Pinball game machine

Abstract

To provide a pinball game machine in which usefulness of multiple kinds of read-ahead performances is high by allowing timing when different read-ahead performances are compounded to have a meaning.SOLUTION: A pinball game machine has a reserved performance for changing a display mode of a reserved pattern as a read-ahead performance and a winning-time performance for executing a specific performance at the time of entry into a start pocket, and includes a first execution mode for executing each read-ahead performance alone, a second execution mode for executing read-ahead performances simultaneously, and a third execution mode for executing one of them alone during a period for executing a predetermined number of times of display performances and then compounding the other and executing it, and then allows a selection ratio of the execution modes to differ according to determination contents of read-ahead determination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 26

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pinball game machine, and more particularly to a pinball game machine that carries out a lottery to determine whether or not a jackpot will be generated as a result of winning a prize in a starting hole. [Background technology]

[0002] In a typical pinball game machine, a pachinko machine, when a game ball enters the starting hole, a random number value for determining whether the ball has won or lost is extracted, and a win / loss determination is made based on this random number value.The pattern display device then begins to change the special pattern, and the result of the win / loss determination is displayed as a definitive result on the pattern display device.If the result is a win, the big prize hole is opened and a big win game that is advantageous to the player is executed.This is the mainstream model.

[0003] Furthermore, some pachinko machines of this type refer to the random number extracted when the ball enters the starting slot before the winning / losing determination is made (pre-reading determination), and perform a display effect (pre-reading effect) based on the result of the reference (Patent Document 1). For example, reserved symbols that indicate reserved memories of random numbers extracted when the ball enters the starting slot but have not yet been determined to be winning or losing are used, and when the pre-reading determination determines that a winning or potential winning has occurred, the reserved symbols are displayed in a different manner than usual in a pre-reading effect (pre-reading effect). This allows the user to see at a glance which reserved memories have the potential to be winning, even when there are multiple reserved memories.

[0004] In addition, the pre-reading judgment can suggest the possibility of a win before the reserved memory starts to change, and there is also a performance that instantly suggests the degree of expectation when the winning entry into the starting hole (winning performance) <Patent Document 2>. In this way, based on the content of one pre-reading judgment, it is possible to start the pre-reading performance at various times, suggest different performance contents, or combine them. For example, it can be used in such a way that the appearance of another pre-reading performance while a certain pre-reading performance is being performed increases the degree of expectation for a jackpot. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 08-336642 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-147143 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, simply combining the hold effect, which is a predictive effect, with the winning effect results in a monotonous game in which the player focuses on whether or not the effect that they are paying attention to is combined, which is uninteresting.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a pinball gaming machine in which multiple types of pre-reading effects are highly useful by giving meaning to the timing at which different pre-reading effects are combined. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The pinball game machine according to claim 1 comprises: A pinball game machine that draws a lottery to determine whether a game ball enters a starting hole and notifies the lottery result by displaying a variable display, A reserved storage means for reserving and storing a predetermined number of pieces of information relating to variable display that has not yet been implemented; a pre-reading determination means for making a determination before the lottery; A hold number display means for displaying a hold corresponding to the number of the hold stored; a look-ahead performance means for performing a look-ahead performance based on the determination result of the look-ahead determination means; The above-mentioned pre-reading performance is A winning effect that starts when the ball enters the starting hole; A hold effect that changes the display mode of the hold display, A first execution mode in which only one of the winning effect and the reserved effect is executed; A second execution mode in which the winning effect and the reserved effect are simultaneously executed; A third execution mode in which the winning performance is executed and the pending performance is executed in a variable display after the variable display that was executed when the winning performance was executed, If the determination result is a specific value, the second execution mode or the third execution mode is selected with a higher probability than the first execution mode, and the second execution mode and the third execution mode have different selection rates depending on the determination result. This is a pinball game machine characterized by the above.

[0009] The random numbers extracted due to the game ball entering the starting hole may be random numbers for determining whether or not a big win (or small win, or time-saving pattern win) will occur, as well as random numbers used to determine the type of pattern according to the lottery result of the big win determination random number and the variable display time until the pattern is derived and displayed, and may be, for example, random numbers for determining the pattern of a big win, small win, miss, or time-saving pattern, random numbers for determining a reach, or random numbers for determining a variation pattern, and a configuration in which some random numbers are used and some are not used depending on the result of the win / loss determination may be adopted. Also, the timing of extracting the random numbers is not limited to when the game ball enters the starting hole, but may also be when the win / loss determination is performed, which is performed immediately before the pattern begins to vary.

[0010] The number of reserved memories stored in the reserved memory means increases based on the ball entering the starting hole and decreases based on the lottery (determination of whether it is a win or a loss) for the reserved memories, and it is preferable that the configuration be such that a command indicating the number of reserved memories is sent to the sub-control device when the number of reserved memories increases or decreases.

[0011] It is preferable that the determination result by the look-ahead determination means is always performed every time the extracted random number value is stored, but the transmission of the determination result to the sub-control device may always be performed every time a determination is made by the look-ahead determination means, or a determination as to whether or not to transmit may be made based on the determination result of the look-ahead determination means and the game state at the time of the look-ahead determination, and a configuration may be adopted in which the result is not transmitted, for example, if the determined losing symbol does not indicate a predetermined performance category (normal loss) or if the current game state is when the opening extension function is activated.

[0012] The "specific value" in "if the judgment result is a specific value" may be a value indicating a big hit (or small hit), a value that results in a special state (high probability state, time-saving state) after the big hit game ends, a value that results in a super reach even if there is no big hit, a value that results in a winning time-saving pattern, etc., and it should be a value that gives the player hope of a hit occurring during the presentation process when the variable display begins based on the lottery of the reserved memory.

[0013] The sub-controller controls the performance display device, sound effects, and light emitting members based on commands received from the main controller, and may also be configured to control the movement of movable props for performance. Also, multiple sub-integrated controllers may be configured to control each piece of equipment for performance.

[0014] The winning effect as a pre-reading effect is performed based on the result of a pre-reading judgment made when the winning entry is made at the start gate, and is performed at the same time as the hold display indicating that the ball has been held. However, it is also possible to perform it later in order to show the degree of expectation. As for the winning effect, it is possible to activate a special effect device, light up a special lamp, output a special sound that is different from the normal winning sound, activate a vibration function, start a special effect display, etc. By doing this, a different effect will be performed the moment the winning ball enters the starting hole, and the player will be able to feel a sense of discomfort and anticipation at the execution of the different effect. The winning effect only needs to be executed when the winning ball enters the starting hole, and may be completed in a short time, or may continue over multiple fluctuations.

[0015] In the case of a configuration in which a reserved symbol (reserved display) is displayed on the display device, the reserved symbol as a pre-reading effect is changed to a pre-reading symbol that indicates the expected probability of winning, thereby creating a preview effect. The pre-reading symbol has a plurality of symbols with different expected probabilities, and it is conceivable that instead of displaying the reserved symbol when the starting hole is entered, a pre-reading symbol is displayed, or when the performance symbol begins to change, the reserved symbol changes to a pre-reading symbol, or the displayed pre-reading symbol changes to a pre-reading symbol with even higher expectations. In this way, even if a pre-reading symbol is displayed once, it may change to a pre-reading symbol with even higher expectations, so you can keep your hopes up until the end.

[0016] The reserved change can be applied not only to the reserved memory but also to the change, and in that case, the changing symbol (changing display) that indicates that the change is in progress is changed to a pre-reading symbol. In this case, the pre-reading effect can be started from the reserved memory stage, and the pre-reading effect can be continued even after the change actually starts, so that the player can continue to have hope that the change will be to a highly anticipated pre-reading symbol even after the change starts.

[0017] With this type of pinball gaming machine, if the result of the predictive judgment is a specific value, even if only the winning performance starts in the first execution mode, it can be expected that it may switch to the third execution mode, and since it can be expected that the second execution mode will have a more specific value than the first execution mode, it can be expected that it will start in either mode.

[0018] (Second feature: pinball game machine) A pinball game machine that draws a lottery to determine whether a game ball enters a starting hole and notifies the lottery result by displaying a variable display, A reserved storage means for reserving and storing a predetermined number of pieces of information relating to variable display that has not yet been implemented; a pre-reading determination means for making a determination before the lottery; A hold number display means for displaying a hold corresponding to the number of the hold stored; A variable display means for displaying a variable display to indicate that the variable display is being performed; a look-ahead performance means for performing a look-ahead performance based on the determination result of the look-ahead determination means; The above-mentioned pre-reading performance is A winning effect that starts when the ball enters the starting hole; A hold effect that changes the display mode of the hold display, or when the display of the changed hold display is erased, changes the display mode of the changing display to a display mode related to the display mode, A first execution mode in which only one of the winning effect and the reserved effect is executed; A second execution mode in which the winning effect and the reserved symbol effect are simultaneously executed; A third execution mode in which the winning performance is executed, and then the pending performance is executed in the changing display when the changing display is based on the information that is the target of the pre-reading performance, If the determination result is a specific value, the second execution mode or the third execution mode is selected with a higher probability than the first execution mode, and the second execution mode and the third execution mode have different selection rates depending on the determination result. A pinball game machine characterized by: With this type of pinball gaming machine, if the result of the predictive judgment is a specific value, even if only the winning effect is started in the first execution mode, it can be expected that it may switch to the third execution mode in which the pending effect is performed with the changing display, and since it can be expected that the second execution mode will be a more specific value than the first execution mode, it can be expected that it will start in either mode. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] Front view of game board 1 [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko machine [Figure 3] Diagram showing operation details [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart showing a main routine executed by the main control unit 80. [Figure 5]A flowchart showing the start-up winning process executed by the main control device 80 [Figure 6] Flowchart 1 showing the correct / incorrect determination process 1 executed by the main control device 80 [Figure 7] Flowchart 2 showing the correct / incorrect determination process 1 executed by the main control device 80 [Figure 8] Flowchart 3 showing the correct / incorrect determination process 1 executed by the main control device 80 [Figure 9] A flowchart showing the hold number instruction command reception process executed by the sub-integrated control device 83 [Figure 10] A flowchart showing a pre-reading determination command reception process executed by the sub-integrated control device 83. [Figure 11] Table showing the selection rate of each execution mode in Example 1 [Figure 12] Display example 1 implemented by the performance pattern display device 6 [Figure 13] Display example 2 implemented by the performance pattern display device 6 [Figure 14] Display example 3 implemented by the performance pattern display device 6 [Figure 15] Display example 4 implemented by the performance pattern display device 6 [Figure 16] Display example 5 implemented by the performance pattern display device 6 [Figure 17] Display example 6 implemented by performance pattern display device 6 [Figure 18] Display example 7 implemented by the performance pattern display device 6 [Figure 19] Display example 8 implemented by the performance pattern display device 6 [Figure 20] Display example 9 implemented by the performance pattern display device 6 [Figure 21] Display example 10 implemented by the performance pattern display device 6 [Figure 22] Display example 11 implemented by the performance pattern display device 6 [Figure 23] Display example 12 implemented by the performance pattern display device 6 [Figure 24] Display example 13 implemented by the performance pattern display device 6 [Figure 25] Table showing the selection rate of each execution mode in Example 2 [Figure 26] Front view of a pachinko machine 200 according to the present invention [Figure 27] Display example 14 implemented by the performance pattern display device 6 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below. However, the present invention is not limited to the following examples, and various embodiments within the technical scope of the present invention can be adopted, and it goes without saying that the contents described in each example can be combined as appropriate. [Example]

[0021] FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the game board 1 has a substantially circular game area surrounded by known guide rails 2a and 2b, which is divided into a first game area 3a and a second game area 3b by a center case 5 located approximately in the center. The first game area 3a is on the left side of the center case 5, and the second game area 3b is on the right side. Game balls that reach part A shown in the figure roll along a second game area guide path 101 and reach the second game area 3b (the right side of the center case 5), while game balls that do not reach part A flow down the first game area 3a (the left side of the center case 5). A large number of game pegs are embedded in the first game area 3a and the second game area 3b.

[0022] The center case 5, like known devices, is equipped with a warp entrance, a warp passage, a stage, a window overlooking the screen of the performance pattern display device 6 (corresponding to the performance display device), etc. A first start opening 11 (corresponding to the start opening of the present invention) is located below the center case 5. Also, four normal winning openings 31 are provided to the left of the first start opening 11. These normal winning openings 31 are normal winning openings in which the winning rate does not change.

[0023] A normal symbol activation gate 17 is located in the second game area 3b to the right of the center case 5, and below the normal symbol activation gate 17 is located a second start opening 12 (corresponding to the start opening of this invention) consisting of a normal electric device 15, and this normal electric device 15 has wing pieces that can be opened and closed, and unless these wing pieces are opened, it is not possible for a ball to enter the second start opening 12. A large prize opening 14 is located to the bottom left of the second start opening 12 consisting of the normal electric device 15.

[0024] The first starting hole 11 is configured to make it difficult for game balls that have flowed down the second game area 3b to enter the hole due to the embedded game nails and the molded resin that makes up the center case 5. As a result, the first starting hole 11 can be entered almost exclusively by game balls that have flowed down the first game area 3a.

[0025] At the bottom of the second game area 3b, there are arranged a normal symbol display device 7 consisting of multiple LEDs, a normal symbol reserved number display device 8, a first special symbol display device 9 consisting of a 7-segment display device, a second special symbol display device 10, a first special symbol reserved number display device 18 consisting of multiple LEDs, and a second special symbol reserved number display device 19. It is difficult for the player to reliably recognize the display contents of the various display devices arranged in this position, and the player will play while paying attention to the display contents of the effect symbol display device 6.

[0026] By configuring the game board 1 as described above, a game ball enters the first start port 11 (the first start port switch 11a (see Figure 2) detects the game ball) only when the game flow is allowed to flow down into the first game area 3a, and the first special pattern (hereinafter also referred to as the first special pattern) begins to fluctuate on the first special pattern display device 9 and stops after a predetermined time.

[0027] When a game ball is allowed to flow down into the second game area 3b, a game ball enters the normal symbol activation gate 17 (the normal symbol activation switch 17a (see Figure 2) detects the game ball), and the normal symbol (hereinafter also referred to as the normal symbol) begins to change display on the normal symbol display device 7. After a predetermined time, the normal electric solenoid 12b (see Figure 2) described below is activated depending on the state of the normal symbol that has stopped. When the normal electric solenoid 12b is activated, the wing pieces of the normal electric device 15 open almost synchronously, allowing the ball to enter the second start hole 12 (detection by the second start hole switch 12a (see Figure 2)). When a game ball enters the normal electric device 15, which is the second start hole 12 (the second special symbol start switch 12a (see Figure 2) detects the game ball), the second special symbol (hereinafter also referred to as the second special symbol) begins to change display on the second special symbol display device 10, and stops after a predetermined time.

[0028] In this embodiment, the second starting hole 12 is normally configured so that the game ball cannot enter unless the wing piece of the electric device 15 is driven, but it may also be configured so that the game ball can enter, but it is simply difficult to enter.

[0029] While the first special symbol and the second special symbol are changing, the symbol display device 6 displays a display mode linked to the change of each special symbol (hereinafter also referred to as the special symbol). Furthermore, the first special symbol and the second special symbol do not change at the same time, and the change of the second special symbol (the winning / losing determination) is carried out with priority regardless of the order in which the balls enter the first and second starting holes. Specifically, if there is a reserved memory of the first special symbol, the change of the second special symbol stops, and the state becomes one in which there is no reserved memory of the second special symbol, and the change of the reserved memory of the first special symbol begins.

[0030] The large prize opening solenoid 14b (see FIG. 2), which will be described later, is driven in accordance with the state in which the first special symbol and the second special symbol are determined and displayed. When the large prize opening solenoid 14b is driven, the door member of the large prize opening 14 opens almost synchronously, and it is configured so that a game ball can enter the large prize opening 14 (a count switch 14a (see FIG. 2) detects the game ball).

[0031] The second starting port 12 consisting of the normal symbol activation gate 17 and the normal electric device 15, and the big prize port 14 are located in the second game area 3b (to the right of the center case 5), so when the game enters the big win game state or the open extension state, the launch handle is adjusted so that all of the launched game balls reach the second game area 3b.

[0032] 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko machine, and is configured around the main control device 80. Note that this block diagram does not show so-called relay boards and power supply circuits, etc., which are used simply to relay signals. Also, although detailed illustrations are omitted, the main control device 80, payout control device 81, performance symbol control device 82, and sub-integrated control device 83 are all equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, input ports, output ports, etc., but in this embodiment, the firing control device 84 is not equipped with a CPU, ROM, or RAM. However, this is not limited to this, and the firing control device 84 may also be equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.

[0033] The main control device 80 receives detection signals from the first start port switch 11a which detects game balls that have entered the first start port 11, the second start port switch 12a which detects game balls that have entered the second start port 12, the normal pattern activation switch 17a which detects game balls that have entered the normal pattern activation gate 17 which activates the normal pattern, the count switch 14a which counts game balls that have entered the big prize port 14, and the normal prize port switch 31a which detects game balls that have entered the normal prize port 31, and via the rear wiring relay terminal board 75, receives detection signals from the glass frame opening switch 35 and the inner frame opening switch 36 which detect whether the front frame (glass frame) and inner frame are closed or not.

[0034] The main control device 80 operates according to a program installed therein, and generates various commands related to the progress of the game based on the above-mentioned detection signals, etc., and outputs them to the payout control device 81 and the sub-integrated control device 83. The main control device 80 also controls the display of the first special pattern display device 9, the second special pattern display device 10, and the normal pattern display device 7, which are connected via a pattern display device relay terminal board 90, and the lighting of the first special pattern reserved number display device 18, the second special pattern reserved number display device 19, and the normal pattern reserved number display device 8.

[0035] Furthermore, the main control device 80 controls the opening and closing of the special prize opening 14 by controlling the special prize opening solenoid 14b, and controls the opening and closing of the second starting opening 12 by controlling the normal electric role solenoid (indicated as normal electric role solenoid in FIG. 2) 17b. The output signal from the main control device 80 is also output to the test signal terminal, and signals for managing symbol fluctuations, jackpots (also called special games), etc. are output to the external connection terminal 78 and sent to the hall computer 87.

[0036] Two-way communication is carried out between the main control device 80 and the payout control device 81, and the payout control device 81 controls the payout motor 20 in response to commands sent from the main control device 80 to pay out prize balls. In this embodiment, a detection signal from the payout switch 21 for counting the game balls paid out as prize balls is input to the payout control device 81, and the payout control device 81 counts the prize balls. Alternatively, a configuration may be used in which the detection signal from the payout switch 21 is input to both the main control device 80 and the payout control device 81, and the counting of prize balls is carried out by both the main control device 80 and the payout control device 81.

[0037] The payout control device 81 receives signals from the glass frame open switch 35, inner frame open switch 36, full switch 22, and out-of-ball switch 23, and when the full switch 22 receives a signal indicating that the lower tray 63 is full, or when the out-of-ball switch 23 receives a signal indicating that there are few or no game balls in the ball tank, it stops the payout motor 20 and stops the payout operation of prize balls. The full switch 22 and out-of-ball switch 23 are also configured to continue outputting signals until the condition is resolved, and the payout control device 81 resumes driving the payout motor 20 when the signal is no longer output.

[0038] The payout control device 81 also communicates with the prepaid card unit via the CR unit terminal board 24 to activate the payout motor 20 and dispense the dispensed balls. The dispensed balls are detected by the payout switch 21, and the detection signal is input to the payout control device 81. The CR unit terminal board 24 is also connected to the settlement display board 25 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally, and the settlement display board 25 is connected to a ball lending button for requesting the lending of game balls, a return button for requesting settlement, and a balance display.

[0039] Furthermore, the payout control device 81 transmits information regarding prize balls, information indicating the open / closed state of the frames (inner frame, front frame), etc. to the hall computer via the external connection terminal 78, and also transmits a firing stop signal to the firing control device 84. Note that although this embodiment is configured to pay out game balls, it may also be configured to store game balls generated in response to winnings, etc., without paying them out.

[0040] The launch control device 84 controls the launch motor 30 to launch the gaming balls. In addition to the payout control device 81, the launch control device 84 also receives a rotation amount signal from the launch handle, a touch signal from the touch switch 28, and a launch stop signal from the launch stop switch 29. The rotation amount signal is output when the player operates the launch handle, the touch signal is output when the player touches the launch handle, and the launch stop switch signal is output when the player presses the launch stop switch 29. If a touch signal is not input to the launch control device 84, the gaming balls cannot be launched, and if the launch stop switch signal is input, the gaming balls cannot be launched even if the player is touching the launch handle.

[0041] The sub-integrated control device 83 is equipped with electrical components such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and executes processing using the CPU according to the program stored in the installed ROM, generates various commands related to the presentation based on the input from the game switch 67a and the commands input from the main control device 80, and outputs them to the presentation pattern control device 82.

[0042] The sub-integrated control device 83 is also provided with a volume adjustment switch 83a for adjusting the volume, and is configured to detect the state (position) of the volume adjustment switch 83a, judge the detection result and the content to be transmitted to the speaker 66, and control the volume output from the speaker 66 by software.

[0043] The effect symbol control device 82 controls the effect symbol display device 6 based on the data and commands (both of which are sent from the main control device 80 and generated by the sub-integrated control device 83) received from the sub-integrated control device 83 to display effect images such as pseudo symbols. The sub-integrated control device 83 and the main control device 80 are configured as a one-way communication circuit from the main control device 80 to the sub-integrated control device 83 via the effect relay terminal board 65, and the sub-integrated control device 83 and the effect symbol control device 82 are configured as a one-way communication circuit from the sub-integrated control device 83 to the effect symbol control device 82.

[0044] Next, an overview of the operation of the gaming machine will be explained using the diagram in Figure 3. The pachinko machine in this embodiment is configured as a probability variable machine, and the win / loss determination based on the game ball entering the first starting hole 11 and the second starting hole 12 is performed in either a normal probability state (low probability state) or a high probability state in which the probability of a jackpot is higher than in the normal probability state. In this embodiment, the normal (low) probability is set to 1 / 300, and the high probability is set to 1 / 30. The probability of a small win is the same 1 / 150 in both the normal gaming state and the high probability gaming state, and if a win occurs, the large winning hole 14 opens for 1.6 seconds.

[0045] The machine also features an extended opening function that changes the activation trigger and activation time of the normal electric device 15 (second starting hole 12). When the extended opening function is not activated, the normal electric device 15 performs a single 0.2-second opening operation for each normal symbol hit. When the extended opening function is activated (extended opening state), the normal electric device 15 performs three 1.0-second opening operations for each normal symbol hit. The first and second special symbol fluctuation patterns (fluctuation times) in the game state where the extended opening function is activated (extended opening state) are selected using a fluctuation pattern selection table that is set to have a shorter average fluctuation time than the fluctuation pattern selection table used in the game state when the extended opening function is not activated. This increases the number of special symbol fluctuations per unit time when the extended opening function is activated compared to when the extended opening function is not activated (time-saving state), and the time-saving function operates at the same time as the start and end triggers of the extended opening function.

[0046] Furthermore, when the extended open function is activated, a time-saving function is also activated, which shortens the time it takes for the normal symbols to change (increasing the number of times the normal symbols change per unit time). Specifically, when the extended open function is not activated, the normal symbols change over a normal period of time, which is set to 6.2 seconds, and when the extended open function is activated, the normal symbols change over a period of time, which is set to 0.7 seconds. This increases the number of times the normal symbols change per unit time when the extended open function is activated, greatly increasing the chances of the normal electric symbols activating. This increases the rate at which balls are entered into the normal electric symbols per unit time, increases the number of times the second special symbols change, and suppresses the loss of balls.

[0047] In the jackpot game, the jackpot slot 14 opens for 15 rounds (maximum 29.0 seconds per round or 9 counts) upon every jackpot. There are two types of jackpot symbols: probability variable symbols and normal symbols. If a jackpot is won with a probability variable symbol, the game will transition to a high probability game state from the end of the jackpot game until the next jackpot, and if a jackpot is won with a normal symbol, the game will enter a time-saving (extended opening) state after the end of the jackpot game until the special symbol has displayed 100 times.

[0048] Next, the main routine executed by the main control device 80 will be described with reference to Figure 4. The main routine is executed periodically by a hardware interrupt approximately every 2 ms. In this embodiment, the processing from S10 to S75, which is executed only once, is referred to as "main processing," and the processing of S80, which is executed repeatedly as long as time permits within the time remaining after executing this main processing, is referred to as "residual processing." The "main processing" is executed periodically by the above interrupt.

[0049] When a hardware interrupt is executed by the microcomputer, it is first determined whether or not the interrupt is normal (S10). This determination process is performed by determining whether or not a value in a predetermined area of ​​RAM (memory) is equal to a predetermined value, and is intended to determine whether or not normal processing can be executed when the processing executed by the microcomputer transitions to this processing. Possible cases of an abnormal interrupt include microcomputer runaway due to power-on or noise, but microcomputer runaway is considered to be almost uncommon due to recent technological improvements, so most cases occur when the power is turned on. When the power is turned on, the value in a predetermined area of ​​RAM is different from the predetermined value.

[0050] If S10 returns a negative judgment, i.e., if it is determined that the interrupt is not normal (S10: no), initial settings (for example, writing a predetermined value to a predetermined area of ​​the memory, writing each initial value to the working area of ​​the memory, etc., setting the special pattern and normal pattern as the initial pattern, etc.) are made (S15), and the remaining processing (initial random number update processing (S85)) is performed.

[0051] If a positive judgment of normal interruption is made (S10: yes), the following processes are performed: initial value random number update process (S20), random number update process for determining a jackpot (S25), random number 1 update process for determining a jackpot pattern (S30), random number 2 update process for determining a jackpot pattern (S35), random number update process for determining a minor jackpot pattern (S40), random number update process for determining a win (S45), random number update process for reaching a reach (S50), and random number update process for determining a variation pattern (S55).

[0052] In the subsequent winning confirmation process (S60), winnings at the first start port 11, the second start port 12, winnings at the big win port 14, winnings at the normal win port 31, and balls entering the normal symbol activation gate 17 are confirmed, and input processing of each switch provided in the pachinko machine 50 and connected to the main control device 80 is executed. The winning (ball entry) confirmation process for each start port and activation port (start winning process) will be described later using Figure 5.

[0053] Next, the correct / incorrect determination process (S65), various output processes such as image output process (S70), and fraud monitoring process (S75) are performed, and the initial random number update process (S80) is looped during the remaining time until the next interrupt signal is input.

[0054] Next, the start-up winning process executed by the main control unit 80 will be described with reference to Figure 5. This process is one of the subroutines of the winning confirmation process (S65) shown in Figure 4, and is a process that includes the reserved storage means and the pre-reading determination means of the present invention.

[0055] Hereinafter, the reserve memory stored when the gaming ball enters the first start port 11 will be referred to as the first reserve memory, the reserve memory stored when the gaming ball enters the second start port 12 as the second reserve memory, and the reserve memory stored when the gaming ball passes through the normal pattern start gate 17 as the normal pattern reserve memory.

[0056] When this process starts, it is determined whether the first start switch 11a has detected a game ball (S100). If the determination is affirmative (S100: yes), it is determined whether the number of first reserved memories already stored in the main control device 80 is less than the upper limit number (four in this embodiment) (S105). If the determination is affirmative (S105: yes), various random number values ​​such as win / loss random numbers (random number for determining a jackpot, random numbers 1 and 2 for determining a jackpot pattern, random number for determining a small win pattern, random number for reaching a reach, random number for determining a variation pattern) are extracted and stored as first reserved memories in a memory area corresponding to the number of reserved memories in the main control device 80, and 1 is added to the first reserved memory counter indicating the number of first reserved memories (S110) (corresponding to the reserved memory means of the present invention).

[0057] Following S110, a pre-reading judgment of the stored first reserved memory is performed (S115). Specifically, it is confirmed whether the value of the random number for determining a jackpot is a value that will cause a jackpot, and if it is a jackpot value, the type of jackpot symbol is confirmed. If the jackpot judgment is a miss, it is confirmed whether it is a value that will cause a small win, and if it is a small win value, the type of small win symbol is confirmed. If it is a miss that is neither a jackpot nor a small win, the type of the miss symbol is confirmed (corresponding to the pre-reading judgment means of the present invention).

[0058] Next, a first pre-reading determination command is generated based on the pre-reading determination result of S115 and sent to the sub-integrated control device 83 (S120), and a first hold number instruction command indicating the value of the first hold memory counter incremented in S110 is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83 (S125). In this embodiment, the first pre-reading determination command and the first hold number instruction command are sent to the sub-integrated control device 83 as separate commands, but it is also possible to configure the contents of these two commands to be combined into one command and sent to the sub-integrated control device 83. Furthermore, the contents of the hold memory number command may indicate +1 (an increase of 1) rather than indicating the value of the first hold memory counter incremented in S110.

[0059] Following the processing of S125 or a negative determination of S100 or S105 (S100: no, S105: no), it is determined whether or not the second start switch 12a has detected a game ball (S130). If the determination is negative (S130: no), the process proceeds to S160, and if the determination is positive (S130: yes), it is determined whether or not the number of second reserved memories stored in the main control device 80 is less than the upper limit number (= 4) (S135). If the judgment is negative (S135: no), proceed to S160, and if the judgment is positive (S135: yes), various random number values ​​such as hit / miss random numbers (random number for determining a jackpot, random numbers 1 and 2 for determining a jackpot pattern, random number for determining a minor hit pattern, random number for reach judgment, random number for determining a variation pattern) are extracted and stored as second reserved memories in a memory area corresponding to the number of reserved memories in the main control unit 80, 1 is added to the second reserved memory counter indicating the number of second reserved memories (S140), and a pre-reading judgment is made of the stored second reserved memories in the same manner as S115 (S145).

[0060] Next, based on the judgment result of S145, a second pre-read judgment command is generated and sent to the sub-integrated control device 83 (S150), and a second hold number instruction command indicating the value of the second hold memory counter added in S140 is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83 (S155), and the process proceeds to S160.

[0061] In S160, it is determined whether the normal symbol activation switch 17a has detected a game ball (S160). If the determination is negative (S160: no), the process goes to RETURN. If the determination is positive (S160: yes), the process determines whether the number of normal symbol reserve memories stored in the main control device 80 is less than the upper limit (= 4) (S165). If the determination is negative (S165: no), the process goes to RETURN. If the determination is positive (S165: yes), the extracted random number for winning judgment and the random number for determining winning symbol are stored as normal symbol reserve memories, 1 is added to the normal symbol reserve memory counter indicating the number of normal symbol reserve memories (S170), and a normal symbol reserve memory number instruction command indicating the value of the incremented normal symbol reserve memory counter is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83 (S175), and the process goes to RETURN.

[0062] When the sub-integrated control device 83 receives the first and second reserved memory number instruction commands, it sends an instruction signal to the performance symbol control device 82 to change the number of reserved memories displayed on the performance symbol display device 6 (display the reserved symbol) according to the reserved memory number indicated by the received command. Also, in this embodiment, the reserved memory number of normal symbols is not displayed on the performance symbol display device 6, but it may be configured to display it in response to receiving the normal symbol reserved memory number instruction command, or it may be configured not to send the normal symbol reserved memory number instruction command itself. Also, a configuration is conceivable in which a pre-reading judgment of the normal symbol is performed and the judgment result is sent to the sub-integrated control device. This makes it possible to implement a pre-reading notice that anticipates the opening of the normal electric role (second starting port 12).

[0063] Next, the winning / losing determination process executed by the main control device 80 will be described with reference to Figures 6, 7, and 8. This process is a process of "drawing a lottery to determine whether or not a jackpot will occur based on a random number extracted due to the entry of a gaming ball into the starting hole."

[0064] When this process starts, it determines whether the condition device is operating, that is, whether a jackpot is occurring (S200), and if the result is affirmative (S200: yes), it returns, and if the result is negative (S200: no), it determines whether the first or second special symbol is fluctuating (S205), and if the result is negative (S205: no), it determines whether the first or second special symbol is being displayed (S210), and if the result is negative (S210: no), it determines whether there is a second reserved memory (S215). If the result is affirmative (S215: yes), it proceeds to S225, and if the result is negative (S215: no), it determines whether there is a first reserved memory (S220), and if the result is negative (S220: no), it exits to return, and if the result is affirmative (S220: yes), it proceeds to S225. The order of judgment in S215 and S220 determines whether the second reserved memory is correct or not. In this embodiment, the special symbols are configured as multiple symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol), but the effect of the present invention remains the same even if there is only one special symbol. In addition, the effect of the present invention remains the same even if two types of special symbols can be changed simultaneously.

[0065] In S225, it is determined whether the value of the time-saving flag is 0 or not (S225). The time-saving flag is a value stored by the main control device 80, and when the value is "1", it is a value that the main control device 80 uses to determine that it is in the time-saving state and the extended opening state, and when the value is "0", it is a value that the main control device 80 uses to determine that it is in the non-time-saving state and the non-extended opening state. If the determination is positive (S225: yes), proceed to S230, and if the determination is negative (S225: no), proceed to processing during the time-saving state. The processing during the time-saving state is different only in the variation pattern selection table that sets the variation time of the special chart, so explanation will be omitted.

[0066] In S230, a shift process of the reserved memory is performed (S230), whereby the oldest reserved memory is subjected to the judgment of correctness, and the reserved memory counter indicating the number of reserved memories is decremented by 1. In this embodiment, the reserved number instruction command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83 only when the reserved number increases, but it may also be configured to send a reserved number instruction command indicating a decrease to the sub-integrated control device 83 in response to this decrement.

[0067] Following S230, the value of the random number for jackpot determination in the reserved memory that was the subject of the hit / miss determination is compared with a preset hit / miss determination table to see if the random number value matches the determination value in the hit / miss determination table (S235).Two types of hit / miss determination tables are set up: one for normal probability (low probability 1 / 300) and one for high probability (1 / 30).If the game state at the time of hit / miss determination is the normal probability state (probability variable flag "0"), the comparison is made using the hit / miss determination table for normal probability, and if it is the high probability state (probability variable flag "1"), the comparison is made using the hit / miss determination table for high probability.

[0068] In the subsequent process of S240, it is determined whether the result of the comparison process of the random number for jackpot determination (S235) is a jackpot (the same as the determination value) (1 / 300 in this embodiment). If the determination is affirmative (S240: yes), a symbol mode setting process is performed (S245). In the symbol mode setting process, a symbol mode that determines the content of the jackpot game and the game state after the jackpot game ends is set based on the random number 1 for determining the jackpot symbol in the reserved memory that is the subject of determination. Next, a jackpot symbol selection process is performed (S250) based on the type of symbol mode that was set and the random number 2 for determining the jackpot symbol in the reserved memory that is the subject of determination. This is a process that determines the symbol to be displayed from the symbol group set for each type of symbol mode in order to associate the type of jackpot (the content of the jackpot game and the game state after the jackpot game ends) determined by the symbol mode setting with the jackpot symbol.

[0069] Next, a mode buffer setting process is performed based on the symbol mode set in S245 (S255). The mode buffer is a device that stores the game state determined at the time of hit / miss judgment after the end of the jackpot game until the end of the jackpot game when the game state is set (because the probability variable flag and time-saving flag that set the game state must be cleared during the jackpot game). The mode buffer does not store specific game content (the operation of the probability variable function and the open extension function (time-saving function) and the number of times they are operated), but is configured to store values ​​corresponding to each of multiple types of specific game content.

[0070] Next, based on the pattern mode set in S245, a process for setting the opening pattern of the large prize opening, which will be the content of the jackpot game, is performed (S260), and based on the random number for determining the reach and the random number for determining the variation pattern in the reserved memory that are the subject of the hit / miss judgment, a variation pattern, which will be the variation time of the patterns displayed on the first special pattern display device 9 or the second special pattern display device 10, and the performance pattern display device 6, is selected from the variation pattern selection table (S265).

[0071] Next, the information on the selected jackpot symbol and variation pattern is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83 as a variation instruction command (S270). Based on the instruction from the sub-integrated control device 83 that has received this information, the performance symbol control device 82 controls the performance symbol display device 6 and starts varying the symbols corresponding to the jackpot symbol and variation pattern information. Almost simultaneously with the transmission to the sub-integrated control device 83, the main control device 80 directly controls the first special symbol display device 9 or the second special symbol display device 10 to start varying the special symbols.

[0072] If S375 is negative (S375: no), a losing symbol is selected (S385), followed by a process for setting a variation pattern corresponding to the losing symbol (S365), and a variation instruction command, which is information on the symbol and variation pattern related to the loss, is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83 (S370). Based on instructions from the sub-integrated control device 83 that has received this information, the effect symbol control device 82 controls the effect symbol display device 6, and begins varying the pseudo symbol based on the information on the losing symbol and variation pattern. Almost simultaneously with the transmission to the sub-integrated control device 83, the main control device 80 directly controls the first special symbol display device 9 or the second special symbol display device 10 to begin varying the special symbol.

[0073] If S240 is negative, i.e., a miss (S240: no), the result of the comparison process of S235 is determined to be a small win (S280), and if it is a positive determination (S280: yes), a small win symbol is selected based on the type of special symbol, the game status, and the random number for determining the small win symbol (S285), followed by a process for setting the release pattern for the small win game (S260), the process for selecting the aforementioned variation pattern corresponding to the small win symbol (S265), and a variation instruction command that is information on the small win symbol and variation pattern is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83 (S270). Based on instructions from the sub-integrated control device 83 that received this information, the effect symbol control device 82 controls the effect symbol display device 6 and begins varying the effect symbol corresponding to the first or second special symbol based on the information on the small win symbol and variation pattern. Almost simultaneously with the transmission to the sub-integrated control device 83, the main control device 80 directly controls the first special symbol display device 9 or the second special symbol display device 10 to start varying the special symbol.

[0074] If S280 is negative (S280: no), a losing symbol is selected (S290), followed by a process for setting a variation pattern corresponding to the losing symbol (S265), and a variation instruction command, which is information on the symbol and variation pattern related to the losing symbol, is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83 (S270). Based on instructions from the sub-integrated control device 83 that has received this information, the effect symbol control device 82 controls the effect symbol display device 6, and starts varying the pseudo symbol based on the information on the losing symbol and variation pattern. Almost simultaneously with the transmission to the sub-integrated control device 83, the main control device 80 directly controls the first special symbol display device 9 or the second special symbol display device 10 to start varying the special symbol.

[0075] Next, if S205 is judged as positive, that is, if the special symbol is changing (S205: yes), the process proceeds to the flowchart of Fig. 7, and it is judged whether the special symbol change time (based on the change pattern selected in S265) has elapsed (S300). If the judgment is negative (S300: no), the process returns. If the judgment is positive (S300: yes), a confirmation command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83, and the first special symbol display device 9 or the second special symbol display device 10 is controlled to confirm and display the confirmed symbol selected in S250, S285, or S290 (S305). The sub-integrated control device 83 that has received the confirmation command sends an instruction signal to the effect symbol control device 82 to confirm and display the pseudo symbol that was previously selected, and the effect symbol control device 82 controls the effect symbol display device 6 in accordance with the signal to confirm and display the pseudo symbol. As a result, the first or second special symbol and the start and end of the variation of the pseudo symbol displayed on the performance symbol display device 6 are synchronized (synchronized).

[0076] Following S305, it is determined whether the first or second special symbol displayed by the first special symbol display device 9 or the second special symbol display device 10 is a jackpot symbol (S310), and if the determination is affirmative (S310: yes), a display setting process for the determined symbol (setting of the time for displaying the determined symbol) is performed (S315), and it is determined whether the probability variable flag is 1 (whether or not the state is high probability) (S320), and if the determination is affirmative (S320: yes), the probability variable flag is set to 0 (S325), S325, Alternatively, following a negative judgment in S320 (S320: no), it is judged whether the time-saving flag is 1 or not (S330), and if the judgment is positive (S330: yes), the time-saving flag is set to 0 (S335), and following a negative judgment in S330 or S335 (S335: no), a jackpot is started by performing a condition device operation start process (S340) and a role device continuous operation device operation start process (S345), and a jackpot start performance instruction command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83 (S350).

[0077] On the other hand, if S310 makes a negative judgment, i.e., if the confirmed pattern is not a jackpot (S310: no), a display setting process for the confirmed pattern (setting the time for which the confirmed pattern is to be displayed) is performed (S360), and it is determined whether the special rate flag is 1 or not (S365), and if the judgment is positive (S365: yes), the special rate counter is decremented (S370), and it is determined whether the special rate counter is 0 or not (S375), and if the judgment is positive (S375: yes), the special rate flag is set to 0 (S380). Next, if S380 or S365, S375 is a negative judgment (S365: no, S375: no), it is judged whether the time-saving flag is 1 (S385), and if the judgment is affirmative (S385: yes), the time-saving counter is decremented (S390), and it is judged whether the time-saving counter is 0 (S395), and if the judgment is affirmative (S395: yes), the time-saving flag is set to 0 (S400). By S365 to S400, each time the special symbol displays a miss confirmation according to the hit / miss judgment, the probability variable counter that regulates the high probability state and the time-saving counter that regulates the time-saving (extended opening) state are counted, and when these counters reach a predetermined value, the game state changes (the time-saving (extended opening) state ends and transitions to the normal state (normal probability variable state and normal open state)).

[0078] Next, if S400, or S385, S395 is a negative judgment (S385: no, S395: no), it is determined whether the confirmed special pattern displayed is a small win pattern or not (S405), and if the judgment is positive (S405: yes), processing is performed to start the small win game (S410), and following a negative judgment (S405: no) of S350, S410, or S405, a state designation command indicating the game state based on the result of the above processing is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83 (S355) and returns.

[0079] Returning to Figure 6, if S210 makes a positive judgment, i.e., if the confirmed pattern is being displayed (S210: yes), proceed to the flowchart of Figure 8, determine whether the confirmed pattern display time has elapsed (S450), and if the judgment is negative (S450: no), return; if the judgment is positive (S450: yes), perform confirmed pattern display termination processing (S455), control the first special pattern display device 9 or the second special pattern display device 10 to terminate the confirmed display of the special pattern, send an instruction signal to the sub-integrated control device 83 to terminate the confirmed display of the pseudo pattern, and return.

[0080] Next, the hold number instruction command reception process executed by the sub-integrated control device 83 will be described using the flowchart shown in Figure 9. This process corresponds to the hold memory symbol display means of the present invention. When this process begins, it is determined whether a hold number instruction command has been received (S500). If the determination is negative (S500: no), the process returns. If the determination is positive (S500: yes), the sub-integrated control device 83 increments the hold number counter (S505) by 1, sends a hold number display signal to the effect symbol control device 82 (S510), and returns. Upon receiving the hold number display signal, the effect symbol control device 82 displays a hold symbol on the effect symbol display device 6 according to the hold number counter value at the time of reception. In this embodiment, one hold symbol is displayed for each hold memory, as will be described in detail later with reference to the accompanying drawings. The value of the hold number counter is decremented each time a change instruction command is received during the change instruction command reception process described later. This ensures that the same number as the number of hold memories stored by the main control device 50 is constantly managed.

[0081] It is also possible to consider a configuration in which the sub-integrated control device 83 does not have a reserved number counter. In this configuration, the reserved number instruction command sent by the main control device 80 indicates the reserved memory number, and the sub-integrated control device 83 displays the instructed number as the reserved memory number, and the reserved number instruction command is sent from the main control device 80 when the fluctuation starts and when reserved memory occurs. Even in this configuration, the timing of the increase / decrease in the reserved memory pattern is the same as the timing of sending the reserved number instruction command from the main control device 80, making it possible to report the accurate reserved number on the performance pattern display device 6.

[0082] Next, the pre-reading determination command reception process executed by the sub-integrated control device 83 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 10. This process corresponds to the pre-reading effect means of the present invention and includes an execution mode selection means. When this process begins, it is determined whether or not a pre-reading determination command (based on FIG. 5, S120, or S150) has been received (S600). If the determination is negative (S600: no), the process returns. If the determination is positive (S600: yes), it is determined whether or not the pre-reading effect flag is 0 (S605). The pre-reading effect flag is a value stored by the sub-integrated control device 83; if the value is 1, the sub-integrated control device 83 determines that the pre-reading effect is being executed, and if the value is 0, the sub-integrated control device 83 determines that the pre-reading effect is not being executed. The pre-reading determination flag is set to 0 when the display of the pre-reading effect according to the flag setting has ended.

[0083] If S605 is judged as positive (S605: yes), distribution random number 1 is extracted (S610), and based on the content of the received pre-reading judgment command (jackpot (probable hit, non-probable hit), super reach, reach, miss) and the value of distribution random number 1 extracted in S610, a pre-reading performance execution judgment process is performed to compare whether the combination of the content and the value is the effective value of the pre-reading performance execution judgment table provided in the sub-integrated control device 83 (S615).

[0084] Next, it is determined whether the comparison result of S615 matches the effective value (pre-reading effect execution) (S620), and if the determination is negative (S620: no), the process returns, and if the determination is positive (S620: yes), a pre-reading effect selection process is performed (S625). In the pre-reading effect selection process, one of three types of pre-reading effect execution modes described later is selected, and the type of effect content of the (pre-reading) hold effect and the (pre-reading) continuous effect to be executed, and the execution timing of each pre-reading effect are also selected.

[0085] Next, the pre-reading effect flag is set to 1 (S630), and an instruction to display the reserved effect and continuous effect selected in S625 based on the execution mode selected in the same way is sent to the effect pattern control device 82 (S635), and then returns. The effect pattern control device 82 that received the instruction performs processing to display the effect display modes of the reserved effect and continuous effect, which will be described later, on the effect pattern display device 6 sequentially based on the instructed timing.

[0086] If S605 returns a negative result, i.e., if a look-ahead effect is being executed (S605: no), then distribution random number 2 is extracted (S640), and a process for determining whether or not a duplicate look-ahead effect is to be executed is performed (S645). In this process, the currently executing look-ahead effect is referenced, and a determination is made based on the content of the received look-ahead determination command and the value of distribution random number 2 extracted in S640 as to whether or not a look-ahead effect execution mode (second execution mode or third execution mode) is possible, which further amplifies the sense of anticipation by executing a new look-ahead effect that overlaps with the currently executing look-ahead effect.

[0087] In addition, in the case of overlapping execution, it is possible to further increase the level of expectation by implementing a type of pre-reading effect that is different from the pre-reading effect that remains until the end among the pre-reading effects that are already being executed (hold effect or continuous effect) (a pseudo second or third execution mode, or a combination of the second or third execution mode and a pre-reading effect).

[0088] Next, it is determined whether the result of the judgment in S645 is to execute a duplicated predictive performance (S650), and if the judgment is negative (S650: no), it returns, and if the judgment is positive (S650: yes), it selects the type of predictive performance to be executed duplicately and the execution timing (S655), and sends an instruction to the performance pattern control device 82 to display the pending performance and / or continuous performance selected in S655 based on the execution timing similarly selected (S660), and returns.

[0089] It is also possible to consider a configuration in which, when a look-ahead effect is being executed, a duplicate look-ahead effect is executed if the hold effect is being executed, but a duplicate look-ahead effect is not executed if the continuous effect is being executed, or a configuration in which no overlapping occurs at all while the look-ahead effect is being executed. Furthermore, in the case of a hold effect, the hold pattern is displayed according to the hold memory, so the target hold pattern is simply switched to the look-ahead pattern, and overlapping does not pose a significant problem. In contrast, in the case of a continuous effect, overlapping is difficult because the number of consecutive times the effect is executed indicates the expected probability of a jackpot. Therefore, even when the look-ahead effect is being executed, the appropriate effect can be executed by changing the response depending on which effect is being executed. Furthermore, by completely eliminating overlapping effects, it is possible to avoid confusion, especially with the second execution mode, and prevent players from mistaking the effect.

[0090] Next, the contents of the first to third execution modes in Example 1 and their selection rates (selection process in S625) will be explained using the chart in Figure 11. The first execution mode is when the reserved effect and the continuous effect are each executed independently, and the probability that only the reserved effect (a) and only the continuous effect (b) will be selected is set to 40% if the content of the received predictive determination command is a miss non-reach, 30% if it is a miss normal reach, and 5% if it is a jackpot or a super reach (miss).

[0091] The second execution mode is when, after receiving one pre-reading performance command that determines the execution, at the time of the first change in the special chart, at least two types of pre-reading performances, a hold performance and a continuous performance, are both executed. In this case, there are cases where the two pre-reading performances are started (displayed) at the same time (c), where the hold performance is started first (d), and where the continuous performance is started first (e), and the probability of each being selected is set to 5% if the content of the pre-reading determination command received is a miss / non-reach, 10% if it is a miss / normal reach, and 10% if it is a jackpot or super reach (miss).

[0092] The third execution mode is when, after receiving one pre-reading performance command that determines execution, one of the pre-reading performances (hold performance or continuous performance) is executed alone for a period in which the special chart changes a predetermined number of times, and then the other pre-reading performance is started so that its execution period overlaps with that of the other pre-reading performance.In this case, there are cases in which the hold performance is started first (f) and cases in which the continuous performance is started first (g), and the probability of each being selected is set to 2.5% if the content of the pre-reading determination command received is a miss and no reach, 5% if it is a miss and normal reach, and 30% if it is a jackpot or super reach (miss).

[0093] As this setting shows, if the content of the received predictive judgment command is a jackpot or a super reach (miss) (corresponding to a specific value of the present invention), the second execution mode is selected with a higher probability than the first execution mode, and furthermore, the third execution mode is selected with a higher probability than the second execution mode.

[0094] As a result, if the reserved memory based on the winning of the starting hole, in other words, the contents of the received pre-reading judgment command, can be expected to be a jackpot, even if either the reserved performance or the continuous performance is executed alone for a period in which the special chart changes a predetermined number of times (at this point, the first execution mode), the other will start during the subsequent execution period, and the performance will develop into the third execution mode, which will greatly increase the degree of expectation. Also, even if the first execution mode develops into the second execution mode, the degree of expectation can be increased more than the initial first execution mode.

[0095] The display contents of the effect symbol display device 6 are explained below. Figures 12 and 13 show examples of the pre-reading effect displayed on the effect symbol display device 6, and as mentioned above, when the hold effect and the continuous effect that become the pre-reading effect are performed independently, it becomes the first execution mode. Figure 12 (1) is an example of the display contents during normal change displayed on the effect symbol display device 6 while the special symbol is changing. In this case, in the pseudo symbol display area in the center of the screen, the pseudo symbols on the left, middle, and right corresponding to the first special symbol or second special symbol that is changing are displayed. In addition, in the first hold memory number display area in the lower left of the screen and the second hold memory number display area in the lower right, the number of hold symbols displayed indicates the number of hold memories for each.

[0096] On the screen of FIG. 12(1), the three reserved symbols displayed in the first reserved memory number display area (indicating that there are three reserved memories) are all normal reserved symbols, and by changing the display mode of these reserved symbols, a reserved effect that becomes a pre-reading effect is performed. Specifically, as shown in the diagram of FIG. 12(2), there are four types of pre-reading reserved symbols, A to D, that perform the reserved effect. When pre-reading reserved symbol A is displayed, it indicates that the expected degree of expectation of that reserved memory is "low." When pre-reading reserved symbol B is displayed, it indicates that the expected degree of expectation is "medium." When pre-reading reserved symbol C is displayed, it indicates that the expected degree of expectation is "high." When pre-reading reserved symbol D is displayed, it indicates that that reserved memory is a confirmed jackpot. Therefore, in the display example of FIG. 13(1), the third reserved memory displays pre-reading reserved symbol A, which indicates that the expected degree of expectation of the reserved memory that will start changing third after the variable display ends is "low." In addition, when the third execution mode is selected in S625, the probability that the pre-read reserved symbol A will be selected is high even if the reserved memory has a high expectation of a jackpot. As a result, the fluctuation of the expectation felt by the player when the third execution mode is selected becomes unexpectedly large.

[0097] FIG. 13(2) shows an example of the display of a continuous effect that serves as a pre-reading effect. In this embodiment, the continuous effect is configured so that a character (the bear Tatsukichi) appears over multiple pseudo-pattern variations, and the more the bear Tatsukichi appears in succession, the more the player's sense of anticipation increases. When the bear Tatsukichi appears, the player recognizes that a continuous effect is occurring, but the timing of his appearance is not constant; he can appear at any time during a single variation, such as at the start of the variation, during the variation, or at the end of the variation. In addition, the bear Tatsukichi that appears may continue to be displayed until the end of the variation, or may be displayed for a predetermined time during the variation and then disappear during the subsequent variation.

[0098] Figure 14 is a display example of the second execution mode, and more specifically, shows the diagram (c) of Figure 11 in which the reserved effect and the continuous effect are started simultaneously. Figure 14 (1) shows a scene in which the reserved symbol is increased by one based on the game ball entering the first start hole 11 during the special symbol change. The sub-integrated control device 83 executes the second execution mode (c) shown in Figure 14 based on the reserved memory's pre-reading judgment command (the pre-reading judgment command that triggers the start of the pre-reading effect) received simultaneously with the first reserved number instruction command that caused the reserved symbol to be displayed.

[0099] At the time of Figure 14 (1), the reserved pattern indicating the reserved memory corresponding to the pre-reading judgment command that triggers the start of the pre-reading performance is a normal reserved pattern, and although the pre-reading judgment command that triggers the start has been received, the pre-reading performance has not yet started.

[0100] In Figure 14 (2), the pseudo-pattern that was changing in (1) stops and the final display is displayed. At this point, the pre-reading effect has not yet started.

[0101] Figure 14 (3) shows the start of the variable display based on the lottery (win / lose determination) of the oldest reserved memory (corresponding to the reserved symbol displayed on the far left) when the first starting slot 11 (1) is won. At this point, due to the pre-reading determination command (received in (1)) that triggered the start of the pre-reading effect, the corresponding reserved symbol changes to the reserved symbol (pre-reading reserved symbol A), and the bear Tatsukichi is displayed as a continuous effect. This results in a configuration where "receiving the pre-reading determination command or the composite command is the trigger, and at least at the next display effect after the reception, both the reserved symbol effect and the continuous effect begin execution." There are patterns of reserved effects that are displayed at the start of the variable display other than when the starting slot is won (when the reserved number instruction command is received), and therefore, two types of pre-reading effects can be started simultaneously as shown in Figure 14.

[0102] Figure 15 also shows a pattern in which the hold effect and the continuous effect start simultaneously (Figure 11 diagram (c)), but the start timing is different from Figure 14, and as shown in Figure 15 (1), when a hold number instruction command and a pre-reading judgment command which is the trigger for starting the pre-reading effect are received due to a win at the first starting port 11, the hold effect and the continuous effect start simultaneously at the time of reception based on said reception. (2) is the time when the pseudo pattern which was fluctuating in (1) is displayed as a final decision, and while the hold effect displaying the pre-reading hold pattern A continues, Tatsukichi the bear has disappeared, but if it is configured to continue to be displayed as a continuous effect, it is sufficient if the display of Tatsukichi the bear continues. (3) indicates the start of the variable display based on the lottery (winning / losing judgment) of the oldest reserved memory when the first starting port 11 of (1) is won, and at this point, the bear Tatsukichi appears again, continuing the continuous performance, and the reserved performance of the advance reading reserved pattern A also continues, and both of these advance reading performances continue until the variable display based on the lottery (winning / losing judgment) of the reserved memory indicated by the advance reading reserved pattern A begins.

[0103] FIG. 16 is also a display example of the second execution mode, specifically, a pattern in which the reserved effect is executed in advance and the continuous effect starts when the next variable display starts (diagram (d) in FIG. 11). In this case, in FIG. 16(1), when a pre-reading judgment command that triggers the start of the pre-reading effect is received due to winning at the first start slot 11, a reserved effect displaying the pre-reading reserved pattern A starts from the time of reception based on the reception, (2) shows the time when the pseudo-pattern that was changing in (1) is displayed as a confirmed symbol, and the reserved notice continues. (3) shows the time when the variable display based on the lottery (win / lose judgment) of the oldest reserved memory at the time of winning at the first start slot 11 in (1) starts, and the continuous effect displaying Tatsukichi the Bear starts at this point. This configuration also corresponds to "receiving the pre-reading judgment command or the composite command as a trigger, at least, the execution of both the reserved pattern effect and the continuous effect starts at the next display effect after the reception."

[0104] Fig. 17 shows a second execution mode in which the reserved performance and the continuous performance start at the same timing as Fig. 16, but what is different from Fig. 16 is that the pre-reading reserved pattern A, which becomes the reserved performance that started first, changes to the pre-reading reserved pattern B at the same timing as the start of the continuous performance. With this configuration, even in the same second execution mode, it is possible to further increase the expectation in the execution process.

[0105] In this case, a pre-reading reserved pattern suggestion pattern that only suggests the possibility of changing to a pre-reading reserved pattern and does not suggest the content of the pre-reading judgment may be displayed due to winning at the first starting port 11, and may change to a pre-reading reserved pattern when the continuous performance begins.

[0106] FIG. 18 is also a display example of the second execution mode, specifically, a pattern in which the continuous performance is executed in advance and the reserved performance starts when the next variable display starts (diagram (d) in FIG. 11) (the opposite pattern to FIGS. 16 and 17). In this case, in FIG. 18(1), when a pre-reading judgment command that triggers the start of the pre-reading performance is received due to winning at the first starting slot 11, the continuous performance starts by making the bear Tatsukichi appear from the time of reception based on that reception. (2) shows the time when the pseudo-pattern that fluctuated in (1) is displayed as fixed, but at this point, the bear Tatsukichi that appeared once disappears, and the state of the reserved memory pattern remains unchanged. (3) shows the time when the variable display starts based on the lottery (win / lose judgment) of the oldest reserved memory when the first starting slot 11 is won in (1). At this point, the reserved pattern corresponding to the pre-reading judgment command that triggers the start changes to the pre-reading reserved pattern A, starting the reserved performance and continuing to display the continuous performance.

[0107] Figures 19, 20, and 21 are display examples of the third execution mode, and more specifically, from the time the pre-reading judgment command, which triggers the start of the pre-reading display, is received, only the hold display is performed for a predetermined number of times (three times in this example) while the variable display is being performed, and then the continuous display also starts from the start of the subsequent variable display while the hold display continues (diagram (f) in Figure 11).

[0108] Figure 19(1) shows the state in which a pre-reading judgment command is received as a result of winning the first starting slot 11, triggering the start of the pre-reading effect, and the hold effect displaying the pre-reading reserved symbol A (low expectation) is initiated based on the reception (when the third execution mode is performed, the probability of selecting the pre-reading reserved symbol A as the hold effect is higher than the probability of selecting the pre-reading reserved symbol BCD). (2) shows the time when the pseudo symbol that fluctuated in (1) is displayed as a finalized display, and the hold effect displaying the pre-reading reserved symbol A continues to be performed. (3) shows the time when the variable display based on the lottery (win / lose judgment) of the oldest reserved memory at the time of winning the first starting slot 11 in (1) begins. At this point, the hold effect continues, but the continuous effect has not started. Therefore, the player thinks that this is the first execution mode in which only the hold effect is performed, and because the pre-reading reserved symbol A has a low expectation, they proceed with the game without excessive expectations. However, for players who are familiar with the game content, the execution of the advance read reserved pattern A alone will allow them to proceed with the game in the hope of developing into the third execution mode.

[0109] In this way, by providing the possibility of progression to the third execution mode, players can play with the expectation of a jackpot even in the first execution mode, and it is possible to reduce the pre-reading performance state that disappoints players. Also, while the pre-reading performance mainly changes the expectation by changing the pre-reading reserved pattern, by combining this with the pre-reading reserved pattern, it is possible to change the expectation in various ways, such as by changing the pre-reading reserved pattern or by starting a continuous performance.

[0110] Figure 20 (4) shows the final display of the pseudo-pattern that began to fluctuate in (3), and the hold effect displaying the predicted hold pattern A continues. The consecutive effects have not yet begun. (5) shows the start of the fluctuating display based on the lottery (win / lose determination) of the second oldest hold memory at the time of winning the first starting slot 11 in (1), and although the hold effect continues, the consecutive effects have not yet begun at this point. (6) shows the final display of the pseudo-pattern that began to fluctuate in (5), and only the hold effect displaying the predicted hold pattern A continues to be performed.

[0111] In Figure 21 (7), when the first starting port 11 of (1) is entered, the variable display based on the third oldest lottery (winning / losing judgment) of the reserved memory is started, and while the reserved performance continues as it is, it can be seen that this is the third execution mode of the pre-reading performance by starting the continuous performance at this point. In this performance example, the start trigger of the pre-reading performance is the reception of the same pre-reading judgment command, but after the reserved performance is executed three times in advance, the continuous performance starts during the execution of the reserved performance.

[0112] Originally, the continuous effect is an effect that suggests the expectation of a jackpot by executing it over several variations, but in the use of this embodiment, the continuous effect is only performed two variations. Nevertheless, by setting it to increase the expectation by combining it with the reserved effect, it becomes possible to fully utilize the continuous effect that could only express the expectation by the number of consecutive times, even with a small number of consecutive times.

[0113] Figures 22, 23, and 24 are also examples of the display of the third execution mode, and more specifically, from the time the pre-reading judgment command, which triggers the start of the pre-reading display, is received, only continuous display is performed while a predetermined number of variable displays (twice in this example) are performed, and the hold display starts at the same time as the third continuation of the continuous display (diagram (g) in Figure 11).

[0114] 22(1) shows a scene in which the reserved symbols are increased by one based on the game ball entering the first start hole 11 during the special symbol variation. The sub-integrated control device 83 executes the third execution mode (g) based on the pre-reading judgment command of the reserved memory (the pre-reading judgment command that triggers the start of the pre-reading performance) received at the same time as the first reserved number instruction command that has resulted in the display of the reserved symbol.

[0115] At the time of Figure 22 (1), the reserved pattern indicating the reserved memory corresponding to the pre-reading judgment command that triggers the start of the pre-reading performance is a normal reserved pattern, and although the pre-reading judgment command that triggers the start has been received, the pre-reading performance has not yet started.

[0116] In Figure 22 (2), the pseudo-pattern that was changing in (1) stops and the final display is displayed. At this point, the pre-reading effect (continuous effect) has not yet started.

[0117] Figure 22 (3) shows the start of the variable display based on the lottery (winning / losing judgment) of the oldest reserved memory (corresponding to the reserved pattern displayed on the far left) when the first starting port 11 of (1) is won. At this point, due to the pre-reading judgment command (received at (1)) that triggered the start of the pre-reading performance, a continuous performance (displaying Tatsukichi the Bear) begins, but the reserved pattern corresponding to the pre-reading judgment command that triggered the start remains normal and does not change.

[0118] In Figure 23 (4), the pseudo-pattern that started to change in (3) stops and the final display is displayed. At this point, the continuous effect has already started, but the reserved effect has not yet started.

[0119] Figure 23 (5) shows the start of the variable display based on the second-oldest lottery (win / lose determination) of the reserved memory when the first starting slot 11 (1) is won. At this point, the second display of the continuous performance (displaying Tatsukichi the bear) is performed, but the reserved symbol corresponding to the pre-reading determination command that triggered the start remains normal. At this point, the player thinks that the first execution mode, which only performs continuous performance, is being used, and proceeds with the game while hoping that the continuous performance will continue until the next subsequent change. Note that by varying the facial expression of Tatsukichi the bear (by changing the display mode of the character), the degree of expectation for the continuous performance can be set for each facial expression. In this case, if the facial expression has a low expectation in the situation (5), it may be perceived as the first execution mode, which only performs continuous performance, but later develop into the third execution mode, which has a higher expectation, thereby increasing the range of expectation at the time of development into the third execution mode.

[0120] In Figure 23 (6), the pseudo-pattern that started to change in (5) has stopped and is now showing a confirmed display. At this point, two consecutive effects have been performed, but the reserved effect has not yet started.

[0121] Figure 24 (7) shows that when the first starting slot 11 (1) is entered, the variable display based on the lottery (win / lose judgment) of the third oldest reserved memory begins, and while the third consecutive performance continues, the reserved memory that triggered the start of the pre-reading notice at this point changes from the normal reserved pattern to the pre-reading reserved pattern, indicating the third execution mode of the pre-reading performance. In this performance example, the start of the pre-reading performance is triggered by the receipt of the same pre-reading judgment command, but the pre-reading performance begins from the third variation of the preceding consecutive performance. As a result, when the consecutive performance is performed multiple times and the sense of expectation is increased, the pre-reading performance also appears, further increasing the sense of expectation.

[0122] In Example 1, as shown in the diagram of FIG. 11, if the content of the look-ahead determination command received by the sub-integrated control device 83 is a specific value (jackpot or super reach (miss)), the probability of selecting the third execution mode is highest, followed by the second execution mode, and the probability of selecting the first execution mode is lowest. With this configuration, if the look-ahead determination result is a specific value, even if the look-ahead effect starts in the first execution mode, it can be expected that the third execution mode may be selected, and since it can be expected that the second execution mode will have a more specific value than the first execution mode, it is possible to play with anticipation no matter which look-ahead effect starts. Furthermore, since the pseudo-pattern variation effect finally executed will be a jackpot or super reach, there is no deviation from the previous effect process. [Example]

[0123] Next, a description will be given of Example 2. The components constituting the pachinko gaming machine in Example 2 and their electrical connections are common to Example 1, and unless otherwise specifically explained, the common contents are the same and overlapping explanations will be omitted.

[0124] The difference from Example 1 is the selection rate of the first to third execution modes explained using the chart in Figure 11, and the selection of the execution mode is performed in the pre-reading performance selection process (S625) during the pre-reading determination command reception process executed by the sub-integrated control device 83 explained using Figure 10, just like Example 1.

[0125] In Example 2, the selection rate of the first execution mode is the same as in Example 1 regardless of the content of the look-ahead determination command, but the selection rates of the second and third execution modes are different. Specifically, in Example 2, the probability of selecting the second execution mode when the hold effect and continuous effect start simultaneously (c), when the hold effect starts first (d), and when the continuous effect starts first (e) is set to 2.5% if the content of the received look-ahead determination command is a miss / non-reach, 5% if it is a miss / normal reach, and 25% if it is a jackpot or super reach (miss).

[0126] As the third execution mode, the probability of selecting either the case where the pending effect is started first (f) or the case where the continuous effect is started first (g) is set to 6.25% if the content of the received predictive judgment command is a miss and not a reach, 12.5% ​​if it is a miss and normal reach, and 7.5% if it is a jackpot or super reach (miss).

[0127] As this setting shows, if the content of the received predictive judgment command is a jackpot or a super reach (miss) (corresponding to a specific value of the present invention), the third execution mode is selected with a higher probability than the first execution mode, and furthermore, the second execution mode is selected with a higher probability than the third execution mode.

[0128] As a result, the two pre-reading effects start simultaneously, which increases the expectation of a jackpot, and even if they do not start at the same time, the player can proceed with the game while expecting whether they will be combined. Also, as in Example 1, even if the reserved effect is executed first, if the reserved effect uses the pre-reading reserved pattern A, the expectation of a jackpot is lower than in the second execution form, but the probability of developing into the third execution form is higher, so the player can proceed with the game while expecting the consecutive effects to start.

[0129] The above is the description of the embodiment. In the embodiment 2, unlike the embodiment 1, when the second execution form is selected, the pre-reading reserved pattern A may be selected with a higher probability than the pre-reading reserved pattern C as the reserved performance.

[0130] The first, second, and third execution modes, whose display examples are explained using the figures, execute two types of pre-reading effects (hold effect, continuous effect) triggered by one pre-reading judgment command, but the overlapping pre-reading effect executed by a positive judgment at S650 of the pre-reading judgment command reception processing in Figure 10 is executed based on the reception of two (two) pre-reading judgment commands. In this case, if the first execution mode executed first is a miss, a different type of pre-reading effect from the one executed first can be executed based on the subsequently received pre-reading judgment command, which will appear to be the third execution mode or the second execution mode, making it possible to execute a pseudo second or third execution mode.

[0131] Furthermore, if the content of the previously received look-ahead determination command is incorrect and the second or third execution mode is being performed, if the subsequently received look-ahead determination command has a specific value, the second or third execution mode can be intentionally duplicated, giving the feeling that the expectation is increasing endlessly.

[0132] Although the configuration has been described as increasing the expectation level, it is also possible to consider a configuration in which the expectation level decreases as a result of a combination. In that case, the most promising time is when the first execution mode starts, and players will play while hoping that a combination will not occur, resulting in a tense game.

[0133] In this case, the second execution mode cannot be expected, but by providing a fourth execution mode in which the combined state is canceled when one of the effects is no longer performed, the opposite usage to that described in the embodiment is possible. For example, if starting with the second execution mode and changing to the fourth execution mode midway is set as the most anticipated, expectations can be maintained for both the first and second execution modes. Similarly, if the third execution mode also has the possibility of changing to the fourth execution mode, expectations can be maintained in a similar manner. Of course, the fourth execution mode may be implemented not only in configurations in which the expectation level decreases as a result of the combination, but also in configurations in which the expectation level increases. By not only increasing the expectation level but also by having changes that decrease it, even if a highly anticipated predictive effect is performed early on, the player cannot rest easy, and a sense of tension can be maintained until the end.

[0134] Furthermore, as a third execution mode, a configuration is conceivable in which a continuous effect is performed when the pending effect ends, i.e., when the target of the pending effect begins to change. In this case, although the effect does not appear to be compounded, a pre-reading effect is compounded for one pending memory. In this case, if a configuration is provided with a changing pattern (changing display) that indicates the current change, the appearance of the erased pre-reading pending pattern can be displayed in a related manner to the currently changing pattern, resulting in a continuous effect, which will appear to be compounded. Of course, it is conceivable to use the currently changing pattern as the effect range of the pending effect not only in the third execution mode, but also in the first, second, and fourth execution modes. The effect range can be set to the relevant change, making it easier to perform pre-reading effects even when the number of pending memories is small.

[0135] (Variation 1) The following describes Modification 1. Note that a description of the same parts as those exemplified in the above embodiment will be omitted. The gaming machine of Modification 1 combines a winning effect and a reserved effect, unlike the above-described Embodiments 1 and 2. Before explaining the winning effect, the front structure of the pachinko machine 200 will be explained.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 26, a pachinko machine 200 is a gaming machine that can be played by a player and is installed in a gaming facility. The pachinko machine 200 has a structure in which each component is held by an outer frame 201, which forms a vertically long fixed outer holding frame. A front frame (glass frame) 202, into which a glass plate 203 is fitted, and an inner frame (not shown) are provided so as to be able to open and close via hinges 209 provided at the top and bottom of the left side of the outer frame 201. The front frame 202 and inner frame are locked to the outer frame 201 by a cylinder lock 211. A predetermined key is inserted into the cylinder lock 211, and the inner frame is opened by turning the key clockwise, and the front frame 202 can be opened by turning it counterclockwise. Behind the glass plate 203 of the front frame 202 is provided a game board 1 (see FIG. 1) held by an inner frame.

[0137] Speakers 207 are installed on both the left and right sides of the upper part of the front frame 202, which output game sounds to enhance the entertainment value of the game. The front frame 202 is also provided with frame-side decorative lamps 208 that light up according to the game status, as well as LEDs that notify of abnormalities in the game.

[0138] An upper tray 204 and a lower tray 205 are integrally formed in the lower half of the front frame 202. A launch handle 206 is provided on the right side of the lower tray 205, and operating the launch handle 206 clockwise activates the launch device, causing game balls supplied from the upper tray 204 to be launched toward the game board 1. Prize balls are also paid out onto the upper tray 204. The lower tray 205 is configured to receive prize balls that have spilled over from the upper tray 204, and by operating the ball removal lever, the game balls that have accumulated in the lower tray 205 can be transferred to a separate box (dollar box) provided in the gaming parlor.

[0139] This pachinko machine 200 is a so-called CR machine, and has a prepaid card unit (CR unit) CR that reads and writes prepaid cards adjacent to it. The pachinko machine 200 has a ball loan switch 213, a settlement switch 214, and a settlement display 212 of the settlement display device provided on the front side of the upper tray 204. In addition, a spherical frame-side effect movable object 215 resembling a character's face is provided in the center of the upper tray 204, and can be moved during effects. The frame-side effect movable object 215 is provided with an effect button 210 that can be operated by the player, and a frame-side effect movable object lamp 216. Next to the settlement display 212, there are provided system keys 217 that are used to adjust the volume, adjust the light intensity, customize the effects, etc. The above is the front structure of the pachinko machine 200, and the winning performance of variant 1 is performed using the frame side performance movable object 215, the frame side performance movable object lamp 216, and dedicated sound effects.

[0140] [Winning performance] The winning effect is one of the predictive effects, and when the game ball enters the starting hole, a predictive judgment is made, and the effect is executed when it is decided to execute the winning effect based on the judgment content received by the sub-integrated control device 83. It is called the winning effect because it is executed the moment the ball enters the starting hole. The winning effect of the first modified example is an effect performed using the frame-side effect movable object 215, and when a winning is achieved in the start gate (first start gate 11, second start gate 12) and it is determined by the pre-reading judgment that the winning effect will be executed, the frame-side effect movable object lamp 216 provided on the frame-side effect movable object 215 lights up and a special sound effect for the winning effect is output from the speaker 207. At this time, the frame-side effect movable object 215 may be moved to create more impact. Normally, when a ball lands in the starting hole, a ball-entry sound is output, but when the winning effect is executed, a special sound effect louder than the ball-entry sound is output and the frame-side effect movable lamp 216 lights up, so even if the player knows that a winning effect will be produced, the spectacular effect starts as soon as the ball lands in the starting hole, giving the player a great surprise. Of course, a relatively modest effect may be used, simply outputting a ball-entry sound different from the normal ball-entry sound, or a light-emitting means other than the frame-side effect movable lamp 216 may be configured to light up. For example, a light-emitting means provided on the game board 1 or another light-emitting means provided on the front frame 202 may be used.

[0141] The winning effect of the first modified example is configured to output only the frame side effect movable lamp 216 and the dedicated sound effect, and does not affect the content of the effect display itself on the effect symbol display device 6. By doing so, the winning effect can be executed regardless of the situation of the content of the effect display, and the player can intuitively understand that the target of the effect is not the variable effect, but the generated reserved memory. During the winning effect, in Variation 1, the frame-side effect movable lamp 216 may emit either white or red light. When it emits white light, the expected probability of winning is approximately 40%, and when it emits red light, the expected probability of winning is approximately 70%. Therefore, players expect the frame-side effect movable lamp to emit red light the moment the winning ball enters the starting slot. Of course, even with a white light, the expected probability of winning is approximately 40%, so there is still ample hope. Furthermore, because there is a time lag between the execution of the winning effect and the start of the change in the reserved memory that was the subject of the winning effect, players simultaneously feel a long-term sense of anticipation for a win and a sense of anxiety about whether they will actually win, enhancing their enjoyment of the game. Unlike other predictive effects, such as continuous effects, this effect does not gradually increase the expectation level. Instead, it simply indicates the expectation level in the effect that occurs when the ball enters the starting slot. Therefore, the player does not know how much they can expect until the change begins and the content of the change effect is seen, creating a unique sense of suspense in the preview effect.

[0142] The winning effect can be configured to end (lamp goes out, sound effects stop) after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of the winning hole, or it can be configured to keep the lamp lit until the target reserved memory starts to change (or during the change or until the change ends), and can end at any timing. If it ends after a certain period of time, it is difficult for a third party to tell which reserved memory is the target, so it can be an effect that only the parties involved can enjoy. Also, if it is configured to keep the lamp lit, even a player who was unable to clearly determine which reserved memory was the target of the winning effect can tell by the lamp continuing to light up whether or not the target reserved memory has been reached.

[0143] In addition, when the white light or red light is emitted, it is conceivable that the frame side effect movable object 215 is moved in the first operation mode when the white light is emitted, and in the second operation mode when the red light is emitted. By changing the operation mode according to the difference in the expected degree of winning, it is possible to make a greater impact. Similarly, it is conceivable that different special sound effects are output when the white light is emitted and when the red light is emitted. It is possible to recognize not only visually but also aurally that the winning effects with different expected degrees have been performed.

[0144] The above is the configuration of the winning effect, but by providing the winning effect, it becomes possible to make the player expect that the winning effect will be executed every time the starting hole is won, which can greatly change the feeling of the game. In the case of another predictive effect, the consecutive announcement, the number of times it is performed in succession is an indicator of the expected winning probability, so the game gives a feeling of gradually increasing the expectation each time the number of consecutive announcements is performed, and in the case of the hold effect, the hold may change to a predictive hold pattern when the starting hole is won, or may change at the start of the change or during the change, so it gives a feeling of always playing with a certain degree of expectation, whereas the winning effect notifies the player that there has been a winning that can be expected suddenly when the starting hole is won, and then the expectation changes depending on the change content (the content of the announcement, the content of the reach effect, etc.) due to the hold memory acquired by the win, so it can give a feeling of playing that the spotlight is on a predetermined hold memory and enjoys whether or not the hot change content will come in the hold that is spotted.

[0145] Since the gameplay feel provided differs as described above, it is also possible to design the winning effect to be an effect that is only performed when selected through effect customization. Effect customization refers to the ability to change the appearance rate and winning expectancy of preview effects to set the overall gameplay feel different, or to increase the winning expectancy of only specific preview effects, thereby setting the gameplay to wait for the appearance of specific preview effects, adding new preview effects, setting an auto button that automatically operates the effect button, or setting a vibration to notify when three or more reserved memories have been reached, allowing players to customize the settings to their liking. Furthermore, in order to maximize the gameplay feel of the winning effect, when the winning effect is set, the appearance of some of the other predictive effects may be limited.

[0146] Also, although the timing of the execution of the winning effect was shown as when the ball entered the starting gate, it may be executed a predetermined time after the ball entered the starting gate as a so-called "delayed effect," after a predetermined variable display, etc. It is usually executed at the starting gate, but by occasionally being executed with a delay, it can be made to be a more exciting notice than usual, or by providing a delayed timing, it can be expected that it will be executed even if it is not executed at the time of winning the starting gate. Furthermore, although the first start gate 11 and the second start gate 12 are shown as the winning performances, it is also possible to target winnings at the normal pattern start gate (normal pattern activation gate) 17, and if the game configuration is such that the result of the normal pattern has a significant impact on the outcome of the game, performing the winning performance at the normal pattern start gate 17 will improve the presentation power. Winning at the regular winning slot 31 may also be the target. In this case, since the regular winning slot 31 does not perform a win / loss determination, it is conceivable to execute a winning effect if a specific determination is made in a pre-reading determination targeting the special chart's variable content, reserved memory, or regular chart's variable content and reserved memory when a winning is entered at the regular winning slot 31. In this way, the effect is executed when a winning is entered at a regular winning slot 31, which is not usually monitored for winning status, so it can be executed at an unexpected timing. Note that multiple regular winning slots 31 are often installed, and each has a different winning rate. Therefore, it is conceivable to vary the probability of executing the winning effect depending on the winning rate, to cause the winning effect to be executed only at a specific regular winning slot 31, or to execute different winning effects depending on the regular winning slot 31. If the winning performance is performed with a high probability when a prize is won at the normal prize slot 31 with the lowest winning rate (or when a prize is won at a specific normal prize slot 31), it is possible to make the player interested in winning at the normal prize slot 31, which has not been paid much attention to in the past, and to increase the interest in the game. Also, winning into the large prize slot 14 may be targeted. In this case, as with the regular prize slot 31, the winning / losing determination is not based on the winning of the large prize slot 14, so it is possible to perform a winning effect based on the reserved memory of the special prize or the reserved memory of the regular prize at the time of winning. Since winning into the large prize slot 14 often involves a large number of balls entering in a short period of time, even if a specific determination is made in the pre-reading determination, it is possible to determine whether or not to execute the lottery depending on the ball entering. In this way, it is possible to expect that when a ball enters the large prize slot 14, not only the prize balls but also the reserved memory will contain any balls that can be expected to win.

[0147] [Hold effect by changing pattern] In Examples 1 and 2, it is stated that the changing pattern (changing display) may also be included in the effect range as a hold effect, but in Modified Example 1, both the hold effect and the changing pattern are included in the effect range. FIG. 27(a) shows an example of the effect displayed on the display screen of the effect symbol display device 6. A pseudo symbol (effect symbol) is displayed in the upper right corner of the display screen, indicating that the symbol is in a changing state. In the center of the display screen, a main character (karate practitioner) is displayed running around in a field. The character is also used for preview effects and reach effects. The reserved pattern (normal reserved pattern) is displayed in the lower left of the display screen. In Figure 27(a), three reserved patterns are displayed, indicating that there are three reserved memories. A changing pattern is displayed in the lower center of the display screen, indicating that the pattern is in a changing state. In variant 1, a pattern similar to the reserved pattern is displayed as the changing pattern. This is because, when the change begins, the reserved pattern moves to the position of the base displayed below the changing pattern and becomes the changing pattern, so that it is clear at a glance that there is a relationship between the reserved pattern and the changing pattern. It is also to maintain the identity of the pre-reading pattern, which will be described later.

[0148] Figure 27(b) shows a state in which a pre-reading pattern is displayed on the reserved pattern. The rightmost pattern of the reserved pattern has changed to pre-reading reserved pattern B (see Figure 12(2)). Figure 27(c) shows a state in which the reserved memory shown by pre-reading reserved pattern B in Figure 27(b) has started to change, and the changing pattern is displaying a pattern corresponding to pre-reading reserved pattern B (pre-reading changing pattern). Although the appearances are slightly different, they are related, so it is possible to understand at a glance that it is pre-reading reserved pattern B. In this way, by relating the pre-reading reserved pattern shown by the reserved pattern with the pre-reading changing pattern shown by the changing pattern, a reserved effect can be performed within the range of the reserved pattern and the changing pattern. In the reserved effect of variant 1, the patterns of reserved change can be considered to be a pattern in which the pre-reading reserved pattern is displayed or ranked up (changing to a pre-reading reserved pattern with a higher expectation) only within the range of the reserved pattern, a pattern in which the pre-reading reserved pattern is displayed or ranked up within the range of the reserved pattern and the changing pattern, and a pattern in which the pre-reading changing pattern is displayed or ranked up only within the changing pattern. Originally, the pre-reading effect suggests the probability of winning before the target reserved begins to change, but by providing a pattern in which the pre-reading pattern (pre-reading changing pattern) is displayed even with only the changing pattern, the player can continue to have hope that the pre-reading pattern may be displayed until the end. The above is the hold effect including the changing pattern. The expected probability of winning includes winning a jackpot with a special symbol, a small jackpot, a normal symbol, and winning a time-saving symbol (which transitions to a time-saving game state from the next variation), and refers to suggesting the expected probability of winning. It can also include the expected probability of a specific reach effect being performed, the content of the jackpot game, and the expected probability of the game state after the jackpot game being in a special state (probable variable state, easy-to-score state). If it is something that the player wants to execute, it will be established as an effect that indicates the expected probability of execution in advance.

[0149] [First execution mode] Modification 1 has three combinations of winning effects and hold effects. Each will be explained below. The first execution mode is a mode in which only one of the winning effect or the hold effect is executed when the sub-integrated control device 83 determines that a pre-reading effect should be executed. If the winning effect is not executed when the starting hole is won, it will not be executed at any other time, so it is determined that only the hold effect will be executed. In variant 1, only when the winning effect is executed when the starting hole is won, there is a possibility that the second or third execution mode described below will be executed. Therefore, the first execution mode may be limited to a mode in which only the winning effect is executed.

[0150] [Second execution mode] The second execution mode is the mode when the sub-integrated control device 83 determines to execute the look-ahead effect and then decides to execute the winning effect and the reserved effect simultaneously. When a winning jackpot is entered into the starting slot, the frame-side effect movable lamp 216 lights up, a special sound effect is output, and the look-ahead reserved symbol is displayed immediately instead of the normal reserved symbol for the newly generated reserved memory. The simultaneous execution of the two look-ahead effects can make a strong impact on the player. The premise of the gaming machine of Variation 1 is that the probability of winning is higher when both the winning effect and the reserved effect are executed than when only one of them is executed, so the second execution mode, in which the winning effect and the reserved effect are executed simultaneously, is the most desirable execution mode for the player. The third execution mode, which will be described later, can also be combined, but since it is not known whether they will be combined at the time the winning effect is executed and there is a possibility that it will be the first execution mode, the player cannot have excessive expectations when only the winning effect is executed. For this reason, the second execution mode, in which the combination is confirmed when the winning effect is executed, is the most reliable execution mode.

[0151] [Third execution mode] In the third execution mode, when the sub-integrated control device 83 determines to execute the look-ahead effect, the winning effect is executed but the reserved effect is not executed, and the variable effect when the winning effect was executed ends, and the reserved effect starts after the start of a new variable effect. "After the start of a new variable effect" refers to the execution of the reserved effect between the end of the variable effect when the winning effect was executed, and the end of the reserved pattern that occurred when the winning effect was executed, such as the next variable effect, the next variable effect after that, and the next variable effect after that, and the variable effect due to the reserved memory that was the target of the winning effect. The player's most desired possibility of the second execution mode is lost because the winning effect and the reserved effect are not executed at the same time. However, the possibility of the third execution mode remains, so the player can still have hope. The third execution mode targets the change effect of the reserved memory that was the subject of the winning effect, so the player can play until the end while hoping that the winning effect and the reserved effect will be combined.

[0152] The above are the execution modes provided in Modification 1. As mentioned above, combining the winning effect and the reserved effect for the target reserved memory increases the likelihood of winning compared to executing only one of them. Therefore, the second and third execution modes have a higher likelihood of winning than the first execution mode. Also, it is up to the player to decide which of the second and third execution modes has a higher likelihood of winning. If the second execution mode has a higher probability of winning than the third execution mode, the player will be most eager to see whether the winning performance and the hold performance will be executed simultaneously when the ball enters the starting hole, but even if only the winning performance is executed, there remains the possibility that the second-best third execution mode will be executed, resulting in a gameplay that the player can enjoy without giving up until the end. If the third execution mode has a higher winning expectation than the second execution mode, you would want the third execution mode with the highest expectation, but there is a risk that it could be the first execution mode. If the second execution mode is performed when the starting hole is won, you can be happy that the winning effect and the hold effect are combined, even though it is second best. If only the winning effect is performed, there is still a possibility that it is the third execution mode with the highest expectation, so you can watch with excitement to see whether it is the worst first execution mode or the best third execution mode. Of course, the second execution mode and the third execution mode can also be used with the same winning expectation. Note that varying the winning expectation is synonymous with varying the selection rate of the effect when a specific value is determined during the pre-reading judgment, and it can also be interpreted as the sub-integrated control device 83 setting a high selection rate for the execution mode with the highest winning expectation when a specific value is determined. Therefore, there is no problem in interpreting the above content of the winning expectation as the selection rate of each execution mode in the sub-integrated control device 83. The content with the highest selection rate when winning has a high result expectation, and the execution mode that is likely to be selected even when losing has a low result expectation. The same applies to the following descriptions.

[0153] In addition, the pending effect has a predictive pending pattern (predictive changing pattern) that indicates multiple degrees of expectation, and the winning effect also has a pattern that indicates multiple degrees of expectation, so depending on the degree of expectation indicated by each, the superiority or inferiority of the degree of expectation indicated by the above execution mode may be overturned. For example, if the winning effect is configured to have a winning confirmation effect pattern, the winning is confirmed when the winning confirmation pattern is executed, whether it is the first execution mode or the second or third execution mode. Therefore, the first execution mode executed with the winning confirmation effect pattern has a higher probability of winning than the second or third execution mode executed with the effect pattern that does not guarantee a winning. Also, in the case where the second execution mode has a higher expectation of winning than the third execution mode, when a high expectation effect pattern is executed in the winning effect, the expectation of winning will be higher if the winning effect is displayed as a high expectation effect pattern in the third execution mode and the hold effect is also displayed as a high expectation effect pattern, compared to when the hold effect executed at the same time displays the least expected pre-reading hold pattern. The expectation will change depending on the combination of individual expectation patterns, but it is sufficient that the second execution mode and the third execution mode are set so that the expectation of winning differs when viewed in total.

[0154] Although an example has been given in which the selection rate of the execution mode differs depending on the expected probability of winning, a configuration is also conceivable in which the selection rate differs not only depending on the expected probability of winning but also on the content of the win. If the winning contents include a 2R jackpot, which awards two rounds of play, and a 10R jackpot, which awards ten rounds of play, then if the pre-reading judgment determines that a 10R jackpot is to occur, the second execution mode is most likely to be selected as the specific value, followed by the third execution mode, and then the first execution mode, and the selection rate is set so that the player can expect to be awarded a 10R jackpot along with the win when the second execution mode is executed.In addition, if the game configuration has a specific area (also written as V) within the large prize entry port and the jackpot game occurs by having the game ball enter the specific area during a small jackpot game, the pre-reading judgment may be made as a small jackpot, which awards a 2R jackpot (if the V wins), or a small jackpot, which awards a 10R jackpot (if the V wins).

[0155] In addition, in game configurations that include a probability-changing state (probability-changing function activated state) in which the winning probability is converted from low to high as a bonus game after a jackpot game, or an easy-to-enter state (time-saving state, extended opening state of a normal electric device) in which it becomes easier to score a ball into the second starting hole of a normal electric device, if a pre-reading judgment determines that a probability-changing state will be awarded after a jackpot game, the second execution mode is most likely to be selected, followed by the third execution mode, and then the first execution mode. By setting the selection rates, players can expect to be awarded a probability-changing state along with a win when the second execution mode is executed. Furthermore, the selection rates for each execution mode can be changed depending on the number of times the probability-changing state is awarded, or the selection rates can be set based on the number of rounds of jackpot gameplay described above. Depending on the game configuration, it may be more important to award an easy-to-enter state even with a 2-round jackpot than simply winning a 10-round jackpot, so it is up to you to choose what is most important depending on the game configuration. It is also possible to vary the selection rate even for the same prediction result depending on the current game state. By varying the execution mode that is likely to appear depending on the game state, it is possible to give different sensations even when the same winning performance is performed. In addition, in the easy-to-win state, the average time for the symbols to change may be shortened. In this case, since the time per change is short, even if multiple execution modes are provided, there is almost no difference in time, and if the effect described above cannot be fully given to the player, it is possible to reduce the number of execution modes. For example, it is possible to have only the first and second execution modes and have the player enjoy whether or not they are combined.

[0156] Also, in the case of an easy-to-score state, if a configuration is set in which the number of times the normal pattern changes is an upper limit as a condition for ending the easy-to-score state, it is conceivable to change the selection rate depending on the difference in the upper limit. Of course, in a configuration in which a number of times the special pattern changes is an upper limit, it is also conceivable to change the selection rate depending on the difference in the upper limit of the special pattern. In this way, the selection rate of the execution mode differs depending on the degree of advantage, so it is possible to expect the number of times awarded depending on the execution mode.

[0157] Alternatively, the second execution mode may be configured to execute a hold effect simultaneously with the winning effect, or to execute a hold effect targeting the reserved symbol, while the third execution mode may execute the winning effect and then execute a hold effect targeting the currently changing symbol. In this case, the third execution mode, which only applies to the time when the hold effect in the reserved memory targeted for the winning effect is changed, can be executed without necessarily relying on a pre-reading judgment. Even if the sub-integrated control device 83 determines the execution content of the pre-reading effect in the first execution mode, it can refer to the win / loss judgment content at the time of the change and determine to change the currently changing symbol to a pre-reading currently changing symbol, effectively becoming the third execution mode. Even without the above control, by simply dividing the execution mode into the second execution mode, which executes a hold effect before the change, and the third execution mode, which executes a hold effect at the change, the execution modes can be distinguished by the difference in impression given to the player: the hold effect before the change and the hold effect when the change is occurring, making the distinction intuitively easy for players to understand.

[0158] As described above, in the gaming machine of variant 1, if the winning effect and the hold effect are performed simultaneously when the ball enters the starting hole (second execution mode), the anticipation can be increased as the effects are combined, and even if only the winning effect is performed when the ball enters the starting hole, there is a possibility of the third execution mode in which the hold effect is performed later, so even if the first execution mode, which has low anticipation, is used, the anticipation can be maintained until the end. Even in a configuration in which the third execution mode performs a hold effect with a varying symbol, if the winning effect and the hold effect are performed simultaneously when the ball enters the starting hole (second execution mode), the anticipation can be heightened as the effects are combined, and even if only the winning effect is performed when the ball enters the starting hole, there is a possibility that the hold effect will be performed during the variable effect before the hold memory that was the subject of the winning effect, and as a result, even if the hold effect is not performed, there is a possibility that the hold effect will be performed during that variable effect (third execution mode), and as a result, it is possible to maintain anticipation until the end even in the first execution mode, which has a low level of anticipation.

[0159] (Variation 2) The following describes Modification 2. Note that a description of the same parts as those exemplified in the above embodiment will be omitted. The gaming machine of Modification 2 is different from Modification 1 in that the third execution mode is divided into a third execution mode B in which a reserved effect is performed with a reserved symbol and a fourth execution mode in which a reserved effect is performed with a variable symbol. The first and second execution modes are similar, so their explanations are omitted.

[0160] [Third Execution Mode B] In the third execution mode B, when the sub-integrated control device 83 determines to execute a look-ahead effect, the winning effect is executed but the reserved effect is not executed, and the variable effect when the winning effect was executed ends, and the reserved effect starts after the start of a new variable effect. "After the new variable effect starts" refers to the execution of the reserved effect between the end of the variable effect when the winning effect was executed, and the next variable effect, the next variable effect, and the next variable effect and the winning effect, and the execution of the reserved effect until all the reserved symbols that occurred when the next variable effect and the winning effect were executed are consumed. In other words, it is an execution mode in which the reserved effect is executed with the reserved symbol. Furthermore, it also includes execution timing such as execution in accordance with the start of the variable effect, execution during the variable effect, and execution at the end of the variable effect. Since the winning effect and the hold effect are not executed at the same time, the possibility of the most desired second execution mode disappears, and the hold effect starts late when the player thinks that the first execution mode is most likely, so the player can look forward to winning when he or she was about to give up, which makes the player even more happy.

[0161] [Fourth execution mode] In the fourth execution mode, when the sub-integrated control device 83 determines to execute the pre-reading effect, the winning effect is executed but the reserved effect is not executed, and the reserved effect is not executed even when a variable effect is executed due to a reserved memory other than the reserved memory that was the target of the winning effect, and the reserved effect starts when a variable effect is executed due to the reserved memory that was the target of the winning effect. In other words, it is an execution mode in which the reserved effect is executed with the currently changing symbol. Furthermore, it also includes execution timing such as execution in accordance with the start of the variable effect, execution during the variable effect, and execution at the end of the variable effect. When the winning effect and the reserved effect are not executed at the same time, the player is disappointed that it is confirmed that it is not the second execution mode, but he is hopeful because there is still a possibility of the third execution mode B or the fourth execution mode. However, even after several changes have been made since the winning effect was executed, the reserved effect is not executed, and the possibility of the third execution mode is gone, and the player is half-resigned to the fact that it was the first execution mode. In that state, when the variable effect based on the reserved memory that was the target of the winning effect is executed, the reserved effect is executed, and the player can feel great joy at the dramatic development in which the chances of winning increase at the last minute.

[0162] The above are the execution modes provided in Modification 2. As mentioned above, combining the winning effect and the reserved effect for the target reserved memory increases the likelihood of winning compared to executing only one of them. Therefore, the second execution mode, third execution mode B, and fourth execution mode have a higher likelihood of winning than the first execution mode. Furthermore, the order in which the likelihood of winning is increased for the second execution mode, third execution mode B, and fourth execution mode is optional. If the second execution mode has a higher probability of winning than the third execution mode B and the fourth execution mode, the player will be most eager to see whether the winning effect and the hold effect will be executed simultaneously when the winning hole is won, but even if only the winning effect is executed, there remains a possibility that the next best third execution mode B or the fourth execution mode will be executed, resulting in a game that the player can enjoy without giving up until the end. If the third execution mode B and the fourth execution mode have a higher probability of winning than the second execution mode, you would like to hope for the third execution mode B or the fourth execution mode with the highest probability, but there is a risk because there is a possibility that it will be the first execution mode. If the second execution mode is performed when the ball enters the starting hole, you can be happy because the winning effect and the hold effect are combined, even though it is second best. However, if only the winning effect is performed, there remains a possibility that it will be the third execution mode B or the fourth execution mode with the highest probability, so the gameplay allows you to watch with excitement to see whether it will be the worst first execution mode or the best third execution mode B or the fourth execution mode.

[0163] When comparing only the third execution mode B and the fourth execution mode, if the third execution mode has a higher winning expectation, after the winning effect is executed, you hope that the reserved effect will be performed on the reserved pattern, but as a result, even if the reserved effect is not performed on the reserved pattern, you can hope that the variable pattern may change to a pre-read variable pattern.On the other hand, if the fourth execution mode has a higher winning expectation, ideally it would be better for the reserved effect to be performed on the variable pattern, but you can be satisfied with the second-best winning expectation because of the peace of mind that comes from having the reserved pattern quickly combined.

[0164] While the above shows typical patterns of superiority and inferiority in winning expectancy, other patterns are also possible, such as third execution mode B < second execution mode < fourth execution mode (superiority and inferiority pattern 1) or fourth execution mode < second execution mode < third execution mode B (superiority and inferiority pattern 2). In the case of superiority and inferiority pattern 1, if the second execution mode is executed, it would be disappointing because it would have resulted in the second-best winning expectancy, but the player can rest assured that the combined effects have been confirmed early. If only the winning effect is executed and the hold effect is not executed, there is a possibility that it is third execution mode B, which has the highest winning expectancy, or the first execution mode, which leads to both hope and anxiety. If the hold effect is not executed with the held symbol, it is confirmed that it was not second execution mode, which has the highest winning expectancy, and the player will feel disappointed. However, if the hold effect is executed with the variable symbol, it will be third execution mode B, which has a lower winning expectancy than second execution mode but a higher winning expectancy than first execution mode. Therefore, rather than being dissatisfied with the low expectancy, the joy of the combined effects at the last minute will be greater. In the case of superiority / inferiority pattern 2, if the second event mode is executed, the player may feel a little disappointed because the win expectation was the second-best, but they can feel relieved that the combined effects have been confirmed early. On the other hand, if only the winning effect is executed and the hold effect is not executed, there is a possibility that it is the fourth execution mode, which has the highest win expectation, as well as the first execution mode, which leads to both hope and anxiety. If the hold effect is then executed with the reserved symbol, the player may feel a little disappointed that it is not the fourth execution mode, which has the highest win expectation, but they can feel relieved that the combined effects have been confirmed early. If the hold effect is not executed with the reserved symbol, the player is left with two choices: the first execution mode or the fourth execution mode, which psychologically leads to heaven (the execution mode with the highest expectation) or hell (the execution mode with the lowest expectation). If the hold effect is executed with the variable symbol, the player, who was expecting hell, suddenly sees heaven unfold, giving them great joy. As a result, even if the first execution mode is executed, the player can maintain their hopes until the very end. It is possible to set various other advantages and disadvantages, but if we broadly classify whether the winning effect and the hold effect are combined or not, which will increase the chances of winning, and then further classify in detail the order in which the chances of winning increase for the second execution mode, the third execution mode B, and the fourth execution mode, the player will be able to play while getting a sense of the rules to a certain extent (whether the combination is more likely / unlikely to result in a win)

[0165] In addition, the pending effect has a predictive pending pattern (predictive changing pattern) that indicates multiple degrees of expectation, and the winning effect also has a pattern that indicates multiple degrees of expectation, so depending on the degree of expectation indicated by each, the superiority or inferiority of the above execution modes may be overturned. For example, if the winning effect is configured to have a winning confirmation effect pattern, the winning is confirmed when the winning confirmation pattern is executed, whether it is the first execution mode, the second, third execution mode B (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as 3B), or the fourth execution mode. Therefore, the first execution mode executed with the winning confirmation effect pattern has a higher probability of winning than the second, third B, or fourth execution mode executed with an effect pattern that does not guarantee a winning. Also, in the case where the second execution mode has a higher expectation of winning than the third, fourth, and fourth execution modes, when a high expectation pattern is executed in the winning effect, the expectation of winning may be higher if the winning effect is a high expectation pattern in the third, fourth, and fourth execution modes, and the hold effect is also displayed with a high expectation pattern, than if the hold effect executed at the same time is displayed with the least expectation of the pre-reading hold pattern.Which execution mode has a higher expectation depending on the combination of each expectation pattern, but when viewed together, it is sufficient that the expectation of winning differs between the second execution mode and the third, fourth, and fourth execution modes. Note that varying the probability of winning also means that the selection rate of the effect when a specific value is determined during the pre-reading judgment is different, and when a specific value is determined, the sub-integrated control device 83 can be interpreted as setting a high selection rate for the execution mode with the highest probability of winning. Therefore, there is no problem in interpreting the above content of the probability of winning as the selection rate of each execution mode in the sub-integrated control device 83. The content with the highest selection rate when winning has a high expectation, and the execution mode that is likely to be selected even when losing has a low expectation of winning. The same applies to the following descriptions.

[0166] While Variations 1 and 2 are based on gaming machines equipped with a presentation customization function, they may also be provided on gaming machines without such a function. The presentation customization function may also be used to change the winning expectancy of the execution modes, or to customize the third execution mode of Variation 1 to third execution mode B and fourth execution mode of Variation 2. The winning effect, which was previously performed using the frame-side presentation movable lamp 216, may be customized to be performed using another lamp, or may be customized to be performed on the presentation symbol display device 6. In this way, players who prefer to have the winning effect performed discreetly on the presentation symbol display device 6, which is relatively less noticeable to third parties, rather than using the frame-side presentation movable lamp 216, which is relatively more noticeable to third parties, can make this choice using presentation customization, allowing them to select the nature of the effect (whether it appeals to others or only to the player). Furthermore, although the above description is of a pinball game machine in which a prize ball is paid out when the game ball is fired and enters a prize slot provided in the game area, the present invention may also be applied to an enclosed game machine in which the game balls are sealed inside the machine and prize balls are not actually paid out but are instead added or subtracted from the ball count data. [Industrial Applicability]

[0167] As described above, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, by regularly controlling the timing at which the pre-reading effect, which is a hold effect, and the continuous effect, or the winning effect and the hold effect, are combined, the machine becomes a pinball gaming machine with high usefulness of multiple types of pre-reading effects, and can be applied to pinball gaming machines configured to check the random number extracted due to the ball entering the starting hole before determining whether it is a win or a loss. [Explanation of symbols]

[0168] 1 Game board 6. Performance pattern display device 11 First starting point 12 Second starting point 14 Grand Prize Winners Gate 17 80 Main control unit 82 Performance pattern control device 83 Sub-integrated control device 200 Pachinko machines 202 Front frame 207 Speaker 215 Frame side performance movable object 216 Frame side display movable lamp

Claims

[Claim 1] A pinball game machine that draws a winning or losing lottery based on the entry of a game ball into a starting hole, and notifies the winning lottery result by displaying the winning lottery result in a variable manner, A reserved storage means for reserving and storing a predetermined number of pieces of information on variable display that has not yet been implemented; A pre-reading determination means for making a determination before the lottery is drawn; A hold number display means for displaying a hold corresponding to the number of holds stored; A look-ahead performance means for performing a look-ahead performance based on a result of the look-ahead determination means, The above-mentioned pre-reading performance is, A winning performance that starts when the ball enters the starting hole; A hold effect that changes the display mode of the hold display, A first execution mode in which only one of the winning performance and the reserved performance is executed; A second execution mode in which the winning effect and the reserved effect are executed simultaneously; A third execution mode in which the winning performance is executed and the reserved performance is executed in a variable display after the variable display executed when the winning performance is executed, If the determination result is a specific value, the second execution mode or the third execution mode is selected with a higher probability than the first execution mode, and the second execution mode and the third execution mode have different selection rates depending on the determination result. A pinball game machine characterized by:

Images