Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of enhancing interest in a game or preventing a decrease in interest in a game by performing appropriate notification during an execution period of a specific performance.SOLUTION: A game machine includes a first display section, and a second display section smaller than the first display section, a first display (operation instruction image MG3) pertaining to a specific performance is visible in the first display section during an execution period of the specific performance accompanying operation of a movable member, and a second display (supplementary explanation image SG1) including an explanation regarding operation of at least the movable member is visible in the second display section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a pachinko gaming machine.

Background Art

[0002] Among gaming machines typified by pachinko gaming machines, there are those that notify a player of an instruction regarding game progress (for example, an operation instruction for an effect button) during the execution of a specific effect. As an example of this type of gaming machine, Patent Document 1 below is exemplified.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a gaming machine in which, in an effect that requires pressing an effect button, there are a mode of displaying an operation instruction on the front side of the effect button and a mode of displaying an operation instruction on the back side of the effect button, and the probability of entering a special game state (such as a jackpot game state) changes depending on which mode is adopted.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, recent gaming machines have, from the perspective of user-friendliness and the like, a wider variety of information to be notified to players during the game, such as operation methods and precautions for operation, compared to the past. Although there are multiple display modes for the image related to the operation instruction of the effect button in the gaming machine according to Patent Document 1, regarding the mode of displaying the operation instruction on the back side of the effect button, the visibility of the instruction is reduced, and there is still room for improvement from the perspective of user-friendliness.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a gaming machine that improves the gaming interest or prevents the decline of the gaming interest by performing appropriate notification during the execution period of a specific effect.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine including a first display unit and a second display unit smaller than the first display unit, wherein during the execution period of a specific effect involving the operation of a movable member, a first display related to the specific effect is visible on the first display unit, and a second display including at least an explanation regarding the operation of the movable member is visible on the second display unit.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine that improves the gaming interest or prevents the decline of the gaming interest by performing appropriate notification during the execution period of a specific effect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, "front", "rear", "left", "right", "upper", and "lower" refer to the state of the gaming machine 10 as viewed from the front side (the player side) as shown in FIG. 1 unless otherwise specified. Note that "advantageous (degree of advantage)" in the following description means being advantageous to the player, and further, unless otherwise specified, it means being advantageous in terms of the amount of acquired prize balls (game media, prize values) (including not only the payout of game balls but also the payout of medals and the provision of prize data) excluding the production aspects such as so-called premium images.

[0011] <Features of the Present Invention> Before explaining the details of the gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment, the features of the invention (the present invention) described in the present embodiment will be explained.

[0012] The gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment is a so-called pachinko gaming machine. The gaming machine 10 includes a first display unit (for example, the main display unit 81) and a second display unit (for example, the upper sub-display unit 82a) that is smaller than the first display unit.

[0013] During the execution period of a specific production involving the operation of a movable member (for example, the production button 37 and the movable decoration 22), the gaming machine 10 is characterized in that a first display related to the specific production (for example, an operation instruction image MG3 that requests an operation instruction for the production button 37) is visible on the first display unit, and a second display including at least an explanation regarding the operation of the movable member (for example, a production image SG1 that prompts attention to the movable decoration 22) is visible on the second display unit.

[0014] In addition to displaying the first display related to the specific performance, the gaming machine 10 displays a second display including an explanation of the operation of the movable member for a player who is not familiar with the game, thereby wiping out confusion and the like regarding the specific performance, preventing a decrease in the gaming interest, and as a result, improving the gaming interest. The gaming machine 10 having the above characteristics will be specifically described based on the following embodiments.

[0015] <Regarding the structure of the gaming machine 10> First, the structure of the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 10, FIG. 2 is a view showing the symbol display device 90 disposed in the area II shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a bird's-eye view showing the operation button group disposed in the area III shown in FIG. 1 and its periphery, FIG. 4 is a view showing the game board 50 installed in the gaming machine 10, and FIG. 5 is a rear view of the gaming machine 10. It should be noted that each component illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 is merely an example necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, and components and functions not illustrated here may be added to the gaming machine 10. Further, the gaming machine 10 does not necessarily have to include all of the components illustrated here, and some components or functions may be omitted as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired.

[0016] The gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment is a so-called pachinko machine, which fires a game ball into the front area of a game board 50 (hereinafter referred to as "game area 50a") where a large number of game pins (not shown) are erected, and a prize ball is obtained when the game ball enters a winning hole (for example, a large winning hole 55, etc.). In the following description, the entry of the game ball into the winning hole may be simply expressed as "winning (in the winning hole)".

[0017] The gaming machine 10 includes a rectangular frame-shaped outer frame 15 that is open front and rear, a middle frame 17 that detachably holds the game board 50 on the opening front side of the outer frame 15, and a front frame 20 that is configured to cover the front side of the game board 50. The upper frame portion 32 of the front frame 20 protrudes forward of the gaming machine 10. When a player sitting in front of the gaming machine 10 and enjoying the game stands up, the player needs to be careful not to hit their head.

[0018] The middle frame 17 is rotatably supported about the left end side by a hinge mechanism (not shown) on the same side as the hinge mechanism 21, and can be opened and closed in front of the outer frame 15. The middle frame 17 can be locked and unlocked by a cylinder lock 23 (insert a door key into the cylinder lock 23 and turn the door key in the direction opposite to the unlocking direction of the front frame 20 (in this embodiment, to the right)).

[0019] The front frame 20 is rotatably supported about the left end side by the hinge mechanism 21 and can be opened and closed with respect to the middle frame 17. The front frame 20 can be locked and unlocked by a cylinder lock 23 (insert a door key into the cylinder lock 23 and turn the door key in the direction opposite to the unlocking direction of the middle frame 17 (in this embodiment, to the left)). Further, the front frame 20 includes a transparent member 25 disposed so as to cover the game area 50a, and the transparent member 25 provides perspective protection for the game area 50a and the game board 50. Further, the front frame 20 includes an upper ball tray 27 and a lower ball tray 29 for storing game balls, and the upper ball tray 27 and the lower ball tray 29 are vertically spaced apart and provided integrally with the front frame 20. Further, the front frame 20 includes an operation handle 31 on the right side of the lower ball tray 29, and by rotating the operation handle 31, the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 27 are launched toward the game area 50a.

[0020] Although not shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the middle frame 17 is provided with a middle frame door opening sensor 76 for detecting whether the middle frame 17 is in an open state or a closed state with respect to the outer frame 15, and a front frame door opening sensor 77 for detecting whether the front frame 20 is in an open state or a closed state with respect to the middle frame 17. In the present embodiment, all of these door opening sensors turn ON in the open state and turn OFF in the closed state. However, these door opening sensors may be configured to turn OFF in the open state and turn ON in the closed state. Thereby, the gaming machine 10 can detect both the opening / closing state of the middle frame 17 with respect to the outer frame 15 and the opening / closing state of the front frame 20 with respect to the middle frame 17.

[0021] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, an operation button group operated by the player is arranged on the upper surface of the upper ball tray 27. In this operation button group, as a main operation unit 39 electrically connected to a main control board 100 described later, a ball lending button 39a and a return button 39b for receiving a return operation of a prepaid card are provided. As an operation unit electrically connected to a first sub-control board 200 described later, an effect button 37 for receiving an operation of the player for switching an effect generated during the game or obtaining various information related to the gaming machine 10, and cursor buttons 38 (upper cursor button 38a, lower cursor button 38b, left cursor button 38c, right cursor button 38d, middle cursor button 38e) for instructing operations in the up, down, left, and right directions, etc. are included. Note that each operation unit is provided with a sensor for detecting an operation, and the control board to be connected detects the operation of each operation unit based on a change in the detection state of the sensor. The effect button 37 functions as an operation means as described above, and is configured to be able to protrude and retract by an actuator such as a motor (not shown), and also functions as a movable body that protrudes when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, during the execution of a specific effect described later).

[0022] A movable decorative body 22 is provided on the side of the upper ball tray 27. The movable decorative body 22 incorporates an effect lamp (not shown) inside thereof, functions as a light emitting means, and is configured to be operable by an actuator such as a motor (not shown), and also functions as a movable body that operates when predetermined conditions are satisfied (for example, during the execution of a specific effect described later).

[0023] A ball discharging mechanism 36 for discharging the game balls stored in the lower ball receiving tray 29 downward is provided at the lower part of the lower ball receiving tray 29. By operating this ball discharging mechanism 36, a bottom opening (not shown) formed on the bottom surface of the lower ball receiving tray 29 opens, and the game balls naturally fall and are discharged from the bottom opening. Although not shown in the drawings, the upper ball receiving tray 27 is provided with a mechanism that, similar to the ball discharging mechanism 36, moves the stored balls to the lower ball receiving tray 29 by operation. By operating both this mechanism and the ball discharging mechanism 36, it becomes possible to discharge the stored balls.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of speakers 33 (33a, 33b) are respectively disposed on the left side and the right side of the upper frame portion 32 of the front frame 20. Further, the upper frame portion 32 and the left and right side frame portions 34a, 34b of the front frame 20 are formed of a light-transmissive cover, and frame lamps 35 (35a, 35b, 35c) are respectively disposed inside thereof. The speakers 33 and the frame lamps 35 can emit sound, light up, or turn off in conjunction with effects and error effects generated during the game.

[0025] The effect display device 80 is composed of a main display portion 81 disposed substantially at the center of the game board 50 and sub-display portions 82 disposed around the main display portion 81. The sub-display portions 82 further include an upper sub-display portion 82a disposed above the main display portion 81, a left sub-display portion 82b disposed on the left side of the main display portion 81, and a right sub-display portion 82c disposed on the right side of the main display portion 81. Here, the main display portion 81 is a fixed liquid crystal display device, and the upper sub-display portion 82a, the left sub-display portion 82b, and the right sub-display portion 82c are movable liquid crystal display devices that operate by an actuator such as a motor (not shown). In addition, each of the sub-display units 82 (upper sub-display unit 82a, left sub-display unit 82b, and right sub-display unit 82c) is smaller than the main display unit 81.

[0026] Therefore, it can be said that the gaming machine 10 includes a first display unit (main display unit 81) and a second display unit (upper sub-display unit 82a) that is smaller than the first display unit.

[0027] The main display unit 81 can display the variable display of a symbol sequence that is linked to the variable display in the first special symbol display device 91 or the second special symbol display device 92 described later, and can also display various other effects. In the variable display of the symbol sequence (decorative symbol) displayed on the main display unit 81, the displayed decorative symbol forms three symbol sequences. In this embodiment, the direction of the variable display of each symbol sequence is downward, but this direction is not particularly limited. For example, it may be upward, left-right direction, depth direction, or any combination thereof (diagonal direction). Here, the depth direction refers to a virtual direction recognized by the player in a display mode using a technique (e.g., perspective method) that makes it seem as if the symbol sequence is variably displayed from the back to the front or vice versa of the main display unit 81, although it is actually a planar variable display on the display screen of the main display unit 81. In addition, the decorative symbols in this embodiment include a "1 symbol" imitating the number "1", a "2 symbol" imitating the number "2", a "3 symbol" imitating the number "3", a "4 symbol" imitating the number "4", a "5 symbol" imitating the number "5", a "6 symbol" imitating the number "6", a "7 symbol" imitating the number "7", an "8 symbol" imitating the number "8", and a "9 symbol" imitating the number "9", and these symbols are provided in each symbol sequence. In the following description, the "1 symbol", "3 symbol", "5 symbol", "7 symbol", and "9 symbol" may be collectively referred to as "odd symbols", and the "2 symbol", "4 symbol", "6 symbol", and "8 symbol" may be collectively referred to as "even symbols".

[0028] Each of the sub-display units 82 is provided not only for displaying effect images mainly related to effects but also configured to be movable. Note that the initial position of each of them is such that the upper sub-display unit 82a is on the upper side with respect to the main display unit 81, the left sub-display unit 82b is on the left side with respect to the main display unit 81, the right sub-display unit 82c is on the right side with respect to the main display unit 81, and each of the sub-display units 82 is configured to be movable from these initial positions to a position where the entire display area of the sub-display unit 82 overlaps with the display area of the main display unit 81.

[0029] Also, in the effect display device 80 (main display unit 81, upper sub-display unit 82a, left sub-display unit 82b, right sub-display unit 82c) in the present embodiment, a liquid crystal display device is adopted in all of them, but the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it can be replaced with display bodies of various methods such as a drum type or a dot matrix type.

[0030] A plurality of light emitting diodes (hereinafter abbreviated as "LEDs") are arranged on the lower right side of the main display unit 81, and the display area of the symbol display device 90 is configured by these LEDs. Special symbols and ordinary symbols are displayed on the symbol display device 90. Also, the symbol display device 90 is arranged at a position where it is more difficult for the player to visually recognize than the main display unit 81, and the display area of the symbol display device 90 has a smaller area than the display area of the main display unit 81. Note that the arrangement and number of the LEDs related to the symbol display device 90 in the present embodiment are as shown in FIG. 2, but this is only an example, and the arrangement and number of the LEDs related to the symbol display device 90 are not limited to this example.

[0031] The special symbol is a symbol that is stopped and displayed as a result of symbol variation that determines whether to operate a special electric accessory (for example, the special electric accessory 65). The special symbols in the present embodiment include the first special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display device 91 and the second special symbol displayed on the second special symbol display device 92. Note that the special symbol may be abbreviated as "Special Symbol", the first special symbol as "Special Symbol 1", and the second special symbol as "Special Symbol 2".

[0032] The normal symbol is a symbol that is stopped and displayed as a result of a symbol variation that determines whether to operate a normal electric accessory (for example, normal electric accessory 61). The normal symbol in this embodiment is displayed on the normal symbol display device 93. Note that the normal symbol may be abbreviated as "Normal Symbol", and the normal electric accessory may be referred to as "Electric Chute".

[0033] In addition to the above-described display devices, the symbol display device 90 is provided with a first special symbol hold lamp 94, a second special symbol hold lamp 95, and a normal symbol hold lamp 96. The first special symbol hold lamp 94 can specify the number of symbol variations of the held Special Symbol 1, the second special symbol hold lamp 95 can specify the number of symbol variations of the held Special Symbol 2, and the normal symbol hold lamp 96 can specify the number of symbol variations of the held Normal Symbol. In each case, the number of corresponding symbol variations can be specified by the lighting modes of two LEDs (in this embodiment, only the right LED always on = 1, both the left and right LEDs always on = 2, the right LED blinking + the left LED always on = 3, both the left and right LEDs blinking = 4).

[0034] In the following description, the symbol variation in which the special symbol is stopped and displayed after the special symbol is variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 91 or the second special symbol display device 92 is referred to as "symbol variation of the special symbol", and in the following description, the symbol variation in which the normal symbol is stopped and displayed after the normal symbol display device 93 is variably displayed may be referred to as "symbol variation of the normal symbol". In addition, in the following description, the variable display of the symbol sequence (decorative symbol) displayed on the main display unit 81 described above may be referred to as "symbol variation of the decorative symbol" to distinguish it from "symbol variation of the special symbol" and "symbol variation of the normal symbol". Note that in the following description, when simply referred to as "symbol variation", it means the symbol variation of the special symbol unless otherwise specified.

[0035] On the front surface of the game board 50, as shown in FIG. 4, a number of obstacles such as a large number of game pins (not shown), a windmill 52, and decorative members are arranged, so that a game area 50a is defined for the launched game balls to roll. Also, on the left and upper sides of the game area 50a, there are arranged a curved outer rail 51 and an inner rail 53 provided to guide the game balls launched by the rotational operation of the operation handle 31 to the upper part of the game area 50a. Note that the outer rail 51 is located outside the inner rail 53 with respect to the center of the game area 50a. Here, the windmill 52 is a mechanism for changing the direction of the fall of the game ball and refers to a nail-shaped one.

[0036] The gaming machine 10 can control the strength of launching the game ball according to the magnitude of the rotational operation amount (for example, the rotation angle) of the operation handle 31. Various obstacles are arranged in the game area 50a so that the game ball can roll along either the first flow path X (so-called left shot) where the game ball is launched more weakly or the second flow path Y (so-called right shot) where the game ball is launched more strongly.

[0037] FIG. 4 shows, as main winning openings, a large winning opening 55, a first starting opening 57, a second starting opening 59, a gate 63, and a general winning opening 67. However, the shown winning openings are just examples, and the number and arrangement thereof can be appropriately changed.

[0038] The large winning opening 55 is arranged at the lower right part of the game area 50a. A large winning opening sensor 72 is attached to the large winning opening 55. The winning at the large winning opening 55 is determined based on the detection result of the large winning opening sensor 72, and a number (15 in this embodiment) of prize balls corresponding to the large winning opening 55 are awarded. In this embodiment, compared with the case of rolling from the first flow path X, the various obstacles are arranged so that more game balls roll toward the large winning opening 55 when rolling from the second flow path Y.

[0039] Above the large winning opening 55, a special electric accessory 65 is disposed. The special electric accessory 65 is a member that can be switched between an open state in which winning at the large winning opening 55 is easy and a closed state in which it is difficult to enter a ball, and is switched to either the open state or the closed state by a special electric accessory solenoid 66. More specifically, the special electric accessory 65 becomes open in part of a jackpot game that starts due to a jackpot being derived by the special figure win / loss determination described later, and accordingly, winning at the large winning opening 55 is permitted. Thus, when the special electric accessory 65 is in the open state, since it becomes easy to win at the large winning opening 55, it can be said that the jackpot game in which the opportunity to obtain prize balls greatly increases is in an advantageous gaming state. In the jackpot game, the open state and the closed state of the special electric accessory 65 are alternately set, and one open state (which may be referred to as a "round game" in some cases, and the total number of round games occurring in one jackpot may be referred to as the "number of rounds" in some cases) ends based on 10 game balls, which is a predetermined number (in this embodiment, 10), winning at the large winning opening 55, and the special electric accessory 65 becomes closed. Note that one open state also ends based on a sufficient time (in this embodiment, 30 s (seconds)) having elapsed for a predetermined number of game balls to win at the large winning opening 55. Here, in one round game, when the special electric accessory 65 is set from the open state to the closed state based on 10 game balls winning, it cannot immediately become the closed state. Therefore, in one round game, it may happen that more than 10 game balls win at the large winning opening 55.

[0040] The first start opening 57 is disposed at the center lower part of the game area 50a. A first start opening sensor 70 is attached to the first start opening 57, and winning at the first start opening 57 is determined based on the detection result of the first start opening sensor 70, and a number (in this embodiment, 4) of prize balls corresponding to the first start opening 57 are awarded. In at least part of the case where winning at the first start opening 57 is determined, the symbol variation of FIG. 1 of the special figure is performed. In addition, it is assumed that obstacles such as game pins are arranged in the game area 50a according to the present embodiment so that more game balls roll toward the first starting port 57 when rolling from the first flow path X than when rolling from the second flow path Y.

[0041] The second starting port 59 is arranged at the lower right part of the game area 50a. A second starting port sensor 71 is attached to the second starting port 59, and the winning of the second starting port 59 is determined based on the detection result of the second starting port sensor 71, and the number (1 in this embodiment) of prize balls associated with the second starting port 59 is awarded. At least a part of the case where the winning of the second starting port 59 is determined will cause the symbol variation of FIG. 2 in the special drawing. In addition, it is assumed that obstacles such as game pins are arranged in the game area 50a according to the present embodiment so that more game balls roll toward the second starting port 59 when rolling from the second flow path Y than when rolling from the first flow path X.

[0042] An ordinary electric accessory 61 is arranged in the flow path connected to the second starting port 59. The ordinary electric accessory 61 is a member that can be switched between an open state in which it is easy for a game ball to enter the second starting port 59 and a closed state in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter, and is switched to either the open state or the closed state by an ordinary electric accessory solenoid 62. More specifically, the ordinary electric accessory 61 becomes open in at least a part of the ordinary drawing game performed by winning in the symbol variation of the ordinary drawing, and accordingly, winning of the second starting port 59 is permitted. In this way, when the ordinary electric accessory 61 is in the open state, it becomes easy to win the second starting port 59, so that while suppressing the decrease of game balls by prize balls, the opportunity to execute the symbol variation of FIG. 2 in the special drawing can be significantly increased.

[0043] The gate 63 is arranged at the right center part of the game area 50a. A gate sensor 74 is attached to the gate 63, and the winning of the gate 63 is determined based on the detection result of the gate sensor 74. At least a part of the case where the winning of the gate 63 is determined will cause the symbol variation of the ordinary drawing.

[0044] The general winning opening 67 is disposed at the lower left part of the game area 50a. A general winning opening sensor 73 is attached to the general winning opening 67. Whether a winning has occurred at the general winning opening 67 is determined based on the detection result of the general winning opening sensor 73, and a corresponding number (4 in this embodiment) of prize balls are awarded. In this embodiment, the obstacles are arranged such that more game balls roll toward the general winning opening 67 when rolling from the first flow path X than when rolling from the second flow path Y. However, the obstacles may be arranged such that more game balls roll toward the general winning opening 67 when rolling from the second flow path Y. Also, a plurality of general winning openings 67 may be provided.

[0045] The out opening 69 is disposed at the lowermost part of the game area 50a. Game balls that are launched into the game area 50a and do not enter any of the above-described winning openings fall into the out opening 69 and are processed as out balls. In this embodiment, an out ball sensor 75 (not shown) for detecting out balls, which are game balls that have entered the above-described winning openings and the out opening, is provided.

[0046] On the back surface of the game board 50, as shown in FIG. 5, a main control board case 109 storing the main control board 100, a first sub-control board case 209 storing the first sub-control board 200, a second sub-control board case 309 storing the second sub-control board 300, a power control board case 509 storing the power control board 500, and a payout control board case 409 storing the payout control board 400 are mounted. In addition to the back surfaces of the first sub-control board case 209 and the second sub-control board case 309, an opening / closing cover 45 that covers a part of the back surface of the main control board case 109 is detachably mounted. Note that a RAM clear switch 43 is provided on the main control board 100. Also, the board cases and covers that cover the respective boards are made of transparent members, and the corresponding boards are visible through the respective cases and covers.

[0047] The power control board 500 includes a normal power supply circuit 501 that generates a normal power supply to supply electronic components and electrical components such as the above-described control boards based on the primary power supply supplied from the power supply facility of the game island, a backup power supply circuit 502 that generates a backup power supply, and a power failure detection circuit 503 that detects a power failure (the supply voltage by the normal power supply drops to a predetermined voltage drop). In addition, a power switch 40 is connected to the power control board 500. On the premise that the primary power supply is supplied from the power supply facility of the game island, when the power switch 40 is turned on, the normal power supply circuit 501 of the power control board 500 generates a normal power supply, and the power is supplied to electronic components and electrical components including the above-described control boards (main control board 100, first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300, and payout control board 400). In addition, when the power failure detection circuit 503 detects a power failure, the power control board 500 transmits a power failure signal (NMI signal) to each of the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the payout control board 400. In addition, the backup power supply circuit 502 is configured to be charged when the power is supplied from the power supply facility of the game island to the gaming machine 10. Note that the backup power supply circuit 502 may be provided on the payout control board 400, and the power failure detection circuit 503 may not be provided on the power control board 500 but may be provided on each of the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the payout control board 400.

[0048] In addition, on the back surface of the game board 50, above the opening / closing cover 45, a game ball tank 46 for storing game balls supplied from the ball supply facility of the game island is arranged. The game ball tank 46 is further connected to a payout passage 49 that leads to the upper ball receiving tray 27 via a tank rail 47 and a payout unit 48. The balls paid out by the payout unit 48 are paid out to the upper ball receiving tray 27 through the payout passage 49.

[0049] So far, the structure of the gaming machine 10 in this embodiment has been described, but these are just specific examples, and the present invention can also be implemented with other configurations.

[0050] <Control Configuration of Pachinko Machine 10> Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the control configuration included in the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the control configuration included in the pachinko machine 10. Note that the control configuration shown in FIG. 6 is necessary for explaining the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, and the pachinko machine 10 may include a control configuration not illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0051] The main control board 100 includes a CPU 101 that performs various arithmetic processes related to the game, a ROM 102 that stores data such as control programs and various lottery tables, a RAM 103 that functions as a work area and a buffer memory serving as a temporary storage area, an I / O port 104 that inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and each device, and a random number circuit 105 that operates in a system different from the program process by the CPU 101 and generates a random number (hard random number). These are interconnected via an internal bus.

[0052] The CPU 101 reads out various control programs stored in the ROM 102 and performs arithmetic processes, thereby executing various processes related to the main control of the game. The RAM 103 is backed up by the backup power supply generated in the backup power supply circuit described later. Specifically, among the information stored in the RAM 103, various information that enables the gaming machine 10 to return to the state just before the power failure using this data at the time of power restoration (when the power is turned on) after the power failure is configured to be backed up. For example, in addition to the data such as the stack pointer and each register held at the time of power failure, information related to the game such as the state of the gaming machine 10 at that time (game stop state or playable state), the current special drawing lottery state, and the current general drawing lottery state is targeted for backup. Note that this information is cleared (initialized) by the RAM clear process. Therefore, after the RAM is cleared, the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA (special drawing low probability and general drawing low probability described later) described later is newly set. Furthermore, when the RAM clear process is executed, the symbol sequence related to the decorative symbol is in a state where the initial symbol combination (in this embodiment, "1 symbol - 3 symbols - 5 symbols") is stopped and displayed, and also in a state where the initial symbol combination is stopped and displayed when the power is turned on and the symbol variation was not being executed at the time of the immediately preceding power failure. Also, this initial symbol combination is stopped and displayed only when the power is turned on and is not stopped by the execution of the symbol variation.

[0053] In this embodiment, at least in addition to the area where such information related to the game is stored (which may be referred to as the area related to the game of the RAM 103), the area where the complement of the checksum and the backup flag related to the area related to the game of the RAM 103 are stored (which may be referred to as the backup information area related to the game of the RAM 103) is backed up. Then, at the time of power restoration, the gaming machine 10 returns using the various information stored in the backed-up area related to the game of the RAM 103 and the backup information area related to the game of the RAM 103. Note that there is no limitation on the specific method of backup in this embodiment. For example, the area to be backed up in the RAM 103 may be realized in a configuration capable of retaining data non-volatilely even in the power-off state. As another example, among the RAM 103, different hardware may be provided for a first memory configured to retain data non-volatilely even in the power-off state and a second memory referred to when the gaming machine 10 operates. In that case, the gaming machine 10 may evacuate the information to be backed up from the second memory to the first memory when power is cut off, and recover the evacuated information from the first memory to the second memory when power is restored.

[0054] In addition, the main control board 100 is electrically connected to the first start port sensor 70, the second start port sensor 71, the big winning port sensor 72, the general winning port sensor 73, the gate sensor 74, the out ball sensor 75, the middle frame opening sensor 76, the front frame opening sensor 77, etc., and is configured to be able to input detection signals from these sensors to the CPU 101 via the I / O port 104.

[0055] In addition, the main control board 100 is electrically connected to the first special symbol display device 91, the second special symbol display device 92, the normal symbol display device 93, the first special symbol hold lamp 94, the second special symbol hold lamp 95, the normal symbol hold lamp 96, the normal electric accessory solenoid 62, and the special electric accessory solenoid 66, and is configured to be able to control these via the I / O port 104. Similarly, the main control board 100 is electrically connected to the main operation unit 39 and the RAM clear switch 43, and is configured to be able to detect the operation of the main operation unit 39.

[0056] The main control board 100 and the first sub-control board 200 are connected by eight parallel signal lines and one strobe line, and are communicably connected only in a single direction from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200, and various effect control commands are transmitted from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200. Note that data cannot be transmitted from the first sub-control board 200 to the main control board 100, and the first sub-control board 200 is configured so that it cannot request data transmission to the main control board 100. Also, in this embodiment, a parallel transmission method is adopted for data transmission from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200, but a serial transmission method may also be adopted.

[0057] The first sub-control board 200 includes a CPU 201 that performs various arithmetic processes related to game effects based on an effect control command from the main control board 100, a ROM 202 that stores data such as an effect control program and various lottery tables, a RAM 203 that functions as a work area and buffer memory serving as a temporary storage area, and an I / O port 204 that inputs and outputs signals to and from peripheral boards and each device. These are interconnected via an internal bus, and the CPU 201 is configured to execute main control related to game effects according to a control program stored in the ROM 202. Note that the first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to the effect button 37 and the cursor button 38, and is configured to be able to detect operations of the operation unit.

[0058] Also, the first sub-control board 200 generates an image control command for instructing an image to be displayed on the second sub-control board 300, a brightness adjustment command for instructing brightness adjustment, an audio control command for instructing audio to be output to the audio control board 310, a volume adjustment command for instructing volume adjustment, lamp control data for controlling lighting of various lamps such as the frame lamp 35, movable control data for controlling movement of the movable decoration 22, the effect button 37, the sub-display unit 82, etc. in an effect control process based on an effect control command from the main control board 100. Here, the first sub-control board 200 is connected to the second sub-control board 300 and the audio control board 310 so as to enable two-way communication. While each control command (image control command, brightness adjustment command, audio control command, volume adjustment command) is transmitted from the first sub-control board 200 to the second sub-control board 300 or the audio control board 310, as a response thereto, a response command (ACK command) indicating that the control command has been normally received is transmitted from each control board (the second sub-control board 300, the audio control board 310) to the first sub-control board 200.

[0059] Also, the first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to the frame lamp 35 and transmits lamp control data via the I / O port 204. And the frame lamp 35 is configured such that its lighting is controlled by the lamp control data transmitted from the first sub-control board 200. Furthermore, the first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to the movable ornament 22, the effect button 37, and the sub-display unit 82, and transmits movable control data via the I / O port 204. And the movable ornament 22, the effect button 37, and the sub-display unit 82 are configured such that their movement is controlled by the movable control data transmitted from the first sub-control board 200.

[0060] The second sub-control board 300 includes a CPU (not shown) that performs various arithmetic processes related to image effects based on the image control command from the first sub-control board 200, a ROM (not shown) that stores an image control program and various data, etc., a RAM (not shown) that functions as a work area and a buffer memory serving as a temporary storage area, and an I / O port (not shown) that inputs and outputs signals between the peripheral board and each device. It is configured such that the CPU executes main control related to image effects according to the control program stored in the ROM. In addition, although not shown in the drawings, the second sub-control board 300 is equipped with a VDP that generates image data in accordance with the content of the effect determined by the effect content determination means 225 described later based on the control signal received from the CPU, and a sound source IC that generates acoustic data in accordance with the content of the effect based on the control signal received from the CPU. The VDP is a so-called image processor that reads image data stored in the image ROM in response to an instruction from the CPU, processes this image data, and transmits the generated image data to the main display unit 81 and the sub-display unit 82. Further, a high-speed VRAM used for the expansion and processing of the image data read from the image ROM is connected to this VDP.

[0061] The voice control board 310 includes a CPU 311 that performs various arithmetic processes related to voice effects based on the voice control commands from the first sub-control board 200, a ROM 312 that stores voice control programs, voice data, etc., a RAM 313 that functions as a work area and buffer memory serving as a temporary storage area, and an I / O port 314 that inputs and outputs signals between the peripheral board and each device. The CPU 311 is configured to execute the main control related to voice effects according to the control program stored in the ROM 312. Therefore, the voice control board 310 reads the voice data stored in the ROM 312 in response to the voice control commands received from the first sub-control board 200, synthesizes the read voice data, and transmits the final synthesized voice data to the speaker 33 via the amplifier, enabling the speaker 33 to emit sound.

[0062] The payout control board 400 is mainly composed of a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (all not shown in the drawings). In addition, the payout control board 400 is connected to the main control board 100 so as to be capable of two-way communication. Based on the payout control commands from the main control board 100, it executes control to drive the payout unit 48 to payout game balls, and controls the launch of game balls by synchronously driving the ball feed mechanism and the launch mechanism based on the operation amount of the operation handle 31.

[0063] The power control board 500 includes a normal power supply circuit 501 that generates a normal power supply to supply electronic components and electrical components such as the above-described control boards based on the primary power supply supplied from the power supply equipment of the game island, a backup power supply circuit 502 that generates a backup power supply, and a power failure detection circuit 503 that detects a power failure (where the supply voltage by the normal power supply drops to a predetermined voltage). Also, a power switch 40 is connected to the power control board 500. On the premise that the primary power supply is supplied from the power supply equipment of the game island, when the power switch 40 is turned on, the normal power supply circuit 501 of the power control board 500 generates a normal power supply, and the power is supplied to the electronic components and electrical components including the above-described control boards (main control board 100, first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300, and payout control board 400). Also, when the power failure detection circuit 503 of the power control board 500 detects a power failure, the power control board 500 transmits a power failure signal (NMI signal) to each of the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the payout control board 400. Also, the backup power supply circuit 502 is configured to be charged when the power is supplied from the power supply equipment of the game island to the gaming machine 10. Note that the backup power supply circuit 502 may be provided on the payout control board 400, and the power failure detection circuit 503 may not be provided on the power control board 500 but may be provided on each of the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the payout control board 400.

[0064] <Regarding the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10> Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10. Note that the functional configuration shown in FIG. 7 is necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, and the gaming machine 10 may include functional configurations not illustrated in FIG. 7. Also, when explaining the functional configuration, FIGS. 8 to 10 will be referred to as necessary.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 7, the main control board 100 includes a ball entry determination means 110, a main random number generation means 115, a main hold control means 120, a preliminary determination means 125, a special pattern lottery means 130, a general pattern lottery means 135, a big win game control means 140, a symbol display control means 145, an electric accessory control means 150, a game state control means 155, a main information storage means 160, a main error control means 165, a main command management means 170, a power restoration process execution means 175, and a power-off process execution means 180. These means functionally represent what is realized by each control configuration on the main control board 100 described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0066] First, the main information storage means 160 is a means for temporarily storing data read by the means provided in the main control board 100, data derived by calculations in the means, etc. in corresponding storage areas. In particular, the data (effect control command) stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160 is transmitted to the sub-command management means 270 of the first sub-control board 200 described later by the command transmission means after being stored.

[0067] The ball entry determination means 110 determines winning at each winning port based on the detection results of sensors provided at each winning port.

[0068] The main random number generation means 115 can generate a plurality of types of random numbers with different update ranges by the random number circuit 105, and acquires (latches) one or more random numbers corresponding to the winning port from the random number circuit 105 at the timing when winning at the winning port is determined. More specifically, when winning at the first start port 57 or the second start port 59 is determined, the main random number generation means 115 acquires the random number for special pattern win / loss determination, the random number for special pattern stop symbol lottery, and the random number for special pattern variation pattern lottery, which will be described later. When winning at the gate 63 is determined, the random number for general pattern win / loss determination, the random number for general pattern stop symbol lottery, and the random number for general pattern variation pattern lottery, which will be described later, are stored in the corresponding storage area of the main information storage means 160. Note that the random number circuit 105 monitors whether a plurality of types of random numbers updated by itself are updated normally. When an update abnormality occurs in which the random numbers are not updated normally, information indicating that the abnormality has occurred is written into a specific storage area of the random number circuit 105. Therefore, the CPU 101 can grasp that an update abnormality has occurred in the random number circuit 105.

[0069] The main hold control means 120 performs control regarding the hold of the symbol variation of the special drawing and the hold of the symbol variation of the general drawing. Regarding the special drawing 1, the random numbers for special drawing win / loss determination, the random numbers for special drawing stop symbol lottery, and the random numbers for special drawing variation pattern lottery, which are obtained triggered by winning in the first start port 57, are held (stored) as the operation hold information of the special drawing 1. More specifically, the main hold control means 120 is provided with a hold counter (hereinafter referred to as the "special drawing 1 hold counter") that is incremented by 1 each time the operation hold information of the special drawing 1 is held and decremented by 1 each time the operation hold information of the special drawing 1 is used (used in the lottery by the special drawing lottery means 130). Until the value of the special drawing 1 hold counter reaches the upper limit value (4 in this embodiment), the operation hold information is stored in the storage area corresponding to the current special drawing 1 hold counter of the main information storage means 160. Each time the operation hold information is used, the used operation hold information is cleared, and the remaining operation hold information is moved (shifted) in order from the smallest special drawing 1 hold counter to the storage area corresponding to the special drawing 1 hold counter that is 1 less than the current special drawing 1 hold counter from the current storage area. In addition, the main hold control means 120 also performs the same control as described above separately from the special drawing 1 regarding the special drawing 2 and the general drawing, and the hold counter of the special drawing 2 is referred to as the special drawing 2 hold counter. In addition, in the following description, "holding of operation hold information" may be expressed as "holding of symbol variation" or simply "holding". In addition, when the main hold control means 120 updates (increments or decrements) the operation hold information (hold counter) of the special drawing 1 or the special drawing 2, it generates a production control command (hold command) including the special drawing 1 hold counter and the special drawing 2 hold counter, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160. In addition, in this embodiment, when both the operation hold information corresponding to Special Figure 1 and the operation hold information corresponding to Special Figure 2 are held, a priority change is performed in which the operation hold information corresponding to Special Figure 2 is preferentially used.

[0070] The pre-determination means 125 executes a pre-determination for a look-ahead effect for at least a part of the case where the operation hold information of the special figure is held at a predetermined pre-determination timing. More specifically, the pre-determination means 125 reads out each random number of the operation hold information held this time, and executes a pre-determination for each of the special figure validity determination, the special figure stop symbol lottery, and the special figure variation pattern lottery, which will be described later. In each pre-determination, a lottery table (not shown) that is the same as or equivalent to the lottery table used for the lottery corresponding to each pre-determination is used. Therefore, the results of these pre-determinations will be the same as the results of the lottery to be executed later. In addition, the pre-determination means 125 generates an effect control command (pre-determination command) including the derived pre-determination result, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160. Since the pre-determination command is transmitted (generated and stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160) at least in part at a predetermined pre-determination timing, it will be transmitted following the above-described hold command. Here, the predetermined pre-determination timing refers to a timing when it is not during a big win game. For example, there is a timing when the operation hold information of the special figure is held. In this embodiment, when the operation hold information of Special Figure 1 is held during the general figure high probability described later, the pre-determination is regulated, so the transmission of the pre-determination command corresponding to the pre-determination is also regulated. On the other hand, regarding the case where the operation hold information of Special Figure 2 is held during the general figure low probability described later, the pre-determination may or may not be regulated.

[0071] The special drawing selection means 130 includes a special drawing validity determination means 131, a special drawing stop symbol selection means 132, and a special drawing variation pattern derivation means 133, and executes the processing by each means in the order of the special drawing validity determination means 131, the special drawing stop symbol selection means 132, and the special drawing variation pattern derivation means 133. When the variation start condition of the special drawing is satisfied, the special drawing selection means 130 reads out the earliest operation hold information among the operation hold information held in the main information storage means 160. Note that "the variation start condition of the special drawing is satisfied" means, as an example, that it is not during a big win game, that neither the special drawing 1 nor the special drawing 2 is in the process of symbol variation (including during the stop display of the symbol variation related to the special drawing 1 or the special drawing 2), and that all conditions that there is operation hold information in at least one of the special drawing 1 and the special drawing 2 are satisfied.

[0072] Here, FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table used in the main control board 100, and will be referred to as necessary in the following description. In addition, in the lottery using the lottery table, including those other than these lottery tables, for the read random numbers, the lottery values stored in the lottery table are sequentially added in a predetermined order (if there is only one target lottery value, the number of additions is one), and the result corresponding to the lottery value with a carry (digit overflow) generated is derived as the result of the lottery. Similarly, in the description of the lottery table, for convenience of explanation, the lottery table is named, but it is only necessary that the data such as the lottery values included in the lottery table corresponding to the name are stored in each ROM in an identifiable manner, and these names do not specify the area where the data is stored. In the illustrated lottery table, for convenience of explanation, if there are items described and lottery values such as "-" and "0" are described, these do not necessarily indicate the data stored in each ROM. And the results with lottery values of "-" and "0" will not win. Further, if the same lottery value as the random number range used in the lottery (the number of random numbers that can be obtained within the range) is described in the lottery table, since the result is derived 100%, it is not necessarily necessary to conduct the lottery. Also, if the total value of the lottery values used in one lottery matches the random number range used in the lottery, a carry will surely occur in the addition of the last lottery value, so it is not necessary to perform the addition, and in that case, the lottery value itself used for the addition is also unnecessary.

[0073] For each symbol variation, the special symbol win / loss determination means 131 reads a random number for special symbol win / loss determination and executes a special symbol win / loss determination to determine whether to win a big win or a loss by lottery using the read random number and the lottery table for special symbol win / loss determination. Fig. 8(a) is a diagram schematically showing the lottery table for special symbol win / loss determination, and the lottery table is commonly used in special symbol 1 and special symbol 2. Since the range of the random numbers used in the determination is 0 to 65535, when the special symbol lottery state is a low probability case (hereinafter, may be abbreviated as "special symbol low probability"), a big win is derived with a probability of 205 / 65536 (about 1 / 320). Similarly, when the special symbol lottery state has a high probability (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as "special symbol high probability"), a jackpot is derived with a probability of 600 / 65536 (about 1 / 109).

[0074] When the result of the special symbol win / loss determination is a jackpot, the special symbol stop symbol lottery means 132 reads out a random number for special symbol stop symbol lottery, and uses the read random number and the lottery table for special symbol stop symbol lottery to determine the stop symbol of the special symbol by lottery. Figure 8(b) is a diagram schematically showing the lottery table for special symbol 1 stop symbol lottery. The range of the random number used in this lottery is 0 to 99. Therefore, when a jackpot is derived in special symbol 1, symbol A is determined as the stop symbol with a probability of 50 / 100 (1 / 2), and symbol B is determined as the stop symbol with a probability of 50 / 100 (1 / 2). Here, symbol A has a round number of 4, and is a symbol that becomes special symbol high probability and the so-called general symbol high probability (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "probability change symbol") after the jackpot game ends. In this case, the jackpot related to this symbol is sometimes referred to as "probability change jackpot"). On the other hand, symbol B has a round number of 4, and is a symbol that becomes special symbol low probability and general symbol high probability (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "normal symbol") after the jackpot game ends. In this case, the jackpot related to this symbol is sometimes referred to as "normal jackpot"). Therefore, it can be said that symbol A is a more advantageous symbol than symbol B in the special symbol lottery state after the jackpot game. Figure 8(c) is a diagram schematically showing the lottery table for special symbol 2 stop symbol lottery. The range of the random number used in this lottery is 0 to 99, the same as the special symbol 1 stop symbol lottery. Therefore, when a jackpot is derived in special symbol 2, symbol a is determined as the stop symbol with a probability of 75 / 100 (about 1 / 1.33), and symbol b is determined as the stop symbol with a probability of 25 / 100 (1 / 4). Here, symbol a is a probability change symbol with a round number of 10 and becomes special symbol high probability and general symbol high probability after the jackpot game ends. Symbol b is a normal symbol with a round number of 4 and becomes special symbol high probability and general symbol high probability after the jackpot game ends. Therefore, it can be said that symbol a is a more advantageous symbol than symbol b in terms of the round number. In the following description, the jackpot related to symbol a may be referred to as a 10R probability change jackpot, and the jackpot related to symbol b may be referred to as a 4R probability change jackpot. In addition, when the result of the special drawing win / loss determination is not a big win, the special drawing stop symbol lottery means 132 uniformly determines the stop symbol as symbol C when special drawing 1 is a loss and symbol c when special drawing 2 is a loss.

[0075] The special drawing variation pattern derivation means 133 has a plurality of types of special drawing variation pattern lottery tables referred to when determining the special drawing variation pattern. Based on the current special drawing variation pattern derivation state and the result of this special drawing win / loss determination, one special drawing variation pattern lottery table for determining the current special drawing variation pattern is selected. Using the selected special drawing variation pattern lottery table and a random number for special drawing variation pattern lottery, one special drawing variation pattern is determined, and the variation time is determined based on the determined special drawing variation pattern. Here, the variation time refers to the time from when the symbol variation related to the special drawing (special drawing 1 or special drawing 2) starts until the symbol variation ends. Details such as transition conditions will be described later. In the special drawing variation pattern derivation state in this embodiment, there are a special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA, a special drawing variation pattern derivation state PB, and a special drawing variation pattern derivation state PC. And the above-described method for determining the special drawing variation pattern is adopted for the symbol variation of special drawing 1 in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA, and is adopted for the symbol variation of special drawing 2 in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PB and the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PC. In addition, in the symbol variation related to the other special drawing in each special drawing variation pattern derivation state, one special drawing variation pattern determined in advance according to the result of the special drawing win / loss determination is determined.

[0076] Hereinafter, the lottery of the special drawing variation pattern in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA by the special drawing variation pattern derivation means 133 will be illustrated and described with reference to the lottery table. Note that the lottery tables used by the special drawing variation pattern derivation means 133 in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PB and the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PC are not shown, but the point of determining the special drawing variation pattern by lottery is the same as that in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA. FIG. 9(a) is a diagram schematically showing a special figure variation pattern lottery table used for the symbol variation according to Special Figure 1 in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0 to 999. As shown in FIG. 9(a), in the symbol variation according to Special Figure 1 in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, the special figure variation pattern HNP to the special figure variation pattern ASP-C can be determined. Specifically, in the symbol variation according to Special Figure 1 in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, when the result of the special figure pass / fail determination is a miss, the special figure variation pattern HNP is determined with a probability of 900 / 1000 (about 1 / 1.11), the special figure variation pattern HRP is determined with a probability of 52 / 1000 (about 1 / 19.2), HSP1-A is determined with a probability of 13 / 1000 (about 1 / 76.9), HSP1-B is determined with a probability of 11 / 1000 (about 1 / 90.9), HSP2-A is determined with a probability of 9 / 1000 (about 1 / 111), HSP2-B is determined with a probability of 7 / 1000 (about 1 / 143), HSP3-A is determined with a probability of 5 / 1000 (1 / 200), and HSP3-B is determined with a probability of 3 / 1000 (about 1 / 333). In this case, the special figure variation patterns ASP1-A to ASP-C are not determined. Although details will be described later with reference to FIG. 9(b), when the special figure variation pattern HNP is determined, the special figure variation pattern is further specified using the value of the special figure 1 hold counter at the start of the current symbol variation. On the other hand, in the symbol variation according to Special Figure 1 in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, when the result of the special figure pass / fail determination is a big win, the special figure variation pattern ASP1-A is determined with a probability of 90 / 1000 (about 1 / 11.1), the special figure variation pattern ASP1-B is determined with a probability of 110 / 1000 (about 1 / 9.09), the special figure variation pattern ASP2-A is determined with a probability of 135 / 1000 (about 1 / 7.41), the special figure variation pattern ASP2-B is determined with a probability of 165 / 1000 (about 1 / 6.06), the special figure variation pattern ASP3-A is determined with a probability of 180 / 1000 (about 1 / 5.56), the special figure variation pattern ASP3-B is determined with a probability of 220 / 1000 (about 1 / 4.56), and the special figure variation pattern ASP-C is determined with a probability of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10). In this case, the special figure variation patterns HNP to HSP3-B are not determined. As described above, in this embodiment, when the result of the special drawing validity determination is a failure in the symbol variation related to Special Drawing 1 in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA, any one of the special drawing variation patterns HRP to HSP3-B is determined at a ratio of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10), and the special drawing variation pattern HNP is determined at a ratio of 900 / 1000 (about 1 / 1.11). Further, when the result of the special drawing validity determination is a big win in the symbol variation related to Special Drawing 1 in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA, any one of the special drawing variation patterns ASP1-A to ASP-C is determined at a ratio of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1). Here, in the description of the special drawing variation patterns of this embodiment, when two special drawing variation patterns are described with "~" in between, the description of the special drawing variation patterns existing between the special drawing variation pattern described earlier and the special drawing variation pattern described later shall be omitted in accordance with the order described in the drawing related to the special drawing variation pattern lottery table for each special drawing variation pattern derivation state. Also, in the description of the special drawing variation patterns of this embodiment, regardless of whether there is a description of the corresponding variation time, if the names of the special drawing variation patterns are different, it indicates that they are different special drawing variation patterns, but if the corresponding variation times are the same, they may be treated as the same special drawing variation pattern.

[0077] FIG. 9(b) is a diagram schematically showing the special drawing variation pattern lottery table used when the special drawing variation pattern HNP is determined in the symbol variation related to Special Drawing 1 in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA. The range of the random number used in this lottery (different from the random number used in the lottery related to the special drawing variation pattern lottery table shown in FIG. 9(a)) is 0 to 999. As shown in FIG. 9(b), the special drawing variation pattern HNP that can be determined in the symbol variation related to Special Drawing 1 in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA includes the special drawing variation pattern HNP-A with a variation time of 3200 ms (milliseconds), the special drawing variation pattern HNP-B with a variation time of 5600 ms, the special drawing variation pattern HNP-C with a variation time of 8000 ms, and the special drawing variation pattern HNP-D with a variation time of 11200 ms, and the variation time becomes longer in this order. Specifically, when the special drawing 1 hold counter at the start of the current symbol variation is 3, the special drawing variation pattern HNP-A is determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1). Similarly, when the special drawing 1 hold counter at the start of the current symbol variation is 2, the special drawing variation pattern HNP-A is determined with a probability of 150 / 1000 (about 1 / 6.67), and the special drawing variation pattern HNP-B is determined with a probability of 850 / 1000 (about 1 / 1.18). When the special drawing 1 hold counter at the start of the current symbol variation is 1, the special drawing variation pattern HNP-A is determined with a probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20), the special drawing variation pattern HNP-B is determined with a probability of 150 / 1000 (about 1 / 6.67), and the special drawing variation pattern HNP-C is determined with a probability of 800 / 1000 (1 / 1.25). When the special drawing 1 hold counter at the start of the current symbol variation is 0, the special drawing variation pattern HNP-B is determined with a probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20), the special drawing variation pattern HNP-C is determined with a probability of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10), and the special drawing variation pattern HNP-D is determined with a probability of 850 / 1000 (about 1 / 1.18). In the following description, when the value of the special drawing hold counter to be referred to is 3, it may be referred to as "hold 3", when the value of the special drawing hold counter is 2, it may be referred to as "hold 2", when the value of the special drawing hold counter is 1, it may be referred to as "hold 1", and when the value of the special drawing hold counter is 0, it may be referred to as "hold 0". Thus, when the special drawing variation pattern HNP is determined in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA, the special drawing variation pattern (variation time) that is likely to be determined depends on the value of the special drawing 1 hold counter at the start of the current symbol variation. More specifically, the smaller the value of the special drawing 1 hold counter at the start of the current symbol variation, the more likely it is that a longer symbol variation will be determined (the larger the value of the special drawing 1 hold counter at the start of the current symbol variation, the more likely it is that a shorter variation time will be determined). Also, such a special drawing variation pattern HNP (hereinafter may be referred to as the "basic special drawing variation pattern") also exists in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PB and the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PC. In these special drawing variation pattern derivation states, the hold counter to be referred to is different from that in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA, and in each case, the value of the special drawing 2 hold counter is referred to.

[0078] In addition, when the symbol variation starts, the special drawing variation pattern derivation means 133 generates an effect control command (variation start command) including the stop symbol of the special drawing determined as a result of the special drawing validity determination and the determined special drawing variation pattern, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.

[0079] Similar to the special drawing lottery means 130, when the general drawing is not in the symbol variation state, the general drawing lottery means 135 reads out the earliest operation hold information among the operation hold information held in the main information storage means 160, and uses the read random number to execute a general drawing validity determination for determining the validity of the general drawing. When winning in the general drawing where the general electric accessory 61 is controlled to the open state by the general drawing validity determination, a general drawing stop symbol lottery for determining the stop symbol of the general drawing by lottery and a general drawing variation pattern lottery for determining the variation pattern (variation time) of the general drawing by lottery are executed. More specifically, in the general drawing validity determination, there are a state where the general drawing lottery state is a high probability state (which may be abbreviated as "general drawing high probability") and a state where the general drawing lottery state is a low probability state (which may be abbreviated as "general drawing low probability"). Although the illustration of the lottery table is omitted, in this embodiment, in the general drawing high probability, the probability of winning the general drawing is 65535 / 65536, and the probability of losing is 1 / 65536. On the other hand, in the general drawing low probability, the probability of winning the general drawing is 1 / 65536, and the probability of losing is 65535 / 65536. Note that in the general drawing low probability, it may be set so as not to win the general drawing (losing with a probability of 65536 / 65536).

[0080] In the general drawing stop symbol lottery, similar to the special drawing stop symbol lottery, one stop symbol is determined by lottery using a lottery table for general drawing stop symbol lottery (illustration omitted) from a plurality of types of stop symbols with different patterns for the open state of the general electric accessory 61. When losing in the general drawing validity determination, the stop symbol is uniformly determined similar to the special drawing 1 and the special drawing 2.

[0081] In addition, in the general pattern variation pattern selection, similar to the special pattern variation pattern selection, one general pattern variation pattern is determined by selection using a selection table (not shown) for general pattern variation pattern selection from multiple types of general pattern variation patterns.

[0082] In this way, it can be said that the high-probability general pattern has a higher probability of derivation per general pattern than the low-probability general pattern, and is in a state with a higher degree of advantage than the low-probability general pattern.

[0083] When the result of the special pattern winning or losing selection is a big win, the big win game control means 140 determines the demo time related to the big win start demo and the demo time related to the big win end demo according to the determined big win symbol. In addition, at the start of the big win, the big win game control means 140 generates an effect control command (big win start command) including the demo time related to the big win start demo, stores it in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160, and at the end of the big win, generates an effect control command (big win end command) including the demo time related to the big win end demo, and stores it in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.

[0084] The symbol display control means 145 variably displays the special figure 1 on the first special symbol display device 91 according to the variation time based on the special pattern variation pattern of the special figure 1, and stops and displays the special figure 1 with the stop symbol determined by the special figure stop symbol selection after the elapse of the variation time. Similarly, according to the variation time based on the special pattern variation pattern of the second special symbol, the special figure 2 is variably displayed on the second special symbol display device 92, and after the elapse of the variation time, the special figure 2 is stopped and displayed with the stop symbol determined by the special figure stop symbol selection. Note that the symbol display control means 145 has a special figure game timer for managing the time related to the display of the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 (variation time, stop display time), and when stopping and displaying the special figure (at the timing when the value of the special figure game timer becomes "0"), generates an effect control command (variation stop command) for requesting the fixed stop display of the decorative symbol, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160. Here, the fixed stop display of the decorative pattern refers to the final stop display of the decorative pattern during the pattern variation, which is different from the temporary stop display of the decorative pattern that may occur during the execution of the pattern variation. And in the temporary stop display of the decorative pattern, for example, the stopped decorative pattern has a small up-and-down swaying motion (so-called swaying variation), while in the fixed stop display of the decorative pattern, even when the same decorative pattern is stopped, such as the stopped decorative pattern not having a swaying variation, the stop display mode of the fixed stop displayed decorative pattern and the stop display mode of the temporarily stopped decorative pattern are different. Therefore, the player can recognize whether the stop display of the decorative pattern is a fixed stop display or a temporary stop display.

[0085] Also, the pattern display control means 145 variably displays the general pattern on the general pattern display device 93 according to the general pattern variation pattern (variation time) of the general pattern, and after the elapse of the variation time, stops and displays the general pattern with the stop pattern determined by the general pattern stop pattern lottery. Note that the pattern display control means 145 has a general pattern game timer for managing the time related to the display of the general pattern (variation time, stop display time).

[0086] In the above-mentioned big win game, the electric accessory control means 150 outputs a control signal to the special electric accessory solenoid 66 to open the special electric accessory 65 according to the opening pattern corresponding to the stop pattern of the special pattern.

[0087] Also, when winning the general pattern win / loss lottery, the electric accessory control means 150 outputs a control signal to the general electric accessory solenoid 62 to open the general electric accessory 61 according to the opening pattern corresponding to the stop pattern of the general pattern.

[0088] The game state control means 155 controls the special pattern lottery state. Specifically, as described above, at the start of the big win game, regardless of the pattern related to the big win, the special pattern has a low probability, at the end of the big win game related to the normal big win, the special pattern low probability is maintained, and at the end of the big win game related to the certain-variation big win, the special pattern has a high probability. In addition, the game state control means 155 controls the normal drawing lottery state. Specifically, when the big win starts, the game state control means 155 sets the normal drawing to a low probability regardless of the symbols related to the big win. When the specified conditions are satisfied, it sets the normal drawing to a high probability until the symbols are changed a specified number of times, and sets the normal drawing to a low probability after the symbols are changed the specified number of times.

[0089] Such special drawing lottery states and normal drawing lottery states change in linkage with the above-described special drawing variation pattern derivation state, and the transition of the special drawing variation pattern derivation state is managed by the game state control means 155. Hereinafter, the transition of the special drawing variation pattern derivation state will be described with reference to FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b). Note that FIG. 10(a) is a state transition diagram showing the transition of the special drawing variation pattern derivation state, and FIG. 10(b) is a diagram showing the relationship of the average variation time for each special drawing variation pattern derivation state. As shown in FIG. 10(a), the special drawing variation pattern derivation state includes a special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA corresponding to a low probability of special drawing and a low probability of normal drawing, a special drawing variation pattern derivation state PB corresponding to a high probability of special drawing and a high probability of normal drawing, and a special drawing variation pattern derivation state PC corresponding to a low probability of special drawing and a high probability of normal drawing. Except during the big win game, one of these special drawing variation pattern derivation states is set. And there are transition conditions (i) to (iv) for the transition conditions between the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA to the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PC. Specifically, the transition condition (i) is the end of the big win game related to the probability-variable big win, the transition condition (ii) is the end of the big win game related to the normal big win, the transition condition (iii) is the end of the 100th symbol change, and the transition condition (iv) is the end of the 160th symbol change.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 10(b), the average variation times of the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA, the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PB, and the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PC become shorter in the order of the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA, the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PC, and the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PB. This is due to the length of the variation time related to the basic special drawing variation pattern that is most easily determined in each special drawing variation pattern derivation state.

[0091] In addition, when an update occurs in the special drawing lottery state, the normal drawing lottery state, and the special drawing variation pattern derivation state, the game state control means 155 generates a production control command (game state designation command) including each state after the update, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160. Furthermore, in each special drawing variation pattern derivation state, the game state control means 155 counts the number of times of execution of symbol variation related to the transition to another special drawing variation pattern derivation state, and each time the symbol variation is started, it generates a production control command including the counted number of times of symbol variation, and stores the command in the transmission command area of the main information storage means 160. Note that the information included in the production control command may be included in the above-described variation start command.

[0092] Therefore, it can be said that the gaming machine 10 includes game state control means (game state control means 155) for controlling to one of a plurality of game states, and the game states in which symbol variation can be executed include a first game state (special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA), and a second game state (special drawing variation pattern derivation state PB and special drawing variation pattern derivation state PC) more advantageous than the first game state.

[0093] As described above, the main information storage means 160 is means for temporarily storing the data read by each means and the data derived by operations by each means, etc. in the corresponding storage areas.

[0094] The main error control means 165 monitors the input information of the I / O port 104 and determines whether the gaming machine 10 is in an error state. When it is determined that the gaming machine is in an error state, it stores a production control command (error command) including information capable of specifying the error state in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.

[0095] When a production control command is stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160, the main command management means 170 transmits the production control command to the first sub-control board 200. In addition, each effect control command is generally transmitted in the order stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.

[0096] The power restoration processing execution means 175 includes a return state setting means 176 and a playable state transition means 179.

[0097] The return state setting means 176 executes a return state setting process for setting the return state based on whether there is an abnormality in the RAM 103 at the time of power restoration, the state at the time of power cut immediately before the power restoration, the state of the RAM clear switch 43 at the time of power restoration, and the state of the middle frame opening sensor 76 at the time of power restoration. The return states set by this process include a game stop state and a playable state (which may or may not involve the execution of a RAM clear process). Specifically, when there is an abnormality in the RAM 103 at the time of power restoration, the game stop state is set regardless of the state of the RAM clear switch 43 and the middle frame opening sensor 76 at the time of power restoration. Also, when there is no abnormality in the RAM 103 at the time of power restoration and the RAM clear switch 43 at the time of power restoration is ON (pressed state), the RAM clear process is executed on the condition that the middle frame opening sensor 76 at the time of power restoration is ON and the playable state is set (when the middle frame opening sensor 76 at the time of power restoration is OFF, the playable state is set without executing the RAM clear process), and when there is no abnormality in the RAM 103 at the time of power restoration and the RAM clear switch 43 at the time of power restoration is OFF (not pressed state), the playable state is set without executing the RAM clear process. Here, the game stop state is a return state in which the progress of the game becomes impossible by not executing the process according to the detection result of the sensor provided at each winning port (it is not necessary to consider the detection result of the sensor itself). On the other hand, the playable state is a restored state in which the progress of the game becomes possible by executing processing according to the detection results of sensors provided at each winning port. In particular, when the RAM clear process is not executed at the time of power restoration, the system returns to the playable state at the time of the immediately preceding power failure. For example, if the immediately preceding power failure occurred during the execution of a big win game, the system returns to the big win game that was being executed, and if the immediately preceding power failure occurred during the execution of symbol variation, the system returns to the symbol variation that was being executed.

[0098] Also, whether there is an abnormality in the RAM 103 is determined by executing a RAM abnormality check (specifically, determining whether a backup flag is stored in the backup information area related to the target area (whether the backup flag is ON), and if the backup flag is stored (if the backup flag is ON), deriving the checksum of the complement stored in the target area and the backup information area related to the area, and if the calculation result is 0, determining that the target area is normal, and otherwise determining that the target area is abnormal) for the area related to the game in the RAM 103.

[0099] When the playable state transition means 179 is set to the playable state, it executes a playable state transition process for transitioning to the playable state. Specifically, in the playable state transition process, when the output of the security signal is ON, the process of turning off the output of the security signal and the initial setting of the device are executed. Also, in the initial setting of the device, processes such as transmitting a launch permission command for permitting the launch of game balls to the payout control board 400, setting a state in which ball entry into each winning port is enabled, and setting data for starting the random number circuit 105 are executed.

[0100] The power failure process execution means 180 executes a power failure process based on receiving a power failure signal from the power control board 500. Specifically, for the area related to the game in the RAM 103, a checksum of the area is derived, and a process of storing the complement of the checksum in the backup information area related to the game in the RAM 103, and a process of turning on a backup flag indicating that the power-off process for the area has been executed (storing the backup flag in the backup information area related to the game in the RAM 103) are executed.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 7, the first sub-control board 200 includes a sub-random number generation means 210, a normal effect control means 220, a sub-error control means 230, a lamp control means 240, a movable accessory control means 245, an effect customization means 250, a sub-information storage means 260, and a sub-command management means 270. These means functionally represent what is realized by each control configuration on the first sub-control board 200 described with reference to FIG. 6. Here, the sub-information storage means 260 is a means for temporarily storing data read by the means provided in the first sub-control board 200, data derived by calculations in the means, etc. in corresponding storage areas. Further, the effect control command transmitted from the main command management means 170 is stored in the received command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260 by the sub-command management means 270. In the following description, the fact that the effect control command transmitted from the main command management means 170 is stored in the received command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260 by the sub-command management means 270 may be simply expressed as the reception of the effect control command.

[0102] The sub-random number generation means 210 can generate a random number (software random number) updated by program processing by the CPU 201, and acquires the random number at the timing when each lottery (details will be described later) by the normal effect control means 220 is executed.

[0103] The normal effect control means 220 includes an effect mode control means 221, an effect route determination means 222, a sub-hold control means 223, a pre-reading effect control means 224, an effect content determination means 225, a decorative symbol control means 226, and a big win effect control means 227.

[0104] When the performance mode control means 221 receives a game state designation command, it controls the transition of the performance mode in a manner that ensures consistency with the special figure variation pattern derivation state managed on the main control board 100 side. The performance modes in this embodiment are broadly classified into a normal mode, a sure-win mode, a chance time, and a play time. The normal mode corresponds to the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, the sure-win mode corresponds to the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB, the chance time corresponds to the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC, and the play time corresponds to the special figure variation pattern derivation state PD. Also, in the first state according to the present invention, the normal mode and the figure variation pattern derivation state PA correspond, in the second state, the chance time and the figure variation pattern derivation state PC correspond, in the third state, the sure-win mode and the figure variation pattern derivation state PB correspond, and in the fourth state, the play time and the figure variation pattern derivation state PD correspond.

[0105] When the performance route determination means 222 receives a pre-judgment command, it determines (sets) the performance route corresponding to the symbol variation held this time based on the result of the pre-judgment included in the command (in this embodiment, the special figure variation pattern). Note that when the special figure variation pattern corresponding to the symbol variation is the above-mentioned special figure variation pattern HNP, the performance route is not determined when the pre-judgment command is transmitted, and at the start of the symbol variation, the performance route is determined based on the special figure variation pattern included in the variation start command (for example, if it is the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, the special figure variation patterns HNP-A to HNP-D). Here, the performance route defines the process of the performance from the start to the end of the symbol variation, which notifies the result of the special figure hit or miss determination in the symbol variation. The content of the performance executed in the symbol variation will be determined according to the performance route corresponding to the symbol variation by the performance content determination means 225 described later.

[0106] The presentation routes in this embodiment are roughly classified into a losing presentation route that notifies that the result of the special drawing validity determination in this symbol variation is a loss (the result of the special drawing validity determination in this symbol variation is not a big win), and a big win presentation route that notifies that the result of the special drawing validity determination in this symbol variation is a big win. Further, the losing presentation route includes a non-developing losing presentation route in which the developing presentation is not executed, and a developing losing presentation route in which the developing presentation is executed. As will be described later, when the big win presentation route is determined, the developing presentation is executed unless otherwise specified. Here, the developing presentation is a presentation that is executed after the decorative symbols enter the reach state (a state in which the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed except for one symbol row, and the remaining symbol rows are variably displayed), and refers to a presentation that notifies whether the result of the special drawing validity determination in this symbol variation is a big win or not at the end of the presentation. Therefore, in the developing presentation corresponding to the developing losing presentation route, a series of presentations corresponding to the developing presentation are executed, and it is notified at the end of the presentation that the result of the special drawing validity determination in this symbol variation is not a big win. On the other hand, in the developing presentation corresponding to the big win presentation route, a series of presentations corresponding to the developing presentation are executed, and it is notified at the end of the presentation that the result of the special drawing validity determination in this symbol variation is a big win. Also, as will be described later, in this embodiment, in one presentation mode, for each of the determined special drawing variation patterns, a different presentation route corresponds. Therefore, in the following description, the presentation route for the special drawing variation pattern may sometimes be simply expressed by the special drawing variation pattern. However, a plurality of presentation routes may be associated with one special drawing variation pattern. In this case, one presentation route may be determined from the plurality of presentation routes corresponding to the determined special drawing variation pattern.

[0107] The presentation routes corresponding to the special drawing variation patterns HNP-A to HNP-D and the special drawing variation pattern HRP determined in the normal mode (special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA) correspond to the above-described non-developing losing presentation route. Specifically, for special figure variation patterns HNP-A to HNP-D, there is a corresponding production route that notifies that the result of the special figure validity determination in this figure variation is a loss by having the decorative pattern stop and be displayed in a scattered state (a state where all the symbol columns have stopped and the same decorative pattern has not stopped in each symbol column) without reaching the reach state. Here, the same decorative pattern refers to a decorative pattern imitating the same number, and even if the parts other than the numbers constituting the decorative pattern are different, it may be in a different form. Similarly, different decorative patterns refer to decorative patterns imitating different numbers. For special figure variation pattern HRP, there is a corresponding production route that notifies that the result of the special figure validity determination in this figure variation is a loss by having the decorative pattern reach the reach state without going through pseudo-variation and then stopping and being displayed in a scattered state without the development production described later being executed. Here, pseudo-variation refers to a period delimited by the stop of the decorative pattern based on a certain rule (for example, the stop of the decorative pattern in a state where the 7-symbol stops in the middle symbol column like "5 symbols - 7 symbols - 6 symbols") during the period before the start of the development production. Therefore, it can be said that pseudo-variation occurs only when the number of pseudo-variations becomes 2 times. That is, it can be said that when the variation of the decorative pattern until it reaches the reach state is 1 time, pseudo-variation does not occur, and in that case, it can also be said that 1 time of pseudo-variation is executed. Note that the maximum number of pseudo-variations in this embodiment is 3 times, but the maximum number of pseudo-variations is not limited to this, and any number of 2 or more can be adopted.

[0108] For special figure variation patterns HSP1-A to HSP3-B, the above-mentioned development loss production route is applicable. Specifically, for special figure variation patterns HSP1-A and HSP1-B, there is a corresponding production route where the decorative pattern reaches the reach state without going through pseudo-variation, and then a development production is executed to notify that the result of the special figure validity determination in this figure variation is a loss, and after the end of the development production, the decorative pattern stops and is displayed in a scattered state. In the special figure variation pattern HSP2-A and the special figure variation pattern HSP2-B, the decorative pattern reaches the reach state through two pseudo-variations, and then a development effect is executed to notify that the result of the special figure validity determination in this figure variation is a miss. After the end of the development effect, there corresponds an effect route in which the decorative pattern stops and is displayed in a scattered state. In the special figure variation pattern HSP3-A and the special figure variation pattern HSP3-B, the decorative pattern reaches the reach state through three pseudo-variations, and then a development effect is executed to notify that the result of the special figure validity determination in this figure variation is a miss. After the end of the development effect, there corresponds an effect route in which the decorative pattern stops and is displayed in a scattered state.

[0109] The special figure variation pattern ASP1-A and the special figure variation pattern ASP1-B correspond to the above-mentioned big win effect route. Specifically, in the special figure variation pattern ASP1-A and the special figure variation pattern ASP1-B, the decorative pattern reaches the reach state without going through pseudo-variations, and then a development effect is executed to notify that the result of the special figure validity determination in this figure variation is a big win. After the end of the development effect, there corresponds an effect route in which the decorative pattern stops and is displayed in a pattern alignment state (a state in which all the pattern columns are stopped and the same decorative pattern is stopped in each pattern column). In the special figure variation pattern ASP2-A and the special figure variation pattern ASP2-B, the decorative pattern reaches the reach state through two pseudo-variations, and then a development effect is executed to notify that the result of the special figure validity determination in this figure variation is a big win. After the end of the development effect, there corresponds an effect route in which the decorative pattern stops and is displayed in a pattern alignment state. In the special figure variation pattern ASP3-A and the special figure variation pattern ASP3-B, the decorative pattern reaches the reach state through three pseudo-variations, and then a development effect is executed to notify that the result of the special figure validity determination in this figure variation is a big win. After the end of the development effect, there corresponds an effect route in which the decorative pattern stops and is displayed in a pattern alignment state. In the special figure variation pattern ASP-C, the decorative pattern reaches the reach state without going through pseudo-variation, and then a development effect that notifies that the result of the special figure win-lose determination in this figure variation is a big win is executed. After the end of the development effect, an effect route in which the decorative pattern stops and is displayed in a pattern alignment corresponds to it.

[0110] When the sub-hold control means 223 receives a hold command (hereinafter, may simply be expressed as the occurrence of a hold win), based on the information of the special figure 1 hold counter and the special figure 2 hold counter included in the command, in the hold display area (not shown) of the main display unit 81, production data for displaying the number of hold images corresponding to the special figure 1 hold counter and the number of hold images corresponding to the special figure 2 hold counter is set. Note that the hold image is an image that is the target of a hold preview effect that changes in various forms suggesting the degree of advantage such as the expectation of a big win game.

[0111] When the preview effect control means 224 receives a pre-determination command, it determines the content of the preview effect based on the result of the pre-determination included in the command. The preview effect is an effect that, for the purpose of improving the gaming interest, suggests the degree of expectation for the result of the special figure win-lose determination in the figure variation to be previewed and the content of the effect to be executed in the figure variation to be previewed, starting from before the figure variation to be previewed is started. The figure variation to be previewed is a figure variation related to the main special figure (in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, it is the special figure 1, and in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB, the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC, or the special figure variation pattern derivation state PD, it is the special figure 2), which refers to a figure variation held in the states of hold 1 to hold 3, or a figure variation held in the state of hold 0 and during the execution of the figure variation related to the special figure. Note that the specific effect according to the present invention is described as a kind of the above preview effect in this embodiment, but the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be a normal effect (an effect executed after the start of the special figure variation) performed during the special figure variation, or an effect executed when the special figure variation has stopped (such as an effect executed during a big win game or in a standby demo state).

[0112] When the performance content determination means 225 receives a variation start command, it determines the content of the performance to be executed in the current symbol variation according to the performance route already determined by the performance route determination means 222. More specifically, the performance content determination means 225 determines the content (performance pattern) of the performance for each performance execution timing in the symbol variation by lottery or the like using a performance pattern lottery table corresponding to the performance route determined by the performance route determination means 222. By doing so, the content of the performance related to (executed according to) the determined performance route can be changed, and a connection can be established for the performance in one symbol variation. Also, even when the same performance route is determined, the executed performance can be made diverse. Note that, as the timing for determining the content of the performance, for example, the start time of the symbol variation can be mentioned.

[0113] When the decorative symbol control means 226 receives a variation start command, it determines the final (definitely stopped and displayed) combination of decorative symbols (left symbol, middle symbol, right symbol) based on the stop symbol of the special symbol determined. Specifically, a symbol alignment composed of odd symbols is associated with symbol A, a symbol alignment composed of even symbols is associated with symbol B, and a scattered pattern is associated with symbol C or symbol c. Further, a symbol alignment composed of 7 symbols is associated with symbol a, and a symbol alignment composed of odd symbols excluding 7 symbols is associated with symbol b. Note that when associating the determined combination of decorative symbols with the stop symbol of the special symbol, it is not necessarily required to have the above correspondence relationship.

[0114] When the big win performance control means 227 receives a big win start command, it determines the content of the big win performance that notifies that the big win game is in progress based on the information included in the command and the like. Note that the big win performance includes a start demo performance that notifies the start of the big win game, a round performance that notifies that the round game is in progress, and an end demo performance that notifies the end of the big win game.

[0115] Normally, the performance control means 220 reads out the performance data of each device corresponding to each performance at the execution timing of each performance according to the content of the performance determined by the above-described means provided in the first sub-control board 200. When there is performance data related to an image in the read performance data, an image control command is generated based on the performance data, and the command is stored in the transmission command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260. Further, when there is performance data related to sound in the read performance data, a voice control command related to sound is generated based on the performance data, and the command is stored in the transmission command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260. In particular, when the return state at the time of power restoration becomes the playable state with the execution of the RAM clear process, the normal performance control means 220 reads out the performance data for notifying that the playable state has been reached with the execution of the RAM clear process. When the return state at the time of power restoration becomes the playable state without the execution of the RAM clear process, the normal performance control means 220 reads out the performance data for notifying that the playable state has been reached without the execution of the RAM clear process. Furthermore, when the return state at the time of power restoration becomes the game stop state, the normal performance control means 220 reads out the performance data for notifying that, in addition to the game stop state, the execution of the RAM clear process has become necessary. Although the details of these notifications are omitted, it is preferably continuously executed for a certain period of time (for example, 30 s) after the execution is started, and the performance device for executing the notification is not limited.

[0116] When an error command is transmitted, the sub-error control means 230 determines an error performance pattern and reads out the performance data for executing the error performance according to the error performance pattern. Note that the error effect is executed with priority over the variation effect related to the symbol variation (the execution of the variation effect is restricted by the execution of the error effect). Here, the fact that the error effect is executed with priority means that, when the device related to the execution of the error effect and the device related to the execution of the variation effect are the same device, it includes not only the case where only the error effect is executed in the device, but also the case where the error effect is executed in a manner that is more easily recognized than the variation effect in the device. In addition, the sub-error control means 230 may independently (independently of the main error control means 165) determine whether or not the gaming machine 10 is in an error state, and read out effect data for executing an error effect when it is determined that the gaming machine 10 is in an error state.

[0117] The lamp control means 240 holds lamp control data for controlling the lighting of various lamps such as the frame lamp 35 and the effect lamps built in the movable decoration 22. For example, when there is effect data corresponding to the lamp in the effect data read by the normal effect control means 220, the lamp control means 240 reads out the lamp control data based on the effect data, and transmits the read lamp control data to the lamp to be the execution target.

[0118] When there is effect data corresponding to the movable accessory in the effect data read by the normal effect control means 220, the movable accessory control means 245 reads out movable control data for controlling the movement of the movable decoration 22, the effect button 37, and the sub-display unit 82 from the ROM 202 based on the effect data, transmits the read movable control data to the movable decoration 22 and the sub-display unit 82, and controls the movement of the movable decoration 22, the effect button 37, and the sub-display unit 82.

[0119] The effect customization means 250 executes a volume adjustment process for adjusting the volume and a volume adjustment command generation process for generating the above-described volume adjustment command. The volume adjustment process is a process executed when power is restored or when a volume adjustment operation (in this embodiment, an operation on the left cursor button 38c or the right cursor button 38d) is performed. In the volume adjustment process executed at power-on, the initial volume at power-on is set according to the stage of the volume adjustment unit (not shown) at power-on. More specifically, in this process, when the stage of the volume adjustment unit at power-on is high volume, volume 10 is set for the volume of the audio playback channels excluding specific audio playback channels (in this embodiment, audio playback channel CH1 and audio playback channel CH2); when the stage of the volume adjustment unit at power-on is medium volume, volume 5 is set for the volume of the audio playback channels excluding specific audio playback channels; when the stage of the volume adjustment unit at power-on is low volume, volume 1 is set for the volume of the audio playback channels excluding specific audio playback channels. Note that this volume adjustment process may be executed not only at power-on but also based on the elapse of a predetermined time since the end of the most recent symbol variation. In this case, it may be executed only when the volume (current volume) of the audio playback channels excluding specific audio playback channels is smaller than the volume corresponding to the current stage of the volume adjustment unit. Also, in the volume adjustment process executed when a volume adjustment operation is performed, the current volume is updated based on the volume adjustment operation. More specifically, in this process, when this process is executed by operating the right cursor button 38d, a volume one level higher than the volume set before this process with volume 10 as the upper limit is set for the volume of the audio playback channels excluding specific audio playback channels; when this process is executed by operating the left cursor button 38c, a volume one level lower than the volume set before this process with volume 1 as the lower limit is set for the volume of the audio playback channels excluding specific audio playback channels. Note that the volume adjustment process executed when a volume adjustment operation is performed is executed regardless of whether a symbol variation is being executed, unlike the brightness adjustment process described later. Here, setting the volume for an audio playback channel in the volume adjustment process means setting the volume in the storage area corresponding to the audio playback channel in the RAM 203. When the volume is set in this storage area, a volume adjustment command corresponding to the volume adjustment of the audio playback channel is generated by the volume adjustment command generation process, and then the command is transmitted to the audio control board 310.

[0120] In addition, the effect customization means 250 executes a brightness adjustment process for adjusting brightness and a brightness adjustment command generation process for generating the above-described brightness adjustment command. The brightness adjustment process is a process executed when power is restored or when a brightness adjustment operation (in this embodiment, an operation on the up cursor button 38a or the down cursor button 38b) is performed in a state where symbol variation is not being executed. In the brightness adjustment process executed when power is restored, the initial brightness at the time of power restoration is set according to the stage of the brightness adjustment unit (not shown) at the time of power restoration. More specifically, in this process, when the stage of the brightness adjustment unit at the time of power restoration is high brightness, brightness 10 is set; when the stage of the brightness adjustment unit at the time of power restoration is medium brightness, brightness 5 is set; and when the stage of the brightness adjustment unit at the time of power restoration is low brightness, brightness 1 is set. Note that the brightness adjustment process may be executed not only when power is restored but also based on the elapse of a predetermined time from the end of the latest symbol variation, and in this case, it may be executed only when the current brightness is smaller than the brightness corresponding to the current stage of the brightness adjustment unit. In addition, in the brightness adjustment process executed when a brightness adjustment operation is performed, the current brightness is updated based on the brightness adjustment operation. More specifically, in this process, when the process is executed by an operation on the up cursor button 38a, a brightness one step higher than the brightness set before the process is set with brightness 10 as the upper limit, and when the process is executed by an operation on the down cursor button 38b, a brightness one step lower than the brightness set before the process is set with brightness 1 as the lower limit. Here, setting the brightness in the brightness adjustment process means setting the brightness in the storage area corresponding to the brightness in the RAM 203. When the brightness is set in the storage area, a brightness adjustment command that can specify the adjusted brightness is generated by the brightness adjustment command generation process, and then the command is transmitted toward the second sub-control board 300.

[0121] Also, in this embodiment, when volume adjustment processing is executed due to a volume adjustment operation being performed in a state where symbol variation is not being executed, a volume adjustment sound is output (production data related to the volume adjustment sound is set), and volume adjustment display is executed on the main display unit 81 (production data related to the volume adjustment display is set). On the other hand, when volume adjustment processing is executed due to a volume adjustment operation being performed in a state where symbol variation is being executed, the volume adjustment sound is not output, and volume adjustment display is executed by the main display unit 81. Note that the volume adjustment sound is output at the volume after being adjusted by the volume adjustment processing, so as to let the user actually hear the adjusted volume and recognize the volume. Further, the volume adjustment display is a display capable of specifying the level of the volume after being adjusted by the volume adjustment processing (any one of volume levels 1 to 10), thereby visually allowing the user to recognize the level of the adjusted volume. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when brightness adjustment processing is executed due to a brightness adjustment operation being performed in a state where symbol variation is not being executed, a brightness adjustment sound is output (production data related to the brightness adjustment sound is set), and brightness adjustment display is executed on the main display unit 81 (production data related to the brightness adjustment display is set). Note that the brightness adjustment sound is for the user to recognize through hearing that the brightness has been adjusted by the brightness adjustment processing, and the volume of the sound output does not change according to the brightness adjusted by the brightness adjustment processing. Further, the brightness adjustment display is a display capable of specifying the level of the brightness after being adjusted by the brightness adjustment processing (any one of brightness levels 1 to 10), thereby visually allowing the user to recognize the level of the adjusted brightness.

[0122] Also, the production customization means 250 executes production customization processing for customizing various productions. Details of the production customization processing will be described later.

[0123] As described above, the sub-information storage means 260 is means for temporarily storing data read by the means provided in the first sub-control board 200, data derived by calculations in the means, etc. in corresponding storage areas respectively.

[0124] The sub-command management means 270 receives the effect control command transmitted from the main control board 100 and stores the received effect command in the received command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260. Also, when an image control command is stored in the transmission command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260, the sub-command management means 270 transmits the image control command to the second sub-control board 300. Further, when an audio control command or a volume adjustment command is stored in the storage area, the sub-command management means 270 transmits these commands to the audio control board 310. Note that these commands are generally transmitted in the order stored in the transmission command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260.

[0125] <Regarding the control process of specific effects> Subsequently, regarding the control process of specific effects, it will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process at the start of variation related to a specific effect. FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing the lottery table used in the process at the start of variation related to a specific effect.

[0126] The specific effect in this embodiment is a developed effect that can be executed in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA (that is, an effect corresponding to any of the special figure variation patterns other than the above-described special figure variation pattern HNP). The specific effect is an effect in which the effect button 37 protrudes during the effect, requesting the player to press the effect button 37, and is an effect that suggests the winning expectancy of a big win depending on the state of the movable decoration 22 (a combination of the light emission state and the presence or absence of movement) triggered by the pressing.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 11, in step S101 which is the first step of the start-of-variation processing related to a specific effect, it is determined whether the specific effect is being executed. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S102, and if this condition is not satisfied, the process ends. As described above, since the specific effect in this embodiment is a type of preview effect, step S101 determines whether it is being executed. However, when implementing the present invention with the specific effect as a normal effect, instead of this determination, it may be a lottery for determining whether to execute the specific effect. Note that since the details of the preview determination (determination performed before the start of variation) related to the specific effect are not particularly limited, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0128] In step S102, the mode of the cut-in image (cut-in image MG4 described later) to be displayed on the main display unit 81 during the specific effect is determined by lottery, and the process proceeds to step S103. FIG. 12(a) is a lottery table used for the determination in step S102, and the range of the random number used in this lottery is 0 to 999. When the current special figure variation wins the big prize, a mode including the character information "Chance!" is determined with a probability of 600 / 1000 (about 1 / 1.67), a mode including the character information "Intense Heat!!" is determined with a probability of 300 / 1000 (about 1 / 3.33), and a mode including the character information "Big Prize?!" is determined with a probability of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10). Also, when the current special figure variation is a non-win (a miss), a mode including the character information "Chance!" is determined with a probability of 800 / 1000 (1 / 1.25), and a mode including the character information "Intense Heat!!" is determined with a probability of 200 / 1000 (1 / 5). Note that when the current special figure variation is a non-win (a miss), a mode including the character information "Big Prize?!" is not determined. Therefore, it can be said that this mode is an effect where the big prize is confirmed.

[0129] In step S103, the mode (light emission mode and presence or absence of movement) of the movable decoration 22 during the specific effect is determined by lottery, and the process proceeds to step S104. Figure 12(b) is the lottery table used for the determination in step S103, and the range of the random numbers used in the lottery is 0 to 999. When the current special figure variation wins the jackpot, a mode is determined in which the movable decoration body 22 emits white light and does not operate with a probability of 300 / 1000 (about 1 / 3.33), a mode is determined in which the movable decoration body 22 emits red light and does not operate with a probability of 600 / 1000 (about 1 / 1.67), and a mode is determined in which the movable decoration body 22 emits rainbow light and operates with a probability of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10). Also, when the current special figure variation is a non-win (a miss), a mode is determined in which the movable decoration body 22 emits white light and does not operate with a probability of 900 / 1000 (about 1 / 1.11), and a mode is determined in which the movable decoration body 22 emits red light and does not operate with a probability of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10). Note that when the current special figure variation is a non-win (a miss), a mode in which the movable decoration body 22 emits rainbow light and operates is not determined. Therefore, it can be said that the said mode is an effect in which the jackpot is determined.

[0130] In step S104, each effect control data (lamp control data and movable control data) related to the specific effect is set, and the process is terminated.

[0131] As described above, in the specific effect according to the implementation of the present invention, since the lottery for determining the mode of the cut-in image to be displayed on the main display unit 81 and the lottery for determining the mode of the movable decoration body 22 are executed separately, even if the player pays attention only to one of the modes, the player can recognize the winning expectation of the jackpot, and when the player pays attention to both modes, the player can more accurately recognize the winning expectation of the jackpot (the suggestion accuracy of the jackpot win increases). Therefore, during the execution period of the specific effect, from the viewpoint of user-friendliness, it can be said that it is preferable to prompt the player to pay attention not only to the main display unit 81 but also to the movable decoration body 22.

[0132] <Regarding the transition of the display mode in the specific effect> Next, the transition of the display mode in the specific effect will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is a time chart showing the flow of the specific effect. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the transition of the display modes of the main display unit 81 and the upper sub-display unit 82a during the execution period of the specific effect.

[0133] The time chart of FIG. 13 shows the execution period of the specific effect. More specifically, it shows the period from the timing when the upper sub-display unit 82a starts displaying the supplementary explanation image SG1 (the timing denoted as "display of supplementary explanation" in FIG. 13) to the timing when the upper sub-display unit 82a ends displaying the supplementary explanation image SG1 (the timing denoted as "non-display of supplementary explanation" in FIG. 13).

[0134] As shown in the upper left diagrams of FIGS. 13 and 14, during the execution of the symbol variation (hereinafter simply referred to as the previous variation) that is executed before the target variation of the specific effect (the period T1 shown in FIG. 13), the main display unit 81 displays the decorative symbol variation display MG1, and the upper sub-display unit 82a displays the supplementary explanation image SG1. The supplementary explanation image SG1 according to the present embodiment is a display that prompts the player to pay attention to the movable decoration 22, and includes a display imitating the movable decoration 22. As shown in FIG. 13, in the implementation of the present invention, it is preferable that the supplementary explanation image SG1 (corresponding to the "second display" of the present invention) in the upper sub-display unit 82a starts displaying before the display related to the specific effect (corresponding to the "first display" of the present invention) starts in the main display unit 81. However, the trigger is not particularly limited, and it may be triggered by a hold winning of the target symbol variation, or may be triggered by some condition that is established thereafter.

[0135] As shown in the upper right diagrams of FIGS. 13 and 14, during the interval period (the period T2 shown in FIG. 13) from when the previous variation stops to when the target variation of the specific effect starts, the main display unit 81 displays the stopped display MG2 of the decorative symbol representing the result of the previous variation, and the upper sub-display unit 82a continues to display the supplementary explanation image SG1. Thus, since the supplementary explanation image SG1 can be visually recognized before the start of the target variation, the player can anticipate that a specific effect will be executed during the target variation and can recognize that they should also pay attention to the movable decoration 22 in the specific effect.

[0136] When the target variation of the specific effect starts, the main display unit 81 displays the variable display MG1 of the decorative pattern, and the upper sub-display unit 82a continues to display the supplementary explanation image SG1. Since the display mode at this time is the same as the upper left figure in FIG. 14, detailed description is omitted.

[0137] As shown in the lower left figures of FIGS. 13 and 14, during the period that is the introduction part of the specific effect (the period T3 shown in FIG. 13), the main display unit 81 displays the operation instruction image MG3, and the upper sub-display unit 82a continues to display the supplementary explanation image SG1. The operation instruction image MG3 is a display that prompts the player to operate the effect button 37, and includes a display imitating the protruding state of the effect button 37, a character display of "Push!", and a bar display indicating the period during which the operation of the effect button 37 is validly accepted. By changing the display mode of the bar display, the player is made visually aware that the limit of operability of the effect button 37 is approaching. In the lower left figure of FIG. 14, it is illustrated as if only the operation instruction image MG3 is visible on the main display unit 81, but other displays (for example, so-called mini pattern or retreat display of the decorative pattern) not shown in the figure may be included.

[0138] As shown in the lower right figures of FIGS. 13 and 14, when the operation of the effect button 37 is accepted, during the subsequent period (the period T4 shown in FIG. 13), the main display unit 81 displays the cut-in image MG4 in the mode determined by the lottery in the variation start time process (lottery in step S102 of FIG. 11) related to the specific effect, the upper sub-display unit 82a continues to display the supplementary explanation image SG1, and the movable decoration 22 operates in the mode determined by the lottery in the variation start time process (lottery in step S103 of FIG. 11) related to the specific effect. In addition, in FIG. 13, a time chart when an operation of the effect button 37 is received is illustrated. However, even if an operation of the effect button 37 is not received within the operation valid period of the effect button 37, the display on the main display unit 81 changes to the display mode shown in the lower right diagram of FIG. 14.

[0139] As described above, even if the display mode changes in the main display unit 81, the supplementary explanation image SG1 displayed on the upper sub-display unit 82a is maintained. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the player to pay attention to the movable decoration body 22 over the execution period of the specific effect. In addition, as shown in FIG. 13, in the implementation of the present invention, the supplementary explanation image SG1 (corresponding to the "second display" of the present invention) in the upper sub-display unit 82a preferably becomes non-displayed after the display related to the specific effect (corresponding to the "first display" of the present invention) in the main display unit 81 becomes non-displayed. However, the timing is not particularly limited, and it may be triggered by the stop of the operation of the movable decoration body 22, the stop display of the target change, or any condition established thereafter.

[0140] As described above, since the display mode in the specific effect transitions, during the execution period of the specific effect involving the operation of the movable members (the movable decoration body 22 and the effect button 37), in the first display unit (the main display unit 81), the first display related to the specific effect (the operation instruction image MG3 and the cut-in image MG4) is visible, and in the second display unit (the upper sub-display unit 82a), it can be said that the second display (the supplementary explanation image SG1) including at least an explanation regarding the operation of the movable members is visible. By performing such display control, even if the player is not familiar with the game, it is possible to wipe out confusion and the like regarding the specific effect, and as a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the game interest.

[0141] In addition, the specific effect is an effect executed during the symbol variation. During the symbol stop period (period T2 shown in FIG. 13) when the symbol variation is not being executed, in the first display unit (main display unit 81), the first display (operation instruction image MG3 and cut-in image MG4) is difficult to visually recognize, and in the second display unit (upper sub-display unit 82a), the second display (supplementary explanation image SG1) can be visually recognized. By performing such display control, the second display can be visually recognized before the execution of the specific effect.

[0142] In the above-described example, the interval period between the pre-variation and the target variation was described as corresponding to the "symbol stop period" according to the present invention. However, the same relationship also holds during the symbol stop period (during the standby demo described later) when there is no remaining symbol variation. This point will be described later.

[0143] Also, as described above, the specific effect according to the present embodiment changes from a state where the first display (cut-in image MG4) is visually recognizable to being difficult to visually recognize (non-displayed) in the middle of its execution period (at the end of period T4). On the other hand, it can be said that the second display (supplementary explanation image SG1) is still visually recognizable even after the first display becomes difficult to visually recognize (non-displayed). By performing such display control, the second display can be visually recognized even after the first display becomes difficult to visually recognize.

[0144] Also, as described above, the specific effect according to the present embodiment is an effect that can be executed in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PA. However, it may also be an effect that can be executed in other gaming states (special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB or special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC) more advantageous than the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PA, or it may be an effect that is not executed. Incidentally, even in the mode where the specific effect is an effect that is not executed in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PB or the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PC, it is preferable that the supplementary explanation image SG1 (corresponding to "second display") is diverted to the execution period of another effect involving the operation of the movable decoration 22 and is displayed (visible) on the upper sub-display unit 82a. Further, when this other effect does not involve the protrusion of the effect button 37, it is preferable that the operation instruction image MG3 (corresponding to "first display") is not displayed (difficult to view) on the main display unit 81. Thereby, the opportunity for the player to view the second display can be increased, the understanding of the content can be deepened, and the effect of the present invention (prevention of decrease in game interest) can be enhanced.

[0145] Also, as described above, it can be said that both the first display (operation instruction image MG3) and the second display (supplementary explanation image SG1) used for the specific effect according to the present embodiment include displays imitating movable members (movable decoration 22 and effect button 37). Thereby, the content of each display can be easily understood by the player, and the effect of the present invention (prevention of decrease in game interest) can be enhanced.

[0146] <Regarding the transition of the display mode when a predetermined error state occurs during the execution period of the specific effect> The content illustrated in FIG. 14 is based on the premise that the gaming machine 10 is operating normally during the execution period of the specific effect, but it is also assumed that an error state may occur in the gaming machine 10 during that period. Hereinafter, the case where a door opening error occurs during the execution period of the specific effect will be described. Note that the door opening error is merely a specific example of a predetermined error state, and the same display mode may be used during the occurrence of other error states (however, limited to error states that do not stop the symbol variation).

[0147] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the transition of the display modes of the main display unit 81 and the upper sub-display unit 82a when a predetermined error state (door opening error) occurs during the execution period of the specific effect. As is clear from comparing FIGS. 14 and 15, during a door opening error, an error display MG5 is displayed so as to cover a part of each display (the changing display MG1 of the decorative pattern, the stop display MG2 of the decorative pattern, the operation instruction image MG3, the cut-in image MG4) displayed on the main display unit 81, making each display difficult to visually recognize. On the other hand, the upper sub-display unit 82a is not affected by the error display MG5 and maintains the display of the supplementary explanation image SG1, so the supplementary explanation image SG1 remains visible. In this embodiment, "visually recognizable" and "difficult to visually recognize" are relatively defined concepts. The former means that it is easier to visually recognize compared to the latter, and the latter means that it is more difficult to visually recognize compared to the former. Therefore, the state of being "visually recognizable" includes not only the entire display being visually recognizable but also a part of the display being visually recognizable. Also, the state of being "difficult to visually recognize" includes not only the entire display being unrecognizable (not visible at all) but also a part of the display being more difficult to visually recognize compared to a display that is "visually recognizable" due to factors such as overlapping with other displays.

[0148] As described above, in the specific effect according to this embodiment, even during its execution period, in the first display unit (main display unit 81), there are a first case where the first display (operation instruction image MG3 and cut-in image MG4) is visually recognizable (when no door opening error has occurred) and a second case where it is difficult to visually recognize (when a door opening error has occurred). In either the first case or the second case, it can be said that in the second display unit (upper sub-display unit 82a), the second display (supplementary explanation image SG1) is visually recognizable in the same manner. In this way, regardless of whether the first display is visually recognizable or difficult to visually recognize, by visually recognizing the second display, the player can be made to recognize the execution of the specific effect.

[0149] In this embodiment, the case where no predetermined error state (door opening error) occurs during the execution period of the specific effect corresponds to the "first case" according to the present invention, and the case where a predetermined error state has occurred corresponds to the "second case" according to the present invention. However, the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be understood that the period T1 and the period T2 illustrated in FIG. 13 correspond to the "first case" according to the present invention, and the period T3 and the period T4 illustrated in FIG. 13 correspond to the "second case" according to the present invention.

[0150] <Regarding the flow of a specific effect when power is restored during the specific effect> Subsequently, the flow of the specific effect when power is restored during the specific effect will be described with reference to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a time chart showing the flow of the specific effect when power is restored during the specific effect. More specifically, it shows the case where power is interrupted and then restored during the period T3 illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0151] After power is turned on after power interruption in the above-described situation (period T5 illustrated in FIG. 16), the main display unit 81 displays a recovery display (not shown) indicating that it is in the process of recovery, and the upper sub-display unit 82a displays the supplementary explanation image SG1 in the same manner as before the power interruption. Then, during the period until a predetermined time has elapsed since the power was turned on (period T6 illustrated in FIG. 16), the main display unit 81 continues the above-described recovery display, and the upper sub-display unit 82a turns off the supplementary explanation image SG1. Note that the recovery display of the main display unit 81 preferably becomes non-displayed when the target variation (the symbol variation interrupted in the middle) stops. On the other hand, since the supplementary explanation image SG1 of the upper sub-display unit 82a does not necessarily need to be linked to the display of the main display unit 81, it may become non-displayed before the end of the recovery display (the example illustrated in FIG. 16), or may become non-displayed after the end of the recovery display, or may become non-displayed simultaneously with the end of the recovery display.

[0152] In this way, when power is restored during the specific effect, the main display unit 81 preferentially displays the recovery display and makes the operation instruction image MG3 difficult to view (non-displayed), while the upper sub-display unit 82a can continue to display the supplementary explanation image SG1 in the same manner as before the power interruption. Therefore, even in the above-described case, the player can visually recognize that a specific effect was executed before the power failure (it is necessary to pay attention to the movable decoration 22), and the effect of the present invention (prevention of a decrease in game amusement) can be enhanced.

[0153] Therefore, when the gaming machine 10 is powered on, it is provided with notification means (main display unit 81) capable of executing predetermined notification (recovery display) after the power-on, and during the period when the predetermined notification is being executed, the first display (operation instruction image MG3 on the main display unit 81) is difficult to visually recognize, and the second display (supplementary explanation image SG1 on the upper sub-display unit 82a) is visually recognizable.

[0154] Note that the above-described case explained with reference to FIG. 16 is about the case where the gaming machine 10 is recovered by powering on without RAM clear, but the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this, and during the period after powering on with RAM clear (for example, the notification period related to the RAM clear process), while the main display unit 81 performs the display related to the notification, the upper sub-display unit 82a may perform the display related to the operation explanation of the movable member (such as the movable decoration 22 and the effect button 37). This modification is suitable for the case where the movable member operates in the initial process executed after powering on with RAM clear.

[0155] <Regarding the transition of the display mode during the standby demo> Subsequently, the transition of the display mode during the standby demo will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19. FIG. 17 is a time chart showing the flow during the standby demo. FIGS. 18 and 19 are diagrams showing the transition of the display modes of the main display unit 81 and the upper sub-display unit 82a during the standby demo.

[0156] The time chart of FIG. 17 shows the execution period of the standby demo. More specifically, it shows the period from the time when the symbol variation stops (the timing indicated as "stop of symbol variation" in FIG. 17) to the end of the demo movie (the timing indicated as "non-display of demo movie" in FIG. 17). Here, the stop of symbol variation does not only refer to the stop of the target variation of a specific effect, but may include all stops of symbol variation in a state where there is no pending symbol variation (when it is in the state of holding 0). However, the stop of symbol variation in a specific gaming state (special symbol variation pattern derivation state) may be excluded.

[0157] In addition, in FIG. 17, the illustration after the end of the demo movie is omitted, but thereafter, until a new symbol variation is executed, the display of operation instructions, the display for preventing sinking, and the display of the demo movie may be repeated. However, this is not the case if the above-described volume adjustment operation, brightness adjustment operation, etc. are received during the above display control.

[0158] As shown in the upper left diagrams of FIGS. 17 and 18, during the period when the symbol variation has stopped and there is no pending symbol variation (period T11 shown in FIG. 17), the main display unit 81 displays the stop display MG2 of the decorative symbol, and the upper sub-display unit 82a is not displayed. During the period after a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed in the above state (period T12 shown in FIG. 17), as shown in the upper right diagrams of FIGS. 17 and 18, the main display unit 81 displays the operation instruction image MG6 together with the stop display MG2 of the decorative symbol, and the upper sub-display unit 82a remains non-displayed. The operation instruction image MG6 includes the display related to the above-described volume adjustment operation and brightness adjustment operation, and the display related to the operation (menu call operation) for causing the main display unit 81 to display the menu display. Here, the menu display is the display related to other effect customizations excluding volume adjustment and brightness adjustment, but the details thereof are omitted.

[0159] During the period after a further predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed (period T13 shown in FIG. 17), as shown in the lower left diagrams of FIGS. 17 and 18, the main display unit 81 displays the anti-sinking image MG7, and the upper sub-display unit 82a remains non-displayed. The indentation prevention image MG7 is a type of cautionary display that prompts players with gaming precautions such as "Pachinko and Pachislot are games to be enjoyed moderately" and "Be careful of addiction." Note that in this embodiment, "gaming precautions" refer to matters that should be noted during gaming. In addition to matters that may lead to a decline in gaming interest if not known (such as those related to the progress and operation of the game), they also include precautions for observing social rules (such as explanations regarding the prohibition of cheating) and precautions for maintaining the gaming machine 10 (such as explanations regarding the prohibition of excessive operation).

[0160] Furthermore, when a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed, as shown in FIG. 17, the main display unit 81 starts displaying a demo movie. In this embodiment, the execution period of the demo movie includes a period for displaying information that can identify the specifications, model, or type of the gaming machine (periods T14 and T16 shown in FIG. 17), and a period for performing a demo display of an attention - attracting effect that can be executed during gaming (during the execution period of symbol variation, periods T15 and T16 shown in FIG. 17). As shown in the upper - left diagram of FIGS. 17 and 19, during period T14, the main display unit 81 displays a main identification image MG8 that identifies the model name and type name of the gaming machine 10, and the upper sub - display unit 82a displays a sub - identification image SG2 that identifies the model name and version name of the gaming machine 10. As shown in the upper - right diagram of FIGS. 17 and 19, during period T15, the main display unit 81 displays the specific effect (the same image as the operation instruction image MG3) described above as one of the attention - attracting effects, and at the same time, displays a demo - in - progress image MG9 that alerts that the display is a demo display and not an actual game. At this time, the upper sub - display unit 82a displays a supplementary explanation image SG1, similar to the specific effect executed during symbol variation. As shown in the lower left diagrams of FIGS. 17 and 19, during period T16, the main display unit 81 displays the effect image MG10 related to an attention effect different from the specific effect, and also displays the above-described in-demo image MG9. At this time, since it is not necessary for the upper sub-display unit 82a to display the supplementary explanation image SG1, it displays the sub-specific image SG2 as in period T14. Note that, in the present embodiment, the other attention effect indicated by the effect image MG10 is exemplified by a full rotation reach.

[0161] Therefore, it can be said that the specific effect is an effect executed during symbol variation, and during a symbol stop period (period T15 shown in FIG. 17) in which symbol variation is not being executed, the first display (operation instruction image MG3) is difficult to visually recognize on the first display unit (main display unit 81), and the second display (supplementary explanation image SG1) is visually recognizable on the second display unit (upper sub-display unit 82a). By performing such display control, the player can visually recognize the second display with ease during a break in the game or the like.

[0162] As described above, the gaming machine 10 displays the main specific image MG8 and the sub-specific image SG2 that can specify the specifications, models, or types of the gaming machine, and also displays the anti-entrapment image MG7 and the in-demo image MG9 that call attention to precautions during the game. Also, as is clear from comparing FIGS. 18 and 19, the distance from the display position of the main specific image MG8 to the display position of the sub-specific image SG2 is longer than the distance from the display position of the main specific image MG8 to the display position of the anti-entrapment image MG7. Also, as is clear from comparing FIGS. 18 and 19, the centers of the display positions of the main specific image MG8 and the anti-entrapment image MG7 are the central portions of the main display unit 81, respectively, while the centers of the display positions of the in-demo image MG9 are the lower portions of the main display unit 81, respectively. Therefore, the distance from the display position of the anti-entrapment image MG7 to the display position of the in-demo image MG9 is longer than the distance from the display position of the anti-entrapment image MG7 to the display position of the main specific image MG8. Since players who are not used to the game have an unfixed line of sight during the game, the display positions of the main identification image MG8 and the sub-identification image SG2 that identify the specifications of the gaming machine, etc., and the display positions of the anti-slip image MG7 and the in-demo image MG9 that call attention to the precautions during the game are dispersed. On the other hand, since the anti-slip image MG7 is a relatively important display, its display position is concentrated near the main identification image MG8. Since the display positions of each display are adjusted in this way, the gaming machine 10 can appropriately allow the player to visually recognize the necessary information and can suppress a decrease in the gaming interest.

[0163] <Other Modification Examples> The present invention not described in the above description is not limited to the above description, and includes various modifications, improvements, etc. as long as the object of the present invention is achieved. Hereinafter, modification examples of the present invention will be listed.

[0164] Regarding the high and low probabilities, ratios, frequencies, and the number of times in the above-described embodiment, as long as each relationship is ensured, the smaller value may be 0, or the larger value may be the maximum value. In particular, regarding the high and low of each ratio described above, as long as the phenomenon aspect is ensured, the control for realizing the high and low of each ratio is not limited. In addition, each lottery value in the lottery table illustrated in the above-described embodiment is an example, and as long as the magnitude relationship between the lottery tables is maintained, each lottery value may adopt any value within the range.

[0165] The flow of the specific effects shown in each time chart used in the description of the above-described embodiment, and the events that trigger the start or end of each display are merely a specific example of the implementation of the present invention and can be appropriately changed within the scope of achieving the object of the present invention.

[0166] The display positions of each display (the first display and the second display) according to the present invention do not have to be the positions described in the above embodiment and can be appropriately changed within the scope of achieving the object of the present invention. These displays are not limited to those visible on the main display unit 81 or the upper sub-display unit 82a, and may be visible by other display bodies different from the display bodies used in this embodiment, such as the left sub-display unit 82b, the right sub-display unit 82c, and the symbol display device 90.

[0167] The content indicated by each display (the first display and the second display) according to the present invention is not limited to those explaining the operation method like the operation instruction image MG3 or indicating the type of the movable member to be noted like the supplementary explanation image SG1. For example, when operating the protruding effect button 37, it may be replaced with a display for calling attention so as not to pinch the skin in the gap.

[0168] <Supplementary Note> This embodiment includes the following technical ideas. (1) A gaming machine including a first display unit and a second display unit smaller than the first display unit, wherein during the execution period of a specific effect involving the operation of a movable member, a first display related to the specific effect is visible on the first display unit, and a second display including at least an explanation regarding the operation of the movable member is visible on the second display unit. The gaming machine is characterized by this. (2) The specific effect is an effect executed during symbol variation, During the symbol stop period when symbol variation is not being executed, the first display is difficult to view on the first display unit, and the second display is visible on the second display unit. The gaming machine according to (1). (3) During the execution period of the specific effect, the first display becomes difficult to view from a state where it is visible, and the second display remains visible even after the first display becomes difficult to view. The gaming machine according to (1). (4) It is provided with game state control means for controlling to one of a plurality of game states. Among the game states in which symbol variation can be executed, a first game state and a second game state more advantageous than the first game state are included. The specific effect is an effect that can be executed in the first game state and not in the second game state. During the execution period of an effect different from the specific effect that can be executed in the second game state, the first display is difficult to visually recognize on the first display unit, and the second display is visually recognizable on the second display unit. The gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3).

Explanation of Signs

[0169] 10 Gaming machine 15 Outer frame 17 Middle frame 20 Front frame 21 Hinge mechanism 22 Movable decorative body 23 Cylinder lock 25 Transparent member 27 Upper ball receiver 29 Lower ball receiver 31 Operation handle 32 Upper frame part 33(33a, 33b) Speaker 34a, 34b Left and right side frame parts 35(35a, 35b, 35c) Frame lamp 36 Ball extraction mechanism 37 Effect button 38 Cursor button 38a Upper cursor button 38b Lower cursor button 38c Left cursor button 38d Right cursor button 38e Middle cursor button 39 Main operation part 39a Ball lending button 39b Return button 40 Power switch 43 RAM clear switch 46 Game ball tank 47 Tank rail 48 Payout unit 49 Payout passage 50 Game board 50a Game area 51 Outer rail 52 Windmill 53 Inner rail 54 Protection member 55 Big winning opening 57 First start opening 59 Second start opening 61 Normal electric accessory 62 Normal electric accessory solenoid 63 Gate 65 Special electric accessory 66 Special electric accessory solenoid 67 General winning opening 69 Out opening 70 First start opening sensor 71 Second start opening sensor 72 Big winning opening sensor 73 General winning opening sensor 74 Gate sensor 75 Out ball sensor 76 Middle frame opening sensor 77 Front frame opening sensor 80 Effect display device 81 Main display part 82 Sub display part 82a Upper sub display part 82b Left sub display part 82c Right sub display part 90 Symbol display device 91 First special symbol display device 92 Second special symbol display device 93 Normal symbol display device 94 First special symbol hold lamp 95 Second special symbol hold lamp 96 Normal symbol hold lamp 100 Main control board 101 CPU 102 ROM 103 RAM 104 I / O port 105 Random number circuit 109 Main control board case 110 Input ball determination means 115 Main random number generation means 120 Main hold control means 125 Preliminary determination means 130 Special figure lottery means 131 Special figure validity determination means 132 Special figure stop symbol lottery means 133 Special figure variation pattern derivation means 135 General figure lottery means 140 Big win game control means 145 Symbol display control means 150 Electric accessory control means 155 Game state control means 160 Main information storage means 165 Main error control means 170 Main command management means 175 Power restoration process execution means 176 Return state setting means 179 Game playable state transition means 180 Power-off process execution means 200 First sub-control board 201 CPU 202 ROM 203 RAM 204 I / O port 209 First sub-control board case 210 Sub random number generation means 220 Normal performance control means 221 Performance mode control means 222 Performance route determination means 223 Sub hold control means 224 Anticipatory performance control means 225 Performance content determination means 226 Decoration symbol control means 227 Big win performance control means 230 Sub error control means 240 Lamp control means 245 Movable accessory control means 260 Sub information storage means 270 Sub - command management means 300 Second sub - control board 309 Second sub - control board case 310 Voice control board 311 CPU 312 ROM 313 RAM 314 I / O port 400 Payout control board 409 Payout control board case 500 Power control board 501 Normal power supply circuit 502 Backup power supply circuit 503 Power - off detection circuit 509 Power control board case X First flow path Y Second flow path

Claims

1. A gaming machine comprising: a first display unit; and a second display unit smaller than the first display unit, wherein during an execution period of a specific effect accompanied by the operation of a movable member, in the first display unit, a first display related to the specific effect is visible; and in the second display unit, a second display including at least an explanation regarding the operation of the movable member is visible. The gaming machine is characterized by this.

2. The specific effect is an effect executed during symbol variation, and during a symbol stop period in which symbol variation is not executed, in the first display unit, the first display is difficult to view; and in the second display unit, the second display is visible. The gaming machine according to Claim 1.

3. During the execution period of the specific effect, the first display becomes difficult to view from a visible state, and even after the first display becomes difficult to view, the second display is visible. The gaming machine according to Claim 1.

4. Comprising game state control means for controlling to one game state among a plurality of game states, the game states in which symbol variation can be executed include a first game state and a second game state more advantageous than the first game state, the specific effect is an effect that can be executed in the first game state and is not executed in the second game state, during the execution period of an effect different from the specific effect that can be executed in the second game state, in the first display unit, the first display is difficult to view; and in the second display unit, the second display is visible. The gaming machine according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

Images