Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of improving the amusement of games.SOLUTION: If performance of a music ready-to-win presentation with a music A is determined, and if "Without a pseudo" has been determined as a first half presentation pattern, there may be a chance of a music prediction presentation to be selected under a performance pattern in which a reproduction to be started, after 9 seconds from the start of the first half presentation pattern, from a B melody portion of the music A. If performance of the music ready-to-win presentation with the music A is determined, and if "Pseudo 2" has been determined as the first half presentation pattern, there may be a chance of the music prediction presentation to be selected under a performance pattern in which a reproduction to be started, after 13 seconds from the start of the first half presentation pattern, from an A melody portion of the music A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, gaming machines (pachinko machines) have been known that include a gaming area through which gaming balls (gaming media) move and that launch gaming balls into the gaming area in response to the player's operation of a launch handle. This type of gaming machine has a start winning hole in the gaming area as a detection area for detecting gaming balls. Upon detecting the entry of a gaming ball into the start winning hole, a random number value is acquired and stored in a memory device. A gaming lottery is then conducted to determine whether a jackpot has been awarded using the stored random number values in a predetermined order. The display device then begins to display a varying number of symbols. If the result of the gaming lottery is a jackpot, the symbols are displayed stationary in a jackpot mode, and the gaming state transitions to a special gaming state. In the special gaming state, a predetermined number of special games are executed. In each special game, a special winning hole in the gaming area is opened, and a gaming ball is paid out each time a gaming ball enters the special winning hole.

[0003] Some gaming machines of this type are designed to enhance the presentation effect by continuing to play music that starts playing as part of the presentation while the symbols are changing, even during special gameplay (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-147446 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in conventional gaming machines, music continues to play even in special game states, so there is a sufficient period during which music can be played and there is no need to consider the timing of when to start playing music.However, if the music playback period is mainly the period during which the changing patterns are displayed, there may be cases where there is not a sufficient period during which music can be played.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a gaming machine that can increase the enjoyment of the game. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The present invention relates to a gaming machine that progresses a game according to the results of a lottery, and that is equipped with a presentation control means for controlling presentation, wherein the presentation control means starts playback of a song from a first part of the song at a first timing when a first condition is met, and starts playback of the song from a second part of the song at a second timing when a second condition is met.

[0008] In the present invention, the timing at which music starts to be played and the part at which music starts to be played can be changed depending on the conditions that have been met, thereby increasing the enjoyment of the game.

[0009] (2) Furthermore, the present invention may be configured so that the probability that the result of the lottery will be favorable to the player is higher when the part where playback of the music starts is closer to the beginning of the music than when the part where playback of the music starts is farther from the beginning of the music.

[0010] In this way, the degree of expectation can be changed depending on the part of the music that starts to be played, thereby increasing the enjoyment of the game. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the enjoyment of the game. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a front view showing the external configuration of a game board of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a front view showing the external configuration of a status display unit of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing functional blocks of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a lottery table in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a lottery table in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a lottery table in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a lottery table in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a lottery table in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a lottery table in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] 3 is a state transition diagram of the gaming state in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing images displayed on a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing images displayed on a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing images displayed on a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing images displayed on a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] A figure showing the execution pattern of the music preview effect in an gaming machine of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the timing at which each pre-chorus part starts to be played in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present embodiment will be described below. Note that the present embodiment described below does not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are necessarily essential constituent elements of the present invention.

[0014] 1. Configuration of the gaming machine 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior configuration of a gaming machine according to this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is used to play games using gaming balls (gaming media) loaned from an amusement facility, and includes an outer frame 2 that forms the outer surface of the gaming machine, a gaming board 6 that is provided inside the gaming machine and forms a playing area 4 in which the gaming balls move, a glass unit 8 that makes the gaming board 6 visible but inaccessible to players, and a front frame 10 to which the glass unit 8 is attached.

[0015] The portion of the front frame 10 surrounding the glass unit 8 is made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside the portion made of the translucent material are provided a plurality of front frame lamps 12 that output light effects to enhance the game. Additionally, speakers 14 that output sounds to enhance the game are provided on the left and right sides of the upper part and the left and right sides of the lower part of the front frame 10.

[0016] An upper tray 16 for storing game balls is provided in the center of the lower part of the front frame 10, and a payout opening 18 for paying out game balls from the gaming machine to a player is provided on the left side of the inner side of the upper tray 16. A handle 20 is provided on the right side of the lower part of the front frame 10, and when a player turns the handle 20 clockwise facing the gaming machine, a launcher (not shown) provided inside the gaming machine is activated, and game balls are launched into the gaming area 4. The launcher of this embodiment can launch 99 game balls per minute (1.65 balls per second).

[0017] A supply port 22 is provided on the right side of the inner side of the upper tray 16 to supply game balls from the upper tray 16 to the launching device. Also, a lower tray 24 is provided below the upper tray 16 to store surplus game balls when the upper tray 16 cannot store all the game balls.

[0018] In addition, a performance button 26 (performance operation means) is provided on the front edge of the upper tray 16, and when a player presses or rotates the performance button 26, the performance performed by the gaming machine changes.

[0019] A cross key 27 (effect operation means) is provided on the right edge of the upper tray 16. The cross key 27 has an up button, a down button, a left button, and a right button. When the player operates the left button or the right button, the volume of the effect sound output from the speaker 14 changes, and when the player operates the up button or the down button, the amount of effect light output from the front frame lamp 12, etc. changes.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the gaming board 6 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, a circular outer rail 28 is provided on the gaming board 6, and the area surrounded by the outer rail 28 is the gaming area 4 in which gaming balls move. An arc-shaped inner rail 30 is provided on the left end of the gaming area 4 so as to follow the outer rail 28, and the outer rail 28 and inner rail 30 guide gaming balls launched from a launcher (not shown) provided below the gaming board 6 into the gaming area 4.

[0021] Also, in the center of the game board 6, there is provided a liquid crystal display 32 (effect display means) that displays effect images and the like to liven up the game, and an effect unit 36 that includes a display frame 34 formed to surround the liquid crystal display 32. This display frame 34 has a portion made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside the portion made of the translucent material, there are provided a plurality of display frame lamps 38 that output effect lights and the like to liven up the game.

[0022] In this embodiment, the game ball cannot pass in front of the liquid crystal display 32, and the game ball launched from the launching device falls in the game area 4 on the left or right side of the liquid crystal display 32. In the game area 4, a large number of game nails (not shown) are nailed to the surface of the game board 6 so as to intersect with each other, and the direction of movement of the game ball moving through the game area 4 changes randomly.

[0023] An opening 40 is formed on the left side of the display frame 34, through which game balls falling in the game area 4 on the left side of the LCD display 32 can pass, and game balls that pass through this opening 40 pass through a passage 42 provided in the display frame 34 and fall onto a stage 44 provided below the LCD display 32. The top surface of this stage 44 is smoothly curved, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8, allowing game balls to fall downward from the stage 44, so that game balls that fall from the passage 42 onto the stage 44 move back and forth on the stage 44 before falling downward from near the center of the stage 44.

[0024] A first start winning opening 46 (specific area) is provided below the center of the stage 44, into which a gaming ball that has fallen downward from near the center of the stage 44 can enter. This first start winning opening 46 has a built-in sensor (detection means) that detects the entry of a gaming ball, and is configured so that when a gaming ball enters, the gaming ball is collected inside the gaming machine, and each time a gaming ball enters the first start winning opening 46, a predetermined number of gaming balls (a specified number of one or more, for example, three) is paid out to the player, and a special lottery (game judgment) is held to obtain a random number value (lottery information) and determine (judge) whether or not the player has won a jackpot.

[0025] Also, a passing gate 48 is provided in the gaming area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32, through which gaming balls pass without being collected inside the gaming machine. This passing gate 48 has a built-in sensor that detects the passing of a gaming ball, and every time a gaming ball passes through the passing gate 48, a random number value is obtained and a regular lottery is held to determine whether or not a regular win has occurred.

[0026] In addition, in the gaming area 4 to the right of the LCD display 32, below the passage gate 48, there is provided a second start winning opening 50 (specific area) into which a gaming ball enters and is collected inside the gaming machine. This second start winning opening 50 has a built-in sensor that detects the entry of a gaming ball, and is provided with a normal role device 52 (auxiliary means) that has an auxiliary member that can operate between a reduced state (a state that does not assist entry, a non-assisted state) in which it is difficult for a gaming ball to enter the second start winning opening 50, and an expanded state (a state that assists entry, an auxiliary state) in which it is easy for a gaming ball to enter. The normal role device 52 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid that operates the auxiliary member, and is controlled to enter the expanded state under predetermined conditions when a normal win is won in the normal lottery. Each time a game ball enters the second start winning port 50, a predetermined number of game balls (a prescribed number of one or more, for example, three) is paid out to the player, and a special lottery is held to obtain a random number value and determine whether or not the player has won the jackpot.

[0027] In addition, the number of game balls paid out to the player each time a game ball enters the first start winning port 46 and the number of game balls paid out to the player each time a game ball enters the second start winning port 50 may be the same or different numbers.

[0028] Additionally, the gaming area 4 to the right of the LCD display 32 is provided with a jackpot opening 54, through which a gaming ball enters and is collected inside the gaming machine. This jackpot opening 54 incorporates a sensor that detects the entry of a gaming ball, and is equipped with a special device 56 having a plate-like member that blocks the jackpot opening 54. The special device 56 is configured to be operable between a closed state (second state, entry-prohibited state) in which a gaming ball cannot enter the jackpot opening 54, and an open state (first state, entry-permitted state) in which a gaming ball can enter the jackpot opening 54. The special device 56 incorporates a drive device such as a solenoid that operates the plate-like member, and is controlled to open under predetermined conditions in a special gaming state that begins when a jackpot is won in a special lottery. Each time a gaming ball enters the jackpot opening 54, a predetermined number of gaming balls (e.g., 15) are paid out to the player.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, an outlet 62 is provided at the bottom of the game area 4 to collect into the gaming machine game balls that have fallen through the game area 4 without entering any of the winning holes.

[0030] The game ball launching device is configured so that the launch force of the game ball can be changed by adjusting the amount of rotation of the handle 20 shown in Figure 1. When the amount of rotation of the handle 20 is small, the game ball is launched so that it falls through the game area 4 on the left side of the LCD display 32, and when the amount of rotation of the handle 20 is large, the game ball is launched so that it falls through the game area 4 on the right side of the LCD display 32.

[0031] Therefore, the player adjusts the amount of rotation of the handle 20 depending on the game situation, and launches the game ball so that it falls down the left-hand game area 4 or passes through the opening 40, passage 42 and stage 44 to enter the first start winning port 46 (left hit), or so that it falls down the right-hand game area 4 and passes through the passing gate 48 or enters the second start winning port 50 or enters the big winning port 54 (right hit).

[0032] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the gaming ball falls through the left-hand gaming area 4, it will not pass through the passing gate 48 and will not win in the second starting winning opening 50 or the large winning opening 54, and when the gaming ball falls through the right-hand gaming area 4, it will not win in the first starting winning opening 46.

[0033] Also, at the lower right of the gaming board 6, outside the gaming area 4, there is provided a status display section 70 that indicates various states of the gaming machine by turning on and off lamps or the like.

[0034] 3 is a front view showing the external configuration of the status display unit 70. As shown in FIG. 3, the status display unit 70 is provided with a normal symbol display unit 72, a normal hold display unit 74, a first special symbol display unit 76, a first special hold display unit 78, a second special symbol display unit 80, a second special hold display unit 82, and a game status display unit 84.

[0035] The normal symbol display unit 72 is composed of two lamps, and when a normal lottery is held, the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner by flashing the two lamps, and the normal symbol is displayed in a static manner by turning on or off the two lamps, thereby displaying the result of the normal lottery.

[0036] The normal hold display unit 74 is composed of two lamps, and displays the normal hold number corresponding to the number of the reserved random number for the normal lottery when the random number for the normal lottery is held in a case where the normal pattern is already being displayed in a changing or stopped state when the game ball passes through the passing gate 48, and the normal lottery random number is not able to be performed even if the random number for the normal lottery is obtained, and displays 0 to 4 normal hold numbers by combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps.

[0037] The first special pattern display unit 76 is composed of a 7-segment display, and when a special lottery is held by a game ball entering the first starting winning port 46, the 7-segment display is made to flash to display the first special pattern in a variable manner, and the 7-segment display is made to light up in one of a plurality of modes to display the first special pattern in a static manner, thereby displaying the result of the special lottery.

[0038] The first special hold display unit 78 is composed of two lamps, and displays a first special hold number corresponding to the number of the reserved first special random number value when the first special pattern or second special pattern is already being displayed in a changing or stopped state at the time the game ball enters the first starting winning port 46, and when the special lottery random number value is obtained but a special lottery cannot be held, so the special lottery random number value is reserved as the first special random number value.By combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps, it displays 0 to 4 first special hold numbers.

[0039] The second special pattern display unit 80 is composed of a 7-segment display, and when a special lottery is held by a game ball entering the second starting winning port 50, the 7-segment display is made to flash to display a changing second special pattern, and the 7-segment display is made to light up in one of a plurality of modes to display a static display of the second special pattern, thereby displaying the result of the special lottery.

[0040] The second special reserve display unit 82 is composed of two lamps, and displays a second special reserve number corresponding to the number of reserved second special random number values when the first special pattern or second special pattern is already being displayed in a changing or stopped state at the time the game ball enters the second starting winning port 50, and when the random number value for the special lottery is obtained but a special lottery cannot be held, so the random number value for the special lottery is reserved as a second special random number value.The second special reserve number is displayed as 0 to 4 by combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps.

[0041] The game status display unit 84 is composed of six lamps, and displays the type of game status that is currently set by a combination of turning on, off, or flashing the six lamps. In this embodiment, four types of game statuses can be set: a normal status, a probability variable status in which the probability of winning a jackpot is set higher than in the normal status, a special game status that starts when a jackpot is won in a special lottery, and a time-saving status in which the variation time of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is shortened to trigger the execution of the special lottery more frequently. The currently set game status is displayed by a combination of turning on, off, or flashing the six lamps.

[0042] 4 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main board 100 (game control means) and a sub-board 102. The functions of each board, such as the main board 100 and the sub-board 102, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, or by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in the ROM, etc.

[0043] The main board 100 receives input signals from input means such as the passing gate sensor 104, the first start winning port sensor 106, the second start winning port sensor 108, the large winning port sensor 110, and the payout sensor 116, and performs various calculations to execute the game, and based on the calculation results, controls the operation of output means such as the status display drive device 120, the normal device drive device 122, the special device drive device 124, and the payout device 130.

[0044] In addition, the sub-board 102 receives signals sent from the main board 100 and input signals from the effect button switch 150, performs various calculations to execute effects that match the progress of the game, and based on the calculation results, controls the operation of the effect devices 176, such as the effect display device 170, sound device 172, and effect object drive device 174.

[0045] The main board 100 is configured to include a random number generating means 210, a normal lottery means 220, a normal display control means 222, a normal device control means 224, a special lottery means 230, a special display control means 240, a game state transition control means 250, a special game execution means 260, a payout control means 270, a communication control means 280, and a main memory 290.

[0046] The random number generating means 210 is a means for generating random numbers for the lottery, and is realized by a random number generator that generates hardware random numbers, or a program that generates software random numbers. Software random numbers can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to circulate within a predetermined count range). In this embodiment, the term "random number" includes not only values that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also values that are generated regularly but can actually function as random numbers because the timing of their acquisition is irregular.

[0047] The normal lottery means 220 acquires a random number value for the normal lottery from the random number generating means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the passing gate sensor 104 that detects each game ball passing through the passing gate 48, stores the random number value for the normal lottery in the normal random number storage means 2912 of the main memory 290, and performs a normal lottery to determine whether or not a normal win has been won based on the random number value for the normal lottery read from the normal random number storage means 2912.

[0048] In detail, the normal random number storage means 2912 is provided with four normal reserve memory areas, normal reserve memory area 1 to normal reserve memory area 4, as memory areas for storing the acquired normal lottery random number values, and one normal reserve memory area is provided as a memory area for storing the normal lottery random number values read from normal reserve memory area 1 and used in the normal lottery until the variable display and stop display of the normal symbols are completed. Then, when the normal lottery random number value is acquired from the random number generation means 210, if the normal lottery random number value is not stored in any of the normal reserve memory area 1 to normal reserve memory area 4, the normal lottery means 220 first stores the acquired normal lottery random number value in the normal reserve memory area 1. Then, at the time when the random number value for the normal lottery is stored in the normal reserve memory area 1, if the normal pattern is not in a variable or stationary display, i.e., if the random number value for the normal lottery is not stored in the normal reserve memory area, the random number value for the normal lottery is immediately read out from the normal reserve memory area 1 and a normal lottery is performed, and the random number value for the normal lottery obtained by the normal lottery is stored in the normal reserve memory area. On the other hand, if the normal pattern is in a variable or stationary display, i.e., if the random number value for the normal lottery is stored in the normal reserve memory area, the random number value for the normal lottery is reserved in the normal reserve memory area 1.

[0049] Then, when a random number value for the normal lottery is reserved in the normal reserve memory area 1 and a detection signal is input from the passing gate sensor 104 to acquire a random number value for the normal lottery, the normal lottery means 220 stores the random number value for the normal lottery in the normal reserve memory area with the smallest ordinal number among the normal reserve memory areas 1 to 4 in which a random number value for the normal lottery is not reserved, on the condition that the number of random number values for the normal lottery reserved in the normal reserve memory areas 1 to 4 is less than four, i.e., the normal reserve number is less than four.

[0050] Then, when the variable display and stationary display of the normal symbols are finished, the normal lottery means 220 erases the random number values for the normal lottery stored in the normal reserve memory area, and if random number values for the normal lottery are reserved in normal reserve memory area 1, it reads the random number values for the normal lottery from normal reserve memory area 1 to conduct a normal lottery, and stores the random number values for the normal lottery obtained by the normal lottery in the normal reserve memory area. Here, if random number values for the normal lottery remain in normal reserve memory area 2 or later, the remaining random number values for the normal lottery are moved from the original normal reserve memory area to the normal reserve memory area with the smaller ordinal number by one. For example, if random number values for the normal lottery remain in normal reserve memory area 2 to normal reserve memory area 3, they are moved to normal reserve memory area 1 to normal reserve memory area 2.

[0051] In this way, in the normal random number memory means 2912, the random number values for the normal lottery for which a normal lottery has been held are held in the normal holding memory area up to a maximum of one, and the random number values for the normal lottery for which a normal lottery has not been held are held in the normal holding memory area 1 to normal holding memory area 4 up to a maximum of four.

[0052] The regular lottery is described in detail below. The regular lottery means 220 performs regular winning determination processing, regular variation pattern determination processing, and the like as the regular lottery.

[0053] The normal win determination process is a process for determining whether or not a normal win has occurred. In the normal win determination process, the normal lottery means 220 determines, according to the game state, which normal lottery table to refer to in performing the random number determination process among the multiple types of normal lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290.

[0054] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a regular lottery table A and a regular lottery table B are stored in the lottery table storage means 2910, and in each regular lottery table, a regular win or a regular loss is associated with each of 100 regular lottery random number values from 0 to 99. In detail, in regular lottery table A, a correspondence relationship between a regular win or a regular loss and a plurality of random number values is set so that a regular win is won with a probability of about 1 / 20, and in regular lottery table B, a correspondence relationship between a regular win or a regular loss and a regular lottery random number value from 0 to 99 is set so that a regular win is won with a probability of about 19 / 20. Then, the regular lottery means 220 selects regular lottery table A when the gaming state is neither a probability variable state nor a time-saving state, and selects regular lottery table B when the gaming state is a probability variable state or a time-saving state.

[0055] Then, the normal lottery means 220 determines (judges) whether or not a normal win has been won by referring to the selected normal lottery table and determining whether or not one normal lottery random number value read from the normal reserve memory area 1 of the normal random number memory means 2912 is associated with a normal win.

[0056] When a normal win is won, the normal lottery means 220 sets a winning flag for the normal win to an ON state in a flag storage means 2916 of the main memory 290, and when a loss occurs, sets the winning flag for the normal win to an OFF state.

[0057] The normal variation pattern determination process is a process for determining which of a plurality of variation patterns the normal symbol variation pattern should be based on the game state. In the normal variation pattern determination process, the normal lottery means 220 determines the normal symbol variation pattern to be normal variation pattern 1 when the game state is neither a probability variable state nor a time-saving state, and determines the normal symbol variation pattern to be normal variation pattern 2 when the game state is a probability variable state or a time-saving state.

[0058] The normal display control means 222 is a means for controlling the status display drive device 120 based on the result of the normal lottery, and performs normal symbol display control processing and normal hold display control processing.

[0059] In the normal pattern display control process, the normal display control means 222 displays the normal pattern in a variable manner by flashing the two lamps of the normal pattern display unit 72 until the variable time corresponding to the normal pattern variable pattern determined in the normal variable pattern determination process has elapsed, and displays the result of the normal lottery on the normal pattern display unit 72 by turning on or off the two lamps of the normal pattern display unit 72 to stop the normal pattern depending on whether a normal win has been won in the normal win determination process.

[0060] In detail, in this embodiment, when the normal symbol fluctuation pattern is normal fluctuation pattern 1, the normal symbol fluctuation time is set to 20 seconds, and when the normal symbol fluctuation pattern is normal fluctuation pattern 2, the normal symbol fluctuation time is set to 1 second. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the game state at the time of the normal lottery is not a probability variable state or a time-saving state, the normal symbol fluctuation pattern is determined to be normal fluctuation pattern 1, and the normal symbol fluctuation time is set to 20 seconds, and when the game state at the time of the normal lottery is a probability variable state or a time-saving state, the normal symbol fluctuation pattern is determined to be normal fluctuation pattern 2, and the normal symbol fluctuation time is set to 1 second, so that when the game state is a probability variable state or a time-saving state, the opportunity to execute the normal lottery arrives more frequently.

[0061] In the normal hold display control processing, the normal display control means 222 displays 0 to 4 normal hold numbers by combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps of the normal hold display unit 74, depending on the number of random number values for normal lottery stored in the normal random number memory means 2912.

[0062] The normal accessory control means 224 is a means for controlling the normal accessory drive device 122 based on the result of the normal lottery, and performs normal accessory control processing 1, normal accessory control processing 2, etc.

[0063] In the normal role control process 1, when the game state is neither a probability variable state nor a time-saving state, when a normal symbol is displayed stopped in a manner indicating a normal win, the normal role drive device 122 is controlled to be driven so that the normal role 52 is expanded until 0.1 seconds have elapsed and then returns to the reduced state.

[0064] In the normal role control process 2, when the game state is in a probability variable state or a time-saving state, when the normal symbol is displayed stopped in a manner indicating a normal win, the drive control of the normal role drive device 122 is performed so that the normal role 52 is expanded until 2 seconds have elapsed and then returns to the reduced state.

[0065] Therefore, in normal device control process 1, normal device 52 operates so as to hardly increase the ease with which game balls can enter second start winning port 50, whereas in normal device control process 2, normal device 52 operates so as to increase the ease with which game balls can enter second start winning port 50.

[0066] The special lottery means 230 acquires a random number value for a special lottery from the random number generating means 210 based on input of a detection signal from the first start winning port sensor 106 that detects gaming balls entering the first start winning port 46 one by one (lottery information acquiring means), and stores the value as a first special random number value in the special random number storage means 2914 (retention means) of the main memory 290. Furthermore, the special lottery means 230 acquires a random number value for a special lottery from the random number generating means 210 based on input of a detection signal from the second start winning port sensor 108 that detects gaming balls entering the second start winning port 50 one by one, and stores the value as a second special random number value in the special random number storage means 2914. Then, the special lottery means 230 uses the first special random number value or the second special random number value read from the special random number storage means 2914 to conduct a special lottery to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won (determination means).

[0067] In detail, the special random number memory means 2914 has four first special reserve memory areas, namely, first special reserve memory area 1 to first special reserve memory area 4, as memory areas for storing the acquired first special random number values, and four second special reserve memory areas, namely, second special reserve memory area 1 to second special reserve memory area 4, as memory areas for storing the acquired second special random number values, and one special reserve memory area is provided as a memory area for storing the first special random number value or second special random number value read from first special reserve memory area 1 or second special reserve memory area 1 and used in the special lottery until the varying and stopping display of the first special pattern or second special pattern ends.

[0068] Then, when the special lottery means 230 acquires the random number value for the special lottery based on the detection signal being input from the first start winning port sensor 106, if the first special random number value is not stored in any of the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, the special lottery means 230 first stores the acquired random number value for the special lottery as the first special random number value in the first special reserve memory area 1. Then, at the time the first special random number value is stored in the first special reserve memory area 1, if the first special symbol or the second special symbol is not being displayed variably or stopped, that is, if the first special random number value or the second special random number value is not stored in the special reserve memory area, and the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, and the game state is not a special game state, the special lottery means 230 immediately reads out the first special random number value from the first special reserve memory area 1, performs a special lottery, and stores the first special random number value used in the special lottery in the special reserve memory area. On the other hand, if the first special pattern or the second special pattern is being displayed in a variable or stationary manner, i.e., if the first special random number value or the second special random number value is stored in the special reserve memory area, or if the second special random number value is stored in any of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, or if the game state is a special game state, the first special random number value is reserved in the first special reserve memory area 1.

[0069] Then, when a first special random number value is reserved in the first special reserve memory area 1 and a detection signal is input from the first start entry port sensor 106 to obtain a random number value for a special lottery, the special lottery means 230 stores the first special random number value in the first special reserve memory area 1 to the first special reserve memory area 4 that has the smallest ordinal number and in which the first special random number value is not reserved, on the condition that the number of first special random number values reserved in the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4 is less than four, i.e., on the condition that the first special reserve number is less than four.

[0070] Furthermore, when the special lottery means 230 acquires a random number value for a special lottery based on the detection signal being input from the second start winning port sensor 108, if the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, the special lottery means 230 first stores the acquired random number value for the special lottery as a second special random number value in the second special reserve memory area 1. Then, when the second special random number value is stored in the second special reserve memory area 1, if the first special symbol or the second special symbol is not being displayed variably or stopped, that is, if the first special random number value or the second special random number value is not stored in the special reserve memory area, and the game state is not a special game state, the special lottery means 230 immediately reads out the second special random number value from the second special reserve memory area 1, performs a special lottery, and stores the second special random number value used in the special lottery in the special reserve memory area. On the other hand, when the first special pattern or the second special pattern is being displayed in a variable or stationary manner, that is, when the first special random number value or the second special random number value is stored in the special reserve memory area, or when the game state is a special game state, the second special random number value is reserved in the second special reserve memory area 1.

[0071] Then, when a second special random number value is reserved in the second special reserve memory area 1 and a detection signal is input from the second start entry sensor 108 to obtain a random number value for a special lottery, the special lottery means 230 stores the second special random number value in the second special reserve memory area with the smallest ordinal number among the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4 in which the second special random number value is not reserved, on the condition that the number of second special random number values reserved in the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4 is less than four, i.e., the second special reserve number is less than four.

[0072] Then, when the variable display and stationary display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol ends, the special lottery means 230 erases the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the special reservation memory area. Then, if the first special random number value is stored in the first special reservation memory area 1, the special lottery means 230 reads the first special random number value from the first special reservation memory area 1, performs a special lottery, and stores the first special random number value used in the special lottery in the special reservation memory area, on the condition that the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special reservation memory areas 1 to 4 and the game state is not a special game state. On the other hand, when a second special random number value is stored in one of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, even if a first special random number value is stored in one of the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, the second special random number value is read from the second special reserve memory area 1 to conduct a special lottery, provided that the gaming state is not a special gaming state, and the second special random number value used in the special lottery is stored in the special reserve memory area. That is, in this embodiment, the second special random number value is consumed in preference to the first special random number value. Note that, regardless of whether it is the first special random number value or the second special random number value, the first special random number value or the second special random number value may be read in the order stored in the special random number storage means 2914 to conduct a special lottery. That is, the first special random number value or the second special random number value may be read in the order in which the gaming ball entered the first start winning slot 46 or the second start winning slot 50 to conduct a special lottery.

[0073] Then, when the first special random number value is read from the first special reserve memory area 1, if the first special random number value remains in the first special reserve memory area 2 or later, or when the second special random number value is read from the second special reserve memory area 1, if the second special random number value remains in the second special reserve memory area 2 or later, the remaining first special random number value or second special random number value is moved from the original special reserve memory area to the special reserve memory area with the next smaller ordinal number. For example, if a first special random number value remains in each of the first special reserve memory area 2 to the first special reserve memory area 4 when the first special random number value is read from the first special reserve memory area 1, the first special random number value stored in each of the first special reserve memory area 2 to the first special reserve memory area 4 is moved to each of the first special reserve memory area 1 to the first special reserve memory area 3, and if a second special random number value remains in each of the second special reserve memory area 2 to the second special reserve memory area 3 when the second special random number value is read from the second special reserve memory area 1, the second special random number value stored in each of the second special reserve memory area 2 to the second special reserve memory area 3 is moved to each of the second special reserve memory area 1 to the second special reserve memory area 2.

[0074] In this way, in the special random number memory means 2914, the first special random number value or the second special random number value for which a special lottery has been held is held in the special holding memory area up to a maximum of one, the first special random number value for which a special lottery has not been held is held in the first special holding memory area 1 to the first special holding memory area 4 up to a maximum of four, and the second special random number value for which a special lottery has not been held is held in the second special holding memory area 1 to the second special holding memory area 4 up to a maximum of four.

[0075] The special lottery will be described in detail below. The special lottery means 230 acquires multiple types of random number values, such as a jackpot determination random number value, a symbol determination random number value, a fluctuation group determination random number value, a first fluctuation pattern determination random number value, and a second fluctuation pattern determination random number value, as random number values for the special lottery based on the detection signal input from the first start winning port sensor 106 or the second start winning port sensor 108, and stores these multiple types of random number values as first special random number values or second special random number values in the special random number storage means 2914. Then, the special lottery means 230 performs a jackpot determination process, a symbol determination process, a fluctuation group determination process, a first fluctuation pattern determination process, a second fluctuation pattern determination process, and the like as the special lottery.

[0076] The jackpot determination process is a process for determining whether or not a jackpot has been won by reading out one jackpot determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the first special reserve memory area 1 or the second special reserve memory area 1 of the special random number memory means 2914. Here, one jackpot determination random number value is obtained from 65,536 jackpot determination random number values from 0 to 65,535 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start winning port sensor 106 or the second start winning port 108, and is stored in the special random number memory means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

[0077] In the jackpot determination process, the special lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple types of jackpot lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290 to refer to when performing the random number determination process, depending on whether the one jackpot determination random number value that was read out was stored as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

[0078] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores a jackpot lottery table A and a jackpot lottery table B as shown in Fig. 5. In each jackpot lottery table, a jackpot or a loss is associated with each of 65,536 jackpot determination random number values from 0 to 65,535. In detail, in jackpot lottery table A, the correspondence between a jackpot or a loss and the jackpot determination random number values from 0 to 65,535 is set so that the probability of winning a jackpot is approximately 1 in 319, and in jackpot lottery table B, the correspondence between a jackpot or a loss and the jackpot determination random number values from 0 to 65,535 is set so that the probability of winning a jackpot is approximately 1 in 31. The special lottery means 230 selects the jackpot lottery table A when the one read jackpot determination random number value is stored as a first special random number value, and selects the jackpot lottery table B when the one read jackpot determination random number value is stored as a second special random number value.

[0079] Then, the special lottery means 230 refers to the selected big win lottery table and determines whether or not the one read-out big win determination random number value is associated with a big win, thereby determining whether or not a big win has been won.

[0080] If a jackpot is won, the special lottery means 230 sets the jackpot winning flag to ON in the flag storage means 2916, and if a loss occurs, sets the jackpot winning flag to OFF.

[0081] The symbol determination process is a process performed when a jackpot is won in the jackpot determination process, and involves reading out one symbol determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the first special reservation memory area 1 or the second special reservation memory area 1 of the special random number memory means 2914, and determining whether the jackpot symbol (type of jackpot) will be a 10-round probability variable symbol, a 4-round probability variable symbol, a 10-round normal symbol, or a 4-round normal symbol. Here, one symbol determination random number value is obtained from 100 symbol determination random number values from 0 to 99 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start winning port sensor 106 or the second start winning port 108, and is stored in the special random number memory means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

[0082] In the pattern determination process, the special lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple types of pattern lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to refer to when performing the random number determination process, depending on whether the one read-out pattern determination random number value was stored as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

[0083] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores a symbol lottery table A and a symbol lottery table B as shown in Fig. 5. In each symbol lottery table, one of a 10-round probability variable symbol, a 4-round probability variable symbol, a 10-round normal symbol, and a 4-round normal symbol is associated with each of 100 symbol determination random number values from 0 to 99. In detail, in both symbol lottery table A and symbol lottery table B, the correspondence between the 10-round probability variable symbol, the 4-round probability variable symbol, the 10-round normal symbol, and the 4-round normal symbol and the random number values from 0 to 99 is set so that the 10-round probability variable symbol is won with a probability of about 20 / 100, the 4-round probability variable symbol is won with a probability of about 30 / 100, the 10-round normal symbol is won with a probability of about 20 / 100, and the 4-round normal symbol is won with a probability of about 30 / 100.

[0084] The special lottery means 230 selects the pattern lottery table A when the one read-out pattern determination random number value is stored as a first special random number value, and selects the pattern lottery table B when the one read-out pattern determination random number value is stored as a second special random number value.

[0085] Then, the special lottery means 230 refers to the selected symbol lottery table and determines which of the plurality of types of big winning symbols the one read symbol determination random number value corresponds to, thereby determining which of the plurality of types of big winning symbols has been won.

[0086] Then, the special lottery means 230 sets the winning flag corresponding to the winning big winning symbol in the flag storage means 2916 to ON state.

[0087] The variable group determination process is a process performed when a jackpot is not won in the jackpot determination process, and is a process of reading out one variable group determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the first special reservation memory area 1 or the second special reservation memory area 1 of the special random number memory means 2914, and determining which of group 0 to group 5 the variable group to which the variable pattern of the first special symbol or the second special symbol belongs. Here, one variable group determination random number value is obtained from 100 variable group determination random number values from 0 to 99 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start winning port sensor 106 or the second start winning port 108, and is stored in the special random number memory means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

[0088] In the variable group determination process, the special lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple types of variable group lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to refer to when performing the random number determination process, depending on the number of reservations, which is the sum of the first special reservation number and the second special reservation number, and the game status at the time when the variable group determination process is performed.

[0089] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores variable group lottery tables A to D as shown in Fig. 6. In each variable group lottery table, one of groups 0 to 5 is associated with each of 100 variable group determination random number values from 0 to 99. The special lottery means 230 selects variable group lottery table A when the game state at the time of performing the variable group determination process is normal and the number of reserved balls is 0 to 1, selects variable group lottery table B when the game state is normal and the number of reserved balls is 2 to 3, selects variable group lottery table C when the game state is normal and the number of reserved balls is 4 to 7, and selects variable group lottery table D when the game state is a variable state or a time-saving state regardless of the number of reserved balls.

[0090] The special lottery means 230 then refers to the selected variable group lottery table and determines which of the multiple types of variable groups the one variable group determination random number value that has been read out corresponds to, thereby determining one variable group from the multiple types of variable groups.

[0091] Therefore, in the variable group determination process, if the game state is normal and the number of reserved balls is 0 to 1, one of group 2, group 3, group 4 and group 5 is determined, if the game state is normal and the number of reserved balls is 2 to 3, one of group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4 and group 5 is determined, if the game state is normal and the number of reserved balls is 4 to 7, one of group 1, group 2, group 4 and group 5 is determined, and if the game state is a special state or a time-saving state, one of group 0, group 4 and group 5 is determined regardless of the number of reserved balls.

[0092] The first variation pattern determination process is a process of reading out one first variation pattern determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the first special reservation memory area 1 or the second special reservation memory area 1 of the special random number memory means 2914, and determining which of a plurality of first half variation patterns to use as the first half variation pattern corresponding to the first half (first part) of the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. Here, one first variation pattern determination random number value is obtained from 100 first variation pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start winning port sensor 106 or the second start winning port 108, and is stored in the special random number memory means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

[0093] In the first variation pattern determination process, the special lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple types of first variation pattern lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to refer to in performing the random number determination process in accordance with the variation group determined in the variation group determination process if a jackpot is not won in the jackpot determination process, and in accordance with the game status at that time and the jackpot pattern determined in the pattern determination process if a jackpot is won in the jackpot determination process.

[0094] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores first variation pattern lottery tables A to J as shown in Figures 7 and 8. In each first variation pattern lottery table, one of a plurality of first half variation patterns, from no first half variation pattern to first half variation pattern 7, is associated with each of 100 first variation pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 7, the special lottery means 230 selects the first variation pattern lottery table A when no jackpot is won and group 1 is determined, selects the first variation pattern lottery table B when no jackpot is won and group 2 is determined, selects the first variation pattern lottery table C when no jackpot is won and group 3 is determined, selects the first variation pattern lottery table D when no jackpot is won and group 4 is determined, selects the first variation pattern lottery table E when no jackpot is won and group 5 is determined, and selects the first variation pattern lottery table F when no jackpot is won and group 0 is determined.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 8, the special lottery means 230 selects the first variation pattern lottery table G when a jackpot is won in the normal state and a 10-round probability variable pattern or a 4-round probability variable pattern is determined, selects the first variation pattern lottery table H when a jackpot is won in the normal state and a 10-round normal pattern or a 4-round normal pattern is determined, selects the first variation pattern lottery table I when a jackpot is won in the probability variable state or the time-saving state and a 10-round normal pattern or a 4-round normal pattern is determined, and selects the first variation pattern lottery table J when a jackpot is won in the probability variable state or the time-saving state and a 10-round normal pattern or a 4-round normal pattern is determined.

[0097] The special lottery means 230 then refers to the selected first variation pattern lottery table and determines which of the multiple types of first half variation patterns the read-out first variation pattern determination random number value corresponds to, thereby determining one first half variation pattern from the multiple types of first half variation patterns.

[0098] Therefore, in the first fluctuation pattern determination process, if a jackpot is not won, one of the first half fluctuation patterns from no first half fluctuation pattern to first half fluctuation pattern 7 shown in Figure 7 is determined, and if a jackpot is won, one of the first half fluctuation patterns from first half fluctuation pattern 5 to first half fluctuation pattern 7 shown in Figure 8 is determined.

[0099] The second variation pattern determination process is a process of reading out one second variation pattern determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the first special reservation memory area 1 or the second special reservation memory area 1 of the special random number memory means 2914, and determining which of a plurality of types of second variation patterns the latter variation pattern corresponding to the latter half (second part) of the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol should be. Here, one second variation pattern determination random number value is obtained from 100 second variation pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start winning port sensor 106 or the second start winning port 108, and is stored in the special random number memory means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

[0100] In the second variation pattern determination process, the special lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple types of second variation pattern lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to refer to in performing the random number determination process, depending on the first half variation pattern determined in the first variation pattern determination process.

[0101] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores second variation pattern lottery tables A to H as shown in Figures 9 and 10. In each second variation pattern lottery table, one of no-reach variation patterns 1 to 3 and reach variation patterns 1 to 5 is associated with each of 100 variation group determination random number values from 0 to 99.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 9, the special lottery means 230 selects second variation pattern lottery table A when no jackpot is won and no first half variation pattern is determined, selects second variation pattern lottery table B when no jackpot is won and first half variation pattern 1 is determined, selects second variation pattern lottery table C when no jackpot is won and any of first half variation pattern 2 to first half variation pattern 4 is determined, selects second variation pattern lottery table D when no jackpot is won and first half variation pattern 5 or first half variation pattern 6 is determined, and selects second variation pattern lottery table E when no jackpot is won and first half variation pattern 6 or first half variation pattern 7 is determined.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 10, the special lottery means 230 selects the second variation pattern lottery table F when a jackpot is won and first half variation pattern 5 is determined, selects the second variation pattern lottery table G when a jackpot is won and first half variation pattern 6 is determined, and selects the second variation pattern lottery table H when a jackpot is won and first half variation pattern 7 is determined.

[0104] In addition, the correspondence between the first variation pattern lottery table and the second variation pattern lottery table does not have to be a one-to-one relationship, and the correspondence between the first variation pattern lottery table and the second variation pattern lottery table may change depending on the determined variation group.

[0105] The special lottery means 230 then refers to the selected second variation pattern lottery table and determines whether the read one second variation pattern determination random number value corresponds to one of the multiple types of no-reach variation patterns or the multiple types of reach variation patterns, thereby determining one latter half variation pattern from the multiple types of no-reach variation patterns and the multiple types of reach variation patterns.

[0106] Therefore, in the second fluctuation pattern determination process, if a jackpot is not won, one of the no-reach fluctuation pattern 1 to no-reach fluctuation pattern 3 and the reach fluctuation pattern 1 to the reach fluctuation pattern 5 is determined as shown in FIG. 9, and if a jackpot is won, one of the reach fluctuation pattern 1 to the reach fluctuation pattern 5 is determined as shown in FIG. 10.

[0107] Here, in this embodiment, a fluctuation time is set for each of a plurality of types of first half fluctuation patterns and a plurality of types of second half fluctuation patterns, as shown in Figures 7 to 10. In detail, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, a relatively short fluctuation time of 0 seconds to 10.5 seconds is set for no first half fluctuation pattern to first half fluctuation pattern 4 that can be determined in the first fluctuation pattern determination process when a jackpot is not won, and a relatively long fluctuation time of 24 seconds to 62 seconds is set for first half fluctuation pattern 5 to first half fluctuation pattern 7 that can be determined in the first fluctuation pattern determination process both when a jackpot is not won and when a jackpot is won.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 9, the no-reach fluctuation pattern 1 to no-reach fluctuation pattern 3 that can be determined in the second fluctuation pattern determination process when a jackpot is not won are set to have a relatively short fluctuation time of 1 to 3 seconds, and the reach fluctuation pattern 1 to reach fluctuation pattern 5 that can be determined in the second fluctuation pattern determination process when a jackpot is won and when a jackpot is not won are set to have a relatively long fluctuation time of 60 to 100 seconds.

[0109] Therefore, even if a jackpot is not won, if the reach fluctuation pattern 1 to reach fluctuation pattern 5, which have a relatively long fluctuation time set, are determined in the second fluctuation pattern determination process, the player can have a sense of expectation that a jackpot will be won.

[0110] In addition, in this embodiment, if a jackpot is not won, the game status is normal, and the number of reserved balls is 0 to 1, the variable group determination process refers to the variable group lottery table A shown in Figure 6, and while group 3 may be determined, group 2 is more likely to be determined; therefore, the first variable pattern determination process refers to the first variable pattern lottery table B shown in Figure 7, and first half variable pattern 1, in which the variable time is set to 1 second, or first half variable pattern 2, in which the variable time is set to 3 seconds, is more likely to be determined; and the second variable pattern determination process refers to the second variable pattern lottery table B or second variable pattern lottery table C shown in Figure 9, and no-reach variable pattern 2, in which the variable time is set to 2 seconds, or no-reach variable pattern 3, in which the variable time is set to 3 seconds, is more likely to be determined.

[0111] Also, if no jackpot is won, the game status is normal, and the number of reserved balls is 2 to 3, the variable group determination process refers to variable group lottery table B shown in Figure 6, and while group 2 or group 3 may be determined, group 1 is more likely to be determined; therefore, the first variable pattern determination process refers to first variable pattern lottery table A shown in Figure 7, and first half variable pattern 1, in which the variable time is set to 1 second, is more likely to be determined; and the second variable pattern determination process refers to second variable pattern lottery table B shown in Figure 9, and no-reach variable pattern 2, in which the variable time is set to 2 seconds, is more likely to be determined.

[0112] Also, if no jackpot is won, the game status is normal, and the number of reserved balls is 4 to 7, the variable group determination process refers to the variable group lottery table C shown in Figure 6, and group 3 is not determined and group 1 is more likely to be determined, so the first variable pattern determination process refers to the first variable pattern lottery table A shown in Figure 7, and first half variable pattern 1, in which the variable time is set to 1 second, is more likely to be determined, and the second variable pattern determination process refers to the second variable pattern lottery table B shown in Figure 9, and no-reach variable pattern 2, in which the variable time is set to 2 seconds, is more likely to be determined.

[0113] Also, if a jackpot is not won and the game state is in a special state or a time-saving state, regardless of the number of reserved balls, the variable group determination process refers to the variable group lottery table D shown in Figure 6, making it easier to determine group 0, and the first variable pattern determination process refers to the first variable pattern lottery table F shown in Figure 7, making it easier to determine a no-first-half variable pattern with the variable time set to 0 seconds, and the second variable pattern determination process refers to the second variable pattern lottery table A shown in Figure 9, making it easier to determine a no-reach variable pattern 1 with the variable time set to 1 second.

[0114] Therefore, if a jackpot is not won, in the normal state, the more reserved numbers there are, the more likely it is that a shorter fluctuation time is set as the fluctuation time of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, so that the frequency with which an opportunity to execute a special lottery occurs can be increased.Furthermore, in the probability variable state or the time-saving state, regardless of the reserved number, the more likely it is that a shorter fluctuation time is set as the fluctuation time of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, so that the frequency with which an opportunity to execute a special lottery occurs can be increased.

[0115] Furthermore, as described above, when the first special pattern or the second special pattern is not being displayed in a variable manner and the game state is not a special game state, the special lottery means 230 reads out the first special random number value or the second special random number value from the special random number storage means 2914 and performs jackpot determination processing, pattern determination processing, variable group determination processing, first variable pattern determination processing, second variable pattern determination processing, etc. as a special lottery, but even when storing the first special random number value or the second special random number value in the special random number storage means 2914, it also performs jackpot determination processing, pattern determination processing, variable group determination processing, first variable pattern determination processing, second variable pattern determination processing, etc. as pre-determination processing (pre-determination means).

[0116] In detail, when the special lottery means 230 (preliminary judgment means) acquires a random number value for a special lottery from the random number generating means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start winning port sensor 106 or the second start winning port sensor 108, it performs a jackpot determination process, a pattern determination process, a variation group determination process, a first variation pattern determination process and a second variation pattern determination process as preliminary judgment processes on the first special random number value or the second special random number value, depending on the game status and the number of reserves at that time, before storing it as a first special random number value in any of the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, or before storing it as a second special random number value in any of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4.

[0117] Then, the special lottery means 230 stores the results of the pre-determination, including the results of each of the pre-determination processes, namely, the jackpot determination process, the pattern determination process, the variable group determination process, the first variable pattern determination process, and the second variable pattern determination process, in one of the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, or in one of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, in correspondence with the first special random number value or the second special random number value that was the subject of the pre-determination process.

[0118] The special display control means 240 (display control means) is a means for controlling the status display drive device 120 based on the results of the special lottery, and performs first special pattern display control processing, second special pattern display control processing, first special hold display control processing, and second special hold display control processing.

[0119] The first special pattern display control process is a process that is performed when the first special random number value is read out from the first special reserve memory area 1 and a special lottery is conducted, and the special display control means 240 causes the first special pattern to be displayed in a variable manner by flashing the 7-segment display of the first special pattern display unit 76 until the total variable time corresponding to the first half variable pattern determined in the first variable pattern determination process and the variable time corresponding to the second half variable pattern determined in the second variable pattern determination process has elapsed, and then causes the first special pattern to be displayed in a static manner by lighting up the 7-segment display of the first special pattern display unit 76 in a predetermined manner.

[0120] In this embodiment, the display mode of the 7-segment display is predetermined to correspond to each of the four types of jackpot patterns and misses, and the special display control means 240 lights up the 7-segment display of the first special pattern display unit 76 in a mode depending on whether or not a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process, and in a mode depending on the jackpot pattern determined in the pattern determination process if a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process, thereby causing the first special pattern to be displayed in a static state, and causes the first special pattern display unit 76 to display the result of the special lottery.

[0121] The second special pattern display control process is a process that is performed when a second special random number value is read out from the second special reserve memory area 1 and a special lottery is conducted, and the special display control means 240 causes the second special pattern to be displayed in a variable manner by flashing the 7-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 80 until the total variable time corresponding to the first half variable pattern determined in the first variable pattern determination process and the variable time corresponding to the second half variable pattern determined in the second variable pattern determination process has elapsed, and then causes the second special pattern to be displayed in a static manner by lighting up the 7-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 80 in a predetermined manner.

[0122] The special display control means 240 then lights up the 7-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 80 in a manner depending on whether or not a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process, and in a manner depending on the jackpot pattern determined in the pattern determination process if a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process, thereby causing the second special pattern to be displayed in a static state, and causes the second special pattern display unit 80 to display the result of the special lottery.

[0123] In the first special hold display control process, the special display control means 240 displays 0 to 4 first special hold numbers by combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps of the first special hold display unit 78 depending on the number of first special random number values stored in the special random number memory means 2914.

[0124] In the second special hold display control process, the special display control means 240 displays 0 to 4 second special hold numbers by combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps of the second special hold display unit 82, depending on the number of second special random number values stored in the special random number memory means 2914.

[0125] As shown in Figure 11, the game state transition control means 250 performs a game state transition control process that transitions the game state between the normal state, special game state, probability variable state, and time-saving state based on the establishment of predetermined transition conditions. The game state transition condition may be one condition or multiple conditions. When multiple conditions are set, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the establishment of one of the multiple predetermined conditions or the establishment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0126] The normal state is the initial state among the multiple game states, and it is possible to transition from the normal state to the special game state. In the normal state, the normal lottery is conducted by referring to the normal lottery table A, which sets the probability of winning a normal win at approximately 1 / 20, and the special lottery is conducted by referring to the jackpot lottery table A, which sets the probability of winning a jackpot at 1 / 319.

[0127] In the normal state, the probability of winning a normal prize in the normal lottery is low at about 1 / 20, the normal symbol variation time is long at 20 seconds, and the period during which the normal device 52 is in an expanded state is short at 0.1 seconds, making it difficult for the game ball to enter the second start winning hole 50.

[0128] The special game state (advantageous game state) is initiated when a jackpot is won in a special lottery in the normal state, the special probability state, or the time-saving state, and ends when a predetermined number of rounds (number of executions) of special game (advantageous game) have been played according to the type of jackpot symbol.

[0129] In detail, when the special game state is initiated based on the winning flag for the 10-round probability variation pattern or the 10-round normal pattern being set to ON in the special lottery, the special game state ends on the condition that 10 rounds of special game play from the 1st round to the 10th round have been executed.

[0130] In addition, when a special game state is started based on the fact that the winning flag of the 4-round probability variable pattern or the 4-round normal pattern is set to ON in the special lottery, the special game state ends on the condition that the 4 rounds of special games from the 1st round to the 4th round have been executed.

[0131] The probability variation state begins when the special game state, which was initiated based on the setting of the winning flag for the 10-round probability variation symbol or the 4-round probability variation symbol (probability variation symbol), ends. From the probability variation state, it is possible to transition to the special game state or the normal state. In the probability variation state, the normal lottery is conducted based on the normal lottery table B, which sets the winning probability of a normal win at approximately 19 / 20, while the special lottery is conducted based on the jackpot lottery table B, which sets the winning probability of a jackpot at 1 / 31. This gives the player an advantage over the normal state. In the probability variation state, the period from when the first or second special symbol appears to when it stops is counted as one special variation, and the number of special variations, which is the number of times the special variation occurs, is counted. The probability variation state ends when the number of special variations reaches 9,999, and the game transitions to the normal state.

[0132] In detail, when the special game state ends, the game state transition control means 250 writes a value (e.g., 9999) corresponding to a predetermined number of special variations (e.g., 9999) to the probability variation end determination counter 2930 in the main memory 290, and performs a decrement update by subtracting a value (e.g., 1) corresponding to one special variation from the stored value of the probability variation end determination counter 2930 each time a special lottery is performed in the probability variation state. Then, when the stored value of the probability variation end determination counter 2930 reaches a threshold value (e.g., 0), the probability variation state ends and the normal state begins. However, since the probability variation state has a jackpot probability of 1 / 31, the special game state begins before the number of special variations reaches 9999 in the probability variation state, and transition from the probability variation state to the normal state is unlikely.

[0133] In the probability variation state, the probability of winning a normal prize in the normal lottery is high at about 19 / 20, and the normal symbol variation time is short at 1 second, and the period during which the normal device 52 is in an expanded state is long at 2 seconds, so it is advantageous for the player in that it is easier to get the game ball to enter the second start winning slot 50 than in the normal state.

[0134] In addition, in the special state, the time for the first or second special symbol to change is often set to a shorter time regardless of the number of reserved symbols, so the opportunity to execute the special lottery occurs more frequently than in the normal state.

[0135] The time-saving mode begins when the special game mode, which is initiated when the winning flag for the 10-round normal symbol or the 4-round normal symbol is set to ON, ends. The time-saving mode can be switched to either the special game mode or the normal mode. In the time-saving mode, the normal lottery is conducted based on the normal lottery table B, which sets the winning probability of a normal jackpot at approximately 19 / 20, just like in the probability variable mode. However, the special lottery is conducted based on the jackpot lottery table A, which sets the winning probability of a jackpot at approximately 1 / 319, just like in the normal mode. This makes the time-saving mode more disadvantageous to the player than the probability variable mode. The time-saving mode ends when the number of special variations in the time-saving mode reaches 100, and the player transitions to the normal mode.

[0136] In detail, when the gaming state is shifted to the time-shortened state, the gaming state shift control means 250 writes a value (e.g., 100) corresponding to a predetermined number of special fluctuations (e.g., 100 times) to the time-shortened end determination counter 2932 in the main memory 290, and performs a decrement update by subtracting a value (e.g., 1) corresponding to one special fluctuation from the stored value of the time-shortened end determination counter 2932 every time a special lottery is performed in the time-shortened state. Then, when the stored value of the time-shortened end determination counter 2932 reaches a threshold value (e.g., 0), the time-shortened state is terminated.

[0137] In the time-saving state, as in the special state, the probability of winning a normal prize in the normal lottery is high at about 19 / 20, and the normal symbol fluctuation time is short at 1 second and the period during which the normal device 52 is in an expanded state is long at 2 seconds, which is advantageous for the player as it is easier to get the game ball to enter the second start winning slot 50 than in the normal state.

[0138] In addition, in the time-saving state, similar to the special jackpot state, the time for the first or second special symbol to change is often set to a shorter value regardless of the number of reserved symbols, so the opportunity to execute the special lottery occurs more frequently than in the normal state.

[0139] The special game execution means 260 is a means for executing a special game based on the result of the special lottery, and performs special game execution processing 1 to special game execution processing 2 and the like.

[0140] The special game execution process 1 is executed based on the fact that a 10-round probability variable symbol or a 10-round normal symbol is won in a special lottery, and the special game execution means 260 sets a value (for example, 10) equivalent to 10 times, which is a predetermined number of rounds for the 10-round probability variable symbol and the 10-round normal symbol, as the upper limit value of the round counter 2933, and performs an incremental update by adding a value (for example, 1) equivalent to the number of rounds for one time to the stored value of the round counter 2933 each time the special role device 56 completes its operation in a predetermined manner in each round. When the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit value (for example, 10), the special game state ends.

[0141] In detail, in the special game execution process 1, in the special game of each of the first to tenth rounds, when the opening timer 2934 counts 29 seconds after the special feature 56 is opened or when the value of the big prize number counter 2936, which adds a value equivalent to one game ball (for example, 1) when the big prize opening sensor 110 detects the entry of one game ball, reaches an upper limit value (for example, 10), the drive control of the special feature drive device 124 is performed so that the special feature 56 is closed. Then, it is determined that the end condition for one round is met, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

[0142] The special game execution process 2 is executed based on the fact that a 4-round probability variable symbol or a 4-round normal symbol has been won in a special lottery, and the special game execution means 260 sets a value (for example, 4) equivalent to four times, which is a predetermined number of rounds for the 4-round probability variable symbol and the 4-round normal symbol, as the upper limit value of the round counter 2933, and performs an incremental update by adding a value (for example, 1) equivalent to one round number to the stored value of the round counter 2933 each time the special device 56 completes its operation in a predetermined manner in each round. When the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit value (for example, 4), the special game state ends.

[0143] In detail, in the special game execution process 2, in the special game of each of the first to fourth rounds, when the opening timer 2934 counts 29 seconds after the special feature 56 is opened or when the value of the big win number counter 2936 reaches an upper limit value (for example, 10), the drive control of the special feature drive device 124 is performed so that the special feature 56 is closed. Then, it is determined that the end condition for one round is satisfied, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

[0144] The payout control means 270 controls the payout device 130 to pay out a number of game balls corresponding to a predetermined number of prize balls for each detection signal based on the detection signal input from the first start winning opening sensor 106, the detection signal from the second start winning opening sensor 108, and the detection signal from the special winning opening sensor 110 (performs processing to provide game media to the player). In detail, the payout control means 270 transmits an instruction command to the payout device 130 to pay out four game balls each time the first start winning opening sensor 106 detects the entry of one game ball, transmits an instruction command to the payout device 130 to pay out three game balls each time the second start winning opening sensor 108 detects the entry of one game ball, and transmits an instruction command to the payout device 130 to pay out fifteen game balls each time the special winning opening sensor 110 detects the entry of one game ball.

[0145] The payout device 130 operates to pay out the number of game balls to be paid out as instructed by the payout control means 270. In this payout device 130, a payout motor is provided in a game ball tank that stores game balls, and the payout control means 270 controls the rotation angle of the payout motor to pay out the instructed number of game balls from the game ball tank. The payout device 130 is also provided with a payout sensor 116 that is activated each time a game ball is paid out, and the payout control means 270 can manage the number of game balls actually paid out from the payout device 130 based on the payout signal from the payout sensor 116.

[0146] The communication control means 280 controls the transmission of various commands generated according to the results of various calculations in the main board 100 to the sub-board 102. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the main board 100 and the sub-board 102 are connected in a communication manner such that only one-way communication from the main board 100 to the sub-board 102 is possible, and information cannot be transmitted from the sub-board 102 to the main board 100.

[0147] Next, we will explain the sub-board 102. The sub-board 102 is configured to include a performance control means 300 and a sub-memory 310.

[0148] The performance control means 300 controls the performance display device 170 to light or blink the front frame lamp 12 and the display frame lamp 38, display performance images on the LCD display 32, control the sound device 172 to output performance sounds from the speaker 14, and drive the performance object drive device 174 to operate the performance objects, based on various commands sent from the main board 100, input signals from the performance button switch 150, and performance data stored in the performance data storage means 3110 of the sub-memory 310, thereby controlling the performance device 176 to execute performances to liven up or assist the game.

[0149] In particular, the performance data storage means 3110 stores a large number of performance image data such as moving image data (animation data) and still image data for displaying images on the liquid crystal display 32, and the performance control means 300 draws an image in the frame buffer 3114 of the sub-memory 310 every frame (1 / 30 seconds) based on this performance image data, and displays the drawn image on the liquid crystal display 32, thereby displaying a performance image on the liquid crystal display 32.

[0150] The effect control means 300 performs a state effect process, a special variable effect process, a hold display effect process, and the like as processes for causing the effect device 176 to execute effects.

[0151] In the status presentation process, the presentation control means 300 executes presentations that suggest to the player the current game status by moving the character image on the LCD display 32, changing the background image, or changing the presentation sound output from the speaker 14 according to the current game status, based on commands corresponding to the game status and counter value on the main board 100.

[0152] For example, when the current game state is a special game state, the presentation control means 300 causes the liquid crystal display 32 to indicate that the current game state is a special game state, and also displays a special game state image (special game presentation) indicating which round of special game is being executed.

[0153] In the special variable effect processing, when a preliminary determination process is performed on the main board 100, the effect control means 300 performs an effect lottery to provisionally determine the effect content of the special variable effect that will produce a variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, based on a command corresponding to the result of the preliminary determination, and when a special lottery is performed on the main board 100, performs an effect lottery to finally determine the effect content of the special variable effect, based on a command corresponding to the result of the special lottery. Then, the effect control means 300 causes the effect device 176 to execute the special variable effect so as to match the variable display and stationary display of the first special symbol in the first special symbol display section 76, or so as to match the variable display and stationary display of the second special symbol in the second special symbol display section 80.

[0154] Specifically, in the special variable effect processing, the effect control means 300 displays a background image (not shown) over the entire display area of the liquid crystal display 32, as shown in Fig. 12(A), and displays a left effect pattern 350, a center effect pattern 352, and a right effect pattern 354 in front of the background image. Here, each of the left effect pattern 350, the center effect pattern 352, and the right effect pattern 354 includes a number portion (identification portion) showing one of a plurality of predetermined types of numbers, and a decorative portion that decorates the number portion, such as a rectangular portion surrounding the number portion.

[0155] Then, each time a first special random number value is read from the first special reserve memory area 1 and a special drawing is performed, the performance control means 300 starts the variable display of the first special pattern in the first special pattern display unit 76, or each time a second special random number value is read from the second special reserve memory area 1 and a special drawing is performed, the performance control means 300 starts the variable display of the second special pattern in the second special pattern display unit 80, as shown in Figure 12 (B), and then performs the first or second special drawing. In the jackpot determination process, the left effect symbol 350, the center effect symbol 352, and the right effect symbol 354 are displayed in a static manner in accordance with whether or not a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process, and in a manner in accordance with the jackpot symbol determined in the symbol determination process if a jackpot has been won, and the background image on the liquid crystal display 32 is changed in a manner in accordance with each of the multiple types of effect patterns, or an effect video in which a character image moves is played and displayed, thereby executing a special variable effect according to the type of effect pattern on the liquid crystal display 32. Note that the downward arrows in the figure indicate that the left effect symbol 350, the center effect symbol 352, and the right effect symbol 354 are each being displayed changing at high speed.

[0156] In detail, in the special variable presentation processing, the presentation control means 300 acquires multiple types of random number values, such as a first presentation pattern determination random number value and a second presentation pattern determination random number value, as random number values for the presentation lottery based on the input of a command corresponding to the result of a preliminary determination or a command corresponding to the result of a special lottery from the main board 100, and performs a first presentation pattern determination process, a second presentation pattern determination process, etc. as the presentation lottery.

[0157] The first effect pattern determination process is a process for determining which of a plurality of first-half effect patterns should be used as the first-half effect pattern corresponding to the first half of the special variable effect, based on one acquired first effect pattern determination random number value. In the first effect pattern determination process, the effect control means 300 selects which of a plurality of first effect pattern lottery tables stored in the effect lottery table storage means 3112 of the sub-memory 310 to refer to in the random number determination process, according to the first-half variable effect pattern determined in the first variable pattern determination process.

[0158] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, seven types of first effect pattern lottery tables, first effect pattern lottery table A to first effect pattern lottery table G, are stored in the effect lottery table storage means 3112 (not shown) corresponding to the cases where the result of the first variation pattern determination process on the main board 100 is first half variation pattern 1 to first half variation pattern 7. In each first effect pattern lottery table, one of multiple types of first half effect patterns is associated with each of 100 first effect pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99. The effect control means 300 selects the first effect pattern lottery table A when the result of the first variation pattern determination process is first half variation pattern 1, and selects the first effect pattern lottery table B when the result of the first variation pattern determination process is first half variation pattern 2, and so on, selecting the first effect pattern lottery table corresponding to the first half variation pattern determined in the first variation pattern determination process.

[0159] The performance control means 300 then refers to the selected first performance pattern lottery table and determines which of the multiple types of first half performance patterns a single first performance pattern determination random number value corresponds to, thereby determining one first half performance pattern from the multiple types of first half performance patterns.

[0160] The second effect pattern determination process is a process for determining which of a plurality of second effect patterns should be used as the second half effect pattern corresponding to the second half of the special variable effect, based on one acquired second effect pattern determination random number value. In the second effect pattern determination process, the effect control means 300 selects which of a plurality of second effect pattern lottery tables stored in the effect lottery table storage means 3112 of the sub-memory 310 to refer to in the random number determination process, according to the second half effect pattern determined in the second variation pattern determination process.

[0161] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, eight types of second effect pattern lottery tables, second effect pattern lottery table A to second effect pattern lottery table H, are stored in the effect lottery table storage means 3112 (not shown) corresponding to the cases where the result of the second variation pattern determination process in the main board 100 is no-reach variation pattern 1 to no-reach variation pattern 3 and reach variation pattern 1 to reach variation pattern 5, respectively. In each second effect pattern lottery table, one of multiple no-reach variation patterns and multiple reach variation patterns is associated with each of 100 second effect pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99 as multiple types of second half effect patterns. The effect control means 300 selects second effect pattern lottery table A when the result of the second variation pattern determination process is no-reach variation pattern 1, and selects second effect pattern lottery table D when the result of the second variation pattern determination process is reach variation pattern 1, thus selecting a second effect pattern lottery table corresponding to the second half variation pattern determined in the second variation pattern determination process.

[0162] The presentation control means 300 then refers to the selected second presentation pattern lottery table and determines whether one second presentation pattern determination random number value corresponds to one of the multiple types of no-reach presentation patterns or the multiple types of reach presentation patterns, thereby determining one no-reach presentation pattern or one reach presentation pattern from the multiple types of no-reach presentation patterns and the multiple types of reach presentation patterns.

[0163] Here, a presentation time is set for each of the multiple types of first half presentation patterns, and the presentation times of the first half presentation patterns that can be determined by the first presentation pattern lottery table A are all set to 3 seconds, which is the same as the variation time of the first half variation pattern 1, and the presentation times of the first half presentation patterns that can be determined by the first presentation pattern lottery table B are all set to 5 seconds, which is the same as the variation time of the first half variation pattern 2, and so on, the presentation times of the first half presentation patterns that can be determined by each first presentation pattern lottery table are set to be the same as the variation time of the first half variation pattern corresponding to each first presentation pattern lottery table.

[0164] In addition, a presentation time is set for each of the multiple types of no-reach presentation patterns and the multiple types of reach presentation patterns, and the presentation time of each of the multiple types of no-reach presentation patterns that can be determined by the second presentation pattern lottery table A is set to 1 second, which is the same as the fluctuation time of no-reach fluctuation pattern 1, and the presentation time of each of the multiple types of reach presentation patterns that can be determined by the second presentation pattern lottery table E is set to 60 seconds, which is the same as the fluctuation time of reach fluctuation pattern 1, and in this way, the presentation time of each of the multiple types of no-reach presentation patterns or multiple types of reach presentation patterns that can be determined by each second presentation pattern lottery table is set to the same as the fluctuation time of the no-reach fluctuation pattern or reach fluctuation pattern corresponding to each second presentation pattern lottery table.

[0165] In the special variable effect processing, the effect control means 300 starts the execution of the special variable effect in synchronization with the start of variable display of the first special symbol in the first special symbol display section 76 or the second special symbol in the second special symbol display section 80, and executes the special variable effect for a total effect time of the effect time according to the first half effect pattern determined in the first effect pattern determination processing and the effect time according to the second half effect pattern determined in the second effect pattern determination processing. This synchronizes the variable time of the first special symbol in the first special symbol display section 76 or the second special symbol in the second special symbol display section 80 with the effect time of the special variable effect.

[0166] For example, if a jackpot is not won in the jackpot determination process and a no-reach presentation pattern is determined in the second presentation pattern determination process, then as the display of the first special pattern in the first special pattern display unit 76 or the second special pattern in the second special pattern display unit 80 begins to change, the display of the left presentation pattern 350, middle presentation pattern 352 and right presentation pattern 354 begins to change, as shown in Figure 12(B), and as shown in Figure 12(C), first the left presentation pattern 350 is displayed temporarily stopped in one of the modes (a mode showing "5" in Figure 12(C)) so that it does not stop completely but sways slightly, and then the right presentation pattern 354 is displayed temporarily stopped in a mode different from the left presentation pattern 350 (non-reach mode) as shown in Figure 12(D).

[0167] Then, before the first special pattern in the first special pattern display unit 76 or the second special pattern in the second special pattern display unit 80 is displayed stopped, the middle performance pattern 352 is displayed temporarily stopped in a manner different from the left performance pattern 350 and the right performance pattern 354 (a scattered miss manner) as shown in Figure 12 (E), and at almost the same timing as the first special pattern in the first special pattern display unit 76 or the second special pattern in the second special pattern display unit 80 is displayed stopped, the middle performance pattern 352 is displayed as a definitive stop so that it has completely stopped in a manner different from the left performance pattern 350 and the right performance pattern 354 (a scattered miss manner), as shown in Figure 12 (F).

[0168] For example, if a jackpot is won in the jackpot determination process, or if a jackpot is not won in the jackpot determination process and a reach presentation pattern is determined in the second presentation pattern determination process, as the first special pattern in the first special pattern display unit 76 or the second special pattern in the second special pattern display unit 80 begins to be displayed in a variable manner, the left presentation pattern 350, the middle presentation pattern 352 and the right presentation pattern 354 begin to be displayed in a variable manner, as shown in Figure 13(A), and as shown in Figure 13(B), first the left presentation pattern 350 is displayed in a temporarily stopped state, and then, as shown in Figure 13(C), while the middle presentation pattern 352 remains displayed in a variable manner, the right presentation pattern 354 is displayed in a temporarily stopped state in the same manner (reach state) as the left presentation pattern 350. Then, as shown in Figure 13 (D), playback display of the effect video corresponding to the determined reach effect pattern begins, and playback display of the effect video ends within the change time of the first special pattern in the first special pattern display section 76 or the second special pattern in the second special pattern display section 80.

[0169] 13(D), an effect video in which character A fights character B is played back and displayed in the center of the display area of the liquid crystal display 32, and when this effect video is played back and displayed, instead of the left effect symbol 350, the center effect symbol 352, and the right effect symbol 354 displayed in the center of the display area of the liquid crystal display 32, a reduced left effect symbol 360 corresponding to the left effect symbol 350, a reduced middle effect symbol 362 corresponding to the middle effect symbol 352, and a reduced right effect symbol 364 corresponding to the right effect symbol 354 are displayed in the upper right corner of the display area of the liquid crystal display 32. That is, as shown in FIG. 13(D), the reduced left effect symbol 360 and the reduced right effect symbol 364 are displayed temporarily stopped in the same manner (reach manner), while the reduced middle effect symbol 362 is displayed variably.

[0170] If a jackpot is won, as shown in Figure 13 (E), a presentation video in which character A defeats character B is played back and displayed in the center of the display area of the LCD display 32, and the shrinking middle presentation pattern 362 is temporarily stopped and displayed in the same manner (jackpot manner) as the shrinking left presentation pattern 360 and the shrinking right presentation pattern 364 in the upper right corner of the display area of the LCD display 32, thereby provisionally notifying the player that a jackpot has been won.

[0171] Then, the animation in which character A defeats character B ends, and as shown in Figure 13 (F), the left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352 and right performance pattern 354 are displayed in a provisionally stopped state in the center of the display area of the LCD display 32, and then, as shown in Figure 13 (G), the left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352 and right performance pattern 354 are displayed in a definitively stopped state in the center of the display area of the LCD display 32, and a sound effect informing the player that a jackpot has been won is output from the speaker 14, thereby definitively informing the player that a jackpot has been won.

[0172] On the other hand, if the jackpot is not won, as shown in Figure 13 (H), a presentation video in which character A is defeated by character B is played in the center of the display area of the LCD display 32, and the shrinking middle presentation pattern 362 is temporarily stopped and displayed in a different manner (missed reach manner) from the shrinking left presentation pattern 360 and the shrinking right presentation pattern 364 in the upper right corner of the display area of the LCD display 32, thereby provisionally informing the player that the jackpot was not won.

[0173] Then, the video of character A being defeated by character B ends, and as shown in Figure 13(I), the left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352 and right performance pattern 354 are displayed in a provisionally stopped state in the center of the display area of the LCD display 32, and then, as shown in Figure 13(J), the left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352 and right performance pattern 354 are displayed in a definitively stopped state in the center of the display area of the LCD display 32, thereby definitively informing the player that they did not win the jackpot.

[0174] Here, in the special variable performance processing, a common performance may be executed both when a jackpot is won and when a jackpot is not won, so when a common performance is executed, the player's expectations for winning the jackpot can be greatly increased.

[0175] In this embodiment, for each of the multiple types of effects, the expected probability of winning a jackpot is predetermined as the degree of possibility of winning a jackpot in the special lottery when each effect is executed, and the selection rate for each of the multiple types of effects is set in both the effect lottery table that is referenced when a jackpot is won in the special lottery and the effect lottery table that is referenced when a jackpot is not won in the special lottery so that effects with higher expected probability are more likely to be executed when a jackpot is won in the special lottery than effects with lower expected probability.

[0176] In this embodiment, the left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352 and right performance pattern 354 are displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 in a varying manner in a performance pattern that corresponds to the type of change in the first special pattern or the second special pattern in the status display device 70, and various performances are executed to increase the player's expectations of winning a jackpot, and the left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352 and right performance pattern 354 are displayed as provisionally stopped and then as definitively stopped in a manner that corresponds to the result of the special lottery, thereby notifying the player of the result of the special lottery.

[0177] In the hold display presentation processing, the presentation control means 300 displays on the liquid crystal display 32 an image indicating the status of the first special random number value or the second special random number value held in the special random number storage means 2914 of the main memory 290 based on a command corresponding to the first special hold number or the second special hold number on the main board 100. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 14(A), four hold display areas (display areas), namely, the first hold display area 411 to the fourth hold display area 414, are provided at the bottom of the display area of the liquid crystal display 32, corresponding to the first special hold memory area 1 to the first special hold memory area 4 or the second special hold memory area 1 to the second special hold memory area 4 of the special random number memory means 2914, and each hold display area can display a first hold image 420 indicating in which of the first special hold memory area 1 to the first special hold memory area 4 the first special random number value is stored, as shown in Figure 14(A), or a second hold image 422 indicating in which of the second special hold memory area 1 to the second special hold memory area 4 the second special random number value is stored, as shown in Figure 14(B).

[0178] In detail, when the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special hold memory areas 1 to 4 but the first special random number value is stored in the first special hold memory area 1, the performance control means 300 displays the first hold image 420 in the first hold display area 411, and when the first special random number value is reserved in each of the first special hold memory area 1 and the first special hold memory area 2, the performance control means 300 displays the first hold image 420 in each of the first hold display area 411 and the second hold display area 412, and so on.When the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special hold memory areas 1 to 4, the performance control means 300 displays the first hold image 420 in each of the first hold display area 411 to the fourth hold display area 414 depending on the number of first special random number values reserved in the first special hold memory area 1 to the first special hold memory area 4. In the example of Figure 14 (A), the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special hold memory areas 1 to 4, and the first special random number value is reserved in each of the first special hold memory area 1 to 3, so that the first hold image 420 is displayed in each of the first hold display area 411 to third hold display area 413.

[0179] In addition, regardless of whether the first special random number value is stored in any of the first special hold memory areas 1 to 4, the performance control means 300 displays a second hold image 422 in the first hold display area 411 when a second special random number value is reserved in the second special hold memory area 1, and displays a second hold image 422 in each of the first hold display area 411 and the second hold display area 412 when a second special random number value is reserved in each of the second special hold memory area 1 and the second special hold memory area 2, and so on.In other words, when a second special random number value is stored in any of the second special hold memory areas 1 to 4, the performance control means 300 displays a second hold image 422 in each of the first hold display area 411 to the fourth hold display area 414 depending on the number of second special random number values reserved in the second special hold memory areas 1 to 4. In the example of Figure 14 (B), a second special random number value is reserved in each of the second special reserve memory area 1 to the second special reserve memory area 2, and a second reserve image 422 is displayed in each of the first reserve display area 411 to the second reserve display area 412.

[0180] In addition, in this embodiment, one hold display area 430 is provided in the area to the left of the first hold display area 411 at the bottom of the display area of the liquid crystal display 32, corresponding to the special hold memory area of the special random number memory means 2914, and the hold display area 430 displays a first hold image 420 when a first special random number value is read from the first special hold memory area 1 and stored in the special hold memory area, and displays a second hold image 422 when a second special random number value is read from the second special hold memory area 1 and stored in the special hold memory area.

[0181] For example, in the state shown in Figure 14 (A), when the first special random number value is read from the first special reservation memory area 1 and a special lottery is performed and the first special random number value is stored in the special reservation memory area, the performance control means 300, as shown in Figure 14 (C), moves the first reserved image 420 displayed in the first reservation display area 411 to the reservation display area 430, starts the variable display of the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354, and performs display control to move the first reserved image 420 displayed in the reservation display area after the second reservation display area 412 to a reservation display area with an ordinal number one smaller from the original reservation display area. As a result, it can be shown that the first reserved image 420 displayed in the reservation display area 430 corresponds to the first special random number value that is the target of this special lottery, and that the first reserved image 420 displayed after the first reservation display area 411 corresponds to the first special random number value that is the target of the next or subsequent special lottery.

[0182] 14(D), when the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354 are displayed as a fixed stop to display the result of this special lottery, the first special random number value stored in the special reservation memory area is erased, and the first reserved image 420 displayed in the reserved display area 430 is erased. Then, when the first special random number value is read from the first special reservation memory area 1 and a special lottery is performed, the performance control means 300, although not shown, moves the first reserved image 420 displayed in the first reserved display area 411 to the reserved display area 430, starts the variable display of the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354, and performs display control to move the first reserved image 420 displayed in the reserve display area from the second reserve display area 412 onwards to a reserve display area with an ordinal number one smaller from the original reserve display area.

[0183] Also, although not shown, when a plurality of second special random number values are reserved in the second special reservation memory area 1 to the second special reservation memory area 4, the second special random number value is read from the second special reservation memory area 1, a special lottery is performed, and the second special random number value is stored in the special reservation memory area. The performance control means 300 moves the second reserved image 422 displayed in the first reservation display area 411 to the reservation display area 430, starts the variable display of the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354, and performs display control to move the second reserved image 422 displayed in the reservation display area after the second reservation display area 412 to a reservation display area with an ordinal number one smaller from the original reservation display area. As a result, the second reserved image 422 displayed in the reservation display area 430 corresponds to the second special random number value that is the target of this special lottery, and the second reserved image 422 displayed after the first reservation display area 411 corresponds to the second special random number value that is the target of the next or subsequent special lottery.

[0184] Furthermore, when the first special random number value or the second special random number value is acquired and another first special random number value or second special random number value is stored in the special random number storage means 2914, the performance control means 300 causes the performance device 176 to execute a pre-reading performance during the period from when the first special random number value or the second special random number value is acquired until the variable display of the first special pattern or the second special pattern for the first special random number value or the second special random number value is completed, or during the period from when the first special random number value or the second special random number value acquired before the first special random number value or the second special random number value is acquired until the variable display of the first special pattern or the second special pattern is completed.

[0185] In this embodiment, the look-ahead effect may be, for example, changing the color or shape of the first reserved image 420 or the second reserved image 422 corresponding to the first special random number value or the second special random number value for which execution of the look-ahead effect has been determined, displaying an effect image around the first reserved image 420 or the second reserved image 422, displaying an object image such as a character image, or displaying a special background image different from the normal background image. Note that in this embodiment, when the game state is normal, the look-ahead effect is not performed for the second special random number value, and when the game state is in a probability variable state or a time-saving state, the look-ahead effect is not performed for the first special random number value.

[0186] Here, the presentation control means 300 performs a pre-reading presentation for the first special random number value or the second special random number value only when the result of the jackpot determination process included in the result of the advance judgment corresponding to the first special random number value or the second special random number value is a jackpot, or when it is a miss but the first special pattern or the second special pattern is displayed in a reach variation pattern.

[0187] In detail, in this embodiment, in each of the variable group lottery tables A to D shown in FIG. 6, among the variable group determination random number values of 0 to 99, each of the 90 variable group determination random number values of 0 to 89 corresponds to one of groups 0 to 3 excluding groups 4 and 5, each of the 8 variable group determination random number values of 90 to 97 corresponds to group 4, and each of the 2 variable group determination random number values of 98 to 99 corresponds to group 5. Therefore, when the variable group determination random number value is one of 0 to 89, depending on the reserved number or the game state, there are cases where a no-reach variable pattern is determined and cases where a reach variable pattern is determined, and when the variable group determination random number value is one of 90 to 99, regardless of the reserved number or the game state, a reach variable pattern is always determined, and a no-reach variable pattern is never determined.

[0188] Therefore, in this embodiment, if the special lottery means 230 fails in the jackpot determination process performed as a pre-determination process, and the variable group determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value is any one of 0 to 89, it sets indefinite value information indicating that it is uncertain whether a reach fluctuation pattern will be determined as the result of the pre-determination, and if it is any one of 90 to 99, it sets fixed value information indicating that a reach fluctuation pattern will definitely be determined as the result of the pre-determination.

[0189] If the result of the jackpot determination process included in the result of the preliminary judgment is a jackpot, the performance control means 300 conducts a pre-reading performance lottery to determine whether or not a pre-reading performance can be executed for the first special random number value or the second special random number value, but if the result is a miss, it determines whether or not the result of the preliminary judgment includes fixed value information, and if fixed value information is included, it conducts a pre-reading performance lottery.

[0190] As a result, in this embodiment, even if the number of reserved numbers changes between the time when the preliminary judgment process is performed for the first special random number value or the second special random number value and the time when the special lottery is performed for that first special random number value or the second special random number value, when the special lottery is performed for the first special random number value or the second special random number value for which it has been determined that a pre-reading effect will be executed, the special variable effect can be executed in a reach effect pattern, regardless of whether it is a jackpot or a miss.

[0191] Then, when the performance control means 300 determines to execute a pre-reading performance in the pre-reading performance lottery for the first special random number value, if there is no first special random number value among the first special random number values reserved in the special reserve memory area and the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, which were acquired before the first special random number value for which execution of the pre-reading performance was determined, that is, a first special random number value for which the result of the jackpot determination process included in the result of the pre-determination is a jackpot, or a first special random number value for which the result of the jackpot determination process included in the result of the pre-determination is a miss but the result of the pre-determination includes fixed value information, the performance control means 300 starts the pre-reading performance, assuming that the start conditions for the pre-reading performance are met.

[0192] Furthermore, when it is decided in the pre-reading performance lottery to execute a pre-reading performance for the second special random number value, if the second special random number values reserved in the special reserve memory area and the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4 and obtained before the second special random number value for which execution of the pre-reading performance has been decided do not include a second special random number value for which the result of the jackpot determination process included in the result of the pre-determination is a jackpot, or a second special random number value for which the result of the jackpot determination process included in the result of the pre-determination is a miss but the result of the pre-determination includes fixed value information, then the start condition for the pre-reading performance is deemed to be met and the pre-reading performance is started.

[0193] As a result, in this embodiment, at the time when it is decided to execute the pre-reading effect for the first special random number value or the second special random number value, if it has been decided that a jackpot will be won for the already reserved first special random number value or the second special random number value, if the variable display of the first special pattern or the second special pattern is being performed in the reach variation pattern, or if it has been decided that the variable display of the first special pattern or the second special pattern will be performed in the reach variation pattern, the pre-reading effect can be started after the special game state executed by the determined jackpot has ended, or after the variable display of the first special pattern or the second special pattern by the reach variation pattern that is being executed or has been decided to be executed has ended.

[0194] Therefore, in this embodiment, if the first special pattern or the second special pattern is not displayed in a variable manner according to the reach variation pattern for the first special random number value or the second special random number value for which it has been decided to execute the pre-reading effect, the pre-reading effect is executed while the first special pattern or the second special pattern is displayed in a variable manner according to the no-reach variation pattern.

[0195] 3. Control Method of the Present Embodiment The control method of this embodiment will be described in detail below. Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of an effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display 32. In this embodiment, when a special lottery is performed in the normal state, and the left effect symbol 350, the center effect symbol 352, and the right effect symbol 354 are displayed variably on the liquid crystal display 32 as shown in Figure 15(A), a first half effect pattern may be displayed in which a darkened effect image is first displayed, and then the darkened effect image gradually becomes brighter, and as shown in Figure 15(B), an effect image of a band made up of multiple characters performing a song on stage is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32, and a song preview effect may be started in which the sound of the song being played by the band is output from the speaker 14.

[0196] In detail, in the music preview performance, a darkened performance image is displayed, and the music played by the band starts playing at a low volume, and as the performance image gradually becomes brighter, the volume of the music gradually increases. In other words, the performance image of the band playing the music on stage and the sound of the music played by the band are played in a fade-in manner.

[0197] In addition, during the song preview performance, as shown in Figure 15(B), an image showing the left performance pattern 350, center performance pattern 352, and right performance pattern 354 shown in Figure 15(A) in a variable manner is continuously displayed in a reduced size on the screen behind the stage.

[0198] Then, as shown in Figure 15(C), when the left performance pattern 350 and the right performance pattern 354 are displayed temporarily stopped in a reach state on the screen, as shown in Figure 15(D), the word "NEXT" is displayed as the middle performance pattern 352, and a continuation pattern 510 is displayed temporarily stopped, suggesting that the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354 will be displayed in a changing state again in the special lottery performance for one special lottery, and the changing display of the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354 may resume as shown in Figure 15(E).

[0199] In this embodiment, in the special lottery performance for one special lottery, a song preview performance may be executed during the execution of a pseudo-continuous change performance in which the pattern change performance from the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354 being displayed in a changing state until they are displayed in a temporary stopped state is repeated multiple times, but even during the execution of the pseudo-continuous change performance, the playback of the performance image of the band performing the song on stage and the playback of the song performed by the band continue.

[0200] 15(F), when the left effect symbol 350 and the right effect symbol 354 are temporarily stopped and displayed in a reach state, a reach achievement image indicating that the left effect symbol 350 and the right effect symbol 354 have reached a reach state, such as "Reach!", is displayed in the center of the display area of the liquid crystal display 32 as a reach effect pattern, as shown in FIG. 15(G), and a music reach effect is started in which the chorus part of the music being played by the band is played, and in the upper right part of the display area of the liquid crystal display 32, a reduced left effect symbol 360 and a reduced right effect symbol 364 are temporarily stopped and displayed in a reach state, while a reducing effect symbol 362 is displayed in a variable manner. In the music reach effect, the chorus part of the music is played while a reach effect image different from the music preview effect is displayed.

[0201] In the song preview effect, the pre-chorus part of the song output in the song reach effect is played, which is the part before the chorus part, and when the song preview effect ends and the song reach effect starts, the chorus part starts to be played without interruption in the song being played. That is, in the song preview effect, the pre-chorus part starts to be played so that the end timing of the first half effect pattern and the end timing of the pre-chorus part match. Also, in the song reach effect, the chorus part starts to be played so that the start timing of the reach effect pattern and the start timing of the chorus part match.

[0202] Therefore, if the music preview performance is always set to start playback from the beginning of the music, the music preview performance cannot be executed in the first half performance pattern, which has a period shorter than the playback time of the part before the chorus, and the frequency of the music preview performance will be low.

[0203] Therefore, in this embodiment, even if a first half performance pattern is determined for a period shorter than the playback time of the pre-chorus part, it is possible to execute a music preview performance in which playback of the music starts halfway through the pre-chorus part, thereby increasing the frequency of execution of the music preview performance.

[0204] Specifically, the section before the chorus of each song is divided into an intro, which is the first part of the song; an A-melody, which is the second part of the song; and a B-melody, which is the third part of the song and the last part before the chorus. It is possible to perform song preview performances in which playback starts from the intro, in which playback starts from the A-melody, and in which playback starts from the B-melody.

[0205] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an execution pattern of a music preview effect that can be executed according to the type of first half effect pattern when the music reach effect of music A is executed among multiple music pieces that can be played in the music reach effect. In the example of Fig. 16, when "no pseudo" is determined as the first half effect pattern, which requires 24 seconds and does not execute the pseudo continuous variation effect, a music preview effect of an execution pattern in which playback starts from the B melody part of music A, which requires 15 seconds, 9 seconds after the start of the first half effect pattern, can be executed.

[0206] In this case, 24 seconds after the start of the first half performance pattern, the first half performance pattern ends and the playback of the B melody part of song A ends, the reach performance pattern begins and the playback of the chorus part of song A begins.

[0207] In addition, if "Pseudo 2" is determined as the first half performance pattern, in which two pattern change performances are performed over a 47-second duration, a song preview performance can be executed in which playback begins from the A-melody part of song A, which takes 19 seconds, 13 seconds after the start of the first half performance pattern.

[0208] In this case, 32 seconds after the start of the first half performance pattern, playback of the A melody part of song A ends and playback of the B melody part of song A begins. Then, 47 seconds after the start of the first half performance pattern, the first half performance pattern ends and playback of the B melody part of song A ends, the reach performance pattern begins and playback of the chorus part of song A begins.

[0209] In addition, if "Pseudo 2" is determined as the first half performance pattern, an execution pattern song preview performance can be executed in which playback begins from the B melody part of song A 32 seconds after the start of the first half performance pattern.

[0210] In this case, 47 seconds after the start of the first half performance pattern, the first half performance pattern ends and the playback of the B melody part of song A ends, the reach performance pattern begins and the playback of the chorus part of song A begins.

[0211] Furthermore, if the first half performance pattern is determined to be "Pseudo 3," which requires 62 seconds and executes three pattern change performances, then 19 seconds after the start of the first half performance pattern, a music preview performance can be executed in which playback begins from the intro part of music A, which requires 9 seconds.

[0212] In this case, 28 seconds after the start of the first half performance pattern, playback of the intro section of song A ends and playback of the A melody section of song A begins. Also, 47 seconds after the start of the first half performance pattern, playback of the A melody section of song A ends and playback of the B melody section of song A begins. Then, 62 seconds after the start of the first half performance pattern, the first half performance pattern ends and playback of the B melody section of song A ends, the reach performance pattern begins and playback of the chorus section of song A begins.

[0213] In addition, if "Pseudo 3" is determined as the first half performance pattern, an execution pattern song preview performance can be executed in which playback begins from the A melody part of song A 28 seconds after the start of the first half performance pattern.

[0214] In this case, 47 seconds after the start of the first half performance pattern, playback of the A melody part of song A ends and playback of the B melody part of song A begins. Then, 62 seconds after the start of the first half performance pattern, the first half performance pattern ends and playback of the B melody part of song A ends, the reach performance pattern begins and playback of the chorus part of song A begins.

[0215] In addition, if "Pseudo 3" is determined as the first half performance pattern, an execution pattern song preview performance can be executed in which playback begins from the B melody part of song A 47 seconds after the start of the first half performance pattern.

[0216] In this case, 62 seconds after the start of the first half performance pattern, the first half performance pattern ends and the playback of the B melody part of song A ends, the reach performance pattern begins and the playback of the chorus part of song A begins.

[0217] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the playback start timing of each pre-chorus portion according to the type of first half performance pattern set for each of a plurality of songs that can be played in the song reach performance.

[0218] As for song A, as explained in Figure 16, the required time for the intro section is 9 seconds, the required time for the A-melody section is 19 seconds, and the required time for the B-melody section is 15 seconds, so for the ``no pseudo'' setting, which has a required time of 24 seconds, the playback start timing for the intro section and the A-melody section is not set, and the playback start timing for the B-melody section is set to ``9 seconds after'' the start of the first half performance pattern.

[0219] For song A, "Pseudo 2," which has a duration of 47 seconds, the timing at which the intro section starts to play is not set, the timing at which the A melody section starts to play is set to "13 seconds" after the start of the first half of the performance pattern, and the timing at which the B melody section starts to play is set to "32 seconds" after the start of the first half of the performance pattern.

[0220] For song A, "Pseudo 3," which has a duration of 62 seconds, the timing at which the intro section starts to play is set to "19 seconds" from the start of the first half of the performance pattern, the timing at which the A melody section starts to play is set to "28 seconds" from the start of the first half of the performance pattern, and the timing at which the B melody section starts to play is set to "47 seconds" from the start of the first half of the performance pattern.

[0221] For song B, the required time for the intro is 20 seconds, the required time for the A melody is 20 seconds, and the required time for the B melody is 21 seconds, so the playback start timing for the intro, A melody, and B melody is not set for "no pseudo," which has a required time of 24 seconds. In other words, if "no pseudo" is determined as the first half performance pattern and the song reach performance of song B is determined as the reach performance pattern, the song preview performance will not be executed.

[0222] For song B, "Pseudo 2," which has a duration of 47 seconds, the timing at which the intro section starts to play is not set, the timing at which the A melody section starts to play is set to "6 seconds after" the start of the first half of the performance pattern, and the timing at which the B melody section starts to play is set to "26 seconds after" the start of the first half of the performance pattern.

[0223] For song B, "Pseudo 3," which has a duration of 62 seconds, the timing at which the intro section starts to play is not set, the timing at which the A melody section starts to play is set to "21 seconds" after the start of the first half of the performance pattern, and the timing at which the B melody section starts to play is set to "41 seconds" after the start of the first half of the performance pattern.

[0224] For song C, the required time for the intro is 17.5 seconds, the required time for the A melody is 22.5 seconds, and the required time for the B melody is 19 seconds, so the playback start timing for the intro, A melody, and B melody is not set for "no pseudo," which has a required time of 24 seconds. In other words, if "no pseudo" is determined as the first half performance pattern and the song reach performance of song C is determined as the reach performance pattern, the song preview performance will not be executed.

[0225] For song C, "Pseudo 2," which has a duration of 47 seconds, the timing at which the intro and A-melody sections start playing is not set, and the timing at which the B-melody section starts playing is set to "28 seconds after" the start of the first half performance pattern.

[0226] For song C, "Pseudo 3," which has a duration of 62 seconds, the timing at which the intro section starts to play is not set, the timing at which the A melody section starts to play is set to "20.5 seconds" from the start of the first half of the performance pattern, and the timing at which the B melody section starts to play is set to "43 seconds" from the start of the first half of the performance pattern.

[0227] For song D, the intro takes 21 seconds, the A-melody takes 22.5 seconds, and the B-melody takes 13.5 seconds, so compared to the "No Pseudo" version, which has a duration of 24 seconds, the playback start timing for the intro and A-melody is not set, and the playback start timing for the B-melody is set to "10.5 seconds" from the start of the first half performance pattern.

[0228] For song D, "Pseudo 2," which has a duration of 47 seconds, the timing at which the intro section starts to play is not set, the timing at which the A melody section starts to play is set to "11 seconds" from the start of the first half of the performance pattern, and the timing at which the B melody section starts to play is set to "33.5 seconds" from the start of the first half of the performance pattern.

[0229] For song B, "Pseudo 3," which has a duration of 62 seconds, the timing at which the intro section starts to play is not set, the timing at which the A melody section starts to play is set to "26 seconds" after the start of the first half of the performance pattern, and the timing at which the B melody section starts to play is set to "48.5 seconds" after the start of the first half of the performance pattern.

[0230] For song E, the intro takes 18.5 seconds, the A-melody takes 21.5 seconds, and the B-melody takes 9 seconds, so for the "no pseudo" version, which has a duration of 24 seconds, the playback start timing for the intro and A-melody is not set, and the playback start timing for the B-melody is set to "15 seconds after" the start of the first half performance pattern.

[0231] For song E, "Pseudo 2," which has a duration of 47 seconds, the timing at which the intro section starts to play is not set, the timing at which the A melody section starts to play is set to "16.5 seconds" from the start of the first half of the performance pattern, and the timing at which the B melody section starts to play is set to "38 seconds" from the start of the first half of the performance pattern.

[0232] For song E, "Pseudo 3," which has a duration of 62 seconds, the timing at which the intro section starts to play is set to "13 seconds" from the start of the first half of the performance pattern, the timing at which the A melody section starts to play is set to "31.5 seconds" from the start of the first half of the performance pattern, and the timing at which the B melody section starts to play is set to "53 seconds" from the start of the first half of the performance pattern.

[0233] In this embodiment, when a music reach effect is executed, one execution pattern of the music preview effect is selected from the execution patterns of the executable music preview effect by a performance lottery based on the type of music played in the music reach effect and the type of performance pattern in the first half, or no execution of the music preview effect is selected.

[0234] For example, in the example of Figure 17, if it is decided to execute the song reach effect for song A and "no pseudo" is decided as the first half effect pattern (if the first condition is met), either a song preview effect of an execution pattern in which playback starts from the B melody part of song A (the first part, the part farthest from the beginning of the song) 9 seconds after the start of the first half effect pattern (the first timing) is selected, or no execution of the song preview effect is selected.

[0235] Furthermore, when it is decided to execute the song reach effect for song A and "pseudo 2" is determined as the first half effect pattern (when the second condition is met), either a song preview effect of an execution pattern in which playback starts from the A melody part of song A (the second part, the part close to the beginning of the song) 13 seconds after the start of the first half effect pattern (the second timing) is selected, or a song preview effect of an execution pattern in which playback starts from the B melody part of song A 32 seconds after the start of the first half effect pattern is selected, or no song preview effect is selected.

[0236] Furthermore, when it is decided to execute the song reach effect for song A and "Pseudo 3" is decided as the first half effect pattern, the execution pattern of the song preview effect will be selected in which playback starts from the intro part of song A 19 seconds after the start of the first half effect pattern, or the execution pattern of the song preview effect will be selected in which playback starts from the A melody part of song A 28 seconds after the start of the first half effect pattern, or the execution pattern of the song preview effect will be selected in which playback starts from the B melody part of song A 47 seconds after the start of the first half effect pattern, or no song preview effect will be selected.

[0237] In this embodiment, the expectation level for each effect is predetermined so that the expectation level increases in the following order: music preview effect of an execution pattern starting from the intro section > music preview effect of an execution pattern starting from the A melody section > music preview effect of an execution pattern starting from the B melody section > no music preview effect.The selection rate for each effect is set in both the effect lottery table that is referenced when the result is favorable to the player and the effect lottery table that is referenced when the result is not favorable to the player, so that effects with higher expectations are more likely to be selected when the result is favorable to the player than effects with lower expectations.

[0238] In this embodiment, by changing the point at which the song starts to play in the song preview performance depending on the duration of the first half performance pattern, it is possible to execute a song preview performance that corresponds to the duration of the first half performance pattern, and it is possible to execute a song preview performance so that the earlier the song preview performance starts before the chorus, the higher the level of anticipation.

[0239] 4. Variations The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible, and modifications are introduced below. Note that the above-described embodiment and the various methods described below as modifications can be appropriately combined and adopted as a control method for realizing the present invention.

[0240] During the execution of the foreseeing performance covering the special lottery performance for a plurality of special lotteries, a music preview performance may be executed, and during the foreseeing performance, the reproduction of the performance image of the band playing music on stage and the reproduction of the music played by the band may be continued.

[0241] The music reach effect may be executed whenever the music preview effect is executed, or the music reach effect may not be executed even when the music preview effect is executed.

[0242] The music to be played when the music reach effect is executed may be selectable based on the player's operation of an effect input device such as the effect button 26 or the cross key 27.

[0243] When the game state is shifted to the special game state, the music being played in the music reach effect may be made to continue to be played even in the special game state.

[0244] This may also be applied to so-called managed gaming machines that circulate gaming balls within the machine by managing the number of gaming balls owned by a player as numerical data, rather than physically lending or paying out gaming balls to the player. [Explanation of symbols]

[0245] 2 outer frame, 4 playing area, 6 playing board, 8 glass unit, 10 front frame, 12 front frame lamp, 14 speaker, 16 upper tray, 18 payment outlet, 20 handle, 22 supply port, 24 bottom tray, 26 performance button, 28 outer rail, 30 inner rail, 32 LCD display, 34 display frame, 36 production unit, 38 display frame lamp, 40 opening, 42 aisle, 44 Stage, 46 First starting entry gate, 48 Passing gate, 50 Second starting entry gate, 52 Normal role, 54 1st big prize entrance, 56 1st special role, 62 Out entrance

Claims

1. A gaming machine that progresses a game according to the result of a lottery, A performance control means for controlling the performance is provided, The performance control means When a first condition is satisfied, playback of the music piece is started from a first portion of the music piece at a first timing; When a second condition is satisfied, the gaming machine starts playing the music from a second part of the music at a second timing.

2. In claim 1, This gaming machine is characterized in that the probability of the result of the lottery being advantageous to the player is higher when the part where the reproduction of the music starts is closer to the beginning of the music than when the part where the reproduction of the music starts is farther from the beginning of the music.

Images