between the character and the predetermined display can be strengthened, increasing the enjoyment of the game.

A gaming machine of form 2-5 is a gaming machine according to any one of forms 2-1 to 2-4,
In the second performance part, the predetermined display is displayed in a swinging manner (for example, by swinging quickly up and down and left and right).

This feature allows you to make a memorable impression by adding movement to the re-displayed specified display.

(Features: Sky Form)

(SKY2021-1152) The gaming machine of type 3-1 is
A gaming machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player (for example, a jackpot, etc.),
A performance execution means (for example, a performance control CPU 120, etc.) capable of executing a performance;
Display means (e.g., image display device 5, etc.);
A display control means (for example, a performance control CPU 120, etc.),
The effect execution means is capable of executing a specific effect (for example, a story reach A, a story reach B, etc.) that notifies the player that the advantageous state will be reached,
The specific presentation when announcing the result of being controlled to the advantageous state (for example, announcing whether it is a jackpot or a miss, etc.) is composed of a common part until the result is announced (for example, the presentation of a story reach before the result is announced (2-10) to (2-36), etc.), and a special result announcement part announcing the result (for example, the story reach is a jackpot (2-37) to (2-48), etc.),
The specific effect when announcing the result that the advantageous state is not controlled is composed of the common part (for example, the effect of a story reach before the result is announced (2-10) to (2-36), etc.) and a predetermined result announcement part that announces the result (for example, the story reach is not successful (2-49 to 2-54), etc.),
The display control means
During execution of the common part, a character is displayed in the center of the display means (for example, a second ally character 004IWC02, etc.), a special display is displayed at the edge of the display means, and a character display is displayed so as to be superimposed on the special display (for example, a display area image SKY005 is displayed at the edge of the screen, and a line S is displayed superimposed on the special display),
During execution of the special result informing part, a character is displayed at the center and end of the display means, and a character display (for example, second ally character 004IWC02 and a line S) is displayed at the end of the display means;
During execution of the predetermined result notification part, a character is displayed in the center of the display means, the special display is displayed at the edge of the display means, and a text display is displayed superimposed on the special display (for example, the second ally character 004IWC02 and the display area image SKY005 are displayed at the edge of the screen, and the dialogue S is displayed superimposed).

This feature allows the display area in which the character and text are displayed to change depending on whether or not the player is in an advantageous state during a specific performance, providing a clear visual indication of whether or not the player is in an advantageous state.

The gaming machine of aspect 3-2 is the gaming machine according to aspect 3-1,
In the common part, the character display superimposed on the special display is displayed in the same position as the character display displayed in the special result notification part and the predetermined result notification part (for example, the positions of the epilogue lines S for a jackpot and a miss are the same, etc.).

This feature makes the text display easier to see by keeping the display position the same.

The gaming machine of form 3-3 is the gaming machine according to form 3-1 or form 3-2,
The character display includes a first character display (e.g., a serif L) and a second character display (e.g., a serif S),
During execution of the common part, a character and a first character display (for example, a second ally character 004IWC02 and a line L, etc.) are displayed in the center of the display means, a special display is displayed at an end of the display means, and a second character display is displayed so as to be superimposed on the special display (for example, a display area image SKY005 is displayed, and a line S is displayed superimposed on the special display, etc.),
The first character display is a character display corresponding to the content of the second character display (for example, the content of the line L and the line S are related to each other).

This feature allows the flow of the presentation to appear smoother by displaying related text.

The gaming machine of form 3-4 is the gaming machine according to form 3-1 to form 3-3,
The display mode of the character display includes a basic display mode (e.g., white, etc.) and a high expectation display mode (e.g., red or a corresponding color, etc.) that is selected more frequently than the basic display mode when the game is controlled to the advantageous state,
When the second character display is displayed in the high expectation display mode, when the first character display is displayed, the first character display can be displayed in the basic display mode (for example, when the display mode of the line S changes due to a chance-up effect, the display mode of the line L does not change, etc.).

This feature allows the text displayed in the first display area and the text displayed in the second display area to be separately focused on.

The gaming machine of form 3-5 is the gaming machine according to form 3-1 to form 3-4,
The display mode of the character display includes a basic display mode (e.g., white, etc.) and a high expectation display mode (e.g., red or a corresponding color, etc.) that is selected more frequently than the basic display mode when the game is controlled to the advantageous state,
When the second character display is displayed in the basic display mode, if the first character display is displayed in the high expectation display mode, the second character display can continue to be displayed in the basic display mode (for example, when the line S is displayed in a white display mode, it can be displayed in the same display mode as the line L, etc.).

This feature allows the text displayed in the first display area and the text displayed in the second display area to be separately focused on.

(Features: Sky Form)

(SKY2021-1153) The gaming machine of type 4-1 is
A gaming machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player (for example, a jackpot, etc.),
A performance execution means (for example, a performance control CPU, etc.) capable of executing a performance;
Display means (e.g., image display device 5, etc.);
A display control means (for example, a CPU for controlling performance, etc.) is provided.
the effect execution means is capable of executing a specific effect (e.g., story reach A, story reach B, etc.) that suggests that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state, and a predetermined effect (e.g., battle reach, etc.) that suggests that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state,
The expectation level controlled to the advantageous state differs when the specific effect is executed and when the predetermined effect is executed (for example, the expectation level of a jackpot differs between a story reach and a battle reach, etc.),
The display control means
During the execution of the specific effect, a first character display (for example, a line S during a story reach) can be displayed,
A second character display (for example, a line S during a battle reach) can be displayed during the execution of the predetermined effect,
During execution of the specific effect, a character is displayed in the center of the display means, a special display is displayed at an end of the display means, and the first character display is displayed so as to be superimposed on the special display (for example, a display area image SKY005 is displayed at the end of the screen, and a line S is displayed superimposed on the special display),
During execution of the predetermined effect, characters can be displayed at the center and ends of the display means, and the second character display can be displayed at the ends of the display means (for example, during a battle reach, a second ally character 004IWC02 and a line S can be displayed, etc.),
The first character display and the second character display have the same size and are displayed at a common display position at the end of the display means (for example, the line S of a story reach and the line S of a battle reach are the same size and are displayed at the same position, etc.).

This feature allows for different ways of displaying characters and text in predetermined and specific effects, providing a gaming machine that players will not tire of.

The gaming machine of form 4-2 is the gaming machine according to form 4-1,
The result notification effect of the specific effect when notifying the result that the advantageous state will be controlled (for example, an epilogue effect that notifies the result of a jackpot) is composed of a common notification part that notifies the result that the advantageous state will be controlled (for example, an epilogue effect of (3-36) to (3-38)) and a specific result notification part (for example, an epilogue effect of (3-39) to (3-48)),
When announcing the result that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state, the result notification effect of the predetermined effect is composed of the common notification part (for example, the epilogue effect of (1-24) to (1-26)) and a predetermined result notification part (for example, the epilogue effect of (1-27) to (1-37)).

This feature makes it easier to communicate to players that they have won a jackpot by sharing some of the effects used to announce a jackpot.

The gaming machine of form 4-3 is the gaming machine according to form 4-1 or form 4-2,
Before executing the result notification effect, an action prompt effect (for example, pressing a button) can be executed,
By executing the action prompting performance, the common notification part can be executed.

This feature allows for an epilogue effect to be performed after the button is displayed, building anticipation for the button effect and increasing the player's interest in the game.

The gaming machine of form 4-4 is the gaming machine according to form 4-1,
During the execution of the specific effect, a first character display (for example, a line S) and a special character display can be displayed,
the special character representation is a character representation larger than the first character representation;
During execution of the specific effect, the character and the special character display are displayed in the center of the display means.

This feature allows the effects performed in the first display area to be more lively, increasing the enjoyment of the game.

A gaming machine of form 4-5 is the gaming machine according to form 4-1,
The display mode of the first character display includes a basic display mode (e.g., white, etc.) and a high expectation display mode (e.g., red, etc.) that is selected more frequently when controlled to a more advantageous state than the basic display mode,
The display mode of the second character display includes a basic display mode (e.g., white, etc.) and a high expectation display mode (e.g., red, etc.) that is selected more frequently when controlled to a more advantageous state than the basic display mode,
The display mode of the first character display displayed in the specific effect and the second character display displayed in the predetermined effect is the same (for example, both can be displayed in white or red).

This feature allows you to quickly determine whether sharing will increase your chances.

A gaming machine of form 4-6 is the gaming machine according to form 4-1,
When the specific effect is executed, the expectation of being controlled to an advantageous state is higher than when the predetermined effect is executed (for example, a story reach has a higher expectation of a jackpot than a battle reach).

With this feature, special effects with a high probability of winning are displayed with text superimposed on the special display, making them clearly different from the regular effects and preventing players from getting bored.

(Features: Sky Form)

(SKY2021-1154) The gaming machine of type 5-1 is
A gaming machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player (for example, a jackpot, etc.),
A performance execution means (for example, a performance control CPU 120, etc.) capable of executing a performance;
Display means (for example, an image display device 5, etc.),
The effect execution means is capable of executing a specific effect (for example, Story Reach A, Story Reach B, etc.) that suggests that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state,
The display means
During the execution of the specific effect, a first character (e.g., a first ally character 004IWC01, etc.) and a second character (e.g., a second ally character 004IWC02, etc.) can be displayed;
A character display (e.g., a line L) related to the first character can be displayed according to the progress of the specific effect,
A character display (e.g., a line L) related to the second character can be displayed according to the progress of the specific effect,
The character display can be displayed in multiple colors,
The plurality of colors include a first color (e.g., white), a second color (e.g., red), a third color (e.g., purple), and a fourth color (e.g., green),
the third color is a color corresponding to the first character (for example, the color corresponding to the first ally character 004IWC01 is purple, etc.);
the fourth color is a color corresponding to the second character (for example, the color corresponding to the second ally character 004IWC02 is green, etc.);
The first color and the second color are not colors corresponding to the first character and the second character (for example, white and red are not colors corresponding to characters, etc.),
When the character display is displayed in the second color, the expectation of being controlled to the advantageous state is higher than when the character display is displayed in the first color (for example, red has a higher expectation of a jackpot than white, etc.),
When the character display is displayed in the third color, the expectation of being controlled to the advantageous state is higher than when the character display is displayed in the first color and when the character display is displayed in the second color (for example, purple has a higher expectation of a jackpot than white or red, etc.),
When the character display is displayed in the fourth color, the probability of being controlled to the advantageous state is higher than when the character display is displayed in the first color and when the character display is displayed in the second color (for example, the probability of a jackpot is higher with green than with white or red).

This feature makes it possible to make a color that is thought to have a lower chance of winning than red into a color with a higher chance of winning by increasing the chance of winning the corresponding color of the character compared to the other chance-up colors, and also allows people to focus on the color of the character and the character itself.

(SKY2021-1154) The gaming machine of type 5-2 is
A gaming machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player (for example, a jackpot, etc.),
A performance execution means (for example, a performance control CPU 120, etc.) capable of executing a performance;
Display means (for example, an image display device 5, etc.),
The effect execution means is capable of executing a first specific effect (e.g., story reach A, etc.) and a second specific effect (e.g., story reach B, etc.) that suggest that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state,
The display means
A first character can be displayed during the execution of the first specific effect (for example, a first ally character 004IWC01 can be displayed during the execution of story reach A),
A second character can be displayed during the execution of the second specific effect (for example, a third ally character SKY010 can be displayed during the execution of story reach B, etc.),
A character display related to the first character can be displayed according to the progress of the first specific effect (for example, a line L, etc.),
A character display related to the second character can be displayed according to the progress of the second specific effect (for example, a line L, etc.),
The character display can be displayed in multiple colors,
The plurality of colors include a first color (e.g., white), a second color (e.g., red), a third color (e.g., purple), and a fourth color (e.g., blue),
the third color is a color corresponding to the first character (for example, the color corresponding to the first ally character 004IWC01 is purple, etc.);
the fourth color is a color corresponding to the second character (for example, the color corresponding to the third ally character SKY010 is blue, etc.);
The first color and the second color are not colors corresponding to the first character and the second character (for example, white and red are not colors corresponding to characters, etc.),
When the character display is displayed in the second color, the expectation of being controlled to the advantageous state is higher than when the character display is displayed in the first color (for example, the expectation of a jackpot is higher in red than in white),
When the character display is displayed in the third color, the expectation of being controlled to the advantageous state is higher than when the character display is displayed in the first color and when the character display is displayed in the second color (for example, purple has a higher expectation of a jackpot than white or red, etc.),
When the character display is displayed in the fourth color, the probability of being controlled to the advantageous state is higher than when the character display is displayed in the first color and when the character display is displayed in the second color (for example, the probability of a jackpot is higher with blue than with white or red).

This feature makes it possible to make a color that is thought to have a lower chance of winning than red into a color with a higher chance of winning by increasing the chance of winning the corresponding color of the character compared to the other chance-up colors, and also allows people to focus on the color of the character and the character itself.

The gaming machine of form 5-3 is the gaming machine according to form 5-1 and form 5-2,
When the character display is displayed in the third color, the first character corresponding to the third color is displayed (for example, when the dialogue L is displayed in purple, the first ally character 004IWC01 is displayed).

This feature increases the correlation between the characters and the colors of the text, increasing interest in the game.

The gaming machine of form 5-4 is the gaming machine according to form 5-1 and form 5-2,
sound output means (e.g., speakers 8L and 8R);
A sound output control means (for example, a performance control CPU 120, etc.) capable of controlling the sound output means,
The sound output control means is capable of causing the sound output means to output a sound corresponding to the third color (for example, output specific sound 3) when the character display is displayed in the third color during execution of the first specific performance.

This feature allows the player to be informed that the color will change to the third color while drawing their attention to the fact that the color has changed to the third color.

The gaming machine of form 5-5 is the gaming machine according to form 5-1 and form 5-2,
a light-emitting means (e.g., a main lamp, a frame lamp, etc.);
A light emission control means (for example, a performance control CPU 120, etc.) capable of controlling the light emission means,
The light emission control means is capable of causing the light emission means to emit light in a light emission pattern of the same color as the third color when the text display is displayed in the third color during execution of the first specific performance (for example, emitting light in purple when the dialogue L is displayed in purple).

This feature increases the correlation between the character and the lamp color, increasing the enjoyment of the game.

A gaming machine according to aspect 5-6 is the gaming machine according to aspect 5-2,
The second character is not displayed in the first specific performance, and the fourth color display mode corresponding to the second character is not used as the color of the text display in the first specific performance (for example, in story reach A, dialogue is not displayed in a blue display mode).

This feature prevents players from mistakenly believing that a chance-up effect has been executed.

(Basic explanation)
First, the basic configuration and control of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (which also applies to the configuration and control of a general pachinko gaming machine) will be described.

(Configuration of Pachinko Game Machine 1, etc.)
1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine 1, showing the layout of the main components. The pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 1 is broadly composed of a gaming board (gauge board) 2 that forms the gaming board surface, and a gaming machine frame (base frame) 3 that supports and fixes the gaming board 2. A gaming area is formed on the gaming board 2, and gaming balls, which serve as gaming media, are launched into this gaming area by a predetermined ball launching device.

Note that "variable display" of special symbols refers to, 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 the normal symbols described below vary, multiple types of special symbols or normal symbols are updated and displayed. When decorative symbols described below vary, multiple types of decorative symbols are scrolled or updated, or one or more decorative symbols are transformed or enlarged/reduced. Note that variation also includes the display of a certain symbol flashing. At the end of the variable display, a specified special symbol is displayed stationary (also called derived or derived display) as the display result (the same applies to the variable display of other symbols described below). Note that variable display is sometimes referred to as variable display or variation.

The special symbol variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A is also referred to as the "first special symbol," and the special symbol variably displayed on the second special symbol display device 4B is also referred to as the "second special symbol." A special symbol game using the first special symbol is also referred to as the "first special symbol game," and a special symbol game using the second special symbol is also referred to as the "second special symbol game." There may be only one type of special symbol display device that variably displays special symbols.

An image display device 5 is provided near the center of the play area on the game board 2. The image display device 5 is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display) or organic EL (electroluminescence) display, and displays various effect images. The image display device 5 may also be composed of a projector and a screen. Various effect images are displayed on the image display device 5.

For example, on the screen of the image display device 5, in synchronization with the first special symbol game or the second special symbol game, a variable display of multiple types of decorative symbols (such as symbols showing numbers, etc.) as decorative identification information different from the special symbols is performed. Here, in synchronization with the first special symbol game or the second special symbol game, decorative symbols are variably displayed (for example, scrolled up and down or updated) in the "left," "center," and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. Note that the special symbol games and variable display of decorative symbols that are executed in synchronization are collectively referred to as simply variable display.

The screen of the image display device 5 may be provided with a display area for displaying a pending display corresponding to a variable display whose execution is pending, and an active display corresponding to a variable display that is currently being executed. The pending display and active display are collectively referred to as a variable display-compatible display corresponding to a variable display.

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

A first hold indicator 25A and a second hold indicator 25B, each consisting of multiple LEDs, are provided at predetermined positions on the game board 2. The first hold indicator 25A displays the number of first hold memories by the number of lit LEDs. The second hold indicator 25B displays the number of second hold memories by the number of lit LEDs.

A winning ball device 6A is provided below the image display device 5, and a variable winning ball device 6B is provided to the right of the winning ball device 6A.

The winning ball device 6A forms a first starting winning opening that is always kept open to allow game balls to enter, for example, by a specified ball receiving member. When a game ball enters the first starting winning opening, a specified number of prize balls (for example, three) are paid out and the first special game can be started.

The variable prize ball device 6B (a standard electric device) forms a second start prize opening that changes between a closed and an open state due to the solenoid 81 (see Figure 3). The variable prize ball device 6B, for example, comprises an electric tulip-type device with a pair of movable pieces. When the solenoid 81 is off, the movable pieces are in a vertical position, bringing the tip of the movable pieces close to the prize ball device 6A, creating a closed state in which game balls cannot enter the second start prize opening (also referred to as the second start prize opening being in a closed state). On the other hand, when the solenoid 81 is on, the movable pieces of the variable prize ball device 6B are in a tilted position, creating an open state in which game balls can enter the second start prize opening (also referred to as the second start prize opening being in an open state). When a game ball enters the second start prize opening, a predetermined number of prize balls (e.g., three) are paid out, and the second special game can be initiated. The variable winning ball device 6B may be any device that can change between a closed and an open state, and is not limited to devices equipped with an electric tulip-type device.

General winning openings 10 are provided at predetermined positions on the game board 2 (in the example shown in Figure 1, three locations at the bottom left of the game area and one location above the variable winning ball device 6B), and are always kept in a constant open state by a predetermined ball receiving member. In this case, when a ball enters one of the general winning openings 10, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10) are paid out as prize balls.

A special variable winning ball device 7 with a large winning opening is provided between the winning ball device 6A and the variable winning ball device 6B. The special variable winning ball device 7 has a large winning opening door that is driven to open and close by a solenoid 82 (see Figure 3), and the large winning opening door forms the large winning opening as a specific area that can be switched between an open state and a closed state.

As an example, in the special variable prize ball device 7, when the solenoid 82 for the large prize door (for the special electric device) is in the off state, the large prize door closes the large prize door, preventing game balls from entering (passing through) the large prize door. On the other hand, in the special variable prize ball device 7, when the solenoid 82 for the large prize door is in the on state, the large prize door opens the large prize door, making it easier for game balls to enter the large prize door.

When a gaming ball enters the large prize opening, a predetermined number of gaming balls (for example, 14) are paid out as prize balls. When a gaming ball enters the large prize opening, more prize balls are paid out than when a gaming ball enters, for example, the first start prize opening, the second start prize opening, or the general prize opening 10.

When a game ball enters any of the prize slots, including the general prize slot 10, it is also referred to as a "win." In particular, a win at a start slot (first start slot, second start slot) is also referred to as a start slot.

A normal symbol display 20 is provided at a predetermined position on the game board 2 (in the example shown in Figure 1, the lower left of the play area). As an example, the normal symbol display 20 is made up of a 7-segment LED or the like, and displays a variety of normal symbols as normal identification information that differs from special symbols. Normal symbols are represented by numbers from "0" to "9" or lighting patterns such as "-". Normal symbols may also include a pattern in which all LEDs are turned off. This type of variable display of normal symbols is also called a normal symbol game.

To the right of the image display device 5, there is a passing gate 41 through which the game ball can pass. When the game ball passes through the passing gate 41, a regular game is executed.

A regular symbol pending indicator 25C is provided below the regular symbol display 20. The regular symbol pending indicator 25C is configured to include, for example, four LEDs, and displays the regular symbol pending memory count, which is the number of regular symbol games pending execution, by the number of lit LEDs.

In addition to the above features, the surface of the game board 2 is equipped with windmills that change the direction and speed of the game balls as they flow down, as well as numerous obstacle nails. At the bottom of the game area, there is an outlet that takes in game balls that do not enter any of the winning holes.

Speakers 8L and 8R for playing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at the upper left and right positions of the gaming machine frame 3. A main lamp 9a is provided above the image display device 5 on the gaming machine frame 3, and frame lamps 9b are provided on the left and right of the main lamp 9a to surround the playing area. Furthermore, an attacca lamp 9c is provided near the special variable winning ball device 7 on the gaming board 2. Places that emit light under CPU control, such as the main lamp 9a and frame lamps, are collectively referred to as decorative light-emitting elements.

A movable body 32 (described below) that operates in response to the effects is provided at a predetermined position on the game board 2 (above the image display device 5 in Figure 1). The movable body 32 is also provided with a movable body lamp 9d. The movable body lamp 9d, along with the main lamp 9a, frame lamp 9b, and attacca lamp 9c described above, may be collectively referred to as the game effect lamp 9. The main lamp 9a, frame lamp 9b, attacca lamp 9c, and movable body lamp 9d are each constructed using an LED.

A ball-hitting operation handle (operation knob) 30 is provided at the lower right position of the gaming machine frame 3. The ball-hitting operation handle (operation knob) 30 is operated by the player or the like to launch gaming balls toward the gaming area using the ball-hitting device.

A ball supply tray (upper tray) is provided at a predetermined position in the gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area to hold (store) gaming balls dispensed as prize balls or gaming balls loaned from a predetermined ball loaning machine so that they can be supplied to the ball launching device. In addition to the upper tray, the gaming machine frame 3 may also be provided with a payout section (ball supply tray) separate from the upper tray, from which prize balls are dispensed when the upper tray is full.

A stick controller 31A that can be held and tilted by a player is attached to a predetermined position on the gaming machine frame 3 below the playing area. The stick controller 31A is provided with a trigger button that can be pressed by a player. Operation of the stick controller 31A is detected by the controller sensor unit 35A (see Figure 3).

A push button 31B is provided at a predetermined position on the gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area, which the player can press to issue a specific command. Operation of the push button 31B is detected by a push sensor 35B (see Figure 3).

In the pachinko gaming machine 1, a stick controller 31A and a push button 31B are provided as detection means for detecting the player's actions (operations, etc.), but other detection means may also be provided.

Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The back of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is equipped with a main board 11 housed in a board case 201. The main board 11 is provided with a setting key 51 and a setting switch 52. The setting key 51 functions as a lock switch for switching between the setting change state and the setting confirmation state. The setting switch 52 functions as a setting switch for changing setting values such as the probability of winning a jackpot and the ball payout rate in the setting change state. The setting key 51 and setting switch 52 may be attached to the outside of the main board 11, for example, at a predetermined position on the power supply board 17.

A display monitor 29 is located in the center of the back surface of the main board 11, and a display changeover switch 31 is located to the side of the display monitor 29. The display monitor 29 may be configured using, for example, a 7-segment LED display device. The display monitor 29 and display changeover switch 31 are located directly in front of the main board 11 when viewing the back side of the gaming board 2 with the gaming machine frame 3 open.

The display monitor 29 can display winning information such as consecutive win ratios, winning combination ratios, and base wins. The consecutive win ratio is the proportion of the number of winning balls that have entered the large winning slot (attacker) out of the total number of winning balls. The winning combination ratio is the proportion of the number of winning balls that have entered the second start winning slot (electric chute) and the number of winning balls that have entered the large winning slot (attacker) out of the total number of winning balls. The base wins is the proportion of the total number of winning balls to the number of game balls that have been shot out. When in the setting change state or setting confirmation state, the display monitor 29 can display setting values for the pachinko gaming machine 1. When in the setting change state or setting confirmation state, the display monitor 29 only needs to be able to display setting values to be changed or confirmed.

When the gaming machine frame 3 is closed, the setting key 51 and setting switch 52 cannot be operated from the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The gaming machine frame 3 is provided with a rotatable glass door frame 3a with a glass window, which allows the gaming area to be opened and closed. When the glass door frame 3a is closed, the gaming area can be seen through the glass window.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1, a security cover 50A is attached to the right end of the outer frame 1a, which is formed in a vertically elongated rectangular shape. When the gaming machine frame 3 is closed, the security cover 50A covers the right side of the circuit board case 201, which includes the setting key 51 and setting switch 52, from the rear side. The security cover 50A is a roughly L-shaped member including a short piece 50Aa and a long piece 50Ab, and may be made of a transparent synthetic resin.

(Outline of game progress)
The game ball is launched toward the game area by the player rotating the ball-hitting operation handle 30 provided on the pachinko game machine 1. When the game ball passes through the passing gate 41, a normal game is started by the normal symbol display 20. If the game ball passes through the passing gate 41 while the previous normal game is being played (if the game ball passes through the passing gate 41 but the normal game based on that passage cannot be played immediately), the normal game based on that passage is put on hold up to a predetermined upper limit (for example, 4).

In this normal game, if a specific normal symbol (a normal winning symbol) is displayed, the normal symbol display result will be "normal winning." On the other hand, if a normal symbol other than a normal winning symbol (a normal losing symbol) is displayed as the confirmed normal symbol, the normal symbol display result will be "normal losing." When a "normal winning" occurs, opening control is performed to keep the variable winning ball device 6B open for a predetermined period of time (the second starting winning port is opened).

When a game ball enters the first start winning hole formed in the winning ball device 6A, the first special symbol game is started by the first special symbol display device 4A.

When a game ball enters the second start winning hole formed in the variable winning ball device 6B, the second special symbol game is started by the second special symbol display device 4B.

Furthermore, if a game ball enters (wins) the start winning hole during the period when a special game is being played or during the period when the game is controlled to the jackpot game state described below (when a start winning occurs but the special game based on that start winning cannot be played immediately), the execution of the special game based on that entry will be suspended up to a predetermined upper limit (for example, 4).

In a special game, if a specific special symbol (a jackpot symbol, for example, "7"; the actual symbol varies depending on the type of jackpot, as described below) is displayed as a confirmed special symbol, it is a "jackpot," and if a special symbol other than the jackpot symbol (a losing symbol, for example, "-") is displayed as a stopped symbol, it is a "miss." Note that "misses" in this pachinko gaming machine 1 include "misses with time reduction," in which the next variable display is controlled to a high base state (time-reduced state) without going through a jackpot game.

Once the display result in the special game shows "jackpot," the game is controlled to a jackpot gaming state, which is advantageous for the player.

In the jackpot game state, the large prize opening formed by the special variable prize ball device 7 is opened in a predetermined manner. This open state continues until either a predetermined period of time (for example, 29 seconds or 1.8 seconds) has elapsed, or until the number of game balls entering the large prize opening reaches a predetermined number (for example, 9). This predetermined period is the maximum period during which the large prize opening can be opened in one round, and is hereinafter referred to as the maximum opening period. This cycle in which the large prize opening is opened is called a round (round game). In the jackpot game state, the round can be repeated until the predetermined maximum number of times (15 times or 2 times) is reached.

In the jackpot gaming state, the player can win prize balls by making the gaming ball enter the big prize opening. Therefore, the jackpot gaming state is advantageous to the player. The more rounds played in the jackpot gaming state, and the longer the maximum opening period, the more advantageous it is for the player.

A "jackpot" has a set type of jackpot. For example, there are multiple types of opening modes for the jackpot slot (number of rounds or maximum opening period) and game states after a jackpot game state (normal state, time-saving state, probability variable state, etc.), and the jackpot type is set accordingly. There may be jackpot types that offer many prize balls, jackpot types that offer few prize balls, or jackpot types that offer almost no prize balls.

After the jackpot game state ends, the game may enter a time-saving state or a special state depending on the type of jackpot mentioned above.

In the time-saving state, control (time-saving control) is executed to shorten the average special symbol fluctuation time (the period during which the special symbol fluctuates) compared to the normal state. In the time-saving state, control (high opening control, high base control) is also executed to make it easier for the game ball to enter the second start winning slot by shortening the average regular symbol fluctuation time (the period during which the regular symbol fluctuates) compared to the normal state and by increasing the probability of a "regular symbol hit" in a regular symbol game compared to the normal state. The time-saving state is advantageous to the player because it improves the efficiency of fluctuation of special symbols (especially the second special symbol).

In the probability variable state (probability variable state), in addition to time-saving control, probability variable control is implemented, which increases the probability that the display result will be a "jackpot" compared to the normal state. The probability variable state is an even more advantageous state for players, as it not only improves the efficiency of special symbol fluctuations, but also makes it easier to win a "jackpot."

The time-saving state or the probability variation state will continue until one of the following conditions is met: a predetermined number of special games have been played, or the next jackpot game state has begun. A state in which the condition for the special game to end is played a predetermined number of times is also called a count-cut state (count-cut time-saving state, count-cut probability variation state, etc.).

The normal state refers to a gaming state other than advantageous states such as a jackpot gaming state that are advantageous to the player, and special states such as a time-saving state and a probability variable state. It is a state in which the pachinko gaming machine 1, such as the probability that the displayed result in a normal game will be a "normal hit" and the probability that the displayed result in a special game will be a "jackpot," is controlled in the same way as the initial setting state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (for example, when a system reset is performed and the specified recovery process is not executed after power is turned on).

A state in which probability variable control is being executed is also called a high probability state, and a state in which probability variable control is not being executed is also called a low probability state. A state in which time-saving control is being executed is also called a high base state, and a state in which time-saving control is not being executed is also called a low base state. Combining these, the time-saving state is also called a low probability/high base state, the probability variable state is a high probability/high base state, and the normal state is a low probability/low base state. A high probability state and a low base state is also called a high probability/low base state.

The game state may also change based on the game ball passing through a specific area (e.g., a specific area within the jackpot opening) during the jackpot game state. For example, when the game ball passes through a specific area, the game state may be controlled to a special state after the jackpot game state.

(Progression of the production, etc.)
In the pachinko gaming machine 1, various effects (such as notifying the progress of the game or adding excitement to the game) are executed according to the progress of the game. These effects are described below. Note that these effects are executed by displaying various effect images on the image display device 5, but in addition to or instead of these displays, they may also be executed as sound output from the speakers 8L, 8R, the turning on and off of the game effect lamp 9, the movement of the movable body 32, or as effects using any effect device including some or all of these.

As an effect that is executed in accordance with the progress of the game, the "left," "center," and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R provided on the image display device 5 begin to display variable decorative symbols in response to the start of the first or second special symbol game. At the timing when the display result (also called the confirmed special symbol) in the first or second special symbol game is statically displayed, the confirmed decorative symbol (a combination of three decorative symbols) that is the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbols is also statically displayed (derived).

During the period from when the variable display of the decorative symbols begins to when it ends, the variable display of the decorative symbols may assume a predetermined reach state (a reach is achieved). Here, a reach state refers to a state in which decorative symbols that have not yet been stopped and displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 continue to be variable displayed when the decorative symbols that have not yet been stopped and displayed form part of a jackpot combination, as described below.

In addition, when the above-mentioned reach mode is reached during the variable display of decorative symbols, a reach effect is executed. Pachinko gaming machine 1 executes multiple types of reach effects, with different rates of the display result (the display result of the special game or the display result of the variable display of decorative symbols) becoming a "jackpot" (also known as jackpot reliability or jackpot expectation) depending on the effect mode. Reach effects include, for example, normal reach and SP reach, which has a higher jackpot reliability than normal reach.

When the display result of the special game is a "jackpot," a fixed decorative pattern that is a predetermined jackpot combination is displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 as the display result of the variable display of decorative patterns (the display result of the variable display of decorative patterns is a "jackpot"). As an example, the same decorative pattern (for example, "7") is displayed stopped and aligned on a predetermined effective line in the "left," "center," and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R.

In the case of a "probability jackpot" where the game state is controlled to a probability jackpot after the jackpot gaming state ends, odd-numbered decorative symbols (e.g., "7") are displayed in a line-up, and in the case of a "non-probability jackpot (regular jackpot)" where the game state is not controlled to a probability jackpot after the jackpot gaming state ends, even-numbered decorative symbols (e.g., "6") may be displayed in a line-up. In this case, odd-numbered decorative symbols are also called probability jackpot symbols, and even-numbered decorative symbols are also called non-probability jackpot symbols (regular symbols). After a reach state is reached with non-probability jackpot symbols, a promotion effect may be executed that ultimately results in a "probability jackpot."

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

The effects that the pachinko gaming machine 1 can execute include displaying the variable display compatible display (reserved display or active display) described above. Other effects, such as preview effects that predict the jackpot reliability, are executed during the variable display of decorative symbols. Preview effects include preview effects that predict the jackpot reliability in the currently executing variable display, and pre-read preview effects that predict the jackpot reliability in the variable display before execution (variable display whose execution is reserved). A pre-read preview effect may be executed that changes the display mode of the variable display compatible display (reserved display or active display) to a mode that is different from normal.

In addition, the image display device 5 may temporarily stop the decorative symbols while they are being displayed in a variable manner, and then resume the variable display, thereby executing a pseudo-consecutive effect that makes a single variable display appear as multiple variable displays.

Even 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 to indicate that the value of the jackpot gaming state is increasing.

Also, for example, when a special game or the like is not being played, a demo image is displayed on the image display device 5 (a customer waiting demo effect is executed).

(Board configuration)
The pachinko gaming machine 1 is equipped with a main board 11, a performance control board 12, a sound control board 13, a lamp control board 14, a relay board 15, and the like, as shown in Fig. 3. In addition, various boards, such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, and a launch control board, are arranged on the back of the pachinko gaming machine 1. Furthermore, a power supply board 17 is also equipped. The various control boards are not only electronic circuit boards such as printed wiring boards on which conductor patterns are formed and on which electrical components can be mounted, but also electronic circuit mounting boards configured to realize specific electrical functions by mounting electrical components on electronic circuit boards.

A power switch 91 is connected to the power supply board 17, and by operating the power switch 91 (turning it on), power from an AC power source, such as an external power source like a commercial power supply, such as 100V AC, can be supplied from the power supply board 17 to electrical components including various control boards such as the main board 11 and the performance control board 12. The power supply board 17 is equipped with, for example, a rectifier circuit for converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), and a power supply circuit for converting a predetermined DC voltage to a specific DC voltage (for example, 12V DC or 5V DC).

The main board 11 is the main control board and has the function of controlling the progress of the above-mentioned games in the pachinko gaming machine 1 (execution of special games (including reserved game management), execution of regular games (including reserved game management), jackpot game status, game status, etc.). The main board 11 has a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110, a solenoid circuit 111, etc.

The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a single-chip microcomputer, and includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103, a random number circuit 104, and an I/O (Input/Output port) 105.

The CPU 103 executes the program stored in ROM 101 to control the progress of the game (processing that realizes the functions of the main board 11). At this time, various data stored in ROM 101 (such as data on variation patterns, performance control commands, and tables referenced when making various decisions) is used, and RAM 102 is used as the main memory. RAM 102 serves as a backup RAM, where the stored contents are preserved for a predetermined period of time even if part or all of the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped. Note that all or part of the program stored in ROM 101 may be deployed to RAM 102 and executed on RAM 102.

The random number circuit 104 counts updatable numerical data indicating various random number values (gaming random numbers) used to control the progress of the game. The gaming random numbers may be updated by the CPU 103 executing a specified computer program (updated by software).

The I/O 105 is configured to include, for example, an input port into which various signals (detection signals described below) are input, and an output port for transmitting various signals (signals that control (drive) the first special symbol display device 4A, second special symbol display device 4B, normal symbol display device 20, first hold display device 25A, second hold display device 25B, normal symbol hold display device 25C, etc., and solenoid drive signals).

The switch circuit 110 receives detection signals (such as detection signals indicating that a game ball has passed or entered and the switch has been turned on) from various switches for detecting game balls (gate switch 21, start port switches (first start port switch 22A and second start port switch 22B), and count switch 23), and transmits them to the game control microcomputer 100. The transmission of the detection signal indicates that the game ball has passed or entered.

The switch circuit 110 receives a reset signal, a power-off signal, and a clear signal from the power supply board 17 and transmits them to the game control microcomputer 100. The reset signal is an operation stop signal that stops control circuits such as the game control microcomputer 100, and can be output using a power supply monitoring circuit, a watchdog timer built-in IC, or a system reset IC. The power-off signal turns off when the specified power supply voltage used in the pachinko gaming machine 1 exceeds a specified value, and turns on when the specified power supply voltage remains below the specified value for a period of time that exceeds the power-off reference time. The clear signal turns on, for example, in response to pressing the clear switch 92 provided on the power supply board 17.

The solenoid circuit 111 transmits solenoid drive signals (such as signals to turn on solenoid 81 or solenoid 82) from the game control microcomputer 100 to the solenoid 81 for the normal electric device and the solenoid 82 for the large prize opening door.

The main board 11 is connected to a display monitor 29, a display switch 31, a setting key 51, a setting switch 52, and a door open sensor 90. The door open sensor 90 detects the opening of the gaming machine frame 3, including the glass door frame 3a.

As part of its control of the game's progress, the main board 11 (game control microcomputer 100) supplies presentation control commands (commands that specify (notify) the game's progress, etc.) to the presentation control board 12 in accordance with the progress of the game. The presentation control commands output from the main board 11 are relayed by the relay board 15 and supplied to the presentation control board 12. These presentation control commands include, for example, commands that specify various decisions made by the main board 11 (e.g., the display results of the special game (including the type of jackpot), the variable patterns used when executing the special game (details will be described later)), the game status (e.g., the start and end of the variable display, the opening status of the jackpot slot, the occurrence of a win, the number of reserved memories, the game status), the occurrence of an error, etc.

The performance control board 12 is a sub-control board independent of the main board 11, and has the function of receiving performance control commands and executing performances (various performances according to the progress of the game, including various notifications such as driving the movable body 32, error notifications, and notifications of power outage recovery) based on the received performance control commands.

The performance control board 12 is equipped with a performance control CPU 120, ROM 121, RAM 122, display control unit 123, random number circuit 124, and I/O 125.

The performance control CPU 120 executes programs stored in ROM 121, and performs processing to execute performances together with the display control unit 123 (processing to realize the above-mentioned functions of the performance control board 12, including determining the performance to be executed). During this processing, various data (such as data from various tables) stored in ROM 121 is used, and RAM 122 is used as the main memory.

The effect control CPU 120 may instruct the display control unit 123 to execute an effect based on detection signals from the controller sensor unit 35A and push sensor 35B (signals that are output when an operation by the player is detected and that appropriately indicate the operation content).

The display control unit 123 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor), CGROM (Character Generator ROM), VRAM (Video RAM), etc., and executes presentations based on instructions to execute presentations from the presentation control CPU 120.

The display control unit 123 displays a performance image on the image display unit 5 by supplying the image display unit 5 with a video signal corresponding to the performance to be executed based on a performance execution instruction from the performance control CPU 120. The display control unit 123 also supplies a sound designation signal (a signal that designates the sound to be output) to the audio control board 13 and a lamp signal (a signal that designates the lamp on/off state) to the lamp control board 14 in order to output sound synchronized with the display of the performance image and turn the game effect lamp 9 on/off. The display control unit 123 also supplies a signal that operates the movable body 32 to the movable body 32 or to the drive circuit that drives the movable body 32.

The audio control board 13 is equipped with various circuits that drive the speakers 8L and 8R, and drives the speakers 8L and 8R based on the sound designation signal, causing the speakers 8L and 8R to output the sound designated by the sound designation signal.

The lamp control board 14 is equipped with various circuits that drive the game effect lamp 9, and drives the game effect lamp 9 based on the lamp signal, turning the game effect lamp 9 on and off in the manner specified by the lamp signal. In this way, the display control unit 123 controls the audio output and the on/off of the lamp.

In addition, the performance control CPU 120 may be configured to perform control of audio output, turning on/off of lamps (such as supplying sound designation signals and lamp signals), and control of the movable body 32 (such as supplying signals to operate the movable body 32).

The random number circuit 124 counts updatable numerical data indicating various random number values (performance random numbers) used to execute various performances. The performance random numbers may be updated by the performance control CPU 120 executing a specific computer program (updated by software).

The I/O 125 mounted on the performance control board 12 includes an input port for receiving performance control commands transmitted from, for example, the main board 11, and an output port for transmitting various signals (video signals, sound designation signals, lamp signals).

Boards other than the main board 11, such as the performance control board 12, sound control board 13, and lamp control board 14, are also called sub-boards. As with pachinko gaming machine 1, multiple sub-boards may be provided for different functions, or one sub-board may be configured to have multiple functions.

(operation)
Next, the operation (action) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described.

(Major operations of the main board 11)
First, we will explain the main operations of the main board 11. When power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 starts, the game control microcomputer 100 starts up and the game control main process is executed by the CPU 103. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the game control main process executed by the CPU 103 on the main board 11.

In the game control main processing shown in Figure 4, the CPU 103 first disables interrupts (step S1). Next, it performs the necessary initial settings (step S2). These initial settings include setting the stack pointer, register settings for built-in devices (CTC (counter/timer circuit), parallel input/output port, etc.), and making RAM 102 accessible.

Next, it is determined whether the recovery conditions are met (step S3). The recovery conditions can be met when the clear signal is off, backup data is available, and the backup RAM is normal. When power is supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 1, if a clear switch provided on the power supply board 17, for example, is pressed, an on-state clear signal is input to the game control microcomputer 100. If such an on-state clear signal is input, it is determined in step S3 that the recovery conditions are not met. The backup data only needs to be able to be saved in RAM 102, which serves as backup RAM for game control. In step S3, it is determined whether the recovery conditions can be met by checking or inspecting the presence or absence of backup data and the presence or absence of data errors.

If the recovery condition is met (Step S3; Yes), recovery processing (Step S4) is executed, followed by setting confirmation processing (Step S5). The recovery processing of Step S4 sets a working area based on the contents stored in RAM 102. By setting the working area using the backup data stored in RAM 102, the game state when the power supply was stopped is restored, and if, for example, a special symbol was changing, it is sufficient if the change of the special symbol can be resumed from the state before the power supply was stopped.

If the recovery condition is not met (Step S3: No), an initialization process (Step S6) is performed, followed by a setting change process (Step S7). The initialization process of Step S6 includes a clearing process that clears flags, counters, and buffers stored in RAM 102, and the clearing process sets initial values in the work area.

The setting confirmation process in step S5 determines whether a predetermined setting confirmation condition is met. The setting confirmation condition is met, for example, when power supply is started, if the detection signal from the door open sensor 90 is in the ON state and the setting key 51 is pressed ON. The setting confirmation process in step S5 is executed when the recovery condition is met in step S3, including the clear signal being in the OFF state. Therefore, the setting confirmation condition can only be met when the clear signal is in the OFF state, so the clear signal being in the OFF state can also be included in the setting confirmation condition.

If the setting confirmation conditions are met in the setting confirmation process of step S5, the pachinko gaming machine 1 enters a setting confirmation state in which the setting values set therein can be confirmed, and a setting confirmation start command is sent from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12. In the setting confirmation state, the setting values set therein can be confirmed by viewing them on the display monitor 29. When the setting confirmation state is to end, a setting confirmation end command is sent from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12.

When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the setting confirmation state, it may enter a game stop state in which the progress of play on the pachinko gaming machine 1 is halted. In the game stop state, the firing of game balls by operating the ball-hitting handle and the detection of game balls by various switches are halted, and the first special symbol display device 4A, the second special symbol display device 4B, and the normal symbol display device 20 may be controlled to display a frozen losing symbol or the like, or to display a symbol corresponding to a game stop state other than a losing symbol. When the setting confirmation state ends, the game stop state that accompanies it may also end.

The setting change process in step S7 determines whether a predetermined setting change condition is met. The setting change condition is met, for example, when power supply is started, the detection signal from the door open sensor 90 is in the ON state, and the setting key 51 is turned ON. The setting change condition may also include the clear signal being in the ON state.

If the setting change conditions are met in the setting change process of step S7, the pachinko gaming machine 1 enters a setting change state in which the setting values set therein can be changed, and a setting change start command is sent from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12. In the setting change state, the setting values are displayed on the display monitor 29, and the values displayed on the display monitor 29 are updated sequentially each time operation of the setting change switch 52 is detected. Thereafter, when the setting key 51 is turned off by an arcade attendant or the like, the setting values displayed on the display monitor 29 are stored (updated and memorized) in the backup area of RAM 102, and the display monitor 29 is turned off. When the setting change state is to be ended, a setting change end command is sent from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12.

When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the setting change state, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be placed in a play-stop state, just as when it is in the setting confirmation state. When the setting change state ends, the accompanying play-stop state may also end.

When the performance control board 12 receives a setting confirmation start command or a setting change start command, it may perform control to notify the user that the setting is being confirmed or changed. For example, it may display a specific image on the image display device 5, output a specific sound from the speakers 8L and 8R, or cause a light-emitting element such as the game effect lamp 9 to emit light in a specific manner.

The clear signal is turned on, for example, by pressing a clear switch provided on the power supply board 17. Therefore, if the detection signal from the door open sensor 90 is on and the setting key 51 is on when power supply is started, if the clear switch is on, the initialization process of step S6 and the setting change process of step S7 are executed, allowing control to the setting change state. If the clear switch is off, the recovery process of step S4 and the setting confirmation process of step S5 are executed, allowing control to the setting confirmation state. If the detection signal from the door open sensor 90 is off when power supply is started, or if the setting key 51 is off, if the clear switch is on, the initialization process of step S6 is executed but the setting change state is not controlled. If the clear switch is off, the recovery process of step S4 is executed but the setting confirmation state is not controlled.

After executing the setting confirmation process or setting change process, the CPU 103 executes a random number circuit setting process to initialize the random number circuit 104 (step S8). Then, it sets the register of the CTC built into the game control microcomputer 100 so that a timer interrupt occurs periodically at a predetermined time interval (e.g., every 2 ms) (step S9), and enables the interrupt (step S10). After that, it enters a loop process. Thereafter, an interrupt request signal is sent from the CTC to the CPU 103 at predetermined time intervals (e.g., every 2 ms), and the CPU 103 can periodically execute timer interrupt processing.

After executing this game control main processing, the CPU 103 receives an interrupt request signal from the CTC and accepts the interrupt request, then executes the game control timer interrupt processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5. When the game control timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 5 begins, the CPU 103 first executes a predetermined switch processing to determine whether or not detection signals have been received from various switches, such as the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, the second start port switch 22B, and the count switch 23, via the switch circuit 110 (step S21). Next, the CPU 103 executes a predetermined main error processing to diagnose abnormalities in the pachinko gaming machine 1 and, if necessary, issue a warning based on the diagnosis results (step S22). After this, the CPU 103 executes a predetermined information output processing to output data such as jackpot information (information indicating the number of jackpots), start information (information indicating the number of start wins), and probability fluctuation information (information indicating the number of times the game has entered a probability variable state) to be supplied to a hall management computer installed outside the pachinko gaming machine 1 (step S23).

Following the information output process, a gaming random number update process is executed to update at least a portion of the gaming random numbers used on the main board 11 side by software (step S24). After this, the CPU 103 executes a special symbol process process (step S25). By executing the special symbol process process at each timer interrupt, the CPU 103 is able to manage the execution and reservation of special symbol games, control the jackpot gaming state, control the gaming state, and so on.

Following the special symbol process, the normal symbol process is executed (step S26). By the CPU 103 executing the normal symbol process at each timer interrupt, it is possible to execute the normal symbol game and manage reserves based on the detection signal from the gate switch 21 (based on the game ball passing through the passage gate 41), as well as control the opening of the variable winning ball device 6B based on a "normal symbol win." The normal symbol game is executed by driving the normal symbol display 20, and the number of reserved normal symbols is displayed by lighting the normal symbol reserve display 25C.

After executing the normal symbol process processing, as part of the game control timer interrupt processing, processing when a power outage occurs, processing for paying out prize balls, etc. may be performed. Then, the CPU 103 executes command control processing (step S27). The CPU 103 may set a presentation control command to be sent during each of the above processes. In the command control processing of step S27, the presentation control command that has been set to be sent is transmitted to a sub-side control board such as the presentation control board 12. After executing the command control processing, the interrupt is permitted and then the game control timer interrupt processing is terminated.

Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the special symbol process executed in step S25 shown in Figure 5. In this special symbol process, the CPU 103 first executes a start winning determination process (step S101).

The start winning determination process detects the occurrence of a start winning, stores pending information in a specified area of RAM 102, and updates the number of pending memories. When a start winning occurs, a random number value is extracted to determine the display result (including the type of jackpot) and variation pattern, and this is stored as pending information. A process may also be executed to predict the display result and variation pattern based on the extracted random number value. After the pending information and number of pending memories are stored, transmission settings are made to send a performance control command to the performance control board 12 to specify the determination results, such as the occurrence of a start winning, the number of pending memories, and the predictive determination. The performance control command for the start winning that has been transmitted and set in this way is transmitted from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12, for example, after the special symbol process is completed, by executing the command control process of step S27 shown in Figure 5.

After executing the start winning determination process in step S101, the CPU 103 selects and executes one of the processes in steps S110 to S120 depending on the value of the special symbol process flag stored in RAM 102. Note that in each step of the special symbol process (steps S110 to S120), transmission settings are made to transmit the corresponding effect control command to the effect control board 12.

The normal special symbol processing in step S110 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "0" (initial value). This normal special symbol processing determines whether to start the first or second special symbol game based on the presence or absence of pending information. Furthermore, the normal special symbol processing determines (predetermines) whether the display result of the special symbol or decorative symbol is a "jackpot" and, if so, the type of jackpot, before the display result is derived and displayed, based on a random number value for determining the display result. Furthermore, the normal special symbol processing determines a fixed special symbol (either a jackpot symbol or a losing symbol) to be displayed in the special symbol game in accordance with the determined display result. The value of the special symbol process flag is then updated to "1," and the normal special symbol processing ends. The special symbol game using the second special symbol may be executed with priority over the special symbol game using the first special symbol (also known as special symbol 2 priority consumption). Additionally, the order in which game balls enter the first and second starting winning slots may be stored, and the conditions for starting the special game may be met in the order in which the balls enter (also known as winning order consumption).

When making various decisions based on random number values, various tables stored in ROM 101 (tables in which the decision value compared with the random number value is assigned to the decision result) are referenced. The same applies to other decisions on the main board 11 and various decisions on the performance control board 12. On the performance control board 12, various tables are stored in ROM 121.

The fluctuation pattern setting process of step S111 is executed when the value of the special chart process flag is "1". This fluctuation pattern setting process includes a process of using a random number value for determining the fluctuation pattern to determine one of several types of fluctuation pattern, based on the results of a pre-determined decision on whether or not the display result will be a "jackpot". In the fluctuation pattern setting process, when a fluctuation pattern is determined, the value of the special chart process flag is updated to "2", and the fluctuation pattern setting process ends.

The variation pattern specifies the execution time of the special symbol game (special symbol variation time) (which is also the execution time of the variable display of the decorative symbols), the manner of variable display of the decorative symbols (whether or not there is a reach, etc.), and the content of the presentation during the variable display of the decorative symbols (type of reach presentation, etc.), and is also called the variable display pattern.

The special symbol change process in step S112 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "2". This special symbol change process includes processes for making settings to change the special symbols on the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, and for measuring the elapsed time since the special symbol began to change. It also determines whether the measured elapsed time has reached the special symbol change time corresponding to the change pattern. Then, when the elapsed time since the special symbol began to change reaches the special symbol change time, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "3", and the special symbol change process ends.

The special symbol stop process of step S113 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "3." This special symbol stop process includes a setting process to stop the variation of special symbols on the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, and to stop displaying (derive) the confirmed special symbol that will result in the display of the special symbol. If the display result is a "jackpot," the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "4." If the display result is a "miss," the game state is also updated if the game is in a time-saving state or a special probability state and the end of the number-cutting period is confirmed. Once the value of the special symbol process flag is updated, the special symbol stop process ends.

The pre-jackpot opening process in step S114 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "4." This pre-jackpot opening process includes processing to start the execution of a round in the jackpot game state and set the large prize opening to an open state, based on factors such as the display result being "jackpot." When the large prize opening is set to an open state, a process is executed to supply a solenoid drive signal to the solenoid 82 for the large prize opening door. At this time, the maximum open period for the large prize opening to be set and the maximum number of rounds to be executed are set, depending on, for example, the type of jackpot. Once these settings are complete, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "5," and the pre-jackpot opening process ends.

The jackpot opening process of step S115 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "5." This jackpot opening process includes processes such as measuring the time elapsed since the large prize opening was opened, and determining whether it is time to return the large prize opening from an open state to a closed state based on the measured elapsed time and the number of game balls detected by the count switch 23. When the large prize opening is to be returned to a closed state, processes such as stopping the supply of a solenoid drive signal to the solenoid 82 for the large prize opening door are executed, and then the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "6," and the jackpot opening process ends.

The post-jackpot release process of step S116 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "6." This post-jackpot release process includes a process for determining whether the number of times the round that opens the large prize opening has been executed has reached the set upper limit, and a process for making settings to end the jackpot game state when the upper limit has been reached. If the number of times the round has been executed has not reached the upper limit, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "5." However, if the number of times the round has been executed has reached the upper limit, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "7." Once the value of the special symbol process flag has been updated, the post-jackpot release process ends.

The jackpot end process of step S117 is executed when the value of the special chart process flag is "7." This jackpot end process includes processes such as waiting until a waiting time corresponding to the period during which an ending presentation, which serves as a presentation operation to notify players of the end of the jackpot game state, has elapsed, and making various settings to initiate variable rate control or time-saving control in response to the end of the jackpot game state. When these settings are made, the value of the special chart process flag is updated to "0," and the jackpot end process ends.

(Major operations of the performance control board 12)
Next, the main operations of the performance control board 12 will be described. When the performance control board 12 receives a supply of power voltage from a power supply board or the like, the performance control CPU 120 starts up and executes the performance control main process as shown in the flowchart of Fig. 9. When the performance control main process shown in Fig. 9 starts, the performance control CPU 120 first executes a predetermined initialization process (step S71), clearing RAM 122, setting various initial values, and setting registers for the CTC (counter/timer circuit) mounted on the performance control board 12. It also executes an initial operation control process (step S72). In the initial operation control process, control is executed to perform the initial operation of the movable body 32, such as control to drive the movable body 32 to return it to its origin position and control to perform predetermined operation checks.

Then, it is determined whether the timer interrupt flag is on (step S73). The timer interrupt flag is set to the on state every time a predetermined time (e.g., 2 milliseconds) elapses, based on, for example, the register settings of the CTC. If the timer interrupt flag is off at this time (step S73; No), the process of step S73 is repeatedly executed and the process waits.

In addition, on the performance control board 12 side, in addition to the timer interrupt that occurs every time a predetermined time has elapsed, an interrupt occurs to receive performance control commands from the main board 11. This interrupt occurs, for example, when the performance control INT signal from the main board 11 turns on. When an interrupt occurs due to the performance control INT signal turning on, the performance control CPU 120 automatically disables the interrupt. However, if a CPU that does not automatically disable interrupts is used, it is desirable to issue an interrupt disable command (DI command). In response to the interrupt due to the performance control INT signal turning on, the performance control CPU 120 executes, for example, a specified command reception interrupt process. In this command reception interrupt process, the performance control command is captured from a specified input port included in the I/O 125 that receives the control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15. The captured performance control command is stored in a performance control command reception buffer, for example, provided in RAM 122. The performance control CPU 120 then enables interrupts and ends the command reception interrupt process.

If the timer interrupt flag is on in step S73 (step S73; Yes), the timer interrupt flag is cleared to an off state (step S74), and a command analysis process is executed (step S75). In the command analysis process, for example, various effect control commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100 on the main board 11 and stored in the effect control command reception buffer are read, and then settings and controls corresponding to the read effect control commands are performed. For example, the read effect control command may be stored in a specified area of RAM 122, or a reception flag provided in RAM 122 may be turned on, so that the effect control process process can confirm which effect control command was received and the content specified by the effect control command. Furthermore, if the effect control command specifies the game status, the display control unit 123 may be instructed to display a background corresponding to the game status.

After executing the command analysis process in step S75, the performance control process is executed (step S76). The performance control process controls the operation of various performance devices, such as the display of performance images in the display area of the image display device 5, the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, the lighting of decorative light-emitting elements such as the game effect lamp 9 and decorative LEDs, and the driving of the movable body 32. In addition, the control content of performance operations using the various performance devices is judged, determined, and set in accordance with the performance control commands sent from the main board 11.

Following the performance control process in step S76, a performance random number update process is executed (step S77), and at least a portion of the performance random numbers used on the performance control board 12 is updated by software. Then, processing returns to step S73. Other processing may be executed before returning to step S73.

Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing executed in step S76 of Figure 9 as the performance control process. In the performance control process shown in Figure 10, the performance control CPU 120 first executes a look-ahead notification setting process (step S161). In the look-ahead notification setting process, for example, judgments, decisions, and settings are made to execute a look-ahead notification performance based on the performance control command sent from the main board 11 at the time of the initial winning. In addition, processing is executed to display a hold display based on the number of hold memories identified from the performance control command.

After executing the processing of step S161, the performance control CPU 120 selects and executes one of the following processing steps S170 to S175, depending on the value of a performance process flag stored in RAM 122, for example.

The variable display start waiting process of step S170 is executed when the value of the effect process flag is "0" (initial value). This variable display start waiting process includes a process of determining whether to start variable display of decorative patterns on the image display device 5 based on whether a command specifying the start of variable display has been received from the main board 11. If it is determined that variable display of decorative patterns on the image display device 5 should be started, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "1" and the variable display start waiting process ends.

The variable display start setting process of step S171 is executed when the value of the effect process flag is "1". In this variable display start setting process, the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern (confirmed decorative pattern), the mode of the variable display of the decorative pattern, whether or not various effects such as reach effects and various preview effects will be executed, their mode, and the start timing of execution are determined based on the display result and variation pattern specified by the effect control command. Then, a performance control pattern (a collection of control data for instructing the display control unit 123 to execute an effect) that reflects the determined results is set. Thereafter, based on the set performance control pattern, the display control unit 123 is instructed to start execution of the variable display of the decorative pattern, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "2", and the variable display start setting process is terminated. In response to the instruction to start execution of the variable display of the decorative pattern, the display control unit 123 starts the variable display of the decorative pattern on the image display device 5.

The variable display effect processing of step S172 is executed when the effect process flag value is "2." In this variable display effect processing, the effect control CPU 120 instructs the display control unit 123 to display an effect image based on the effect control pattern set in step S171 on the display screen of the image display device 5, drive the movable body 32, output audio and sound effects from the speakers 8L and 8R in response to a command (sound effect signal) to the audio control board 13, and turn on/off/blink the game effect lamp 9 and decorative LEDs in response to a command (illumination signal) to the lamp control board 14. After performing these effect controls, the CPU 120 displays the fixed decorative pattern, which is the result of the display of the decorative pattern, in a static state, for example, in response to reading an end code indicating the end of the variable display of the decorative pattern from the effect control pattern or receiving a command from the main board 11 specifying the static display of the fixed decorative pattern. When the final decorative pattern is displayed in a static state, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "3" and the variable display effect processing ends.

The special symbol win wait process of step S173 is executed when the value of the presentation process flag is "3". In this special symbol win wait process, the presentation control CPU 120 determines whether a presentation control command specifying the start of a jackpot game state has been received from the main board 11. When a presentation control command specifying the start of a jackpot game state is received, the value of the presentation process flag is updated to "4". Furthermore, if a command specifying the start of a jackpot game state is not received and the waiting time for receiving said command has elapsed, the display result in the special symbol game is determined to be a "miss", and the value of the presentation process flag is updated to its initial value of "0". Once the value of the presentation process flag has been updated, the special symbol win wait process ends.

The jackpot presentation processing of step S174 is executed when the presentation process flag value is "6." In this jackpot presentation processing, the presentation control CPU 120 sets a presentation control pattern, etc., corresponding to the presentation content in the jackpot gaming state, and executes various presentation controls in the jackpot gaming state based on the set content. Furthermore, in the jackpot presentation processing, for example, in response to receiving a command from the main board 11 specifying the end of the jackpot gaming state, the value of the presentation process flag is updated to "5," which corresponds to the ending presentation processing, and the jackpot presentation processing ends.

The ending presentation process of step S175 is executed when the presentation process flag value is "7". In this ending presentation process, the presentation control CPU 120 sets a presentation control pattern corresponding to, for example, the end of a jackpot gaming state, and executes various presentation controls for the ending presentation at the end of the jackpot gaming state based on the settings. The presentation process flag value is then updated to its initial value of "0", and the ending presentation process is terminated.

(Variations of the basic explanation)
This invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine 1 described in the basic explanation above, and various modifications and applications are possible within the scope of the invention.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 described above is a payout gaming machine that pays out a predetermined number of gaming media as prizes when a prize is won, but it may also be an enclosed gaming machine that encloses gaming media and awards points when a prize is won.

Only one type of symbol (for example, a symbol showing "-") may be displayed during the variable display of the special symbol, and the variable display may be achieved by repeatedly displaying and extinguishing that symbol. Furthermore, even if the symbol is displayed during the variable display, that symbol may not be displayed when the variable display is stopped (the display result may not show the symbol showing "-").

In the above basic explanation, a pachinko gaming machine 1 was shown as the gaming machine, but the present invention can also be applied to slot machines (for example, slot machines equipped with one or more of big bonus, regular bonus, RT, AT, ART, CZ (hereinafter referred to as bonus, etc.)) that can play a game in which medals are inserted and a predetermined bet amount is set, multiple types of symbols are rotated in response to the player's operation of the control lever, and when the symbols are stopped in response to the player's operation of the stop button, a specific combination of symbols is formed, and a predetermined number of medals is paid out to the player.

The programs and data for realizing the present invention are not limited to being distributed or provided to the computer device included in the pachinko gaming machine 1 via a removable recording medium, but may also be distributed by being pre-installed on a storage device of the computer device. Furthermore, by providing a communications processing unit, the programs and data for realizing the present invention may also be distributed by being downloaded from another device on a network connected via a communications line, etc.

Games can be executed not only by inserting a removable recording medium, but also by downloading programs and data via a communication line, temporarily storing them in internal memory, or by directly executing the game using the hardware resources of another device on a network connected via a communication line. Furthermore, the game can also be executed by exchanging data with other computer devices via a network.

In this specification, expressions used to compare various percentages, such as the execution rate of effects (such as "high," "low," and "different") may include one being a "0%" percentage. For example, this also includes one being a "0%" percentage and the other being a "100%" percentage or a percentage less than "100%."

This gaming machine may be controlled into time-saving state B (also called rescue time-saving state or rescue time-saving) among multiple time-saving states after the power is turned on (when a RAM clear process is executed) or after a jackpot occurs, if the variable display is executed a predetermined number of times (900 times in this example) consecutively in a low-probability state but no next jackpot occurs. This rescue time-saving state is provided to rescue players who have not won a jackpot despite playing for a long period of time (for example, to reduce investment in gaming), and in this example is a gaming state called "Yu-Time."

In this embodiment, if the multiple types of jackpots are controlled to be jackpot A, 110 variable displays are made in time-saving state A (low probability/high base state) out of the multiple types of time-saving states, leaving 790 variable displays remaining from the end of time-saving state A until the rescue time-saving state is reached. On the other hand, if the multiple types of jackpots are controlled to be either jackpot B or jackpot C, 110 variable displays are made in the probability variable state (high probability/high base state), leaving 900 variable displays remaining from the end of the probability variable state until the rescue time-saving state is reached. Also, in this embodiment, the number of variable displays in time-saving state B (low probability/high base state) based on the value of the rescue time-saving count counter reaching "0" is 1100.

In this embodiment, during the variable display when the rescue time reduction is reached, a shutter image is displayed across the entire screen of the image display device 5, thereby reducing the visibility of the first background image corresponding to the normal state that was displayed as the background image during the variable display before the rescue time reduction was reached, and then a third background image corresponding to the rescue time reduction is displayed as the background image.

In this embodiment, the left side of the image display device 5 on the gaming board 2 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is formed as a left gaming area where gaming balls can flow down, and the right side of the image display device 5 on the gaming board 2 is formed as a right gaming area where gaming balls can flow down. Gaming balls that are weakly launched by the launching device flow down the first path in the left gaming area, and gaming balls that are strongly launched by the launching device flow down the second path in the right gaming area.

In this embodiment, the special variable winning ball device 7 has a first large winning opening and a second large winning opening formed in the direction in which the game balls flow. The first large winning opening is operable by a solenoid to open and close a large winning opening door (not shown), which opens and closes the large winning opening door. The second large winning opening is operable by a solenoid to open and close a large winning opening door (not shown), which opens and closes the large winning opening door.

Furthermore, a first count switch 069SG023A capable of detecting game balls is provided inside the first large prize opening, and a second count switch 069SG023B capable of detecting game balls is provided inside the second large prize opening.

In other words, game balls flowing down the left game area (first path) can win in the general prize opening 10 and the first start prize opening formed by the prize ball device 6A, while game balls flowing down the right game area (second path) can win in the second start prize opening formed by the variable prize ball device 6B, the general prize opening 10, and the first or second large prize opening formed by the special variable prize ball device 7, and can also pass through the passing gate 41.

In this embodiment, the switch circuit 110 is connected to the first count switch 069SG023A, the second count switch 069SG023B, and the jackpot start switch 069SG024 built into the jackpot start gate 069SG042.

Multiple obstacle nails are arranged between the winning ball device 6A, the variable winning ball device 6B, and the special variable winning ball device 7. As a result, game balls flowing down the left game area cannot win in the second start winning slot or the large winning slot, and game balls flowing down the right game area cannot win in the first start winning slot.

As shown in FIG. 9, at a predetermined position on the game board 2 of the pachinko game machine 1 in this embodiment (for example, the lower left position of the game area), there are a first special symbol display device 069SG004A capable of variable display of the first special symbol, a second special symbol display device 069SG004B capable of variable display of the second special symbol, a first reserve indicator 069SG025A capable of displaying the first reserved memory number, a second reserve indicator 069SG025B capable of displaying the second reserved memory number, a normal symbol display device 069SG020 capable of variable display of normal symbols, a normal symbol reserve indicator 069SG025C capable of displaying the normal symbol reserve number, and a jackpot indicator. The game information display unit is equipped with a round indicator 069SG131 that can display the number of rounds (jackpot type) of the jackpot game during play, a right-hit lamp 069SG132 that lights up in game states in which the game ball is shot toward the right game area, such as in a jackpot game state, a high probability/high base state (probability variable state), or a low probability/high base state (time-saving state), a probability variable lamp 069SG133 that lights up when the game is in a high probability/high base state (probability variable state), and a time-saving lamp 069SG134 that lights up in a high probability/high base state (probability variable state) and a low probability/high base state (time-saving state). Note that, when the game state is normal, the right-hit lamp 069SG132 exceptionally lights up from the moment the variable display stops if the variable display results in a jackpot.

As shown in Figure 9, the main board 11 is equipped with an information output circuit for outputting game information (signals) via a terminal board (not shown) to an external device such as a management computer of the gaming facility where the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed.

In this embodiment, the second large prize opening is provided with a V prize opening and an outlet downstream of the V prize opening. A variable V prize opening device (V lid) is also provided upstream of the V prize opening. The variable V prize opening device is switched between a closed and an open state by a solenoid. In other words, game balls flowing down the second large prize opening can pass through the V prize opening when the variable V prize opening device is in the open state, but cannot pass through the V prize opening when the variable V prize opening device is in the closed state and instead flow down to the outlet.

As shown in Figure 9, the main board 11 is provided with a V switch 069SG023B1 that can detect, via the switch circuit 110, that a gaming ball has passed through the V entry port located downstream of the second large entry port, and an ejection switch 069SG023B2 that can detect that a gaming ball has passed through the ejection port.

The performance control board 12 is also connected to a vibration motor 61 built into the push button 31B and a movable body motor 207 for operating the movable body 32. The lamp control board 14 is also connected to a right-hit LED 069SG031 for prompting a right-hit operation, a first special symbol LED 069SG032 that lights up during the variable display of the first special symbol, a second special symbol LED 069SG033 that lights up during the variable display of the second special symbol, a first hold LED 069SG034A that lights up when the first hold memory number is 1 to 2, and a first hold LED 069SG035A that lights up when the first hold memory number is 3 to 4. 69SG034B, a second hold LED 069SG035A that lights up when the second hold memory number is 1 to 2, a second hold LED 069SG035B that lights up when the second hold memory number is 3 to 4, a button LED 62 built into the push button 31B, a movable body LED 208 built into the movable body 32, and frame LEDs 9L1 to 9L12 and 9R1 to 9R12 provided on the gaming machine frame 3 are connected.

Figure 10(A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating random number values counted on the main board 11. As shown in Figure 10(A), in this embodiment, the main board 11 is controlled to count numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for determining the special symbol display result, as well as the random number value MR2 for determining the type of jackpot, the random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern, the random number value MR4 for determining the normal symbol display result, and the random number value MR5 for determining the initial value of MR4. Note that random number values other than these may be used to enhance the gaming effect. These random number values MR1 to MR5 may be counted by the CPU 103 using different random counters updated by software, or may be updated by the random number circuit 104. The random number circuit 104 may be built into the game control microcomputer 100, or may be configured as a random number circuit chip separate from the game control microcomputer 100. These random numbers used to control the progress of the game are also called gaming random numbers.

In this embodiment, the random number values MR1 to MR5 are set to the ranges shown in Figure 10(A), but the present invention is not limited to this, and the ranges of these random number values MR1 to MR5 may be varied depending on the settings set in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

In the game control microcomputer 100, the CPU 103 executes a program read from the ROM 101 and uses the RAM 102 as a work area to execute various processes for controlling the progress of games in the pachinko game machine 1. The CPU 103 also executes a random number generation program, enabling it to generate all of the various random numbers used on the main board 11.

The ROM 101 provided in the game control microcomputer 100 stores not only the game control program but also various table data used to control the progress of the game. For example, the ROM 101 stores table data constituting multiple judgment tables prepared for the CPU 103 to make various judgments and decisions. The ROM 101 also stores table data constituting multiple control pattern tables used by the CPU 103 to output various control signals from the main board 11, and a variable pattern judgment table that stores multiple variable patterns that determine the variable display modes of each symbol in variable displays such as special symbols and normal symbols.

Figure 10 (B) shows an example of the configuration of a special symbol display result determination table stored in ROM 101. A common special symbol display result determination table is used for the first special symbol and the second special symbol, but the present invention is not limited to this, and separate special symbol display result determination tables may be used for the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

The special symbol display result determination table is a table that is referenced to determine whether or not to treat the variable display result as a "jackpot" and control the game to a jackpot game state before the determined special symbol that will be the variable display result is derived and displayed in a special symbol game using the first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A or a special symbol game using the second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B, based on the random number value MR1 used to determine the special symbol display result.

In the special symbol display result determination table, a numerical value (determination value) that is compared with the random number value MR1 used to determine the special symbol display result is assigned to the special symbol display result of "jackpot" or "miss" depending on whether the game state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is normal state, time-saving state (low probability state), or probability variable state (high probability state).

In the special symbol display result determination table, the table data indicating the determination value compared with the random number value MR1 for determining the special symbol display result is the determination data assigned to the decision result of whether to treat the special symbol display result as a "jackpot" and control it to a jackpot game state. In the special symbol display result determination table, when the game state is a probability variable state (high probability state), more determination values are assigned to the "jackpot" special symbol display result than when the game state is a normal state or a time-saving state (low probability state). As a result, in a probability variable state (high probability state) where probability variable control is performed in the pachinko gaming machine 1, the probability of determining that the special symbol display result will be treated as a "jackpot" and control it to a jackpot game state is higher (approximately 1/80.02) than the probability of determining that the special symbol display result will be treated as a "jackpot" and control it to a jackpot game state when the game state is a normal state or a time-saving state (low probability state) (approximately 1/319.68). In other words, in the special chart display result determination table, when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in a probability variable state (high probability state), the determination data is assigned to the decision result of whether or not to control to a jackpot gaming state so that there is a higher probability of determining that the gaming state will be controlled to a jackpot gaming state compared to when the gaming state is in a normal state or a time-saving state.

The determination tables stored in ROM 101 include the first special symbol display result determination table and the second special symbol display result determination table shown in Figure 7, as well as the jackpot type determination table (for the first special symbol) shown in Figure 10 (C1) and the jackpot type determination table (for the second special symbol) shown in Figure 10 (C2), as well as a variation pattern determination table, a regular symbol display result determination table (not shown), a regular symbol variation pattern determination table (not shown), and so on.

In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 in this embodiment is configured so that the probability of winning a jackpot (ball payout rate) does not change depending on the setting value, but it may also be configured so that the probability of winning a jackpot (ball payout rate) changes depending on the setting value.

(Jackpot type determination table)
10(C1) and 10(C2) are explanatory diagrams showing the jackpot type determination table (for the first special symbol) and the jackpot type determination table (for the second special symbol) stored in ROM 101. Of these, FIG. 10(C1) is a table for determining the jackpot type using reserved memory based on the game ball winning the first start winning slot (i.e., when the first special symbol is variably displayed). Also, FIG. 10(C1) is a table for determining the jackpot type using reserved memory based on the game ball winning the second start winning slot (i.e., when the second special symbol is variably displayed).

The jackpot type determination table is a table that is referenced when a decision is made to use the variable display result as a jackpot pattern, and determines the type of jackpot as either jackpot A or jackpot C based on the random number (MR2) used to determine the jackpot type.

Now, the types of jackpots in this embodiment will be explained using Figure 10 (D). In this embodiment, the jackpot types provided are jackpot A, jackpot B, and jackpot C, for which time-saving control is executed for a maximum of 110 variable displays after the jackpot game state ends. Furthermore, these jackpots A, B, and C are also jackpots for which probability variable control is executed for a maximum of 110 variable displays after the jackpot game ends, when the game ball enters the V prize slot after entering the second large prize slot in the first round of the jackpot game state.

In this embodiment, the open state of the variable V ball entry device (V lid) includes a short open state (e.g., 0.1 seconds), in which the open state lasts for a short period of time, and a long open state (e.g., 15 seconds), in which the open state lasts for a long period of time. Jackpot A causes the variable V ball entry device to be in a short open state in the first round of the jackpot gaming state, and jackpots B and C cause the variable V ball entry device to be in a long open state in the first round of the jackpot gaming state.

The jackpot game state resulting from "Jackpot A" is a normal opening jackpot that changes the second large prize entry port to an open state advantageous to the player in the first round, and changes the first large prize entry port to an open state advantageous to the player in rounds two through six. Furthermore, with "Jackpot A," the variable V prize entry device enters a short open state in the first round, making it extremely difficult for the game ball to enter the V prize entry port, and since the probability variation control cannot be expected to be executed, it essentially results in a normal jackpot.

The jackpot game state resulting from "Jackpot B" is a normal opening jackpot that changes the second large prize entry port to an open state advantageous to the player in the first round, and changes the first large prize entry port to an open state advantageous to the player in rounds two through six. Furthermore, with "Jackpot B," the variable V prize entry device enters a long open state in the first round, making it extremely easy to get a game ball to enter the V prize entry port, and it is expected that the probability variable control will be executed, resulting in a virtual probability variable jackpot.

The jackpot game state resulting from "Jackpot C" is a normal opening jackpot that changes the second large prize entry port to an opening state advantageous to the player in the first round, and changes the first large prize entry port to an opening state advantageous to the player in rounds two through ten. Furthermore, with "Jackpot C," the variable V prize entry device enters a long opening state in the first round, making it extremely easy to get a game ball to enter the V prize entry port, and it is expected that probability variable control will be executed, resulting in a virtual probability variable jackpot.

In this embodiment, three types of jackpots, jackpot A, jackpot B, and jackpot C, are provided as examples, but the present invention is not limited to this, and two or fewer types of jackpots, or four or more types of jackpots may be provided.

Also, as shown in Figure 10 (C1), in the jackpot type determination table (for the first special symbol), of the MR2 determination value range of 0 to 299, 0 to 149 is assigned to jackpot A, and 150 to 299 is assigned to jackpot B. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 10 (C2), in the jackpot type determination table (for the second special symbol), of the MR2 determination value range of 0 to 299, 0 to 99 is assigned to jackpot B, and 100 to 299 is assigned to jackpot C.

In other words, in this embodiment, when the variable special symbol is the first special symbol, there is a 50% chance that the game ball will enter the V entry slot in the first round of the jackpot game state, and both probability variable control and time-saving control will be implemented after the jackpot game ends. Furthermore, when the variable special symbol is the second special symbol, there is a 100% chance that the game ball will enter the V entry slot in the first round of the jackpot game state, and both probability variable control and time-saving control will be implemented after the jackpot game ends.

In this example, even in the case of jackpot A, it is possible, but extremely rare, for a V win to occur when the V lid is in a short open state, so in the case of jackpot A, it will be explained as if no V win occurs and the special rate control is not executed. Also, even in the case of jackpot B or jackpot C, it is possible, but extremely rare, for a V win not to occur when the V lid is in a long open state, so in the case of jackpot B or jackpot C, it will be explained as if a V win occurs and the special rate control is executed.

In this embodiment, the type of jackpot is determined using MR2, a random number value used to determine the type of jackpot, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the type of jackpot may also be determined using MR1, a random number value used to determine the special chart display result.

In addition, in this embodiment, for example, the jackpot types for the second special symbol are jackpots B and C, which allow 110 rounds of probability variable control and time-saving control after the jackpot gaming state ends. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to provide a jackpot D, etc., in which time-saving control is performed 1,009 times (probability variable state: 110 times + time-saving state A: 899 times) after the jackpot gaming state ends. This increases interest because it is almost certain that the next jackpot will occur. Furthermore, even if no jackpot occurs in the 110-round probability variable state after the end of jackpot D and the probability variable control ends, after no jackpot occurs in time-saving state A (low probability/high base state), 899 variable displays are performed without a jackpot, and then simply one variable display is performed in the normal state, which further increases interest because control is entered into time-saving state B (rescue time-saving state) described below.

(Number of time reductions)
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the number of time reductions for each transition trigger. As shown in FIG. 11, in this example, when a jackpot A occurs and the game ball does not enter the probability variable area, (1) the time reduction control is performed 110 times, and (2) the low probability control is performed 110 times, and the game enters the probability variable area (in this example, it is controlled to a time reduction state A (in this example, it is controlled to a battle rush (BATTLE RUSH) with 110 time reductions). Also, when either a jackpot B or a jackpot C occurs and the game ball enters the probability variable area, (1) the time reduction control is performed 110 times, and (2) the probability variable control is performed 110 times, and the game enters the probability variable area (in this example, it is controlled to a super battle rush (SUPER BATTLE RUSH) with 110 time reductions). In addition, if 900 variable displays are performed in a low-probability state without being controlled to a jackpot, (1) time-saving control is performed 1100 times, and (2) the game is controlled to time-saving state B (in this example, a Yu-1100 Battle Rush (Yu-1100 BATTLE RUSH) with 1100 time-saving displays) in which low-probability control is performed 1100 times. However, even if 900 variations are performed again in a low-probability state without being controlled to a jackpot after the end of time-saving state B, the game will not be controlled to time-saving state B again based on this.

In addition, when a time-saving losing symbol is displayed in a stopped state in the normal state, (1) time-saving control may be performed 1,100 times, and (2) control may be controlled to time-saving state B (in this example, a play/1,100 battle rush with 1,100 time-saving cycles) in which low-probability control is performed 1,100 times. In this case, even if a time-saving losing symbol is displayed in a stopped state in a high base state (probability variable state, time-saving state), no control is performed to transition the game state (control is not performed to the time-saving state with 1,100 time-saving cycles). This is to avoid reducing the player's chance of success. For example, if a time-saving losing symbol is displayed in a stopped state in a probability variable state where a jackpot is likely to occur, and the system were configured to reset the time-saving state to 1,100 time-saving cycles, this would result in control moving from an advantageous state to an unfavorable state for the player, which is undesirable. Therefore, it is only necessary to configure the system to control the time-saving state to 1,100 times only if the game state controlled when the time-saving losing symbol is stopped and displayed is normal.

The rescue time reduction achievement rate is the rate at which the game is controlled to the time-shortened state via rescue time reduction. The time-shortened state via rescue time reduction is controlled by performing variable display n times (900 times in this example) without being controlled to the jackpot game state, so the rescue time reduction achievement rate K can be calculated as follows:

K={(1-ML)^n}×100

(K = rescue time reduction achievement rate, ML = jackpot probability, n = variable display number)
Specifically, for example, if the jackpot probability ML in this embodiment is approximately 1/319, the rescue time reduction achievement rate K will be 5.9%. In the case of a gaming machine that allows for setting of a set value, if the rescue time reduction achievement rate is set to be higher as the jackpot probability is set to a lower value, the player can be rescued even if the jackpot probability is set to a low value.

(Fluctuation pattern)
12 to 15 are explanatory diagrams showing specific examples of the fluctuation pattern determination table in this embodiment.

Figure 12 shows (A) a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table for a loss when the number of reserved memories in the normal state is 0 to 2, (B) a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table for a loss when the number of reserved memories is 3, and (C) a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table for a jackpot when the number of reserved memories is 0 to 3.

As shown in Figure 12 (A), in the fluctuation pattern determination table for losses when the number of reserved memories is 0 to 2, 9850 judgment values are assigned to non-reach B, 50 judgment values are assigned to SP reach A, 50 judgment values are assigned to SP reach B, and 50 judgment values are assigned to SP reach C. Also, as shown in Figure 12 (B), in the fluctuation pattern determination table for losses when the number of reserved memories is 3, 9850 judgment values are assigned to shortened non-reach B, 50 judgment values are assigned to SP reach A, 50 judgment values are assigned to SP reach B, and 50 judgment values are assigned to SP reach C.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 12 (C), in the variation pattern determination table for jackpots when the number of reserved memories is 0 to 3, 100 determination values are assigned to SP Non-via B, 2000 determination values are assigned to SP Reach A, 3600 determination values are assigned to SP Reach B, and 4300 determination values are assigned to SP Reach C. In this way, the likelihood of a jackpot increases in the order of SP Reach A (Battle Reach) < SP Reach B (Story Reach A) < SP Reach C (Story Reach B). This allows you to pay attention to the reach presentation that will develop into the next stage.

In addition, Figure 13 shows (A) a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table for a miss when the number of reserved memories in the special probability state is 0, (B) a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table for a miss when the number of reserved memories is 1 to 3, and (C) a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table for a jackpot when the number of reserved memories is 0 to 3.

As shown in Figure 13 (A), in the fluctuation pattern determination table for losses when the number of reserved memories is 0, 9,500 judgment values are assigned to non-reach A, 200 judgment values are assigned to SP reach C, and 300 judgment values are assigned to SP reach D. Also, as shown in Figure 13 (B), in the fluctuation pattern determination table for losses when the number of reserved memories is 1 to 3, 8,500 judgment values are assigned to shortened non-reach A, 1,000 judgment values are assigned to non-reach A, 200 judgment values are assigned to SP reach C, and 300 judgment values are assigned to SP reach D.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 13 (C), in the fluctuation pattern determination table for jackpots when the number of reserved memories is 0, 500 determination values are assigned to SP Non-Via A, 8000 determination values are assigned to SP Reach C, and 1500 determination values are assigned to SP Reach D.

In addition, Figure 14 shows (A) a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table for a miss when the number of reserved memories is 0 in time-saving state A, (B) a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table for a miss when the number of reserved memories is 1 to 3, and (C) a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table for a jackpot when the number of reserved memories is 0 to 3.

As shown in Figure 14 (A), in the fluctuation pattern determination table for losses when the number of reserved memories is 0, 9,500 judgment values are assigned to non-reach A, and 500 judgment values are assigned to SP reach E. Also, as shown in Figure 14 (B), in the fluctuation pattern determination table for losses when the number of reserved memories is 1 to 3, 9,000 judgment values are assigned to shortened non-reach A, 500 judgment values are assigned to non-reach A, and 500 judgment values are assigned to SP reach E.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 14 (C), in the fluctuation pattern determination table for jackpots when the number of reserved memories is 0 to 3, 500 determination values are assigned to SP Non-Via A, and 9,500 determination values are assigned to SP Reach E.

In addition, Figure 15 shows (A) a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table for a miss when the number of reserved memories is 0 in time-saving state B (rescue time-saving state), (B) a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table for a miss when the number of reserved memories is 1 to 3, and (C) a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table for a jackpot when the number of reserved memories is 0 to 3.

As shown in Figure 15 (A), in the fluctuation pattern determination table for losses when the number of reserved memories is 0, 9,700 determination values are assigned to non-reach A, and 300 determination values are assigned to SP reach D. Also, as shown in Figure 15 (B), in the fluctuation pattern determination table for losses when the number of reserved memories is 1 to 3, 9,700 determination values are assigned to ultra-shortened non-reach, and 300 determination values are assigned to SP reach D.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 15 (C), in the fluctuation pattern determination table for jackpots when the number of reserved memories is 0 to 3, 10,000 determination values are assigned to SP Reach D.

As shown in Figures 13(A) and 13(B), the average variable display time for a losing variation pattern that can be determined when the number of reserved memories is 0 in a probability variable state is approximately 8.2 seconds {((7 s x 95) + (40 s x 2) + (25 s x 3)) ÷ 100 = 8.2}, and the average variable display time for a losing variation pattern that can be determined when the number of reserved memories is 1 to 3 is approximately 4.8 seconds {((3 s x 85) + (7 s x 10) + (40 s x 2) + (25 s x 3)) ÷ 100 = 4.8}.

Here, assuming that the first variable display when the probability variable state begins has a pending memory count of 0, and that the 2nd to 110th variable display has a pending memory count of 1 to 3, the average variable display time for a losing variable pattern that can be determined in the probability variable state is approximately 4.83 seconds {(8.2 + (4.8 x 109)) ÷ 110 = 4.83}.

Also, as shown in Figure 13 (C), the average variable display time for the jackpot fluctuation pattern that can be determined in the high probability state when the number of reserved memories is 0 to 3 is approximately 51.1 seconds {((22 seconds x 5) + (55 seconds x 80) + (40 seconds x 15)) ÷ 100 = 51.1}, so the average variable display time for the jackpot fluctuation pattern that can be determined in the high probability state is approximately 51.1 seconds.

As shown in Figures 14(A) and 14(B), in time-saving state A, when the number of reserved memories is 0, the average variable display time of the variable pattern for a loss that can be determined is approximately 9.15 seconds {((7 s x 95) + (50 s x 5)) ÷ 100 = 9.15}, and when the number of reserved memories is 1 to 3, the average variable display time of the variable pattern for a loss that can be determined is approximately 5.55 seconds {((3 s x 90) + (7 s x 5) + (50 s x 5)) ÷ 100 = 5.55}.

Assuming that when time-saving state A begins, the first variable display has a pending memory count of 0, and that the 2nd to 110th variable displays have a pending memory count of 1 to 3, the average variable display time for a losing variable pattern that can be determined in time-saving state A is approximately 5.58 seconds {(9.15 + (5.55 x 109)) ÷ 110 = 5.58}.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14 (C), the average variable display time for the jackpot variation pattern that can be determined when the number of reserved memories is 0 to 3 in time-saving mode A is approximately 62.8 seconds {((22 seconds x 5) + (55 seconds x 95)) ÷ 100 = 62.85}.

As shown in Figures 15(A) and 15(B), in time-saving state B, when the number of reserved memories is 0, the average variable display time for the variable pattern for a loss that can be determined is approximately 7.54 seconds {((7 s x 97) + (25 s x 3)) ÷ 100 = 7.54}, and when the number of reserved memories is 1 to 3, the average variable display time for the variable pattern for a loss that can be determined is approximately 2.205 seconds {((1.5 s x 97) + (25 s x 3)) ÷ 100 = 2.205}.

Here, assuming that when time-saving state B begins, the first variable display has a pending memory count of 0, and that the 2nd to 1100th variable display has a pending memory count of 1 to 3, the average variable display time for a losing variable pattern that can be determined in time-saving state B is approximately 2.2 seconds {(7.54 + (2.205 x 1099)) ÷ 1100 = 2.20985}.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15 (C), the average variable display time for the jackpot fluctuation pattern that can be determined in time-saving state B when the number of reserved memories is 0 to 3 is approximately 40 seconds, so the average variable display time for the jackpot fluctuation pattern that can be determined in time-saving state B is approximately 40 seconds.

In this way, when the number of reserved memories is 0, the number of possible loss variation patterns that can be determined is three for the special state, two for the time-saving state A, and two for the time-saving state B. When the number of reserved memories is 1 to 3, the number of possible loss variation patterns that can be determined is four for the special state, three for the time-saving state A, and two for the time-saving state B.

In addition, the average variable display time for the determinable losing variation patterns is 4.83 seconds in the guaranteed bonus state, 5.58 seconds in time-saving state A, and 2.2 seconds in time-saving state B.

In addition, when the number of reserved memories is 0 to 3, the number of variable patterns for a jackpot that can be determined is three for the probability variable state, two for the time-shortening state A, and one for the time-shortening state B.
In addition, the average variable display time of the determinable jackpot fluctuation pattern is 51.1 seconds for the special state, 62.8 seconds for the time-saving state A, and 40 seconds for the time-saving state B.

In other words, the number of types of variable patterns for misses that can be determined decreases in the order of probability variable state, time-saving state A, and time-saving state B (probability variable state > time-saving state A > time-saving state B), and the average variable display time of the variable patterns for misses that can be determined decreases in the order of probability variable state, time-saving state A, and time-saving state B (probability variable state > time-saving state A > time-saving state B).

In addition, the types of variable patterns for jackpots that can be determined decrease in the order of probability variable state, time-saving state A, and time-saving state B (probability variable state > time-saving state A > time-saving state B), and the average variable display time of the variable patterns that can be determined decreases in the order of probability variable state, time-saving state A, and time-saving state B (probability variable state > time-saving state A > time-saving state B). In this way, time-saving state B has fewer variable pattern types and a shorter variable display period than probability variable state and time-saving state A. In other words, a monotonous and efficient variable display is performed.

In addition, while the number of types of loss variation patterns and jackpot variation patterns that can be determined is greater in the special state than in time-saving state A, the number may be greater in time-saving state A than in the special state, or may be the same in the special state and time-saving state A.

In addition, the various fluctuation pattern determination tables shown in Figures 12 to 15 are used in common for the first special symbol and the second special symbol. In particular, in time-saving state B, the fluctuation pattern determination table shown in Figure 15 is used in common for the first special symbol and the second special symbol. Therefore, even if a first start winning occurs in time-saving state B, the number of possible fluctuation pattern types that can be determined is smaller than in the probability variable state or time-saving state A, and the average variable display time is shorter, resulting in a monotonous and efficient variable display.

In addition, different fluctuation pattern determination tables may be used for the first special symbol and the second special symbol.
In addition, if a V winning occurs during a jackpot gaming state due to "jackpot A," the game is controlled to a probability variable state in which probability variable control and time-saving control are executed after the jackpot gaming state ends, similar to "jackpot B" and "jackpot C," and therefore the fluctuation pattern is determined using the fluctuation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 13. In addition, if a V winning does not occur during a jackpot gaming state due to "jackpot B" or "jackpot C," the game is controlled to time-saving state A in which only time-saving control is executed after the jackpot gaming state ends, similar to "jackpot A," and therefore the fluctuation pattern is determined using the fluctuation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 14. In other words, the fluctuation pattern determination table does not use a fluctuation pattern determination table according to the type of jackpot, but rather, because irregular states can occur during a jackpot gaming state, a fluctuation pattern determination table linked to the state after the jackpot gaming state ends is used.

In other words, in a gaming machine that can be controlled to a high-speed state after the end of a favorable state (e.g., a jackpot gaming state) based on the passage of a gaming ball through a specific area (e.g., a V entry port) during that advantageous state, if a V entry occurs during a jackpot gaming state in which a V entry is possible, the machine will be controlled to a high-speed state after the end of that jackpot gaming state; on the other hand, if a V entry does not occur during a jackpot gaming state in which a V entry is possible, the machine will be controlled to a first time-saving state after the end of that jackpot gaming state; and if a V entry does not occur during a jackpot gaming state in which a V entry is difficult, the machine will be controlled to a second time-saving state after the end of that jackpot gaming state; the first and second time-saving states are a common time-saving state, and it is preferable that the variable display period in the first and second time-saving states is shorter than the variable display period in time-saving state B of this embodiment.

(Fluctuation pattern without reach)
In this embodiment, a fluctuation pattern without a reach ("shortened non-reach A, shortened non-reach B,""ultra shortened non-reach,""non-reach A, non-reach B,""non-via SP A, non-via SP B") is a fluctuation pattern in which a combination of decorative symbols indicating that a reach is not established after the variable display has started and the variable display result is a "miss" or "jackpot" is stopped and displayed. "Shortened non-reach A, shortened non-reach B,""ultra shortened non-reach,""non-reach A, non-reach B," and "non-via SP A, non-via SP B" are collectively referred to simply as "non-reach" or "non-reach fluctuation pattern." Incidentally, "non-via SP A, non-via SP B" is a non-reach fluctuation pattern for a jackpot in which a reach or SP reach is not established and a jackpot occurs.

In this embodiment, among the fluctuation patterns that do not involve a reach, when the fluctuation pattern is determined to be a "non-reach A" fluctuation pattern, the variable display period is 7000 ms, when the fluctuation pattern is determined to be a "non-SP via A" fluctuation pattern, the variable display period is 7000 + 15000 ms, when the fluctuation pattern is determined to be a "non-reach B" fluctuation pattern, the variable display period is 12000 ms, when the fluctuation pattern is determined to be a "non-SP via B" fluctuation pattern, the variable display period is 12000 + 15000 ms, when the fluctuation pattern is determined to be a "shortened non-reach A" fluctuation pattern, the variable display period is 3000 ms, when the fluctuation pattern is determined to be a "shortened non-reach B" fluctuation pattern, the variable display period is 5000 ms, and when the fluctuation pattern is determined to be a "super-shortened non-reach" fluctuation pattern, the variable display period is 1500 ms. Of these, the "ultra-reduced non-reach" variation pattern can only be determined in time-saving state B, and has a shorter variable display period than any of the variation patterns determined when the game is in other game states where time-saving control is executed (time-saving state A, probability variable state).

(Fluctuating pattern with SP reach)
In this embodiment, in a variation pattern accompanied by an SP reach ("SP reach A,""SP reach B,""SP reach C,""SP reach D,""SP reach E"), after the reach state is established, an SP reach effect is executed, in which an ally character and an enemy character play rock-paper-scissors to announce whether or not they have won a jackpot, or a battle effect (SP reach B-E) in which an ally character and an enemy character battle to announce whether or not they have won a jackpot, and the final display result is determined and stopped after the rock-paper-scissors effect or the battle effect ends. Here, if the final display result is a "miss," an effect is executed in which the ally character is defeated by the enemy character (defeat effect). On the other hand, if the final display result is a "jackpot," an effect is executed in which the ally character wins against the enemy character (victory effect), or an effect is executed in which the ally character is defeated by the enemy character (defeat effect), and then an effect is executed in which the ally character revives and wins against the enemy character (revival effect).

Note that a "variation pattern without a reach" is a variation pattern in which the variable display state of the decorative symbol does not become a predetermined reach state and a variable display result is displayed. This also includes a variation pattern in which, even if there is a reach tease such as a "reach preview" described below, the variable display result is displayed without ultimately becoming a reach state. Also, a "variation pattern with an SP reach" is a variation pattern in which, after the variable display state of the decorative symbol becomes a predetermined reach state, the reach performance develops and an SP reach performance is executed, and then the display result is displayed.

In addition, the SP Reach jackpot variation patterns (SP Reach A to E) include a variable display part in which a variable display of decorative symbols is executed, and a post-effect part in which the expected number of balls to be awarded in the jackpot game state is specifically announced after the victory effect and revival effect of the variable display part have ended.

The variable display period of the variable display part is different for each type of SP Reach A - E: 45,000 ms for SP Reach A, 80,000 ms for SP Reach B, 40,000 ms for SP Reach C, 25,000 ms for SP Reach D, and 50,000 ms for SP Reach E. On the other hand, the execution period of the post-effect part is 15,000 ms, which is the same for SP Reach A - E. In this embodiment, the post-effect part is assigned a predetermined period of time within the variable display period (for example, 15,000 ms), but the predetermined period may also differ depending on the type of SP Reach. In addition, a fanfare period during a jackpot game state may also be assigned to the post-effect part.

In this embodiment, all fluctuation patterns involving a reach are SP reach fluctuation patterns, and an example is given of a form in which a normal reach fluctuation pattern is not set, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a normal reach fluctuation pattern may also be set.

(Main control command)
FIG. 16A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of a main control command in this embodiment. The main control command is, for example, two bytes long, with the first byte indicating MODE (command classification) and the second byte indicating EXT (command type). The first bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always set to "1," and the first bit of the EXT data is set to "0." Note that the command format shown in FIG. 16A is merely an example, and other command formats may also be used. Also, in this example, the control command is composed of two control signals, but the number of control signals constituting the control command may be one, or may be three or more.

In the example shown in Figure 16 (A), command 8001H is a first variable display start command that specifies the start of variable display in a special symbol game using the first special symbol on the first special symbol display device 4A. Command 8002H is a second variable display start command that specifies the start of variable display in a special symbol game using the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 4B. Command 81XXH is a variation pattern specification command that specifies the variation pattern (variation time) of decorative symbols and the like that are variably displayed in the "left," "center," and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R on the image display device 5 in response to the variable display of special symbols in the special symbol game. Here, XXH represents an unspecified hexadecimal number, and may be any value that is set according to the instructions given by the performance control command. Note that the variation pattern specification command sets different EXT data depending on the specified variation pattern, etc.

Command 8C00H is a variable display result specification command, and is a presentation control command that specifies variable display results such as special symbols and decorative symbols. For example, as shown in FIG. 16(B), the variable display result specification command sets different EXT data depending on the determination result (predetermined result) of whether the variable display result is a "miss" or a "jackpot" ("miss with time reduction"), and the determination result of which of several types of jackpot type will be used if the variable display result is a "jackpot" (jackpot type determination result).

For example, as shown in FIG. 16(B), in the variable display result designation command, command 8C00H is a first variable display result designation command in which the variable display result is "miss." Command 8C01H is a second variable display result designation command that notifies the predetermined result and jackpot type determination result that the variable display result is "jackpot" and the jackpot type is "jackpot A." Command 8C02H is a third variable display result designation command that notifies the predetermined result and jackpot type determination result that the variable display result is "jackpot" and the jackpot type is "jackpot B." Command 8C03H is a fourth variable display result designation command that notifies the predetermined result and jackpot type determination result that the variable display result is "jackpot" and the jackpot type is "jackpot C."
Command 8FXXH is a pattern confirmation command that stops (confirms) the variable display of decorative patterns in each of the "left,""center," and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R on the image display device 5, and specifies the pattern confirmation period until the next variable display begins.

For example, as shown in Figure 16 (C), command 8F00H is a pattern determination command A that ends the variation of special patterns and sets the pattern determination period to 0.5 seconds. Command 8F01H is a pattern determination command B that ends the variation of special patterns and sets the pattern determination period to 20 seconds.

In this embodiment, (i) when the rescue time reduction is reached after the RAM clear process is executed, and (ii) when the rescue time reduction is reached after 900 variable displays after a jackpot, a symbol determination command with different EXT data set is transmitted in the rescue time reduction reaching variation. Specifically, (i) when the rescue time reduction is reached after the RAM clear process is executed, a symbol determination A command is transmitted in which the symbol determination period is 0.5 seconds in the rescue time reduction reaching variation. Furthermore, (ii) when the rescue time reduction is reached after 900 variable displays after a jackpot, a symbol determination B command is transmitted in which the symbol determination period is 20 seconds in the rescue time reduction reaching variation.

Command 95XXH is a game state designation command that designates the current game state of the pachinko gaming machine 1. In the game state designation command, for example, different EXT data is set depending on the current game state of the pachinko gaming machine 1. As a specific example, command 9500H is a first game state designation command corresponding to a game state in which time-saving control is not performed (low base state, normal state), and command 9501H is a second game state designation command corresponding to a game state in which time-saving control is performed (high base state, time-saving state).

Command E1XXH is a remaining time-saving count notification command that notifies the number of remaining time-saving control attempts in the time-saving state (time-saving state A) excluding rescue time-saving. Command E2XXH is a remaining chance-change count notification command that notifies the number of remaining chance-change control attempts in the chance-change state.

Command F100H is a right-hit LED on notification command that notifies the right-hit LED069SG031 to light up. Command F101H is a right-hit LED off notification command that notifies the right-hit LED069SG031 to light up.

Command 91XXH is a command to specify the number of times to shorten the time for power restoration, and is a performance control command that converts the value of the time-saving counter into a hexadecimal number when the power is restored. In the command to specify the number of times to shorten the time for power restoration, different EXT data is set according to the digits (first, second, third, and fourth digits) of the value (four-digit value) of the time-saving counter when the power is restored, as shown in Figure 16(D).
For example, as shown in FIG. 16(D), commands 9100H to 910FH are recovery time reduction number specification 1 commands that specify the first digit of the value of the recovery time reduction number. Commands 9110H to 911FH are recovery time reduction number specification 2 commands that specify the second digit of the value of the recovery time reduction number. Commands 9130H to 913FH are recovery time reduction number specification 3 commands that specify the third digit of the value of the recovery time reduction number. Commands 9140H to 914FH are recovery time reduction number specification 4 commands that specify the fourth digit of the value of the recovery time reduction number.

Command 94XXH is a rescue time reduction number designation command, which is a presentation control command that designates the remaining number of variable display times (126 times or less) until rescue time reduction is activated. In the rescue time reduction number designation command, different EXT data is set according to the remaining number of variable display times (126 times or less) until rescue time reduction is activated, as shown in FIG. 16(E), for example.
For example, as shown in FIG. 16(E), command 9400H is a rescue time reduction count A designation command that specifies that the rescue time reduction has been reached. Command 9401H is a rescue time reduction count B designation command that specifies that 1 to 125 attempts remain until the rescue time reduction is reached. Command 947EH is a rescue time reduction count C designation command that specifies that 126 attempts remain until the rescue time reduction is reached. Command 947FH is a rescue time reduction count D designation command that specifies that 127 or more attempts remain until the rescue time reduction is reached.

Command 96XXH is a rescue time reduction count 2 specification command, and is a presentation control command that specifies the remaining number of variable displays (in units of 100) until the rescue time reduction occurs. With the rescue time reduction count 2 specification command, for example, a value corresponding to the remaining number of variable displays (in units of 100) until the rescue time reduction occurs is set in the EXT data of the rescue time reduction count 2 specification command. For example, if the remaining number of variable displays until the rescue time reduction occurs is 100, command 9601H is sent as the rescue time reduction count 2 specification command, and if the remaining number of variable displays is 700, command 9607H is sent as the rescue time reduction count 1 specification command. Command 9F00(H) is a customer waiting demonstration display specification command that specifies a customer waiting demonstration.

(Game control main processing)
17 is a flowchart showing the game control main process in this embodiment. In this example, the processes of steps S1 to S7, steps S8 to S9, and steps S10 to S12 are the same as those shown in FIG.

In this example, when a performance control command instructing restoration from a power outage is sent in step S7, the CPU 103 checks the value of the rescue time reduction counter, which counts the number of variable displays remaining until the rescue time reduction occurs, converts the current value of the rescue time reduction counter into a hexadecimal number, sets the value, and transmits a rescue time reduction count designation command upon restoration to the performance control CPU 120 (step 069SGS0013).

Next, the CPU 103 sets a value corresponding to the current value of the rescue time reduction counter and controls the transmission of a rescue time reduction count designation command to the presentation control CPU 120 (step 069SGS0014). For example, if the current value of the rescue time reduction counter is between 1 and 125, the CPU 103 controls the transmission of command 9401H as the rescue time reduction count designation command. Therefore, in this example, if the RAM clear process is not performed when the gaming machine is turned on and the recovery process is executed, a rescue time reduction count designation command is transmitted, and the remaining number of variable display times until the current rescue time reduction is notified.

Note that in this example, when power is restored after a power outage, a command specifying the number of times to shorten the recovery time and a command specifying the number of times to shorten the recovery time are sent separately from the command at the time of restoration, but this is not limited to this configuration. For example, the EXT data of the command at the time of restoration (e.g., a power-on command) sent in step S7 may be configured to be set to a value corresponding to the number of times remaining until the time shortener is reached.

In addition, if a RAM clear is requested in step S3, if there is no backup data in step S4, or if an abnormality is detected in the backup RAM in step S5, the initialization process in step S8 executes a clearing process on the area including the area for the rescue time reduction counter.

Furthermore, when a presentation control command instructing initialization is sent in step S9, the CPU 103 sets the rescue time reduction counter to "900" (step 069SGS0015). Therefore, in this example, if a RAM clear process is executed when the gaming machine is powered on, the rescue time reduction counter is set to "900." In other words, in this example, if a jackpot does not occur even after 900 variable displays have been executed after the RAM clear process is executed when the gaming machine is powered on, rescue time reduction will occur and the machine will be controlled to time reduction state B. Note that, in this example, the presentation control command instructing initialization sent in step S9 corresponds to the initial value ("900") set in the rescue time reduction counter, and therefore the CPU 103 can also determine the initial value to set in the rescue time reduction counter based on the transmission of the presentation control command instructing initialization.

Next, the CPU 103 checks the value of the rescue time reduction counter (which is "900" in this example), converts the current value of the rescue time reduction counter into a hexadecimal number, sets the value, and performs control to send a command to specify the number of rescue time reductions during recovery to the performance control CPU 120 (step 069SGS0016).

In this way, the rescue time reduction counter is set before the timer interrupt process, which is the game progress process, is executed. This means that the variable display will not start before the rescue time reduction counter is set, and the number of times until the rescue time reduction can be managed reliably.

In this example, the rescue time reduction counter is initially set to "900" when the RAM clear process is executed when the gaming machine is powered on, but this is not a limitation; the rescue time reduction counter may be configured not to be initially set when the RAM clear process is executed. In this configuration, gameplay can be started from the value of the rescue time reduction counter from the previous day, which reduces the investment required to trigger the rescue time reduction, and the configuration can be designed to avoid any disadvantage to the player.

Furthermore, when configured as described above, the system may be configured so that the initial setting of the rescue time reduction counter is not performed only when the clear switch is detected to be on (step S3; Yes) and the RAM clear process is performed, and so that the initial setting of the rescue time reduction counter is performed when a RAM abnormality is detected (steps S4, S5; No) and the RAM clear process is performed.

(Time-saving flag, probability flag)
In this embodiment, when any of the conditions for control to the time-shortened state is met, a time-shortened flag can be set. The time-shortened flag includes a time-shortened flag A and a time-shortened flag B. In the following description, erasing (or clearing) a flag may be referred to as resetting the flag.
The time-saving flag A is set when the game is controlled to the time-saving state A via the jackpot A. This time-saving flag A is set when the jackpot game state of the jackpot A ends, and is cleared when the time-saving state A ends (when a jackpot occurs during the time-saving state A, or when the 110 times of time-saving control end and the game is controlled to the normal state).

The time-saving flag B is set when the game is in the time-saving state B controlled via the rescue time-saving function. This time-saving flag B is set when 900 variable displays that do not result in a jackpot pattern are executed after the RAM is cleared, or when 900 variable displays that do not result in a jackpot pattern are executed in a low-probability state after the jackpot game state ends, and is cleared when the time-saving state B ends (when a jackpot occurs during the time-saving state B, when the 1100 time-saving control ends and the game is controlled to the normal state, etc.).
The probability variable flag is set when the game is controlled to the probability variable state. In this embodiment, if a V win occurs in the first round of a jackpot game, the game state is controlled to the probability variable state when the jackpot game ends, and the probability variable flag is set accordingly. This probability variable flag is erased when the probability variable state ends (when a jackpot occurs during the probability variable state, when the 110th probability variable control is executed and the game is controlled to the normal state, etc.). For example, when a YES is determined in step 069SGS69A of FIG. 19 described later, the probability variable flag is erased based on the fact that it is the 110th time since the variable display has been controlled to the probability variable state.

(Normal processing of special patterns)
18 and 19 are flowcharts showing the normal special symbol processing (step S110) in the special symbol process processing. In the normal special symbol processing, the CPU 103 checks the value of the total reserved memory count (step 069SGS51). Specifically, it checks the count value of the total reserved memory count counter, which counts the total number of the first reserved memory count and the second reserved memory count. If the total reserved memory count is not 0, the CPU 103 checks whether the second reserved memory count is 0 (step 069SGS52). Specifically, it checks whether the value of the second reserved memory count counter, which counts the second reserved memory count, is 0. If the second reserved memory count is not 0, the CPU 103 sets the special symbol pointer (a flag indicating whether the special symbol process processing is being performed for the first special symbol or the second special symbol) to data indicating "second" (step 069SGS53). If the second reserved memory number is 0 (i.e., if only the first reserved memory number is accumulated), the CPU 103 sets data indicating "first" to the special pattern pointer (step 069SGS54).

In this embodiment, steps 069SGS52 to S54 are executed, so that the variable display of the second special symbol is executed with priority over the variable display of the first special symbol. In other words, the second start condition for initiating the variable display of the second special symbol is controlled to be met with priority over the first start condition for initiating the variable display of the first special symbol.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to the configuration shown in this example. For example, the system may be configured to execute variable display of the first special symbol and variable display of the second special symbol in the order in which the game balls enter the first start winning slot and the second start winning slot.

Next, the CPU 103 reads out each random number stored in the storage area in RAM 102 corresponding to the reserved memory number = 1 indicated by the special symbol pointer, and stores them in the random number buffer area of RAM 102 (step 069SGS55). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates "1", the CPU 103 reads out each random number stored in the storage area in the first reserved memory number buffer corresponding to the first reserved memory number = 1, and stores them in the random number buffer area of RAM 102. Furthermore, when the special symbol pointer indicates "2", the CPU 103 reads out each random number stored in the storage area in the second reserved memory number buffer corresponding to the second reserved memory number = 1, and stores them in the random number buffer area of RAM 102.

Then, the CPU 103 subtracts one from the count value of the reserved memory number counter pointed to by the special symbol pointer, and shifts the contents of each storage area (step 069SGS56). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer points to "first," the CPU 103 subtracts one from the count value of the first reserved memory number counter, and shifts the contents of each storage area in the first reserved memory number buffer. Also, when the special symbol pointer points to "second," the CPU 103 subtracts one from the count value of the second reserved memory number counter, and shifts the contents of each storage area in the second reserved memory number buffer.
That is, when the special symbol pointer indicates "1st," the CPU 103 stores each random number stored in the storage area corresponding to the first reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the first reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 102 in the storage area corresponding to the first reserved memory number = n - 1. Also, when the special symbol pointer indicates "2nd," the CPU 103 stores each random number stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the second reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 102 in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = n - 1.

Therefore, the order in which the random number values stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to each first pending memory number (or each second pending memory number) are extracted will always match the order of the first pending memory number (or second pending memory number) = 1, 2, 3, 4.

Then, the CPU 103 decrements the value of the total number of pending memories by 1. That is, it decrements the count value of the total number of pending memories counter by 1 (step 069SGS57). The CPU 103 also stores the value of the total number of pending memories counter before the count value was decremented by 1 in a specified area of the RAM 102.

Next, the CPU 103 reads the random number for hit determination from the random number buffer area (step 069SGS61) and executes the jackpot determination module (step 069SGS62). In this case, the CPU 103 reads the random number for hit determination extracted in the start-up winning determination process (step S101) and stored in the first reserved memory buffer or the second reserved memory buffer, and performs a jackpot determination. The jackpot determination module is a program that executes a process that compares a predetermined jackpot determination value with the random number for hit determination and determines that a jackpot has occurred if they match. In other words, it is a program that executes the jackpot determination process. In this case, if the probability variable flag indicating a probability variable state is not set (if the state is low probability), the CPU 103 performs a jackpot determination using the low-probability jackpot determination value. Furthermore, if the probability variable flag is set (if the state is high probability), the CPU 103 performs a jackpot determination using the high-probability jackpot determination value. If the value of the random number for determining a win matches one of the jackpot determination values, the CPU 103 determines that the special symbol has been selected as a jackpot.

If a jackpot is determined to be a jackpot (step 069SGS63; Yes), the CPU 103 sets a jackpot flag indicating a jackpot (step 069SGS64). The CPU 103 then determines the jackpot type (jackpot A, jackpot B, or jackpot C) corresponding to the value of the type-determining random number stored in the random number buffer area (step 069SGS65). In this case, the CPU 103 reads the type-determining random number extracted in the start-up winning determination process (step S101) and stored in the first reserved memory buffer or the second reserved memory buffer, and determines the jackpot type. The process then proceeds to step 069SGS70. On the other hand, if a jackpot is not determined to be a jackpot (step 069SGS63; No), the process proceeds to step 069SGS66.
In this example, by performing normal special symbol processing, a rescue time-saving condition (reducing the value of the rescue time-saving counter to "0") can occur to control to rescue time-saving regardless of the variable display result (jackpot or miss). In this example, the system is configured to control to time-saving state A based on a jackpot A being achieved, and to control to time-saving state B based on the fact that no next jackpot has occurred even after a predetermined number of variable displays (900 times in this example) have been completed. However, it is assumed that the variable display result of the variable display for which the rescue time-saving condition is met will be a jackpot. Therefore, when the variable display result of the variable display for which the rescue time-saving condition is met is a jackpot, the system is configured to control to time-saving state A based on the jackpot being achieved.

Next, the CPU 103 checks whether the value of the time-saving count counter, which counts the number of times the variable display is executed during the time-saving state, is 0 (step 069SGS66). If the value of the time-saving count counter is not 0, the CPU 103 subtracts 1 from the value of the time-saving count counter (step 069SGS67) and checks whether the value of the time-saving count counter after the subtraction is 0 (step 069SGS68). If the value of the time-saving count counter after the subtraction is 0, the CPU 103 sets a time-saving end flag indicating that the time-saving state will end when the variable display ends (step 069SGS69).

Note that, in this example, steps 069SGS66 through 069SGSS69 are executed to decrement the time-saving count counter before step 069SGS71 and subsequent steps for counting the number of variable displays up to the time-saving relief feature, but this processing configuration is not limited to this. For example, the time-saving count counter may be decremented after step 069SGS71 and subsequent steps for counting the number of variable displays up to the time-saving relief feature. In this case, for example, in the case of a variable display that results in a time-saving relief feature, if the time-saving count counter is set to "110" (see step 069SGS172) and then decremented, the value of the time-saving count counter would be decremented by one. Therefore, in the case of a variable display that results in a time-saving relief feature, the time-saving count counter may be incremented by one again after decrementing. Alternatively, the time-saving count counter may be preset to "111," which is one more than the value of the time-saving relief feature.

Next, the CPU 103 checks whether the probability variable flag is set (step 069SGS69A). If the probability variable flag is set (i.e., if the game is in a probability variable state), the process proceeds to step 069SGS84. In this example, by executing the processing of step 069SGS69A, if the game is in a probability variable state, the processing of steps 069SGS70 and subsequent steps (particularly the processing of step 069SGSS71) is not performed. Therefore, even if a variable display is executed when the game state is in a probability variable state (in this example, during Extreme Battle Rush), the value of the rescue time reduction counter is not decremented. If the probability variable flag is not set (i.e., if the game is not in a probability variable state), the process proceeds to step 069SGSS70.

In this embodiment, when the probability variable flag is set, the process proceeds to step 069SGSS70 and subsequent steps without executing step 069SGSS84. However, this is not limited to this configuration. When the probability variable flag is set, the process proceeds to step 069SGSS70, but the process of step 069SGSS71 may not be executed. In other words, the value of the rescue time reduction counter may not be updated, but a rescue time reduction count designation command or rescue time reduction count 2 designation command corresponding to the value of the rescue time reduction counter that has not been updated may be sent.

Next, the CPU 103 determines whether the value of the rescue time reduction counter is 0 (step 069SGS70; Yes). If the value of the rescue time reduction counter is 0 (step 069SGS70; Yes), the process proceeds to step 069SGS84. If the value of the rescue time reduction counter is 0 at this point, this means that the game has already been controlled to the time reduction state (time reduction state B) via the rescue time reduction (the game is controlled to time reduction state B, or the game is controlled to the normal state after 1,100 fluctuations in time reduction state B), and a jackpot has not yet occurred, which would have triggered the rescue time reduction counter to be set to 900. Furthermore, if the value of the rescue time reduction counter is not 0 (step 069SGS70; No), the value of the rescue time reduction counter is decremented by 1 (step 069SGS71). Furthermore, in this example, by executing the processing of step 069SGS71, the value of the rescue time reduction counter is updated uniformly regardless of whether the variable display of the first special symbol or the variable display of the second special symbol is executed.

Next, the CPU 103 checks whether the value of the rescue time reduction counter after subtraction is 127 or greater (step 069SGS72). If the value of the rescue time reduction counter after subtraction is 126 or less (step 069SGS72; No), the CPU 103 sets a value corresponding to the value of the rescue time reduction counter to the EXT data and performs control to send a rescue time reduction count designation command to the performance control CPU 120 (step 069SGS73). For example, if the value of the rescue time reduction counter is 1, the CPU 103 performs control to send command 9401H as the rescue time reduction count designation command. Furthermore, if the value of the rescue time reduction counter is 126, the CPU 103 performs control to send command 947EH as the rescue time reduction count designation command.

Next, the CPU 103 checks whether the value of the rescue time reduction counter after the subtraction is 0 (step 069SGS74). If the value of the rescue time reduction counter after the subtraction is not 0, the CPU 103 proceeds to step 069SGS84. If the value of the rescue time reduction counter after the subtraction is 0, the CPU 103 sets a rescue time reduction determination flag indicating that rescue time reduction has occurred and that control will be made to time reduction state B at the end of the fluctuation (step 069SGS75). The CPU 103 then proceeds to step 069SGS84.

On the other hand, if the value of the rescue time reduction counter after subtraction is 127 or more (step 069SGS72; Yes), the CPU 103 sets 7FH uniformly as the EXT data and controls the transmission of command 957FH as a rescue time reduction number designation command to the performance control CPU 120 (step 069SGS76). Next, the CPU 103 checks whether the remaining variable display number until the rescue time reduction is a number in units of 100 (in this example, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, or 800) (step 069SGS77). Whether the remaining variable display number until the rescue time reduction is a number in units of 100 can be determined by checking the value of the rescue time reduction counter. If the remaining number of variable display times until the rescue time reduction is reached is in units of 100, the CPU 103 sets a value corresponding to the value of the rescue time reduction counter to the EXT data and performs control to send a rescue time reduction number 2 designation command to the performance control CPU 120 (step 069SGS78). For example, if the value of the rescue time reduction counter is 100, the CPU 103 performs control to send command 9601H as a rescue time reduction number 2 designation command. Also, if the value of the rescue time reduction counter is 800, the CPU 103 performs control to send command 9608H as a rescue time reduction number 2 designation command. Then, the process proceeds to step 069SGS84.
In this example, the game control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the CPU 103) counts the number of variable displays remaining until the rescue time reduction and transmits a rescue time reduction number designation command or a rescue time reduction number 2 designation command, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the effect control CPU 120 may be configured to count the number of variable displays remaining until the rescue time reduction and execute the later-described hype effect or countdown effect.
In addition, for example, if the rescue time reduction counter is set (set to "900") at the time of rescue time reduction so that rescue time reductions can occur continuously, the rescue time reduction number designation command or the rescue time reduction number 2 designation command may be sent only the first time rescue time reduction occurs, and the rescue time reduction number designation command or the rescue time reduction number 2 designation command may not be sent the second time or later rescue time reduction occurs.

Next, the CPU 103 determines the stopping symbol of the special symbol according to the result of the determination of the jackpot type (step 069SGS84). In this case, for example, if it determines that there will be a jackpot A, it determines the stopping symbol of the special symbol to be "2." If it determines that there will be a jackpot B, it determines the stopping symbol of the special symbol to be "3." If it determines that there will be a jackpot C, it determines the stopping symbol of the special symbol to be "7." If it determines that there will be a miss, it determines the stopping symbol of the special symbol to be "-." The CPU 103 also stores the determined stopping symbol of the special symbol in a stopping symbol memory area provided in RAM 102 (step 069SGS85).

Then, the CPU 103 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the variable pattern setting process (step S111) (step SGS86).

(Special symbol stop processing)
20 is a flowchart showing the special symbol stop process (step S113) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 103 first subtracts 1 from the value of the symbol determination period timer (step 069SGS131), and then checks whether the value of the symbol determination period timer after the subtraction is 0 (step 069SGS132).

If the value of the symbol determination period timer after subtraction is not 0 (i.e., the determined display period for the stopped symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol has not yet ended), the special symbol stop processing is terminated. If the value of the symbol determination period timer after subtraction is 0 (i.e., the determined display period for the stopped symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol has ended), the CPU 103 checks whether the jackpot flag is set (step 069SGS133). If the jackpot flag is set, the CPU 103 clears the probability variable flag, time-saving flag A, time-saving flag B, rescue time-saving determination flag, and the time-saving count counter for counting the number of times the variable display is executed during the time-saving state (step 069SGS134).
Next, the CPU 103 sets the rescue time reduction counter to "900" (step 069SGS135). Therefore, in this example, the rescue time reduction counter is set to "900" in response to a jackpot, and if the next jackpot does not occur even after 900 variable displays are executed in the low probability state after the jackpot game ends, the rescue time reduction is initiated and the game is controlled to time reduction state B.

In this example, by executing the processing of step 069SGS135, when a jackpot is hit, the rescue time reduction counter is set to "900" at the start of the fanfare period of that jackpot, and thus initialized. However, this is not the only possible configuration. For example, the rescue time reduction counter may be set to "900" during a round of jackpot play, or the rescue time reduction counter may be configured to be set to "900" at the start or end of the ending period of the jackpot play, and thus initialized.

Next, the CPU 103 performs control to start lighting the right hit lamp 069SG132 (step 069SGS136). The CPU 103 also performs control to send a right hit LED lighting notification command to the performance control CPU 120 to notify the lighting of the right hit LED 069SG031 (step 069SGS137).

Next, the CPU 103 controls the transmission of a jackpot start command to the presentation control CPU 120 (step 069SGS138). Next, the CPU 103 sets a pre-opening timer for the large prize opening, which measures the time before the first large prize opening 069SG007A and the second large prize opening 069SG007B are opened (fanfare time) (step 069SGS139). The CPU 103 then updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the pre-opening jackpot processing (step S144) (step 069SGS140).

If the jackpot flag is not set (step 069SGS133; No), the CPU 103 checks whether the rescue time-reduction determination flag is set (step 069SGS170). If the rescue time-reduction determination flag is set, the CPU 103 resets the rescue time-reduction determination flag (step 069SGS171). If the rescue time-reduction determination flag is set, the CPU 103 sets the time-reduction flag B and controls the game to the time-reduction state (step 069SGS171A). The CPU 103 then sets the time-reduction count counter to "1100" (step 069SGS172).

The CPU 103 also controls the transmission of a time-shortened state B designation command to the performance control CPU 120 (step 069SGS174). The CPU 103 also controls the start of lighting of the right-hit lamp 069SG132 (step 069SGS174A), and controls the transmission of a right-hit LED lighting notification command to the performance control CPU 120 notifying the lighting of the right-hit LED 069SG031 (step 069SGS174B). The process then proceeds to step 069SGS175.

In this example, when the rescue time reduction occurs, the game is simply controlled to the time reduction state B without setting the rescue time reduction counter, but this is not a limitation. For example, the game may be configured so that when the rescue time reduction occurs, the game is controlled to the time reduction state B and the rescue time reduction counter is also set (set to "900"). With this configuration, it is possible to continuously generate rescue time reductions, and once a rescue time reduction occurs, the time reduction state can be configured to continue until a jackpot occurs.
Furthermore, in this example, the rescue time reduction counter is set to "900" when it is set, and the value of the rescue time reduction counter is subtracted by one each time variable display is executed, and rescue time reduction is generated when the value of the rescue time reduction counter reaches "0," but this is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the rescue time reduction counter may be set to "0" when it is set, and the value of the rescue time reduction counter may be added by one each time variable display is executed, and rescue time reduction is generated when the value of the rescue time reduction counter reaches "900."

In addition, in this example, the execution of the processing of step 069SGS172 sets the number of time-saving times to 1,100, which is greater than the variable display number (900) until a rescue time-saving effect occurs, but this is not limited to this. For example, the time-saving time counter may be set to a value equal to or less than "900" in step 069SGS172.

In addition, step 069SGS172 may be configured to allow values corresponding to multiple types of time reductions to be set in the time reduction counter. For example, the time reduction counter may be set to "110" if a rescue time reduction occurs the first time, and "1100" if a rescue time reduction occurs the second time.

Also, for example, the number of time-saving times may be determined by lottery processing based on random numbers, and in step 069SGS172, a value corresponding to the number of time-saving times determined by the lottery processing may be set in the time-saving number counter. In this case, for example, the number of time-saving times may be determined to be 110 with a 10% probability, or 1,100 with a 90% probability. Also, when the number of time-saving times is determined by lottery processing, the number of time-saving times may be determined using the same type-determining random numbers used to determine the jackpot type and time-saving type, or the number of time-saving times may be determined using dedicated random numbers.

Also, if the rescue time-reduction determination flag is not set in step 069SGS170, the CPU 103 checks whether the time-reduction end flag is set (step 069SGS141). If the time-reduction end flag is set, the CPU 103 resets the time-reduction end flag (step 069SGS142).

Next, the CPU 103 resets any of the set time-saving flags (either time-saving flag A or B) and ends the time-saving state (step 069SGS145). The CPU 103 then controls the right-hit lamp 069SG132 to stop lighting (step 069SGS150). The CPU 103 also controls the transmission of a right-hit LED extinguishing notification command to the effect control CPU 120, notifying the right-hit LED 069SG031 that it has been extinguished (step 069SGS151). The CPU 103 also controls the transmission of a normal state designation command (a type of game state designation command) to the effect control CPU 120 (step 069SGS152). The process then proceeds to step 069SGS175.

In this example, the processing of steps 069SGS141 to S152 is executed to transition to the normal state at the end of the symbol determination period during the final time-saving variation, and to end the right-hit notification, but this is not limited to this. For example, the configuration may be such that the normal state is transitioned to and the right-hit notification is ended at the start of the variation or the start of the symbol determination period during the final time-saving variation.

Also, if the time-reduction end flag is not set in step 069SGS141 (step 069SGS141; No), proceed to step 069SGS175.

In step 069SGS175, the CPU 103 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the normal special symbol processing (step S110) (step 069SGS175).

Figure 22 is a flowchart showing the variable display start setting process (step S171) in the effect control process shown in Figure 8. In the variable display start setting process, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether the first variable display start command reception flag is on (step 213SGS271). If the first variable display start command reception flag is on (step 213SGS271; Y), the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer numbers "1-0" to "1-4" of the first special chart reserve memory in the start winning time reception command buffer are shifted up by one buffer number (step 213SGS272). Note that the contents of buffer number "1-0" cannot be shifted because there is no destination to shift to, and so they are erased.

Specifically, the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "1-1" in the first special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "1-0," the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "1-2" in the first special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "1-1," the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "1-3" in the first special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "1-2," and the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "1-4" in the first special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "1-3."

Furthermore, if the first variable display start command reception flag is OFF in step 213SGS271 (step 213SGS271; N), it is determined whether the second variable display start command reception flag is ON (step 213SGS273). If the second variable display start command reception flag is OFF (step 213SGS273; N), the variable display start setting process is terminated. If the second variable display start command reception flag is ON (step 213SGS273; Y), the various command data and various flags stored in association with buffer numbers "2-0" to "2-4" of the second special chart reserve memory in the start winning time reception command buffer are shifted up by one buffer number (step 213SGS274). Note that the contents of buffer number "2-0" cannot be shifted because there is no destination to shift to, so it is erased.

Specifically, the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "2-1" of the second special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "2-0," the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "2-2" of the second special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "2-1," the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "2-3" of the second special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "2-2," and the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "2-4" of the second special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "2-3."

After executing step 213SGS272 or step 213SGS274, the performance control CPU 120 reads the variation pattern designation command from the variation pattern designation command storage area (step 213SGS275).

Next, the display result (stopping pattern) of the decorative pattern is determined according to the data stored in the display result specification command storage area (i.e., the received display result specification command) and the variation pattern (step 213SGS276). In this case, the performance control CPU 120 determines the stopping pattern of the decorative pattern according to the display result specified by the display result specification command, and stores data indicating the determined stopping pattern of the decorative pattern in the decorative pattern display result storage area.

The effect control CPU 120 then executes a preview effect determination process (step 213SGS277) to determine whether or not to execute a preview effect in the variable display and the effect pattern of the preview effect to be executed, and a chance-up effect determination process (step 213SG278) to determine whether or not to execute a chance-up effect in the variable display. Then, it selects a process table according to whether or not to execute a chance-up effect and the change pattern (step 213SGS286), and starts a process timer (step 213SGS287).

In addition, the process table includes display control execution data for controlling the display of the image display device 5, lamp control execution data for controlling the lighting of each LED, sound control execution data for controlling the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and operation unit control execution data for controlling the operation of the push button 31B and stick controller 31A, all of which are arranged in chronological order in association with each process data n (numbered 1 to N).

Next, the performance control CPU 120 controls the performance devices (image display device 5 as a performance component, various lamps as performance components, speakers 8L and 8R as performance components, and the operation unit (push button 31B, stick controller 31A, etc.)) in accordance with the contents of process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound control execution data 1, operation unit control execution data 1) (step 213SGS288). For example, to display an image corresponding to a fluctuation pattern on the image display device 5, it outputs a command to the display control unit 123. It also outputs a control signal (lamp control execution data) to the lamp control board 14 to control the on/off of various lamps. It also outputs a control signal (sound number data) to the sound control board 13 to output sound from the speakers 8L and 8R.

Then, the variable display time timer is set to a value corresponding to the variable display time specified by the variation pattern designation command (step 213SGS289). A predetermined time is also set to the variable display control timer (step 213SGS290). The predetermined time is, for example, 30 ms. Each time the predetermined time elapses, the performance control CPU 120 writes image data indicating the display status of the left, center, and right decorative patterns to VRAM. The display control unit 123 outputs a signal corresponding to the image data written to VRAM to the image display device 5, and the image display device 5 displays an image corresponding to the signal, thereby achieving variable display (variation) of the decorative patterns. Next, the value of the performance control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variable display in-progress performance processing (step S172), and the variable display start setting processing is terminated (step 213SGS291).

Figure 23 is a flowchart of the preview effect determination process shown in Figure 22. In the preview effect determination process, the effect control CPU 120 first identifies the variable display result and variation pattern (step 213SG301). It then determines whether the identified variation pattern is one of the shortened non-reach variation patterns (PA1-2, PA1-3, or PA1-4) (step 213SGS302). If the identified variation pattern is one of the shortened non-reach variation patterns (PA1-2, PA1-3, or PA1-4) (step 213SGS302; Y), the preview effect determination process ends. If the identified variation pattern is not one of the shortened non-reach variation patterns (step 213SGS302; N), it determines whether to execute a preview effect and the presentation pattern based on the identified variable display result and variation pattern (step 213SGS303).

The performance control CPU 120 determines whether or not a preview performance has been decided to be performed in step 213SGS303 (step 213SGS304). If a decision has been made in step 213SGS303 not to perform a preview performance (step 213SGS304; N), the preview performance decision process is terminated. If a decision has been made in step 213SGS303 to perform a preview performance (step 213SGS304; Y), the decided performance pattern is stored (step 213SGS305), a preview performance start waiting timer is set, and the preview performance decision process is terminated (step 213SGS306).

Figure 24 is a flowchart of the chance-up effect determination process shown in Figure 22. Note that the chance-up effect in this case is an effect in which the display mode of the lines S and L displayed during the reach effect of a story reach or battle reach changes to red or a corresponding color.

In this embodiment, Dialogue S refers to text displayed at the bottom of the screen, such as SKY001 in Figure 28 (1-11) or SKY006 in Figure 34 (2-11). Dialogue L refers to text displayed in the center of the screen that is larger than Dialogue S, such as SKY007 in Figure 34 (2-15).

In the chance-up effect determination process, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether the variable display fluctuation pattern is an SP reach fluctuation pattern (step 213SGS311). If the variable display fluctuation pattern is a non-reach or normal reach fluctuation pattern (step 213SGS311; N), the chance-up effect determination process ends. If the variable display fluctuation pattern is an SP reach fluctuation pattern (step 213SGS311; Y), the effect control CPU 120 determines whether the variable display fluctuation pattern is an SP reach A fluctuation pattern (step 213SGS312).

If the variable display fluctuation pattern is that of SP Reach A (step 213 SGS312; Y), the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not to execute a chance-up effect based on the fluctuation pattern of the SP Reach A and the variable display result. If the chance-up effect is not to be executed in the SP Reach A (step 213 SGS313; N), the chance-up effect determination process ends.

When executing a chance up effect in SP Reach A (step 213SGS313; Y), it is decided whether to execute the chance up effect of the line S (step 213SGS314). Then, the display mode of the chance up effect of the line S is decided based on the fluctuation pattern of SP Reach A and the results of the variable display (step 213SGS315). The display mode can be white or red, and the rate at which the chance up effect is executed is described in Figures 25 and 26. Then, the chance up effect decision process ends.

Next, if the variable display fluctuation pattern is not the SP Reach A fluctuation pattern (step 213SGS312; N), it is determined whether the variable display fluctuation pattern is the SP Reach B fluctuation pattern (step 213SGS316).

If the variable display fluctuation pattern is that of SP Reach B (step 213 SGS316; Y), the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not to execute a chance-up effect based on the fluctuation pattern of the SP Reach B and the variable display result. If the chance-up effect is not to be executed in the SP Reach B (step 213 SGS317; N), the chance-up effect determination process ends.

When a chance up effect is to be executed in SP Reach B (step 213SGS317; Y), first, a determination is made as to whether or not to execute a chance up effect for line S (step 213SGS318). When a chance up effect for line S is not to be executed in SP Reach B (step 213SGS318; N), a determination is made as to whether or not to execute a chance up effect for line L (step 213SGS320). When a chance up effect for line S is to be executed in SP Reach B (step 213SGS318; Y), the display mode of the chance up effect for line S is determined based on the fluctuation pattern of SP Reach B and the results of the variable display (step 213SGS319). There are two display modes: white and red, and the percentage at which the chance up effect is executed is described in Figures 25 and 26.

If the Line S chance up effect is not executed in SP Reach B (step 213SGS317; N), the display format of the Line S chance up effect is determined based on the fluctuation pattern of SP Reach B and the results of the variable display (step 213SGS319), and then whether or not to execute the Line L chance up effect is determined based on the fluctuation pattern of SP Reach B and the results of the variable display. If the Line L chance up effect is not executed in SP Reach B (step 213SGS320; N), the chance up effect determination process ends.

When executing the chance-up effect of line L in SP Reach B (step 213SGS320; Y), the display mode of the chance-up effect of line L is determined based on the fluctuation pattern of SP Reach B and the results of the variable display (step 213SGS321). The display mode can be white or red, and the rate at which the chance-up effect is executed is described in Figures 25 and 26. Then, the chance-up effect determination process ends.

Next, if the variable display fluctuation pattern is not that of SP Reach B (step 213SGS316; N), it is determined whether or not the variable display fluctuation pattern is that of SP Reach C (step 213SGS322). If the variable display fluctuation pattern is that of SP Reach C (step 213SGS322; Y), the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not to execute a chance-up effect based on the SP Reach C fluctuation pattern and the variable display result. If a chance-up effect is not to be executed in the SP Reach C (step 213SGS322; N), the chance-up effect determination process ends.

When executing a chance up effect in SP Reach C (step 213SGS322; Y), first, it is determined whether or not to execute a chance up effect of the line S (step 213SGS323). When not executing a chance up effect of the line S in SP Reach B (step 213SGS323; N), it is determined whether or not to execute a chance up effect of the line L (step 213SGS324).
When executing the chance-up effect of the line S in the SP Reach C (step 213SGS323; Y), the display mode of the chance-up effect of the line S is determined based on the fluctuation pattern of the SP Reach C and the result of the variable display (step 213SGS324). The display mode can be white or red, and the percentage at which the chance-up effect is executed is described in Figures 25 and 26.

If the chance up effect for the line S is not executed in the SP Reach C (step 213SGS323; N), the display mode for the chance up effect for the line S is determined based on the fluctuation pattern of the SP Reach B and the results of the variable display (step 213SGS324), and then whether or not to execute the chance up effect for the line L is determined based on the fluctuation pattern of the SP Reach B and the results of the variable display. If the chance up effect for the line L is not executed in the SP Reach C (step 213SGS325; N), the chance up effect determination process ends.

When executing the chance-up effect of line L in SP Reach C (step 213 SGS325; Y), the display mode of the chance-up effect of line L is determined based on the fluctuation pattern of SP Reach C and the results of the variable display (step 213 SGS326). The display mode can be white or red, and the rate at which the chance-up effect is executed is described in Figures 25 and 26. Then, the chance-up effect determination process ends.

Next, we will explain the timing and rate of the chance up effects in Figures 25 and 26. The chance up display modes include white and red, which are common to both line S and line L, and a corresponding color that can only be displayed for line L. In this way, by using a common chance up display mode, it is easy to understand that a chance up effect has been executed, and by having a display mode that can only display line L, it is possible to focus on the chance up effect for line L.

Figure 25 illustrates the execution rate of the chance-up effect for each reach. In this embodiment, the execution rate of the chance-up effect for the line S displayed in the battle reach is such that, in the case of a jackpot, the line S is displayed in white 20% of the time, and in the case of an 80% case, the line S is displayed in red. In the case of a miss, the line S is displayed in white 80% of the time, and in the case of an 80% case, the line S is displayed in red.

In this embodiment, the execution rate of the chance-up effect of Line S displayed in Story Reach A and Story Reach B is the same for both, and if there is a jackpot, Line S will be displayed in white 60% of the time, and in red 40% of the time. If there is a miss, Line S will be displayed in white 80% of the time, and in red 20% of the time.

In this embodiment, the execution rate of the chance-up effect of the line L displayed in Story Reach A and Story Reach B is the same for both, and if there is a jackpot, there is a 5% chance that the line L will be displayed in white, a 45% chance that the line L will be displayed in red, and a 50% chance that the line L will be displayed in the corresponding color. If there is a miss, there is an 80% chance that the line L will be displayed in white, a 15% chance that the line L will be displayed in red, and a 5% chance that the line L will be displayed in the corresponding color.

The expected jackpot probability for the display mode of the lines is designed to increase in the following order: corresponding color > red > white. Additionally, the expected jackpot probability when the chance-up effects of lines S and L are executed is designed to increase in the following order: line L > line S. As a result, when comparing the expected jackpot probability when line S is displayed in red and when line L is displayed in red, the expected jackpot probability is higher when line L is displayed in red.

As will be explained later, the display areas for Dialogue S and Dialogue L are different, and by varying the size of the displayed characters and the rate at which the display mode changes, attention can be drawn to the characters displayed in each display area. Also, as will be explained later, the corresponding color is the color that corresponds to the character. As shown in Figure 49, the corresponding color for Mumu (second ally character) is green, the corresponding color for Jam (first ally character) is purple, and the corresponding color for Nana (third ally character) is blue. The color with the highest probability of winning among the dialogue display modes is the corresponding color. By designing it in this way, not only can it overcome the gaming machine's concept of color expectation (red > purple > green > blue > white), but it can also be expected that the dialogue will be displayed in a color that corresponds to the character more than red, allowing attention to the character's color and character. Furthermore, even with the same display mode, by making Dialogue L more likely to win than Dialogue S, attention can be drawn to Dialogue S and Dialogue L.

Next, the timing of the chance-up effect in Figure 26 will be explained. The chance-up effect for Line S can be executed during a battle reach or a story reach. In this embodiment, the execution timing of the chance-up effect for Line S is a first timing, a second timing, and a third timing. When Line S is displayed in white (Line (white) in Figure 25 is determined), the display mode does not change at any timing, and Line S is displayed in the first pattern (white) remaining in the white display mode. When Line S is displayed in red (Line (red) in Figure 25 is determined), Line S is displayed in the second pattern (red) which changes with a 50% probability at the first timing and with a 100% probability at the second timing. In this way, when the display mode of the character display changes, it is designed to always change at the timing when it changes last (second timing).

The chance-up effect for the line L can be executed during story reach A or story reach B. In this embodiment, the execution timing of the chance-up effect for the line L is the first timing, the second timing, and the third timing. When the line L is displayed in white (line L (white) in Figure 25 is determined), the display mode does not change at any timing, and the line L is displayed in the first pattern (white) in the white display mode. When the line L is displayed in red (line (red) in Figure 25 is determined), there is a 20% probability that it will change to red at the first timing, and a 30% probability that it will change to red at the second timing. When dialogue L is displayed in the corresponding color (the dialogue (corresponding color) in Figure 25 is determined), dialogue L is displayed in the third pattern (corresponding color) in which dialogue L changes to red with a 30% probability at the first timing and changes to the corresponding color with a 10% probability, at the second timing it changes to red with a 60% probability and changes to the corresponding color with a 10% probability, and at the third timing it changes to the corresponding color with a 100% probability.

In this way, the display mode of the dialogue is designed to always change to a pre-determined display mode at the final timing (second or third timing). Furthermore, the rate of change varies depending on the timing of the change. By doing this, you can even focus on the timing of the chance up. Furthermore, the third pattern (corresponding color), in which the dialogue L changes to a display mode of the corresponding color due to the chance up effect, is designed to have a higher probability of changing to red at the first and second timings than the second pattern (red), in which the dialogue L changes to a display mode of the corresponding color due to the chance up effect. By designing it in this way, there is a higher chance that the display mode will change to the corresponding color, and you can expect it to change to the corresponding color.

(Details of Battle Reach, Figures 27 to 32)
27 to 32 are explanatory diagrams showing specific examples of development notice effects and battle reaches. In the examples shown in Fig. 27 to 32, after a losing symbol ("327") is displayed as the display result of the previous variable display on the image display device 5 (Fig. 27(1-1)), the variable display starts (Fig. 27(1-2)).

Next, when the left and right decorative symbols reach "2" and enter a reach state (1-3), a normal reach effect is executed in which the center decorative symbol scrolls slowly, after which the image display device 5 goes white and a development preview effect begins (1-4). In the development preview effect, first, the first ally character 004IWC01 appears (1-4), followed by a display in which the second ally character 004IWC02 appears (1-5). Next, a display in which the word "Development" is displayed superimposed on the first ally character 004IWC01 and the second ally character 004IWC02 is displayed (1-6). Next, the first mini-character 004IWC03 is displayed multiplying (1-7) superimposed on the first ally character 004IWC01, the second ally character 004IWC02, and the "Development" text display, and eventually an effect display is performed in which the multiplied first mini-characters 004IWC03 fill the screen (1-8). After that, when the Battle Reach begins, the multiplied first mini-characters 004IWC03 gradually disappear (FIG. 28 (1-9)), and eventually an effect display is performed in which all first mini-characters 004IWC03 disappear (1-10). This configuration reduces the sense of incongruity when switching from the development preview effect video to the battle reach image, and makes the series of events from the development preview effect to the battle reach appear natural.

Next, a visual effect is displayed of the second ally character 004IWC02 landing on the ground, and at the same time as this visual effect, the line S (SKY001) is displayed in white (1-11). The upper body of the second ally character 004IWC02 is enlarged, and a background image containing multiple stars corresponding to the second ally character 004IWC02 is displayed with the line S (SKY001) superimposed on it (1-12). Next, the second ally character 004IWC02 and the second enemy character 004IWC11 face off, and the word "VS" is displayed, indicating the start of a battle (1-13). Next, a visual effect is displayed of the second enemy character 004IWC11 attacking the second ally character 004IWC02 (specifically, emitting a beam of light from its fingertips), and the line S (SKY001) is displayed (1-14). At this time, the second ally character 004IWC02 is in a state of blocking attacks by using the decorative symbol "9" (or a symbol image corresponding to the decorative symbol "9") as a shield (1-14). Furthermore, the decorative symbol "9" displayed at this time is displayed larger than the dialogue S (SKY001). This allows the effect to be viewed with greater attention. Next, an effect is displayed in which an attack from the second enemy character 004IWC11 to the second ally character 004IWC02 (specifically, a beam of light output from the fingertip) destroys the decorative symbol "9" that was acting as a shield. At this time, the decorative symbol "9" appears destroyed (1-15). Then, the second ally character 004IWC02 is enlarged and a background image including multiple star shapes corresponding to the second ally character 004IWC02 is displayed (1-16). Next, an effect display is performed in which the second ally character 004IWC02 begins an attack on the second enemy character 004IWC11 (specifically, a punch) (FIG. 29 (1-17)). Then, the opposing second enemy character 004IWC11 is displayed from the front (1-18), and an effect display is performed in which a decorative pattern "1" and a line S (SKY001) appear in front of the second enemy character 004IWC11 (1-19). The decorative pattern "1" displayed at this time is displayed larger than the line S (SKY001). This allows the effect to be viewed with greater attention. The decorative pattern "1" then becomes a shield that blocks attacks from the second ally character 004IWC02 against the second enemy character 004IWC11. That is, an effect is displayed in which the second ally character 004IWC02 attacks (specifically, punches) the decorative symbol "1" (1-20). When the attack by the second ally character 004IWC02 reaches the decorative symbol "1" (specifically, hits it with a fist), the decorative symbol "1" appears cracked (1-20) and then cracked (1-21). The line S (SKY001) displayed at this time is the second ally character 004IWC02, and the line spoken by the character related to the jackpot (second ally character 004IWC02) is the last line S (SKY001) displayed. This allows the player to watch the effect while looking forward to the character related to the jackpot, increasing the player's interest in the game. As shown in (1-21), when the center decorative symbol "1" cracks, the previously displayed effect image is then displayed with reduced brightness and saturation, and a cut-in effect SKY002, in which the second ally character 004IWC02 and an image of multiple stars (normal or high brightness and saturation) are superimposed, and accompanying the cut-in effect, text display SKY003 is displayed (1-22). The text display SKY003 is larger than the dialogue S and uses a different font. By making it larger than the dialogue S, the cut-in effect SKY002 and text display SKY003 can be easily noticed. Then, when the image displayed by the cut-in effect is erased, the same effect display as that immediately before the cut-in effect (1-21) is performed again (1-23). At this time, a slow-motion effect is executed, in which the progression speed of the effect is slowed from normal speed to a speed slower than normal speed. Specifically, an effect display is performed in which the fragment image 004IWG01a of the center decorative symbol displayed in stereoscopic vision and the movement speed of the character are slowed down. Note that while the slow motion effect slows down the movement speed of the fragment image 004IWG01a of the center decorative symbol and the character, the swinging movement speed of the decorative symbol in the reach mode displayed in the upper right corner of the screen and the movement (rotation, etc.) speed of the active display are not slowed down (i.e., they are not affected by the slow motion effect). This slow motion effect corresponds to the final excitement part of the battle reach, and by slowing down the progression speed of the effect, it is possible to focus attention on how the effect will progress, i.e., whether it will progress to an effect announcing a jackpot. An enlarged version of button display SKY009 is then displayed in the screen area, and the moment the enlarged button display SKY009 shrinks to the specified size as shown in (1-23), a gauge indicating the validity period of button display SKY009 is displayed, and the win/lose effect is executed when push button 31B is pressed or a certain period of validity of button display SKY009 has passed (for example, 5 seconds). This not only makes it easier to understand when the win/lose effect will be executed, but the button promotion effect can also increase interest in the game.

If the Battle Reach is a jackpot, after (1-23), the movable body SKY004 moves to notify the player of the jackpot, and a background image with a radial pattern is displayed on the screen (Fig. 30 (1-24)). In this example, light emission control begins, causing the decorative light-emitting body to emit rainbow colors, from the scenes shown in Fig. 8-30 (1-24) to (1-26).

Then, an attack from the second ally character 004IWC02 to the second enemy character 004IWC11 becomes effective, and an effect display is displayed in which the central decorative symbol "1" that was acting as a shield is destroyed (1-27). The second enemy character 004IWC11, who was attacked, is blown away, and an effect display is displayed in which the line S (SKY001) is displayed in rainbow colors. In this example, light emission control for the decorative light source to emit rainbow colors begins from the scene shown in (1-24). For example, the decorative light source rapidly blinks (flashes) in rainbow colors in the scenes shown in (1-24) and (1-30), and is controlled to emit slow rainbow colors in the scenes shown in (1-25) to (1-29) and (1-31) to (1-34). Next, a jubilant second ally character 004IWC02 is displayed (1-28). Next, a light effect image (1-29) is displayed superimposed on the previous effect display (1-28) including the second ally character 004IWC02 and the second enemy character 004IWC11, and the light effect image is enlarged to obscure the second ally character 004IWC02 and the second enemy character 004IWC11 (1-30). At this time, because the light effect image is opaque, the obscured second ally character 004IWC02 and the second enemy character 004IWC11 cannot be seen.

Next, after a light effect image covers the entire screen, an effect display is performed in which the jackpot symbol "222" appears, including the center decorative symbol "2" displayed in the normal mode (1-31). The jackpot symbol "222" then gradually expands (Fig. 8-31 (1-32)) until it covers the entire screen (1-33). The jackpot symbol "222" is then displayed at the same size as when the normal fluctuations occurred before the reach was established (1-34). Next, the jackpot symbol "222" is temporarily hidden, and an effect display is performed in which the text "Completely Settled" is displayed (1-35). The image display device 5 then goes white, ending the battle reach, and the background image similar to when the normal fluctuations occurred before the reach was established is displayed, along with the jackpot symbol "222" being temporarily frozen (1-36). The jackpot symbol "222" is then frozen (1-37).

If the Battle Reach is a miss, after (1-23), the attack from the second ally character 004IWC02 to the second enemy character 004IWC11 is not effective, and the central decorative pattern "1" that was acting as a shield changes from the cracked state to the normal state again without being destroyed.
The line S (SKY001) is displayed in a white display mode (1-38). In this example, light emission control is initiated from the scene shown in (1-38), in which the decorative light source emits a low-intensity white light. Next, the second enemy character 004IWC11 with both hands raised diagonally and the line S (SKY001) are displayed (1-39). Furthermore, the center decorative symbol "3" is displayed superimposed on the second enemy character 004IWC11 (1-40). After the center decorative symbol "3," which constitutes a losing combination, is displayed in a swaying manner, the image display device 5 goes black (1-41), and the Battle Reach ends. When the Battle Reach ends, a background image similar to that during the normal fluctuations before the Reach was established is displayed, and the losing symbol "232" is temporarily displayed (1-42). The losing symbol "232" is then displayed in a static state (1-43).

(Details of Story Reach A, Figures 33 to 40)
Figures 33 to 40 are explanatory diagrams showing specific examples of development preview effects and story reach A. Figures 33 (2-1) to (2-8) have the same effects as Figures 27 (1-1) to (1-8).

In (2-9), the first mini-characters 004IWC03 that multiplied in (2-8) gradually disappear (2-9), and eventually a display is displayed in which all of the first mini-characters 004IWC03 have disappeared, and the title of Story Reach A is displayed (2-10). This configuration reduces the sense of incongruity when switching from the development preview performance video to the Story Reach A video, making the flow from the development preview performance to Story Reach A appear natural.

After the Story Reach A title is displayed as in (2-10), the Story Reach A presentation begins. From (2-9) to (2-36) and (2-49) to (2-52), the black display area image SKY005 is displayed at the edge of the screen due to the Story Reach A presentation, and as in (2-11), a line S (SKY006) is displayed superimposed on the display area image SKY005. The display area image SKY005 does not display anything other than the image before the display area image SKY005 is displayed (e.g., 004IWC03), the line S (SKY006), the constant small symbols (e.g., ↓↓↓ in (2-9)), and the reach symbol (e.g., 2↓2 in (2-9)). The shape of the display area image SKY005 is a black rectangle, allowing for movie-like presentations. This display method can emphasize the line S (SKY006) on the display area image SKY005, make the line S (SKY006) more visible than in the case of a battle reach, and clearly distinguish it from a battle reach, thereby providing a gaming machine that players will not tire of. Furthermore, because the display method is different from that of a battle reach and other advance notices, it is possible to recognize at a glance that this is an effect that can be expected to lead to a jackpot. After the title of Story Reach A is displayed, an effect in which the second ally character 004IWC02 walks down the road is displayed in the center of the screen, and the line S (SKY006) of the second ally character 004IWC02 is displayed in accordance with the effect (2-11) to (2-14). Next, in the center of the screen, a line L (SKY007) larger than the line S (SKY006), an effect image SKY008 emphasizing the line L (SKY007), and the background in the center of the screen are displayed in a white display mode (2-15). At this time, the decorative light source also emits light in a white mode (color). The content of the line L (SKY007) is displayed in relation to the line S (SKY006), and part of the line of Story Reach A is displayed as the line L (SKY007). In this way, by displaying some of the lines in a large size, the lines displayed in a large size can be made more memorable, increasing the interest in the game. Furthermore, by displaying related text, the line L (SKY007) can be made more memorable while smoothly executing the effects. Furthermore, the font size of each character in the line S (SKY006) is consistent, and the display position and direction of the characters are also consistent. However, the font size of the line L (SKY007) is not consistent, and the keyword characters (e.g., "lunch") are displayed larger. Furthermore, as in (2-17), the line L (SKY007) is also displayed with the characters in a different direction. This allows the player to focus more attention on the line L (SKY007) than the line S (SKY006). Furthermore, the line L (SKY007) is displayed while moving. This moving display is performed at a speed that allows the player to recognize the line L (SKY007). Although the line L (SKY007) moves outside the screen area due to the moving display, only a portion of it moves outside the screen area, and the scene switches to the next scene (2-16) before the line L (SKY007) is completely removed from the screen. This allows players to pay more attention to the line L (SKY007) than to a still image. Furthermore, the display of the line L (SKY007) is predetermined, and in this embodiment, it is displayed as line L (SKY007) only during the lines (2-15), (2-17), and (2-19). After (2-15), the first ally character 004IWC01 and line S (SKY006) are displayed in the center of the screen (2-16). After the first ally character 004IWC01 finishes saying line S (SKY006) in the center of the screen, line L (SKY007) and an effect image SKY008 emphasizing line L (SKY007) are displayed in red, along with the background in the center of the screen (2-17). At this time, the decorative light source also emits light in red. When the line L (SKY007) is displayed in a red display mode, a specific sound 1 is output to let the player know that a chance increase has occurred. In (2-17), the line L (SKY007), the effect image SKY008 emphasizing the line L (SKY007), and the background in the center of the screen are displayed in a red display mode. This is the chance increase effect described above, and indicates that the chance has increased from white to red. Because the display is red from the beginning, it is not possible to see the change from white to red. After that, the second ally character 004IWC02 and the line S (SKY006) are displayed in the center of the screen (2-18), and after the second ally character 004IWC02 finishes saying the line S (SKY006), the line L (SKY007), the effect image SKY008 emphasizing the line L (SKY007), and the background in the center of the screen are displayed in a red display mode (2-19). Thereafter, the second ally character 004IWC02 and line S (SKY006) are displayed in the center of the screen, and images of the second ally character 004IWC02 and the previously displayed line L (SKY007) ((2-15), (2-17), (2-19)) are alternately displayed from (2-20) (2-21), (2-22) to (2-34). This design not only strengthens the association between the second ally character 004IWC02 and line L (SKY007), but also makes a strong impression and increases interest in the game. At this time, the image of line L (SKY007) that is displayed again is displayed while quickly swaying up and down and left and right. Furthermore, the image of line L (SKY007) that is displayed again is displayed in the same display mode as it was displayed the first time. By doing so, the re-displayed line L (SKY007) can be left with an impression, while also allowing the user to recognize that it is a re-displayed display. At this time, the decorative illuminant does not emit light in a manner (color) related to the display manner of the line L (SKY007) that was displayed the first time, the effect image SKY008 that emphasizes the line L (SKY007), and the background in the center of the screen, and the effect is executed while the white lamp flashes rapidly. Furthermore, the sound that was output when the chance was increased is not output, and instead, a short specific sound 2 is output each time the screen changes. After that, the button display SKY009 is enlarged and displayed in the screen area (2-35). At this time, the display area image SKY005 is erased and displayed. This allows the user to focus on the button display. Then, the moment the enlarged button display SKY009 shrinks to the specified size as shown in (2-36), a gauge indicating the validity period of button display SKY009 and display area image SKY005 are displayed, and the win/lose effect is executed when push button 31B is pressed or a certain period of validity of button display SKY009 has passed (for example, 5 seconds). This not only makes it easier to understand when the win/lose effect will be executed, but also increases interest in the game through the button promotion effect.

If Story Reach A is a jackpot, after (2-36), the movable body SKY004 falls, and a background image with a radial pattern is displayed on the screen (2-37). In this embodiment, the movable body SKY004 moves while light emission control that causes the decorative light source to emit rainbow colors begins from the scenes shown in (2-37) to (2-39). The epilogue effects from (2-37) to (2-39) are the same as those for Battle Reach and Story Reach B, which will be described later. From this point on, the display area image SKY005 is designed to disappear. By doing this, the jackpot can be celebrated on the full screen.

After that, a display of the first ally character 004IWC01 talking to the second ally character 004IWC02 is displayed, while the line S (SKY006) is displayed in rainbow colors (2-40) to (2-42). In this example, light emission control for the decorative light source to emit rainbow colors begins from the scene shown in (2-37). For example, in the scenes shown in (2-37) and (2-43), the decorative light source rapidly blinks (flashes) in rainbow colors, and in the scenes shown in (2-38) to (2-42) and (2-44) to (2-46), the decorative light source is controlled to emit rainbow colors slowly. When the line S (SKY006) disappears from the screen in (2-42), the background image becomes difficult to recognize, as shown in (2-43), and a display of the jackpot symbol "222" appears in the center of the screen (2-43). The jackpot symbol "222" then gradually expands (2-44) until it covers the entire screen (2-45). After that, the jackpot symbol "222" is displayed at the same size as when normal fluctuations were occurring before the reach was achieved (2-46). Then, the image display device 5 goes white, Story Reach A ends, and the same background image as when normal fluctuations were occurring before the reach was achieved is displayed, along with the jackpot symbol "222" being temporarily stopped (2-47). After that, the jackpot symbol "222" is stopped and displayed (2-48).

If Story Reach A is a miss, after (2-36), a scene is displayed in which the first ally character 004IWC01 speaks to the second ally character 004IWC02, while a scene in which the dialogue S (SKY006) is displayed in white superimposed on the display area image SKY005 is displayed (2-49) to (2-50). In this example, light emission control begins in which the decorative light source emits a low-intensity white light from the scene shown in (2-49). Next, when the dialogue S (SKY006) disappears from the screen at (2-50), the background image becomes difficult to discern, as shown in (2-43), and a scene in which the "212" symbol appears from the center of the screen in a transparent state (2-51). The transparency gradually decreases from the transparent state, allowing the miss symbol to be clearly discerned (2-52). The screen then goes black, and Story Reach A ends. When Story Reach A ends, the same background image as when the normal variation occurred before the reach was established is displayed, and the losing symbol "212" is temporarily displayed (2-53). After that, the losing symbol "212" is displayed (2-54).

In this embodiment, the shape of the display area image SKY005 is rectangular, but it can also be any other shape, such as jagged or circular, and the color does not have to be black. Furthermore, since the chance-up effect is initially displayed in red, the change from white to red cannot be seen. However, the change from white to red can be shown to the player by displaying the dialogue L (SKY007), an effect image SKY008 that emphasizes the dialogue L (SKY007), and the background in the center of the screen. Furthermore, when the result is announced, the background image (3-43) is displayed in a manner that makes it difficult to see, but by doing so, the pattern is emphasized, making it easier for the player to recognize whether they have won or lost. Additionally, while the display area image SKY005 is described as displaying only the image before the display area image SKY005 is displayed (e.g., 004IWC03), the dialogue S (SKY006), the constant small symbols (e.g., (2-9) ↓↓↓), and the reach symbol (e.g., (2-9) 2↓2), this is not limited to this, and an active display may also be displayed. This allows players to see the story reach effect while watching the display mode of the active display, and to gauge whether a jackpot will be reached. Furthermore, the display mode of the active display may be changed during the story reach effect, and when changing the display mode, the display mode may be changed from outside the display area image SKY005 or from within the display area image SKY005. This allows players to focus on the display mode of the active display and the display area image SKY005 image, increasing their interest in the game.

(Details of Story Reach B, Figures 41 to 48)
41 to 48 are explanatory diagrams showing specific examples of development preview effects and story reach A. Figures 41 (3-1) to (3-8) have the same effects as Figures 27 (1-1) to (1-8).

In (3-9), the first mini-characters 004IWC03 that multiplied in (3-8) gradually disappear (3-9), and eventually a display is executed in which all of the first mini-characters 004IWC03 disappear, and the title of Story Reach B is displayed (3-10). This configuration reduces the sense of incongruity when switching from the development preview display image to the Story Reach B image, and makes the series of events from the development preview display to Story Reach B appear natural.

After the title of Story Reach B is displayed as in (3-10), the Story Reach B presentation begins. From (3-9) to (3-35) and (3-49) to (3-52), the Story Reach B presentation displays the display area image SKY005 at the edge of the screen, creating an area where the dialogue S (SKY006) is displayed superimposed as in (3-11). The display area image SKY005 does not display anything other than the dialogue S (SKY006). By displaying the display area image SKY005, the dialogue S (SKY006) can be emphasized, and the dialogue S (SKY006) is easier to see than the battle reach, drawing attention to the dialogue S (SKY006), while also giving the impression of watching a movie. After the title of Story Reach B is displayed, third ally character SKY010 and many other characters are displayed in the center of the screen surrounding third ally character SKY010, and third ally character SKY006 is displayed in accordance with the presentation (3-11) to (3-13). Next, line L (SKY007), which is larger than line S (SKY006), and effect image SKY008, which emphasizes line L (SKY007), are displayed in the center of the screen, and the background in the center of the screen is displayed in white (3-14). At this time, the decorative light source is also emitting light in a white mode (color). The content of line L (SKY007) is displayed in relation to line S (SKY006), and some of the lines from Story Reach B are displayed as line L (SKY007). Furthermore, the font size of each character in the line S (SKY006) is consistent, and the direction in which the characters are written is also consistent, but the font size of the line L (SKY007) is not consistent, and the keyword characters are displayed larger. Furthermore, there is also the display of line L (SKY007) in which the characters are displayed in a different direction, as in (3-16). This allows the player to focus more on line L (SKY007) than line S (SKY006). Furthermore, line L (SKY007) is displayed while moving. This moving display is performed at a speed that allows the player to recognize line L (SKY007), and although line L (SKY007) moves outside the screen area due to the moving display, only a portion of it moves outside the screen area, and the scene switches to the next scene (3-15) before line L (SKY007) is completely removed from the screen. This allows players to pay more attention to the line L (SKY007) than to still images. Furthermore, the display of some lines L (SKY007) is predetermined, and in this embodiment, line L (SKY007) is displayed only when lines (3-14), (3-16), and (3-18) are spoken. After (3-14), the fourth ally character SKY011 and line S (SKY006) are displayed in the center of the screen (3-15). After the fourth ally character SKY011 finishes speaking line S (SKY006), line L (SKY007) and an effect image SKY008 emphasizing line L (SKY007) are displayed, along with the background in the center of the screen in a red display mode (3-16). At this time, the decorative light-emitting element also emits light in a red mode (color). When displayed in red, a specific sound 1 is output to notify the player that a chance increase has occurred. In (3-16), the line L (SKY007), the effect image SKY008 emphasizing the line L (SKY007), and the background in the center of the screen are displayed in red. This is the chance-up effect described above, and indicates that the chance has increased from white to red. Because the display is red from the beginning, it is not possible to see the change from white to red. After that, the third ally character SKY010 and the line S (SKY006) are displayed in the center of the screen (2-18). After the third ally character SKY010 finishes saying the line S (SKY006), the line L (SKY007), the effect image SKY008 emphasizing the line L (SKY007), and the background in the center of the screen are displayed in the corresponding color (3-18). At this time, the decorative light source also emits light in the corresponding color. When displayed in the corresponding color display mode, a specific sound 3 different from that when displayed in red display mode is output to allow the player to recognize that a chance increase has occurred. (3-18) uses a color corresponding to the third ally character SKY010, whose corresponding color is blue. Furthermore, when line L (SKY007) is displayed in the corresponding color, an image of the third ally character SKY010 is also displayed. This makes it easier to understand that it is a corresponding color, and it is more lively than other display modes, increasing the enjoyment of the game. In (3-18), line L (SKY007), the effect image SKY008 emphasizing line L (SKY007), and the background in the center of the screen are displayed in the corresponding color display mode. This is the chance increase effect described above, and means that the chance has increased from red to the corresponding color. Because the display is in the corresponding color from the beginning, it is not possible to recognize the change from red to the corresponding color. Thereafter, the third ally character SKY010 and the line S (SKY006) are displayed in the center of the screen, and images of the third ally character SKY010 and the previously displayed line L (SKY007) ((3-14), (3-16), (3-18)) are alternately displayed from (3-19) (3-20), (3-21) to (3-33). This design not only strengthens the association between the third ally character SKY010 and the line L (SKY007), but also makes an impression and increases interest in the game. At this time, the image of the line L (SKY007) that is displayed again is displayed while quickly swaying up and down and left and right. Furthermore, the image of the line L (SKY007) that is displayed again is displayed in the same display mode as when it was displayed the first time. This makes it possible to make an impression of the line L (SKY007) that is displayed again, while also making it possible to recognize that it is being displayed again. At this time, the decorative light source does not emit light in a manner (color) related to the display of the first line L (SKY007), the effect image SKY008 that emphasizes line L (SKY007), and the background display in the center of the screen, and instead the effect is executed while the white lamp flashes rapidly. Furthermore, the sound that was output during chance up is not output; instead, a short specific sound 2 is output each time the screen changes. After that, the button display SKY009 is enlarged and displayed in the screen area (3-34). The moment the enlarged button display SKY009 shrinks to the specified size as shown in (3-35), a gauge indicating the validity period of the button display SKY009 and the display area image SKY005 are displayed. The win/fail effect is executed when push button 31B is pressed or when the validity period of the button display SKY009 has elapsed for a certain period (e.g., 5 seconds). This not only makes it easier to understand the timing of the win/fail effect, but also increases the interest in the game through the button prompt effect.

If Story Reach B is a jackpot, after (3-35), the movable object SKY004 falls, and a background image with a radial pattern is displayed on the screen (3-36). In this embodiment, light emission control begins from the scenes shown in (3-36) to (3-38), causing the decorative light source to emit rainbow colors. The epilogue effects from (3-36) to (3-38) are the same as those for Battle Reach and Story Reach A. From this point on, the display area image SKY005 is designed to disappear. By doing this, the jackpot can be celebrated on the full screen.

Then, a display effect is displayed in which the third ally character SKY010 speaks to the characters displayed around him, while the line S (SKY006) is displayed in rainbow colors (3-39) to (3-42). In this example, light emission control is initiated in the scene shown in (3-36) to cause the decorative light source to emit rainbow colors. For example, in the scenes shown in (3-36) and (3-42), the decorative light source rapidly blinks (flashes) in rainbow colors, and in the scenes shown in (3-37) to (3-42) and (3-44) to (3-46), the decorative light source emits light slowly in rainbow colors. When the line S (SKY006) disappears from the screen in (3-42), the background image becomes difficult to recognize, as shown in (3-43), and a display effect is executed in which the jackpot symbol "222" appears in the center of the screen (3-43). The jackpot symbol "222" then gradually expands (3-44) until it covers the entire screen (3-45). After that, the jackpot symbol "222" is displayed at the same size as when normal fluctuations were being executed before the reach was established (3-46). Then, the image display device 5 goes white, Story Reach B ends, and the same background image as when normal fluctuations were being executed before the reach was established is displayed, along with the jackpot symbol "222" being temporarily stopped (3-47). After that, the jackpot symbol "222" is stopped and displayed (3-48).

If Story Reach B is a miss, after (3-36), a presentation is displayed in which the third ally character SKY010 speaks to the characters displayed around him, while a presentation display is executed in which the line S (SKY006) is displayed in white superimposed on the display area image SKY005 (3-49) to (3-50). Note that in this example, light emission control begins in which the decorative light source emits low-intensity white light from the scene shown in (3-49). Next, when the line S (SKY006) disappears from the screen in (3-50), the background image becomes difficult to discern, as shown in (3-43), and a presentation display is executed in which the "212" symbol appears from the center of the screen in a transparent state (3-51). The transparency gradually decreases from the transparent state, allowing the miss symbol to be clearly discerned (3-52). The screen then goes black, and Story Reach B ends. When Story Reach B ends, the same background image as when the normal variation was being executed before the reach was established is displayed, and the losing symbol "212" is temporarily displayed (3-53). After that, the losing symbol "212" is displayed (3-54).

In this embodiment, the shape of the display area image SKY005 is rectangular, but it can also be any other shape, such as jagged or circular, and the color does not have to be black. Furthermore, since the chance-up effect is initially displayed in red, the change from white to red cannot be seen. However, the change from white to red can be shown to the player by displaying the dialogue L (SKY007), an effect image SKY008 that emphasizes the dialogue L (SKY007), and the background in the center of the screen. Furthermore, when the result is announced, the background image (3-43) is displayed in a manner that makes it difficult to see, but by doing so, the pattern is emphasized, making it easier for the player to recognize whether they have won or lost. Additionally, while the display area image SKY005 is described as displaying only the image before the display area image SKY005 is displayed (e.g., 004IWC03), the dialogue S (SKY006), the constant small symbols (e.g., (2-9) ↓↓↓), and the reach symbol (e.g., (2-9) 2↓2), this is not limited to this, and an active display may also be displayed. This allows players to see the story reach effect while watching the display mode of the active display, and to gauge whether a jackpot will be reached. Furthermore, the display mode of the active display may be changed during the story reach effect, and when changing the display mode, the display mode may be changed from outside the display area image SKY005 or from within the display area image SKY005. This allows players to focus on the display mode of the active display and the display area image SKY005 image, increasing their interest in the game.

In this embodiment, it is possible to execute chance-up effects as shown in Figure 35 (2-17) and Figure 43 (3-18), and Figure 49 illustrates the display mode when the chance-up effect of line L (SKY007) is executed. First, the default display will be explained. The default display mode in this embodiment is displayed in white, and line L (SKY007), effect image SKY008 that emphasizes line L (SKY007), and the background in the center of the screen are displayed in white as shown in Figure 49.

Next, when the red display mode is used as a chance-up effect, the line L (SKY007), the effect image SKY008 that emphasizes the line L (SKY007), and the background in the center of the screen are displayed in red, as shown in Figure 49.

Next, when a chance up effect is displayed in the corresponding color, the character is displayed. When a chance up effect is performed in the color corresponding to first ally character 004IWC01, first ally character 004IWC01 is displayed while the effect image SKY008 highlighting the line L (SKY007) and the background in the center of the screen is displayed in the purple color corresponding to first ally character 004IWC01. When a chance up effect is performed in the color corresponding to second ally character 004IWC02, second ally character 004IWC02 is displayed while the effect image SKY008 highlighting the line L (SKY007) and the background in the center of the screen is displayed in the green color corresponding to second ally character 004IWC02. When executing a chance up effect in the color corresponding to the third ally character SKY010, the third ally character SKY010 is displayed, and the line L (SKY007), the effect image SKY008 emphasizing the line L (SKY007), and the background in the center of the screen are displayed in the blue display mode corresponding to the third ally character SKY010. As described in FIGS. 25 and 26 , the colors are designed to have a higher jackpot expectation in the order of white → red → corresponding color. By increasing the jackpot expectation of the character's corresponding color compared to the red of other chance up effects, not only can a color thought to have a lower jackpot expectation than red become a color with a higher jackpot expectation, but also the color of the character and the character itself can be focused on. Furthermore, by executing the chance up effect in the color corresponding to the character, the association between the character and the line L (SKY007) can be enhanced. Additionally, when the color corresponding to the first ally character 004IWC01 is executed, the lamp or chance up for the color corresponding to the third ally character SKY010, which is not displayed in the effect, is designed not to be used. This prevents the player from mistakenly thinking that the chance up for the corresponding color has been executed.

Figure 50 illustrates the events that occur when the chance-up effect is executed and when it is not. First, we will explain what happens when the chance-up effect is not executed. When the chance-up effect is not executed, no sound is output and the movable body SKY004 does not operate. Also, at this time, the decorative light-emitting element also emits light in a white mode (color).

Next, we will explain what happens when a chance-up effect is executed. When a chance-up effect for line L (SKY007) is executed, sound is output according to the chance-up mode, and in the case of a red chance-up, specific sound 1 is output. The movable body SKY004 activates when the chance-up effect is executed, and falls to 25% of its movable range (assuming the central part of the image display device 5 is 50% of the movable range of the movable body SKY004). At this time, the decorative light-emitting element also emits light in a red mode (color), and is brighter than the decorative light-emitting element that emits light when a chance-up effect is not executed. In the case of a chance-up of the color corresponding to line L (SKY007), specific sound 3 is output. The movable body SKY004 activates when the chance-up effect is executed, and falls to 50% of its movable range (assuming the central part of the image display device 5 is 50% of the movable range of the movable body SKY004). At this time, the decorative light emitter also emits light in a corresponding color (color), which is brighter than the decorative light emitter that emits light when the chance-up effect is executed in the red display mode. In this way, when the chance-up effect is executed, sound is output, the movable body is activated, and the decorative light emitter emits light, which not only clearly informs the player that the chance-up effect has been executed, but also enhances the association between the character and the light-emitting color of the decorative light emitter. When the chance-up effect for the line S (SKY006) is executed, sound is output in the same way as for the chance-up effect for the line L (SKY007), but the same specific sound as for the chance-up effect for the line L (SKY007) is not output, and instead a predetermined sound for the line S (SKY006) is output. This predetermined sound is quieter than the specific sound and is output at a lower volume than the line S (SKY006). By doing this, not only can you know that the chance-up effect has been executed, but because the sound of the line S (SKY006) is louder than the predetermined sound, it becomes easier to hear, allowing you to focus on the line S.

Figures 51 and 52 illustrate the timing of the chance-up effect for line S (SKY006). First, we will explain the execution timing of the chance-up effect for line S (SKY006) executed during a battle reach. There are two timings for the chance-up effect to be executed during a battle reach. The first timing, when the chance-up effect is executed, is when line S (SKY006) "Stop your evil deeds! Bakuchu!" in Figure 28 (1-11) is displayed, and when it is displayed, it turns red. At this time, like line L (SKY007), it is displayed in red from the beginning, so the change from white to red is not visible. The second timing, when the chance-up effect is executed, is when line S (SKY006) "I won't forgive you anymore!!!" in Figure 28 (1-16) is displayed, and when it is displayed, it turns red. In this case, just like Dialogue L (SKY007), it is displayed in red from the beginning, so the change from white to red is not noticeable.

Next, we will explain the execution timing of the chance-up effect for line S (SKY006) executed in Story Reach A. There are two chance-up effects executed in Story Reach A. The first timing at which the chance-up effect is executed is when line S (SKY006) "I wonder where we should go for lunch today!" in Figure 34 (2-11) is displayed, and it turns red when displayed. At this time, just like line L (SKY007), it is displayed in red from the beginning, so it is not possible to see the change from white to red. The second timing at which the chance-up effect is executed is when line S (SKY006) "Let's go eat together!" in Figure 35 (2-21) is displayed, and it turns red when displayed. At this time, just like line L (SKY007), it is displayed in red from the beginning, so it is not possible to see the change from white to red when displayed.

Next, we will explain the execution timing of the chance-up effect of line S (SKY006) executed in story reach B. There are two timings for the chance-up effect to be executed in story reach B. The first timing for the chance-up effect is when line S (SKY006) "Why..." in Figure 42 (3-15) is displayed, and when it is displayed, it turns red. At this time, just like line L (SKY007), it is displayed in red from the beginning, so it is not possible to see the change from white to red. The second timing for the chance-up effect is when line S (SKY006) "I want your support!" in Figure 43 (3-20) is displayed, and it turns red when it is displayed. At this time, just like line L (SKY007), it is displayed in red from the beginning, so it is not possible to see the change from white to red.

In this embodiment, the chance up effects are designed to be executed at different times after the effect starts (the number of seconds the chance up effect lasts after the effect starts). By doing this, the chance up timing becomes harder to tell, allowing players to look forward to the chance up effects and increasing their interest in the game.

Figure 53 illustrates the timing of the chance-up effect for line L (SKY007). First, we will explain the execution timing of the chance-up effect for line L (SKY007) executed in Story Reach A. There are three times when the chance-up effect is executed in Story Reach A. The first timing when the chance-up effect is executed is when line L (SKY007) "Let's have lunch together" in Figure 34 (2-15) is displayed, and when it is displayed, it is red or a corresponding color. At this time, because it is displayed in red or a corresponding color from the beginning, it is not possible to see the change from white to red or a corresponding color. The second timing when the chance-up effect is executed is when line L (SKY007) "Why...with me?" in Figure 35 (2-17) is displayed, and when it is displayed, it is red or a corresponding color. At this time, because it is displayed in red or a corresponding color from the beginning, it is not possible to see the change from white to red or a corresponding color. The third timing, when the chance-up effect is executed, is when the line L (SKY007) "Because I want to become friends with Jam" in Figure 35 (2-19) is displayed, and when it is displayed it is red or a corresponding color. At this time, because it is displayed in red or a corresponding color from the beginning, it is not possible to see the change from white to red or a corresponding color.

Next, we will explain the timing of the chance-up effect of line L (SKY007) executed in Story Reach B. There are three timings for the chance-up effect to be executed in Story Reach B. The first timing for the chance-up effect is when line L (SKY007) "I'm graduating" in Figure 42 (3-14) is displayed, and when it is displayed, it is red or a corresponding color. At this time, because it is displayed in red or a corresponding color from the beginning, it is not possible to see the change from white to red or a corresponding color. The second timing for the chance-up effect is when line L (SKY007) "Why are you graduating!" in Figure 42 (3-16) is displayed, and when it is displayed, it is red or a corresponding color. At this time, because it is displayed in red or a corresponding color from the beginning, it is not possible to see the change from white to red or a corresponding color. The third timing at which the chance-up effect is executed is when the line L (SKY007) in Figure 43 (3-18) "Because I want to be an actress!" is displayed, and when it is displayed it is red or a corresponding color. At this time, because it is displayed in red or a corresponding color from the beginning, it is not possible to see the change from white to red or a corresponding color.

In this embodiment, the chance up effects are designed to be executed at different times after the effect starts (the number of seconds the chance up effect lasts after the effect starts). By doing so, the chance up timing is less obvious, allowing players to look forward to the chance up effect and increasing their interest in the game. Also, in this embodiment, when the display mode of line S (SKY006) changes due to the chance up effect, the display mode of line L (SKY007) does not change. Conversely, when the display mode of line L (SKY007) changes due to the chance up effect, the display mode of line S (SKY006) does not change. By doing so, it is possible to draw attention to line S (SKY006) and line L (SKY007) separately. For example, when the line S (SKY006) changes to a red display mode due to the chance-up effect, the line L (SKY007) is either displayed in red due to the chance-up effect of the line L (SKY007) without the line S (SKY006) changing due to the chance-up effect, or remains in white without the chance-up effect being executed. Conversely, when the line L (SKY007) changes to a red display mode due to the chance-up effect of the line S (SKY006) without the line L (SKY007) changing due to the chance-up effect, the line S (SKY006) is either displayed in red due to the chance-up effect of the line S (SKY006) without the line L (SKY007) changing due to the chance-up effect, or remains in white without the chance-up effect being executed.

Figure 54 illustrates the display time of Line L (SKY007). The display time of Line L (SKY007) is designed to shorten with each repetition. This allows the performance to be carried out smoothly while emphasizing the first display. The display time is the same for both Story Reach A and Story Reach B. First, Line L (SKY007) displayed the first time is displayed for three seconds (e.g., Figure 34 (2-15), Figure 34 (2-17), Figure 34 (2-19)). Next, Line L (SKY007) displayed the second time is displayed for one second (e.g., Figure 35 (2-23), Figure 36 (2-25), Figure 36 (2-27)). Next, the line L (SKY007) displayed the third time is displayed for 0.5 seconds (e.g., Figures 36 (2-29), 34 (2-31), and 37 (2-33)). In this embodiment, the display time of the line L (SKY007) displayed the first time is designed to be longer than the display time of the line S (SKY006). This not only makes it possible to draw more attention to the line L (SKY007) than the line S (SKY006), but also makes it easier to recognize whether the display mode has changed due to the chance-up effect than the line S (SKY006), since the line L (SKY007) has a higher expectation of a jackpot when the chance-up effect is executed than the line S (SKY006). Furthermore, the line L (SKY007) displayed the second and third times may be displayed in a different position from the line L (SKY007) displayed the first time. By doing this, players will naturally follow the display of line L (SKY007) with their eyes.

Figures 55 and 56 are diagrams comparing the text in story reach and battle reach. Both story reach and battle reach are capable of displaying line S (SKY006), and both can be displayed in the same size and the same display format. Furthermore, the size of line S (SKY006) does not change depending on whether the epilogue is a jackpot or a loss, and it is displayed in the same position in both cases. It is designed so that it is displayed in rainbow colors during a jackpot and in white during a loss. This makes it easier for players to see line S (SKY006). Furthermore, with story reach, the display area image SKY005 is designed to disappear during a jackpot. This allows players to celebrate their jackpot on the full screen.

Figure 57 illustrates a modified example in which the chance-up effect of line L (SKY007) is managed by a scenario. When it is decided that a chance-up effect will be executed, one of scenarios 2 to 4 in Figure 57 is executed. First, scenario 1 is a scenario when a chance-up effect is not executed. In scenario 1 in which a chance-up effect is not executed, line L (SKY007), effect image SKY008 that emphasizes line L (SKY007), and the background in the center of the screen are displayed in white at the timing when the chance-up effect is executed.

Next, Scenario 2 is the scenario when the chance-up effect is executed. In Scenario 2 when the chance-up effect is executed, at the first timing when the chance-up effect is executed, line L (SKY007), effect image SKY008 that emphasizes line L (SKY007), and the background at the center of the screen are displayed in white. At the second timing, line L (SKY007), effect image SKY008 that emphasizes line L (SKY007), and the background at the center of the screen are displayed in red. At the third timing, line L (SKY007), effect image SKY008 that emphasizes line L (SKY007), and the background at the center of the screen are displayed in red.

Next, Scenario 3 is the scenario when the chance-up effect is executed. In Scenario 3 when the chance-up effect is executed, at the first timing when the chance-up effect is executed, line L (SKY007), effect image SKY008 that emphasizes line L (SKY007), and the background at the center of the screen are displayed in white. At the second timing, line L (SKY007), effect image SKY008 that emphasizes line L (SKY007), and the background at the center of the screen are displayed in red. At the third timing, line L (SKY007), effect image SKY008 that emphasizes line L (SKY007), and the background at the center of the screen are displayed in the corresponding color.

Next, Scenario 4 is the scenario when the chance-up effect is executed. In Scenario 4, in which the chance-up effect is executed, at the first timing when the chance-up effect is executed, line L (SKY007), effect image SKY008 that emphasizes line L (SKY007), and the background at the center of the screen are displayed in red. At the second timing, line L (SKY007), effect image SKY008 that emphasizes line L (SKY007), and the background at the center of the screen are displayed in the corresponding color. At the third timing, line L (SKY007), effect image SKY008 that emphasizes line L (SKY007), and the background at the center of the screen are displayed in the corresponding color.

By managing chance-up effects in this way, the data can be stored as a single video, reducing data volume.

In addition, in the embodiments, spherical gaming balls (pachinko balls) are used as an example of gaming media, but the gaming media is not limited to spherical gaming media and may be non-spherical gaming media such as medals.

In addition, in the embodiments, a pachinko gaming machine was used as an example of a gaming machine, but the invention can also be applied to slot machines in which, for example, a game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using gaming value, one game ends when the variable display result is derived from a variable display device that can variably display multiple types of individually identifiable symbols, and a prize can be awarded depending on the variable display result derived from the variable display device.

The gaming machine of the present invention can also be applied to enclosed gaming machines that contain gaming media and award points based on winning prizes, as well as slot machines. Furthermore, a gaming machine capable of playing games is one that at least allows games to be played, and is not limited to pachinko gaming machines or slot machines, and can also be a general gaming machine.

1: Pachinko gaming machine 4A: First special symbol display device 4B: Second special symbol display device 5: Image display device 100: Game control microcomputer 120: Performance control CPU

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player,
a performance execution means capable of executing a performance;
A display means;
Light emitting means;
a light emission control means capable of controlling the light emission means;
a sound output means;
a sound output control means capable of controlling the sound output means,
The effect execution means is capable of executing a specific effect capable of informing whether or not the advantageous state is controlled,
The display means
A character can be displayed during the execution of the specific effect,
A first character display, a second character display, and a third character display related to the character can be displayed according to the progress of the specific effect,
a first display area capable of displaying the character and the first character display, and a second display area that is different from the first display area and capable of displaying the second character display;
The specific performance includes an introduction part until the result of whether or not the advantageous state is controlled is notified, and a result notification part that notifies the result of whether or not the advantageous state is controlled,
In the introduction part, the first character display and the second character display can be displayed,
The third character display can be displayed in the result notification part,
the first character representation is larger than the second character representation;
the display mode of the first character display includes a basic display mode and a high expectation display mode that is selected more frequently than the basic display mode when controlled to the advantageous state;
The display mode of the second character display includes the basic display mode and the high expectation display mode,
the display mode of the third character display is a result notification mode corresponding to the result notification part,
When controlled to the advantageous state, the rate at which the first character display is displayed in the high expectation display mode is higher than the rate at which the second character display is displayed in the high expectation display mode,
a display time of the first character display is longer than a display time of the second character display;
The sound output control means is capable of causing the sound output means to output, when the first character display is displayed in the high expectation display mode, a specific sound indicating that the first character display is displayed in the high expectation display mode.
A gaming machine characterized by: