JP7816966B2 - 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 gaming machines such as pachinko machines, for example, when a cut-in image that heightens anticipation of a jackpot or the like is displayed, the displayed image is inverted from negative to positive, resulting in a cut-in image in negative-positive mode (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-122584

In the negative-positive reversal effects described in Patent Document 1, there was room for improvement in order to optimally display the parts that should be highlighted in the effect.

The purpose of this invention is to improve gaming machines by performing negative-positive reversal in areas that need to be highlighted in the presentation, thereby increasing entertainment value.

A gaming machine that can perform variable display and control to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player,
a performance execution means for controlling a display means for displaying a predetermined display that suggests that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state and a related display that is related to the predetermined display ; and a sound output means for outputting a sound ;
During the variable display, a notification effect can be executed that is at least composed of an introduction part that incites whether or not the game will be controlled to the advantageous state, and a result notification part that notifies the game will be controlled to the advantageous state,
the predetermined display is displayed in a manner that moves toward a specific display area on the display means,
The display means
When the predetermined display moves to the specific display area, the predetermined display is displayed in a first manner, and the predetermined display is displayed in a second manner in which the predetermined display in the first manner has an opposite color;
When the predetermined display moves to the specific display area, the related display is displayed in a third mode, and the related display is displayed in a fourth mode in which the related display in the third mode is in an opposite color;
In the result notification part, the display mode is not changed to an opposite color, and the display mode is not changed to the advantageous state .
the predetermined display is a display including predetermined characters,
The sound output means does not output a predetermined character sound corresponding to the predetermined character when the predetermined display is in the first mode before the second mode, and then outputs the predetermined character sound after the display changes to the second mode.
Corresponding drawings: Figures 84 to 88, Figure 95, etc. According to this feature, by displaying in the specific display area from the first mode to the second mode, it is possible to effectively convey that a specific display is displayed in the specific display area, and the specific display can be displayed in an emphasized manner, thereby attracting attention.

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. 2 is an explanatory diagram of state transitions in the present embodiment. An explanatory diagram of Yu-time. An explanatory diagram of Yu-time. An explanatory diagram of Yu-time. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a read-ahead notice setting process. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a variable display start setting process. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the pre-reading notice execution setting process. This is an explanatory diagram of the image displayed on the image display device when a pre-reading stock effect is executed as a pre-reading preview effect. An explanatory diagram of the preview performance executed in accordance with the character. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of when a pre-read stock effect is executed. This is an explanatory diagram of when a stock effect is executed with the change. This is an explanatory diagram of when a stock effect is executed as a preview effect in a change after a pre-reading change after a pre-reading stock effect is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a stock effect is executed in a variable display in which a spinning effect is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a stock effect is executed in a variable display in which a spinning effect is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a stock effect is executed in a variable display in which a spinning effect is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a stock effect is executed in a variable display in which a spinning effect is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a stock effect is executed in a variable display in which a spinning effect is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the spinning effect when a stock effect is not executed in response to the spinning effect. This is an explanatory diagram of the effects that occur within the Guru Guru effect. This is an explanatory diagram of the effects that occur within the Guru Guru effect. This is an explanatory diagram of the effects that occur within the Guru Guru effect. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the types of candidate images displayed in the spinning effect. This is an explanatory diagram about the execution time of the promotion before the round-round performance, the round-round performance, and the promotion after the round-round performance. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of accompanying displays that may occur when multiple stock images are acquired. FIG. 10 is a detailed explanatory diagram of the accompanying display. This is an explanatory diagram about the execution rate of stock effects and the expected probability of a jackpot. This is an explanatory diagram about the execution rate of stock effects and the expected probability of a jackpot. This is an explanatory diagram about the execution rate of stock effects and the expected probability of a jackpot. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the effects that each stock character can perform. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the effects that each stock character can perform. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the effects that each stock character can perform. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the effects that each stock character can perform. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the effects that each stock character can perform. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the effects that each stock character can perform. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the effects that each stock character can perform. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of fluctuations in SP Reach X. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of fluctuations in SP Reach X. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of fluctuations in SP Reach X. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of fluctuations in SP Reach X. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of fluctuations in SP Reach X. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of fluctuations in SP Reach X. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of fluctuations in SP Reach X. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the fanfare effect executed in the normal state. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a fanfare performance. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a fanfare performance. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the round effect. This is an explanatory diagram of the effects that are executed during the special mode and the time-saving mode. This is an explanatory diagram of the effects that are executed during the special mode and the time-saving mode. This is an explanatory diagram of the effects that are executed during the special mode and the time-saving mode. This is an explanatory diagram of the effects that are executed during the special mode and the time-saving mode. This is an explanatory diagram of the fanfare effects that are executed during the special mode and the time-saving mode. This is an explanatory diagram of the fanfare effects that are executed during the special mode and the time-saving mode. This is an explanatory diagram of the fanfare effects that are executed during the special mode, the time-saving mode, and the normal mode. This is an explanatory diagram of the fanfare effects that are executed during the special mode, the time-saving mode, and the normal mode. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of color specifications. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the state before and during negative-positive inversion. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the state before and during negative-positive inversion. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the state before and during negative-positive inversion. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the state during and after negative-positive inversion is performed. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the state during and after negative-positive inversion is performed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the negative-positive reversal that is performed when a stock effect is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the negative-positive reversal that is performed when a stock effect is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the negative-positive inversion performed during the spinning effect. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the negative-positive inversion performed during the spinning effect. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the negative-positive inversion performed during the spinning effect. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the negative-positive inversion performed during the spinning effect. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the negative-positive inversion performed during the spinning effect. This is an explanatory diagram of the negative-positive reversal performed in the effects that each stock character can perform. This is an explanatory diagram of the negative-positive reversal performed in the effects that each stock character can perform. This is an explanatory diagram of the negative-positive reversal performed in the effects that each stock character can perform. This is an explanatory diagram of the negative-positive reversal performed in the effects that each stock character can perform. This is an explanatory diagram of the negative-positive reversal performed in the effects that each stock character can perform. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the negative-positive reversal performed in SP Reach X. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the negative-positive reversal performed in SP Reach X. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of negative-positive reversal performed in a fanfare performance. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of negative-positive reversal performed in a fanfare performance. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of negative-positive reversal performed in a fanfare performance. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of negative-positive reversal performed in a fanfare performance. This is an explanatory diagram of the epilogue performance that is executed during the special mode and the time-saving mode. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a period during which negative-positive inversion is performed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a period during which negative-positive inversion is performed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a period during which negative-positive inversion is performed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a period during which negative-positive inversion is performed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the number of times negative-positive inversion is performed in one change. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a period during which negative-positive inversion is performed with a button. This is an explanatory diagram of the changes that are displayed when the rescue time reduction is activated. This is an explanatory diagram of the changes that are displayed when the rescue time reduction is activated. This is an explanatory diagram of the negative-positive reversal that is performed when a display indicating the number of times until the rescue time reduction is activated is displayed.

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

(Feature shape)

(SKY2021-1548) Form 1-1 gaming machine is
A gaming machine that can perform variable display and control to a state advantageous to a player,
a display means capable of displaying a predetermined display suggesting that the vehicle will be controlled to the advantageous state and a related display related to the predetermined display;
the predetermined display is displayed in a manner that moves toward a specific display area on the display means,
The display means is
The predetermined display before moving to the specific display area is displayed in a first manner;
When the predetermined display moves to the specific display area, the predetermined display is displayed in a second manner in which the first manner has an opposite color;
When the predetermined display moves to the specific display area, the related display is displayed in a third manner, and the related display is displayed in a fourth manner in which the related display in the third manner is in the opposite color.
Corresponding drawings: Figures 84 to 88, Figure 95, etc. According to this feature, by displaying from the first state to the second state at a specific position, it is possible to effectively convey that a specific display has been displayed at a specific position, and since the specific display can be displayed in an emphasized manner, it is possible to attract attention.

The gaming machine of form 1-2 is the gaming machine according to form 1-1,
The first and second aspects include chromatic colors.
Corresponding drawing: Figure 77, etc. According to this feature, by using chromatic colors, achromatic colors are eliminated and the presentation can be made to look best with chromatic colors.

The gaming machine of form 1-3 is the gaming machine according to either form 1-1 or form 1-2,
The predetermined display is enlarged and moved.
Corresponding drawings: FIG. 95 etc. According to this feature, the predetermined display can be more emphasized and visually recognized by enlarging and moving the display.

The gaming machine of form 1-4 is a gaming machine according to any one of forms 1-1 to 1-3,
When the predetermined display reaches its maximum size, it is displayed in the second manner.
Corresponding drawings: Figure 95, etc. According to this feature, the specified display can be more emphasized and made visible by moving the display while enlarging it, and when it reaches its maximum size, the negative and positive are reversed, allowing the specified display to be viewed with attention.

The gaming machine of form 1-5 is a gaming machine according to any one of forms 1-1 to 1-4,
The predetermined display repeatedly displays the second pattern.
Corresponding drawings: Figures 84 to 88, Figure 95, etc. According to this feature, the effect of emphasis increases as the image is repeated, making it possible to attract the player's attention even more.

The gaming machine of form 1-6 is a gaming machine according to any one of forms 1-1 to 1-5,
When the predetermined display is displayed, a first related display and a second related display related to the predetermined display can be displayed,
When the first related indication and the second related indication come into contact with each other, the indication is displayed in the second manner.
Corresponding drawings: Figure 90, etc. According to this feature, the presentation effect that occurs when the display touches the screen can be conveyed to the player, thereby making the presentation look more appealing.

(SKY2021-1549) The gaming machine of type 2-1 is
A gaming machine that can perform variable display and control to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player,
A display means;
A motion detection means capable of detecting a player's motion;
and a performance execution means capable of executing a special performance that suggests that the game is controlled to the advantageous state.
The special effect includes a first part capable of displaying an action prompting display for prompting the action of the player to the action detection means, and a second part capable of displaying a special display suggesting the degree of expectation of being controlled to the advantageous state,
The display means displays the special display in a first manner in the second part, and also displays the special display in a second manner in which the color of the first manner is the opposite color.
Corresponding drawings: Figure 93, etc. According to this feature, if the negative and positive are reversed in the action promotion performance, it becomes difficult to see and interferes with the action promotion performance, but the display after the action promotion performance can be displayed in an appropriate manner as it is a display that you want to emphasize without requiring the action promotion performance.

The gaming machine of form 2-2 is the gaming machine according to form 1-1,
The first and second aspects include chromatic colors.
Corresponding drawing: Figure 77, etc. According to this feature, by using chromatic colors, achromatic colors are eliminated and the presentation can be made to look best with chromatic colors.

The gaming machine of form 2-3 is the gaming machine according to either form 2-1 or form 2-2,
The special effects include a first special effect and a second special effect,
The first special effect displays the special display in the second mode, and the second special effect does not display the special display in the second mode;
The first special effect has a higher probability of being controlled to the advantageous state than the second special effect.
Corresponding drawings: Figure 93, etc. According to this feature, players can pay attention to the types of special effects, which increases their interest in the game.

The gaming machine of form 2-4 is a gaming machine according to any one of forms 2-1 to 2-3,
The period for which the special effect is displayed in the second mode is the same when the player's action is detected while the action prompting display is displayed and when the player's action is not detected while the action prompting display is displayed.
Corresponding drawings: FIG. 106, etc. This feature allows the same display to be given the same attention level regardless of whether a motion is detected or not.

A gaming machine of form 2-5 is a gaming machine according to any one of forms 2-1 to 2-4,
The related display is displayed repeatedly in the second manner.
Corresponding drawings: Figure 93, etc. According to this feature, the effect of emphasis is strengthened by repeating it, making it possible to attract the player's attention more.

(SKY2021-1550) The gaming machine of type 3-1 is
A gaming machine that can perform variable display and control to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player,
a display means capable of displaying a specific display corresponding to the variable display;
A performance execution means capable of executing a change performance that changes the display mode of the specific display of the first mode,
The effect execution means, when executing the change effect, can execute a special effect in which the specific display is displayed in a second mode in which the first mode has become the opposite color, and when the change effect is executed and the special effect is executed, there is a higher expectation of being controlled to the advantageous state than when the special effect is not executed.
Corresponding drawings: Figures 90, 91, etc. According to this feature, by including specific displays that are displayed using the second mode and specific displays that are not displayed using the second mode, even with the same display, the second mode that uses the second mode can be more emphasized.

The gaming machine of aspect 3-2 is the gaming machine according to aspect 3-1,
The first and second aspects include chromatic colors.
Corresponding drawing: Figure 77, etc. According to this feature, by using chromatic colors, achromatic colors are eliminated and the presentation can be made to look best with chromatic colors.

The gaming machine of form 3-3 is a gaming machine according to either form 3-1 or form 3-2,
A specific display can be displayed based on the fact that the starting condition is met.
Corresponding drawings: FIG. 90, FIG. 91, etc. According to this feature, the active display is displayed in the second mode at the timing when the active display changes, so that the active display can be noticed.

The gaming machine of form 3-4 is a gaming machine according to any one of forms 3-1 to 3-3,
The specific indication includes a first specific indication and a second specific indication,
The first specific indication is displayed in a first color, and the second specific indication is displayed in a second color different from the first color,
The first specific display is displayed in the second manner, and the second specific display is not displayed in the second manner.
Corresponding drawings: Figures 90, 91, etc. According to this feature, by including a first specific display in a first color that performs the second mode and a second specific display in a second color that does not perform the second mode, even with the same display, the first specific display that performs the second mode can be further emphasized.

The gaming machine of form 3-5 is a gaming machine according to any one of forms 3-1 to 3-4,
The display means
When the specific display is displayed, a related display related to the predetermined display can be displayed;
When the first specific display is displayed, the first specific display and the related display are displayed in a first manner, and the first specific display and the related display in the first manner are displayed in a second manner in which the colors are opposite to each other.
Corresponding drawings: FIG. 90, FIG. 91, etc. According to this feature, the change in the specific display can be more emphasized.

(SKY2021-1551) The gaming machine of type 4-1 is
A gaming machine that can perform variable display and control to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player,
A display means;
A performance execution means,
The performance execution means
During the variable display, it is possible to execute a notification effect that is at least composed of an introduction part that incites whether or not the game will be controlled to the advantageous state, and a result notification part that notifies the game will be controlled to the advantageous state,
After the notification effect notifies that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state, a fanfare effect regarding the advantageous state can be executed,
The performance execution means
In the fanfare effect, a display of the fanfare effect is displayed in a first mode, and a display of the fanfare effect is displayed in a second mode in which the color of the first mode is an opposite color;
In the result notification part, the display mode is not changed to an opposite color, and it is notified that the advantageous state will be controlled.
Corresponding drawings: Figures 96 to 99, etc. According to this feature, by announcing the name in the fanfare performance using the second mode, it is possible to emphasize that the advantageous state is beginning, and in the epilogue performance, it is possible to draw attention to the epilogue performance without using the second mode in order to celebrate the fact that the advantageous state has been achieved, and each can be drawn to.

The gaming machine of form 4-2 is the gaming machine according to form 4-1,
The first and second aspects include chromatic colors.
Corresponding drawing: Figure 77, etc. According to this feature, by using chromatic colors, achromatic colors are eliminated and the presentation can be made to look best with chromatic colors.

The gaming machine of form 4-3 is the gaming machine according to either form 4-1 or form 4-2,
The fanfare effect is displayed by repeatedly displaying the second mode.
Corresponding drawings: Figures 96 to 99, etc. According to this feature, the effect of emphasis increases as the image is repeated, making it possible to attract the player's attention even more.

The gaming machine of form 4-4 is a gaming machine according to any one of forms 4-1 to 4-3,
displaying an advantageous state name display that displays the name of the advantageous state during the fanfare performance;
The advantageous state name display includes a first advantageous state name display and a second advantageous state name display,
the first advantageous state name display is a higher advantageous state than the second advantageous state name display,
The first advantageous state name display is displayed in the second manner more frequently than the second advantageous state name display.
Corresponding drawings: Figures 96 to 99, etc. According to this feature, by varying the number of times each advantageous state name display is displayed in the second mode, it is possible to draw attention to each advantageous state name display.

A gaming machine of form 4-5 is a gaming machine according to any one of forms 4-1 to 4-4,
An ending performance can be executed after the fanfare performance,
In the ending presentation, the display is not performed in the second mode.
Corresponding drawings: Figures 96 to 99, etc. According to this feature, by not performing the second mode in the ending performance, the fanfare performance can be further emphasized.

(SKY2021-1552) The gaming machine of type 5-1 is
A gaming machine that can perform variable display and control to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player,
A display means;
and a state control means capable of controlling the game state to at least one of a predetermined state and a specific state more advantageous than the predetermined state.
the average variable display time in the predetermined state is longer than the average variable display time in the specific state;
The display means
In the predetermined state, the effect display can be displayed in a first mode, and the effect display can be displayed in a second mode in which the first mode is in an opposite color,
In the specific state, the effect display can be displayed in a third mode, and the effect display can be displayed in a fourth mode in which the third mode is in an opposite color,
The number of times that a presentation display accompanied by the second mode is displayed in one variable display in the predetermined state is greater than the number of times that a presentation display accompanied by the fourth mode is displayed in one variable display in the specific state.
Corresponding drawings: Figure 105, etc. According to this feature, the specific state can shorten the change time by reducing the number of effects involving negative-positive reversals compared to the predetermined state, allowing for smooth changes, while the predetermined state can change while attracting more attention to the effects of the predetermined state than the specific state by performing more effects involving the second mode in the predetermined state than in the specific state.

A gaming machine of form 5-2 is the gaming machine according to form 5-1,
The first and second aspects include chromatic colors.
Corresponding drawing: Figure 77, etc. According to this feature, by using chromatic colors, achromatic colors are eliminated and the presentation can be made to look best with chromatic colors.

The gaming machine of form 5-3 is a gaming machine according to either form 5-1 or form 5-2,
A character display can be displayed in a predetermined state and a specific state;
In the predetermined state, the character display is displayed in a first manner, and the character display in the first manner can be displayed in a second manner in an opposite color,
In the specific state, the character display can be displayed in the first manner, and the character display in the first manner can be displayed in the second manner in an opposite color,
The predetermined state displays the character display accompanied by the second mode executed in one change more frequently than the specific state.
Corresponding drawings: Figures 84, 89, etc. According to this feature, by emphasizing the presentation of the character display, it is possible to draw attention to the content of the characters.

The gaming machine of form 5-4 is a gaming machine according to any one of forms 5-1 to 5-3,
The effect display repeatedly displays the second pattern.
Corresponding drawings: Figures 84, 89, etc. According to this feature, the effect of emphasis is strengthened by repeating it, making it possible to attract the player's attention more.

The gaming machine of form 5-5 is a gaming machine according to any one of forms 5-1 to 5-4,
the second aspect displayed in the predetermined state is a display suggesting that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state,
The second manner of display in the specific state is a display including a display that does not suggest that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state.
Corresponding drawings: Figure 105, etc. According to this feature, the second mode is used differently depending on whether the predetermined state or the specific state, and different parts are to be emphasized in each state, increasing the enjoyment of the game.

(SKY2021-1553) The gaming machine of type 6-1 is
A gaming machine that can perform variable display and control to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player,
A display means;
A state control means capable of controlling the game state to at least one of a predetermined state and a specific state more advantageous than the predetermined state;
A performance execution means,
The display means
In the predetermined state, the effect display can be displayed in a first manner, and the effect display can be displayed in a second manner in which the first manner is in an opposite color,
In the specific state, the effect display can be displayed in a third mode, and the effect display can be displayed in a fourth mode in which the third mode is in an opposite color,
In the predetermined state, the first mode of effect display and the second mode of effect display can be alternately displayed,
In the specific state, the third aspect of the effect display and the fourth aspect of the effect display can be alternately displayed,
The performance execution means
In the predetermined state, a predetermined effect can be executed in which the effect display of the first aspect and the effect display of the second aspect are alternately displayed a predetermined number of times,
In the specific state, a specific effect can be executed in which the third mode effect display and the fourth mode effect display are alternately displayed a specific number of times that is greater than the predetermined number of times.
Corresponding drawings: Figure 100, etc. According to this feature, since a specific state is a better state than a predetermined state, by using the second aspect in the specific state, the display of the specific state can be made more visible than the display of the predetermined state.

The gaming machine of aspect 6-2 is the gaming machine according to aspect 6-1,
The first and second aspects include chromatic colors.
Corresponding drawing: Figure 77, etc. According to this feature, by using chromatic colors, achromatic colors are eliminated and the presentation can be made to look best with chromatic colors.

The gaming machine of form 6-3 is a gaming machine according to either form 6-1 or form 6-2,
In the specific state, the effect display displayed in the second mode is a text display.
Corresponding drawings: Figure 100, etc. According to this feature, a sense of celebration can be given by emphasizing the display informing that control is being achieved in an advantageous state.

The gaming machine of form 6-4 is a gaming machine according to any one of forms 6-1 to 6-3,
In the specific state, the display effect displayed in the second mode is displayed during the effect that notifies the player that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state.
Corresponding drawing: Figure 100, etc. According to this feature, the presentation of an advantageous state can be made more lively, attracting attention and giving a sense of celebration.

A gaming machine of form 6-5 is a gaming machine according to any one of forms 6-1 to 6-4,
In the specified state, the display effect displayed in the second mode is a text display and is an effect that suggests that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state.
Corresponding drawings: Figure 100, etc. According to this feature, by emphasizing the presentation of the character display, it is possible to draw attention to the content of the characters.

(SKY2021-1554) The gaming machine of type 7-1 is
A gaming machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state,
A display means is provided,
The display means can suggest that the game will be controlled to an advantageous state by displaying a predetermined display of a first aspect and a predetermined display of a second aspect in which the first aspect has an opposite color,
the predetermined display is a display composed of a specific number of pixels, and each pixel is assigned a color code composed of a first set value, a second set value, and a third set value that allow adjustment of the shade of a first color, a second color, and a third color, respectively;
the predetermined display of the second aspect is a display obtained by converting color codes of pixels constituting the predetermined display of the first aspect through a predetermined calculation,
The color codes of more than half of the specific number of pixels that make up the predetermined display of the first mode and the predetermined display of the second mode are set to values other than the maximum and minimum values for all of the first set value, the second set value, and the third set value.
Corresponding drawings: Figures 76 to 81, etc. According to this feature, by displaying a predetermined display in the second mode that suggests that the game will be controlled to an advantageous state, it is possible to attract attention while reducing the damage that acts on the body of the player who sees it.

The gaming machine of aspect 7-2 is the gaming machine according to aspect 7-1,
The first and second aspects include chromatic colors.
Corresponding drawing: Figure 77, etc. According to this feature, by using chromatic colors, achromatic colors are eliminated and the presentation can be made to look best with chromatic colors.

The gaming machine of aspect 7-3 is a gaming machine according to either aspect 7-1 or aspect 7-2,
The predetermined display repeatedly displays the second pattern.
Corresponding drawings: Figure 87, etc. According to this feature, the effect of emphasis is strengthened by repeating it, making it possible to attract the player's attention more.

The gaming machine of aspect 7-4 is a gaming machine according to any one of aspects 7-1 to 7-3,
the first color is red, the second color is blue, and the third color is green;
The first set value corresponds to the first color, the second set value corresponds to the second color, and the third set value corresponds to the third color.
Corresponding drawings: Figure 77, etc. According to this feature, the display can be made vivid by using the three primary colors of light, increasing the enjoyment of the game.

A gaming machine of form 7-5 is a gaming machine according to any one of forms 7-1 to 7-4,
The first aspect is a specific color in which the third setting value is lower than the first setting value and the second setting value.
Corresponding drawings: Figure 87, etc. According to this feature, a specific color can be produced by setting the third set value to a value lower than the first set value and the second set value, and the specific color can be suitably displayed by setting it to the second mode.

(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 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a screen, display, etc.) 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 screen. Various effect images are displayed on the image display device 5. The image display device 5 is also composed of approximately 20 million pixels, and effects are created by changing the light emission of the pixels.

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 are provided at the upper left and right positions of the gaming machine frame 3 for playing and outputting sound effects, etc. 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 gaming area. Furthermore, an attacca lamp 9c is provided near the special variable winning ball device 7 on the gaming board 2.

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 (also called jackpot reliability or jackpot expectation) 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" depending on the effect mode. Reach effects include, for example, normal reach and super 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 in which the variable display of the decorative symbols is performed (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 percentage 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 winning opening 10 and the first starting winning opening formed by the winning ball device 6A, while game balls flowing down the right game area (second path) can win in the second starting winning opening formed by the variable winning ball device 6B, the general winning opening 10, and the first or second large winning opening formed by the special variable winning 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 entering 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 entering 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 up to 100 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 up to 100 variable displays after the jackpot game ends, when the game ball enters the V entry port after entering the second large entry port 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 100 times of probability variable control and time-saving control to be executed 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 executed 1,009 times (probability variable state: 100 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 100 times of 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 executed, and then just one variable display is executed 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, if a jackpot A occurs and the game ball does not enter the probability variable area, (1) the time reduction control is performed 100 times, and (2) the low probability control is performed 100 times. The time reduction state A is controlled to a powerful chance with 100 time reductions. Also, if 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 100 times, and (2) the probability variable state is controlled to a powerful rush with 100 time reductions. Also, if 900 variable displays are performed without being controlled by a jackpot in the low probability state, (1) the time reduction control is performed 1000 times, and (2) the low probability control is performed 1000 times. The time reduction state B is controlled to a powerful chance with 1100 time reductions. However, even if after the time-shortening state B ends, there are 900 fluctuations again in the low probability state without being controlled to a jackpot, the state will not be controlled to the time-shortening 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 is performed 1,100 times, and (2) low-probability control is performed 1,100 times, so the system may be controlled to time-saving state B (in this example, 1,100 time-saving play/1,100 powerful chances) in which this is done. In this case, even if a time-saving losing symbol is displayed in a stopped state in a high base state (probable variable state, time-saving state), no transition control of the game state is performed (control is not performed to the time-saving state with 1,100 time-saving times). 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 probable 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 times, this would result in the player being controlled from a favorable state to a disadvantageous state, 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, 96 determination values are assigned to non-reach B, 2 determination values are assigned to SP reach A, 1 determination value is assigned to SP reach B, and 1 determination value is assigned to SP reach X. Also, as shown in Figure 12 (B), in the fluctuation pattern determination table for losses when the number of reserved memories is 3, 96 determination values are assigned to shortened non-reach B, 2 determination values are assigned to SP reach A, 1 determination value is assigned to SP reach B, and 1 determination value is assigned to SP reach X.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 12 (C), in the fluctuation pattern determination table for jackpots when the number of reserved memories is 0 to 3, 1 determination value is assigned to SP Non-via B, 19 determination values are assigned to SP Reach A, 30 determination values are assigned to SP Reach B, and 50 determination values are assigned to SP Reach X.

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, 95 determination values are assigned to non-reach A, 2 determination values are assigned to SP reach C, and 3 determination 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, 85 determination values are assigned to shortened non-reach A, 10 determination values are assigned to non-reach A, 2 determination values are assigned to SP reach C, and 3 determination 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, 5 determination values are assigned to SP Non-Via A, 80 determination values are assigned to SP Reach C, and 15 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, 95 determination values are assigned to non-reach A, and 5 determination 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, 90 determination values are assigned to shortened non-reach A, 5 determination values are assigned to non-reach A, and 5 determination 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, 5 determination values are assigned to SP Non-via A, and 95 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, 97 determination values are assigned to non-reach A, and 3 determination values are assigned to SP reach F. 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, 97 determination values are assigned to ultra-shortened non-reach, and 3 determination values are assigned to SP reach F.

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, 100 determination values are assigned to SP Reach F.

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 100th 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)) ÷ 100 = 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}.

Here, assuming that when time-saving state A begins, the first variable display has a pending memory count of 0, and that the 2nd to 100th 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 A is approximately 5.58 seconds {(9.15 + (5.55 x 109)) ÷ 100 = 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.
If a V winning occurs during a jackpot gaming state due to a "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. Also, if a V winning does not occur during a jackpot gaming state due to a "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 super reach)
In this embodiment, in a variation pattern involving a super reach ("SP Reach A,""SP Reach B,""SP Reach C,""SP Reach D,""SP Reach E,""SP Reach F,""SP Reach X"), after a 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-F, X) is executed 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 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 symbols does not become a specified 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 the "reach preview" described below, the variable display result is displayed without ultimately becoming a reach state. Also, a "variation pattern with a super reach" is a variation pattern in which, after the variable display state of the decorative symbols becomes a specified reach state, the reach performance develops and an SP reach performance is executed, and then the display result is displayed.

In addition, the Super Reach jackpot variation patterns (SP Reach A-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 super 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 100 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 100th 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 this is the 100th 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 "100" (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 variable display.

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, Powerful 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 number 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 number 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 number 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, the stopping symbol of the special symbol will be determined to be "2." If it determines that there will be a jackpot B, the stopping symbol of the special symbol will be determined to be "3." If it determines that there will be a jackpot C, the stopping symbol of the special symbol will be determined to be "7." If it determines that there will be a miss, the stopping symbol of the special symbol will be determined 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 "100" 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 100 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).

(state transition)
Next, the state transitions in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 22, which is a state transition diagram for explaining the state transitions in this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 22, in the normal state (low probability/low base state), if a jackpot B occurs and the gaming ball passes through the probability variable area, the state is controlled to the probability variable state, and if a jackpot A occurs, the state is controlled to the time-shortened state A (time-shortened state via a jackpot (low probability/high base state)). Although not shown, even if a jackpot B occurs and the gaming ball does not pass through the probability variable area, the state is controlled to the time-shortened state A (time-shortened state via a jackpot). Furthermore, even in the case of a miss, if the rescue time-shortened state is entered (after (P) (P-1) RAM clear processing or (P-2) the end of the probability variable state, when the number of variable displays reaches 900 without the next jackpot occurring, or (Q) (Q-1) the end of 100 variable displays in the time-shortened state A, when the number of variable displays reaches 790 without the next jackpot occurring), the state is controlled to the time-shortened state B (time-shortened state via a rescue time-shortened state (low probability/high base state)).
22, in the probability variable state (high probability/high base state), if either jackpot B or jackpot C occurs and the game ball passes through the probability variable area, the game is controlled to the probability variable state again. Although not shown, if either jackpot B or jackpot C occurs and the game ball does not pass through the probability variable area, the game is controlled to the time-saving state A (time-saving state via jackpot).
Also, as shown in Figure 22, in time-saving state A (low probability/high base state), if either jackpot B or jackpot C occurs and the game ball passes through the probability variable area, the game is controlled to the probability variable state. Although not shown, if either jackpot B or jackpot C occurs and the game ball does not pass through the probability variable area, the game is again controlled to time-saving state A (time-saving state via jackpot). Also, in time-saving state A, if 100 variable displays are completed without a jackpot occurring, the game is controlled to the normal state.
Also, as shown in FIG. 22, in time-saving state B (low probability/high base state), if either jackpot B or jackpot C occurs and the gaming ball passes through the probability variable area, the game is controlled to the probability variable state. Although not shown, if either jackpot B or jackpot C occurs and the gaming ball does not pass through the probability variable area, the game is controlled back to time-saving state A (time-saving state via jackpot). Also, in time-saving state B, if 1,100 variable displays are completed without a jackpot occurring, the game is controlled to the normal state. Furthermore, even if a miss occurs, if a rescue time-saving state is entered (after (P) (P-1) RAM clear processing or (P-2) the variable display count reaches 900 without the next jackpot occurring after the end of the variable display state, or (Q) (Q-1) the variable display count reaches 790 without the next jackpot occurring after the end of 100 variable displays in time-saving state A), the game is controlled to time-saving state B (time-saving state via rescue time-saving).

In this example, if a jackpot occurs during time-saving state B and the game ball does not enter the variable probability area, the game will automatically transition to time-saving state A, but this control method is not limited to this. For example, the current remaining number of time-saving attempts can be compared with the number of time-saving attempts that would occur if the game ball did not enter the variable probability area (100 attempts in this example), and if the current remaining number of time-saving attempts is greater, the game can be configured to continue in the current time-saving state B.

In this example, although it is possible to execute a variable display of the first special symbol during the time-saving state or the probability variable state, this would be a disadvantageous gameplay for the player, so the state transitions are explained without assuming that the variable display of the first special symbol will be executed during the time-saving state or the probability variable state.

(Explanation of Yu-time)
Next, the characteristics of "Yu-Time," which is the time-saving state B (relief time-saving state) in this embodiment, will be explained based on Figures 23 to 25. Figure 23 (A1) and (A2) show an example when "Yu-Time" is not installed, and (B1) and (B2) show an example when "Yu-Time" is installed. Figure 24 (A) to (D) show an example of a miss fluctuation in the normal state. Figure 25 (E1) and (E2) are explanatory diagrams of Yu-Time, where the fluctuation efficiency is the same as in the normal state, and (F1) to (F4) are explanatory diagrams of the present Yu-Time, where the fluctuation efficiency is higher than in the normal state. Note that, for the sake of convenience in explaining the characteristics of "Yu-Time," Figures 23 to 25 use explanatory images that are different from the presentation images described below.

First, in the case of a pachinko gaming machine not equipped with the "Yu-Time" feature of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 23 (A1) and 23 (A2), even if a predetermined number of variable displays (e.g., 900 times when the jackpot probability is approximately 1/300, or approximately three times the jackpot probability denominator) are performed after a jackpot has ended in a low-probability state (e.g., a normal state (low probability/low base state)) without being controlled to a jackpot, the machine will not be controlled to "Yu-Time," i.e., a time-saving state. Since the player is already stuck at approximately three times the jackpot probability denominator at this point, the player continues playing without a jackpot for a long period of time and is investing heavily. However, this normal state (low probability/low base state) continues until a jackpot occurs, requiring further investment, which could significantly reduce the player's motivation to play.
On the other hand, in the case of a pachinko gaming machine equipped with the "Yu-Time" feature of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 23 (B1) and (B2), after a jackpot has ended, if the variable display is performed a predetermined number of times (e.g., approximately 2.5 to 3 times the jackpot probability denominator) without being controlled to a jackpot in a low-probability state (e.g., normal state (low-probability/low base state)), the machine enters "Yu-Time" and is controlled to time-saving state B for a specific number of variable displays (e.g., 1,100 times, or up to approximately 3.8 times the jackpot probability denominator). At this point, the player is already about three times the jackpot probability, and has continued playing for a long period of time without a jackpot, resulting in considerable investment. However, by controlling to "Yu-Time," i.e., time-saving state B, additional investment is suppressed and the possibility of a jackpot is increased, thereby suppressing a decline in motivation to play.
24(A)-(D), the player continues playing without a jackpot during the period from the end of the jackpot until the start of the "Yu-time" control ("getting hooked"), during which various preview effects are executed and the player is constantly being aroused. Furthermore, when the variable display reaches 900 times, for example, when the variable display is executed the first time (e.g., 105 times) after the end of the jackpot (see FIG. 24(A)), when the variable display is executed the second time (e.g., 213 times) (see FIG. 24(B)), when the variable display is executed the third time (e.g., 506 times) (see FIG. 24(C)), when the variable display is executed the fourth time (e.g., 882 times) (see FIG. 24(D)), at least a high-potential effect such as an SP reach (e.g., the "super hot" SP reach effect) is executed a predetermined number of times, and since these SP reach effects continue to fail, the player is likely to become quite depressed.
Therefore, as shown in Figure 25 (E1) (E2), even if the "Yu-Time" (time-saving state B) is finally controlled after 900 variable displays, if this time-saving state B is in a state with low variable efficiency such as the normal state (low probability/low base state), the number of wasted shots will increase, leading to further investment and prolonged play. Also, since the SP reach effects are all missed in the 900 variable displays and are quite depressing, frequent hype effects in "Yu-Time" will also reduce motivation to play.
Therefore, as shown in Figures 25 (F1) to (F4), the "Yu-Time" (time-saving state B) of this embodiment is a time-saving state with higher variable efficiency than the normal state (low probability/low base state), allowing players to continue playing while minimizing additional investment. Furthermore, the time-saving control executes the variable display a specific number of times (e.g., 1,100 times, a maximum of approximately 3.8 times the jackpot probability), thereby increasing the probability of winning during the time-saving state B (e.g., approximately 97%) and allowing players to play with peace of mind. For example, if the jackpot probability is 1/319.9, the probability of not winning with one variable display is approximately 99% ((319.9 - 1) ÷ 319.9 = 0.996874), and the probability of not winning within 1,100 spins is approximately 3% (0.996874^1100 = 0.031937). Therefore, the probability of hitting the jackpot within 1,100 spins is approximately 97% (1 - 0.031937 = 0.968063).

Furthermore, in "Yu-Time," the variable display period of the selected variable pattern is short, resulting in higher variable efficiency than other time-saving states. Therefore, there is a high probability that the missing variable display will be efficiently consumed and a jackpot will be hit within a short period of time. Furthermore, by hitting the right button, a jackpot will be hit in the second special game, creating an advantageous state in which the player is likely to be awarded a jackpot advantageous to the player (e.g., jackpot B or jackpot C). Furthermore, since preview effects and SP reach effects, as described below, are unlikely to be executed and there are fewer opportunities to be hyped by missing effects, a decline in motivation to play can be effectively suppressed. In other words, unlike game states such as the probability change state and time-saving state A, where players wait for the next jackpot while enjoying the effects, "Yu-Time" in this embodiment is a game state in which efficiently consuming missing variable displays and hitting the next jackpot takes priority over enjoying the effects.

Figure 26 is a flowchart showing an example of the pre-reading notice setting process executed in step S161 of Figure 8. In the pre-reading notice setting process shown in Figure 26, the performance control CPU 120 first checks the contents stored in the start winning command buffer 194A (step S701). It then determines whether there are any new received commands that are at least one of the commands at the time of the start winning (step S702). For example, the presence or absence of received commands can be determined by checking whether at least one of the start winning entry winning designation command, pattern designation command, variable category command, or pending memory count notification command has been newly stored in the start winning command buffer. If no new commands have been received (step S702; No), the pre-reading notice determination process ends.

If it is determined in step S702 that a command has been received (step S702; Yes), it is determined whether a preview preview effect is already being executed (step S703).

In this embodiment, when a look-ahead preview performance is already being executed, processing to execute further look-ahead preview performances is not performed, and the look-ahead preview performance is executed in the performance mode that has already been determined. On the other hand, when a look-ahead preview performance is being executed based on a winning judgment result that determines the variable display mode to be "non-reach," if a winning judgment result is obtained that determines the variable display result to be "jackpot" or a variable pattern involving reach, the look-ahead preview performance currently being executed may be switched to a super reach or jackpot preview performance. Note that further look-ahead preview performances may be executed regardless of the performance mode of the look-ahead preview performance that is already being executed.

If the pre-reading preview effect is not being executed in step S703 (step S703; No), it is determined whether a pre-reading preview restriction is in effect, which restricts the execution of the pre-reading preview effect (step S704). If the pre-reading preview restriction is not in effect in step S704 (step S704; No), the order and content of the received commands based on the occurrence of a start winning are checked (step S706) to determine whether they were received correctly (step S707). In the processing of step S707, for example, confirmation is made as to whether the received commands at the time of the start winning were in order, whether they were received without any missing commands, whether the content of the pattern designation command and the variable category command are consistent, and whether the content of the start winning entry designation command and the pending memory count notification command are consistent. If any one of these is negative, it is determined that the commands were not received correctly. Note that the determination that an abnormality has occurred is not limited to the negative determination of any one of these; for example, it may be determined that an abnormality has occurred if any two of these are negative. Alternatively, it may be determined that an abnormality has occurred if all of these are negative.

If it is determined in step S707 that the command was received successfully (step S707; Yes), the previous variable category commands stored in the start winning reception command buffer 194A are checked (step S708) to determine whether the current number of reserved commands is "3" or "4" and whether the previous variable categories were all non-reach misses (step S709). In other words, in this embodiment, if there are two or three reserved data items that result in a variable display of "non-reach miss," the reserved data is used to execute the continuous preview performance.

In addition, if the number of reserved memories is sufficient to execute a continuous preview effect (for example, if it is 2 or more), it may be possible to execute a continuous preview effect. For example, other than preview patterns in which the presentation format changes, such as the continuous preview effect (preview preview effect) of the predictive preview pattern SYP3-1 described below, the continuous preview effect may be executed when the number of reserved memories is sufficient to indicate that it is a series of effects. By doing this, it is possible to improve the overall execution frequency of continuous preview effects.

In addition, when executing a pre-reading preview effect other than a stop pattern preview, a continuous preview effect may be executed even if pending data is included that results in a "non-reach miss" variable display result. In this case, a reach may occur or a "jackpot" may occur during the execution of the continuous preview effect, allowing for an unexpected effect to be executed. When executing a continuous preview effect when pending data is included that results in a "non-reach miss" variable display, for example, in a variable display that involves a reach, a continuous preview effect with a presentation type other than a stop pattern preview may be selected. In this way, a continuous preview effect can be executed regardless of the display result before the variable display that is the target of the pre-reading is executed.

For example, in the processing of step S708, the number of data received up to one before the latest variable category command and stored in the start winning time reception command buffer 194A, and the variable category specified by the variable category command are read. In the processing of step S709, it is determined based on the reading result in step S708 whether the number of data is "3" or "4" or whether it is only those specifying the variable category corresponding to a non-reach miss (variable category command C600).
In step S709, if it is determined that the current number of reserved memories is "3" or "4" and the variable categories up to the previous time are all non-reach misses (step S709; Yes), it is determined whether or not to execute a pre-reading preview performance, and if so, a pre-reading preview pattern corresponding to the performance mode of the pre-reading preview performance is determined (step S710).

As an example, in the processing of step S710, a pre-prepared pre-reading notice determination table is selected and set as the table to be used for determining whether or not a pre-pre-reading notice effect will be performed and the pre-pre-reading notice pattern. In the pre-pre-pre-reading notice determination table, a numerical value (determination value) to be compared with the random number value for determining the pre-pre-pre-reading notice type may be assigned to a determination result of "no execution" corresponding to the case where a pre-pre-pre-pre-pre-pre-pre-performance is not performed, or to multiple pre-pre-pre-pre-pre-pre-pre-pre-pre-pre-performance patterns when a pre-pre ...

In step S710, it is sufficient to determine whether or not to include a preview effect and the preview pattern.

Based on the determination made by the processing of step S710, it is determined whether or not the pre-reading preview performance is "not executed" (step S711). At this time, if it is other than "not executed" (step S711; No), settings are made to start the execution of the pre-reading preview performance according to the determined pre-reading preview pattern (step S712). In step S712, the pre-reading preview execution count counter, which indicates the number of variable displays for executing the pre-reading preview performance, is set to the number of reserved special figures as the count initial value, and settings are made corresponding to the execution of the pre-reading preview performance, such as setting the pre-reading preview execution flag to an ON state. In addition, the pre-reading preview performance control pattern corresponding to the pre-reading preview pattern determined in step S710 and the current reserved special figure memory number is set.
After the processing of step S712 is executed, or when it is determined in step S703 that a pre-reading preview performance is being executed (step S703; Yes), when it is determined in step S704 that a pre-reading preview limit is in effect (step S704; Yes), when it is determined in step S709 that the current number of pending memories is not "3" or "4", or when it is determined that the variable categories up to the previous time were not all non-reach misses (step S709; No), or when it is determined in step S711 that "no execution" is to be made (step S711; Yes), it is determined whether the latest start port winning designation command stored in the start winning time reception command buffer 194A is the first start port winning designation command (step S713).

If the command in step S713 is a first start gate winning designation command (step S713; Yes), control is performed to update the display portion of the pending display in the start winning memory display area corresponding to the newly pending special symbol game using the first special symbol (step S714). In step S714, control is performed to update the pending display in the start winning memory display area to the normal display mode (for example, a round white display). Thereafter, the advance notice determination process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S713 that the command is not the first start gate winning designation command (step S713; No), the display portion corresponding to the newly reserved special symbol game using the second special symbol is updated as the reserved display in the start winning memory display area (step S715). In step S715, the reserved display in the start winning memory display area is updated to the normal display mode (for example, a round white display). Then, the pre-reading notice determination process is terminated.

If it is determined in step S707 that the command at the time of the start winning was not received correctly (step S707; No), undetermined information is set corresponding to the most recent command in the start winning reception command buffer 194A (step S731). For example, a storage area for undetermined information can be provided for each buffer number in the start winning reception command buffer 194A, and the undetermined information for the buffer number corresponding to the most recent command can be set to "1" (or ON).

After executing step S731, the display areas indicating the first and second reserved special symbol memory counts in the start winning memory display area are changed to a common abnormal display mode (e.g., a round, gray display), and the display areas corresponding to newly reserved special symbol memory counts are also displayed in the common abnormal display mode (step S732). Note that even if the start winning entry designation command (first starting entry designation command or second starting entry designation command) is not received correctly, if the reserved memory count notification command (first reserved memory count notification command or second reserved memory count notification command) is received correctly, the first and second reserved special symbol memory counts can be identified, and the reserved display may be updated in the normal display mode. The abnormal display mode may be different from the normal display mode in some or all of the display color, shape, and/or character of the display area, so as to clearly indicate that a start winning command was missed. It is also possible to have only the display area corresponding to the newly held item display in an abnormal mode, while leaving the display mode of other display areas unchanged.

After executing the processing of step S732, the pre-reading notice restriction is set, for example, by setting the pre-reading notice restriction flag provided in the performance control flag setting unit 191 to ON (step S733), and then the pre-reading notice determination processing is terminated.

In this type of pre-reading notification determination process, if it is determined in step S707 that the command at the time of the start winning was not received properly, the process of step S710 is not executed, thereby restricting the execution of the pre-reading notification performance. This makes it possible to restrict the execution of the pre-reading notification performance, for example, when the reserved memory number notification command, which serves as reserved memory information that specifies an increase in the number of reserved first special symbol memories or the number of reserved second special symbol memories, cannot be received properly.

In addition, if only the start port winning designation command is missing, if only the reserved memory count notification command is missing, or if the start port winning designation command and the reserved memory count notification command are inconsistent, the execution of the pre-reading preview effect may be restricted. In other words, if the reserved memory information that specifies whether the first special symbol reserved memory count or the second special symbol reserved memory count has increased is missed, the execution of the pre-reading preview effect should be restricted. This prevents the pre-reading preview effect from being executed based on unreliable information, and prevents players from feeling distrustful.

For example, if some or all of the reserved memory information, such as a start gate winning designation command or reserved memory count notification command, that specifies whether the first or second special symbol reserved memory count has increased in a recognizable manner, is missed, the advance preview effect may be restricted from being executed until the execution of the variable display corresponding to that reserved memory is completed. This prevents the advance preview effect from becoming inconsistent with the variable display results, and prevents players from feeling distrustful.

For example, if some or all of the judgment result information that specifies the judgment result in a recognizable manner when a starting win occurs, such as a symbol designation command or variable category command, is missed, the pre-reading preview effect may be restricted from being executed until the execution of the variable display corresponding to that reserved memory is completed. This prevents the pre-reading preview effect from becoming inconsistent with the variable display result, and prevents players from feeling distrustful.

For example, if part of the determination result information, such as a symbol designation command or a variable category command, is missed, even if the determination result can be recognized from other determination result information, a restriction may be imposed so that the pre-reading preview effect based on that determination result is not executed. This prevents the pre-reading preview effect from being executed based on information with low credibility, thereby preventing the player from feeling distrustful.

For example, if the recognizable determination results from multiple determination result information, such as a symbol designation command or a variable category command, are inconsistent, a restriction may be placed on not executing a pre-reading preview effect based on a determination result that can be recognized from any of the determination result information. This prevents pre-reading preview effects from being executed based on information with low credibility, and prevents players from feeling distrustful.

Figure 27 is a flowchart showing an example of the variable display start setting process executed in step S171 of Figure 8. In the variable display start setting process shown in Figure 27, the performance control CPU 120 first determines whether the special symbol display result is a "miss" (step S522), for example, by reading the EXT data in the variable display result notification command transmitted from the main board 11. If the special symbol display result is determined to be a "miss" (step S522; Yes), it determines whether the specified variable symbol pattern is a non-reach variable symbol corresponding to the case where the variable symbol display mode of the decorative symbol is set to "non-reach" (step S523), for example, by reading the EXT data in the variable symbol pattern designation command transmitted from the main board 11.

If step S523 determines that the pattern is a non-reach fluctuation pattern (step S523; Yes), a combination of confirmed decorative symbols that will be the final stop symbols constituting the non-reach combination is determined (step S524). As an example, in the processing of step S524, first, numerical data indicating a random number value for determining the left confirmed symbol, which is updated by a random counter or the like provided in the effect control counter setting unit 193, is extracted, and a predetermined left confirmed symbol determination table pre-stored in ROM 121 or the like is referenced to determine a left confirmed decorative symbol, among the confirmed decorative symbols, to be stopped and displayed in the "left" decorative symbol display area 5L in the display area of the image display device 5. Next, numerical data indicating a random number value for determining the right confirmed symbol, which is updated by a random counter or the like provided in the effect control counter setting unit 193, is extracted, and a predetermined right confirmed symbol determination table pre-stored in ROM 121 or the like is referenced to determine a right confirmed decorative symbol, among the confirmed decorative symbols, to be stopped and displayed in the "right" decorative symbol display area 5R in the display area of the image display device 5. In this case, it is preferable to set the symbol number of the right confirmed decorative symbol to be different from the symbol number of the left confirmed decorative symbol, for example, by setting a right confirmed symbol determination table. Next, numerical data indicating a random number value for determining a middle confirmed symbol, which is updated by a random counter or the like provided in the effect control counter setting unit 193, is extracted, and a predetermined middle confirmed symbol determination table pre-stored in the ROM 121 or the like is referenced to determine the middle confirmed decorative symbol to be displayed in a stopped state in the "middle" decorative symbol display area 5C in the display area of the image display device 5 from among the confirmed decorative symbols. Note that in the processing of step S524, it is only necessary to determine a confirmed decorative symbol of a non-reach combination that becomes a predetermined chance eye symbol when a variable symbol announcement is being executed.

If it is determined in step S523 that the pattern is not a non-reach fluctuation pattern (step S523; No), the combination of fixed decorative symbols that will be the final stop symbols that make up the reach combination is determined (step S525). As an example, in the processing of step S525, first, numerical data indicating random numbers for determining the left and right fixed symbols, which is updated by a random counter or the like provided in the performance control counter setting unit 193, is extracted, and a predetermined left and right fixed symbol determination table pre-stored in ROM 121 or the like is referenced to determine, from among the fixed decorative symbols, decorative symbols with the same symbol number that will be stopped and displayed together in the "left" and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5R in the display area of the image display device 5 are determined. Furthermore, numerical data indicating a random number value for determining a confirmed middle symbol, which is updated by a random counter or the like provided in the effect control counter setting unit 193, is extracted, and a predetermined confirmed middle symbol determination table pre-stored in the ROM 121 or the like is referenced to determine the confirmed middle symbol among the confirmed decorative symbols to be displayed in the "middle" decorative symbol display area 5C in the display region of the image display device 5. Here, if the confirmed decorative symbol would result in a jackpot combination, such as when the symbol number of the confirmed middle decorative symbol is the same as the symbol numbers of the confirmed left and right decorative symbols, an arbitrary value (e.g., "1") can be added or subtracted from the symbol number of the confirmed middle decorative symbol to prevent the confirmed decorative symbol from becoming a jackpot combination and becoming a reach combination. Alternatively, when determining the confirmed middle decorative symbol, the difference (symbol difference) between the symbol numbers of the confirmed left and right decorative symbols can be determined, and a confirmed middle decorative symbol corresponding to that symbol difference can be set.

When step S522 determines that the special symbol display result is not a "miss" (step S522; No), the system determines the combination of final decorative symbols that will be the final stop symbols that make up the jackpot combination (step S528). As an example, in step S528, first, numerical data indicating the random number value used to determine the jackpot confirmed symbol, which is updated by a random counter or the like in the effect control counter setting unit 193, is extracted. Next, a predetermined jackpot confirmed symbol determination table pre-stored in ROM 121 or the like is referenced to determine decorative symbols with the same symbol numbers that will be stopped and displayed in the "left," "center," and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R on the screen of the image display device 5. At this time, different decorative symbols may be determined as the final decorative symbols depending on whether the jackpot type is "non-probability variable" or "probability variable," whether a promotion effect is present during the jackpot, and so on.

As a specific example, if the jackpot type is "non-probability variable," any one decorative symbol from multiple types of normal symbols can be selected and determined as the fixed decorative symbol that constitutes the non-probability variable jackpot combination. Also, if the jackpot type is "probability variable," any one decorative symbol from multiple types of normal symbols or probability variable symbols can be selected and determined as the fixed decorative symbol that constitutes the non-probability variable jackpot combination or probability variable jackpot combination. In this case, if a fixed decorative symbol for a non-probability variable jackpot combination is determined, no notification that the game will be controlled to the probability variable state will be made in the re-lottery effect during variable display, but rather, a notification that the game will be controlled to the probability variable state will be made by a jackpot promotion effect or the like that is executed in response to the jackpot game state. On the other hand, if a fixed decorative symbol for a probability variable jackpot combination is determined, a notification that the game will be controlled to the probability variable state will be made in the re-lottery effect during variable display, or without executing the re-lottery effect.

After executing any of steps S524, S525, S527, and S528, the pre-reading notice execution setting process is executed (step S535). Figure 28 is a flowchart showing an example of the pre-reading notice execution setting process. In the pre-reading notice execution setting process shown in Figure 28, the performance control CPU 120 first determines whether the pre-reading notice execution flag is on (step S601). If the pre-reading notice execution flag is off (step S601; No), the pre-reading notice execution setting process is terminated.

If the pre-read preview execution flag is on (step S601; Yes), the value of the pre-read preview execution count counter is decremented by 1 (step S602). Then, based on the value of the pre-read preview execution count counter and the pre-read preview effect control pattern that has been set, settings are made to execute the pre-read preview effect (step S603).

Next, it is determined whether the value of the pre-reading notification execution count counter is 0 (step S604). If the value of the pre-reading notification execution count counter is not 0 (step S604; No), the pre-reading notification execution setting process is terminated.

If the value of the pre-reading notice execution count counter is 0 (step S604; Yes), the pre-reading notice execution flag is cleared to the OFF state (step S605). When the value of the pre-reading notice execution count counter is 0, this means that the current fluctuation is a fluctuation that is the target of the pre-reading notice performance, and the pre-reading notice performance ends. After that, the pre-reading notice execution setting process ends.

After executing the pre-reading notice execution setting process in step S535, it is determined whether or not to execute a during-variation notice effect, and if so, what during-variation notice pattern corresponds to the effect of the during-variation notice effect (step S529). As an example, in the process of step S529, a pre-prepared during-variation notice determination table is selected and set as the table to be used for determining whether or not to execute a during-variation notice effect and what the during-variation notice pattern will be. In the during-variation notice determination table, a numerical value (determination value) to be compared with the random number value for determining the during-variation notice type may be assigned to a determination result of "no execution," which corresponds to when the during-variation notice effect is not executed, or to multiple during-variation notice patterns when the during-variation notice effect is executed, depending on the variable display result identified from the variable display result notification command and the fluctuation pattern identified from the fluctuation pattern designation command. The effect control CPU 120 then determines whether or not to execute a during-variation notice effect and what the during-variation notice pattern will be by referencing the during-variation notice determination table based on numerical data indicating the random number value for determining the during-variation notice, extracted from, for example, the random number circuit 124 or the random counter of the effect control counter setting unit 193.

After executing the processing of step S529, settings are made to execute other effects during the variable display (step S530). As an example, the processing of step S530 may be set to execute effects other than the pre-reading preview effect and the variable preview effect. Such effects may include, for example, a performance in which a predetermined sound effect (e.g., an alarm, chime, siren, etc.) is output from speakers 8L, 8R at a predetermined timing when the variable display starts or during execution, or a performance in which a flash lamp included in a game effect lamp 9, etc., lights up. By executing a predetermined performance that includes some or all of these, a one-shot notification performance that immediately notifies (definitively notifies) that the variable display result is a "jackpot." Alternatively, as such a performance, a performance that displays a special effect image (premium image) corresponding to the variable display result being a "jackpot" may be executed.

As another example, in the processing of step S530, settings may be made to execute a predetermined type of effect, for example, for entertainment purposes, regardless of the possibility that the variable display result will be a "jackpot." More specifically, it is sufficient to execute a predetermined type of effect, such as an effect in which a predetermined lamp included in the game effect lamp 9 lights up.

Then, the effect control pattern is determined to be one of several pre-prepared patterns (step S531). At this time, the effect control CPU 120 selects one of several prepared effect control patterns for special chart changes, corresponding to, for example, the change pattern specified by the change pattern specification command, and sets it as the pattern to be used. Also, for example, if a setting is made to execute a pre-reading preview effect for a character display preview, the preview effect control pattern corresponding to that setting may be selected.

After executing the processing of step S531, the initial value of the effect control process timer provided in the effect control timer setting unit 192 is set, for example, corresponding to the variation pattern specified by the variation pattern specification command (step S532). Next, settings are made to start the variation of decorative patterns, etc. on the image display device 5 (step S533). At this time, for example, the display control command specified by the display control data included in the special pattern variation effect control pattern determined as the usage pattern in step S531 can be transmitted to the VDP of the display control unit 123, etc., to start the variation of decorative patterns in the "left," "center," and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R provided on the screen of the image display device 5. Thereafter, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "2," which corresponds to the variable display during effect processing (step S534), and the variable display start setting processing is terminated.

[Explanation of Feature 666SKY]
Next, the pachinko gaming machine 1 with the characteristic part 666SKY in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 29 to 56. First, as a premise, a large number of characters appear in this gaming machine. There are two types of characters: friendly characters and enemy characters. Friendly characters are characters that notify a jackpot by defeating enemy characters in an effect such as an SP reach. Enemy characters are characters that notify a loss by defeating friendly characters in an effect such as an SP reach. In other words, friendly characters are characters that the player wants to play an active role in an SP reach or the like (characters that lead to a jackpot), and enemy characters are characters that the player does not want to play an active role in an SP reach or the like (characters that lead to a loss). Character types include Mumu (666SKY073), Jam (666SKY045), Nana (666SKY042), Rim (666SKY004), Stocky (666SKY051), enemy character (666SKY046), Bakuchu (the character depicted in the blank image of the candidate display, described below), and enemy character "Nana" SKY100. This gaming machine is designed to increase the likelihood of winning when an ally character has an advantage over an enemy character (e.g., fighting and defeating an enemy character) or when multiple character-related effects (e.g., stock effects) are executed. Characters also have compatibility with each other, with Nana-Jam, Nana-Mumu, and Nana-Mumu-Rim being good combinations, and there are also good combinations of characters regardless of whether they are ally or enemy characters. In addition, the accompanying display described below may be displayed when the characters are combined in a good match.

This gaming machine is equipped with a stock effect (reservation effect). The stock effect is a pre-reading pattern determined during the S710 process of the pre-reading notice setting process described in Figure 26. The stock effect is a series of events in which a stock (special image) is acquired and then released, resulting in the execution of an effect corresponding to the stock. The stock period (reservation period) is the period leading up to the start of the effect executed when the stock is released. For example, in the case of the "spinning effect" described below, it refers to the period leading up to the start of the spinning effect. Figure 29 shows an image displayed on the image display device when the "pre-reading stock effect" ("stock chance" described below) is initiated as a pre-reading notice effect. First, the spherical image displayed in the center of the image display device 5 is called the stock acquisition image, and is the image displayed when the "stock effect" is initiated. It has four types: 666SKY005 to 666SKY008. 666SKY017 is referred to as the pre-reading change stock retention display area, and is a display area in which stock images acquired when a stock effect is executed during the pre-reading change can be retained and displayed as pre-reading change stock images during the pre-reading change. A stock image is an image displayed in response to the execution of a preview effect, such as a spinning effect, and can indicate the timing of the preview effect to be executed. The stock acquisition image displayed during the execution of the "pre-reading stock effect" is moved and displayed in the pre-reading change stock retention display area, and is retained and displayed as a pre-reading change stock image at a display position predetermined depending on the state of the stock acquisition image ("character" described below). For example, when the "pre-reading stock effect" is executed, if the stock acquisition image 666SKY005 is displayed, the stock acquisition image 666SKY005 moves and displays toward the leftmost display position in the pre-reading change stock retention display area 666SKY017, changes to the pre-reading change stock image 666SKY001, and is retained and displayed. 666SKY027 is called the in-fluctuating stock retention display area, and is a display area in which a stock image acquired when a "stock effect" is executed during the fluctuation can be retained and displayed as a stock image until the timing for executing a "spinning effect" or the like, described below, arrives. The stock acquisition image displayed during the execution of a "stock effect" is moved and displayed in the in-fluctuating stock retention display area, and is retained and displayed as a stock image at a display position predetermined according to the state of the stock acquisition image. For example, when stock acquisition image 666SKY006 is displayed during the execution of a "stock effect," stock acquisition image 666SKY006 is moved and displayed toward the second display position from the left in the in-fluctuating stock retention display area 666SKY027, changes to stock image 666SKY010, and is retained and displayed. In addition, the changing stock retention display area has four display positions (666SKY013 to 666SKY016) according to the four types of stock acquired image states, and stock acquired image 666SKY005 changes to stock image 666SKY009 at display position 666SKY013 and is retained and displayed, stock image 666SKY006 changes to stock image 666SKY010 at display position 666SKY014 and is retained and displayed, stock acquired image 666SKY007 changes to stock image 666SKY011 at display position 666SKY015 and is retained and displayed, and stock acquired image 666SKY008 changes to stock image 666SKY012 at display position 666SKY016 and is retained and displayed. Furthermore, the changing stock accumulation display area 666SKY027 is always displayed during the look-ahead change or the current change, whereas the look-ahead change stock accumulation display area 666SKY017 is not always displayed but is displayed while the "look-ahead stock effect" is being executed during the look-ahead change. The look-ahead change stock images 666SKY001 to 666SKY004 displayed in the look-ahead change stock accumulation display area 666SKY017 are all the same size, while the stock images 666SKY009 to 666SKY012 displayed in the changing stock accumulation display area 666SKY027 are not the same size. Specifically, the stock images 666SKY009 to 666SKY011 are all the same size, but the size of stock image 666SKY012 is designed to be larger than the stock images 666SKY009 to 666SKY011. This corresponds to the jackpot expectancy of the stock characters described below, and makes it easy to see at a glance that stock image 666SKY012, which has the highest jackpot expectancy, is the one to look forward to. The display area where the pre-reading variation stock image is displayed is displayed in a different location from the display area where the stock image is displayed, and the display area where the pre-reading variation stock image is displayed is displayed in a location where the movement of the movable body 32 makes it difficult for the player to see the display area where the pre-reading variation stock image is displayed. However, when the pre-reading variation stock image is stocked, the movement of the movable body 32 is restricted. Similarly, when a stock image is stocked, the movement of the movable body 32 is restricted. Furthermore, the movement of the movable body is not restricted when the pre-reading variation stock image or stock image is not stocked. This makes it easy to see the pre-reading variation stock image at any time.

Figure 30 shows the characters depicted in the stock images (also referred to as "stock characters") and the preview effects executed corresponding to the characters. In this embodiment, the stock acquisition images and stock images come in four types, depicting the characters "Nana," "Jam," "Mumu," and "Rimu." The degree of expectation for a subsequent jackpot varies depending on which character's stock image is acquired when the "stock effect" begins. Specifically, the jackpot expectation is designed to increase in the order of "Rimu" > "Mumu" > "Jam" > "Nana." Therefore, the "Rimu" stock image is designed larger than the "Nana," "Jam," and "Mumu" stock images to visually indicate a higher jackpot expectation. Furthermore, the stock images are displayed to notify the player of the execution of a preview effect (such as the "spinning effect" described below) before the preview effect is executed, and the type of preview effect to be notified varies depending on the type of stock character depicted in the stock image. For example, if a "rim" stock image is acquired upon the start of a "stock effect," the "rim" image changes to a cut-in pattern described below immediately before a preview effect such as a "super-hot cut-in" or a "strong SP reach" is executed, thereby predicting that the "super-hot cut-in" or a "strong SP reach" will be executed. This causes the player to pay attention to the character depicted in the stock image when the "stock effect" starts, predicting which preview effect will be executed, and building up anticipation for the preview effect to be executed. There are seven types of preview effects that can be predicted: "spinning effect," "increased expectation (star)," "promotion after spinning effect," "hold change," "title change (color)," "transition to strong SP reach," and "super-hot cut-in." When variable displays are executed according to the jackpot fluctuation pattern, the order of jackpot expectation is highest for "super-hot cut-in" > "transition to strong SP reach" > "title change (color)" > "promotion after spinning effect" > "hold change" > "increased expectation (star)" > "spinning effect." Also, although it has been explained that the type of preview effect to be predicted differs depending on the type of stock character, some types of stock characters will have the same preview effect as the preview effect. For example, "Nana" predicts that the preview effects of "Spinning effect" and "Increased expectation (star)" (higher expectation than the spinning effect) will be executed, "Jam" predicts that the "Spinning effect" will be executed as well as "Nana", and also predicts that preview effects such as "Promotion after spinning effect" and a unique "Title change (color)" (higher expectation than "Spinning effect" and "Promotion after spinning effect") will be executed, and "Mumu" predicts that the "Spinning effect" will be executed as well as "Nana" and "Jam", and also predicts that preview effects such as "Promotion after spinning effect" and a unique "Title change (color)" (higher expectation than "Spinning effect" and "Promotion after spinning effect") will be executed as well as "Jam". Furthermore, when the "spinning effect" is executed during this variation, for example, both the "Jam" stock image and the "Mumu" stock image, with the "spinning effect" as the predicted target, do not change to a cut-in mode immediately before the "spinning effect" is executed. Furthermore, regardless of whether "Nana," "Jam," or "Mumu" initiates the "spinning effect," the stock release cut-in image executed beforehand remains unchanged. Furthermore, when the "Mumu" stock image is displayed with the "spinning effect" as the predicted target, the expectation of a jackpot is higher than when the "Nana" or "Jam" stock image is displayed. The "Rimu" image can execute a different preview effect from the preview effects that other stock images can execute (other stock images cannot execute this, but only "Rimu" can), which allows players to recognize the "Rimu" stock image as special. Furthermore, since "Nana," "Jam," and "Mumu" can execute a common preview (spinning effect) and each of them can execute their own unique preview (title change (color), hold change, etc.), attention can be paid to the timing at which the stock image executes the preview effect. While the individual expectation of the effects predicted by stock images is as described above, there are patterns in this case where multiple stock images are stored. In such cases, even if multiple identical stock images are acquired, the likelihood of a jackpot varies depending on the related effects. For example, in the case of Pattern 1, where "Nana," "Jam," and "Mumu" are stored, and "Nana" performs a "spinning effect," "Jam" performs a "hold change effect," and "Mumu" performs a "title change (color)," compared with Pattern 2, where "Nana," "Jam," and "Mumu" are stored, and "Nana" performs a "spinning effect," "Jam" performs a "spinning effect followed by promotion," and "Mumu" performs a "spinning effect followed by promotion," Pattern 2 is more likely to be selected as the execution pattern that results in a jackpot (higher jackpot expectation). This allows players to focus on related effects and the effects performed by the stock images. This case involves effects that display characters or letters in a way that obscures the screen, such as "cut-in images," "stock image release," "stock release cut-in images," "ancillary displays," and "super-hot cut-ins." Behind the letters or characters there is a background that corresponds to the letters or characters (for example, a heart-shaped background in the case of Nana's cut-in image). If this background is different from the corresponding letters or characters, it may be displayed with a higher probability of winning than if the background is the corresponding background. This creates a sense of incongruity when players see this effect, which can lead to them paying closer attention to the display.

Figure 31 shows the start of the "prediction stock effect" as a pre-reading preview effect in a pre-reading variation. The "pre-reading stock effect" is a preview effect that lasts from when a stock image is acquired in a pre-reading variation prior to a variation that executes a preview effect such as a "spinning effect" until the stock image is used before the preview effect corresponding to the stock image is executed. (A1) is a diagram showing a situation in which the variable display has stopped with the number of reserved memories at 3. 666SKY019 is a background stage name image indicating the current background stage. 666SKY020 to 666SKY022 are decorative symbols that can be displayed in a variable manner in response to the variable display of special symbols. 666SKY023 is a constant small symbol that is displayed in a variable manner in response to the variable display of special symbols. 666SKY024 is the active display area. 666SKY025 is a reserved display indicating that the current number of reserved memories is 3. The fluctuating stock retention display area 666SKY027 is always displayed even during periods when variable display is not being performed, and is designed to be different in size, shape, etc. from the active display area 666SKY024 so that it can be easily distinguished from the active display area 666SKY024. (B1) is a diagram showing the situation when the number of reserved memories is subtracted from 3 by 1 and variable display begins. In addition, the active display area 666SKY024 displays the active display 666SKY026 as the number of reserved memories is subtracted. (C1) is a diagram showing the situation when the "predictive stock acquisition suggestion effect" is started as a pre-reading preview effect. After the variable display begins, a blackout effect is initiated to reduce the visibility of the background stage image, background stage name image 666SKY019, and the currently changing stock accumulation display area 666SKY027. At the same time, a "Stock Chance" text image 666SKY028 is displayed in the center of the image display device 5, and the look-ahead currently changing stock accumulation display area 666SKY017 is also displayed. At this stage, four silhouette images are displayed in the look-ahead currently changing stock accumulation display area 666SKY017, making it easy to see that no stock images have yet been acquired. Furthermore, the text image 666SKY028 and the look-ahead currently changing stock accumulation display area 666SKY017 are displayed without reducing their visibility due to the blackout effect. This allows the player to clearly understand that the "look-ahead stock acquisition suggestion effect" has begun. Furthermore, multiple text formats for "Stock Chance" may be provided, and the probability of acquiring a stock image may vary depending on the text format. For example, the probability of winning a stock image may be higher when "Stock Chance" in the chance mode is displayed than when "Stock Chance" in the normal mode is displayed. This can draw the player's attention to the wording of "Stock Chance" and increase interest. Furthermore, the blackout effect may be performed without reducing the visibility of the display related to the effect that triggered the blackout effect. For example, as shown in (C1), the blackout effect begins when the "Stock Chance" word image 666SKY028 is displayed. However, since this is the start of the "Prediction Stock Effect" in the prediction variation, the prediction variation stock retention display area 666SKY017 related to the "Prediction Stock Effect" is not subject to the blackout effect and maintains normal visibility. Furthermore, the active display and the permanent small symbol display are not subject to the blackout effect and maintain their visibility. This not only allows the player to focus on the related display, but also allows the player to check the active display and the permanent small symbol at any time, thereby confirming that the corresponding variation is being performed. (D1) shows the situation when the text image 666SKY028 is hidden, and a display area 666SKY029 for prompting the player to see whether or not they can acquire a stock image, a stock acquisition prompt image 666SKY030, and a button long press action prompt image 666SKY031 are displayed in the center of the image display device 5. When the player begins to press and hold the push button 31B in accordance with the button long press action prompt image 666SKY031, the stock acquisition prompt image 666SKY030 gradually changes from a black appearance to an appearance with a character drawn from the bottom to the top, and the effect is successful when the stock acquisition prompt image 666SKY030 completely changes to an appearance with a character drawn. Note that the button long press action prompt image 666SKY031 may have multiple appearances, and the probability of acquiring a stock image may vary depending on the appearance. For example, the probability of winning a stock image may be higher when the long button press prompt image 666SKY031 in the chance mode is displayed than when the long button press prompt image 666SKY031 in the normal mode is displayed. This draws the player's attention to the appearance of the long button press prompt image 666SKY031, increasing interest. (E1) shows a situation when the stock acquisition image 666SKY007 is displayed as a result of the successful "pre-reading stock acquisition suggestion effect." When the appearance of the stock acquisition teaser image 666SKY030 changes to one in which a character is completely depicted, the stock acquisition image 666SKY007 and an emphasis effect image 666SKY032 are displayed in the center of the image display device 5. When a stock acquisition image is displayed in the pre-reading variation, a predetermined sound effect is output from the speakers 8L and 8R, indicating that the "pre-reading stock effect" has begun due to the "pre-reading stock acquisition suggestion effect," and that the stock image has been acquired. The predetermined sound effect is output in the same way regardless of whether any of the stock acquisition images 666SKY005 to 666SKY008 is displayed. This allows for convenient notification that a stock image has been acquired during the pre-reading change. Furthermore, the appearance of the highlight effect image 666SKY032 may be the same regardless of whether any of the stock acquisition images 666SKY005 to 666SKY008 is displayed, or may vary depending on the type of character. (F1) illustrates the situation when the stock acquisition image 666SKY007 is moving toward the pre-reading change stock retention display area 666SKY017. As the stock acquisition image 666SKY007 moves toward the pre-reading change stock retention display area 666SKY017, it gradually shrinks and is ultimately displayed in the dedicated display position for the stock acquisition image 666SKY007 (the second display position from the right) within the pre-reading change stock retention display area 666SKY017. The blackout effect continues from the start of the "preview stock acquisition suggestion effect" until the stock acquisition images 666SKY005-666SKY008 are displayed in a fixed position within the preview changing stock retention display area 666SKY017. This allows the player to continue to focus on the "preview stock acquisition suggestion effect" and the "preview stock effect." Furthermore, silhouette images are continuously displayed in display positions within the preview changing stock retention display area 666SKY017 where preview changing stock images are not displayed, making it easy to grasp the acquisition status of preview changing stock images. (G1) is a diagram showing the situation when the preview changing stock image 666SKY003 is displayed in the preview changing stock retention display area 666SKY017 after the stock acquisition image 666SKY007 is displayed. After the stock acquisition image 666SKY007 moves towards the display position dedicated to the stock acquisition image 666SKY007 in the pre-reading changing stock retention display area 666SKY017, the pre-reading changing stock image 666SKY003 is displayed in the display position dedicated to the stock acquisition image 666SKY007, and then the active display 666SKY026 in the active display area 666SKY024 is hidden and the variable display stops.

Figure 32 shows the start of a "stock effect" as a preview effect in a variation that begins when a gaming ball enters the first start winning slot when the number of reserved memories is 0. Note that a "stock effect" refers to a preview effect that occurs from the time a stock image is acquired, before a preview effect such as a "spinning effect" is executed, in a variation (also referred to as the variation in question) in which a preview effect such as a "spinning effect" is executed, until the stock image is used before the preview effect corresponding to the stock image is executed. As shown, (A2) to (C2) are figures showing the situation when a variable display is started upon the entry of a gaming ball into the first start winning slot and a reach is achieved. (D2) is a figure showing the situation when a "stock acquisition suggestion effect" is started as a preview effect after a reach is achieved. A single button press prompt image 666SKY034 is displayed in the center of the image display device 5, and when the player performs a single press on the push button 31B in accordance with the single button press prompt image 666SKY034, if the effect is successful, a blackout effect is executed as shown in (E2), and a stock acquisition image 666SKY007 and an emphasis effect image 666SKY032 are displayed in the center of the image display device 5. When the stock acquisition image is displayed in this variation, a special sound effect that can identify that the stock image has been acquired by the "stock acquisition suggestion effect" is output from the speakers 8L, 8R. There are four types of special sound effects, A to D. Special sound effect A is output when the stock acquisition image 666SKY005 is displayed. Special sound effect B is output when the stock acquisition image 666SKY006 is displayed. Special sound effect C is output when the stock acquisition image 666SKY007 is displayed. Special sound effect D is output when the stock acquisition image 666SKY008 is displayed. The recognizability of the sounds (loudness, flashiness, etc.) increases in the order of special sound effects D > C > B > A. This allows for appropriate notification that a stock image has been acquired in the corresponding variation. Furthermore, multiple types of the single button press action prompt image 666SKY034 may be provided, and the likelihood of acquiring a stock image may vary depending on the type. For example, the likelihood of acquiring a stock image may be higher when a chance-mode single button press action prompt image 666SKY034 is displayed than when a normal-mode single button press action prompt image 666SKY034 is displayed. This draws the player's attention to the appearance of the button-press prompt image 666SKY034, heightening interest. (F2) illustrates the situation when a cut-in image 666SKY035 is displayed after a stock acquisition image 666SKY007 is displayed. When a stock acquisition image is displayed in this variation, unlike when a stock acquisition image is displayed in a pre-read variation, a cut-in image corresponding to the appearance of the stock acquisition image is displayed after the stock acquisition image is displayed. For example, when a stock acquisition image 666SKY007 is displayed, a cut-in image 666SKY035 is then displayed as shown. The width of the cut-in image 666SKY035 is displayed at the same size for all cut-in images, but may be increased or decreased depending on the likelihood of a jackpot. This allows players to focus their attention on the cut-in image. Thereafter, as shown in (G2), cut-in image 666SKY035 is displayed moving as if being sucked toward display position 666SKY015 within the varying stock retention display area 027, and then, as shown in (H2), stock image 666SKY011 is displayed at display position 666SKY015. Note that the image displayed after the stock acquisition image is displayed during this variation is not limited to a cut-in image and may be another image. For example, after stock acquisition image 666SKY007 is displayed, the stock character "Mumu" is displayed popping out from stock acquisition image 666SKY007, and after "Mumu" moves toward display position 666SKY015, stock image 666SKY011 is displayed at display position 666SKY015.

Figure 33 shows the situation when a "prediction stock effect" is executed as a pre-reading preview effect during a pre-reading variation, and then a "stock effect" is initiated as a preview effect during a variation following the pre-reading variation. (A3) is the same as (E1) above. (B3) is the same as (F1) above. (C3) is the same as (G1) above. (D3) is a diagram showing the situation when a variation in which a preview effect such as a "spinning effect" is executed begins after the pre-reading variation has ended. After the variable display begins, the pre-reading variation stock image 666SKY003, which had been displayed in the pre-reading variation stock retention display area 666SKY017, changes again to the stock acquisition image 666SKY007, and the stock acquisition image 666SKY007 is displayed, gradually enlarging and moving toward the center of the image display device 5. This allows the player to guess that a spinning effect will be executed during the variation. The effects then proceed as shown in (E3) through (G3). In addition, in (C3) and (G3), when a pre-reading changing stock image is displayed in a static display in the pre-reading changing stock display area 666SKY017 and when a stock image is displayed in the current changing stock display area 666SKY027, a light-up effect is executed using the game effect lamp 9. Specifically, normally, when a pre-reading changing stock image is not displayed in the pre-reading changing stock display area 666SKY017, the game effect lamp 9 lights up in a lighting pattern corresponding to the pre-reading changing background stage image, but when a pre-reading changing stock image is displayed in the pre-reading changing stock display area 666SKY017, the lighting pattern of the game effect lamp 9 becomes unlit. This emphasizes the static display of the pre-reading changing stock image in the pre-reading changing stock display area 666SKY017, thereby drawing attention to future developments in the effect. Furthermore, normally, when no stock image is displayed in the changing stock retention display area 666SKY027, the game effect lamp 9 emits light in an illumination mode corresponding to the changing background stage image, but when a stock image is displayed in the changing stock retention display area 666SKY027, the game effect lamp 9 emits light in an illumination mode corresponding to the stock character. For example, when stock image 666SKY009 is displayed in the changing stock retention display area 666SKY027, the game effect lamp 9 emits light in a pink illumination mode, when stock image 666SKY010 is displayed in a purple illumination mode, when stock image 666SKY011 is displayed in a green illumination mode, and when stock image 666SKY012 is displayed in a gold illumination mode. This enhances the presentation effect when a stock image is displayed in the changing stock retention display area 666SKY027, and makes it possible to see at a glance which stock image is displayed in the changing stock retention display area 666SKY027. Note that when a pre-reading changing stock image is displayed in the pre-reading changing stock retention display area 666SKY017, the illumination mode of the game effect lamp 9 is turned off, but this is not limiting, and the game effect lamp 9 may be illuminated in an illumination mode that corresponds to the pre-reading changing background stage image, just as when a pre-reading changing stock image is not displayed in the pre-reading changing stock retention display area 666SKY017, thereby reducing lamp manufacturing costs.

Figures 34 to 38 are diagrams illustrating the case where a "stock effect" is executed in a variable display in which a "spinning effect" is executed. (A4) to (D4) are the same as (A2) to (D2) described above. (E4) is a diagram illustrating the situation when, in response to a single press of the push button 31B by the player, a blackout effect is executed and a stock acquisition image 666SKY005 and an emphasis effect image 666SKY032 are displayed in the center of the image display device 5. After the stock acquisition image 666SKY005 is displayed, a cut-in image 666SKY036 is displayed as shown in (F4) and (G4), and the cut-in image 666SKY036 moves toward display position 666SKY013 within the variable stock retention display area 027 as if being sucked in. After that, a stock image 666SKY009 is displayed at display position 666SKY013 as shown in (H4). (I4) is a diagram showing the situation when a stock release cut-in image 666SKY037 is displayed at the timing of reach development. The stock release cut-in image 666SKY037 is a modified stock image 666SKY009 that is displayed in a stagnant state at display position 666SKY013. The stock release cut-in image is an image that is displayed immediately before the timing of the execution of the preview effect that the stock image is the subject of the preview. In other words, the preview effect of the preview object is executed in response to the display of the stock release cut-in image. Note that the appearance of the stock release cut-in image differs depending on the type of stock character. Furthermore, when the stock release cut-in image is displayed, a blackout effect is also executed at the same time. This draws attention to the execution of the preview effect. When a stock image changes into the stock release cut-in image, the player may be notified of the timing at which the stock image will change into the stock release cut-in image by displaying the number of seconds in advance, a countdown, a display indicating that the stock image will change into the stock release cut-in image (e.g., text such as "change" or "going"), or by the stock image performing a specific action before it is used (e.g., the stock image moving up and down, or the stock image attempting to move out of the changing stock retention display area 666SKY027). This makes it easier to understand when the stock image will be used, increasing the player's interest in the game. Furthermore, the likelihood of a jackpot may be varied depending on the size of the stock release cut-in image. For example, in (I4), a stock release cut-in image 666SKY037 is displayed from the top of the background stage name image to the top of the "Mumu" stock image in the changing stock retention display area 666SKY027. However, as a chance-up pattern controlled by a jackpot, the stock release cut-in image may be displayed across the entire screen, or conversely, a smaller image than the stock release cut-in image displayed in (I4) may be displayed as a chance-up pattern. This allows the player to pay attention to when the stock image takes on the form of the stock release cut-in image. (J4) is a diagram showing the situation when the "spinning effect" that is the subject of the stock image announcement is executed. The "spinning effect" displays four candidate images ("Opportunity" 666SKY038, "Powerful Zone" 666SKY039, "Weak SP" 666SKY040, "Strong SP" 666SKY041, and "Super Hot" 666SKY054) in combinations according to the likelihood of a jackpot, and begins moving in a predetermined manner (spinning). The effect encourages the player to choose which candidate image to stop and display in the target area 666SKY043. After the candidate images stop and display, the effect develops according to the content written on the stopped and displayed candidate image. After the stock release cut-in image 666SKY037 is displayed, the changing stock retention display area 666SKY027 is hidden, and the "spinning effect" begins, in which the stock character "Nana" 666SKY042 appears. That is, the fact that the predicted target of stock image 666SKY009 was the "spinning effect" is notified, and the timing of the execution of the "spinning effect" is suggested. The stock character "Nana" is a character whose predicted target is either the "spinning effect" or the "increased expectation level (star)." When the "stock effect" of stock character "Nana" is executed with the "spinning effect" as the predicted target, the "spinning effect" is executed in a presentation mode in which "Nana" appears. This increases the relevance of the effect, and can increase the interest in the game. Note that the "spinning effect" is a predicted effect that can be executed even when it is not the predicted target of the "prediction stock effect" or the "stock effect" (see FIG. 39 described below). (K4) is a diagram showing the situation when the candidate image "Good Opportunity" 666SKY038, the candidate image "Powerful Zone" 666SKY039, the candidate image "Weak SP" 666SKY040, and the candidate image "Strong SP" 666SKY041 are moving and displayed in a predetermined manner, and (L4) is a diagram showing the situation when the candidate image "Strong SP" 666SKY041 is displayed stationary, and thus the "SP Reach Presentation B" is determined as the presentation development destination. (M4) to (X4) are as shown. After (R4), if the jackpot fluctuation pattern is selected, (U4) is executed. After (R4), if the miss fluctuation pattern or the relief fluctuation pattern is selected, (V4) is executed. After the jackpot is announced as a result of the SP Reach B, as in (T4) and (U4), the fluctuations proceed in the order of (Y4) to (AA4). More specifically, as shown in (T4), enemy character 666SKY046 is defeated, ally character 666SKY045 is shown in close-up with a happy face, and the word "Victory!" is displayed, thereby informing the player of a jackpot. Then, as shown in (U4), a display (333) of aligned decorative symbols is displayed in a highlighted manner on the background of (T4), thereby informing the player that the 3 symbols have aligned and a jackpot has been achieved. Note that the word "Victory!" is not displayed in the display of (U4). This prevents the decorative symbols from becoming difficult to see due to the display of the text. Also, in Figures 34 to 38, when SP Reach B is executed, character 666SKY045 is an ally character and character 666SKY046 is an enemy character, but the ally and enemy characters change depending on the reach. After the SP Reach B result is notified as a miss, as in (V4) and (W4), the fluctuations proceed in the sequence of (AB4) to (AD4). More specifically, as in (V4), the enemy character is not defeated, the ally character is shown in close-up with a troubled expression, and the word "Defeat..." is displayed, thereby informing the player of the miss. Then, as in (W4), the display of the decorative symbols (343) indicating an unaligned pattern is displayed on the background of (V4), thereby informing the player of the miss. Note that the word "Defeat..." is not displayed in the display of (W4). This prevents the decorative symbols from becoming difficult to see due to the display of the text. Then, in the normal state, as in (AB4), the background corresponding to the SP Reach B of (W4) is switched to the normal state background (the background corresponding to the stage displayed when this fluctuation began), and the decorative symbols (343) are displayed on top of that. After that, as in (AC4), decorative symbols are displayed statically, and then, as in (AD4), fluctuations corresponding to the next initial winning start begin. As in (V4) and (X4), there are patterns in which, after announcing a miss as a result of SP Reach B, it appears to be a miss for a moment, and then announcing a jackpot. The flow of the rescue effects is as follows (AE4) to (AI4). The moving displays in the "spinning effect" should be more difficult to see than the stationary candidate displays that rotate or scatter randomly. Additionally, the moving displays in the "spinning effect" should move more vigorously than the "Nana" displayed during the "spinning effect."

Figure 39 shows a "Spinning Effect" when a "Stock Effect" is not executed in response to the "Spinning Effect." If a "Stock Effect" is not executed before the "Spinning Effect," the "Spinning Effect" will not be executed in a manner in which a stock character appears in the "Stock Effect." In other words, a player can easily determine whether a "Stock Effect" was executed before the "Spinning Effect" was executed by the manner in which the "Spinning Effect" was executed. Furthermore, when a variable display is executed based on a jackpot fluctuation pattern, the "Spinning Effect" is designed to increase the expectation that the "Stock Effect" will be executed before the "Spinning Effect." If stock images are not being displayed as stored and the "Spinning Effect" is initiated as shown in Figure 39, the currently changing stock retention display area 666SKY027 will no longer be displayed when the "Spinning Effect" is initiated, as shown in (A8) to (B8). This makes it clear that stock images are not being stored, drawing attention to the "Spinning Effect." Furthermore, the above does not apply only to the "Spinning Effect," and other effects may also be targeted.

Figures 40 to 42 are diagrams explaining the effects that occur within the "Spinning effect." The "Promotion before the Spinning effect" and "Promotion after the Spinning effect," which will be described later, are promotion effects executed within the "Spinning effect." The promotion effect executed in the first half of the "Spinning effect" is called the "Promotion before the Spinning effect," and the promotion effect executed in the second half of the "Spinning effect" is called the "Promotion after the Spinning effect." Figure 40 is a diagram of when "Promotion before the Spinning effect" is executed within the "Spinning effect." (A5) to (C5) are the same as (H4) to (J4) described above. (D5) and (E5) are diagrams showing the situation when "Promotion before the Spinning effect" is executed. "Promotion before the spinning performance" is a preview performance that may be executed when the "spinning performance" is executed, regardless of whether the "stock performance" has been executed beforehand, and is a preview performance in which the contents of the performance development destination written on each of the four candidate images in the "spinning performance" are rewritten by displaying promotion image 666SKY053 before the specified type of moving display (spinning) begins. After the promoted image 666SKY053 is displayed so as to cover the candidate image "Good Opportunity" 666SKY038, the candidate image "Powerful Zone" 666SKY039, the candidate image "Weak SP" 666SKY040, and the candidate image "Strong SP" 666SKY041, the candidate image "Good Opportunity" 666SKY038 changes to the candidate image "Powerful Zone" 666SKY039, the candidate image "Powerful Zone" 666SKY039 changes to the candidate image "Weak SP" 666SKY040, the candidate image "Weak SP" 666SKY040 changes to the candidate image "Strong SP" 666SKY041, and the candidate image "Strong SP" 666SKY041 changes to the candidate image "Super Hot" 666SKY054. After the "promotion before the spinning effect" is executed, the candidate image "Opportunity" 666SKY038, which has the lowest jackpot expectation, will no longer be selected as the destination for the effect development. When a variable display is executed according to a jackpot fluctuation pattern, when the "spinning effect" is executed, the expectation of the "promotion before the spinning effect" being executed is higher than the expectation of the "promotion before the spinning effect" not being executed. Note that the "promotion before the spinning effect" is a preview effect that is not included as a preview target for the "stock effect." (F5) to (H5) are diagrams showing the process from when the moving display of four candidate images starts in a predetermined manner (spinning) to when they are displayed stationary. After the candidate images "Powerful Zone" 666SKY039, "Weak SP" 666SKY040, "Strong SP" 666SKY041, and "Super Hot" 666SKY054 begin moving in a predetermined manner, the moving images gradually accelerate, a static display action is performed by the stock character "Nana," and then the candidate image "Strong SP" 666SKY041 is statically displayed in the target area 666SKY043. While the "Promotion before Spinning Effect" only promoted one candidate image in the example of FIG. 40, this effect allows multiple candidate images to be promoted. This allows the player to focus on the candidate images before and after promotion, increasing the player's enjoyment.

Figures 41 and 42 are diagrams showing when "promotion after spinning effect" is executed in the "spinning effect." (A6) is a diagram showing the situation when the "stock acquisition suggestion effect" is started. (B6) to (E6) are diagrams showing the situation of the "stock effect" when two stock images are acquired simultaneously due to a successful "stock acquisition suggestion effect." Based on a single press of push button 31B by the player, stock acquisition image 666SKY005 and stock acquisition image 666SKY006 are displayed simultaneously, and an emphasis effect image 666SKY032 is displayed and a blackout effect is executed. Note that the appearance of emphasis effect image 666SKY032 displayed at this time may be different from when one stock acquisition image is displayed, to give the player a special feeling. Subsequently, in response to the simultaneous display of stock acquisition image 666SKY005 and stock acquisition image 666SKY006, cut-in image 666SKY057 is displayed, and then the images are moved as if being drawn into display positions 666SKY013 and 666SKY014 within the fluctuating stock retention display area 666SKY027. Stock image 666SKY009 is displayed at display position 666SKY013, and stock image 666SKY010 is displayed at display position 666SKY014. In (C6), a single cut-in image is displayed, such as cut-in image 666SKY057. However, this is not limiting, and a cut-in image may be displayed for each character. Furthermore, when displaying cut-in images for each character, they may be displayed simultaneously or at different times. In this manner, attention can be drawn to the display of the cut-in image. (F6) to (N6) are diagrams showing the situation when the "Spinning effect" that is the predicted target of stock image 666SKY010 is executed in the "Spinning effect" that is the predicted target of stock image 666SKY009. After stock image 666SKY009 changes to a stock release cut-in image, the "Spinning effect" begins, and the flow up to one of the four candidate images being displayed frozen in target area 666SKY043 is basically the same as (I4) to (L4) and (G5) described above. However, in this example, because stock image 666SKY010 was displayed before the "Spinning effect" that was the predicted target of stock image 666SKY009 began, in the "Spinning effect," stock image 666SKY010 changes to standby image 666SKY058 and is displayed. This prevents the stock image 666SKY010 from continuing to be displayed even when the fluctuating stock retention display area 666SKY027 has been hidden, eliminating the visual discomfort of the effect. The standby image changes to the stock image when some effect is executed (for example, a spinning effect or an SP reach). Also, the candidate image 666SKY040 is temporarily displayed in a frozen state in the target area 666SKY043, but immediately afterwards the standby image 666SKY058 changes to a stock release cut-in image 666SKY059, a blackout effect is executed, and a "promotion after spinning effect" is executed, in which the stock image 666SKY010 (standby image 666SKY058) is the predicted target. The "promotion after spinning effect" is an effect that is executed only when stock image 666SKY010 or stock image 666SKY011 is displayed by the "stock effect," in which the stock character ("Jam" or "Mumu") corresponding to the stock image executes the "spinning effect" again, and a candidate image that is more advantageous to the player (higher likelihood of winning) than the first time is always displayed in a stopped state in target area 666SKY043. As with the first "spinning effect," after the four candidate images are displayed again, a moving display in a predetermined manner begins, the moving display gradually accelerates, a stop display action by stock character "Jam" is executed, and a candidate image (candidate image "strong SP" 666SKY041) that is more advantageous to the player than the candidate image (candidate image "weak SP" 666SKY040) that was displayed in a stopped state the first time is displayed in a stopped state. In both the "spinning effect" and the "promotion after spinning effect," a static display action display (in the example of Figure 42, a ray of light 666SKY064 emitted from Jam's eye) is performed using a stock character, but the manner of the static display action differs depending on the type of stock character ("Jam" or "Mumu"). As described above, the manner in which the candidate image is promoted is completely different between the "promotion before spinning effect" and the "promotion after spinning effect," and as will be described later, the "promotion after spinning effect" takes a longer time to execute than the "promotion before spinning effect," so the degree of attention drawn to the "promotion before spinning effect" and the "promotion after spinning effect" can be differentiated, increasing interest. Note that, although not shown, both the "promotion before spinning effect" and the "promotion after spinning effect" can be executed in one "spinning effect." Additionally, in the illustrated range, the "promotion after spinning effect" is an example of being executed only once, but if the stock image 666SKY011 is displayed in a fixed manner by the "stock effect" before the "spinning effect" is executed, a stock release cut-in depicting the stock character "Mumu" will be displayed after the first "promotion after spinning effect", and a second "promotion after spinning effect" may be executed. That is, there are six execution patterns of the "spinning effect": a first pattern that executes a "spinning effect" that does not include a "promotion before the spinning effect" and a "promotion after the spinning effect"; a second pattern that executes a "spinning effect" that includes a "promotion before the spinning effect" and does not include a "promotion after the spinning effect"; a third pattern that executes a "spinning effect" that does not include a "promotion before the spinning effect" but includes a "promotion after the spinning effect"; a fourth pattern that executes a "spinning effect" that includes a "promotion before the spinning effect" and a "promotion after the spinning effect"; a fifth pattern that executes a "spinning effect" that does not include a "promotion before the spinning effect" but includes two "promotions after the spinning effect"; and a sixth pattern that executes a "spinning effect" that includes a "promotion before the spinning effect" and two "promotions after the spinning effect" When variable displays are executed according to the jackpot variation pattern, the order of execution is highest when the "spinning effect" is executed: Pattern 6 > Pattern 5 > Pattern 4 > Pattern 3 > Pattern 2 > Pattern 1 (i.e., the jackpot expectation is high). This draws attention to which execution pattern the "spinning effect" is executed, enhancing gameplay interest. Although not shown, the design is such that the jackpot expectation is higher when the "post-spinning effect promotion" is executed than when the "pre-spinning effect promotion" is executed. This allows players to pay attention to the timing of the promotion effect execution. Furthermore, when comparing candidate displays determined for a "spinning effect" that does not execute a promotion effect with candidate displays determined for a "spinning effect" that executes a promotion effect, the candidate display determined for the "spinning effect" that executes a promotion effect has a higher jackpot expectation. This allows players to focus on the "spinning effect" and the promotion effect, enhancing gameplay interest. Furthermore, a "spinning effect" that executes a promotion effect is more likely to determine and display candidate displays that are expected to result in a jackpot (such as the candidate displays "Super Hot" and "Strong SP," which will be described later) than a "spinning effect" that does not. This allows players to focus on whether a promotion effect is being executed, increasing their interest in the game. Furthermore, a "spinning effect" that executes a promotion effect may be more likely to result in an increased chance of winning than a "spinning effect" that does not. This allows players to focus on whether a "spinning effect" that executes a promotion effect or a "spinning effect" that does not execute a promotion effect. Furthermore, the content of the effect displayed by the candidate display does not change whether a promotion effect is being executed or not. This reduces the data capacity of the gaming machine. While it was mentioned above that the "promotion after spinning effect" may be executed twice, the execution order may be to execute the effect starting with a stock image with a lower probability of winning. For example, if the stock images "Nana," "Jam," and "Mumu" are acquired and all of the stock images are related to the "Spinning effect," the order of execution will be "Nana" (execution of "Spinning effect") → "Jam" (first execution of "Promotion after Spinning effect") → "Mumu" (second execution of "Promotion after Spinning effect"). By using these specifications, the images are used in order of lowest likelihood of winning, allowing players to focus more on the stock images used later, increasing their interest in the game. Additionally, the more "Promotion after Spinning effect" is executed, the easier it is to determine and display candidate images that are likely to result in a jackpot. This allows players to focus on the "Promotion after Spinning effect."

Figure 43 is a diagram explaining the types of candidate images displayed in the "Spinning Effect." The candidate image "Blank," when stopped and displayed in target area 666SKY043, indicates that the corresponding variation is a miss variation pattern. The candidate image "Opportunity," when stopped and displayed in target area 666SKY043, suggests that the likelihood of a jackpot is low. The candidate image "Powerful Zone," when stopped and displayed in target area 666SKY043, suggests that a preview effect called the "Powerful Zone Effect" will be executed. The candidate image "Weak SP," when stopped and displayed in target area 666SKY043, suggests that a Weak SP Reach will be executed. The candidate image "Weak SP" corresponds to SP Reach A. The candidate image "Strong SP," when stopped and displayed in target area 666SKY043, suggests that a Strong SP Reach will be executed. The candidate image "Strong SP" corresponds to SP Reach B. When the candidate image "Super Hot" is stopped and displayed in target area 666SKY043, it indicates that the corresponding variation is a jackpot variation pattern. Furthermore, when a variable display is executed based on a jackpot variation pattern and a "spinning effect" is executed, there is a high expectation that the candidate images will be stopped and displayed in target area 666SKY043 in the following order: "Super Hot" > "Strong SP" > "Weak SP" > "Powerful Zone" > "Good Opportunity" > "Blank."

Figure 44 is a diagram explaining the execution times of the "promotion before the spinning effect," "spinning effect," and "promotion after the spinning effect." The execution time of the "spinning effect" (TB2 to TB5 in Figure 44 (2)) when the "promotion before the spinning effect" and the "promotion after the spinning effect" are not executed is 6 seconds. Specifically, TB2 is executed for 2 seconds, TB3 is executed for 1 second, TB4 is executed for 2 seconds, and TB5 is executed for 1 second. Furthermore, the execution time of the "spinning effect" (TB1 to TB5 in Figure 44 (2)) when the "stock effect" is executed with the "spinning effect" as the preview target is 7 seconds. Specifically, TB1 is executed for 1 second, and TB2 to TB5 are as described above. When a "promotion before the spinning effect" is executed and a "promotion after the spinning effect" is not executed, the execution time of the "spinning effect" (TA2 to TA4 in FIG. 44(1) and TB2 to TB5 in FIG. 44(2)) is 8 seconds. Specifically, TA2 is executed for 1 second, TA3 is executed for 0.5 seconds, and TA4 is executed for 0.5 seconds, with TB2 to TB5 being as described above. Also, when a "stock effect" is executed with the "spinning effect" as the preview target, the execution time of the "promotion before the spinning effect" and the "spinning effect" (TA1 to TA4 in FIG. 44(1) and TB2 to TB5 in FIG. 44(2)) is 9 seconds. Specifically, TA1 is executed for 1 second, and TA2 to TA4 and TB2 to TB5 are as described above. The execution time of the "spinning effect" (TB2 to TB5 in FIG. 44(2), TC1 to TC4 in FIG. 44(3)) when the "promotion before the spinning effect" is not executed and the "promotion after the spinning effect" is executed is 11 seconds. Specifically, TB2 to TB5 are as described above, with TC1 being executed for one second, TC2 being executed for one second, TC3 being executed for two seconds, and TC4 being executed for one second. Also, the execution time of the "spinning effect" and the "promotion after the spinning effect" (TB1 to TB5 in FIG. 44(2), TC1 to TC4 in FIG. 44(3)) when the "stock effect" is executed with the "spinning effect" as the preview target is 12 seconds. The execution period of the "Spinning effect" (TA2 to TA4 in FIG. 44(1), TB2 to TB5 in FIG. 44(2), and TC1 to TC4 in FIG. 44(3)) when the "Pre-Spinning effect promotion" and "Post-Spinning effect promotion" are executed is 13 seconds. Furthermore, when a "Stock effect" is executed with the "Spinning effect" as the preview target, the execution time of the "Pre-Spinning effect promotion", "Spinning effect", and "Post-Spinning effect promotion" (TA1 to TA4 in FIG. 44(1), TB2 to TB5 in FIG. 44(2), and TC1 to TC4 in FIG. 44(3)) is 14 seconds. Comparing the execution times, the "Spinning effect" is designed to have a longer execution time than the "Pre-Spinning effect promotion", and a longer execution time than the "Post-Spinning effect promotion", which has similar effect content. As a result, when stock images are used within the same effect (spinning effect), if the effect content is the same as the "spinning effect," the effect time will be longer, and playing the same effect multiple times could potentially ruin the player's interest. However, by making the effect time shorter than a specific effect (spinning effect), the effect can be viewed more smoothly, increasing interest in the game. Also, the execution time of the "post-spinning effect promotion" is longer than the "pre-spinning effect promotion," making it clear that the "post-spinning effect promotion" has a higher chance of winning, and creates a greater sense of anticipation than the "pre-spinning effect promotion."

Figure 45 is a diagram illustrating the accompanying displays that may be displayed when multiple stock images are acquired. As shown in (A7), a button single-press prompt image is displayed in the center of the image display device 5. When the player performs a single press on the push button 31B in accordance with the button single-press prompt image, two stock acquisition images ("Nana" and "Jam") are displayed simultaneously, as shown in (B7), and a blackout effect begins. After that, as shown in (C7), a cut-in image 666SKY057 related to the two stock acquisition images is displayed, and as shown in (D7), the cut-in image 666SKY057 is displayed moving toward the changing stock retention display area 666SKY027, as if being sucked in. Thereafter, as shown in (E7), when two stock images ("Nana" and "Jam") are displayed within the fluctuating stock retention display area 666SKY027, an accompanying display "GOOD" 666SKY061 is displayed in a cut-in manner from the upper right to the lower left of the image display device 5, and a sound corresponding to the accompanying display "GOOD" 666SKY061 is output from the speakers 8L and 8R. Thereafter, as shown in (F7), two stock images are displayed at the display positions 666SKY013 and 666SKY015, and a reach is established. (G7) shows the situation when a stock release cut-in image 666SKY037 is displayed at the timing of reach development. Note that the illustrated example shows an accompanying display when two stock images are acquired simultaneously, but if, for example, stock image 666SKY009 has been acquired first, and stock image 666SKY011 is subsequently acquired, the accompanying display "GOOD" 666SKY061 can also be displayed.

Figure 46 provides a detailed explanation of the accompanying display shown in Figure 45 (E7). An accompanying display is a display that may be displayed when multiple stock images are acquired in a predetermined combination, and is designed to increase the likelihood of a jackpot when an accompanying display is displayed when multiple stock images are acquired in a predetermined combination compared to when no accompanying display is displayed. There are three types of accompanying displays: "GOOD" 666SKY061, "GREAT" 666SKY062, and "EXCELLENT" 666SKY063. The accompanying display "GOOD" 666SKY061 may be displayed, for example, when stock image 666SKY009 and stock image 666SKY010 are acquired. The accompanying display "GREAT" 666SKY062 may be displayed, for example, when stock image 666SKY009 and stock image 666SKY011 are acquired. The accompanying display "EXCELLENT" 666SKY063 may be displayed, for example, when stock image 666SKY009, stock image 666SKY011, and stock image 666SKY012 are acquired. Thus, the accompanying display displayed varies depending on the combination of acquired stock images, drawing attention to the combination of stock images. Furthermore, in cases where the accompanying display is not displayed even if multiple stock images are acquired, or when the display conditions for the accompanying display are not met even if multiple stock images are acquired, such as the combination of "rim," "mumu," and "jam," the accompanying display is not displayed, leading to speculation about the combination for which the accompanying display will be displayed, heightening interest. The display sizes of the accompanying displays increase in the order of "EXCELLENT" > "GREAT" > "GOOD," with the larger the display size, the higher the likelihood of winning. Additionally, when an accompanying display is displayed, a sound corresponding to the displayed accompanying display is output from speakers 8L and 8R, with the output durations being longer in the order of "EXCELLENT" > "GREAT" > "GOOD." This allows the type of accompanying display to be distinguished not only visually but also audibly.

Figure 47 is a diagram showing the execution rate of stock effects (including both "pre-read stock effects" and "stock effects"). It can be seen that the expectation of a jackpot is higher when stock effects are executed than when they are not executed. Figure 48 is a diagram showing combinations of stock images and the presence or absence of accompanying displays corresponding to each combination. Figure 49 is a diagram showing the expectation of a jackpot according to combinations of stock images. Based on the tables in Figures 48 and 49, the system is designed so that the expectation of a jackpot is higher when a stock image with a pre-read effect such as a "spinning effect" as the preview target is acquired in a pre-reading variation executed before a variation in which a pre-read effect such as a "spinning effect" is executed, and the preview effect of the preview target is executed in the target variation after the pre-reading variation, than when a stock image with a pre-read effect such as a "spinning effect" as the preview target is acquired in a variation in which a pre-read effect such as a "spinning effect" is executed (also referred to as the variation, or target variation) in which a pre-read effect such as a "spinning effect" is executed, and the preview effect of the preview target is executed in the target variation. Furthermore, when a stock image is acquired in a look-ahead variation and then a different stock image is acquired in a target variation, the reference for the jackpot expectancy is the look-ahead jackpot expectancy. For example, if a stock image of the stock character "Nana" is acquired in a look-ahead variation and then a stock image of the stock character "Rimu" is acquired in a target variation, the jackpot expectancy is 21.85%. This draws attention to the timing at which the stock image is acquired, and because the display areas indicating the acquisition of the stock image (the stock retention display area 666SKY017 during look-ahead variation and the stock retention display area 666SKY027 during the variation) are different between the target variation and the look-ahead variation, this difference can suggest that the stock image was acquired in a look-ahead variation. Looking at SKY1-1 to SKY1-3 and SKY1-4, the jackpot expectancy for individual stock images is highest for "Rimu" > "Mumu" > "Jam" > "Nana." Among these, the stock character "Rimu" has the highest jackpot expectation for a stock image alone, and a combination that does not include the stock character "Rimu" has a higher jackpot expectation than a combination that includes multiple stock images. This draws attention to the stock image 666SKY012 being stored and displayed. Furthermore, although not shown, there are multiple effects for a stock image alone. As described above, the order of jackpot expectation is "Super Hot Cut-in" > "Strong SP Reach Transition" > "Title Change (Color)" > "Promotion after Spinning Effects" > "Hold Change" > "Expectation Increase (Star)" > "Spinning Effects." Therefore, for example, when a pattern SKY1-4 ("Rimu" alone) is selected, a "Super Hot Cut-in" or "Strong SP Reach Transition" is predicted to be executed, and in the variable display based on the jackpot variation pattern, "Super Hot Cut-in" is more likely to be executed than "Strong SP Reach Transition." Next, the jackpot expectation when multiple stock images are acquired is as follows: SKY2-1 to SKY4-3. Regarding the jackpot expectancy of a pattern in which multiple stock images are acquired, for example, SKY3-1 and SKY3-2, which acquire three stock images of stock characters "Nana," "Jam," and "Mumu," have the same combination of stock characters, but the jackpot expectancy differs depending on whether or not an accompanying display is displayed. The pattern in which an accompanying display is displayed is designed to have a higher jackpot expectancy. This draws attention to the combination of stock images, as well as whether or not an accompanying display is displayed. On the other hand, there are cases in which a pattern in which no accompanying display is displayed has a higher jackpot expectancy than a pattern in which an accompanying display is displayed. For example, SKY2-6 to SKY2-8 and SKY3-4 to SKY3-6, which do not display an accompanying display, are designed to have a higher jackpot expectancy than SKY2-4, SKY2-5, SKY3-2, and SKY3-3, which display an accompanying display. This indicates that acquiring multiple stock images, including the stock character "Rimu," is advantageous for players. Furthermore, SKY3-7 to SKY3-9 are patterns in which a stock image of the stock character "Rimu" is acquired and an accompanying display is displayed, and the jackpot expectation varies depending on the type of accompanying display and the jackpot expectation of the stock image alone. This allows the player to pay attention to which accompanying display is displayed. SKY4-1 to SKY4-3 indicate the jackpot expectation when all stock images are acquired, and are designed to always display some accompanying display when all stock images are acquired, with the jackpot expectation varying depending on the type of accompanying display. SKY4-3 is a pattern selected when a variable display is executed based on a jackpot fluctuation pattern. Furthermore, for example, when a stock effect is executed with the "spinning effect" and "promotion after spinning effect" as the predicted targets, SKY2-4, which displays an accompanying display, is likely to be selected, and when a stock effect is executed with the "spinning effect" and "hold change" as the predicted targets, SKY2-1, which does not display an accompanying display, is likely to be selected. This is based on the relevance of the preview effects that multiple stock images predict, and when the highly related "Spinning effect" and "Promotion after Spinning effect" are executed, SKY2-4 is more likely to be selected than SKY2-1 even if the stock characters are the same. This allows players to guess the preview effect that will be executed based on the combination of stock characters and the presence or absence of accompanying displays, increasing gaming interest. The likelihood of a jackpot may also vary depending on the order in which stock images are acquired. For example, by designing the expectation to be controlled so that it is advantageous to acquire a stock image that has a high individual jackpot expectation at any time, players can expect a jackpot from the moment they acquire a stock image, increasing gaming interest.

Figures 50 to 56 show in detail the effects that can be executed by the stock images of each character. Figure 50 is an explanatory diagram of the "spinning effect." (A9) is a diagram showing the situation when a stock release cut-in image is displayed at the timing of reach development. In response to the display of the stock release cut-in image, a preview effect of the preview target is executed. The appearance of the stock release cut-in image differs depending on the type of stock character. In addition, when the stock release cut-in image is displayed, a blackout effect is also executed at the same time. This allows attention to be drawn to the fact that a preview effect will be executed. (B9) is a diagram showing the situation when a "spinning effect," which is the preview target of the stock image, is executed. After the stock release cut-in image is displayed, the variable stock retention display area is hidden, and a "spinning effect" featuring the stock character "Nana" begins. In other words, it is announced that the preview target of the stock image was the "spinning effect," and the timing of the execution of the "spinning effect" is suggested. The stock character "Nana" is a character that is the subject of a preview of either the "spinning effect" or the "increased expectation level (star)." When the "stock effect" of the stock character "Nana" is executed with the "spinning effect" as the preview target, the "spinning effect" is executed in a presentation format in which "Nana" appears. This increases the relevance of the effect, and increases the interest in the game. The "spinning effect" is a preview effect that can be executed even when it is not the subject of a preview of the "prediction stock effect" or the "stock effect." (C9) is a diagram showing the situation when the candidate images "Powerful Zone," "Weak SP," "Strong SP," and "Super Hot" are moving and displayed in a predetermined manner, and as shown in (D9), the moving display gradually accelerates, and a stop display action 666SKY056 is executed by the stock character "Nana." (E9) is a diagram showing the situation when the candidate image "Strong SP" 666SKY041 stops moving from the spinning effect and moves from the top of the screen to the target area 666SKY043, and the "Strong SP Reach" is determined as the destination of the effect development. In addition to "Nana," "Jam" and "Mumu" can also perform the "spinning effect." "Jam" and "Mumu" also perform the stop display action as shown in (D9), but the stop action differs depending on the character. As will be explained later, "Jam" and "Mumu" can perform a "promotion after spinning effect", and while they also perform a stop display action during a "promotion after spinning effect", this stop display action is performed in the same way as the stop display action of each character performed during the "spinning effect".

Figure 51 is an explanatory diagram of "Expectation Level Increase (Star)." (A10) displays the title of SP Reach Presentation B, and below the title is displayed an image 666SKY068 in the form of a star indicating the expectation level of this Reach. This SP Reach Presentation B is displayed with three stars lit, and the "Nana" standby image is displayed in the lower right corner of the image display device 5. (B10) displays the title displayed in (A10), and after a certain period of time (approximately one second) during which the player can recognize which SP Reach presentation will be performed, the standby image 666SKY064 changes to a stock release cut-in image 666SKY065, a blackout effect is executed, and "Expectation Level Increase (Star)" is executed, with the "Nana" stock image being the predicted target. (C10) displays the stock release cut-in image, and then the character "Nana" 666SKY042 is displayed, along with an effect image 666SKY066 emphasizing the character "Nana." After that, as shown in (D10), the character "Nana" acts on the image showing the likelihood of a win, causing effect 666SKY067, and as shown in (E10), the number of stars on image 666SKY068 showing the likelihood of a win changes from 3 to 3.5. The "increased likelihood of a win (stars)" effect is unique to "Nana."

Figure 52 is an explanatory diagram of the "promotion after the spinning effect." (A11) and (B11) are diagrams of the "spinning effect." After the "spinning effect" ends, the standby image displayed up until (B11) changes to a stock release cut-in image, a blackout effect is executed, and the "promotion after the spinning effect" is executed, with the "jam" stock image being the predicted target. (C11) to (F11) execute an effect similar to the "spinning effect." The difference from the "spinning effect" is that in the "spinning effect," the candidate display is displayed as a static display when the effect starts, whereas the "promotion after the spinning effect" starts with the candidate display moving in a predetermined manner. This is because repeating the same effect from the "spinning effect" to the "promotion after the spinning effect" could potentially reduce the player's interest. Therefore, the start timing of the effect is intentionally changed to shorten the duration of the effect while conveying the promotion. "Mumu" can also perform the "Promotion after Spinning Effect", and a stop display action is also performed in the "Promotion after Spinning Effect", but this stop display action is performed in the same way as the stop display action performed by "Mumu" in the "Spinning Effect".

Figure 53 is an explanatory diagram of the "Hold Change Effect." (A12) shows the title of SP Reach Effect B, with the "Jam" standby image displayed in the lower right corner of the image display device 5. The standby image displayed up until (B12) changes to a stock release cut-in image, a blackout effect is executed, and the "Hold Change Effect" is executed, with the "Jam" stock image as the predicted target. After the stock release cut-in image is displayed, as in (C12), the character "Jam" 666SKY045 is displayed, and at the same time, an effect image 666SKY066 emphasizing the character "Jam" is displayed. Then, as in (D12), an effect 666SKY069 is generated indicating that the character "Jam" is affecting the active display, and as in (E12), the active display changes from the white active display 666SKY026 to the red active display 666SKY070. The "Hold Change Effect" is an effect unique to "Jam."

Figure 54 is an explanatory diagram of the "title change effect." (A13) shows the state in which the title of SP Reach effect B is displayed, and the standby image of "Mumu" is displayed in the lower right corner of the image display device 5. The standby image displayed up until (B13) changes to a stock release cut-in image, a blackout effect is executed, and the "title change effect" is executed, with the stock image of "Mumu" as the preview target. After the stock release cut-in image is displayed, as in (C13), the character "Mumu" 666SKY073 is displayed, and at the same time, effect image 666SKY066 emphasizing the character "Mumu" is displayed. Then, "Mumu" displays display 666SKY074, which suggests that the title color will change. As in (D13), display 666SKY074, which suggests that the title color will change, affects the title, changing from white text to red text 666SKY075. The "title change effect" is an effect unique to "Mumu."

Figure 55 is an explanatory diagram of the "Super Hot Cut-in Effect." (A14) shows the title of SP Reach Effect B displayed, with the "Rim" standby image 666SKY076 displayed in the lower right corner of the image display device 5. In (B14), the SP Reach Effect B battle effect begins, and in (C14) and (D14) the battle begins, with the outcome of the battle (jackpot judgment effect) about to be decided. After "The showdown will be decided next!" is displayed in (D14), the "Rim" standby image changes to a stock release cut-in image, as in (E14), and a blackout effect is executed. When the stock release cut-in image and blackout effect end, as shown in (F14), a single button press prompt image 666SKY034 is displayed, and if the push button 31B is operated within the operation time indicated by the single button press prompt image, or when the operation time indicated by the single button press prompt image ends, a super hot cut-in 666SKY078 is displayed, as shown in (G14). This effect is executed between (P4) in Figure 35 and (Q4) in Figure 36. The "super hot cut-in effect" is an effect unique to "Rim."

Figure 56 is an explanatory diagram of the "Strong SP Reach Transition Effect." (A15) shows the state in which the title of SP Reach Effect A is displayed and the standby image of "Rim" is displayed in the lower right corner of the image display device 5. (B15) shows the rock-paper-scissors showdown of SP Reach Effect A about to begin, in which the ally character "Mumu" challenges the enemy character "Jam" to rock-paper-scissors and announces a jackpot by winning the game. At the timing of the transition to the rock-paper-scissors effect, the standby image of "Rimu" changes to a stock release cut-in image as shown in (C15), and a blackout effect is executed. As shown in (D15), when the stock release cut-in image and the blackout effect end, a single button press prompt image 666SKY034 is displayed. If the push button 31B is operated within the operation time indicated by the single button press prompt image, or when the operation time indicated by the single button press prompt image ends, the screen 666SKY079 displaying the rim and the screen 666SKY079 displaying the jam fade out as shown in (E15), and a title display indicating that the SP Reach effect B will begin is displayed as shown in (F15). The "Strong SP Reach Transition Effect" is an effect that executes a reach effect with a higher probability of winning than the currently executed reach effect, and is an effect unique to "Rim." Also, in FIG. 56, when SP Reach A is executed, the character "Mumu" is an ally character and the character "Jam" is an enemy character. However, "Jam," who was an ally character in SP Reach B, is an enemy character in FIG. 56. In this way, the characters you choose as allies and enemies will change depending on your reach.

(Regarding control when stock effects are executed)
The flow of executing the "predictive stock effect" described in Figure 31 and the flow of executing the "stock effect" with the corresponding fluctuation described in Figure 32 will be explained using the control flows of Figures 26 to 28, including the control aspects.

As shown in Figure 31 (A1), when the third reserved item starts winning, the look-ahead notification setting process of Figure 26 is executed, and in the process of S710, a decision is made to execute the look-ahead notification and to set the look-ahead notification pattern to "look-ahead stock effect." Then, as shown in Figure 31 (B1), when the reserved item shifts from the situation in Figure 31 (A1) and begins to change, the variable display start setting process of Figure 27 is executed, and in the process of S535, the set look-ahead pattern ("look-ahead stock effect") is executed. By performing this process, the "look-ahead stock effect" as shown in Figure 31 (C1) to (F1) is unfolded.

Figure 32 (A2) shows the timing when a start win occurs when the number of reserved memories is 0. At this timing, the variable display start setting process of Figure 27 is executed, and in the process of S529, a decision is made to execute a "stock effect" as a preview during the change. After that, the "stock effect" as shown in Figure 32 (B2) to (G2) is unfolded.

As described above, in this gaming machine, the "preview stock effect" is determined to be executed in the preview notification setting process, and the "stock effect" is determined to be executed in the variable display start setting process.

(About Rim's direction)
Although the effects that can be executed by the stock images of each character (the effects in Figures 50 to 56) have been described, only the effect of the stock image of "Rim" is designed to always display a button operation prompt effect. This gives the effect that can be executed by the stock image of "Rim" a special feeling, increasing the enjoyment of the game. In addition, the effect of the stock image of each character is designed to always be executed after the stock release cut-in image is displayed. This makes it possible to clearly determine when the stock effect of each character will be executed, increasing the enjoyment of the game.

(The relationship between "Stock Effects" and Yu-Time)
As described above, this gaming machine has a state called Yu-Time, and a "stock effect" may be executed during Yu-Time. If a "stock effect" is executed during Yu-Time, the machine may be designed so that a jackpot is confirmed when the "stock effect" is executed. Furthermore, since the fluctuation time during Yu-Time is designed to be short, the "predictive stock effect" may not be executed. By doing so, effects that provoke the player can be minimized as much as possible during Yu-Time, and unnecessary provokes for players who have continued playing for a long time without winning a jackpot under normal conditions are reduced, thereby preventing dissatisfaction among the player.

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.

(SP Reach X)
57 to 63 are explanatory diagrams showing specific examples of development notice effects and SP Reach X. Of Fig. 57 to 63, Fig. 57 to 62 are specific examples of when effects are executed based on a jackpot. Of Fig. 57 to 63, Fig. 57 to 60 and Fig. 63 are specific examples of when effects are executed based on a miss.

In the examples shown in Figures 57 to 63, after a losing symbol ("327") is displayed on the image display device 5 as the display result of the previous variable display (1-1), a variable display based on a jackpot or a loss begins (1-2).

Next, when the left and right decorative symbols reach a "1" state (Figure 57 (3)), a normal reach effect is executed in which the center decorative symbol scrolls slowly, and then the image display device 5 goes white and the development preview effect begins (1-4).

In the development preview effect, first, the first ally character 004IWC01 appears (1-4), followed by the appearance of the character "Mumu" 666SKY073 (1-5). Next, an effect is displayed in which the word "Development" is displayed superimposed on the first ally character 004IWC01 and the character "Mumu" 666SKY073 (1-6). Next, the first mini-character 004IWC03 is displayed as if it is multiplying, superimposed on the first ally character 004IWC01, the character "Mumu" 666SKY073, and the word "Development" (1-7), and eventually the multiplied first mini-character 004IWC03 is displayed so that it fills the screen (1-8).

After that, when SP Reach X begins, the multiplied first mini-characters 004IWC03 gradually disappear (1-9), and eventually a visual display is displayed in which all first mini-characters 004IWC03 have disappeared (1-10).

Next, an effect is displayed in which the enemy character "Nana" SKY100 lands on the ground (1-11), after which the screen switches to a white background image and the word "decisive battle" is displayed in the center of the screen (1-12). Note that the word "decisive battle" displayed in (1-12) is displayed in the foreground until timing (1-15).

Next, a parallelogram-shaped area containing the word "Decisive Battle" is displayed in the center of the screen. On the left side, a first superimposed image is displayed depicting the character "Mumu" 666SKY073 and multiple stars, and on the right side, a second superimposed image is displayed depicting the enemy character "Nana" SKY100 and multiple broken hearts (1-13).

Next, the first superimposed image on the left and the second superimposed image on the right are moved to the center and joined together, and the word "decisive battle" is superimposed on these images (1-14). After that, the first superimposed image on the left and the second superimposed image on the right are moved back to their original positions, and the background image for SP Reach X is displayed in the same parallelogram area formed between the two images as originally formed. The word "decisive battle" is then superimposed on the background image for SP Reach X (1-15).

Next, the first superimposed image on the left and the second superimposed image on the right are erased, and the background image for SP Reach X is displayed in the area where they were previously displayed. Also, a visual effect is displayed in which the character "Mumu" 666SKY073 faces off against the enemy character "Nana" SKY100 (1-16).

Next, a visual effect is displayed in which the enemy character "Nana" SKY100 begins an attack on character "Mumu" 666SKY073 (1-17). A flame effect image is displayed around the enemy character "Nana" SKY100 (1-18), and a visual effect is displayed in which a giant spherical energy bullet is formed above the head of the enemy character "Nana" SKY100 (1-19). After that, the name of the technique using the giant spherical energy bullet, "Mugen Baku Shinsho" SKY101, is displayed (1-20).

Next, a visual effect is displayed showing the character "Mumu" 666SKY073 beginning an attack on the enemy character "Nana" SKY100 (1-21). A flame effect image is displayed around the character "Mumu" 666SKY073 (1-22), and a visual effect is displayed showing a giant energy ball being fired from above the character "Mumu" 666SKY073's head (1-23). Afterwards, the name of the technique using the energy ball, "Delta Break" SKY102, is displayed (1-24).

Next, a visual effect is displayed in which a spherical energy bullet formed by the enemy character "Nana" SKY100 collides with an energy bullet output from the character "Mumu" 666SKY073 (1-25). Next, while the visual effect of the energy bullets colliding in the center of the screen continues, a first superimposed image depicting the character "Mumu" 666SKY073 and multiple stars is displayed in a triangular area at the bottom left of the screen, and a second superimposed image depicting the enemy character "Nana" SKY100 and multiple broken hearts is displayed in a triangular area at the top right of the screen (1-26).

Then, the effect display shown in (1-26) continues for four seconds (at a slower speed than immediately before). At this time, a slow-motion effect is executed, in which the progress speed of the effect changes from normal speed to a speed slower than normal speed. Specifically, an effect display is executed in which the movement speed of the energy bullets and characters slows down. Note that while the slow-motion effect slows down the movement speed of the energy bullets and characters, the swinging movement speed of the decorative symbols in the reach mode displayed in the upper right corner of the screen and the movement speed (rotation, etc.) of the active display do not slow down (i.e., they are not affected by the slow-motion effect).

This slow motion effect corresponds to the final exciting part of a Super Reach, and by slowing down the speed at which the effect progresses, it allows the player to focus on how the effect progresses, i.e., whether or not it will progress to an effect announcing a jackpot.

(Epilogue 1)
In the case of a jackpot (Figures 61-62), after (1-26), a background image depicting the character "Mumu" 666SKY073 and multiple stars is displayed (1-27). In this example, illumination control for the decorative illuminant to emit rainbow colors begins from the scene shown in (1-27). For example, in the scenes shown in (1-27) and (1-37), the decorative illuminant rapidly blinks (flashes) in rainbow colors, and in the scenes shown in (1-28) to (1-36) and (1-38) to (1-40), the decorative illuminant slowly emits rainbow colors.

Next, the character "Mumu" 666SKY073 makes a peace sign (1-28), followed by the word "Complete" (1-29) in the upper left of the screen, the word "All" (1-30) in the upper right of the screen, the word "Decision" (1-31) in the lower left of the screen, and the word "Jaku" (1-32) in the lower right of the screen. Once all the "Complete Decision" characters are displayed, the center decorative symbol "1" (1-32), which is the winning combination, is displayed.

Next, a light effect image (1-32) is displayed superimposed on the previous effect display (1-30) including the character "Mumu" 666SKY073 and the center decorative pattern "1", and the light effect image is enlarged to display an effect that covers the character "Mumu" 666SKY073 and the center decorative pattern "1" (1-34). At this time, the light effect image is opaque, so the covered character "Mumu" 666SKY073 and the center decorative pattern "1" are not visible.

Next, a light effect image covers the entire screen, and then a display is displayed in which the jackpot symbol "111" including the center decorative symbol "1" appears (1-35). The jackpot symbol "111" then gradually expands (1-34) until it covers the entire screen (1-37). After that, the jackpot symbol "111" is displayed at the same size as when the normal fluctuations were occurring before the reach was achieved, and is displayed as if it were swaying four times (1-36).

Then, the image display device 5 goes white, SP Reach X ends, and the same background image as when the normal fluctuation occurred before the Reach was established is displayed, along with the jackpot symbol "111" being temporarily displayed (1-39). After that, the jackpot symbol "111" is displayed (1-40).

If the result is a miss (Figure 63), after (1-26), a background image depicting the enemy character "Nana" SKY100 and multiple broken hearts is displayed (1-41). In this example, light emission control begins from the scene shown in (1-41), causing the decorative light source to emit a low-intensity white light.

Next, an effect is displayed in which the enemy character "Nana" SKY100 raises his hands in joy (1-42), and then the center decorative symbol "2" is displayed superimposed on the enemy character "Nana" SKY100 (1-43). Then, after the center decorative symbol "2", which is a losing combination, is displayed swaying five times, the image display device 5 goes black (1-44), and SP Reach X ends.

When the SP Reach X ends, the same background image as when the normal fluctuation occurred before the Reach was established is displayed, and the losing symbol "121" is temporarily displayed (1-45). After that, the losing symbol "121" is displayed (1-46).

(Fanfare performance 1)
After the jackpot symbol stops and is displayed (Fig. 62 (1-40)), a fanfare effect is executed. Figs. 64 to 66 are detailed views of the fanfare effect of jackpot A. Jackpot A is a jackpot that is not controlled by a probability variable but by a time-saving control, and is not the most exciting jackpot for players (meaning it is the lowest). Jackpot B, which is controlled by a probability variable state, will be discussed later.

When the fanfare effect for jackpot A is executed, the right-hit display (small) SKY103 will be displayed in the upper right corner of the screen. The right-hit display (small) SKY103 will be displayed before the BONUS name is displayed. First, the fanfare begins with the letter "B" from "BONUS" appearing from the top of the screen to the center (2-1), (2-2), then the letter "B" moving to the left as the letter "O" appears next to it from the top of the right half of the screen to the center (2-3), (2-4), then the letter "O" moving to the left as the letter "N" appears next to it from the top of the right half of the screen to the center (2-5), (2-6), then the letter "N" moving to the left as the letter "U" appears next to it from the top of the right half of the screen to the center (2-7), (2-8), then the letter "U" moving to the left as the letter "S" appears next to it from the top of the right half of the screen to the center (2-9), (2-10), and then the letter "S" moving left as it moves off the screen (2-10).

While this series of displays is being executed, the background in Figures 65 and 66 that follow is the same. After that, the screen will show only the background (2-11), and then the word "BONUS" indicating jackpot A and an effect image will be displayed in a reduced size (2-12), (2-13).

Then, the right-hand hit display (large) SKY104 is displayed moving from the left of the screen toward the right, then moving a certain distance to the right, then moving a certain distance to the left, then moving a certain distance to the right again, then moving a certain distance to the left again (2-14) to (2-19). The right-hand hit display (large) SKY104 displayed on the screen will not move off the screen until all shapes become visible as in (2-16) and the screen switches to the round screen.

By performing a fanfare effect in this way, players can be given a sense of celebration and their interest in the game can be increased. In addition, as shown in Figures 64 and 65, by displaying the letters one by one (for example, "B") and then displaying them all together (for example, "BONUS"), the name of the jackpot can be clearly seen by the player, attracting their attention.

In addition, by designing the right-hand hit display (large) SKY104 so that it does not move off the screen until all shapes become visible and the screen switches to the round screen, the player is properly informed that a right-hand hit will be made, increasing their interest in the game.

(Round performance)
FIG. 67 shows in detail the round effect that occurs after the fanfare effect for a jackpot B (controlled into a probability variable state) is executed. (3-1) shows the screen when the round effect begins. The right-hand hit indicator (small) SKY103 continues from the fanfare effect in the upper right, the round number indicator indicating the current round number is displayed in the upper left, and the prize ball number indicator SKY105 indicating the number of prize balls paid out as a result of the jackpot is displayed in the lower right. Subsequently, when a prize ball is paid out, a number is displayed above the prize ball number indicator SKY105, and the upper number moves downward, pushing aside the number displayed on the prize ball number indicator SKY105, updating the prize ball number indicator SKY105 (3-2). When the preset number of rounds (e.g., six rounds) is reached, the round number indicator in the upper left becomes FINAL, indicating that this is the last round (3-3). After the jackpot is over, the screen switches to one where the mode for the probability variable state can be selected, and then the screen changes to one where the mode can be selected within a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) (3-4), (3-5), (3-6). After that, the logo of the company that developed the game machine and a display to prevent addiction to the game machine are displayed (3-7), (3-8).

In this way, by moving the displayed numbers downward as if pushing them aside, the player can recognize that the prize ball count display SKY105 has been updated, and the prize ball count display SKY105 can be displayed appropriately during the round performance. Also, as shown in (3-4), on the previous screen displayed before selecting a mode, the words "Select a mode!" are displayed without reducing visibility, and the "Powerful Rush" and "Pato Pato Attack" displayed behind it, which indicate the modes in the special mode, are displayed with reduced visibility, just like the background. Also, at this time, the right-hit display (small) SKY103 is designed to be displayed without reducing visibility. By doing this, the player can recognize that this is the screen for selecting a mode while appropriately notifying them that they will be hitting right.

Furthermore, as in (3-5) and (3-6), when one mode is selected, it is displayed larger than the other mode and its visibility is reduced. This makes it possible for the player to see at a glance which mode is currently selected, and the display is easy to understand.

(Powerful RUSH)
Figures 68 to 70 are detailed diagrams of the effects that occur during Powerful Rush. First, when Powerful Rush is selected according to Figure 67 (3-6), after the display of (3-8) is completed, a screen displaying the selected mode name (e.g., Powerful Rush) is displayed across the entire screen (4-1). The screen then switches, displaying the background and decorative symbols (666SKY020, 666SKY021, 666SKY022) for the variable probability stage, with the symbols displayed as static symbols representing the jackpot during normal play. Also, in the upper right corner of the screen, the right-hit display (small) SKY103 continues to be displayed from the fanfare effect (4-2). The right-hit display (small) SKY103 continues to be displayed from the fanfare effect that was displayed upon a normal jackpot until the right-hit state (e.g., variable probability state, time-saving state) ends.

(4-3) indicates that the change has begun, and (4-4) indicates that one rotation has completed. Here, the pending display (666SKY025) increases, and (4-5) the pending display slides left, causing the pending changes within the active display to occur. During the change, a cut-in display is shown, as in (4-6), suggesting that something may happen to the player. Furthermore, a different cut-in from the one that was displayed up until that point is displayed superimposed on the previous cut-in (4-7). After a set amount of time has passed (for example, 3 seconds), the cut-in display becomes difficult to see (4-8), and either SP Reach C (button chance) or SP Reach (rapid tap chance) is executed.

(Button Chance)
Figure 69 shows details of SP Reach C (button chance). In (4-9), "2"s are provisionally stopped on the left and right decorative symbols, indicating a reach state. After that, a "1" appears to be about to stop on the center decorative symbol, and the decorative "2" is about to push it out (4-10). A button indicator 666SKY034 is then displayed to prompt the player to press the button. By pressing the button, the player can determine whether they have won or lost. If the decorative symbols line up through the button effect, the symbols line up in a provisionally stopped state, as shown in (4-12). If they do not line up, the "1" appears provisionally stopped on the center decorative symbol, as shown in (4-13), and then remains stationary (4-13, (4-14)).

(Chance to hit repeatedly)
Figure 70 shows details of the SP Reach D (rapid tap challenge). A title indicating that a rapid tap challenge will be performed is displayed as shown in (4-15). Afterwards, a character appears in a praying pose. The word "FEVER" is displayed behind the character, and the player is prompted to rapidly press the button via the button indicator 666SKY034. If the character lights up, the player wins (4-16). If successful, the entire word "FEVER" is lit, as shown in (4-17), and the character has a happy expression. If the player loses, the word "FEVER" is completely lit, as shown in (4-18), and the entire screen dims and goes dark. The decorative symbols then temporarily stop and then remain stationary (4-19), (4-20).

(Epilogue 2)
Figure 71 shows a common epilogue for jackpots in Figure 69 (button chance) and Figure 70 (rapid-hit chance). After announcing a jackpot as shown in (4-12) and (4-17), the moving body 32 drops from the top of the screen to the center, pauses, and then rises at a slower rate than the speed at which it fell, returning to its original position (4-21) to (4-23). The decorative symbol and the small character SKY 106 are then displayed (4-24), the decorative symbol gradually expands (4-25), and after reaching a certain size (4-26), a decorative symbol the same size as the normal variable (e.g., (4-2)) is temporarily displayed, then remains stationary (4-27). At this time, the small character SKY 106 bounces up and down as if celebrating the jackpot.

In this way, by making the initial movement of the moving object faster than the returning speed of the moving object, it is possible to emphasize to the player that they have won, increasing their interest in the game. Meanwhile, by making the returning movement slower than the falling movement, it is easier to draw the attention of the moving object to the screen or other displayed objects. Furthermore, after the moving object returns to its original position, the character "Mumu (small) SKY 106" is displayed. The accompanying movement creates a stronger sense of celebration than a display of just the decorative image. Furthermore, by enlarging the decorative image and returning it to its original size (for example, the same size as (4-2)), it is possible to further emphasize the fact that they have won, drawing the player's attention.

(Fanfare performance 2)
72 and 73 are diagrams showing in detail the presentation of jackpot C. Jackpot C is a jackpot that is executed when controlled in the probability variable state or the time-saving state, is a jackpot controlled in the probability variable state, is the jackpot with the largest number of prize balls among all types of jackpots, and is the jackpot that players are most pleased with.

The fanfare effect for jackpot C is that the character "Super" shrinks from the top of the screen and is displayed in the center of the screen; when it reaches a certain size (for example, larger than the right-hit display (small) and smaller than the entire display of "Super Powerful Bonus" (described later (5-8)), the shrinking stops and the character remains at that size for a certain period of time (for example, about 1 second) (5-1), (5-2). The character "Super" disappears, and then the character "Powerful" shrinks from the center of the screen and is displayed in the center of the screen; when it reaches a certain size (for example, larger than the right-hit display (small) and smaller than the entire display of "Super Powerful Bonus" (described later (5-8)), the shrinking stops and the character remains at that size for a certain period of time (for example, about 1 second) (5-3), (5-4). The word "BONUS" is displayed in the center of the screen while shrinking from the bottom of the screen, and when it reaches a certain size (for example, larger than the right-hand hit display (small) and smaller than the full display of "Super Powerful Bonus" (explained later) (5-8)), the shrinking stops and it is displayed at that size for a certain period of time (for example, about 1 second) (5-5), (5-6). After that, the individually displayed letters ("Super", "Powerful", "BONUS") are combined and shrinking until they fit the entire screen, and the shrinking stops and it is displayed at that size for a certain period of time (for example, about 3 seconds) (5-7).
), (5-8).

Then, the right-hand hit display (large) SKY104 is displayed moving from the left of the screen toward the right, then moving a certain distance to the right, then a certain distance to the left, then a certain distance to the right again, then a certain distance to the left again (5-9) to (5-14). The right-hand hit display (large) SKY104 displayed on the screen will not move off the screen until all shapes become visible as in (5-11) and the screen switches to the round screen.

(Fanfare performance 3)
74 and 75 are diagrams showing in detail the presentation of jackpot B. Jackpot B is a jackpot that can occur in all states, and among the types of jackpots, it has the same number of prize balls as jackpot A, but is a jackpot controlled in the variable probability state, so it is a jackpot that is more pleasing to players than jackpot A, but in the variable probability state it has fewer prize balls than jackpot C.

The fanfare effect for jackpot B is as follows: the word "POWERFUL" shrinks from the center of the screen and is displayed in the center of the screen; when it reaches a certain size (for example, larger than the right-hit display (small) and smaller than the full display of "POWERFUL BONUS" described later (6-6)), the shrinking stops and the word remains at that size for a certain period of time (for example, approximately 1 second) (6-1), (6-2). The word "POWERFUL" disappears, and then the word "BONUS" shrinks from the center of the screen and is displayed in the center of the screen; when it reaches a certain size (for example, larger than the right-hit display (small) and smaller than the full display of "POWERFUL BONUS" described later (6-6)), the shrinking stops and the word remains at that size for a certain period of time (for example, approximately 1 second) (6-3), (6-4). After that, the individually displayed characters ("Powerful", "BONUS") are combined and displayed in a reduced size until they fit the entire screen. The reduced size is then stopped and the characters are displayed at that size for a set period of time (for example, about 3 seconds) (6-5), (6-6).

Then, the right-hand hit display (large) SKY104 is displayed moving from the left of the screen toward the right, then moving a certain distance to the right, then a certain distance to the left, then a certain distance to the right again, then a certain distance to the left again (6-7) to (6-12). The right-hand hit display (large) SKY104 displayed on the screen will not move off the screen until all shapes become visible as in (6-9) and the screen switches to the round screen.

In this way, unlike Jackpot A, Jackpot B and Jackpot C display letters word by word, allowing players to focus on the word rather than each individual letter, and the fanfare effect. Also, by designing the Right Hit Display (Large) SKY104 so that it does not move off the screen until the round screen appears after all shapes are visible, players are properly notified that they will be hitting right, increasing their interest in the game.

(Color relationships)
Figure 76 is a color wheel. First, the color wheel shows the relationship between colors, with each number representing a color as listed at the bottom of Figure 76. Numbers "6" and "7" on the right, and numbers "9" and "10" on the right, have the same color name, but number "7" has a green with more blue than number "6," and number "10" has a blue with more purple than number "9." Looking at the color wheel based on number "0," the relationship between number "0" yellow and number "0" yellow is a color scheme between colors of the same hue, a so-called "similar color scheme," and is a relationship between the same hue with a common hue. The relationship between number "0" yellow and number "12" blue-purple is a relationship between complementary hues, which are colors facing each other on the color wheel. They are said to enhance each other's colors, creating a strong contrast that draws the eye. The relationship between yellow (number 0) and the colors (numbers 8 to 12) on either side of it refers to multiple colors that are located on opposite sides of the color wheel, including complementary hues. This means that numbers 8 to 12 on either side of yellow (number 0) are contrasting hues, and complementary hues are opposite colors. This is also true when using other numbers as the base; for example, if we use number 6 on the left as the base, number 6 on the right is a complementary hue, and numbers 2 to 10 on the right are contrasting hues.

(Regarding negative-positive reversal)
FIG. 77 illustrates the changes that occur during the negative-positive inversion process. Negative-positive inversion is a technique for displaying an image like a negative film by inverting the brightness and color tones of the original image. The primary role of negative-positive inversion in this gaming machine is to display images that are inverted and to emphasize the effects associated with negative-positive inversion. In this embodiment, negative-positive inversion is designed to create the appearance of negative-positive inversion by changing the color code values that represent brightness and color tones. Next, a color code is a code consisting of a string of characters used to represent a color. This embodiment uses a hexadecimal color code. For example, in a color code such as "#FF5500," the first and second "FF" characters from the left are parameters for the shade of red, the third and fourth "55" characters from the left are parameters for the shade of green, and the fifth and sixth "00" characters from the left are parameters for the shade of blue. The combination of these parameters creates the color displayed in one pixel. The negative-positive inversion in this embodiment is a process that displays the opposite color (the range of contrasting and complementary hues) of the original image, or the opposite brightness of the original image, or both, and is different from a monochrome effect that changes the color to black. For example, if the color code "#FF5500" is inverted, it is calculated to become the color code "#00AAFF." The calculation converts the value to the opposite value and displays it, such as "F"<="0,""E"<="1,""D"<="2,""C"<="3,""B"<="4,""A"<="5,""9"<="6," and "8"<="7." Furthermore, although the negative-positive inversion in this embodiment is not shown, this is an embodiment in which negative-positive inversion is performed to change a chromatic color into a different chromatic color. Furthermore, as will be described later, a display involving negative-positive inversion begins outputting a corresponding sound before or after the negative-positive inversion. Therefore, when the display is displayed in negative-positive inversion, output of the corresponding sound does not begin (if the corresponding sound was output before the negative-positive inversion, it continues to be output). The drawings of negative-positive inversion described below also incorporate the above-mentioned description (description of negative-positive inversion). Furthermore, in this embodiment, descriptions such as the normal mode, original mode, and original display are used, but these refer to a screen displayed with a color code before the color code is changed by negative-positive inversion. For example, referring to FIG. 88, the normal mode, original mode, and original display correspond to figures other than (14-3), and the negative-positive inversion corresponds to figure (14-3). Basically, drawings illustrating negative-positive inversion are generally depicted using dark colors. In addition, when there are multiple types of effects that perform negative-positive reversal within the same effect, the normal mode and the negative-positive reversal mode are basically designed to have different color codes (for example, the candidate images in this embodiment described later are green for "weak SP," red for "strong SP," and yellow (gold) for "super hot").

Figure 77, before negative-positive inversion, shows a scene where stock image 666SKY011 was acquired during normal fluctuation, as shown in Figure 77. In this embodiment, negative-positive inversion is performed when a stock image is acquired. The scene when negative-positive inversion is performed (after negative-positive inversion) gives the impression of lower overall brightness and color tone (in color code terms, the proportion of hexadecimal values on the 0 side is higher than the proportion of hexadecimal values on the F side) compared to the image before negative-positive inversion. Essentially, the image before negative-positive inversion is designed to give the impression of higher overall brightness and color tone (in color code terms, the proportion of hexadecimal values on the F side is higher than the proportion of hexadecimal values on the 0 side). In addition, the constant small pattern 666SKY023, active display area 666SKY024, active display 666SKY026, pending display 666SKY025, etc. are not affected when not subject to negative-positive inversion. Furthermore, the constant small symbol 666SKY023 is a display that allows the player to confirm that it is changing, and if it is affected by negative/positive reversal, it could become difficult to see, so it is designed to be unaffected. The right-hit display (small) SKY103 serves to notify the player that a right hit is being made, and is displayed during the right-hit period (e.g., during fanfare effects, round effects, time-saving effects, and probability bonus effects), so it is designed to be unaffected by negative/positive reversal to avoid reducing its visibility. Similarly, if the active display area 666SKY024 were affected by negative/positive reversal in the same way as the constant small symbol 666SKY023, it could not only reduce the visibility of the active display 666SKY026 displayed in the active display area 666SKY024, but also create a sense of expectation in the player that the active display 666SKY026 will change, which could lead to excessive gambling, so it is designed to be unaffected. Additionally, as mentioned above, the active display 666SKY026 and the hold display 666SKY025 give players a sense of anticipation that the active display 666SKY026 and the hold display 666SKY025 will change, which could lead to excessive gambling, so they are designed not to be affected by negative/positive reversals other than those that occur when the active display 666SKY026 or the hold display 666SKY025 is the target (for example, a hold change, etc.).

Figures 78 to 81 show how color codes change with negative-positive inversion. First, Figure 78 is a detailed view of stock image 666SKY011 before and after negative-positive inversion. In stock image 666SKY011 before negative-positive inversion, the character Mumu's hair is "#1FA93D" (green), her fingers are "#F7CDA8" (yellowish orange), her clothes (top) are "#0D68B3" (blue (2)), her clothes (bottom) are "#1FA93D" (green), and the background of the character Mumu is "#EC2A1F" (red). In contrast, the character Mumu's hair displayed in stock image 666SKY011, which is in the negative-positive inversion state, is "#E056C2" (purple), her fingers are "#083275" (bluish purple), her top clothes are "#F2974C" (yellowish orange), her bottom clothes are "#E056C2" (purple), and the background of the character Mumu is "#03D5E0" (greenish blue).

In this way, when the display of a target for negative-positive inversion is inverted, the color code is changed to the opposite color, thereby highlighting the image displayed after inversion. Furthermore, the display of a target for negative-positive inversion is designed so that inversion will not occur if color codes containing "FF" or "00" are 50% or more, and the inversion effect is designed to keep consecutive color codes containing "FF" or "00" (color codes containing "FF" or "00" next to each other) below 50%. This is because there is a risk of an abnormal reaction to light stimuli that hit the eyes, causing symptoms such as convulsions, convulsions, and loss of consciousness (photosensitive seizures), so the possibility of developing these conditions can be reduced by designing the number of color codes containing "FF" or "00" to be fewer than color codes not containing "FF" or "00".

Figure 79 shows a portion of stock image 666SKY011 magnified approximately 100 times, illustrating the color code of stock image 666SKY011 in more detail. (A1) is an enlarged view of the character Mumu's hair before it was inverted, with the hair outline being "#000000" (black), the hair being "#1FA93D" (green), and the hair shadow being "#0B7A3B" (green). Furthermore, in (A1), the color code does not include "FF" or "00" except for the hair outline, and the image is designed so that even when enlarged approximately 10 times, color codes including "FF" or "00" (color codes with "FF" or "00" next to each other) are kept to within 50%.

(B1) is an enlarged view of the character Mumu's hand before it is reversed, with the fingers colored "#F7CDA8" (yellowish orange) and the outlines of the fingers colored "#000000" (black). (B1) also uses a color code that does not include "FF" or "00" other than the outlines of the fingers, and is designed so that even when enlarged approximately 10 times, the color code including "FF" and "00" is kept to within 50%.

(C1) is an enlarged view of the character Mumu's hair when the image is reversed from negative to positive, with the outline of the hair being "#FFFFFF" (white), the hair being "#E056C2" (purple), and the shadow of the hair being "#F485C4" (purple). Furthermore, in (C1), the color code does not include "FF" or "00" except for the outline of the hair, and the image is designed so that even when enlarged approximately 10 times, the color code including "FF" or "00" (color codes with "FF" or "00" next to each other) is kept to within 50%.

(D1) is an enlarged view of the character Mumu's hand when reversed from negative to positive, with the fingers colored "#083257" (blue (2)) and the outlines of the fingers colored "#FFFFFF" (white). (D1) also uses a color code that does not include "FF" or "00" other than the outlines of the fingers, and is designed so that even when enlarged approximately 10 times, the color code containing "FF" or "00" (color codes containing adjacent "FF" or "00") is kept to within 50%.

Figure 80 shows an overall view of the negative-positive reversal that occurs when the title changes, and an overall view after the negative-positive reversal, which is the display that occurs after a reach is reached. Here, too, the small symbols, active display, and active display area do not change, and the numbers that have reached are also not affected by the negative-positive reversal. If they were affected by the negative-positive reversal, the visibility of the reach symbols would be reduced, which could reduce interest in the game due to the controls that occur due to the reach symbols (for example, if a jackpot is an odd number, it is a special jackpot, if an even number is a normal jackpot, etc.).

The background during negative-positive inversion is "#D82206" (red), the background pattern is "#FFFFFF" (white), the character Jam's hair is "#2CE42C" (green), his skin is "#083275" (blue (2)), his top clothes are "#FFFFFF" (white), and the effect displayed in the background for the character Jam is "#1112E9" (blue). In contrast, the background after negative-positive inversion is "#27DDF9" (blue), the background pattern is "#000000" (black), the character Jam's hair is "#D31BD3" (purple), his skin is "#F7CDA8" (yellowish orange), his top clothes are "#000000" (black), and the effect displayed in the background for the character Jam is "#EEED16" (yellow).

In this way, when the display of a target for negative-positive inversion is inverted, the color code is changed to the opposite color, thereby highlighting the image displayed after inversion. Furthermore, the display of a target for negative-positive inversion is designed so that inversion will not occur if the color code containing "FF" or "00" is 50% or more, and the inversion effect is designed to keep the color code containing "FF" or "00" below 50%. This is because there is a risk of an abnormal reaction to light stimuli that hit the eyes, causing symptoms such as convulsions, convulsions, and loss of consciousness (photosensitive seizures), so by designing the color code containing "FF" or "00" to be fewer than the color code not containing "FF" or "00", the possibility of developing the condition can be reduced.

Figure 81 shows a portion of the overall image when the title changes, magnified approximately 100 times, and illustrates the color code of the overall image in more detail. (A2) is an enlarged view of the area around the left hand after the negative and positive have been reversed, with the background being "#D82206" (a reddish color), the outline and character Jam's wings being "#FFFFFF" (white), and the gloves being "#15EDF1" (a greenish-blue). Also, in (A2), the color code for everything except the outline and wings does not include "FF" or "00", and the image is designed so that even when enlarged approximately 10 times, the color code including "FF" and "00" is kept to within 50%.

(B2) is an enlarged view of the area around the right hand after negative-positive inversion, with the effect being "#1112E9" (blue) and the outline being "#FFFFFF" (white). Also, in (B2), the color code does not include "FF" or "00" except for the outline, and it is designed so that even when enlarged approximately 10 times, the color code including "FF" and "00" is kept to within 50%.

(C2) is an enlarged view of the area around the left hand after the negative-positive image has been reversed, with the background being "#27DDF9" (greenish blue), the outline and character Jam's wings being "#000000" (black), and the gloves being "#EA120E" (red). Furthermore, in (C2), the color code for everything except the outline and wings does not include "FF" or "00", and the image is designed so that even when enlarged approximately 10 times, the color code including "FF" and "00" is kept to within 50%.

(D2) is an enlarged view of the area around the right hand after negative-positive inversion, with the effect "#EEED16" (yellow) and the outline "#000000" (black). Furthermore, in (D2), the color code does not include "FF" or "00" except for the outline, and is designed so that even when enlarged approximately 10 times, the color code including "FF" and "00" is kept to within 50%.

In this way, when the display of a target for negative-positive inversion is inverted, the color code is changed to the opposite color, thereby highlighting the image displayed after inversion. Furthermore, the display of a target for negative-positive inversion is designed so that inversion will not occur if the color code containing "FF" or "00" is 50% or more, and the inversion effect is designed to keep the color code containing "FF" or "00" below 50%. This is because there is a risk of an abnormal reaction to light stimuli that hit the eyes, causing symptoms such as convulsions, convulsions, and loss of consciousness (photosensitive seizures), so by designing the color code containing "FF" or "00" to be fewer than the color code not containing "FF" or "00," the possibility of developing the condition can be reduced.

(Stock chance where negative/positive reversal is executed)
82 to 100 show in detail the effects in which negative-positive reversal is performed.

Figures 82 and 83 are detailed diagrams of the negative-positive inversion that is executed when a stock acquisition image is acquired in Figures 31 to 33 and 41. First, (7-1) to (7-3) are effects that acquire a stock acquisition image in a look-ahead variation, and are designed not to execute negative-positive inversion at this time. By doing this, it is possible to intentionally lower the player's attention to the look-ahead variation, and to prevent the effects executed by the stock image corresponding to the stock acquisition image from attracting more attention than the variations that are executed.

(8-1) to (8-5) are effects in which a single stock acquisition image is acquired during the corresponding variation. Negative-positive reversal is performed when stock acquisition image 666SKY007 is acquired (for example, between D2 and E2 in Figure 32). When the "Stock Chance" effect for acquiring a stock image is executed and a stock acquisition image is acquired (8-1) to (8-3), the player is once shown the screen displaying the stock acquisition image in its normal form (8-3), after which negative-positive reversal is performed and the color code is displayed in its opposite color (8-4), and then the screen displaying the stock acquisition image in its normal form is displayed. Here, negative-positive reversal is performed once.

(9-1) to (9-6) in Figure 83 are effects in which multiple stock acquisition images are acquired during the variation. Negative-positive reversal is performed when stock acquisition image 666SKY005 or stock acquisition image 666SKY006 is acquired (for example, between A6 and B6 in Figure 41). When a stock acquisition image is acquired (9-1) or (9-2) during the "Stock Chance" effect in which a stock image is acquired, the player is shown a screen displaying the stock acquisition image in its normal form (9-2), and then a negative-positive reversal is performed to display the color codes in opposite colors (9-3). After that, the normal screen and the negative-positive reversal screen are displayed once again in the same order (9-4) and (9-5), and then the screen displaying the stock acquisition image in its normal form is displayed (9-6). Here, negative-positive reversal is performed twice. In Figure 83, multiple stock acquisition images are acquired, and the number of times negative-positive inversion is performed varies depending on the number of stock acquisition images and the expected jackpot probability of the stock acquisition image (stock image) (see Figure 48, for example), with negative-positive inversion being performed more frequently for stock acquisition images that are more likely to result in a jackpot.

(7-1) to (7-3) and (8-1) to (8-5) are circular effects in which the same stock acquisition image is acquired. By not performing negative-positive inversion in the pre-reading variation but performing negative-positive inversion in the relevant variation, the timing at which the stock image is used becomes clear, not only drawing more attention to the relevant variation, but also allowing the player to sense that it is a pre-reading variation as soon as the stock acquisition image is acquired, allowing them to look forward to the relevant variation (the target of the pre-reading variation), and allowing them to focus on the relevant variation without drawing excessive attention to the pre-reading variation. Furthermore, as in (8-1) to (8-5) and (9-1) to (9-6), the number of negative-positive inversions differs when a single stock acquisition image is acquired and when multiple stock acquisition images are acquired. This not only emphasizes the acquisition of a stock acquisition image, but also allows the player to more easily visually recognize that a stock acquisition image has been acquired, as multiple acquisitions are more likely to result in a jackpot than a single acquisition, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game. Additionally, in effects such as (8-2) and (9-1) that involve negative-positive reversal (effects of acquiring a stock acquisition image), the single button press action prompt image 666SKY034 (8-2) and long button press action prompt image 666SKY031 (9-1) are executed as pre-effects, and although they are intended to emphasize the act of pressing the button, they are designed not to perform negative-positive reversal. By doing this, the display of acquiring the stock acquisition image that is displayed after pressing the button can be further emphasized, and the stock acquisition image can be displayed in an emphasized manner.

(Negative-positive reversal effect, spinning effect)
Figures 84 to 88 are diagrams illustrating the negative-positive reversal performed in the spinning effect. The jagged effect displayed in Figures 84 to 88 is set to be partially or completely different from the color code of the candidate image. For example, the jagged effect is accompanied by a purple effect, but the candidate image is displayed in green for "weak SP," red for "strong SP," and yellow (gold) for "super hot." First, Figure 84 is a diagram showing the selection of candidate image "strong SP" 666SKY041 in the spinning effect. The negative-positive reversal is performed when candidate image "strong SP" 666SKY041 is selected and displayed in target area 666SKY043 (for example, between K4 and L4 in Figure 35). A spinning effect is executed, and when the candidate image "Strong SP" 666SKY041 is acquired (10-1) to (10-3), a jagged effect is displayed around the candidate image "Strong SP" 666SKY041 to emphasize that it has been acquired. Then, after the player visually recognizes the candidate image "Strong SP" 666SKY041 in the normal mode displayed in the target area 666SKY043 (10-3), negative-positive inversion is performed only on the candidate image "Strong SP" 666SKY041 displayed in the target area 666SKY043 and the jagged effect, and the color code is displayed in the opposite color (10-4). Then, the normal screen and the negative-positive inverted screen are displayed again in the same order (10-5), (10-6), and then the candidate image "Strong SP" 666SKY041 in the normal mode is displayed (10-7). When the candidate image "Strong SP" 666SKY041 is selected in the spinning effect, negative-positive inversion is performed twice. The jagged effect displayed here is set to be partially or completely different from the color code of the candidate image.

Figure 85 shows the candidate image "Powerful Zone" 666SKY039 selected in the spinning effect. When the candidate image "Powerful Zone" 666SKY039 is selected in the spinning effect, negative-positive inversion is not performed.

Figure 86 shows the candidate image "Weak SP" 666SKY040 selected in the spinning effect, and the negative-positive inversion is performed when the candidate image "Weak SP" 666SKY040 is determined and displayed in the target area 666SKY043. When the spinning effect is performed and the candidate image "Weak SP" 666SKY040 is acquired (12-1) to (12-3), a jagged effect is displayed around the candidate image "Weak SP" 666SKY040 to emphasize its acquisition. After that, the player is allowed to view the candidate image "Weak SP" 666SKY040 in the normal mode, which is displayed in the target area 666SKY043 (12-3), and then negative-positive inversion is performed only on the candidate image "Weak SP" 666SKY040 displayed in the target area 666SKY043 and the jagged effect, and the color code is displayed in the opposite color (12-4), after which the candidate image "Weak SP" 666SKY040 in the normal mode is displayed (12-5). When the candidate image "Weak SP" 666SKY040 is selected in the spinning effect, negative-positive inversion is performed once.

Figure 87 shows the candidate image "Super Hot" 666SKY054 selected in the spinning effect, and the negative-positive inversion is performed when the candidate image "Super Hot" 666SKY054 is determined and displayed in the target area 666SKY043. When the spinning effect is performed and the candidate image "Super Hot" 666SKY054 is acquired (13-1) to (13-3), a jagged effect is displayed around the candidate image "Super Hot" 666SKY054 to emphasize its acquisition. After the player views the candidate image "Super Hot" 666SKY054 in the normal mode displayed in target area 666SKY043 (13-3), negative-positive inversion is performed only on the candidate image "Super Hot" 666SKY054 displayed in target area 666SKY043 and the jagged effect, and the color code is displayed in opposite colors (13-4). After that, the normal screen and the negative-positive inverted screen are displayed twice each in the same order (13-5) to (13-8), and then the candidate image "Super Hot" 666SKY054 in the normal mode is displayed (13-9). When the candidate image "Super Hot" 666SKY054 is selected in the spinning effect, negative-positive inversion is performed three times.

In this way, by varying the number of times negative/positive flips are performed depending on the candidate image, not only can the degree of emphasis be appropriately adjusted depending on the type of candidate image, but the greater the degree of emphasis (the greater the number of negative/positive flips), the higher the likelihood of the display being controlled by a jackpot (Powerful Zone < Weak SP < Strong SP < Super Hot), which conveys to the player the importance of the spinning effect. Furthermore, although not shown, the candidate image "Super Hot" 666SKY054 is displayed in yellow, and in terms of the color code, the blue shading parameter is set to a lower value than the red shading parameter and the green shading parameter. By displaying in such a specific color, the image can be displayed in a color (yellow (gold, etc.)) that indicates a high probability of being controlled by a jackpot for players playing the gaming machine, increasing their interest in the game.

Figure 88 shows a spinning effect in which the character "Jam" 666SKY045 attempts to freeze a moving candidate image in the target area 666SKY043 before displaying it in the target area 666SKY043 (for example, between A6 and B6 in Figure 41). To freeze the candidate image, the character "Jam" 666SKY045 fires a ray of light 666SKY060 at the candidate image, resulting in a frozen display effect (14-1), (14-2). When the candidate image and the ray of light 666SKY060 come into contact, a negative-positive inversion is performed, after which the negative-positive inversion is completed, returning to the original display, and the ray of light 666SKY060 freezes the candidate image "Strong SP" 666SKY041, determining that the candidate image "Strong SP" 666SKY041 will be executed in the target area 666SKY043.

In this way, by performing a negative-positive inversion when the displays come into contact (clash) with each other, the impact of the contact (clash) can be conveyed to the player, allowing the effects to be visually perceived in an optimal manner.

(Negative-positive reversal effect Stocked character effect)
Figures 89 to 93 are diagrams illustrating negative-positive reversal in effects performed by stocked stock image characters. First, Figure 89 illustrates in detail (C10) to (E10) of the expectation-boosting effects shown in Figure 51. First, after a stock release cut-in image is displayed, character "Nana" 666SKY042 is displayed, and simultaneously, effect image 666SKY066 emphasizing character "Nana" is displayed. Then, effect 666SKY067 occurs before character "Nana" acts on the image indicating the expectation of a reach (the displays come into contact (collide) with each other). Then, when character "Nana" acts on the image indicating the expectation of a reach (the displays come into contact (collide) with each other), negative-positive reversal is executed (15-1), (15-2). When negative-positive reversal is performed, effect 666SKY067 and a display showing an increased level of expectation are displayed so that three and a half stars are displayed instead of three stars in the image showing the level of expectation (15-3), and after negative-positive reversal is completed, the display returns to the state before negative-positive reversal was performed and the image showing the level of expectation is displayed with three and a half stars (15-4), the character "Nana" is no longer displayed, and the title and the image showing the level of expectation of reach are displayed in a changed state. Note that effect 666SKY067 displayed at this time is displayed while moving, and continues to move even during negative-positive reversal.

In this way, by performing a negative-positive reversal when the displays come into contact (collide), the display that changes when they come into contact (collide) can be emphasized, allowing the player to pay more attention to the presentation. Furthermore, it is the star image that indicates the level of expectation in this embodiment that is controlled by the jackpot and allows the player to directly see the level of expectation. By performing a negative-positive reversal on the entire image as shown in Figure 89, rather than just on the candidate image as in the spinning presentation, it is possible to communicate to the player in the easiest way possible that something has happened (a presentation that increases the level of expectation), thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

Figure 90 provides a detailed view of (C12) through (E12) shown in the pending change presentation in Figure 53. Figure 91 shows the active display changing to green during the pending change presentation. First, Figure 90 shows the effect 666SKY069, indicating that the character "Jam" is affecting the active display, firing, and then displaying the display changing to red and the pending change effect SKY107 (16-1, 16-2). Then, after that, a negative-positive inversion is performed on only the active display and the pending change effect SKY107 (16-3). After that, the active display is enlarged and undergoes a red-to-negative-positive inversion. When it reaches a predetermined size (its largest), the active display is displayed in red and then reduced and displayed in the active display area 666SKY024 (16-4) through (16-7). During the period in which the pending change effect SKY107 is displayed, the display alternates between the normal mode and the negative-positive inversion, just like the active display.

In Figure 91, the character "Jam" fires effect 666SKY069, which indicates that it is affecting the active display, changing it to green and displaying pending change effect SKY107 (17-1), (17-2). The active display is then enlarged, and when it reaches the preset size (largest), the enlarged display ends (17-3), (17-4), and it is then displayed in the active display area 666SKY024 while shrinking (17-5).

In this embodiment, the expected probability of a jackpot being controlled by a hold change is green < red. By providing hold changes with negative-positive reversal (red) and hold changes without negative-positive reversal (green), not only is the red hold change emphasized, but the expectation of a jackpot is raised, increasing interest in the game. Also, by enlarging the hold change display, it is easy to see what color it will change to, making it easier for players to pay attention. Furthermore, by displaying the hold change effect SKY107, and even when the active display involves negative-positive reversal, the active display can be further emphasized by displaying the hold change effect SKY107 with negative-positive reversal. Furthermore, the hold change period is designed to be longer when the display changes to red than when it changes to green, allowing players to focus their attention on the changing display.

Figure 92 provides detailed information on (C13) to (D13) shown in the title change effect in Figure 54. First, when the title "SP Reach Effect B" is displayed, the character "Mumu" 666SKY073 is displayed, and at the same time, an effect image 666SKY066 emphasizing the character "Mumu" is displayed. Then, as the character "Mumu" announces, the title color changes and negative-positive reversal is performed at the same time. Therefore, although the color of the title has changed, the first thing the player sees is the negative-positive reversal of the rising display. Then, the negative-positive reversal ends, and the title and all displays affected by the negative-positive reversal return to their original state and are displayed in the changed title state.

In this way, by performing negative-positive inversion before and after (in this case, after) the change in the changing display, the changed display can be made to stand out more, making the outline easier for the player to see and emphasizing the color change. Also, the title is the largest display when the title is being announced, and is the display that players pay the most attention to when the title is being announced, so players can focus on not only the title but also the change itself.

(19-1) to (19-5) in Figure 93 are detailed versions of (F14) to (G14) shown in the Super Hot Cut-in effects in Figure 55. There are two types of Super Hot Cut-ins: Mumurobo (Strong) SKY108 and Mumurobo (Weak) SKY109, each displayed in a different color (for example, Mumurobo (Strong) is yellow (gold), and Mumurobo (Weak) SKY109 is red). First, when the stock release cut-in image and blackout effect end, a single button press prompt image 666SKY034 without negative-positive reversal is displayed (19-1). If the push button 31B is operated within the operation time indicated by the single button press prompt image, or when the operation time indicated by the single button press prompt image ends, a super-hot cut-in 666SKY078 is displayed with the Mumu Robo (Strong) SKY108 displayed on the screen in a negative-positive reversal state, as shown in (19-2). After that, the screen returns from the negative-positive reversal to the original state, then becomes negative-positive reversal again, and then returns from the negative-positive reversal to the original state (19-3) to (19-5). Next, (20-1) and (20-2) are detailed diagrams of the super-hot cut-in effect without negative-positive reversal. First, when the stock release cut-in image and blackout effect end, a single button press prompt image 666SKY034 without negative/positive inversion is displayed (19-1). If the push button 31B is operated within the operation time indicated by the single button press prompt image, or when the operation time indicated by the single button press prompt image ends, a super-hot cut-in 666SKY078 with Mumu Robo (weak) SKY109 displayed on a negative/positive inverted screen is displayed, as shown in (19-2). (19-1) to (19-5) and (20-1) to (20-2) take the same number of seconds (for example, 3 seconds for the button, 1.09 seconds for the super-hot cut-in).

In this embodiment, there are two types of super-hot cut-ins: one in which Mumrobo (strong) SKY 108 is displayed, and one in which Mumrobo (weak) SKY 109 is displayed. The more the variation is controlled by a jackpot, the more likely the super-hot cut-in with Mumrobo (strong) SKY 108 is displayed. By providing super-hot cut-ins with negative-positive reversal and one without negative-positive reversal, not only can the super-hot cut-ins with negative-positive reversal be emphasized, but the player's anticipation of a jackpot increases, enhancing the enjoyment of the game. Furthermore, the size (width) and pattern of the cut-in differ for each type of super-hot cut-in, allowing players to focus on the type of cut-in after pressing a button. Furthermore, when a display involving negative-positive reversal is displayed, the button displayed before it (e.g., (19-1)) is designed not to perform negative-positive reversal. This further emphasizes the display of negative-positive reversal.

(SP Reach X, where negative and positive reversal is performed)
Figures 94 and 95 are detailed diagrams of the effects involving negative-positive reversal executed in SP Reach X. (21-1) to (21-3) in Figure 94 are detailed versions of (1-10) and (1-11) in Figure 58. (22-1) to (22-4) in Figure 94 are detailed versions of (1-13) and (1-15) in Figure 58. First, in (21-1) to (21-3) in Figure 94, the ground is displayed on the screen (21-1), and when the enemy character "Nana" SKY100 lands on the ground, negative-positive reversal is executed (21-2), and then the negative-positive reversal returns to the normal state (21-3). Next, in (22-1) to (22-4) of Figure 94, a first superimposed image depicting the character "Mumu" 666SKY073 and multiple stars is displayed on the left side of a parallelogram area containing the word "Battle" in the center of the screen, and a second superimposed image depicting the enemy character "Nana" SKY100 and multiple broken hearts is displayed on the right side (22-1, 22-2). The first superimposed image on the left and the second superimposed image on the right then move to the center and are joined together, with negative-positive inversion performed (22-3). The screen then returns to its original state, and the first superimposed image on the left and the second superimposed image on the right are joined together (22-4).

In this way, by performing a negative-positive reversal when the displays adhere (collide) to each other, the impact of the adhesion (collision) can be conveyed to the player, allowing the effects to be visually recognized in an optimal way.

Figure 95 is a detailed diagram of the display of the names of the techniques used by the enemy character "Nana" SKY100 and the character "Mumu" 666SKY073 as attacking means. (23-1) to (23-5) are detailed diagrams of (1-19) to (1-20) in Figure 59. First, we will explain how the names of the techniques used by the enemy character "Nana" SKY100 are displayed. A display is performed in which a giant spherical energy ball is formed above the head of the enemy character "Nana" SKY100 (23-1). After that, the "Mugen" part of the name of the technique, "Mugen Bakushinsho," is enlarged and displayed while moving to a predetermined position (the same location as when all the names of the techniques for Mugen Bakushinsho are displayed), and when it is displayed at its largest size (the same size as when all the names of the techniques for Mugen Bakushinsho are displayed), a negative-positive inversion is performed (23-2). After that, it returns from negative-positive inversion to normal mode (23-3), and then the "Bakushinsho" of "Mugen Bakushinsho" is enlarged and displayed while moving to a predetermined position (the same location as when all of Mugen Bakushinsho's technique names are displayed), and when it is displayed at its largest, "Bakushinsho" is displayed in the same predetermined position (the same size as when all of Mugen Bakushinsho's technique names are displayed), and negative-positive inversion is executed (23-4). After that, it returns from negative-positive inversion to normal mode (23-5).

Next, we will explain how the technique name of the character "Mumu" 666SKY073 is displayed. A giant energy ball is emitted from above the head of the character "Mumu" 666SKY073 (24-1). After that, the "Delta" from the technique name "Delta Break" is enlarged and displayed in the default position (the same location as when all Delta Break technique names are displayed). When "Delta" is displayed at its largest size (the same size as when all Delta Break technique names are displayed) in the default position, a negative-positive inversion is performed (23-2). After that, the display returns to the normal state (23-3). Next, the "Break" from "Delta Break" is enlarged and displayed in the default position (the same size as when all Delta Break technique names are displayed). When "Break" is displayed at its largest size (the same size as when all Delta Break technique names are displayed) in the default position, a negative-positive inversion is performed (23-4). After that, the display returns to the normal state (23-5).

In this way, by performing a negative-positive inversion when the technique name is displayed, the technique name is emphasized, allowing players to focus on the subsequent effects. Furthermore, by performing a negative-positive inversion when the technique is displayed in a predetermined position, the technique name can be emphasized. In the embodiment, the negative-positive inversion is performed when the technique is displayed at its largest size, and the size is the same as when the entire technique name is displayed. However, this is not limited to this, and the size may be larger than when the entire technique name is displayed. This further emphasizes the technique name, allowing players to focus on the subsequent effects. In both effects, the characters displayed first ("Mugen" and "Delta") are subjected to a total of two negative-positive inversions due to the influence of the characters displayed afterwards ("Bakushinsho" and "Delta"). By doing this, the character display can be further emphasized. Furthermore, the names of the enemy character "Nana" SKY100's techniques include those that do not undergo negative-positive inversion and those that undergo a large number of negative-positive inversions. Furthermore, for enemy characters only, the greater the number of negative-positive inversions, the less likely it is that the player will be controlled by a jackpot. This lets the player know that the enemy character will use a powerful technique, which helps to convey the sense of tension to the player and increases the player's interest in the presentation. Conversely, some of the technique names for character "Mumu" 666SKY073 do not involve negative-positive flips, and some involve a greater number of negative-positive flips. In the case of character "Mumu" 666SKY073, the more negative-positive flips there are, the more likely it is that a jackpot will be reached. This lets the player know that character "Mumu" 666SKY073 will use a powerful technique, which helps to convey the sense of tension to the player and increases the player's interest in the presentation.

(During the fanfare, the negative-positive reversal is performed)
Figures 96 to 99 illustrate the negative-positive reversal that is performed when displaying the name of the jackpot that is displayed during the fanfare effect. Figures 96 and 99 show jackpot A and jackpot B, which are displayed when the game changes from normal mode to jackpot. Figures 97 to 99 show jackpot B and jackpot C, which are displayed when the game changes to jackpot in the time-saving mode or the probability variable mode.

First, Figure 96 is a diagram showing the display of "BONUS," the name of jackpot A shown in Figures 64 and 65. Figure 96 is a diagram detailing (2-11) to (2-13) in Figure 65. First, a screen with only the background is displayed (25-1), and then the "BONUS" display indicating jackpot A and an effect image are displayed in a reduced size (25-2). When the "BONUS" text display becomes fully visible to the player (it no longer reduces to a size where it can be displayed), a negative-positive reversal is performed (25-3). After that, the display returns from the negative-positive reversal to the normal mode, and the "BONUS" text display is displayed (25-4).

Next, Figures 97 and 98 show the display of "Super Powerful Bonus," the name of jackpot C shown in Figure 72. First, the character "Super" shrinks from the top of the screen and is displayed in the center of the screen (26-1). When it reaches a certain size (for example, larger than the right-hit display (small) and smaller than the overall display of "Super Powerful Bonus," which will be described later (5-8)), the shrinking display stops, and negative-positive reversal is performed (26-2). Then, the display returns to the normal state from the negative-positive reversal, and the character display of "Super" is displayed in its original state (26-3). Then, the character "Powerful" shrinks from the center of the screen and is displayed in the center of the screen (26-4). When it reaches a certain size (for example, larger than the right-hit display (small) and smaller than the overall display of "Super Powerful Bonus," which will be described later (5-8)), the shrinking display stops, and negative-positive reversal is performed (26-5). Then, the display returns from the negative-positive inversion to the normal mode, and the "Powerful" character display is displayed in its original mode (26-6). Then, the "BONUS" character is displayed in the center of the screen while being reduced from the bottom of the screen (26-7). When it reaches a certain size (for example, larger than the right-hand display (small) and smaller than the overall display of "Super Powerful Bonus" (described later) (5-8)), the reduced display stops, and at that time, the negative-positive inversion is performed (26-8). Then, the display returns from the negative-positive inversion to the normal mode, and the "Super" character display is displayed in its original mode (26-9). Then, the individually displayed characters ("Super," "Powerful," and "BONUS") are combined and reduced to a size that fits the entire screen, and the reduced display stops (26-10), and at that time, the negative-positive inversion is performed (26-11). Then, the display returns from the negative-positive inversion to the normal mode, and the "Super Powerful Bonus" character display is displayed in its original mode (26-12). After that, repeat the negative-positive inversion and normal mode twice each (26-13) to (26-16).

Next, Figure 99 shows the display of "Powerful Bonus," the name of jackpot B shown in Figure 74. First, the word "Powerful" is displayed in the center of the screen while shrinking from the center (27-1). When it reaches a certain size (for example, larger than the right-hit display (small) and smaller than the full display of "Powerful Bonus" described later (6-6)), the shrinking display stops, and negative-positive reversal is performed (27-2). Then, the display returns to the normal state from the negative-positive reversal, and the word "Powerful" is displayed in its original state (27-3). Then, the word "BONUS" is displayed in the center of the screen while shrinking from the center (27-4). When it reaches a certain size (for example, larger than the right-hit display (small) and smaller than the full display of "Powerful Bonus" described later (6-6)), the shrinking display stops, and negative-positive reversal is performed (27-5). After that, the display returns from the negative-positive inversion to the normal display, and the "BONUS" character display is displayed in its original state (27-6). After that, the individually displayed characters ("POWERFUL", "BONUS") are combined and displayed in a reduced size until they fit the entire screen, at which point the reduced display is stopped (27-7), and the negative-positive inversion is performed (27-8). After that, the display returns from the negative-positive inversion to the normal display, and the "POWERFUL BONUS" character display is displayed in its original state (27-9). After that, the negative-positive inversion and the normal display are repeated once each (27-10), (27-11).

In this way, when displaying the name of a jackpot, negative-positive reversals are performed, not only emphasizing the jackpot but also congratulating the player, thereby increasing gameplay interest. Furthermore, the number of negative-positive reversals varies depending on the type of jackpot, with jackpots with a greater number of rounds receiving more negative-positive reversals. This not only emphasizes the jackpot name display, but also allows the player to determine whether the number of prize balls awarded due to the jackpot is high or low based on the number of negative-positive reversals in the name display, increasing gameplay interest. Furthermore, in this embodiment, negative-positive reversals are performed during the fanfare presentation (the period after the fluctuation ends, when the jackpot name is displayed and before the jackpot round is played), but are not performed during the epilogue presentation performed before that (for example, the period from Figure 61 (1-27) to Figure 62 (1-40)). Because the epilogue presentation celebrates the achievement of a favorable state, performing negative-positive reversals prevents the sense of celebration from being disrupted, increasing gameplay interest. Additionally, after the fanfare effect has ended, the name display indicating the high probability state and the name display indicating the time-saving state are displayed, but they are designed not to reverse negative and positive at that time. This makes it possible to further emphasize the fanfare effect.

(A high-based epilogue in which negative and positive reversals are performed)
Figure 100 illustrates the negative-positive reversal executed during the epilogue performance of a high base (during time reduction or probability change), and details the display executed in (4-23) to (4-26) of Figure 71. First, (28-1) is where the movable body 32 rises and returns to its original position (28-1), and after it has returned completely, the smallest decorative pattern (small) among the decorative patterns that are reversed during a high base is displayed (28-2), and then it returns to the normal mode and displays the decorative pattern (small), and then it displays an enlarged display, and a decorative pattern (medium) larger than the decorative pattern (small) is displayed (28-4), and the enlarged display continues, and when a decorative pattern (large) larger than the decorative pattern (medium) is displayed, the decorative pattern (large) is displayed in a negative-positive reversal state (28-5), and then it returns to the normal mode and displays the decorative pattern (large), and then it displays the reduced size. The small display is started, and a decorative pattern (medium) is displayed (28-7), the reduced display is continued, and when the decorative pattern (small) is displayed, the decorative pattern (small) is displayed in a negative-positive inverted state (28-8), then the display returns to the normal mode and the decorative pattern (small) is displayed (28-9), then an enlarged display is performed and a decorative pattern (medium) larger than the decorative pattern (small) is displayed (28-10), the enlarged display continues, and when a decorative pattern (large) larger than the decorative pattern (medium) is displayed, the decorative pattern (large) is displayed in a negative-positive inverted state (28-11), then the display returns to the normal mode and the decorative pattern (large) is displayed (28-12), and then steps (28-7) to (28-12) are performed again.

In this way, by performing negative-positive reversals when the smallest and largest decorative symbols are displayed, not only can the decorative symbols be emphasized, but the jackpot presentation can also be made more lively. Furthermore, the number of negative-positive reversals in the epilogue presentation during a high base is six, the most repeated in this embodiment, which effectively indicates a better state than normal, increasing gameplay interest. During normal play, the most negative-positive reversals are repeated when the "Super Hot" candidate display is displayed. While both presentations allow for text highlighting, the epilogue presentation displaying decorative symbols allows for more frequent moving displays and more negative-positive reversals, allowing for more emphasis. Furthermore, because the fluctuation time during a high base (during a special rate or time-saving mode) is shorter than during a low base (normal play), it is less interesting to watch the fluctuations than during a low base. However, by incorporating negative-positive reversals into the epilogue presentation during a high base, negative-positive reversals are not performed during the epilogue presentation during a low base, thereby increasing gameplay interest.

(Negative/positive inversion display time)
FIG. 101 is a diagram showing the period of negative-positive reversal actually performed in an effect involving negative-positive reversal and the timing at which the corresponding sound corresponding to the effect is output. First, a single negative-positive reversal will be described. A single negative-positive reversal (e.g., FIGS. 82, 86, 89, 96, etc.) is displayed in a negative-positive reversal mode for approximately 0.03 seconds (1 fps), and then, when the display returns to normal, the sound corresponding to the effect begins to be output. In the case of multiple negative-positive reversals (e.g., FIGS. 82, 86, 89, 96, etc.), the period of negative-positive reversal display does not change depending on the timing of the negative-positive reversal (approximately 0.03 seconds (1 fps)). When the corresponding sound is output, the sound corresponding to the effect begins when the period of negative-positive reversal display ends and the display returns to normal.

In this way, by not outputting the corresponding sound when the display is in negative/positive inversion, and instead outputting it in the normal mode that is displayed afterwards, it is possible to emphasize the normal mode and draw the player's attention.

Next, the duration of the negative-positive reversal and the corresponding sound executed for each jackpot will be explained using Figures 102 and 103. First, in the case of jackpot A (jackpot name BONUS), when only the background is displayed on the screen, it is displayed for 0.3 seconds, then "BONUS" is displayed in a reduced size over 0.3 seconds, and when the "BONUS" text display becomes fully visible to the player (it no longer reduces to a size where it is displayed in a reduced size), the negative-positive reversal is displayed for 0.06 seconds (2 fps), and then the screen returns from the negative-positive reversal to the normal mode, and the corresponding sound is output starting from the time when the "BONUS" text display is displayed in the normal mode.

When a jackpot C (jackpot name: Powerful Bonus) occurs, the word "Powerful" first shrinks from the center of the screen and is displayed in the center of the screen for 0.3 seconds. When it reaches a certain size (for example, larger than the right-hit display (small) and smaller than the full display of "Powerful Bonus" described later (6-6)), the shrinking display stops and the word is displayed in negative-positive inversion for 0.06 seconds. After that, the word returns from negative-positive inversion to its normal form, and the word "Powerful" is displayed in its normal form for 1 second, while the corresponding sound is output starting from the time it is displayed in its normal form. After that, the word "BONUS" shrinks from the center of the screen and is displayed in the center of the screen for 0.3 seconds, and when it reaches a certain size (for example, larger than the right-hit display (small) and smaller than the full display of "Powerful Bonus" (6-6) described later), the shrinking display stops and the word is displayed in negative-positive inversion for 0.06 seconds, after which it returns from negative-positive inversion to the normal mode and the word "BONUS" is displayed in the normal mode for 1 second, while the corresponding sound is output starting from the time it is displayed in the normal mode. After that, the individually displayed letters ("Powerful", "BONUS") are combined and displayed in a reduced size over 0.3 seconds until they fill the entire screen, at which point the reduced display stops, and they are displayed in negative-positive inversion for 0.03 seconds, after which they return to normal and the word "Powerful Bonus" is displayed in normal mode for 0.03 seconds, after which the negative-positive inversion and normal mode are repeated once each, and finally the normal mode, "Powerful Bonus", is displayed for 3 seconds. At this time, the corresponding sound begins to be output when the name "Powerful Bonus" is first displayed in normal mode after being inverted.

When a jackpot B (jackpot name: Super Powerful Bonus) occurs, the word "Powerful" first shrinks from the top of the screen and is displayed in the center of the screen for 0.3 seconds. When it reaches a certain size (for example, larger than the right-hit display (small) and smaller than the full display of "Powerful Bonus" described later (6-6)), the shrinking display stops and the word is displayed in negative-positive inversion for 0.06 seconds. After that, the word returns to its normal state and the word "Powerful" is displayed in its normal state for 1 second, while the corresponding sound is output starting from the moment it is displayed in its normal state. After that, the word "POWERFUL" is displayed in the center of the screen for 0.3 seconds while shrinking from the center of the screen, and when it reaches a certain size (for example, larger than the right-hit display (small) and smaller than the entire display of "POWERFUL BONUS" (described later (6-6)), the shrinking display stops, and at that time it is displayed in negative-positive inversion for 0.06 seconds, and then it returns to the normal mode from the negative-positive inversion, and the word "POWERFUL" is displayed in the normal mode for 1 second, while the corresponding sound is output, starting from the time when it is displayed in the normal mode. After that, the word "BONUS" is displayed in the center of the screen for 0.3 seconds while shrinking from the bottom of the screen, and when it reaches a certain size (for example, larger than the right-hit display (small) and smaller than the entire display of "POWERFUL BONUS" (described later (6-6)), the shrinking display stops, and at that time it is displayed in negative-positive inversion for 0.06 seconds, and then it returns to the normal mode from the negative-positive inversion, and the word "BONUS" is displayed in the normal mode for 1 second, while the corresponding sound is output, starting from the time when it is displayed in the normal mode. After that, the individually displayed letters ("Super," "Powerful," and "BONUS") are combined and reduced over 0.3 seconds until they fill the entire screen, at which point the reduced display stops, and they are displayed in negative-positive inversion for 0.03 seconds. After that, they return to their normal state and the "Super Powerful Bonus" text is displayed in normal mode for 0.03 seconds, and then the negative-positive inversion and normal mode are repeated twice, with the final normal mode of "Powerful Bonus" being displayed for 3 seconds. At this time, the corresponding sound begins to be output when the "Super Powerful Bonus" name display first returns to normal mode after being reversed.

In this way, the period during which the negative-positive reversal is displayed before the entire jackpot name display is different from the normal period. This allows for an even more emphasized display, unlike the normal negative-positive reversal performed during normal times. Furthermore, when the jackpot name is finally displayed in normal mode, it is displayed for three seconds, a longer period than the other periods. This allows for the jackpot name to be clearly visible. Furthermore, by not outputting the corresponding sound when the negative-positive reversal is performed, and instead outputting it in the normal mode that is displayed afterwards, it is possible to emphasize the normal mode and draw the player's attention. Furthermore, when the entire display is reversed to negative-positive only for jackpot A, the number of seconds for the negative-positive reversal is set to 0.06 seconds. This is because setting the number of seconds to 0.03 seconds would be no different from the single negative-positive reversal performed during normal times, and would not be able to highlight the display, so the number of seconds is intentionally extended to create a sense of specialness.

As shown in Figure 101, Figure 104 is basically designed so that the negative-positive reversal period is 0.03 seconds, and the parts that are not displayed in negative-positive reversal change time in accordance with the presentation, and only in the period before the pattern finally stops does it sway for 3 seconds and then stop for 0.5 seconds.

In this way, not only is the display highlighted, but it is also possible to confirm for three seconds which symbol resulted in a jackpot, and it is possible to inform the player that the fluctuation has ended in 0.5 seconds, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

(Negative-positive reversal in one fluctuation)
FIG. 105 illustrates the effects in which a negative-positive reversal occurs during one variation. The low-probability low base (normal) has a longer variation time than the low-probability high base (during time-saving mode) and the high-probability high base (during probability variable mode). First, in the low-probability low base (normal mode), the timing of the negative-positive reversal for one variation in which an SP Reach B occurs is illustrated, and it is possible to perform a negative-positive reversal in five effects during one variation. Next, in the low-probability high base (during time-saving mode) and the high-probability high base (during probability variable mode), it is possible to perform a negative-positive reversal in one effect during one variation.

In this way, by designing the low-probability low base (normally) to have more negative-positive reversals than the low-probability high base (during time reduction) and the high-probability high base (during probability change), the fluctuation time of the low-probability low base (normally) can be utilized favorably, and interest in the game can be improved. Also, because the low-probability high base (during time reduction) and the high-probability high base (during probability change) are designed to have shorter fluctuation times than the low-probability low base (normally), by combining the effects that execute negative-positive reversals into one, it is possible to narrow down the display that you want to emphasize within the fluctuation time and draw attention to that display.
The low-probability high base (during time reduction) and the high-probability high base (during probability change) can shorten the fluctuation time by reducing the number of effects involving negative-positive reversals compared to the low-probability low base (normal), allowing for smooth fluctuations, while the low-probability low base (normal) performs more effects involving the second mode than the low-probability high base (during time reduction) and the high-probability high base (during probability change), allowing for fluctuations while drawing more attention to the effects of the low-probability low base (normal) than the low-probability high base (during time reduction) and the high-probability high base (during probability change). Also, the low-probability low base (normal) uses negative-positive reversals in effects that suggest control over a jackpot, while the low-probability high base (during time reduction) and the high-probability high base (during probability change) use negative-positive reversals in effects that notify a jackpot, so the locations where negative-positive reversals are used differ depending on the state, allowing negative-positive reversals to be performed according to the respective timing, improving gaming enjoyment.

(Button and negative/positive inversion display period)
Figure 106 provides a more detailed explanation of the negative-positive inversion executed in the super-hot cut-in displayed after the button shown in Figure 93 is pressed. The duration of the negative-positive inversion with a button varies depending on the timing of the button press. As shown, when the button is pressed one second after the button is displayed, the total duration is 3.09 seconds, and the cut-in is designed to be displayed in the normal mode for three seconds after the negative-positive inversion is complete. When the button is not pressed after the button is displayed, the total duration is 1.09 seconds, and the cut-in is designed to be displayed in the normal mode for one second after the negative-positive inversion is complete.

In this way, by changing the display period of the cut-in depending on the timing of the button press, the fluctuation time can be adjusted, allowing the cut-in to be displayed optimally. Furthermore, the period of time displayed in negative-positive inversion remains the same whether the button is pressed or not, allowing the same display to be highlighted in the same way, preventing a decline in interest in the game.

In addition, in this embodiment, negative/positive reversal was performed on active displays and decorative symbols, but this is not limited to this, and negative/positive reversal may also be performed on areas where there is a display that needs to be emphasized. Negative/positive reversal may also be performed when consecutive jackpots are controlled within a reserve, or when announcing a jackpot and premium effects that are difficult to display under normal circumstances.

(Reversing negative and positive in rescue work hours)
Figures 107 and 108 illustrate the scene of entering Yu-Time. In this embodiment, the rescue time-saving feature is activated when 900 normal variations have occurred. The display of variations based on the 800th jackpot or miss begins (29-1), and when the decorative symbols stop (29-2), an effect appears in the lower right corner of the screen (29-3). When the effect disappears, a message appears (29-4) saying "Yu-Time 100 More," indicating that there are 100 variations remaining until the rescue time-saving feature is activated. After that, the display of variations based on the jackpot or miss begins (29-5), and when the decorative symbols stop, the message "Yu-Time 100 More" appears in the lower right corner, changing to "Yu-Time 99 More," indicating that one variation has been reduced (29-6). After that, the changes are made as shown in (29-5) and (29-6), and the final change is made when the rescue time reduction is activated (29-7). When the change ends (29-8), a caption encouraging right-hand play and a right-hand play display (small) are displayed superimposed on the stopped screen (29-9). After this, the right-hand play display starts, and when the game level enters the second start winning slot, "Powerful Rush" is displayed (29-10), and the change begins with the background and pattern displayed as they are during the probability change (29-11), (29-12).

Figure 109 shows in detail the display of "Yu-time 100 more spins" (29-2 to 29-4), which indicates that the rescue time-saving feature will be activated. First, when the decorative symbol stops (30-1), an effect is displayed in the lower right corner of the screen (30-2). Then, as the image reverses from negative to positive, the message "Yu-time 100 more spins" is displayed, and the negative to positive reversal is performed along with the effect (30-3). After that, the screen returns to the normal mode, and the message "Yu-time 100 more spins" is displayed (30-4), after which only the effect disappears (30-5).

In this way, by using negative-positive reversal, the display can be emphasized more than if the display were not performed, making the player aware that the rescue time reduction will soon be reached. Also, when the rescue time reduction is activated, the display is not performed with negative-positive reversal, but the negative-positive reversal is performed when the message "100 Yu-times remaining" is displayed. Even if the player knew when the rescue time reduction would be activated and performed negative-positive reversal, from the player's perspective, performing negative-positive reversal when they knew that the rescue time reduction would be activated would not be an effective way to communicate this, so negative-positive reversal is intentionally not performed.

In this embodiment, each negative/positive reversal produces unique effects. First, the negative/positive reversal that is performed when a stock image is acquired not only emphasizes the fact that it has been acquired, but also visually communicates to the player the expected level controlled by the jackpot (the number of stock images acquired) and the timing at which the stock images will be used, producing a unique effect unlike any other.

Next, when a candidate image is acquired during the spinning effect, the number of times the negative-positive inversion is performed varies depending on the type of candidate image. This not only allows each type to be appropriately emphasized, but also draws attention to the candidate image by designing it so that the likelihood of a jackpot increases depending on the number of times the negative-positive inversion is performed, creating a unique effect unlike any other.

The next negative-positive reversal performed in the anticipation-boosting effect for a stocked character is performed when the displays come into contact (collide) with each other, which not only emphasizes the changes in the display that occur as a result of the contact (collision), but also conveys to the player in the clearest way that something has happened (an anticipation-boosting effect) by performing a negative-positive reversal across the entire display, creating a unique effect unlike any other.

The next negative/positive reversal that is performed during the hold change performance of a stocked character is not always performed depending on the hold change performance, but since some hold change performances do not perform negative/positive reversal, not only can the degree of emphasis be changed depending on the hold change performance, but by performing the hold change while enlarging the display, it becomes easier to see what color it will change to, and the negative/positive reversal effect adds to this, further emphasizing it and creating a unique effect unlike any other.

The negative-positive reversal that is performed during the title change performance for the next stocked character is the largest display when the title is being announced, and is the display that players pay the most attention to when the title is being announced. This allows players to focus on not only the title but also the change itself, creating a unique effect that is different from other effects.

Next, the negative/positive reversal that is performed during the fanfare not only emphasizes the jackpot but also congratulates the player by displaying the name of the jackpot. The number of negative/positive reversals varies depending on the type of jackpot, and jackpots with a greater number of rounds have more negative/positive reversals performed, further giving the player a sense of celebration, creating a unique effect that is different from the others.

Next, the negative-positive reversal performed in the high-base epilogue not only emphasizes the decorative symbols by performing negative-positive reversal when the smallest and largest decorative symbols are displayed, but also makes the jackpot presentation more lively. Because the fluctuation time is shorter during high-base (during special mode or time-saving mode) than during low-base (normal mode), it is less interesting to watch the fluctuations than during low-base mode. However, by incorporating a negative-positive reversal effect in the high-base epilogue, and not performing negative-positive reversal in the low-base epilogue presentation, a unique effect different from the others is achieved.

In this way, each of the effects and displays involving negative-positive reversal has its own unique effect, and the negative-positive reversal is carried out in a way that suits each one.

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 perform variable display and control to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player,
a performance execution means for controlling a display means for displaying a predetermined display that suggests that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state and a related display that is related to the predetermined display ; and a sound output means for outputting a sound ;
During the variable display, a notification effect can be executed that is at least composed of an introduction part that incites whether or not the game will be controlled to the advantageous state, and a result notification part that notifies the game will be controlled to the advantageous state,
the predetermined display is displayed in a manner that moves toward a specific display area on the display means,
The display means
When the predetermined display moves to the specific display area, the predetermined display is displayed in a first manner, and the predetermined display is displayed in a second manner in which the predetermined display in the first manner has an opposite color;
When the predetermined display moves to the specific display area, the related display is displayed in a third mode, and the related display is displayed in a fourth mode in which the related display in the third mode is in an opposite color;
In the result notification part, the display mode is not changed to an opposite color, and the display mode is not changed to the advantageous state .
the predetermined display is a display including predetermined characters,
the sound output means does not output a predetermined character sound corresponding to the predetermined character when the predetermined display is in the first mode before the second mode, and then outputs the predetermined character sound after the predetermined display has become the second mode.
A gaming machine characterized by: