Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine with enhanced marketability.SOLUTION: A game machine can be controlled to be in a special state in which an average variable display period is short, controls light emission using a luminance data table, and displays a specific background image in a notification performance. When the specific background image is displayed in the notification performance at the time of deriving a specific display result, the corresponding decoration identification information combination is displayed. When the notification performance is completed, a normal background image is displayed, the corresponding decoration identification information combination is displayed, and a specific image is displayed in a manner in which it operates close to a numerical image of the decoration identification information combination. The specific image is not displayed in the special state. In a win / lose notification part of a notification performance, a movable body advances. A table for moving the movable body is used when the movable body advances, and a table of an epilogue part is used in the epilogue part. The table for moving the movable body is configured so that chromatic colors and achromatic colors are sequentially used. For the table of the epilogue part, multiple chromatic colors including a first chromatic color and a second chromatic color are sequentially used.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 315

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state advantageous to a player.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a gaming machine that provides a plurality of parts (for example, an introduction part, a win / loss determination part, an epilogue part, etc.) from the start to the end of variable display to enhance the player's interest (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the gaming machine having the functions and configurations of Patent Document 1, there was room for improving the marketability.

[0005] The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine with enhanced marketability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (A) A gaming machine capable of variably displaying identification information including first identification information and second identification information and controllable to an advantageous state advantageous to a player, a plurality of light emitting means, light emission control means for controlling the light emission means, and in one effect mode, a plurality of types of background images including a first background image and a second background image can be switched and displayed, when switching the background image from the first background image to the second background image, background fade-out display for gradually increasing the transparency of the first background image is executed, and background fade-in display for gradually decreasing the transparency of the second background image can be executed, the area where the variable display of the identification information is performed includes at least a first area and a second area, When starting the variable display of the identification information, start the variable display of the first identification information in the first area and start the variable display of the second identification information in the second area, When starting the variable display of the first identification information, it is possible to execute a first identification information fade-out display that gradually increases the transparency of the first identification information in the first area, and when starting the variable display of the second identification information, it is possible to execute a second identification information fade-out display that gradually increases the transparency of the second identification information in the second area, When ending the variable display of the identification information, decelerate the variable display of the first identification information in the first area and decelerate the variable display of the second identification information in the second area, When decelerating the variable display of the first identification information, it is possible to execute a first identification information fade-in display that gradually decreases the transparency of the first identification information in the first area, and when decelerating the variable display of the second identification information, it is possible to execute a second identification information fade-in display that gradually decreases the transparency of the second identification information in the second area, It is possible to execute at least one of the first identification information fade-in display or the second identification information fade-in display and the background fade-in display at a common time, The execution period of the first identification information fade-in display and the execution period of the second identification information fade-in display are common, The execution period of the background fade-in display is longer than the execution period of the first identification information fade-in display and the execution period of the second identification information fade-in display, The light emission control means controls the light emission means using a luminance data table composed of luminance data, It is possible to execute a notification effect for notifying whether or not it is controlled to the advantageous state, The notification effect executed when it is determined that it is controlled to the advantageous state is, An introduction part that is developed in a manner along the story of the notification effect until it is notified whether or not it is controlled to the advantageous state, and a first epilogue part in which it is notified in a manner along the story of the notification effect that it is controlled to the advantageous state. The first pattern is configured to include An introduction part that is developed in a manner along the story of the notification effect until it is notified whether or not it is controlled to the advantageous state, a second epilogue part in which it is notified in a manner along the story of the notification effect that it is not controlled to the advantageous state, and a second pattern that includes a relief notification part that is executed after the second epilogue part and in which it is notified that it is controlled to the advantageous state. The notification effect executed when it is determined that it is not controlled to the advantageous state includes an introduction part that is developed in a manner along the story of the notification effect until it is notified whether or not it is controlled to the advantageous state, and a second epilogue part in which it is notified in a manner along the story of the notification effect that it is not controlled to the advantageous state. The introduction part in the notification effect executed when it is determined that it is controlled to the advantageous state and the introduction part in the notification effect executed when it is determined that it is not controlled to the advantageous state are common. The light emission control means In the introduction part, the light emitting means is controlled using a luminance data table corresponding to the introduction part. In the first epilogue part of the notification effect of the first pattern, the light emitting means is controlled using a luminance data table corresponding to the first epilogue part. In the second epilogue part of the notification effect of the second pattern, the light emitting means is controlled using a luminance data table corresponding to the second epilogue part. In the relief notification part of the notification effect of the second pattern, the light emitting means is controlled using a luminance data table corresponding to the relief notification part. In the luminance data table corresponding to the second epilogue part, the luminance data first used is set to be lower in luminance than the luminance data last used in the luminance data table corresponding to the introduction part. By controlling the light emitting means using the luminance data last used in the luminance data table corresponding to the introduction part, the light emitting means emits light at a first luminance. By controlling the light emitting means using the luminance data first used in the luminance data table corresponding to the second epilogue part, the light emitting means emits light at a second luminance lower than the first luminance. In the luminance data table corresponding to the relief notification part, the luminance data first used is set to be higher in luminance than the luminance data last used in the luminance data table corresponding to the second epilogue part. The luminance data table corresponding to the first epilogue part and the luminance data table corresponding to the relief notification part are different. ri , The control of the light-emitting means by the luminance data table corresponding to the second epilogue part is performed by sequentially using predetermined luminance data used after a predetermined timing among the luminance data constituting the luminance data table corresponding to the second epilogue part, and then using the predetermined luminance data in order again. The control of the light-emitting means by the luminance data table corresponding to the relief notification part is terminated without using the luminance data in order again after sequentially using the luminance data constituting the luminance data table corresponding to the relief notification part. It is characterized by this. Furthermore, (1) a gaming machine capable of executing variable display of specific identification information and controlling to an advantageous state favorable to a player when a specific display result is derived as a result of the variable display of the specific identification information, a game control means, a performance control means, a movable body, a plurality of light emitting means, and is provided with. The game control means, executes the variable display of the specific identification information, is controllable to a normal state and a special state in which variable display is more likely to be executed than the normal state and the average variable display period is short. The performance control means, is capable of performing variable display of a plurality of types of decoration identification information corresponding to the variable display of the specific identification information, is capable of controlling the light emitting means using a luminance data table composed of luminance data. It is possible to execute a notification effect that notifies whether or not it is controlled to the advantageous state, the decoration identification information includes a digital image, the effect control means, it is possible to display a normal background image from the start of the variable display of the decoration identification information until the notification effect is executed, in the notification effect, it is possible to display a specific background image different from the normal background image, when the notification effect is executed in the variable display in which the specific display result is derived as a result of the variable display, the combination of the decoration identification information corresponding to the specific display result is displayed when the specific background image is being displayed in the notification effect, with the end of the notification effect, the specific background image is erased and the normal background image is displayed, and the combination of the decoration identification information corresponding to the specific display result is displayed when the normal background image is being displayed, the specific image is displayed in a mode that operates close to the digital image of the combination of the decoration identification information corresponding to the specific display result being displayed when the normal background image is being displayed, in the special state, the specific image is not displayed, the notification effect includes an introduction part until it is notified whether or not it is controlled to the advantageous state, a yes / no notification part in which the yes / no is notified, and an epilogue part that is executed after the yes / no is notified and when it is determined that it is controlled to the advantageous state, in the yes / no notification part in the notification effect that is executed when it is determined that it is controlled to the advantageous state, the movable body advances from the first position to the second position, the effect control means, in the yes / no notification part, when the movable body advances to the second position, the light emitting means is controlled using a luminance data table for movable body movement, in the epilogue part, the light emitting means is controlled using a luminance data table corresponding to the epilogue part, The luminance data table for moving the movable body is configured such that luminance data representing chromatic colors and luminance data representing achromatic colors are sequentially used. The luminance data table corresponding to the epilogue part is configured such that luminance data representing a plurality of chromatic colors including luminance data representing a first chromatic color and luminance data representing a second chromatic color are sequentially used. It is characterized by this. According to this feature, a series of effects to be executed can be shown more suitably, and while enhancing the effect of the performance and livening it up, a sense of speed can be given to the variable display in a special state where the average variable display period is short, so that the marketability can be enhanced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22

Figure 23

Figure 24

Figure 25

Figure 26

Figure 27

Figure 28

Figure 29

Figure 30

Figure 31

Figure 32

Figure 33

Figure 34

Figure 35

Figure 36

Figure 37

Figure 38

Figure 39

Figure 40

Figure 41

Figure 42

Figure 43

Figure 44

Figure 45

Figure 46

Figure 47

Figure 48

Figure 49

Figure 50

Figure 51

Figure 52

Figure 53

Figure 54

Figure 55

Figure 56

Figure 57

Figure 58

Figure 59

Figure 60

Figure 61

Figure 62

Figure 63

Figure 64

Figure 65

Figure 66

Figure 67

Figure 68

Figure 69

Figure 70

Figure 71

Figure 72

Figure 73

Figure 74

Figure 75

Figure 76

Figure 77

Figure 78

Figure 79

Figure 80

Figure 81

Figure 82

Figure 83

Figure 84

Figure 85

Figure 86

Figure 87

Figure 88

Figure 89

Figure 90

Figure 91

Figure 92

Figure 93

Figure 94

Figure 95

Figure 96

Figure 97

Figure 98

Figure 99

Figure 100

Figure 101

Figure 102

Figure 103

Figure 104

Figure 105

Figure 106

Figure 107

Figure 108

Figure 109

Figure 110

Figure 111

Figure 112

Figure 113

Figure 114

Figure 115

Figure 116

Figure 117

Figure 118

Figure 119

Figure 120

Figure 121

Figure 122

Figure 123

Figure 124

Figure 125

Figure 126

Figure 127

Figure 128

Figure 129

Figure 130

Figure 131

Figure 132

Figure 133

Figure 134

Figure 135

Figure 136

Figure 137

Figure 138

Figure 139

Figure 140

Figure 141

Figure 142

Figure 143

Figure 144

Figure 145

Figure 146

Figure 147

Figure 148

Figure 149

Figure 150

Figure 151

Figure 152

Figure 153

Figure 154

Figure 155

Figure 156

Figure 157

Figure 158

Figure 159

Figure 160

Figure 161

Figure 162

Figure 163

Figure 164

Figure 165

Figure 166

Figure 167

Figure 168

Figure 169

Figure 170

Figure 171

Figure 172

Figure 173

Figure 174

Figure 175

Figure 176

Figure 177

Figure 178

Figure 179

Figure 180

Figure 181

Figure 182

Figure 183

Figure 184

Figure 185

Figure 186

Figure 187

Figure 188

Figure 189

Figure 190

Figure 191

Figure 192

Figure 193

Figure 194

Figure 195

Figure 196

Figure 197

Figure 198

Figure 199

Figure 200

Figure 201

Figure 202

Figure 203

Figure 204

Figure 205

Figure 206

Figure 207

Figure 208

Figure 209

Figure 210

Figure 211

Figure 212

Figure 213

Figure 214

Figure 215

Figure 216

Figure 217

Figure 218

Figure 219

Figure 220

Figure 221

Figure 222

Figure 223

Figure 224

Figure 225

Figure 226

Figure 227

Figure 228

Figure 229

Figure 230

Figure 231

Figure 232

Figure 233

Figure 234

Figure 235

Figure 236

Figure 237

Figure 238

Figure 239

Figure 240

Figure 241

Figure 242

Figure 243

Figure 244

Figure 245

Figure 246

Figure 247

Figure 248

Figure 249

Figure 250

Figure 251

Figure 252

Figure 253

Figure 254

Figure 255

Figure 256

Figure 257

Figure 258

Figure 259

Figure 260

Figure 261

Figure 262

Figure 263

Figure 264

Figure 265

Figure 266

Figure 267

Figure 268

Figure 269

Figure 270

Figure 271

Figure 272

Figure 273

Figure 274

Figure 275

Figure 276

Figure 277

Figure 278

Figure 279

Figure 280

Figure 281

Figure 282

Figure 283

Figure 284

Figure 285

Figure 286

Figure 287

Figure 288

Figure 289

Figure 290

Figure 291

Figure 292

Figure 293

Figure 294

Figure 295

Figure 296

Figure 297

Figure 298

Figure 299

Figure 300

Figure 301

Figure 302

Figure 303

Figure 304

Figure 305

Figure 306

Figure 307

Figure 308

Figure 309

Figure 310

Figure 311

Figure 312

Figure 313

Figure 314

Figure 315

Figure 316

Figure 317

Figure 318

Figure 319

Figure 320

Figure 321

Figure 322

Figure 323

Figure 324

Figure 325

Figure 326

Figure 327

Figure 328

Figure 329

Figure 330

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] <Configuration of Pachinko Machine, etc.> FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 shows the layout of main members in a pachinko gaming machine 1 which is an example of a gaming machine. The pachinko gaming machine 1, which is an example of a gaming machine, is roughly composed of a game board (gauge board) 2 constituting a game board surface and a gaming machine frame (base frame) 3 that supports and fixes the game board 2. A game area is formed on the game board 2, and game balls as game media are launched from a predetermined ball shooting device and driven into this game area.

[0009] In the pachinko gaming machine 1, the game is played by variably displaying special symbols. The "variable display" of special symbols means, for example, variably displaying a plurality of types of special symbols (the same applies to other symbols described later). Examples of the variation include updated display of a plurality of symbols, scroll display of a plurality of symbols, deformation of one or more symbols, and enlargement / reduction of one or more symbols. In the variation of special symbols and ordinary symbols described later, a plurality of types of special symbols or ordinary symbols are updated and displayed. In the variation of the decorative symbols described later, a plurality of types of decorative symbols are scroll-displayed or updated, or one or more decorative symbols are deformed or enlarged / reduced. Note that the variation also includes a mode of blinking display of a certain symbol. At the end of the variable display, a predetermined special symbol is stopped and displayed (also referred to as derivation or derivation display, etc.) as the display result (the same applies to the variable display of other symbols described later). Note that the variable display may be expressed as a variable display or a variation.

[0010] Note that two types of special symbols are provided as special symbols variably displayed in the pachinko gaming machine 1. For example, one special symbol is also referred to as the "first special figure" or the "first special symbol", and the other special symbol is also referred to as the "second special figure" or the "second special symbol". Also, the special figure game using the first special figure is called the "first special figure game", and the special figure game using the second special figure is also called the "second special figure game".

[0011] An image display device 5 is provided near the center of the game area on the game board 2. The image display device 5 is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display device), an organic EL (Electro Luminescence), etc., and displays various effect images. The image display device 5 may be composed of a projector and a screen. Various effect images are displayed on the image display device 5.

[0012] For example, on the screen of the image display device 5, in synchronization with the first special figure game and the second special figure game, variable display of a plurality of types of decorative identification information different from the special symbol, such as a decorative symbol (a symbol indicating a number, etc.) is performed. Here, in synchronization with the first special figure game or the second special figure game, the decorative symbol is variably displayed (for example, scroll display or update display in the vertical direction) in each of the "left", "center", and "right" decorative symbol display areas. The special figure game and the variable display of the decorative symbol that are executed synchronously are collectively referred to simply as variable display.

[0013] A display area for displaying a hold display corresponding to the variable display whose execution is on hold and an active display corresponding to the variable display being executed may be provided on the screen of the image display device 5. The hold display and the active display are collectively referred to as a variable display corresponding display corresponding to the variable display.

[0014] The number of variable displays on hold is also referred to as the hold memory number. The hold memory number corresponding to the first special figure game is also referred to as the first hold memory number, and the hold memory number corresponding to the second special figure game is also referred to as the second hold memory number. The sum of the first hold memory number and the second hold memory number is also referred to as the total hold memory number.

[0015] On the left gaming board 2 of the image display device 5, a character named Yumemi-chan who appears in the effects executed on the pachinko gaming machine 1 is depicted. Yumemi-chan is the protagonist who appears in the content used in the pachinko gaming machine 1. Also, on the lower right gaming board 2 of the image display device 5, a character named Jam-chan who appears in the effects executed on the pachinko gaming machine 1 is depicted. Jam-chan is a character who appears in the content used in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

[0016] Below the image display device 5, a winning ball device 6A is provided, and on the right side of the winning ball device 6A, a variable winning ball device 6B is provided.

[0017] The winning ball device 6A forms, for example, a first starting winning opening that is always kept in a certain open state where a game ball can enter by a predetermined ball receiving member. When a game ball enters the first starting winning opening, a predetermined number (for example, 3) of prize balls are paid out, and a first special figure game can be started.

[0018] The variable winning ball device 6B (ordinary electric accessory) forms a second starting winning opening (electric chute) that changes between a closed state and an open state by a solenoid 81 (see FIG. 6). The variable winning ball device 6B includes, for example, an electric tulip-type accessory having a pair of movable wing pieces. When the solenoid 81 is in the off state, the movable wing pieces are in the vertical position, so that the game ball cannot enter the second starting winning opening and it is in a closed state (it is also said that the second starting winning opening is in a closed state). On the other hand, when the solenoid 81 is in the on state, the movable wing pieces are in the tilted position, so that the game ball can enter the second starting winning opening and it is in an open state (it is also said that the second starting winning opening is in an open state). When a game ball enters the second starting winning opening, a predetermined number (for example, 3) of prize balls are paid out, and a second special figure game can be started. Note that the variable winning ball device 6B only needs to be able to change between a closed state and an open state, and is not limited to one equipped with an electric tulip-type accessory.

[0019] At predetermined positions on the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, three positions in the lower left of the game area and one position above the variable winning ball device 6B), a general winning opening 10 that is always kept in a constant open state by a predetermined ball receiving member is provided. In this case, when a game ball enters any of the general winning openings 10, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are paid out as bonus balls.

[0020] Between the winning ball device 6A and the variable winning ball device 6B, a special variable winning ball device 7A having a big winning opening is provided. The special variable winning ball device 7A includes a big winning opening door that is driven to open and close by a solenoid 82 (see FIG. 6), and forms a big winning opening (hereinafter referred to as a normal big winning opening) as a specific area that changes between an open state and a closed state by the big winning opening door.

[0021] For example, the special variable winning ball device 7A includes a big winning opening door in the space between the game board 2 located on the back side of the pachinko game machine 1 and the glass door frame 3a (see FIG. 2) located on the front side (player side) of the pachinko game machine 1. By sliding the big winning opening door horizontally between the back side and the front side of the pachinko game machine 1, the path for the game ball to enter the normal big winning opening is opened. Specifically, when the solenoid 82 is in the off state, the big winning opening door slides to the front side of the pachinko game machine 1 to close the normal big winning opening, so that the game ball cannot enter (pass through) the normal big winning opening. On the other hand, when the solenoid 82 is in the on state, the big winning opening door slides to the back side of the pachinko game machine 1 to open the normal big winning opening, making it easier for the game ball to enter the normal big winning opening.

[0022] Normally, the game balls that enter the normal big winning opening are detected by the count switch 23 by passing through the area provided inside the normal big winning opening. When the game balls are detected by the count switch 23 (see FIG. 6), game balls corresponding to the detection (for example, 10 for each detection) are paid out to the player as bonus balls. When game balls enter the normal big winning opening, more bonus balls are paid out than when game balls enter, for example, the first start winning opening, the second start winning opening, and the general winning opening 10. Also, when the number of game balls detected by the count switch 23 reaches the upper limit number (for example, 10), one round ends and the normal big winning opening is controlled to be in a closed state.

[0023] In the pachinko game machine 1, a V variable winning ball device 7B is provided next to the special variable winning ball device 7A. The V variable winning ball device 7B includes a big winning opening door that is driven to open and close by a solenoid 83 (see FIG. 6), and forms a big winning opening (hereinafter referred to as the V big winning opening) that changes between an open state and a closed state by the big winning opening door.

[0024] For example, the special variable winning ball device 7B includes a big winning opening door in the space between the game board 2 and the glass door frame 3a. By sliding the big winning opening door horizontally between the back side and the front side of the pachinko game machine 1, the path for game balls to enter the V big winning opening is opened. Specifically, when the solenoid 83 is in the off state, the big winning opening door slides to the front side of the pachinko game machine 1 to close the V big winning opening, and game balls cannot enter (pass through) the V big winning opening. On the other hand, when the solenoid 83 is in the on state, the big winning opening door slides to the back side of the pachinko game machine 1 to open the V big winning opening, and it becomes easier for game balls to enter the V big winning opening.

[0025] The game balls that enter the V big winning opening are detected by the V winning switch 24 (see Fig. 6) by passing through a specific area (also referred to as the V winning area) provided inside the V big winning opening. When the game balls are detected by the V winning switch 24, the game state is controlled to the probability-variable state. That is, in this embodiment, a V winning occurs on the condition that a game ball enters the V big winning opening during a round of the big win game state, and the game state is controlled to the probability-variable state. Note that the normal winning opening and the V big winning opening are collectively also referred to as the big winning opening. Also, the big winning opening is also referred to as the attacker.

[0026] When a game ball enters each winning opening including the general winning opening 10, it is also called "winning". In particular, winning at the start openings (the first start winning opening, the second start winning opening) is also called start winning.

[0027] In the pachinko gaming machine 1, variable display of normal symbols as a plurality of types of normal identification information different from the special symbols is performed. Such variable display of normal symbols is also called a normal symbol game.

[0028] On the right side of the image display device 5, a passing gate 41 through which game balls can pass is provided. Based on the fact that the game balls have passed through the passing gate 41, a normal symbol game is executed.

[0029] On the surface of the game board 2, in addition to the above configuration, there are also a windmill and a large number of obstacle pins that change the flow direction and speed of the game balls. At the lowermost part of the game area, an out opening is provided for taking in the game balls that have not entered any of the winning openings.

[0030] At the upper left and right positions of the gaming machine frame 3, speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided.

[0031] At a predetermined position of the game board 2 (the upper position of the image display device 5 in FIG. 1), a movable body 32 that operates according to an effect is provided. The movable body 32 is composed of the character string "POWERFULII". "POWERFULII" may be the model name of the pachinko game machine 1, or it may be a name representing the content used in the pachinko game machine 1 (for example, the title of an anime or the name of a singer, etc.). Also, the characters attached to the movable body 32 may indicate the name of a character that appears in the content used in the pachinko game machine 1 (for example, "Yume Yume" indicating the main character Yume-chan). In the present embodiment, the model name (Powerful II) of the pachinko game machine 1 is shown on the movable body 32.

[0032] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the movable body 32 can move between a position above the image display device 5 and a position covering (superimposing) the front surface of the image display device 5. Specifically, the movable body 32 stops at a position covering (superimposing) the front surface of the image display device 5 when the characters "POWERFULII" fall obliquely (so that "P" is below and "II" is above). Note that the movable body 32 is also referred to as a device.

[0033] At the lower right position of the game machine frame 3, a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 30 that is operated by a player or the like to launch a game ball toward the game area by a ball hitting and launching device is provided.

[0034] At a predetermined position of the game machine frame 3 below the game area, a hitting supply tray (upper tray) is provided to hold (store) the game balls paid out as prize balls or the game balls lent by a predetermined ball lending machine so as to be supplyable to the ball hitting and launching device. Note that, separately from the upper tray, the game machine frame 3 may be provided with a payout unit (hitting supply tray) where prize balls are paid out when the upper tray is full.

[0035] At a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area, a stick controller 31A is attached as a joystick that can be gripped by a player and tilted (operated in the front-back, left-right directions, and pulled toward the player). Inside the main body of the stick controller 31A and the like, a controller sensor unit 35A (see FIG. 6) for detecting the tilting operation of the joystick is provided. Further, the stick controller 31A incorporates a vibrator motor (not shown) for vibrating the stick controller 31A. Note that since the stick controller 31A can be pulled toward the player, it is also referred to as a "trigger".

[0036] At a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area, a push button 31B is provided that enables a player to perform a predetermined instruction operation by a pressing operation or the like. The operation on the push button 31B is detected by a push sensor 35B (see FIG. 6).

[0037] In the pachinko gaming machine 1, a stick controller 31A and a push button 31B are provided as detection means for detecting the actions (operations, etc.) of the player, but other detection means may also be provided.

[0038] The pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided with a special figure LED board 20 at the lower left of the game board 2. The special figure LED board 20 is controlled by a game control microcomputer 100, and is an LED board that notifies the first hold memory number, the second hold memory number, etc. by lighting / blinking / extinguishing of the LEDs. In the special figure LED board 20, the type of the special symbol (first special figure) in the first special figure game and the type of the special symbol (second special figure) in the second special figure game are represented by combinations of lighting modes such as lighting / blinking / extinguishing by a plurality of LEDs. For example, as shown in FIG. 4(a) described later, in the special figure LED board 20, the type of the first special figure is represented by a combination of lighting modes such as lighting / blinking / extinguishing by a plurality of LEDs provided in the special figure 1 variable display section 21, and the type of the second special figure is represented by a combination of lighting modes such as lighting / blinking / extinguishing by a plurality of LEDs provided in the special figure 2 variable display section 22. In the present embodiment, the term "lighting mode" is used as a concept including lighting, blinking, and extinguishing in various lamps such as the frame lamp described later.

[0039] Furthermore, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided with a fourth symbol unit 50 at the lower left of the image display device 5. The fourth symbol unit 50 is controlled by an effect control CPU 120, and is an LED board that notifies the variation of the special figure, the hold memory number, the right hit display, etc. by lighting / blinking / extinguishing of the LEDs. In the fourth symbol unit 50, the type of the special symbol (first special figure) in the first special figure game and the type of the special symbol (second special figure) in the second special figure game are represented by combinations of lighting modes such as lighting / blinking / extinguishing by a plurality of LEDs. For example, as shown in FIG. 4(b) described later, in the fourth symbol unit 50, the type of the first special figure is represented by a combination of lighting modes such as lighting / blinking / extinguishing by a plurality of LEDs provided in the special figure 1 variable display section 53, and the type of the second special figure is represented by a combination of lighting modes such as lighting / blinking / extinguishing by a plurality of LEDs provided in the special figure 2 variable display section 54.

[0040] The pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided with a plurality of lamps (also referred to as game effect lamps) on the game board 2 and the gaming machine frame 3. Specifically, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes an accessory lamp 9A provided on the movable body 32, a left board lamp 9B provided on the left side of the game board 2, an attacker lamp 9E provided near the special variable winning ball device 7B, a V attacker lamp 9F provided near the special variable winning ball device 7A, a V lamp 9G for notifying that it is during a round of a jackpot gaming state where the V large winning opening is open and a V win can occur or that a V win has occurred, an electric chute lamp 9H provided near the variable winning ball device 6B, a stick controller lamp 9J provided on the stick controller 31A, a push button lamp 9K provided on the push button 31B, a left frame lamp 9L provided on the left side of the gaming machine frame 3, and a right frame lamp 9R provided on the right side of the gaming machine frame 3. The V lamp may notify that a jackpot has occurred.

[0041] The accessory lamp 9A is composed of a plurality of lamps such as accessory lamps 9A1 to 9A4. Specifically, a member marked with the characters "POWERFULII" included in the movable body 32 is divided into four parts. The accessory lamp 9A1 is arranged on the back side of the "P" and "O" parts, the accessory lamp 9A2 is arranged on the back side of the "W" and "E" parts, the accessory lamp 9A3 is arranged on the back side of the "R" and "F" parts, and the accessory lamp 9A4 is arranged on the back side of the "U" and "L" parts. Thus, when the accessory lamps 9A1 to 9A4 light up (emit light) on the back side of the member marked with the characters "POWERFULII", "POWERFULII" lights up (emits light).

[0042] The left-side board lamp 9B is composed of a plurality of lamps such as left-side board lamps 9B1 to 9B5. On the left side of the game board 2, in the content used in the pachinko game machine 1, the protagonist (for example, "Yume Yume" indicating the protagonist Yume-chan) is depicted, and the left-side board lamps 9B1 to 9B5 are respectively arranged on the back side of the part of the game board 2 where the protagonist is depicted. As a result, when the left-side board lamps 9B1 to 9B5 light up (emit light) on the back side of the part of the game board 2 where the protagonist is depicted, the part of the game board 2 where the protagonist is depicted lights up (emits light).

[0043] The attacker lamp 9E is arranged on the back side of the game board 2 near the special variable winning ball device 7B. As a result, when the attacker lamp 9E lights up (emits light) on the back side of the game board 2, the vicinity of the special variable winning ball device 7B lights up (emits light). Also, the V attacker lamp 9F is arranged on the back side of the game board 2 near the special variable winning ball device 7A. As a result, when the V attacker lamp 9F lights up (emits light) on the back side of the game board 2, the vicinity of the special variable winning ball device 7A lights up (emits light).

[0044] The V lamp 9G is arranged on the back side of the part of the game board 2 where "V" is depicted. As a result, when the V lamp 9G lights up (emits light) on the back side of the part of the game board 2 where "V" is depicted, the part of the game board 2 where "V" is depicted lights up (emits light). The electric chaser lamp 9H is arranged near the variable winning ball device 6B, and when it lights up (emits light), the vicinity of the special variable winning ball device 7B lights up (emits light).

[0045] The stick controller lamp 9J is provided on the stick controller 31A, and when it lights up (emits light), the stick controller 31A lights up (emits light). The push button lamp 9K is provided on the push button 31B, and when it lights up (emits light), the push button 31B lights up (emits light).

[0046] The left frame lamp 9L is composed of a plurality of lamps 9L1 to 9L12 (described later with reference to FIG. 3) provided on the left side of the gaming machine frame 3. When each lamp lights up (emits light), the left side of the gaming machine frame 3 lights up (emits light). The right frame lamp 9R is composed of a plurality of lamps 9R2 to 9L12 (described later with reference to FIG. 3) provided on the right side of the gaming machine frame 3. When each lamp lights up (emits light), the right side of the gaming machine frame 3 lights up (emits light). Note that the left frame lamp 9L and the right frame lamp 9R are also collectively referred to as the frame lamp. Also, the accessory lamp 9A, the left panel lamp 9B, the attacker lamp 9E, the V attacker lamp 9F, the V lamp 9G, the electric chaser lamp 9H, the stick controller lamp 9J, the push button lamp 9K, the left frame lamp 9L, and the right frame lamp 9R are collectively referred to as the game effect lamp 9.

[0047] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment. On the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1, the main board 11 housed in the board case 201 is mounted. The main board 11 is provided with a setting key 51 and a setting change switch 52. The setting key 51 functions as a key switch for switching to a setting change state or a setting confirmation state. The setting change switch 52 functions as a setting switch for changing setting values such as the winning probability of a big win and the ball payout rate in the setting change state. The setting key 51 and the setting change switch 52 may be attached outside the main board 11, such as at a predetermined position of the power board 17 (see FIG. 6).

[0048] A display monitor 29 is arranged at the center of the back surface of the main board 11, and a display change switch 30 (see FIG. 6) is arranged on the side of the display monitor 29. The display monitor 29 may be configured using, for example, a 7-segment LED display device. The display monitor 29 and the display change switch 30 are arranged in the front when the back surface side of the game board 2 is visually recognized with the gaming machine frame 3 open, for visually recognizing the main board 11.

[0049] The display monitor 29 can display winning information such as consecutive ratios, combination ratios, and bases. The consecutive ratio is the ratio of the number of winning balls due to winning in the big winning opening (Attacker) among the total number of winning balls. The combination ratio is the ratio of the number of winning balls due to winning in the second start winning opening (Electric Chute) and the number of winning balls due to winning in the big winning opening (Attacker) among the total number of winning balls. The base is the ratio of the total number of winning balls to the number of game balls launched. When in the setting change state or the setting confirmation state, the display monitor 29 can display the set values in the pachinko gaming machine 1. The display monitor 29 only needs to be able to display set values to be changed or confirmed, etc., when in the setting change state or the setting confirmation state.

[0050] The setting key 51 and the setting change switch 52 cannot be operated from the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 when the gaming machine frame 3 is closed. A glass door frame 3a having a glass window is rotatably provided on the gaming machine frame 3, and the gaming area can be opened and closed by the glass door frame 3a. When the glass door frame 3a is closed, the gaming area can be seen through the glass window.

[0051] In the pachinko gaming machine 1, a security cover 50A is attached to the right end of the outer frame 1a formed in a vertically long rectangular frame shape. The security cover 50A covers the right side portion of the substrate case 201 including the setting key 51 and the setting change switch 52 from the back side when the gaming machine frame 3 is closed. The security cover 50A is a substantially L-shaped member including a short piece 50Aa and a long piece 50Ab, and only needs to be composed of a synthetic resin having transparency.

[0052] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the frame lamp. The left frame lamp 9L has twelve lamp groups 9L1 to 9L12 that rotate counterclockwise from above to below the gaming machine frame 3. The left frame lamp 9L causes a plurality of lamps (twelve lamps in this example) to light or blink respectively, thereby making the vicinity of the left side of the gaming machine frame 3 emit light. On the other hand, the right frame lamp 9R has eleven lamp groups 9R2 to 9L12 that rotate clockwise from above to below the gaming machine frame 3. The right frame lamp 9R causes a plurality of lamps (eleven lamps in this example) to light or blink respectively, thereby making the vicinity of the right side of the gaming machine frame 3 emit light.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the special figure LED board 20 and the fourth symbol unit 50. As shown in FIG. 4(a), the special figure LED board 20 includes a special figure 1 variable display unit 21 that shows the variable display of the first special figure, a special figure 2 variable display unit 22 that shows the variable display of the second special figure, a special figure 1 storage display unit 23 that shows the first hold storage number corresponding to the first special figure game, a special figure 2 storage display unit 24 that shows the second hold storage number corresponding to the second special figure game, a general figure storage display unit 25 that shows the general figure hold storage number, a general figure display unit 26 that shows the variable display of the general symbol, a right hit display unit 30 that prompts the player to hit right, a probability variable display unit 28 that shows the presence or absence of the probability variable state, a time shortening display unit 29 that shows the presence or absence of the time shortening state, and a round display unit 27 that shows the number of rounds of the big win. Each display unit can notify the player of the presence or absence of the variable display of the special figure or the general symbol, and as a result, the current gaming state, the hold number, etc., by lighting or blinking by lighting means such as LEDs.

[0054] For example, the special figure 1 variable display unit 21 notifies the player of whether the variable display of the first special symbol in the first special figure game is being performed and the stop symbol of the first special symbol determined by the result of the variable display by lighting / blinking / extinguishing by lighting means such as LEDs. The special figure 2 variable display unit 22 notifies the player of whether the variable display of the second special symbol in the second special figure game is being performed and the stop symbol of the second special symbol determined by the result of the variable display by lighting / blinking / extinguishing by lighting means such as LEDs.

[0055] Furthermore, the special figure LED board 20 can prompt the player to make a right shot by lighting / flashing / extinguishing lighting means such as LEDs in the right shot display section 30. In the present embodiment, when prompting the player to make a right shot, the lighting means such as LEDs in the right shot display section 30 lights up (emits light), and when not prompting the player to make a right shot, that is, when prompting the player to make a left shot, the lighting means such as LEDs in the right shot display section 30 goes out. After the symbols are determined, the CPU 103 sends a right shot display lighting designation command to the effect control CPU 120 and lights up the right shot display section 30. After the symbols are determined by the final variation in the high base state before returning to the normal state, the CPU 103 sends a right shot display extinguishing designation command to the effect control CPU 120 and extinguishes the right shot display section 30. When the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a jackpot that is not controlled to the high base state after the jackpot gaming state, the effect control CPU 120 may light up the right shot display section 30 only during the jackpot round. In this case, the CPU 103 sends a jackpot end designation command to the effect control CPU 120 and extinguishes the right shot display section 30.

[0056] Here, a right shot means operating the hitting operation handle 30 so as to launch a game ball toward the second flow-down path among the first flow-down path and the second flow-down path through which the game medium can flow down in the game area provided on the game board 2 (the way of hitting). The first flow-down path is, for example, a path passing through the left area of the game area, and there is a first starting winning opening formed in the winning ball device 6A at the end thereof, while there is no second starting winning opening formed in the variable winning ball device 6B. The second flow-down path is, for example, a path passing through the right area of the game area, and there are a second starting winning opening formed in the variable winning ball device 6B and a big winning opening (normal big winning opening, V big winning opening) at the end thereof. When the player launches a game ball toward the first flow-down path, the game ball flows through the first flow-down path and into the first starting winning opening. When the player launches a game ball toward the second flow-down path, the game ball flows through the second flow-down path and into the second starting winning opening or the big winning opening (normal big winning opening, V big winning opening).

[0057] In this embodiment, in the jackpot game after a jackpot occurs and the game states after the jackpot game (such as the time-limited state and the probability-variable state), when the player makes a right strike, the game balls enter the second start winning opening or the big winning opening provided on the right side of the game area. During this period, the right strike display unit 30 prompts the player to make a right strike. By making a right strike while the display prompting the player to make a right strike is being shown, the player can cause the game balls to enter the second start winning opening and have a predetermined number (for example, 3) of prize balls paid out and obtain the right to play the second special figure game, or cause the game balls to enter the normal big winning opening and have a predetermined number (for example, 10) of prize balls paid out. Furthermore, although it will be described in detail later, during the round of the probability-variable jackpot, the V big winning opening opens. By making a right strike while the display prompting the player to make a right strike is being shown, the player can also cause the game balls to enter the V big winning opening and obtain the right to be controlled to the probability-variable state. Therefore, by making a right strike while the display prompting the player to make a right strike is being shown, the player can be comprehensively advantaged. Note that, different from a right strike, operating the hitting operation handle 30 so as to launch the game balls toward the first downward flow path (the way of hitting) is also referred to as a left strike.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 4(b), the fourth symbol unit 50 includes a special figure 1 memory display unit 51 that shows the first reserved memory number corresponding to the first special figure game, a special figure 2 memory display unit 52 that shows the second reserved memory number corresponding to the second special figure game, a special figure 1 variable display unit 53 that shows the situation or display result of the variable display of the first special figure, a special figure 2 variable display unit 54 that shows the situation or display result of the variable display of the second special figure, and a right strike display unit 55 that prompts the player to make a right strike. Each display unit can notify the player of the presence or absence of the variable display of the special figure, the reserved number, and the right strike instruction, etc., by lighting / flashing / extinguishing by means of a lighting device such as an LED.

[0059] For example, the variable display unit 53 in the first special figure displays whether the variable display of the first special symbol in the first special figure game is being performed or not, and the stopped symbol of the first special symbol determined by the result of the variable display is notified to the player by lighting / blinking / extinguishing of lighting means such as LEDs. The variable display unit 54 in the second special figure displays whether the variable display of the second special symbol in the second special figure game is being performed or not, and the stopped symbol of the second special symbol determined by the result of the variable display is notified to the player by lighting / blinking / extinguishing of lighting means such as LEDs.

[0060] Hereinafter, representing the variation of the stopped symbol of the first special symbol by lighting means such as LEDs in the variable display unit 21 or the variable display unit 53 in the first special figure is also referred to as the variation display (variable display) of the first special symbol. Also, representing the variation of the stopped symbol of the second special symbol by lighting means such as LEDs in the variable display unit 22 or the variable display unit 54 in the second special figure is also referred to as the variation display (variable display) of the second special symbol.

[0061] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when prompting the player to make a right strike, the lighting means such as LEDs in the right strike display unit 55 of the fourth symbol unit 50 lights up (emits light), and when not prompting the player to make a right strike, that is, when prompting the player to make a left strike, the lighting means such as LEDs in the right strike display unit 55 turns off. The effect control CPU 120 lights up the right strike display unit 55 based on receiving a right strike display lighting designation command from the CPU 103 after the symbol is determined, and turns off the right strike display unit 55 based on receiving a right strike display extinguishing designation command from the CPU 103 after the symbol is determined by the final variation in the high base state before returning to the normal state. In addition, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a jackpot that is not controlled to the high base state after the jackpot gaming state, the effect control CPU 120 may light up the right strike display unit 55 only during the jackpot round. In this case, the effect control CPU 120 turns off the right strike display unit 55 based on receiving a jackpot end designation command from the CPU 103.

[0062] FIG. 4(c) is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the fourth symbol unit and the game effect lamp. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, when the effect control CPU 120 receives a pre-variation pattern command, a post-variation pattern command, or a symbol determination command, which will be described later, among the effect control commands, the fourth symbol unit 50 and the game effect lamp differ in whether to switch the lighting mode such as lighting / blinking / extinguishing. The pre-variation pattern command and the post-variation pattern command are commands output from the CPU 103 of the game control microcomputer 100, which will be described later, to the effect control CPU 120 of the effect control board 12, and a set of the pre-variation pattern command and the post-variation pattern command is output from the CPU 103 to the effect control CPU 120. Hereinafter, the pre-variation pattern command and the post-variation pattern command are also collectively referred to as the variation pattern command.

[0063] Specifically, when the effect control CPU 120 receives the variation pattern command from the CPU 103, the effect control CPU 120 changes the lighting mode of the LEDs (variable display 53 in FIG. 1 of the special drawing and variable display 54 in FIG. 2 of the special drawing) in the fourth symbol unit 50. For example, when the effect control CPU 120 receives the variation pattern command corresponding to the first special symbol game from the CPU 103, based on the received variation pattern command, the lighting mode of the variable display 53 of the first special symbol is switched from extinguishing indicating the stop of the first special symbol to blinking indicating the variation of the first special symbol. Further, when the effect control CPU 120 receives the variation pattern command corresponding to the second special symbol game from the CPU 103, based on the received variation pattern command, the lighting mode of the variable display 54 of the second special symbol is switched from extinguishing indicating the stop of the second special symbol to blinking indicating the variation of the second special symbol.

[0064] On the other hand, even when the effect control CPU 120 receives the variation pattern command from the CPU 103, the effect control CPU 120 maintains the lighting mode before receiving the variation pattern command without changing the lighting mode of the LEDs (such as the frame lamp) in the game effect lamp.

[0065] In addition, when the effect control CPU 120 receives a symbol determination command from the CPU 103, it changes the lighting mode of the LEDs (special drawing 1 variable display 53 and special drawing 2 variable display 54) in the fourth symbol unit 50. For example, when the effect control CPU 120 receives a symbol determination command from the CPU 103 that specifies the end of symbol variation in the first special drawing game, based on the received symbol determination command, it switches the lighting mode of the special drawing 1 variable display 53 from blinking indicating the variation of the first special symbol to turning off indicating the stop of the first special symbol. Also, when the effect control CPU 120 receives a symbol determination command from the CPU 103 that specifies the end of symbol variation in the second special drawing game, based on the received symbol determination command, it switches the lighting mode of the special drawing 2 variable display 54 from blinking indicating the variation of the second special symbol to turning off indicating the stop of the second special symbol.

[0066] On the other hand, even when the effect control CPU 120 receives a symbol determination command from the CPU 103, it maintains the lighting mode before receiving the symbol determination command without changing the lighting mode of the LEDs (such as frame lamps) in the game effect lamp.

[0067] In this way, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, in the fourth symbol unit 50, the mode of the lamp (LED) changes in response to receiving a variation pattern command or a symbol determination command. In contrast, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, in the game effect lamp 9, the mode of the lamp is maintained before and after receiving the command regardless of receiving a variation pattern command or a symbol determination command. Note that the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be configured such that the mode of the game effect lamp 9 changes in response to receiving a variation pattern command. For example, when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 changes from the normal state to the time-saving state after a big win, the mode of the game effect lamp 9 may be changed from the lighting mode in the normal state to the lighting mode in the time-saving state in response to receiving a variation pattern command indicating the start of the time-saving state.

[0068] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the display mode of the screen in the image display device 5. Most of the display area of the image display device 5 displays images such as variable display of decorative patterns and reach effects. Specifically, in the center of the screen of the image display device 5, in synchronization with the first special figure game and the second special figure game, variable display of decorative patterns (such as patterns indicating numbers, etc.) as a plurality of types of decorative identification information different from the special pattern is performed. Here, in synchronization with the first special figure game or the second special figure game, decorative patterns are variably displayed (for example, scroll display or update display in the vertical direction) in each of the decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of "left", "center", and "right". Note that the special figure game executed in synchronization and the variable display of the decorative pattern are collectively referred to simply as variable display.

[0069] At the lower end of the screen of the image display device 5, there are provided a first hold memory display area 5D capable of displaying the first hold memory number by the number of circular hold displays, a second hold memory display area 5U capable of displaying the second hold memory number by the number of circular hold displays, and an active display area 5A for displaying the hold display corresponding to the variable display being executed as an active display.

[0070] At the upper right end of the screen of the image display device 5, a fourth symbol 5J indicating that the variable display of the special symbol is in progress is displayed. Below the fourth symbol 5J, numbers indicating the first hold memory number and the second hold memory number are displayed. The numbers indicating the hold numbers indicate the first hold memory number on the left side and the second hold memory number on the right side. Below the display indicating the hold numbers, small symbols 5M smaller in size than each decorative pattern are displayed. The small symbols are arranged in parallel horizontally with the symbols corresponding to the decorative patterns displayed in the "left" decorative pattern display area 5L, the decorative patterns displayed in the "center" decorative pattern display area 5C, and the decorative patterns displayed in the "right" decorative pattern display area 5R, respectively. Also, the small symbol 5M is a symbol that is always displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 without being made invisible during variable display.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 5, a decorative pattern is arranged at the center of the screen of the image display device 5, and the small symbol 5M is arranged at the right end of the screen of the image display device 5 in a size smaller than that of the decorative pattern. Therefore, the visibility of the small symbol 5M is lower than that of the decorative pattern.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 5(a), the shape of the screen of the image display device 5 is square or substantially square, and the pachinko game machine 2 is fixed so as to cover the end of the screen of the image display device 5. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5(b), when the pachinko game machine 1 is viewed from the front, a part (especially the end) of the screen of the image display device 5 cannot be seen or is difficult to see due to the game board 2.

[0073] <Substrate Configuration> FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining various substrates and the like mounted on the pachinko game machine 1. As shown in FIG. 6, the pachinko game machine 1 is equipped with a main board 11, an effect control board 12, an audio control board 13, a relay board 15, and the like. In addition, various boards such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, and a launch control board are arranged on the back of the pachinko game machine 1. Furthermore, a power supply board 17 connected to the power switch 91 is also mounted. The various control boards include not only electronic circuit boards such as printed wiring boards on which conductor patterns are formed and electrical components can be mounted, but also electronic circuit mounting boards on which electrical components are mounted on the electronic circuit boards to realize specific electrical functions.

[0074] In the pachinko game machine 1, power from an AC power supply such as AC100V in an external power supply such as a commercial power supply can be supplied to electrical components including various control boards such as the main board 11 and the effect control board 12 by the power supply board 17. The power supply board 17 is provided with, for example, a rectifier circuit for converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), a power supply circuit for converting a predetermined DC voltage to a specific DC voltage (such as DC12V or DC5V), and the like.

[0075] The main board 11 is the control board on the main side and has the function of controlling the progress of the above-mentioned games in the pachinko machine 1 (including the execution of the special figure game (including the management of holds), the execution of the general figure game (including the management of holds), the jackpot game state, the game state, etc.). The main board 11 has a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110, an output circuit 111, and the like.

[0076] The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a single-chip microcomputer, and includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103, a random number circuit 104, an I / O (Input / Output port) 105, and an RTC (Real Time Clock) 106.

[0077] The CPU 103 performs processing for controlling the progress of the game (processing for realizing the functions of the main board 11) by executing the program stored in the ROM 101. At this time, various data stored in the ROM 101 (data such as variable patterns described later, production control commands described later, and various tables referred to when making various determinations described later) are used, and the RAM 102 is used as the main memory. A part or all of the RAM 102 is a backup RAM whose stored content is preserved for a predetermined period even when the power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is stopped. Note that all or part of the program stored in the ROM 101 may be expanded to the RAM 102 and executed on the RAM 102.

[0078] The random number circuit 104 countably updates numerical data indicating various random number values (game random numbers) used when controlling the progress of the game. The game random numbers may be updated by the CPU 103 executing a predetermined computer program (updated by software).

[0079] The I / O 105 includes, for example, an input port to which various signals (detection signals described later) are input, and an output port for transmitting various signals (signals for controlling (driving) the special figure LED board 20 etc., solenoid drive signals).

[0080] The switch circuit 110 captures detection signals (such as detection signals indicating that a game ball has passed or entered and the switch has turned on) from various switches for detecting game balls (gate switch 21, start port switches (first start port switch 22A and second start port switch 22B), count switch 23, V winning switch 24) and transmits them to the game control microcomputer 100. By transmitting the detection signals, it is detected that a game ball has passed or entered.

[0081] The switch circuit 110 takes in a reset signal, a power-off signal, and a clear signal from the power supply board 17 and transmits them to the game control microcomputer 100. The reset signal is an operation stop signal for putting control circuits such as the game control microcomputer 100 into an operation stop state, and it may be output using any one of a power supply monitoring circuit, a built-in watchdog timer IC, or a system reset IC. The power-off signal becomes off when a predetermined power supply voltage used in the pachinko game machine 1 exceeds a predetermined value, and becomes on when the period during which the predetermined power supply voltage is below the predetermined value continues for a power-off reference time or more. The clear signal becomes on, for example, in response to a pressing operation on a clear switch 92 provided on the power supply board 17.

[0082] The output circuit 111 transmits the solenoid drive signal from the game control microcomputer 100 to the solenoid 81, the solenoid 82, or the solenoid 83.

[0083] A display monitor 29, a display switching switch 30, a setting key 51, a setting switching switch 52, and a door open sensor 90 are connected to the main board 11. The door open sensor 90 detects the opening of the game machine frame 3 including the glass door frame 3a.

[0084] The main board 11 (the game control microcomputer 100) supplies an effect control command (a command that specifies (notifies) the progress of the game, etc.) to the effect control board 12 as part of the control of the progress of the game according to the progress of the game. The effect control command output from the main board 11 is relayed by the relay board 15 and supplied to the effect control board 12. The effect control command includes, for example, various determination results on the main board 11 (for example, the display result of a special figure game (including the type of big win), the variation pattern used when executing a special figure game (details will be described later)), the situation of the game (for example, the start and end of variable display, the opening status of the big winning opening, the occurrence of a win, the number of stored holds, the game state), a command that specifies the occurrence of an error, etc.

[0085] The effect control board 12 is a sub-control board independent of the main board 11, receives the effect control command, and has a function of executing effects (various effects according to the progress of the game, including driving of the movable body 32, error notification, notification of power failure recovery, etc.) based on the received effect control command.

[0086] The effect control board 12 is equipped with an effect control CPU 120, a ROM 121, a RAM 122, a display control unit 123, a random number circuit 124, and an I / O 125.

[0087] The effect control CPU 120 performs processing for executing effects (processing for realizing the above functions of the effect control board 12, including determination of the effects to be executed, etc.) together with the display control unit 123 by executing the program stored in the ROM 121. At this time, various data (data such as various tables) stored in the ROM 121 are used, and the RAM 122 is used as the main memory.

[0088] The effect control CPU 120 may also instruct the display control unit 123 to execute an effect based on a detection signal (a signal output when an operation by the player is detected, and a signal that appropriately indicates the operation content) from the controller sensor unit 35A or the push sensor 35B.

[0089] The display control unit 123 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor), a CGROM (Character Generator ROM), a VRAM (Video RAM), etc., and executes an effect based on an effect execution instruction from the effect control CPU 120.

[0090] Based on an effect execution instruction from the effect control CPU 120, the display control unit 123 supplies a video signal corresponding to the effect to be executed to the image display device 5, thereby causing the image display device 5 to display an effect image. The effect control CPU 120 supplies a sound designation signal (a signal for designating the sound to be output) to the sound control board 13 in order to perform a sound output synchronized with the display of the effect image, or supplies luminance data (a signal for designating the lighting / extinguishing state of the lamp) for lighting / extinguishing the game effect lamp 9 to the LED driver. Further, the effect control CPU 120 supplies a signal for operating the movable body 32 to the movable body 32 or a drive circuit that drives the movable body 32.

[0091] The sound control board 13 is equipped with various circuits for driving the speakers 8L and 8R, drives the speakers 8L and 8R based on the sound designation signal, and causes the speakers 8L and 8R to output the sound designated by the sound designation signal.

[0092] Although details will be described later, each game effect lamp has a game effect lamp LED board on which an LED (lamp) and an LED driver for supplying current to the LED are mounted. The LED driver adjusts the current for each LED (lamp) included in the game effect lamp 9 based on the luminance data from the effect control CPU 120, thereby turning on / flashing / extinguishing the game effect lamp 9. In this way, the effect control CPU 120 controls the lighting / flashing / extinguishing of the game effect lamp 9.

[0093] The random number circuit 124 incrementally counts numerical data indicating various random values (performance random numbers) used to execute various effects, and the count can be updated. The performance random numbers may be updated by the performance control CPU 120 executing a predetermined computer program (i.e., updated by software).

[0094] The I / O 125 mounted on the performance control board 12 includes, for example, an input port for capturing performance control commands transmitted from the main board 11 or the like, and an output port for transmitting various signals (video signals, sound designation signals, luminance data signals).

[0095] Boards other than the main board 11, such as the performance control board 12 and the audio control board 13, are also referred to as sub-boards. A pachinko machine 1 may be provided with a plurality of sub-boards according to function, or one sub-board may be configured to have a plurality of functions.

[0096] The fourth symbol unit 50 is connected to the performance control board 12, and each display unit can be lit (flashed) under the control of the performance control CPU 120.

[0097] <Overview of game progress> In the pachinko machine 1 having the above-described configuration, the game progresses as follows. By a rotation operation by a player on the hitting operation handle 30 provided in the pachinko machine 1, a game ball is launched toward the game area. When the game ball passes through the passing gate 41, a normal symbol game by the normal symbol display 20 is started. If the game ball passes through the passing gate 41 during the period of the previous normal symbol game execution or the like (if the game ball passes through the passing gate 41 but the normal symbol game based on the passing cannot be executed immediately), the normal symbol game based on the passing is held until a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4).

[0098] In this normal symbol game, if a specific normal symbol (normal symbol for a win) stops and is displayed, the display result of the normal symbol becomes "win in normal symbols". On the other hand, as a confirmed normal symbol, if a normal symbol other than the normal symbol for a win (normal symbol for a loss) stops and is displayed, the display result of the normal symbol becomes "loss in normal symbols". When it becomes "win in normal symbols", opening control is performed to keep the variable winning ball device 6B in an open state for a predetermined period (the second start winning opening becomes open).

[0099] When a game ball enters the first start winning opening formed in the winning ball device 6A, the first special symbol game by the special symbol 1 variable display section 21 of the special symbol LED board 20 is started.

[0100] When a game ball enters the second start winning opening formed in the variable winning ball device 6B, the second special symbol game by the special symbol 2 variable display section 22 of the special symbol LED board 20 is started.

[0101] During the period of executing the special symbol game and during the period controlled to be in the big win game state described later, when a game ball enters (wins) the start winning opening (when a start win occurs but the special symbol game based on the start win cannot be immediately executed), the execution of the special symbol game based on the entry is postponed until a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4).

[0102] In the special figure game, when the combination of the lighting modes of a plurality of LEDs provided in the special figure 1 variable display section 21 or the special figure 2 variable display section 22 of the special figure LED board 20 becomes a combination of lighting modes corresponding to a specific special symbol (a jackpot symbol, the actual symbol varies according to the jackpot type described later), it is a "jackpot". Note that the lighting mode corresponding to a specific special symbol (jackpot symbol) in the combination of the lighting modes of a plurality of LEDs provided in the special figure 1 variable display section 21 or the special figure 2 variable display section 22 of the special figure LED board 20 is also referred to as the "specific display result". Further, when the combination of the lighting modes of a plurality of LEDs provided in the special figure 1 variable display section 21 or the special figure 2 variable display section 22 of the special figure LED board 20 becomes a combination of lighting modes corresponding to a special symbol (losing symbol) different from the jackpot symbol, it is a "loss". Note that the lighting mode corresponding to a special symbol (losing symbol) different from the jackpot symbol in the combination of the lighting modes of a plurality of LEDs provided in the special figure 1 variable display section 21 or the special figure 2 variable display section 22 of the special figure LED board 20 is also referred to as the "losing display result".

[0103] After the display result in the special figure game becomes a "jackpot", it is controlled to a jackpot game state as an advantageous state advantageous to the player. Note that it may be controlled to a minor jackpot game state as the advantageous state. Here, a minor jackpot is a win that allows up to a number of times with fewer openings of the big winning port compared to a jackpot. Note that when the minor jackpot game state ends, the game state does not change. That is, before and after the minor jackpot game state, there is no transition from the probability variable state to the normal state or from the normal state to the probability variable state. Also, similar to the jackpot type, a minor jackpot type may be provided for the "minor jackpot".

[0104] In the big win gaming state, the big winning opening formed by the special variable winning prize ball device 7 is in an open state in a predetermined manner. The open state continues until the earlier timing of the elapse of a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds or 1.8 seconds) and the timing until the number of game balls entering the big winning opening reaches a predetermined number (for example, 9). This predetermined period is the upper limit period during which the big winning opening can be opened in one round, and hereinafter is also referred to as the opening upper limit period. One cycle in which the big winning opening is in an open state like this is called a round (round game). In the big win gaming state, the round can be repeatedly executed until a predetermined upper limit number of times (10 times or 7 times) is reached.

[0105] In the big win gaming state, the player can obtain prize balls by causing the game balls to enter the big winning opening. Therefore, the big win gaming state is an advantageous state for the player. The more rounds there are in the big win gaming state and the longer the opening upper limit period is, the more advantageous it is for the player.

[0106] Note that big win types are set for "big wins". For example, multiple types of opening modes of the big winning opening (number of rounds and opening upper limit period) and game states after the big win gaming state (normal state, time-saving state, probability-variable state, etc.) are prepared, and the big win types are set according to these. As big win types, there may be provided big win types in which many prize balls can be obtained, big win types with few prize balls, or big win types in which almost no prize balls can be obtained.

[0107] After the big win gaming state ends, it may be controlled to a time-saving state or a probability-variable state according to the above big win type.

[0108] In the short-time state, control (short-time control) is executed to shorten the average special symbol variation time (the period during which the special symbol varies) compared to the normal state. In the short-time state, control (high-opening control, high-base control) is also executed to make it easier for the game balls to enter the second start winning opening, such as by shortening the average normal symbol variation time (the period during which the normal symbol varies) compared to the normal state or by increasing the probability of "normal symbol win" in the normal symbol game compared to the normal state. Since the short-time state is a state in which the variation efficiency of the special symbol (especially the second special symbol) is improved, it is an advantageous state for the player.

[0109] In the probability variation state, in addition to the short-time control, probability variation control is executed to increase the probability that the display result becomes a "big win" compared to the normal state. Since the probability variation state is a state in which the variation efficiency of the special symbol is improved and it is easy to get a "big win", it is an even more advantageous state for the player.

[0110] The short-time state and the probability variation state continue until any one of the end conditions, such as that a predetermined number of special symbol games have been executed or the next big win game state has been started, is satisfied first. What has the end condition that a predetermined number of special symbol games have been executed is also called "running out of times" (such as running out of times in short-time, running out of times in probability variation, etc.).

[0111] The normal state refers to a game state other than advantageous states such as a big win game state advantageous to the player and special states such as the short-time state and the probability variation state, and the pachinko gaming machine 1, such as the probability that the display result in the normal symbol game becomes a "normal symbol win" and the probability that the display result in the special symbol game becomes a "big win", is controlled to be the same as the initial setting state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (for example, when a system reset is performed and no predetermined return process is executed after power-on).

[0112] The state in which the probability variation control is being executed is also referred to as the high probability state, and the state in which the probability variation control is not being executed is also referred to as the low probability state. The state in which the time shortening control is being executed is also referred to as the high base state, and the state in which the time shortening control is not being executed is also referred to as the low base state. By combining these, the time shortening state is also referred to as the low probability high base state, the probability variation state is also referred to as the high probability high base state, the normal state is also referred to as the low probability low base state, etc. The high probability state and the low base state are also referred to as the high probability low base state.

[0113] Note that the gaming state may change based on the game balls passing through a specific area (for example, a specific area within the big winning opening) during the big winning game state. For example, when the game balls pass through the specific area, it may be controlled to the probability variation state after that big winning game state.

[0114] In the pachinko gaming machine 1, various effects (effects for notifying the progress of the game or livening up the game) are executed according to the progress of the game. Note that the effects are performed by displaying various effect images on the image display device 5, but in addition to or instead of the display, they may also be performed as effects using audio output from the speakers 8L, 8R, lighting or extinguishing of the game effect lamps 9, movement of the movable body 32, or any effect device including some or all of these.

[0115] As an effect executed according to the progress of the game, in the "left", "center", and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, 5R provided on the image display device 5, the variable display of the decorative symbols is started corresponding to the start of the first special figure game or the second special figure game. At the timing when the display result (also referred to as the determined special symbol) stops being displayed in the first special figure game or the second special figure game, the determined decorative symbol (a combination of three decorative symbols), which is the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbols, also stops being displayed (derived).

[0116] During the period from the start to the end of the variable display of the decorative symbol, the mode of the variable display of the decorative symbol may become a predetermined reach mode (reach is established). Here, the reach mode means, for example, a mode in which the variable display continues for the decorative symbols that have not yet been stopped and displayed when the decorative symbol stopped and displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 constitutes a part of the jackpot combination described later.

[0117] In addition, a reach effect is executed in response to the reach mode being achieved during the variable display of the decorative symbol. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, a plurality of types of reach effects are executed in which the ratio (also called jackpot reliability or jackpot expectancy) at which the display result (display result of the special figure game or display result of the variable display of the decorative symbol) becomes a "jackpot" differs according to the effect mode. Examples of the reach effect include a normal reach and a super reach with a higher jackpot reliability than the normal reach. In addition, the super reach includes a first half of the super reach that ends in the first half of the super reach, a second half of the super reach that develops from the first half of the super reach, and a final reach that develops from the first half of the super reach. In the present embodiment, the jackpot reliability is higher when the display result of the variable display is derived in the first half of the super reach than when it is derived in the normal reach. Also, the jackpot reliability is higher when the display result of the variable display is derived in the second half of the super reach than when it is derived in the first half of the super reach. Further, the jackpot reliability is higher when the display result of the variable display is derived in the final reach than when it is derived in the second half of the super reach. Hereinafter, "super reach" will also be referred to as "SP reach", "first half of the super reach" as "SP first half (SP first half reach)", "second half of the super reach" as "SP second half (SP second half reach)", and "final reach" as "SP final (SP final reach)".

[0118] When the combination of lighting patterns corresponding to the display result of the special figure game is the combination for "big win" (the specific display result described above), on the screen of the image display device 5, as the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern, a determined decorative pattern that is a predetermined big win combination is derived (the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern becomes "big win"). As an example, the same decorative pattern (for example, "7", etc.) stops and is displayed aligned on the predetermined effective lines in the decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of "left", "middle", and "right".

[0119] In the case of a "probability-variable big win" that is controlled to the probability-variable state after the end of the big win gaming state, odd decorative patterns (for example, "7", etc.) stop and are displayed aligned, and in the case of a "non-probability-variable big win (normal big win)" that is not controlled to the probability-variable state after the end of the big win gaming state, even decorative patterns (for example, "6", etc.) may stop and be displayed aligned. In this case, odd decorative patterns are also called probability-variable patterns, and even decorative patterns are also called non-probability-variable patterns (normal patterns). After reaching the reach mode with non-probability-variable patterns, an upgrade effect that finally becomes a "probability-variable big win" may be executed. As the upgrade effect, for example, a re-drawing effect for prompting whether to upgrade to a probability-variable pattern after temporarily stopping a non-probability-variable pattern (normal pattern) as the big win display result may be executed. Also, a round upgrade effect for upgrading from a non-probability-variable big win to a probability-variable big win during the big win gaming state may be executed.

[0120] When the combination of lighting patterns corresponding to the display result of the special figure game is the combination for "loss" (the loss display result described above), the mode of the variable display of the decorative pattern does not become the reach mode, and as the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern, a determined decorative pattern of a non-reach combination (also called "non-reach loss") may stop and be displayed (the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern becomes "non-reach loss"). Also, when the display result becomes "loss", after the mode of the variable display of the decorative pattern becomes the reach mode, as the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern, a determined decorative pattern of a predetermined reach combination that is not a big win combination (also called "reach loss") may stop and be displayed (the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern becomes "reach loss").

[0121] The effects that the pachinko gaming machine 1 can execute also include displaying the above variable display-compatible displays (hold display and active display). Further, as other effects, for example, a preview effect for notifying the jackpot reliability is executed during the variable display of the decoration symbols. The preview effect includes a preview effect for notifying the jackpot reliability in the variable display being executed and a pre-reading preview effect for notifying the jackpot reliability in the variable display before execution (the variable display whose execution is on hold). As the pre-reading preview effect, an effect for changing the display mode of the variable display-compatible display (hold display and active display) to a mode different from the normal mode may be executed.

[0122] Further, in the image display device 5, a pseudo continuous effect may be executed in which, during the variable display of the decoration symbols, the decoration symbols are temporarily stopped once and then the variable display is resumed, so that one variable display appears to be a plurality of variable displays.

[0123] Even during the jackpot gaming state, a jackpot-in effect for notifying the jackpot gaming state is executed. As the jackpot-in effect, an effect for notifying the number of rounds or an upgrading effect for indicating that the value of the jackpot gaming state is improved may be executed.

[0124] Further, for example, when a special figure game or the like is not being executed, a demo (demonstration) image is displayed on the image display device 5 (a customer-waiting demo effect is executed).

[0125] <Various tables related to the jackpot> With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, various tables related to the jackpot will be described.

[0126] [Type of win] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the type of win. As shown in FIG. 7, in the win type table, for each type (kind) of win in the jackpot, the jackpot probability after the end of the jackpot gaming state, the base after the end of the jackpot gaming state, and the number of times of opening (number of rounds) in the jackpot are shown.

[0127] Specifically, as types of big wins, normal big wins 1 and 2, and certain-variation big wins 1 to 9 are provided. Hereinafter, the markings of each round may be represented by "R". For example, the first round may also be referred to as the 1st R, and the second round as the 2nd R.

[0128] Normal big win 1 is a big win that is controlled to a low-probability state and a high-base state after the end of the 3-round big win gaming state. In normal big win 1, such a low-probability and high-base state continues until variable display (special figure variation) is executed for a predetermined number of times (for example, 50 times).

[0129] Normal big win 2 is a big win that is controlled to a low-probability state and a high-base state after the end of the 3-round big win gaming state. In normal big win 2, such a low-probability and high-base state continues until variable display (special figure variation) is executed for a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times).

[0130] Certain-variation big wins 1 to 5 are big wins that are controlled to a high-probability state and a high-base state after the end of the 3-round big win gaming state. In certain-variation big win 1, such a high-probability and high-base state continues until variable display (special figure variation) is executed for a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times).

[0131] Certain-variation big win 6 is a big win that is controlled to a high-probability state and a high-base state after the end of the 5-round big win gaming state. In certain-variation big win 6, such a high-probability and high-base state continues until variable display (special figure variation) is executed for a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times).

[0132] Certain-variation big win 7 is a big win that is controlled to a high-probability state and a high-base state after the end of the 7-round big win gaming state. In certain-variation big win 7, such a high-probability and high-base state continues until variable display (special figure variation) is executed for a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times).

[0133] The probability-variable big win 8, 9 is a big win that is controlled to a high-probability state and a high-base state after the end of the 10-round big win gaming state. In the probability-variable big win 8, 9, such a high-probability and high-base state continues until variable display (special figure variation) is executed for a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times).

[0134] [Each random number] Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining each random number. As shown in Figure 8, each random number is used as follows. Specifically, Random 1 is a random counter for win determination that determines whether to be a big win. Random 1 is incrementally updated by 1 from, for example, 1 until it reaches its upper limit of 65536, and then is incrementally updated from 1 again. Random 2 is a random counter (for determining big win type) that determines the big win type (category).

[0135] Random 3 and Random 4 are random counters (for determining post-variation pattern) that determine the variation pattern (hereinafter referred to as post-variation pattern) (variation time) corresponding to the post-variation among the variation patterns. The post-variation refers to the variation in the latter half of the variation of the special symbol. Note that Random 3 is a random counter that determines the post-variation pattern corresponding to a loss. For example, it is updated by 1, incrementally updated from 1 until it reaches its upper limit of 65519, and then is incrementally updated from 1 again. Random 4 is a random counter that determines the post-variation pattern corresponding to a win. For example, it is incrementally updated by 1 from 1 until it reaches its upper limit of 239, and then is incrementally updated from 1 again.

[0136] Random 5 is a random counter (for determining the pre-variation pattern) that determines the variation pattern (hereinafter referred to as the pre-variation pattern) (variation time) corresponding to the pre-variation among the variation patterns. The pre-variation refers to the variation in the first half of the variation of the special symbol. Random 5, for example, is incremented by 1 one by one until it reaches its upper limit of 251, and then incremented again from 1. Random 6 is a random counter (for determining a win based on the normal symbol) that determines whether to generate a win based on the normal symbol. Random 6, for example, is incremented by 1 one by one until it reaches its upper limit of 201, and then incremented again from 1.

[0137] In this embodiment, whether to be controlled to the jackpot game state as an advantageous state for the player is determined based on the value of the jackpot determination random number (Random 1). And among multiple types of jackpots, which jackpot to be is determined based on the value of the jackpot type determination random number (Random 2). At this time, the jackpot symbol may be determined based on the value of Random 2.

[0138] Also, first, the post-variation pattern is determined according to a win or a loss using the post-variation pattern determination random numbers (Random 3, 4), and the pre-variation pattern is determined using the pre-variation pattern determination random number (Random 5). Thus, in this embodiment, the variation pattern is determined by a two-stage lottery process.

[0139] [Jackpot determination table, Jackpot type determination table] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the jackpot determination table and the jackpot type determination table. These tables are stored in the ROM 101.

[0140] FIG. 9(a) is an explanatory diagram showing a jackpot determination table. The jackpot determination table is a collection of data stored in the ROM 101, and is a table in which jackpot determination values to be compared with Random 1 are set. The jackpot determination table includes a normal (non-probability-variable) jackpot determination table used in the normal state (a gaming state that is not a probability-variable state, i.e., a non-probability-variable state), and a probability-variable jackpot determination table used in the probability-variable state.

[0141] In the normal jackpot determination table, jackpot determination values are set for the number of determination values described in the upper column of FIG. 9(a), and in the probability-variable jackpot determination table, jackpot determination values are set for the number of determination values described in the lower column of FIG. 9(a). The jackpot determination values set in the probability-variable jackpot determination table are obtained by adding jackpot determination values specific to the probability-variable state to the common jackpot determination values with the jackpot determination table set in the normal state, so that a larger number of jackpot determination values are set than in the normal jackpot determination table. As a result, in the probability-variable state, a determination of a jackpot is made with a higher probability than in the normal state.

[0142] The CPU 103 extracts the count value of the random number circuit 104 at a predetermined time and compares the extracted value with the value of the random number for jackpot determination (Random 1). When the random number value for jackpot determination matches any of the jackpot determination values shown in FIG. 9(a), it is determined that a jackpot (normal jackpot or probability-variable jackpot) is made for the special symbol. Note that FIG. 9(a) shows the probability (ratio) of winning a jackpot or the probability (ratio) of losing.

[0143] FIGS. 9(b) and (c) are explanatory diagrams showing a jackpot type determination table. FIG. 9(b) is a first special symbol jackpot type determination table used to determine the jackpot type when a jackpot is determined by the first special symbol. FIG. 9(c) is a second special symbol jackpot type determination table used to determine the jackpot type when a jackpot is determined by the second special symbol.

[0144] In the first special winning type determination table of FIG. 9(b), there are numerical values to be compared with the value of random 2 for winning type determination, and the determination values are set for the number of determination values corresponding to each of normal wins 1 and 2 and probability variable wins 1 to 4. For example, as shown in FIG. 9(b), for the first special figure, 25 out of 100 random 2 values are assigned to normal win 1, 25 out of 100 random 2 values are assigned to normal win 2, 5 out of 100 random 2 values are assigned to probability variable win 1, 37 out of 100 random 2 values are assigned to probability variable win 2, 4 out of 100 random 2 values are assigned to probability variable win 3, and 4 out of 100 random 2 values are assigned to probability variable win 4.

[0145] In the second special symbol winning type determination table of FIG. 9(c), there are numerical values to be compared with the value of random 2, and the determination values are set for the number of determination values corresponding to each of probability variable wins 5 to 9. For example, as shown in FIG. 9(c), for the second special figure, 10 out of 100 random 2 values are assigned to probability variable win 5, 5 out of 100 random 2 values are assigned to probability variable win 6, 5 out of 100 random 2 values are assigned to probability variable win 7, 70 out of 100 random 2 values are assigned to probability variable win 8, and 10 out of 100 random 2 values are assigned to probability variable win 9.

[0146] Using such various winning type determination tables, the CPU 103 determines, as the winning type, the type corresponding to the winning type determination value with which the value of random 2 matches, and also determines, as the winning symbol, the winning symbol with which the value of random 2 matches. Thereby, the winning type and the winning symbol corresponding to the winning type are determined simultaneously.

[0147] <Performance control command> FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a production control command. The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11, which is the main control board on the main side, transmits various production control commands to the production control CPU 120 according to the game control state. The production control command has, for example, a two-byte configuration, where the first byte indicates MODE (command classification) and the second byte indicates EXT (command type). Note that the command format shown in FIG. 10 is just an example, and other command formats may be used. In the following, "(H)" indicates hexadecimal, but it may be omitted in this specification.

[0148] Command 80XX(H) is a variation pattern command that specifies a variation pattern (pre-variation pattern) corresponding to the pre-variation among the variation patterns of the decorative symbols variably displayed on the image display device 5 corresponding to the variable display of the special symbol (XX corresponds to the number of the pre-variation pattern). The pre-variation on the sub side refers to the first half of the variations of the decorative symbols variably displayed on the image display device 5 corresponding to the variable display of the special symbol. When unique numbers are assigned to each of the multiple types of pre-variation patterns, there is a pre-variation pattern command corresponding to each pre-variation pattern specified by that number.

[0149] Command 84XX(H) is a variation pattern command that specifies a variation pattern (post-variation pattern) corresponding to the post-variation among the variation patterns of the decorative symbols variably displayed on the image display device 5 corresponding to the variable display of the special symbol (XX corresponds to the number of the post-variation pattern). The post-variation on the sub side refers to the second half of the variations of the decorative symbols variably displayed on the image display device 5 corresponding to the variable display of the special symbol. When unique numbers are assigned to each of the multiple types of post-variation patterns, there is a post-variation pattern command corresponding to each post-variation pattern specified by that number.

[0150] The pre-variation pattern command and the post-variation pattern command are transmitted from the CPU 103 to the effect control CPU 120 in a set of two commands. The effect control CPU 120 cannot identify the variation pattern by receiving only one of the pre-variation pattern command and the post-variation pattern command, and can identify the variation pattern by receiving both the pre-variation pattern command and the post-variation pattern command.

[0151] Command 8101(H) is the first variable display start command that designates the start of the variable display in the first special figure. Command 8102(H) is the second variable display start command that designates the start of the variable display in the second special figure. When receiving Command 8101(H) or Command 8102(H), the effect control CPU 101 controls to start the variable display of the decorative symbol in the image display device 5.

[0152] Command 8C01(H) is a display result 1 designation command (losing designation command) indicating that it has been determined as a loss. Command 8C02(H) is a display result 2 designation command (normal big win 1 designation command) indicating that it has been determined as a normal big win 1. Command 8C03(H) is a display result 3 designation command (normal big win 2 designation command) indicating that it has been determined as a normal big win 2. Command 8C04(H) is a display result 4 designation command (probability-variable big win 1 designation command) indicating that it has been determined as a probability-variable big win 1. Command 8C05(H) is a display result 5 designation command (probability-variable big win 2 designation command) indicating that it has been determined as a probability-variable big win 2. Command 8C06(H) is a display result 6 designation command (probability-variable big win 3 designation command) indicating that it has been determined as a probability-variable big win 3. Command 8C07(H) is a display result 7 designation command (probability-variable big win 4 designation command) indicating that it has been determined as a probability-variable big win 4. Command 8C08(H) is a display result 8 designation command (probability-variable big win 5 designation command) indicating that it has been determined as a probability-variable big win 5. Command 8C09(H) is a display result 9 designation command (probability-variable big win 6 designation command) indicating that it has been determined as a probability-variable big win 6. Command 8C10(H) is a display result 10 designation command (probability-variable big win 7 designation command) indicating that it has been determined as a probability-variable big win 7. Command 8C11(H) is a display result 11 designation command (probability-variable big win 8 designation command) indicating that it has been determined as a probability-variable big win 8. Command 8C12(H) is a display result 12 designation command (probability-variable big win 9 designation command) indicating that it has been determined as a probability-variable big win 9. Each of the losing designation command, normal big win 1, 2 designation commands, and probability-variable big win 1-9 designation commands, or these collectively are also referred to as 8C series commands.

[0153] Command 8D01(H) is the first symbol variation specification command indicating the start of the variable display in the first special figure. Command 8D02(H) is the second symbol variation specification command indicating the start of the variable display in the second special figure. Each of the first symbol variation specification command and the second symbol variation specification command, or these collectively are also referred to as 8D series commands. Command 8F00(H) is the symbol determination specification command for specifying the end of the variation in the first special figure and the second special figure.

[0154] Command 9000(H) is the initialization specification command for specifying initialization (specifying to display the initial screen at power-on) that is transmitted when the power supply to the gaming machine is started. Command 9200(H) is the power failure recovery specification command for specifying the recovery of power failure (specifying to display the power failure recovery screen) that is transmitted when the power supply to the gaming machine is resumed. Command 9500(H) is the normal state specification command for specifying the background in the normal state. Command 9501(H) is the time shortening state specification command for specifying the background in the time shortening state. Command 9502(H) is the sure change state specification command for specifying the background in the sure change state. Each of the normal state specification command, the time shortening state specification command, and the sure change state specification command, or these collectively are also referred to as 95 series commands or background specification commands.

[0155] Command 9F00(H) is a customer-waiting demo specification command that specifies a transition to a customer-waiting demonstration display. When the production control CPU 120 receives the customer-waiting demo specification command and determines that there is no current hold. Then, 30 seconds after receiving the customer-waiting demo specification command, the production control CPU 120 streams the video for the demonstration to the image display device 5. In addition, 30 seconds after receiving the customer-waiting demo specification command, the production control CPU 120 lights up the game effect lamp 9 in the lamp mode for the demonstration. The lighting mode of the game effect lamp 9 for the demonstration is more lively (higher brightness, more blinking modes, rainbow lighting, etc.) than the lighting mode of the game effect lamp 9 in the normal state. This can show the charm of the pachinko machine 1 to the player. In the customer-waiting demonstration display, the background in the normal state (hereinafter also referred to as the normal background) is displayed, and the decorative symbols stop and are displayed in each decorative symbol display area 5L, 5C, 5R. Also, in the customer-waiting demonstration display, the title of the gaming machine 1 (for example, "POWERFULII") may be displayed, or an introduction image (still image or video) of a part of the production may be displayed.

[0156] Command A001(H) is a jackpot start 1 designation command that designates the start of normal jackpot 1. Command A002(H) is a jackpot start 2 designation command that designates the start of normal jackpot 2. Command A003(H) is a sure-win jackpot start 3 designation command that designates the start of sure-win jackpot 1. Command A004(H) is a sure-win jackpot start 4 designation command that designates the start of sure-win jackpot 2. Command A005(H) is a sure-win jackpot start 5 designation command that designates the start of sure-win jackpot 3. Command A006(H) is a sure-win jackpot start 6 designation command that designates the start of sure-win jackpot 4. Command A007(H) is a sure-win jackpot start 7 designation command that designates the start of sure-win jackpot 5. Command A008(H) is a sure-win jackpot start 8 designation command that designates the start of sure-win jackpot 6. Command A009(H) is a sure-win jackpot start 9 designation command that designates the start of sure-win jackpot 7. Command A010(H) is a sure-win jackpot start 10 designation command that designates the start of sure-win jackpot 8. Command A011(H) is a sure-win jackpot start 11 designation command that designates the start of sure-win jackpot 9. Each of the jackpot start 1 - 11 designation commands, or these collectively, are also referred to as A0 series commands.

[0157] A1XX(H) is a big winning opening in-play designation command that indicates that the big winning opening corresponding to the round number XX (round) is open. The big winning opening in-play designation command is also referred to as an A1 series command. A2XX(H) is a post-big winning opening designation command that indicates the closing of the big winning opening corresponding to the round number XX (round). The post-big winning opening designation command is also referred to as an A2 series command.

[0158] Command A301(H) is a jackpot end 1 designation command that designates the end of normal jackpot 1. Command A302(H) is a jackpot end 2 designation command that designates the end of normal jackpot 2. Command A303(H) is a jackpot end 3 designation command that designates the end of certain-variable jackpot 1. Command A304(H) is a jackpot end 4 designation command that designates the end of certain-variable jackpot 2. Command A305(H) is a jackpot end 5 designation command that designates the end of certain-variable jackpot 3. Command A306(H) is a jackpot end 6 designation command that designates the end of certain-variable jackpot 4. Command A307(H) is a jackpot end 7 designation command that designates the end of certain-variable jackpot 5. Command A308(H) is a jackpot end 8 designation command that designates the end of certain-variable jackpot 6. Command A309(H) is a jackpot end 9 designation command that designates the end of certain-variable jackpot 7. Command A310(H) is a jackpot end 10 designation command that designates the end of certain-variable jackpot 8. Command A311(H) is a jackpot end 11 designation command that designates the end of certain-variable jackpot 9. Each of the jackpot end 1 to 11 designation commands, or these collectively, are also referred to as A3 series commands.

[0159] Command AD00(H) is a certain-variable determination device passage designation command that designates the occurrence of a V win. The certain-variable determination device passage designation command is a command that is transmitted when a game ball that has passed through the V big winning opening enters the V winning area and is detected by the V winning switch 24.

[0160] Command B100(H) is a first start winning designation command that designates the occurrence of a first start winning. Command B200(H) is a second start winning designation command that designates the occurrence of a second start winning.

[0161] Command C1XX(H) is a first reserved memory number designation command that specifies that the first reserved memory number has become the number indicated by XX. The first reserved memory number designation command is also referred to as a C1 series command. Command C2XX(H) is a second reserved memory number designation command that specifies that the second reserved memory number has become the number indicated by XX. The second reserved memory number designation command is also referred to as a C2 series command.

[0162] Commands C4XX(H) and C6XX(H) are effect control commands that indicate the content of the winning determination results such as jackpot determination, jackpot type determination, and variable pattern type determination at the time of winning at the first start winning opening or the second start winning opening. Among these, command C4XX(H) is a symbol designation command that indicates whether it is a jackpot or not and the determination result of the jackpot type among the winning determination results.

[0163] C7XX(H) is a big winning opening winning designation command that indicates the passage of game balls through the big winning opening in the XX-th turn (round).

[0164] A command in which MODE is FD(H) and the 4th bit of EXT is 0 is a right hit display turn-off designation command that indicates the turn-off of the right hit display. A command in which the MODE data is FD(H) and the 4th bit of the EXT data is 1 is a right hit display turn-on designation command that indicates the turn-on of the right hit display. In the present embodiment, the right hit display turn-on designation command is particularly also referred to as an FD series command.

[0165] The game control microcomputer 100 determines whether it is a big win, the type of big win, and which range of the determination values the value of the random number for determining the variation pattern type falls into at the time of a start winning. Then, it sets a value for specifying a big win and a value for specifying the type of big win in the EXT data of the symbol designation command, and performs control to transmit them to the effect control CPU 120. Also, the game control microcomputer 100 sets a value for specifying the range of the determination value as the determination result of the variation pattern type in the EXT data of the variation type command, and performs control to transmit it to the effect control CPU 120. The effect control CPU 120 can recognize whether the display result is a big win and the type of big win based on the value set in the symbol designation command, and can recognize the variation pattern type based on the variation type command.

[0166] <Variation pattern> With reference to FIGS. 11 to 17, the content of the variation pattern and the determination of the variation pattern will be described.

[0167] In the present embodiment, a plurality of types of variation patterns are set by the game control microcomputer 100 on the main side. Each variation pattern is managed by a main variation number and is composed of a combination of a pre-variation pattern corresponding to the pre-variation and a post-variation pattern corresponding to the post-variation, and the combination includes different contents from each other. The pre-variation pattern corresponds to the pre-variation pattern command (80XX(H)) described with reference to FIG. 10, and the post-variation pattern corresponds to the post-variation pattern command (84XX(H)) described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0168] [Pre-variation pattern on the main side] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a pre-variation pattern on the main side. Among a plurality of types of pre-variation patterns each assigned a pre-variation number, the pre-variation number 1 is a pre-variation pattern command (8000(H)) that designates normal variation (for example, variation of a decorative pattern over 13 seconds). The pre-variation number 2 is a pre-variation pattern command (8001(H)) that designates shortened variation (for example, variation of a decorative pattern over 7 seconds). The pre-variation number 3 is a pre-variation pattern command (8002(H)) that designates ultra-shortened variation (for example, variation of a decorative pattern over 3 seconds).

[0169] The pre-variation number 4 is a pre-variation pattern command (8003(H)) that designates normal reach (normal or first half of SP) (a reach that ends with a normal reach or a first half of SP reach after reaching the reach mode). The pre-variation number 5 is a pre-variation pattern command (8004(H)) that designates normal reach (development of the second half of SP) (a reach that develops into a second half of SP reach after reaching the reach mode). The pre-variation number 6 is a pre-variation pattern command (8005(H)) that designates normal reach (development of the final reach) (a reach that develops into the final reach after reaching the reach mode).

[0170] The previous variation number 7 is a previous variation pattern command (8006(H)) that specifies to execute a normal reach (normal or the first half of SP) after performing one pseudo-variation. A pseudo-variation is a variable display (fluctuation display) in which, after the variable display (fluctuation display) of the decorative pattern starts and before the display result of the variable display is derived and displayed, the variable display is temporarily stopped once and then restarted. Such an effect of repeating such pseudo-variations is also called a pseudo-chain. By executing a pseudo-chain, a variable display based on a single hold memory can be made to appear to the player as if there are a plurality of variable displays. Note that a variable display that is restarted after being temporarily stopped once is also referred to as a "re-variable display". The previous variation number 8 is a previous variation pattern command (8007(H)) that specifies to execute a normal reach (development of the second half of SP) after performing one pseudo-variation. The previous variation number 9 is a previous variation pattern command (8008(H)) that specifies a normal reach (development of the final reach) after performing one pseudo-variation.

[0171] The previous variation number 10 is a previous variation pattern command (8009(H)) that specifies to execute a normal reach (normal or the first half of SP) after performing two pseudo-variations. The previous variation number 11 is a previous variation pattern command (800A(H)) that specifies to execute a normal reach (development of the second half of SP) after performing two pseudo-variations. The previous variation number 12 is a previous variation pattern command (800B(H)) that specifies a normal reach (development of the final reach) after performing two pseudo-variations.

[0172] Each of the previous variation patterns has a specified variation time, and an animation (video) is displayed on the image display device 5 over each variation time. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, it takes about 33.3 msec for each still image (referred to as a frame) that constitutes the video. For example, in the case of the patterns of the previous variation numbers 7 to 9, the variation time is set to 41500 mse, and the number of frames is about 1246. Also, in the case of the patterns of the previous variation numbers 10 to 12, the variation time is set to 62000 mse, and the number of frames is about 1861.

[0173] [Pattern of Post-Variation on the Main Side] Figure 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of the pattern of post-variation on the main side. Among multiple types of post-variation patterns each assigned a post-variation number, the post-variation number 1 is a post-variation pattern command (8400(H)) that designates a 13-second variation. The post-variation number 2 is a post-variation pattern command (8401(H)) that designates a 7-second variation. The post-variation number 3 is a post-variation pattern command (8402(H)) that designates a 3-second variation. The post-variation number 4 is a post-variation pattern command (8403(H)) that designates the execution of pseudo-consecutive spins. Pseudo-consecutive spins refer to an effect that appears to execute pseudo-consecutive spins but actually does not execute pseudo-consecutive spins in the end.

[0174] The post-variation number 5 is a post-variation pattern command (8404(H)) that designates a normal reach (miss) (a variation of the decorative pattern that becomes a reach mode but turns into a miss mode without developing into an SP reach). The post-variation number 6 is a post-variation pattern command (8405(H)) that designates an SP first half (miss) (a variation of the decorative pattern that develops into an SP reach but turns into a miss mode in the first half of the SP reach). The post-variation number 7 is a post-variation pattern command (8406(H)) that designates an SP second half (miss) (a variation of the decorative pattern that develops into the second half of the SP reach but turns into a miss mode in the second half of the SP reach). The post-variation number 8 is a post-variation pattern command (8407(H)) that designates a final reach (miss) (a variation of the decorative pattern that develops into a final reach but turns into a miss mode in the final reach).

[0175] The post-variation number 9 is a post-variation pattern command (8408(H)) that specifies a normal reach (win) (variation of the decorative symbol that becomes a winning state in the reach mode). The post-variation number 10 is a post-variation pattern command (8409(H)) that specifies the first half of the SP (win) (variation of the decorative symbol that develops into an SP reach and becomes a winning state in the first half of the SP reach). The post-variation number 11 is a post-variation pattern command (840A(H)) that specifies the second half of the SP (win) (variation of the decorative symbol that develops into the second half of the SP reach and becomes a winning state in the second half of the SP reach). The post-variation number 12 is a post-variation pattern command (840B(H)) that specifies the final reach (win) (variation of the decorative symbol that develops into the final reach and becomes a winning state in the final reach).

[0176] [Judgment of Post-Variation Pattern] The post-variation pattern is determined using different random counters according to whether the determination is a big win or a loss in the big win determination. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the post-variation pattern determination table at the time of a loss. As shown in FIG. 13, when it is determined as a loss in the big win determination, the post-variation pattern is determined using the random 3 explained in FIG. 8. Further, when it is determined as a loss in the big win determination, the post-variation pattern is determined using different determination value numbers according to the number of remaining memories after digestion, and furthermore, the determined post-variation numbers are also different.

[0177] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13(a), when the number of remaining memories after digestion is 0, any one of the post-variation patterns of post-variation numbers 1, 4, 5 to 8 is determined, and different determination value numbers are provided for each of the post-variation patterns. Note that the probability (selection rate of post-variation numbers 6 to 8) of being determined as any one of post-variation numbers 6 to 8 that develop into an SP reach or a final reach is approximately 1 / 102.

[0178] When the number of retained memories after digestion is 1, any one of the post-variation patterns of post-variation numbers 1, 4, 5 to 8 is determined, and different determination value numbers are provided for each of the post-variation patterns. Note that the probability of being determined as any one of post-variation numbers 6 to 8 that develop into SP reach or final reach (selection rate of post-variation numbers 6 to 8) is approximately 1 / 102.

[0179] When the number of retained memories after digestion is 2, any one of the post-variation patterns of post-variation numbers 2, 4, 5 to 8 is determined, and different determination value numbers are provided for each of the post-variation patterns. Note that the probability of being determined as any one of post-variation numbers 6 to 8 that develop into SP reach or final reach (selection rate of post-variation numbers 6 to 8) is approximately 1 / 102.

[0180] When the number of retained memories after digestion is 3, any one of the post-variation patterns of post-variation numbers 3, 4, 5 to 8 is determined, and different determination value numbers are provided for each of the post-variation patterns. Note that the probability of being determined as any one of post-variation numbers 6 to 8 that develop into SP reach or final reach (selection rate of post-variation numbers 6 to 8) is approximately 1 / 102.

[0181] In this way, the post-variation pattern is determined using different determination value numbers according to the number of retained memories after digestion, and further, the post-variation number is determined using different determination value numbers according to the number of retained memories after digestion. Therefore, the types of variation patterns change according to the remaining number of retained memories, and thereby, the game can be made diverse and the interest of the game can be improved.

[0182] Figure 14 is a diagram for explaining the post-variation pattern determination table at the time of a big win. As shown in Figure 14, when a big win is determined in the big win determination, the post-variation pattern is determined using the random 4 explained in Figure 8. Further, when a big win is determined in the big win determination, the post-variation pattern is determined using different determination value numbers according to the type of big win.

[0183] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 14(a), when it is determined to be either a normal jackpot 1, 2 or a certain-variation jackpot 1, 2, 5 to 8, any one of the post-variation patterns from post-variation numbers 9 to 12 is determined, and different numbers of determination values are provided for each of the post-variation patterns. Note that the probability (selection rate of post-variation numbers 10 to 12) of being determined to be any one of post-variation numbers 10 to 12 that develop into an SP reach or a final reach is approximately 1 / 1.1.

[0184] When it is determined to be either a certain-variation jackpot 3 or 9, any one of the post-variation patterns from post-variation numbers 9 to 12 is determined, and different numbers of determination values are provided for each of the post-variation patterns. Note that the probability (selection rate of post-variation numbers 10 to 12) of being determined to be any one of post-variation numbers 10 to 12 that develop into an SP reach or a final reach is approximately 1 / 1.1.

[0185] When it is determined to be a certain-variation jackpot 4, any one of the post-variation patterns from post-variation numbers 9 to 12 is determined, and different numbers of determination values are provided for each of the post-variation patterns. Note that the probability (selection rate of post-variation numbers 10 to 12) of being determined to be any one of post-variation numbers 10 to 12 that develop into an SP reach or a final reach is approximately 1 / 1.1.

[0186] In this way, since the post-variation pattern is determined using different numbers of determination values according to the type of jackpot, the type of variation pattern changes according to the type of jackpot, and thereby, the game can be made diverse and the interest of the game can be improved.

[0187] Also, as shown in Fig. 13, the probability of being determined to be any one of post-variation numbers 6 to 8 that develop into an SP reach or a final reach is approximately 1 / 102 in the case of a loss, while it is approximately 1 / 1.1, which is higher than that, in the case of a jackpot. Therefore, when it develops into an SP reach or a final reach, the player can be made to expect the occurrence of a jackpot.

[0188] [Determination of pre-variation pattern] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a pre-variation pattern determination table. The pre-variation pattern is determined using a different number of random 5 determination values according to the type of post-variation pattern determined previously. Further, the pre-variation number to be determined also differs according to the type of post-variation pattern determined previously.

[0189] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15(a), when the post-variation pattern of post-variation number 1 is determined, the pre-variation pattern of pre-variation number 1 is determined. As shown in FIG. 15(b), when the post-variation pattern of post-variation number 2 is determined, the pre-variation pattern of pre-variation number 2 is determined. As shown in FIG. 15(c), when the post-variation pattern of post-variation number 3 is determined, the pre-variation pattern of pre-variation number 3 is determined. As shown in FIG. 15(d), when the post-variation pattern of post-variation number 4 is determined, the pre-variation pattern of pre-variation number 1 is determined.

[0190] As shown in FIG. 15(e), when the post-variation pattern of either post-variation number 5 or 9 is determined, the pre-variation pattern of either pre-variation number 4 or 7 is determined. As shown in FIG. 15(f), when the post-variation pattern of either post-variation number 6 or 10 is determined, the pre-variation pattern of either pre-variation number 4, 7, or 10 is determined. As shown in FIG. 15(g), when the post-variation pattern of post-variation number 7 is determined, the pre-variation pattern of either pre-variation number 5, 8, or 11 is determined.

[0191] As shown in FIG. 15(h), when the post-variation pattern of post-variation number 11 is determined, the pre-variation pattern of either pre-variation number 5, 8, or 11 is determined. As shown in FIG. 15(i), when the post-variation pattern of post-variation number 8 is determined, the pre-variation pattern of either pre-variation number 6, 9, or 12 is determined. As shown in FIG. 15(j), when the post-variation pattern of post-variation number 12 is determined, the pre-variation pattern of either pre-variation number 6, 9, or 12 is determined.

[0192] [All variation patterns] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining an example of all variation patterns on the main side. As described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15, when the post-variation pattern and the pre-variation pattern are determined, it becomes any one of the variation patterns of main variation numbers 1 to 26 as shown in FIG. 16.

[0193] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an example of lottery of the effect pattern on the sub side. As shown in FIG. 17, the effect control CPU 120 on the sub side determines the effect pattern by lottery based on the variation pattern command received from the CPU 103 on the main side.

[0194] For example, when the effect control CPU 120 receives a variation pattern command corresponding to any one of main variation numbers 7 to 9 from the CPU 103, it determines to be either the losing pattern effect of SP first half reach A or the losing pattern effect of SP first half reach B among a plurality of types of reach effects. When the effect control CPU 120 receives a variation pattern command corresponding to any one of main variation numbers 18 to 20 from the CPU 103, it determines to be either the winning pattern effect of SP first half reach A or the winning pattern effect of SP first half reach B among a plurality of types of reach effects.

[0195] When the effect control CPU 120 receives a variation pattern command corresponding to any one of main variation numbers 10 to 12 from the CPU 103, it determines to be either the losing pattern effect of SP second half reach A or the losing pattern effect of SP second half reach B among a plurality of types of reach effects. When the effect control CPU 120 receives a variation pattern command corresponding to any one of main variation numbers 21 to 23 from the CPU 103, it determines to be either the winning pattern effect of SP second half reach A or the winning pattern effect of SP second half reach B among a plurality of types of reach effects.

[0196] <Operation> Next, the operation (function) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described.

[0197] [Main Operations of Main Substrate 11] First, the main operations in the main substrate 11 will be described.

[0198] (Special Symbol Process) FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the game control main process. When power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started, the game control microcomputer 100 is activated, and the game control main process is executed by the CPU 103.

[0199] In the game control main process shown in FIG. 18, the CPU 103 first sets interrupt inhibition (step S1). Subsequently, the CPU 103 performs necessary initial settings (step S2). The initial settings include settings for the stack pointer, register settings for built-in devices (such as CTC (counter / timer circuit), parallel input / output ports), and settings to make the RAM 102 accessible.

[0200] Next, the CPU 103 determines whether the recovery condition is satisfied (step S3). The recovery condition can be satisfied when the clear signal is in the off state, there is backup data, and the backup RAM is normal. When power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started, for example, if the clear switch 92 provided on the power supply board 17 is pressed, the on-state clear signal is input to the game control microcomputer 100. In such a case where the on-state clear signal is input, it may be determined in step S3 that the recovery condition is not satisfied. The backup data may be stored in the RAM 102 serving as the backup RAM for game control. In step S3, it may be determined whether the recovery condition can be satisfied by checking or inspecting the presence or absence of backup data and data errors.

[0201] When the recovery condition is satisfied (Y in step S3), after the CPU 103 executes the recovery process (step S4), it executes the setting confirmation process (step S5). Based on the stored content of the RAM 102, the CPU 103 performs the setting of the work area through the recovery process in step S4. By setting the work area using the backup data stored in the RAM 102, the gaming state when the power supply stopped is restored. For example, if the special symbol was in the middle of changing, it is sufficient that the change of the special symbol can be resumed from the state before the stop.

[0202] When the recovery condition is not satisfied (N in step S3), after the CPU 103 executes the initialization process (step S6), it executes the setting change process (step S7). The initialization process in step S6 includes a clearing process for clearing the flags, counters, and buffers stored in the RAM 102. By executing the clearing process, initial values are set in the work area.

[0203] In the setting confirmation process in step S5, it is determined whether a predetermined setting confirmation condition is satisfied. The setting confirmation condition is satisfied, for example, when the detection signal from the door open sensor 90 is in the on state and the setting key 51 is in the on operation state when the power supply is started. The setting confirmation process in step S5 is executed when the recovery condition including that the clear signal is in the off state is satisfied in step S3. Therefore, since the setting confirmation condition can be satisfied when the clear signal is in the off state, the fact that the clear signal is in the off state can also be included in the setting confirmation condition.

[0204] When the setting confirmation condition is satisfied in the setting confirmation process in step S5, the pachinko gaming machine 1 enters a setting confirmation state where the set values can be confirmed, and a setting confirmation start command is sent from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12. In the setting confirmation state, it is possible to confirm the set values set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 by the display on the display monitor 29. When ending the setting confirmation state, a setting confirmation end command is sent from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12.

[0205] When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the setting confirmation state, it may be set to a game stop state that stops the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1. When in the game stop state, the firing of game balls by operating the hitting operation handle 30, the detection of game balls by various switches, etc. are stopped, and it may be controlled so that a losing symbol or the like is stopped from being displayed, or a display corresponding to a game stop state different from the losing symbol is performed. When the setting confirmation state ends, the accompanying game stop state may also end.

[0206] In the setting change process of step S7, the CPU 103 determines whether a predetermined setting change condition is satisfied. The setting change condition is satisfied, for example, when the detection signal from the door open sensor 90 is in the on state and the setting key 51 is operated in the on state when the power supply is started. The setting change condition may include that the clear signal is in the on state.

[0207] When the setting change condition is satisfied in the setting change process of step S7, the pachinko gaming machine 1 enters a setting change state in which the set value can be changed, and a setting change start command is transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12. In the setting change state, the set value is displayed on the display monitor 29, and each time the operation of the setting change switch 52 is detected, the numerical value displayed on the display monitor 29 is sequentially updated and displayed. Then, based on the fact that the setting key 51 has been turned off by the operation of a casino staff or the like, the CPU 103 stores (updates and stores) the set value displayed on the display monitor 29 in the backup area of the RAM 102, and turns off the display monitor 29. When ending the setting change state, a setting change end command is transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12.

[0208] When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the setting change state, similar to when it is in the setting confirmation state, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be set to the game stop state. When the setting change state ends, the accompanying game stop state may also end.

[0209] On the side of the performance control board 12, when a setting confirmation start command or a setting change start command is received, control may be performed to notify that the setting is being confirmed or the setting is being changed. For example, in the image display device 5, a predetermined image may be displayed, a predetermined sound may be output from the speakers 8L and 8R, or a light emitting member such as the game effect lamp 9 may be caused to emit light in a predetermined manner.

[0210] The clear signal becomes on, for example, by pressing a clear switch 92 provided on the power supply board 17. Therefore, when the power supply is started, if the detection signal from the door open sensor 90 is on and the setting key 51 is on, if the clear switch 92 is on, the initialization process in step S6 and the setting change process in step S7 are executed together, and the control can be set to the setting change state. If the clear switch 92 is off, the recovery process in step S4 and the setting confirmation process in step S5 are executed together, and the control can be set to the setting confirmation state. When the power supply is started, if the detection signal from the door open sensor 90 is off, or if the setting key 51 is off, if the clear switch 92 is on, the initialization process in step S6 is executed, but the control is not performed in the setting change state. If the clear switch 92 is off, the recovery process in step S4 is executed, but the control is not performed in the setting confirmation state.

[0211] After executing the setting confirmation process or the setting change process, the CPU 103 executes a random number circuit setting process for initializing the random number circuit 104 (step S8). Then, the CPU 103 sets the register of the CTC built in the game control microcomputer 100 so that a timer interrupt occurs periodically every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms) (step S9), and permits the interrupt (step S10). After that, it enters a loop process. Thereafter, an interrupt request signal is sent from the CTC to the CPU 103 every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms), and the CPU 103 can execute the timer interrupt process periodically.

[0212] (Game control timer interrupt process) FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of game control timer interrupt processing. When the CPU 103 that has executed the main game control process receives an interrupt request signal from the CTC and accepts the interrupt request, it executes the game control timer interrupt processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 19. When starting the game control timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 19, the CPU 103 first executes a predetermined switch process to determine whether detection signals are received from various switches such as the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, the second start port switch 22B, and the count switch 23 via the switch circuit 110 (step S21). Subsequently, the CPU 103 performs an abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko game machine 1 by executing a predetermined main-side error process, and can generate a warning if necessary according to the diagnosis result (step S22). After that, the CPU 103 outputs data such as jackpot information (information indicating the number of jackpot occurrences, etc.), start information (information indicating the number of start wins, etc.), and probability variation information (information indicating the number of times the probability variation state has occurred, etc.) that is supplied to, for example, a hall management computer installed outside the pachinko game machine 1 by executing a predetermined information output process (step S23).

[0213] Subsequent to the information output process, the CPU 103 executes a game random number update process for updating at least a part of the game random numbers used on the main board 11 side by software (step S24). After that, the CPU 103 executes a special symbol process (step S25). By the CPU 103 executing the special symbol process for each timer interrupt, execution and hold management of the special symbol game, control of the jackpot game state, control of the game state, etc. are realized.

[0214] Following the special symbol process, the normal symbol process is executed (step S26). By the CPU 103 executing the normal symbol process for each timer interrupt, it becomes possible to manage the execution and holding of the normal symbol game based on the detection signal from the gate switch 21 (based on the passage of a game ball through the passage gate 41), and to control the opening of the variable prize ball device 6B based on "normal symbol win", etc. The execution of the normal symbol game is performed by driving the normal symbol display unit 26, and the number of normal symbol holds is displayed by lighting the normal symbol memory display unit 25.

[0215] After executing the normal symbol process, as part of the game control timer interrupt process, processes such as the process when a power failure occurs and the process for paying out prize balls may be performed. After that, the CPU 103 executes command control processing (step S27). The CPU 103 may transmit and set an effect control command in each of the above processes. In the command control processing of step S27, a process is performed to transmit the transmitted and set effect control command to a sub-control board such as the effect control board 12. After executing the command control processing, after permitting interrupts, the game control timer interrupt process is terminated.

[0216] (Special symbol process) FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the special symbol process. The special symbol process is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S25 shown in FIG. 19. In this special symbol process, the CPU 103 first executes a start winning determination process (step S101).

[0217] In the start winning determination process, a process is executed to detect the occurrence of a start winning, store hold information in a predetermined area of the RAM 102, and update the hold memory count. When a start winning occurs, a random number value for determining the display result (including the jackpot type) and the variation pattern is extracted and stored as hold information. Further, a process for pre-reading the display result and the variation pattern based on the extracted random number value may be executed. After storing the hold information and the hold memory count, transmission settings are made to transmit an effect control command for designating determination results such as the occurrence of a start winning, the hold memory count, and pre-reading determination to the effect control board 12. The effect control command at the time of the start winning thus set for transmission is transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12, for example, by executing the command control process of step S27 shown in FIG. 19 after the special symbol process is completed.

[0218] After executing the start winning determination process in step S101, the CPU 103 selects and executes any one of the processes of steps S110 to S117 according to the value of the special symbol process flag provided in the RAM 102. In each process (steps S110 to S117) of the special symbol process, transmission settings are made to transmit an effect control command corresponding to each process to the effect control board 12.

[0219] The special symbol normal process in step S110 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "0" (initial value). In this special symbol normal process, based on the presence or absence of hold information, etc., a determination is made as to whether to start the first special figure game or the second special figure game. Also, in the special symbol normal process, based on the random number value for determining the display result, whether to make the display result of the special symbol and the decorative symbol a "big win" or not, and the big win type in the case of a "big win", are determined (predetermined) before the display result is derived and displayed. Further, in the special symbol normal process, corresponding to the determined display result, a definite special symbol (either a big win symbol or a losing symbol) to be stopped and displayed in the special figure game is set. Thereafter, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "1", and the special symbol normal process ends. Note that the special figure game using the second special figure may be executed with priority over the special figure game using the first special figure (also referred to as giving priority to the digestion of special figure 2). Also, the order of winning of the game balls into the first start winning port and the second start winning port may be memorized, and the start conditions of the special figure game may be made to hold in the order of winning (also referred to as winning order digestion).

[0220] When making various determinations based on a random number value, various tables stored in the ROM101 (tables in which determination values to be compared with the random number value are assigned to the determination results) are referred to. The same applies to other determinations on the main board 11 and various determinations on the effect control board 12. On the effect control board 12, various tables are stored in the ROM121.

[0221] The variable pattern setting process in step S111 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "1". This variable pattern setting process includes a process of determining one of a plurality of types of variable patterns using a random number value for determining the variable pattern based on the predetermined result of whether to make the display result a "big win" or not. In the variable pattern setting process, when the variable pattern is determined, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "2", and the variable pattern setting process ends.

[0222] The variation pattern specifies the execution time of the special symbol game (special symbol variation time, which is also the execution time of the variable display of the decorative symbol), the mode of the variable display of the decorative symbol (such as the presence or absence of a reach), the production content during the variable display of the decorative symbol (such as the type of reach production), and is also called the variable display pattern.

[0223] The special symbol variation process in step S112 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "2". This special symbol variation process includes processes for setting to vary the special symbol in the special symbol 1 variable display unit 21 and the special symbol 2 variable display unit 22, and processes for measuring the elapsed time since the start of the variation of the special symbol. Also, a determination is made as to whether the measured elapsed time has reached the special symbol variation time corresponding to the variation pattern. When the elapsed time since the start of the variation of the special symbol reaches the special symbol variation time, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "3", and the special symbol variation process ends.

[0224] The special symbol stop process in step S113 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "3". This special symbol stop process includes a process for setting to stop the variation of the special symbol in the special symbol 1 variable display unit 21 and the special symbol 2 variable display unit 22 and to stop displaying (derive) the determined special symbol that is the display result of the special symbol. When the display result is "big win", the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "4". When the display result is "loss", the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "0". When the display result is "loss" and it is in the time-saving state or the probability-variable state and the end of the count-down is established, the game state is also updated. When the value of the special symbol process flag is updated, the special symbol stop process ends.

[0225] The jackpot release pre - processing in step S114 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "4". This jackpot release pre - processing includes processes such as starting the execution of rounds in the jackpot gaming state and setting to open the big winning opening based on the fact that the display result is "jackpot", etc. When setting the big winning opening to the open state, a process of supplying a solenoid drive signal to the solenoid 82 for the big winning opening door is executed. At this time, for example, corresponding to the type of jackpot, the upper limit period for opening the big winning opening and the upper limit number of times of round execution are set. When these settings are completed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "5", and the jackpot release pre - processing ends.

[0226] The jackpot release in - processing in step S115 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "5". This jackpot release in - processing includes processes such as measuring the elapsed time since the big winning opening was set to the open state, and determining whether it is time to return the big winning opening from the open state to the closed state based on the measured elapsed time, the number of game balls detected by the count switch 23, etc. When returning the big winning opening to the closed state, after executing a process of stopping the supply of the solenoid drive signal to the solenoid 82 for the big winning opening door, etc., the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "6", and the jackpot release in - processing ends.

[0227] The jackpot release post - processing in step S116 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "6". This jackpot release post - processing includes processes such as determining whether the number of times of round execution for setting the big winning opening to the open state has reached the set upper limit number of times, and performing settings for ending the jackpot gaming state when the upper limit number of times is reached. When the number of times of round execution has not reached the upper limit number of times, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "5", while when the number of times of round execution has reached the upper limit number of times, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "7". When the value of the special figure process flag is updated, the jackpot release post - processing ends.

[0228] The jackpot end process in step S117 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "7". This jackpot end process includes a process of waiting until a waiting time corresponding to the period during which an ending effect as an effect operation for notifying the end of the jackpot gaming state is executed, and a process of performing various settings for starting probability variable control and time shortening control in response to the end of the jackpot gaming state. When such settings are made, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "0", and the jackpot end process ends.

[0229] The pachinko gaming machine 1 is configured such that the winning probability and the payout rate of the jackpot change according to the set value. For example, in the special figure normal process of the special figure process processing, by using a display result determination table (winning probability) according to the set value, the winning probability and the payout rate of the jackpot change. For example, the set value consists of 6 levels from 1 to 6, and 6 has the highest winning probability of the jackpot, and the winning probability of the jackpot decreases in the order of 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. In this example, when 6 is set as the set value, it is the most advantageous for the player, and the degree of advantage gradually decreases in the order of 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. If the winning probability of the jackpot changes according to the set value, the payout rate may also change according to the set value. The winning probability of the jackpot may be constant regardless of the set value, while the number of rounds in the jackpot gaming state may change according to the set value. The pachinko gaming machine 1 only needs to be configured to be able to set any one of a plurality of set values with different degrees of advantage for the player. The set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is notified by sending a set value designation command from the side of the main board 11 to the side of the effect control board 12.

[0230] The number of set values that can be set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be 5 or less or 7 or more. It may be set so that the smaller the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1, the more advantageous it is for the player. The game performance may be changed according to the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1. For example, when the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is 1, the jackpot probability in the normal state is 1 / 320, and the game performance (so-called probability variable loop type) that loops at a rate of 65% in the probability variable state is adopted. When the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is 2, the jackpot probability in the normal state is 1 / 200, and while the game state after the end of the jackpot game is controlled to the probability variable state based on the game ball passing through a predetermined switch provided inside the special variable winning ball device 7 during the jackpot game, the game performance (so-called V probability variable type) in which the rate at which the game ball passes through the predetermined switch during the jackpot game differs according to the variable special figure is adopted. When the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is 3, the jackpot probability is 1 / 320, and the game performance (so-called type 1 and type 2 mixed type) that controls to the jackpot game state based on the game ball passing through a predetermined switch provided inside the special variable winning ball device 7 during the high base (time shortening control) may be adopted. When the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is any one of 1 to 3, the game performance is the same, but a setting may be provided in which the jackpot probability is higher than when the set value is any one of 1 to 3, while the number of winning balls that can be obtained during the jackpot game is small (for example, when the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is any one of 4 to 6). When changing the game performance according to the set value, a common switch may be used for different purposes. Specifically, when the set value is 1 to 3, the predetermined switch provided in the special variable winning ball device 7 is used as an effect switch (a switch for executing a predetermined effect every time the game ball passes through a predetermined area), and when the set value is 4 to 6, the predetermined switch may be used as a game switch (a switch for controlling the game state to the probability variable state or the jackpot game state based on the game ball passing through the predetermined switch).

[0231] The jackpot type may be determined at different ratios according to the set value based on the assignment of determination values in the jackpot type determination table. Alternatively, the jackpot type may be determined at a common ratio regardless of the set value. The variation pattern may be determined at different ratios according to the set value based on the assignment of determination values in the variation pattern determination table. Alternatively, the variation pattern may be determined at a common ratio regardless of the set value. By having different execution ratios of normal reach and super reach according to the set value, the set value may be suggested by the frequency at which normal reach and super reach are executed. Alternatively, the execution ratios of normal reach and super reach may be common regardless of the set value. Additionally, according to the set value, arbitrary setting suggestion effects may be made executable at different ratios.

[0232] (Start winning determination process) Figure 21 is a flowchart showing the start winning determination process. The CPU 103 executes the start winning determination process in S101 of the special symbol process shown in Figure 20. In the start winning determination process, the CPU 103 first determines whether the first start port switch 22A is on based on the detection signal from the first start port switch 22A provided corresponding to the first start winning port formed by the winning ball device 6A (step S51). At this time, if the first start port switch 22A is on (Y in step S51), it is determined whether the first special symbol hold memory number, which is the hold memory number of the special symbol game using the first special symbol, has reached a predetermined upper limit value (for example, "4" as the upper limit memory number) (step S52). The CPU 103 may identify the first special symbol hold memory number by reading, for example, the first hold memory number count value, which is the stored value of the first hold memory number counter provided in a game control counter setting unit (not shown). When the first special symbol hold memory number is not the upper limit value in step S52 (N in step S52), the stored value of the start port buffer provided in a game control buffer setting unit (not shown) is set to "1" (step S53).

[0233] When the first start port switch 22A is off in step S51 (N in step S51), or when the first special figure hold memory count reaches the upper limit value in step S52 (Y in step S52), it is determined whether the second start port switch 22B is on based on the detection signal from the second start port switch 22B provided corresponding to the second start winning port formed by the variable winning ball device 6B (step S54). At this time, if the second start port switch 22B is on (Y in step S54), it is determined whether the second special figure hold memory count, which is the hold memory count of the special figure game using the second special figure, has reached a predetermined upper limit value (for example, "4" as the upper limit memory count) (step S55). The CPU 103 can identify the second special figure hold memory count, for example, by reading the stored value of the second hold memory count counter provided in a game control counter setting unit (not shown). When the second special figure hold memory count is not the upper limit value in step S55 (N in step S55), the stored value of the start port buffer provided in a game control buffer setting unit (not shown) is set to "2" (step S56).

[0234] After executing either the process of step S53 or step S56, the special figure hold memory count corresponding to the start port buffer value, which is the stored value of the start port buffer, is updated to increase by 1 (step S57). For example, when the start port buffer value is "1", the first hold memory count value is incremented by 1, while when the start port buffer value is "2", the second hold memory count value is incremented by 1. In this way, the first hold memory count value is updated to increase by 1 when the game ball passes through (enters) the first start winning port and the first start condition corresponding to the special figure game using the first special figure is satisfied. Also, the second hold memory count value is updated to increase by 1 when the game ball passes through (enters) the second start winning port and the second start condition corresponding to the special figure game using the second special figure is satisfied. At this time, the total hold memory count is also updated to increase by 1 (step S58). For example, the stored value of the total hold memory count counter provided in a game control counter setting unit (not shown), which is the total hold memory count value, may be updated to increase by 1.

[0235] After executing the process of step S58, the CPU 103 extracts numerical data indicating random value random 1 for jackpot determination, random value random 2 for jackpot type determination, and random values random 3 and 4 for variation pattern determination from among the numerical data updated by the random number circuit 104 or a random counter of a game control counter setting unit (not shown) (step S59). The numerical data indicating each random value thus extracted is stored by being set as reservation information at the head of an empty entry in the special figure reservation storage unit according to the start port buffer value (step S60). For example, when the start port buffer value is "1", numerical data indicating random values random 1 to random 4 is stored in a first special figure reservation storage unit (not shown), while when the start port buffer value is "2", numerical data indicating random values random 1 to random 4 is stored in a second special figure reservation storage unit (not shown).

[0236] The numerical data indicating random value random 1 for jackpot determination and random value random 2 for jackpot type determination is used to determine whether to regard the variation display result of the special symbol or the decorative symbol as a "jackpot", and further to determine the jackpot type when the variation display result is regarded as a "jackpot". The random values random 3 and 4 for variation pattern determination are used to determine a variation pattern including the variation display time of the special symbol or the decorative symbol. By executing the process of step S59, the CPU 103 extracts numerical data indicating all of the random values used for determining the variable display mode including the variation display result and the variation display time of the special symbol or the decorative symbol.

[0237] Following the process of step S59, transmission settings for a start port winning designation command are made according to the start port buffer value (step S60). For example, when the start port buffer value is "1", the storage address of the first start winning designation command table in ROM101 is stored in the buffer area specified by the transmission command pointer in the transmission command buffer, etc., to make settings for transmitting the first start winning designation command to the effect control board 12. On the other hand, when the start port buffer value is "2", the storage address of the second start winning designation command table in ROM101 is stored in the buffer area of the transmission command buffer, etc., to make settings for transmitting the second start winning designation command to the effect control board 12. The start winning designation command thus set is transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12, for example, when the special symbol process is completed and the command control process of S27 shown in FIG. 19 is executed.

[0238] Following the process of step S60, the CPU 103 saves a random value in the storage area corresponding to the reservation storage (step S61). After that, the CPU 103 clears the start port buffer, initializes its stored value to "0" (step S62), and then ends the start winning determination process. Thereby, even when both the first start port switch 22A and the second start port switch 22B detect a start winning of an effective game ball at the same time, the process based on the detection of both effective start winnings can be surely completed.

[0239] (Normal special symbol process) FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol normal process. As shown in FIG. 22, in the special symbol normal process, the CPU 103 determines whether there is stored data in the first hold memory buffer (a memory buffer for storing hold memory information of the first special symbol) or the second hold memory buffer (a memory buffer for storing hold memory information of the second special symbol) (step S1001). If there is no stored data in either the first hold memory buffer or the second hold memory buffer (N in step S1001), it is determined whether a predetermined period has elapsed since the fluctuation stop (step S1002). If the predetermined period has not elapsed since the fluctuation stop (N in step S1002), the special symbol normal process ends. On the other hand, if the predetermined period has elapsed since the fluctuation stop (Y in step S1002), a process for transmitting a customer waiting demo designation command is performed (step S1003), and the special symbol normal process ends. Here, when the customer waiting demo designation command is transmitted, a customer waiting demo designation command transmitted flag indicating that the customer waiting demo designation command has been transmitted is set. And when the special symbol normal process after the next timer interrupt is executed after the customer waiting demo designation command is transmitted, control is performed so that the customer waiting demo designation command is not transmitted again based on the fact that the customer waiting demo designation command transmitted flag is set. Such a customer waiting demo designation command transmitted flag is reset when the next special symbol fluctuation display is started.

[0240] When there is stored memory data in the first stored memory buffer or the second stored memory buffer (Y in step S1001), the CPU 103 determines whether the first data among the data set in the stored specific area indicates "second" (step S1004). If the first data set in the stored specific area does not indicate "second" (i.e., it indicates "first") (N in step S1004), the CPU 103 sets the data indicating "first" in the special symbol pointer (a flag indicating whether the special symbol process is being performed for the first special symbol or the second special symbol) (step S1005). If the first data set in the stored specific area indicates "second" (Y in step S1004), the CPU 103 sets the data indicating "second" in the special symbol pointer (step S1006).

[0241] In this embodiment, hereinafter, depending on whether the data indicating "first" or the data indicating "second" is set in the special symbol pointer, the variable display of the first special symbol and the variable display of the second special symbol are executed using a common processing routine. When the data indicating "first" is set in the special symbol pointer, the variable display of the first special symbol is performed based on the stored memory data stored in the first stored memory buffer. On the other hand, when the data indicating "second" is set in the special symbol pointer, the variable display of the second special symbol is performed based on the stored memory data stored in the second stored memory buffer.

[0242] By the control of steps S1004 to S1006, if there is even one piece of data of the second stored memory in the second stored memory buffer, the variable display of the second special symbol based on the data of the second stored memory is executed with priority over the variable display of the first special symbol based on the data of the first stored memory.

[0243] Next, the CPU 103 reads out each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the hold memory number = 1 indicated by the special symbol pointer and stores it in the hold memory buffer of the RAM 102 (step S1007). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates "First", the CPU 103 reads out each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the first hold memory number = 1 in the first hold memory buffer and stores it in the hold memory buffer of the RAM 102. Also, when the special symbol pointer indicates "Second", the CPU 103 reads out each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the second hold memory number = 1 in the second hold memory buffer and stores it in the hold memory buffer of the RAM 102.

[0244] Then, the CPU 103 decrements the count value of the hold memory number counter indicated by the special symbol pointer by 1 and shifts the contents of each storage area (step S1008). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates "First", the CPU 103 decrements the count value of the first hold memory number counter by 1 and shifts the contents of each storage area in the first hold memory buffer. Also, when the special symbol pointer indicates "Second", the CPU 103 decrements the count value of the second hold memory number counter by 1 and shifts the contents of each storage area in the second hold memory buffer.

[0245] That is, when the special symbol pointer indicates "First", the CPU 103 stores each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the first hold memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the first hold memory buffer of the RAM 102 in the storage area corresponding to the first hold memory number = n - 1. Also, when the special symbol pointer indicates "Second", the CPU 103 stores each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the second hold memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the second hold memory buffer of the RAM 102 in the storage area corresponding to the second hold memory number = n - 1.

[0246] Therefore, the order in which each random number value stored in each storage area corresponding to each first reserved memory number (or each second reserved memory number) is extracted always matches the order of the first reserved memory number (or the second reserved memory number) = 1, 2, 3, 4.

[0247] Next, the CPU 103 performs control to transmit a reserved memory number designation command for the side indicated by the special symbol pointer to the rendering control CPU 120 based on the value of the reserved memory number counter for the side indicated by the special symbol pointer after subtraction (step S1009). In this case, when a value indicating "first" is set in the special symbol pointer, the CPU 103 performs control to transmit a first reserved memory number designation command. Also, when a value indicating "second" is set in the special symbol pointer, the CPU 103 performs control to transmit a second reserved memory number designation command.

[0248] Next, the CPU 103 transmits a background designation command (step S1010), reads random R (random number for jackpot determination) from the reserved memory buffer, and executes the jackpot determination module (step S1011). In this case, the CPU 103 reads the random number for jackpot determination that was extracted in the start winning determination process and stored in advance in the first reserved memory buffer or the second reserved memory buffer, and performs a jackpot determination. The jackpot determination module is a program that executes a process of comparing a predetermined jackpot determination value (see FIG. 8) with the random number for jackpot determination and determining that it is a jackpot if they match. That is, it is a program that executes the process of jackpot determination.

[0249] In the jackpot determination process, when the game state is the probability-variable state (high-probability state), the probability of hitting the jackpot is configured to be higher than when the game state is the non-probability-variable state (normal game state and time-saving state). Specifically, a probability-variable jackpot determination table with a large number of jackpot determination values set in advance (the table with the values in the lower column of FIG. 9(a) set) and a normal-time jackpot determination table with the number of jackpot determination values set to be less than that of the probability-variable jackpot determination table (the table with the values in the upper column of FIG. 9(a) set) are provided. Then, the CPU 103 checks whether the game state is the probability-variable state. When the game state is the probability-variable state, it uses the probability-variable jackpot determination table to perform the jackpot determination process. When the game state is the normal state or the time-saving state, it uses the normal-time jackpot determination table to perform the jackpot determination process. That is, when the value of the jackpot determination random number (Random 1) matches any of the jackpot determination values shown in FIG. 9(a), the CPU 103 determines that it is a jackpot for the special symbols. If it is determined to be a jackpot (Y in step S1011), it proceeds to step S1012. Note that determining whether to be a jackpot means determining whether to shift to the jackpot game state, and it also means determining whether to set the stopped symbol in the special symbols as the jackpot symbol.

[0250] Note that the confirmation of whether the current game state is the probability-variable state is performed based on whether the probability-variable flag is set. The probability-variable flag is set when the game state shifts to the probability-variable state and reset when the probability-variable state ends. Specifically, the probability-variable flag is set in the process of ending the jackpot game, and then reset at the timing of ending the variable display of the special symbols and stopping the display of the stopped symbol when either the condition that the variable display has been performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) or the condition that the next jackpot has been determined is satisfied first.

[0251] If the value of the jackpot determination random number (Random 1) does not match any of the jackpot determination values (N in step S1011), it proceeds to step S1015, which will be described later.

[0252] In step S1011, if the value of the jackpot determination random number (Random 1) matches any of the jackpot determination values, the CPU 103 sets a jackpot flag indicating that it is a jackpot (step S1012). Note that the jackpot flag is reset when the jackpot game ends. Then, as a table used to determine one of a plurality of jackpot types, either the first special symbol jackpot type determination table in FIG. 9(b) or the second special symbol jackpot type determination table in FIG. 9(c) is selected. Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates "First", the CPU 103 selects the first special symbol jackpot type determination table shown in FIG. 9(b). Also, when the special symbol pointer indicates "Second", the CPU 103 selects the second special symbol jackpot type determination table in FIG. 9(c). Then, the CPU 103 reads out the jackpot type determination random number extracted in the start winning determination process and previously stored in the first hold storage buffer or the second hold storage buffer, and uses the selected jackpot type determination table to determine the jackpot type and jackpot symbol corresponding to the value that matches the value of the jackpot type determination random number (Random 2) stored in the hold storage buffer (step S1013).

[0253] Also, the CPU 103 sets the jackpot type data indicating the determined jackpot type in the jackpot type buffer in the RAM 102 (step S1014).

[0254] Next, the CPU 103 sets the stop symbol of the special symbol (step S1015). Specifically, when the jackpot flag is not set, "-", which is a losing symbol, is set as the stop symbol of the special symbol. When the jackpot flag is set, depending on the determination result of the jackpot type, the jackpot symbol determined in step S1014 is set as the stop symbol of the special symbol.

[0255] Then, the CPU 103 transmits a display result specification command (step S1016) and updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (step S111) (step S1017).

[0256] (Variable Pattern Setting Process) FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the variable pattern setting process. As shown in FIG. 23, in the variable pattern setting process, the CPU 103 determines a post-variable pattern based on Random 3 and 4 according to the number of stored hold values and the presence or absence of a jackpot (step S1101). Specifically, when it is a losing result, the CPU 103 selects a post-variable pattern determination table shown in FIG. 13 according to the number of stored hold values, and determines a post-variable pattern based on the selected post-variable pattern determination table and the value of Random 3. Also, when it is a jackpot result, the CPU 103 selects a post-variable pattern determination table shown in FIG. 14 according to the type of jackpot, and determines a post-variable pattern based on the selected post-variable pattern determination table and the value of Random 4.

[0257] Next, the CPU 103 determines a pre-variable pattern based on Random 5 (step S1102). Specifically, the CPU 103 selects a pre-variable pattern determination table shown in FIG. 15 according to the post-variable pattern determined in S1102, and determines a pre-variable pattern based on the selected pre-variable pattern determination table and the value of Random 5.

[0258] Next, the CPU 103 performs control to transmit a variable pattern command corresponding to the determined variable pattern (pre-variable pattern and post-variable pattern) to the effect control CPU 120 (step S1103).

[0259] Next, the CPU 103 sets a value corresponding to the variable time corresponding to the selected variable pattern in the variable time timer formed in the RAM 102 (step S1104). Then, the CPU 103 performs control to transmit a symbol variation designation command to the effect control CPU 120 (step S1105), and updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol variation process (step S112) (step S1106).

[0260] (Special Symbol Variation Process) FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol variation process. As shown in FIG. 24, in the special symbol variation process, the CPU 103 subtracts 1 from the variation time timer (step S1201). If the variation time timer times out (Y in step S1202), the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol stop process (step S113) (step S1203). If the variation time timer has not timed out (N in step S1202), the process ends as it is.

[0261] (Special symbol stop process) FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol stop process. As shown in FIG. 25, in the special symbol stop process, the CPU 103 sets an end flag to end the variable display of the special symbol, and performs control to derive and display a stop symbol on the special figure 1 variable display unit 21 or the special figure 2 variable display unit 22 (step S1301). When data indicating "first" is set in the special symbol pointer, the variation of the first special symbol on the special figure 1 variable display unit 21 is ended, and when data indicating "second" is set in the special symbol pointer, the variation of the second special symbol on the special figure 2 variable display unit 22 is ended. Also, a symbol determination designation command is set in the effect control CPU 120 (step S1302). Thereby, the symbol determination designation command is transmitted to the effect control CPU 120. Next, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the big win flag is set (step S1303). If the big win flag is not set (N in step S1303), the process proceeds to step S1309.

[0262] If the big win flag is set (Y in step S1303), the CPU 103 resets the probability variation flag and the time shortening flag (step S1304). Next, a big win start designation command and a right hit display lighting command are transmitted to the effect control CPU 120 (step S1305).

[0263] Also, referring to the opening pattern data stored in the ROM 101, for the normal big winning opening and the V big winning opening, data indicating the opening mode such as the number of openings (e.g., 5 times or 10 times), the opening time (e.g., 29 seconds), and the interval time between rounds (e.g., 0.5 seconds) is set in a predetermined storage area (step S1306). For example, in the case of a normal jackpot in 3R, the opening mode of opening the normal big winning opening in all of 1 to 3R is stored in a predetermined storage area provided in the RAM 102. In the case of a certain probability jackpot in 5R, the opening mode of opening the normal big winning opening in the 1st to 3rd and 5th rounds and opening the V big winning opening in the 4th round is stored in a predetermined storage area provided in the RAM 102. Also, in the case of a certain probability jackpot in 10R, the opening mode of opening the normal big winning opening in the 1st to 8th and 10th rounds and opening the V big winning opening in the 9th round is stored in a predetermined storage area provided in the RAM 102. The data of the number of openings (5 times or 10 times) is set in the opening number counter for counting the number of openings.

[0264] Also, a value corresponding to the fanfare time, which is the jackpot display time (the time for notifying, for example, in the image display device 5 that a jackpot has occurred), is set in the big winning opening control timer (step S1307). Thereafter, in the pre-opening process for the jackpot, when the big winning opening control timer is decremented by 1 and becomes 0, the big winning opening is opened and the round is started. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the pre-opening process for the jackpot (step S114) (step S1308), and the process ends.

[0265] If it is determined in step S1303 that the jackpot flag is not set (N in step S1304), the CPU 103 determines whether a time shortening flag indicating that it is in the time shortening state is set (step S1309). If the time shortening flag is not set (N in step S1309), the process proceeds to the process of step S1316. If the time shortening flag is set (Y in step S1309), the counter value of the time shortening count counter indicating the remaining number of fluctuations in the time shortening state is decremented by 1 (step S1310). Next, the CPU 103 checks whether the value of the time shortening count counter has become 0 (step S1311). If the value of the time shortening count counter has become 0 (Y in step S1311), it is determined that the duration of the time shortening state has ended, and the time shortening flag is reset (step S1312). As a result, when the variable display resulting in a losing display is performed a specific number of times (100 times) in the time shortening state, the game state shifts from the time shortening state to the non-time shortening state. In step S1311, if the value of the time shortening count counter has not become 0 (N in step S1311), the process proceeds to the process of step S1316.

[0266] After step S1312, it is determined whether a probability variation flag indicating that it is in the probability variation state is set (step S1313). If the probability variation flag is set (Y in step S1313), the probability variation flag is reset (step S1314). Next, in response to the game state shifting from the time shortening state to the normal state (low probability / low base state), the CPU 103 transmits a normal state designation command to the effect control CPU 120 (step S1315) and proceeds to step S1316. If the probability variation flag is not set in step S1313 (N in step S1313), the process proceeds to step S1315 without performing the process of step S1314. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S110) (step S1316), and the process ends.

[0267] (Before jackpot release process) Figure 26 is a flowchart showing an example of the jackpot opening pre - process. As shown in Figure 26, in the jackpot opening pre - process, the CPU 103 subtracts 1 (subtraction update) from the value of the big winning opening control timer (step S1401). Then, it determines whether the value of the big winning opening control timer is 0 (step S1402). If the value of the big winning opening control timer is not 0 (N in step S1402), the process ends.

[0268] When the value of the big winning opening control timer becomes 0 (Y in step S1402), the CPU 103 for effect control sends a command specifying that the big winning opening is in the open state to the CPU 120 (step S1403). Then, according to the opening pattern, the solenoid 82 is driven to open the normal big winning opening (step S1404). As a result, in the first reel, the normal big winning opening is opened.

[0269] Next, based on the opening pattern data (for example, the data stored in the RAM 102 in step S1306), the CPU 103 sets the big winning opening control timer to the big winning opening release time (for example, 29 seconds) corresponding to the maximum time (big winning opening release time) during which the big winning opening can be opened (step S1405). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot opening in - process (step S115) (step S1406), and the process ends.

[0270] (Jackpot opening in - process) Figure 27 is a flowchart showing an example of the jackpot opening in - process. As shown in Figure 27, in the jackpot opening in - process, the CPU 103 subtracts 1 (subtraction update) from the value of the big winning opening control timer (step S1501).

[0271] Then, the CPU 103 checks whether the value of the big winning opening control timer has become 0 (step S1502). When the value of the big winning opening control timer has become 0 (Y in step S1502), the process proceeds to the process of step S1511. When the value of the big winning opening control timer has not become 0 (N in step S1502), it is determined whether the normal big winning opening or the V big winning opening is being opened (step S1503). Whether the normal big winning opening or the V big winning opening is being opened may be determined based on the value of the opening count counter.

[0272] In step S1503, when it is determined that the normal big winning opening or the V big winning opening is not being opened (N in step S1503), the process ends.

[0273] If the normal big winning opening or the V big winning opening is being opened (Y in step S1503), it is determined whether the count switch 23 or the V winning switch 24 is on (step S1504). If neither the count switch 23 nor the V winning switch 24 is on (N in step S1504), the process ends. On the other hand, if either the count switch 23 or the V winning switch 24 is on (Y in step S1504), the winning count counter is incremented by 1 (added and updated) (step S1505).

[0274] Next, it is determined whether or not the sure change determination flag is set (step S1506). The sure change determination flag is a flag that is set when it is determined that control is to be switched to the sure change state when a V win occurs. If the sure change determination flag is set (Y in step S1506), the process proceeds to the process of step S1510. On the other hand, if the sure change determination flag is not set (N in step S1506), it is determined whether or not the V win switch 24 is on (step S1507). If the V win switch 24 is not on (N in step S1507), the process proceeds to the process of step S1510. On the other hand, if the V win switch is on (Y in step S1507), the sure change determination flag is set (step S1508), a sure change determination device passage designation command is transmitted (step S1509), and the process proceeds to the process of step S1510.

[0275] Then, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the value of the winning count counter has reached a predetermined number (for example, 10) (step S1510). If the value of the winning count counter has not reached the predetermined number (N in step S1510), the process ends.

[0276] When the value of the winning count counter has reached the predetermined number (Y in step S1510), the CPU 103 performs either control to drive the solenoid 82 to close the normal big winning opening or control to drive the solenoid 83 to close the V big winning opening (step S1511). Next, the CPU 103 performs a process of clearing (setting to 0) the value of the winning count counter (step S1512). Next, the CPU 103 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the post-bonus release process (step S116) (step S1513), and ends the process.

[0277] (Post-bonus release process) FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an example of the post-bonus release process. As shown in FIG. 28, in the post-bonus release process, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the value of the opening count counter is 0 (step S1601).

[0278] If the value of the free play counter is 0 (Y in step S1601), a jackpot end designation command is sent to the effect control CPU 120 (step S1602), a value corresponding to the jackpot end time (the time to notify, for example, on the image display device 5 that the jackpot game has ended) is set in the big winning opening control timer (step S1603), the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot end process (step S117) (step S1604), and the process ends.

[0279] In step S1601, if the value of the free play counter is not 0 (N in step S1601), a big winning opening release after designation command is sent to the effect control CPU 120 (step S1605), and a value corresponding to the interval time from the end of the round to the start of the next round is set in the big winning opening control timer (step S1606).

[0280] Next, the CPU 103 determines whether it is before the round in which the V big winning opening opens (also referred to as the V opening round), that is, whether the next round is the V opening round (step S1607). If it is not before the V opening round (N in step S1607), control is performed to drive the solenoid 82 to open the normal big winning opening (step S1608). On the other hand, if it is before the V opening round (Y in step S1607), control is performed to drive the solenoid 83 to open the V big winning opening (step S1609).

[0281] After step S1608 or step S1609, the CPU 103 sends a big winning opening in progress designation command to the effect control CPU 120 (step S1610). Then, the CPU 103 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the jackpot opening in progress process (step S115) (step S1611), and the process ends.

[0282] (Jackpot end process) FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing an example of the jackpot end process. As shown in FIG. 29, in the jackpot end process, the CPU 103 subtracts 1 from the value of the jackpot opening control timer in which the jackpot end time is set (step S1701). Then, the CPU 103 judges whether the value of the jackpot opening control timer is 0 or not (whether the jackpot end time has elapsed or not) (step S1702). If the value of the jackpot opening control timer is not 0 (N in step S1702), the process ends. If the value of the jackpot opening control timer is 0 (Y in step S1702), the jackpot flag is reset (step S1703).

[0283] Next, CPU 103 judges whether or not the probability change determination flag, which is set by passing through the V winning area, is set (step S1704). If the probability change determination flag is not set (N in step S1704), the process proceeds to step S1705. If the probability change determination flag is set in step S1704 (Y in step S1704), the probability change flag indicating the probability change state is set (step S1707). Next, a probability change state designation command is sent to performance control CPU 120 (step S1708), the probability change determination flag is reset (step S1709), and the process proceeds to step S1710.

[0284] In step S1710, a time-saving flag indicating that the time-saving state is active is set (step S1710), and a time-saving counter is set to 100 (step S1711). Then, the process proceeds to step S1712.

[0285] On the other hand, if the probability of a special bonus is not set in step S1704 (N in step S1704), then in step S1705, a time-saving flag indicating that the game is in the time-saving state is set (step S1705), the time-saving count counter is set to 100 (step S1706), and the process proceeds to step S1712.

[0286] In step S1712, a time-saving state designation command is sent to the effect control CPU 120 (step S1712). Then, the CPU 103 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S110) (step S1713), and ends the process. Note that the effect control CPU 120 side can recognize whether it is in a probability-variable, time-saving, or normal gaming state based on the probability-variable state designation command transmitted from the CPU 103 and the like.

[0287] [Main Operations of the Effect Control Board 12] Next, the main operations of the effect control board 12 will be described.

[0288] (Effect Control Main Process) When the effect control board 12 receives the supply of the power voltage from the power supply board or the like, the effect control CPU 120 is activated and executes the effect control main process as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 30. FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an example of the effect control main process. When starting the effect control main process shown in FIG. 30, the effect control CPU 120 first executes a predetermined initialization process (step S71), clears the RAM 122, sets various initial values, and sets the registers of the CTC (counter / timer circuit) mounted on the effect control board 12. Also, an initial operation control process is executed (step S72). In the initial operation control process, controls for performing the initial operations of the movable body 32, such as controlling the movable body 32 to return to the initial position and performing a predetermined operation confirmation, are executed.

[0289] Thereafter, it is determined whether the timer interrupt flag is on (step S73). The timer interrupt flag is set to the on state every time a predetermined time (for example, 2 milliseconds) elapses based on the register settings of the CTC, for example. At this time, if the timer interrupt flag is off (N in step S73), the process of step S73 is repeatedly executed and the system waits.

[0290] On the side of the production control board 12, an interrupt for receiving a production control command from the main board 11 occurs separately from the timer interrupt that occurs every time a predetermined time elapses. This interrupt is, for example, an interrupt generated when the production control INT signal from the main board 11 becomes ON. When an interrupt is generated due to the production control INT signal becoming ON, the production control CPU 120 automatically sets the interrupt prohibition. However, when using a CPU that does not automatically enter the interrupt prohibition state, it is desirable to issue an interrupt prohibition command (DI command). The production control CPU 120 executes, for example, a predetermined command reception interrupt process in response to the interrupt caused by the production control INT signal becoming ON. In this command reception interrupt process, among the input ports included in the I / O 125, the production control command is fetched from a predetermined input port that receives the control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15. The production control command fetched at this time is stored, for example, in a buffer for receiving the production control command provided in the RAM 122. After that, the production control CPU 120 sets the interrupt permission and then ends the command reception interrupt process.

[0291] If the timer interrupt flag is ON in step S73 (Y in step S73), the timer interrupt flag is cleared to the OFF state (step S74), and the command analysis process is executed (step S75). In the command analysis process, for example, after reading out various production control commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100 of the main board 11 and stored in the buffer for receiving the production control command, settings and controls corresponding to the read production control commands are performed. For example, the read production control command is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 or the reception flag provided in the RAM 122 is turned ON so that it can be confirmed in the production control process, etc. what production control command was received and what the content specified by the production control command is. Also, when the production control command specifies the game state, the display control unit 123 may be instructed to display the background corresponding to the game state.

[0292] After executing the command analysis process in step S75, an effect control process is executed (step S76). In the effect control process, for example, control is performed to operate various effect devices such as the display operation of the effect image in the display area of the image display device 5, the voice output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R, the lighting operation of the decorative light emitters such as the game effect lamp 9 and the decorative LEDs, and the driving operation of the movable body 32. Also, regarding the control content of the effect operation using various effect devices, determination, decision-making, setting, etc. are performed according to the effect control commands transmitted from the main board 11 and the like.

[0293] Subsequent to the effect control process in step S76, an effect random number update process is executed (step S77), and at least a part of the effect random numbers used on the side of the effect control board 12 is updated by software. Then, the process returns to step S73. Before returning to the process of step S73, other processes may be executed.

[0294] (Effect control process) FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an example of the effect control process. The effect control process is the process executed in step S76 of FIG. 30. In the effect control process shown in FIG. 31, the effect control CPU 120 first executes a pre-announcement setting process (step S161). In the pre-announcement setting process, for example, determination, decision-making, setting, etc. for executing a pre-announcement effect are performed based on the effect control command at the time of starting winning transmitted from the main board 11. Also, a process for displaying a hold display is executed based on the number of holds stored specified from the effect control command.

[0295] After executing the process of step S161, the effect control CPU 120 selects and executes any one of the following processes of steps S170 to S175 according to the value of the effect process flag provided in, for example, the RAM 122.

[0296] The variable display start waiting process in step S170 is a process executed when the value of the production process flag is "0" (initial value). This variable display start waiting process includes a process of determining whether to start the variable display of the decorative pattern in the image display device 5 based on whether a command or the like for specifying the start of the variable display is received from the main board 11. When it is determined to start the variable display of the decorative pattern in the image display device 5, the value of the production process flag is updated to "1", and the variable display start waiting process ends.

[0297] The variable display start setting process in step S171 is a process executed when the value of the production process flag is "1". In this variable display start setting process, based on the display result and variation pattern specified by the production control command, the display result (determined decorative pattern) of the variable display of the decorative pattern, the mode of the variable display of the decorative pattern, the execution of various productions such as reach production and various notice productions, and its mode and execution start timing are determined. Then, a production control pattern (a collection of control data for instructing the execution of the production to the display control unit 123) reflecting the determination result and the like is set. After that, based on the set production control pattern, the display control unit 123 is instructed to start the execution of the variable display of the decorative pattern, the value of the production process flag is updated to "2", and the variable display start setting process ends. The display control unit 123 causes the image display device 5 to start the variable display of the decorative pattern by instructing the start of the execution of the variable display of the decorative pattern.

[0298] The variable display performance process in step S172 is a process executed when the value of the performance process flag is "2". In this variable display performance process, the performance control CPU 120 executes various performance controls during the variable display of the decoration symbols by instructing the display control unit 123 to display a performance image based on the performance control pattern set in step S171 on the display screen of the image display device 5, driving the movable body 32, outputting commands (effect sound signals) to the audio control board 13 to output voices and effect sounds from the speakers 8L and 8R, and outputting commands (lamp control data) to the LED driver to turn on / off / blink the game effect lamp 9 and the decorative LEDs. After performing such performance control, for example, in response to reading an end code indicating the end of the variable display of the decoration symbols from the performance control pattern, or receiving a command specifying to stop displaying the determined decoration symbol from the main board 11, the determined decoration symbol that is the display result of the decoration symbol is stopped from being displayed. When the determined decoration symbol is stopped from being displayed, the value of the performance process flag is updated to "3", and the variable display performance process ends.

[0299] The waiting process per special symbol in step S173 is a process executed when the value of the performance process flag is "3". In this waiting process per special symbol, the performance control CPU 120 determines whether an performance control command specifying to start the big win gaming state has been received from the main board 11. When an performance control command specifying to start the big win gaming state is received and the command specifies the start of the big win gaming state, the value of the performance process flag is updated to "4". Also, when the command specifying to start the big win gaming state is not received and the waiting time for receiving the command has elapsed, it is determined that the display result in the special symbol game is "a loss", and the value of the performance process flag is updated to the initial value "0". When the value of the performance process flag is updated, the waiting process per special symbol ends.

[0300] The jackpot winning effect process in step S174 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is "4". In this jackpot winning effect process, the effect control CPU 120 sets, for example, an effect control pattern corresponding to the effect content in the jackpot game state, and executes various effect controls in the jackpot game state based on the set content. Also, in the jackpot winning effect process, for example, in response to receiving a command specifying the end of the jackpot game state from the main board 11, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "5", which is a value corresponding to the ending effect process, and the jackpot winning effect process is ended.

[0301] The ending effect process in step S175 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is "5". In this ending effect process, the effect control CPU 120 sets, for example, an effect control pattern corresponding to the end of the jackpot game state, and executes various effect controls of the ending effect at the end of the jackpot game state based on the set content. Then, the value of the effect process flag is updated to the initial value "0", and the ending effect process is ended.

[0302] (Variable display start setting process) FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an example of the variable display start setting process. As shown in FIG. 32, the effect control CPU 120 checks whether the result of the variable display has been determined to be a loss (step S7101). When it is determined that the result is a loss, the effect control CPU 120 checks whether a command corresponding to a non-reach variable pattern has been received as a variable pattern command (step S7103).

[0303] When the effect control CPU 120 determines that a command corresponding to a non-reach variable pattern has been received, it uses the loss symbol determination data table to determine the display result of a non-reaching loss as the final stop of the effect symbol (step S7105), and proceeds to step S7106.

[0304] If it is determined in the process of step S7103 that it is not a non-reach variation pattern (if it is determined that it is a reach variation pattern), the stop symbol of the effect symbol that constitutes the combination of reach symbols is determined (step S7104), and the process proceeds to step S7106.

[0305] Also, when it is not determined in the process of step S7101 that it is a loss (when it is determined that it is a big win), the effect control CPU 101 determines the stop symbol of the effect symbol that constitutes the combination of big win symbols according to the type of big win (step S7102), and the process proceeds to step S7106.

[0306] Next, after executing an effect setting process (step S7106) for performing processes for setting various effects in the variable display, the process proceeds to step S7107. For example, in the effect setting process of step S7106, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether to execute an effect that suggests a big win (stirs up whether it is a big win). Specifically, as an effect that suggests a big win (stirs up whether it is a big win), the effect control CPU 101 determines whether to execute a cut-in effect shown in FIG. 128 (r41) described later. In the present embodiment, the effect control CPU 101 specifies whether it develops into a final reach based on the variation pattern specified by the variation pattern command, and when it develops into a final reach, specifies whether it is a big win based on the variation pattern, and based on the result of whether it is the specified big win or not, determines whether to execute a cut-in effect and the type of cut-in effect to be executed (red cut-in effect, green cut-in effect). When the effect control CPU 101 executes a cut-in effect, the information for executing the cut-in effect is set in the effect setting process.

[0307] In step S7107, an effect control pattern is determined to be any one of a plurality of types of effect control patterns. In step S7107, according to the variation pattern specified by the variation pattern command and various effect control (effect operation) patterns specified by the effect control pattern of the effect determined in the process of step S7106, among the plurality of types of symbol variation control patterns stored in the symbol variation control pattern table, any effect control pattern corresponding to the specified various effect operation patterns is selected and determined as the usage pattern.

[0308] In the control pattern table stored in the ROM121, for example, data indicating the control contents of various effect operations such as the variation display operation of the effect symbol in the display area of the image display device 5 during the period from the start of the variation of the effect symbol to the stop display of the determined effect symbol that becomes the final stop symbol, the effect display operation in the reach effect, the effect display operation by the pseudo-consecutive effect, and the effect display operation in the preview effect are stored as a plurality of types as the symbol variation control patterns.

[0309] Also, each symbol variation control pattern includes control data for controlling various effect operations according to the variation display of the effect symbol, such as, for example, an effect control process timer setting value, an effect control process timer determination value, effect display control data, voice control data, luminance data, and an end code, and the contents of various effect controls and the switching timing of the effect controls are set in time series.

[0310] Next, a process table corresponding to the effect control pattern is selected (step S7108). Then, the process timer (effect setting process timer) in the process data of the selected process table is started (step S7109).

[0311] When the process of step S7109 is executed, control of the effect device (the image display device 5 as an effect component, various lamps as effect components, and speakers 8L and 8R as effect components) is started according to the content of the process data (display control execution data, luminance data, sound number data) (step S7110). For example, according to the display control execution data, a command is output to cause the image display device 5 to display an image (including an effect symbol) corresponding to the variation pattern. Also, in order to perform lighting / extinguishing control of a light emitter such as various LEDs, a control signal (lamp control data) is output to the LED driver. Also, in order to cause voice output from the speakers 8L and 8R, a control signal (sound number data) is output to the voice control board 13.

[0312] Then, a value corresponding to the variation time specified by the variation pattern command is set in the variation display time timer (step S7111), the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the effect process during variable display (step S172) (step S7112), and the variable display start setting process ends.

[0313] <Details of the progress of the game> In the pachinko gaming machine 1 configured as described above, the game progresses as follows. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, the player first fires a game ball toward the first downward flow path passing through the left area of the game area by hitting it to the left. When the fired game ball enters the first start winning opening formed in the winning ball device 6A, the first special figure game is started. As a result of the first special figure game, when the special figure 1 variable display unit 21 shows a display mode indicating a jackpot symbol, a jackpot occurs.

[0314] As described above, the types of jackpot in the first special figure game include normal jackpots 1 and 2, and certain variable jackpots 1 to 4. When a jackpot occurs, a fanfare effect is executed, and a right hit promotion effect that prompts the player to hit the right is executed. As the right hit promotion effect, characters that prompt a right hit (for example, "right hit") and images of figures (for example, an arrow directed in the right direction, which is the direction of the second downward flow path) are displayed on the screen of the image display device 5, and the right hit display unit 30 of the special figure LED board 20 and the right hit display unit 55 of the fourth symbol unit 50 also prompt a right hit by lighting lighting means such as LEDs. As a result, the player will hit the right from then on.

[0315] During the rounds in the jackpot game state, the big winning opening is opened for a predetermined number of times (for example, 3 times in the case of a 3R normal jackpot and 10 times in the case of a 10R certain variable jackpot). One opening of the big winning opening continues until either the timing of the elapse of a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds) or the timing until the number of game balls entering the big winning opening reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls), whichever is earlier.

[0316] When the ending effect after the jackpot game state ends, the game state is controlled to the time shortening state for a predetermined number of fluctuations (for example, 100 times). Further, when a V win occurs during the jackpot round, the game state is controlled to the certain variable state for a predetermined number of fluctuations (for example, 100 times) during which the time shortening state is controlled.

[0317] Even in the certain variable state or the time shortening state after the jackpot round, the right hit promotion effect continues to be executed by the image display device 5, the right hit display unit 30, and the right hit display unit 55. For this reason, after the first jackpot (also referred to as the first win) occurs, the player is always prompted to hit the right by the right hit promotion effect even in the time shortening state after the jackpot round ends.

[0318] In the time-saving state, control is executed to shorten the average special figure variation time (the period during which the special figure varies) compared to the normal state, or control is executed to shorten the average general figure variation time (the period during which the general figure varies) compared to the normal state, or further, control is executed to improve the probability of "winning per general figure" in the general figure game compared to the normal state. Also, in the time-saving state, electric-chute support control may be performed to increase the frequency of the variable winning ball device 6B forming the second start winning opening being in the open state, thereby increasing the frequency of game balls entering the second start winning opening and facilitating winning (increasing entry frequency, increasing occurrence frequency) into the second start winning opening.

[0319] In the time-saving state after the jackpot round, when the launched game ball enters the second start winning opening formed in the variable winning ball device 6B, the second special figure game is started. As a result of the second special figure game, when the special figure 2 variable display unit 22 assumes a display mode indicating a jackpot symbol, a jackpot (also referred to as consecutive jackpot) occurs.

[0320] As described above, the types of jackpots in the second special figure game include certain variable jackpots 5 to 9. When a jackpot occurs, a fanfare effect is executed. Note that the right-hit promotion effect by the image display device 5, the right-hit display unit 30, and the right-hit display unit 55 continues from the first jackpot.

[0321] During the round in the jackpot game state, the big winning opening is opened for a predetermined number of times (for example, 10 times). One opening of the big winning opening continues until the earlier of the timing when a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds) elapses and the timing when the number of game balls entering the big winning opening reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10).

[0322] Then, when the ending effect after the big win gaming state ends, similar to the first win, the gaming state is controlled to the time shortening state and the probability variation state (high probability high base state) over a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times). Even in the probability variation state after the big win round in a consecutive win, the right hit promotion effect is continuously executed by the image display device 5, the right hit display unit 30, and the right hit display unit 55. Therefore, after the first win occurs, the player is prompted to hit the right button by the right hit promotion effect constantly in the probability variation state or the time shortening state after the big win round of the consecutive win ends, and also in the probability variation state or the time shortening state after the big win round of the consecutive win ends.

[0323] When the probability variation state or the time shortening state ends without a big win occurring in either the probability variation state or the time shortening state after the big win round of the first win ends, or the probability variation state or the time shortening state after the big win round of the consecutive win ends, the gaming state is controlled to the normal state (low probability low base state), and the right hit promotion effect by the image display device 5, the right hit display unit 30, and the right hit display unit 55 also ends. As a result, the player will launch the game ball again towards the first downward flow path passing through the left area of the game area by hitting the left button.

[0324] <Flow of the effect> Next, a series of presentation flows executed on the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining the series of presentation flows. On the pachinko gaming machine 1, a notification presentation is executed from when the variable display starts until it stops. The notification presentation is a presentation that notifies the player whether or not the variable display of special figures or decorative symbols stops in a manner indicating a jackpot, that is, whether or not it is controlled to a jackpot gaming state. The notification presentation is formed from a plurality of presentation parts. In the present embodiment, it includes a start part, a build-up part, a win epilogue part, a loss epilogue part, a device operation part, a relief win part, a re-drawing part, and a fanfare part. After the re-drawing part, it becomes a fanfare part executed until shifting to the jackpot gaming state. Note that the build-up part is also referred to as an introduction part. Also, the win epilogue part and the loss epilogue part are collectively referred to as an epilogue part.

[0325] [Start Part] The start part is a part where a presentation corresponding to the pre-variable pattern is executed. The start part is also a part indicating the period from when the variation starts and a pseudo-chain or a normal reach is executed until the SP reach starts. Note that the start part also includes a variation that results in a non-reach loss.

[0326] [Build-up Part (Introduction Part)] The build-up part (introduction part) includes the period from the start of the SP reach (the start timing of the title display of the SP reach) to the timing of branching between a jackpot and a loss. Also, the build-up part is a part that builds up whether it will be a jackpot or a loss depending on the presentation to be executed. The build-up part includes a part corresponding to the first half of the SP reach A or the first half of the SP reach B executed after the start part, and a part corresponding to any one of the second half of the SP reach A, the second half of the SP reach B, and the final SP reach developed from the first half of the SP reach. Note that the first half of the SP reach A and the first half of the SP reach B may be collectively referred to as the first half of the SP, and the second half of the SP reach A, the second half of the SP reach B, and the final SP reach may be collectively referred to as the second half of the SP.

[0327] [Epilogue Part] The epilogue part includes a winning epilogue part that notifies the winning display result after each exciting part, and a losing epilogue part that notifies the losing display result. In the winning epilogue part, at least in the final part of the epilogue part, an effect by a story development that notifies that the changing symbol becomes a winning display result and is controlled to a winning game state is executed. In the losing epilogue part, at least in the final part of the epilogue part, an effect by a story development that notifies that the changing symbol becomes a losing display result and is not controlled to a winning game state is executed.

[0328] Also, in the epilogue part, the notification of a jackpot display result is, like the final reach described later, when the notification is made by the movement of a device when determining whether it is a win or a loss after the introduction part, and when, like an SP reach other than the final reach, the notification is made by the story development on the liquid crystal (image display device 5) without using a device. Among the epilogue parts, the winning epilogue part notified by the movement of a device is also referred to as the win / loss notification part. Specifically, in the first half of the SP reaches A and B and the second half of the SP reaches A and B, in the epilogue part executed after the introduction part, when a jackpot occurs, it is notified by the above-mentioned winning epilogue part that the game state is controlled to the jackpot game state as the end of the story production using the liquid crystal, and when a jackpot does not occur, it is notified by the losing epilogue part that the game state is not controlled to the jackpot game state as the end of the story production using the liquid crystal. Whether it is a win or a loss may also be suggested by the first story development in the story production. On the other hand, in the final reach, in the epilogue part executed after the introduction part, first, there is a branch as to whether the game state is controlled to the jackpot game state by the operation of the device in the win / loss notification part (device operation part). After that, when a jackpot occurs, it is notified by the above-mentioned winning epilogue part that the game state is controlled to the jackpot game state as the end of the story production using the liquid crystal, and when a jackpot does not occur, it is notified by the losing epilogue part that the game state is not controlled to the jackpot game state as the end of the story production using the liquid crystal. Thus, the winning epilogue part in the final reach includes the win / loss notification part and the subsequent winning epilogue part or losing epilogue part that follows it.

[0329] Also, corresponding to the first half reach A of the SP, the winning epilogue part of the first half reach A of the SP and the losing epilogue part of the first half reach A of the SP are executed. Corresponding to the first half reach B of the SP, the winning epilogue part of the first half reach B of the SP and the losing epilogue part of the first half reach B of the SP are executed. Corresponding to the second half reach A of the SP, the winning epilogue part of the second half reach A of the SP and the losing epilogue part of the second half reach A of the SP are executed. Corresponding to the second half reach B of the SP, the winning epilogue part of the second half reach B of the SP and the losing epilogue part of the second half reach B of the SP are executed. Corresponding to the final reach of the SP, the winning epilogue part of the final reach of the SP and the losing epilogue part of the final reach of the SP are executed.

[0330] [Prop operation part] The prop operation part is a part corresponding to the period when an effect showing the development from the first half of the SP to the second half by operating the movable body 32 is executed during the development in the second half of the SP. The prop operation part is executed after the exciting part of the first half reach A of the SP or the exciting part of the first half reach B of the SP. And after the prop operation part, any one of the exciting parts of the second half reach A of the SP, the exciting part of the second half reach B of the SP, and the exciting part of the final reach of the SP is executed.

[0331] [Winning relief part] The winning relief part is a part in which a winning relief effect suggesting that it appears to be a loss at first and then a big win is executed. The winning relief part may develop from any one of the losing epilogue parts of the second half reach A of the SP, the losing epilogue parts of the second half reach B of the SP, or the losing epilogue part of the final reach of the SP.

[0332] [Redraw part] The re-drawing part is the part that is executed after the winning epilogue part where the winning display result is shown. Specifically, the re-drawing effect is executed after the winning epilogue part of the first half reach A of the SP, the winning epilogue part of the first half reach B of the SP, the winning epilogue part of the second half reach A of the SP, the winning epilogue part of the second half reach B of the SP, the winning epilogue part of the final reach of the SP, and the winning relief part. Note that in this embodiment, the re-drawing part is always executed after each winning part (winning epilogue part, winning relief part), but it may not transition to the re-drawing effect part. For example, the re-drawing part may not be executed after the relief part, or the re-drawing part may not be executed after the winning epilogue part, or the re-drawing part may not be executed when a certain change symbol (an odd symbol indicating a certain change) is derived as the winning display result.

[0333] [Relationship before and after winning / losing determination] Next, an example of dividing a series of effects according to the timing before and after the winning / losing determination will be described. FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining the relationship before and after the winning / losing determination, the first half reach A win of the SP, and the final reach win of the SP. Here, the winning / losing determination is an effect that indicates the branch between a winning display result and a losing display result at the final stage of the exciting part. As shown in FIG. 34(A), a series of effects can be divided into parts executed before and after the winning / losing determination at the timing before and after the winning / losing determination from the start of variation to the stop of variation. The parts before the winning / losing determination include the start part and the exciting part. Also, the parts after the winning / losing determination include the epilogue part (win, lose), the winning relief part, and the re-drawing part.

[0334] In this way, a series of effects from the start of variation to the stop of variation is composed of a plurality of parts. Also, it is possible to divide the period from the start of variation to the stop of variation before and after the start of the SP reach (start of post-variation). In such a case, before the start of the SP reach, it corresponds to the variation pattern of the aforementioned pre-variation, and after the start of the SP reach, it corresponds to the variation pattern of the aforementioned post-variation.

[0335] Next, the variation pattern of main variation number 20, which is the variation pattern of the big win of the first half of the SP reach A among each variation pattern, will be described with reference to FIG. 34(B). In the variation pattern of the big win of the first half of the SP reach A, the period from the start of variation to the start of the SP reach (start of subsequent variation) is the start part. And the period from the start of the SP reach (start of subsequent variation) to the determination of win or loss is the exciting part (first half of the SP reach A). In the variation pattern of the big win of the first half of the SP reach A, the accessory does not move at the timing of the determination of win or loss. And the period from the determination of win or loss to the start of the re-drawing performance is the epilogue part (for the big win of the first half of the SP reach A). And the period from the start of the re-drawing performance to the stop of variation is the re-drawing part. For example, in the variation pattern of the big win of the first half of the SP reach A, the time is set such that the start part is 60 seconds, the exciting part (first half of the SP reach A) is 20 seconds, the epilogue part (for the big win of the first half of the SP reach A) is 15 seconds, and the re-drawing part is 20 seconds.

[0336] Next, the variation pattern of main variation number 26, which is the variation pattern of the big win of the final SP reach among each variation pattern, will be described with reference to FIG. 34(C). In the variation pattern of the big win of the final SP reach, the period from the start of variation to the start of the SP reach (start of subsequent variation) is the start part. And the period from the start of the SP reach (start of subsequent variation) to the development of the second half of the SP is the exciting part (first half of the SP reach A). And the period from the development of the second half of the SP to the determination of win or loss is the exciting part (final SP reach). In the variation pattern of the big win of the final SP reach, the accessory does not move at the timing of the determination of win or loss. And the period from the determination of win or loss to the start of the re-drawing performance is the epilogue part (for the big win of the final SP reach). And the period from the start of the re-drawing performance to the stop of variation is the re-drawing part. For example, in the variation pattern of the big win of the final SP reach, the time is set such that the start part is 60 seconds, the exciting part (first half of the SP reach A) is 20 seconds, the exciting part (final SP reach) is 25 seconds, the epilogue part (for the big win of the final SP reach) is 30 seconds, and the re-drawing part is 20 seconds.

[0337] As shown in FIGS. 34(B) and (C), the SP final reach, which has a higher expectancy than the SP first-half reach A, has a longer fluctuation time. Also, the SP final reach, which has a higher expectancy than the SP first-half reach A, has a longer total time of the exciting part and a longer time of the epilogue part. As a result, the period of exciting the player with a higher degree of fluctuation can be lengthened, and the time of the aftertaste when winning can also be lengthened, so that the feeling of blessing can be enhanced.

[0338] <Regarding the scenario> Next, the correspondence between the production content executed in a series of productions and the game effect lamp 9 will be described according to the scenario for each part. The scenario described here has the role of a script that summarizes how each scene of a series of productions progresses. The scenario for each part corresponds to the figure for explaining the production mode corresponding to each part described later. The content such as the production executed on the screen of the image display device 5 and the mode of the game effect lamp 9 will be described in detail using the figures for explaining the production mode described later. Hereinafter, the correspondence between the figure for explaining the scenario for each part and the figure for explaining the production mode described later will be described.

[0339] FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining the scenario of the start part. The scenario of the start part corresponding to No. 1 in FIG. 33 corresponds to the production modes shown in FIGS. 55 to 61 described later. FIG. 36 is a diagram for explaining the scenario of the exciting part (SP first-half reach A). The scenario of the exciting part (SP first-half reach A) corresponding to No. 2 in FIG. 33 corresponds to the production modes shown in FIGS. 62 to 67 described later. FIG. 38 is a diagram for explaining the scenarios of the winning epilogue part (SP first-half reach A) and the losing epilogue part (SP first-half reach A). The scenario of the winning epilogue part (SP first-half reach A) corresponding to No. 3 in FIG. 33 corresponds to the production modes shown in FIGS. 68 to 69 described later. The scenario of the losing epilogue part (SP first-half reach A) corresponding to No. 4 in FIG. 33 corresponds to the production modes shown in FIGS. 70 to 71 described later.

[0340] FIG. 38 is a diagram for explaining the scenario of the excitement part (front half reach B of SP). The scenario of the excitement part (front half reach B of SP) corresponding to No. 5 in FIG. 33 corresponds to the production modes in FIGS. 72 to 77 described later. FIG. 39 is a diagram for explaining the scenarios of the winning epilogue part (front half reach B of SP) and the losing epilogue part (front half reach B of SP). The scenario of the winning epilogue part (front half reach B of SP) corresponding to No. 6 in FIG. 33 corresponds to the production modes in FIGS. 78 to 80 described later. The scenario of the losing epilogue part (front half reach B of SP) corresponding to No. 7 in FIG. 33 corresponds to the production modes in FIGS. 81 to 82 described later. FIG. 40 is a diagram for explaining the scenario of the accessory operation part (during the latter half development of SP). The scenario of the accessory operation part (during the latter half development of SP) corresponding to No. 8 in FIG. 33 corresponds to the production mode in FIG. 83 described later.

[0341] FIG. 41 is a diagram for explaining the scenario of the excitement part (latter half reach A of SP). The scenario of the excitement part (latter half reach A of SP) corresponding to No. 9 in FIG. 33 corresponds to the production modes in FIGS. 84 to 96 described later. FIG. 42 is a diagram for explaining the scenarios of the winning epilogue part (latter half reach A of SP) and the losing epilogue part (latter half reach A of SP). The scenario of the winning epilogue part (latter half reach A of SP) corresponding to No. 10 in FIG. 33 corresponds to the production modes in FIGS. 97 to 98 described later. The scenario of the losing epilogue part (latter half reach A of SP) corresponding to No. 11 in FIG. 33 corresponds to the production modes in FIGS. 99 to 100 described later.

[0342] FIG. 43 is a diagram for explaining the scenario of the excitement part (SP second half reach B). The scenario of the excitement part (SP second half reach B) corresponding to No. 12 in FIG. 33 corresponds to the production modes of FIGS. 101 to 109 described later. FIG. 44 is a diagram for explaining the scenarios of the winning epilogue part (SP second half reach B) and the losing epilogue part (SP second half reach B). The scenario of the winning epilogue part (SP second half reach B) corresponding to No. 13 in FIG. 33 corresponds to the production modes of FIGS. 110 to 112 described later. The scenario of the losing epilogue part (SP second half reach B) corresponding to No. 14 in FIG. 33 corresponds to the production modes of FIGS. 113 to 114 described later.

[0343] FIGS. 45 and 46 are diagrams for explaining the scenario of the excitement part (SP final reach). The scenario of the excitement part (SP final reach) corresponding to No. 15 in FIG. 33 corresponds to the production modes of FIGS. 115 to 132 described later. FIG. 47 is a diagram for explaining the scenarios of the winning epilogue part (SP final reach) and the losing epilogue part (SP final reach). The scenario of the winning epilogue part (SP final reach) corresponding to No. 16 in FIG. 33 corresponds to the production modes of FIGS. 133 to 136 described later. The scenario of the losing epilogue part (SP final reach) corresponding to No. 17 in FIG. 33 corresponds to the production modes of FIGS. 137 to 138 described later. FIG. 48 is a diagram for explaining the scenario of the winning relief part. The scenario of the winning relief part corresponding to No. 18 in FIG. 33 corresponds to the production modes of FIGS. 139 to 140 described later.

[0344] FIG. 49 is a diagram for explaining a scenario of a re-drawing part (deriving an odd symbol or an even symbol after a button operation). The scenario of the re-drawing part (deriving an odd symbol or an even symbol after a button operation) corresponding to No. 19 in FIG. 33 corresponds to the effect modes shown in FIGS. 141 to 156 described later. FIG. 50 is a diagram for explaining a scenario of a re-drawing part (deriving an odd symbol after a button operation) and a fanfare part. The scenario of the re-drawing part (deriving an odd symbol after a button operation) corresponding to No. 20 in FIG. 33 corresponds to the effect modes shown in FIGS. 157 to 159 described later. The scenario of the fanfare part corresponding to No. 22 in FIG. 33 corresponds to the effect mode shown in FIG. 160 described later. FIG. 51 is a diagram for explaining a scenario of a re-drawing part (deriving an even symbol after a button operation) and a fanfare part. The scenario of the re-drawing part (deriving an even symbol after a button operation) corresponding to No. 21 in FIG. 33 corresponds to the effect modes shown in FIGS. 161 to 163 described later. The scenario of the fanfare part corresponding to No. 22 in FIG. 33 corresponds to the effect mode shown in FIG. 164 described later.

[0345] <Output mechanism to the LED driver (lamp driver)> FIG. 52 is a diagram for explaining the output mechanism to the LED driver. In the present embodiment, the effect control CPU 120 mounted on the effect control board 12 outputs luminance data for turning on / flashing / turning off one or more lamps (LEDs) among the plurality of lamps (LEDs) included in the game effect lamp 9 to the LED driver (also referred to as a lamp driver). Hereinafter, the control of turning on / flashing / turning off the lamps such as LEDs by the effect control CPU 120 is also referred to as lamp control. Based on the luminance data received from the effect control CPU 120, the LED driver adjusts the current flowing through each lamp included in the game effect lamp 9 to be controlled so as to turn on / flash / turn off each lamp. Each game effect lamp 9 turns on / flashes / turns off based on the current adjusted by the LED driver.

[0346] More specifically, in the ROM 121 and RAM 122 of the effect control board 12, a luminance data table storing luminance data for lamp control of each game effect lamp 9 is stored. The luminance data table includes an error luminance data table used when an error occurs, an SP reach luminance data table used in each part during SP reach (such as a thrilling part, a winning epilogue part, a losing epilogue part, and a device operation part), and a background luminance data table.

[0347] Furthermore, the background luminance data table includes a normal background luminance data table used in the low-probability low-base state (normal state), a fanfare background luminance data table used in the fanfare state where a fanfare effect is executed, a big win background luminance data table used during a round of the big win game state, an ending background luminance data table used in the ending state where an ending effect for notifying the end of the big win game state is executed, and a probability-variable background luminance data table used in the high-probability high-base state (probability-variable state).

[0348] Each of the above-mentioned background luminance data tables is used without overlap. Depending on which of the multiple types of game states, such as the normal state, the fanfare state, the big win game state, the ending state, and the probability-variable state, the game is controlled, one of the background luminance data tables is used. That is, the effect control CPU 120 outputs luminance data based on the corresponding background luminance data table to the LED driver using one of the background luminance data tables for each game state being controlled. Thereby, each game effect lamp 9 is lamp-controlled according to the game state being controlled.

[0349] Furthermore, for each of the error luminance data table, the SP reach luminance data table, and the background luminance data table, a priority when used is defined. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 52, the priority increases in the order of the error luminance data table, the SP reach luminance data table, and the background luminance data table when used.

[0350] For example, when the effect control CPU 120 develops into an SP reach while outputting luminance data based on the normal background luminance data table in the normal state, the SP reach luminance data table corresponding to the SP reach is preferentially used over the normal background luminance data table, and luminance data is output to the LED driver based on the SP reach luminance data table. Thereby, when the game effect lamp 9 is lamp-controlled in a mode corresponding to the normal state based on the normal background luminance data table and develops into an SP reach, the game effect lamp 9 is lamp-controlled in a mode corresponding to the SP reach based on the SP reach luminance data table. During the period in which the luminance data based on the SP reach luminance data table is output to the LED driver, the luminance data based on the normal background luminance data table is not output to the LED driver. However, after the SP reach ends and returns to the normal state, the luminance data based on the normal background luminance data table is output to the LED driver, and when a big win occurs and a fanfare state is entered, the luminance data based on the fanfare background luminance data table is output to the LED driver.

[0351] More specifically, while the effect control CPU 120 measures the time of lamp control corresponding to the game state being controlled using a timer, it outputs luminance data to the LED driver using the background luminance data table corresponding to the game state being controlled. However, when it develops into an SP reach or the like, it preferentially uses the SP reach luminance data table corresponding to the SP reach and outputs luminance data to the LED driver. During this period, the effect control CPU 120 continuously updates the value of the timer without stopping the measurement of the time of lamp control using the background luminance data table. That is, even while the effect control CPU 120 is performing lamp control on the game effect lamp 9 based on the SP reach luminance data table, it continuously updates the luminance data included in the background luminance data table. However, since the priority of the luminance data included in the background luminance data table is lower than that of the luminance data included in the SP reach luminance data table, the luminance data included in the background luminance data table is not output to the LED driver. Then, after the SP reach ends, the effect control CPU 120 starts outputting the luminance data included in the background luminance data table to the LED driver again from the continuation of the luminance data that has been continuously updated.

[0352] Further, for example, when an error occurs while the performance control CPU 120 is outputting luminance data based on the SP reach luminance data table during SP reach, the error luminance data table corresponding to the error is preferentially used over the SP reach luminance data table, and luminance data is output to the LED driver based on the error luminance data table. As a result, when an error occurs while the game effect lamp 9 is lamp-controlled in a manner corresponding to SP reach based on the SP reach luminance data table, the game effect lamp 9 is lamp-controlled in a manner corresponding to the error based on the error luminance data table. During the period when the luminance data based on the error luminance data table is output to the LED driver, the luminance data based on the SP reach luminance data table is not output to the LED driver. However, when the error is cleared and the game state returns to the SP reach state again, the luminance data based on the SP reach luminance data table is output to the LED driver.

[0353] More specifically, while the effect control CPU 120 measures the time of lamp control corresponding to the SP reach being controlled by a timer, it outputs luminance data to the LED driver using the SP reach luminance data table corresponding to the SP reach. However, if an error occurs, it outputs luminance data to the LED driver using the error luminance data table corresponding to the error with priority over the SP reach luminance data table. During this period, the effect control CPU 120 continues to update the value of the timer without stopping the measurement of the time of lamp control using the SP reach luminance data table. That is, even while the effect control CPU 120 is performing lamp control on the game effect lamp 9 based on the error luminance data table, it continues to update the luminance data included in the SP reach luminance data table. However, since the luminance data included in the SP reach luminance data table has a lower priority than the luminance data included in the error luminance data table, the luminance data included in the SP reach luminance data table is not output to the LED driver. Then, after the error is cleared, the effect control CPU 120 starts outputting the luminance data included in the SP reach luminance data table to the LED driver again from the continuation of the luminance data that has been continuously updated.

[0354] <Lighting mode of game effect lamp> In the present embodiment, each game effect lamp 9 is lamp-controlled by outputting luminance data to the LED driver by the effect control CPU 120 as described above. Here, with reference to FIGS. 53 and 54, the lighting mode of each game effect lamp 9 will be described in detail. FIGS. 53 and 54 are diagrams for explaining the lighting mode of the game effect lamp 9.

[0355] In the present embodiment, as terms related to the lighting of each game effect lamp 9 such as the frame lamp, the accessory lamp 9A, the left panel lamp 9B, the attacker lamp 9E, the V attacker lamp 9F, and the electric chaser lamp 9H, terms such as "extinguished", "substantially extinguished", "lit", and "flashing" are used. Also, as described above, the modes of each game effect lamp 9 by "lit" and "flashing" are also referred to as "lighting modes".

[0356] The term "extinguishing the light" includes the state where the game effect lamp 9 is not lit and the brightness is 0. The term "substantially extinguishing the light" includes the state where the game effect lamp 9 is lit but its brightness is extremely low (for example, the brightness "1" described later).

[0357] For example, as shown in FIG. 53(X1), when the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) data defined as the brightness data of the frame lamp is "000", the frame lamp "extinguishes the light". Also, when the brightness data (RGB data) of the frame lamp is "111", the frame lamp lights up in white with extremely low brightness. In the present embodiment, the state of the frame lamp where such RGB data becomes "111" may be referred to as "substantially extinguishing the light" for convenience.

[0358] As shown in FIG. 53(X1), when the RRRR (Red, Red, Red, Red) data defined as the brightness data of the accessory lamp 9A is "0000", the accessory lamp 9A "extinguishes the light". Also, when the brightness data (RRRR data) of the accessory lamp 9A is "1111", the accessory lamp 9A lights up in red with extremely low brightness. In the present embodiment, the state of the accessory lamp 9A where such RRRR data becomes "1111" may be referred to as "substantially extinguishing the light" for convenience.

[0359] As shown in FIG. 53(X1), when the WWWWW (White, White, White, White, White) data defined as the brightness data of the left panel lamp 9B is "00000", the left panel lamp 9B "extinguishes the light". Also, when the brightness data (WWWWW data) of the left panel lamp 9B is "11111", the left panel lamp 9B lights up with extremely low brightness. In the present embodiment, the state of the left panel lamp 9B where such WWWWW data becomes "11111" may be referred to as "substantially extinguishing the light" for convenience.

[0360] As shown in FIG. 53(X1), when the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) data defined as the luminance data of the attack lamp 9E is "000", the attack lamp 9E "turns off". Also, when the luminance data (RGB data) of the attack lamp 9E is "111", the attack lamp 9E lights up at an extremely low luminance. In the present embodiment, the state of the attack lamp 9E in which such RGB data becomes "111" may be referred to as "substantially off" for convenience.

[0361] As shown in FIG. 53(X1), when the WWW (White, White, White) data defined as the luminance data of the V attack lamp 9F is "000", the V attack lamp 9F "turns off". Also, when the luminance data (WWW data) of the V attack lamp 9F is "111", the V attack lamp 9F lights up at an extremely low luminance. In the present embodiment, the state of the V attack lamp 9F in which such WWW data becomes "111" may be referred to as "substantially off" for convenience.

[0362] As shown in FIG. 53(X1), when the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) data defined as the luminance data of the electric chuler lamp 9H is "000", the electric chuler lamp 9H "turns off". Also, when the luminance data (RGB data) of the electric chuler lamp 9H is "111", the electric chuler lamp 9H lights up at an extremely low luminance. In the present embodiment, the state of the electric chuler lamp 9H in which such RGB data becomes "111" may be referred to as "substantially off" for convenience.

[0363] The term "lighting" includes constant lighting in which the game effect lamp 9 is always lit, wave lighting in which a plurality of arranged lamps included in the game effect lamp 9 are sequentially switched from off to on, and hazy lighting in which the game effect lamp 9 lights dimly while changing its brightness. Specifically, "lighting" includes the lighting of the game effect lamp 9 when the brightness data is any one of "2" to "F". Note that the brightness data is hexadecimal data that can be specified from "0" to "F", where "0" means no brightness, "1" means the lowest brightness, and "F" means the highest brightness.

[0364] For example, as shown in FIG. 53(X2), when the brightness data (RGB data) of the left frame lamps 9L1 to 9L12 is "AAA", the left frame lamps 9L1 to 9L12 are "lit". In particular, in this case, since the brightness is high, the left frame lamps 9L1 to 9L12 are lit brightly.

[0365] As shown in FIG. 53(X3), when the brightness data (RGB data) of the right frame lamps 9R2 to 9R12 is "AAA", the right frame lamps 9R2 to 9R12 are "lit". In particular, in this case, since the brightness is high, the right frame lamps 9R2 to 9R12 are lit brightly.

[0366] As shown in FIG. 54(X4), when the brightness data (RRRR data) of the accessory lamp 9A is "AAAA", the accessory lamp 9A is "lit". In particular, in this case, since the brightness is high, the accessory lamp 9A is lit brightly.

[0367] As shown in FIG. 54(X5), when the brightness data (WWWWW data) of the left panel lamp 9B is "AAAAA", the left panel lamp 9B is "lit". In particular, in this case, since the brightness is high, the left panel lamp 9B is lit brightly.

[0368] As shown in Fig. 54 (X6), when the luminance data (RGB data) of the attack lamp 9E is "AAA", the attack lamp 9E "lights up". In particular, in this case, since the luminance is high, the attack lamp 9E lights up brightly. When the luminance data (WWW data) of the V attack lamp 9F is "AAA", the V attack lamp 9F "lights up". In particular, in this case, since the luminance is high, the V attack lamp 9F lights up brightly. When the luminance data (RGB data) of the electric chuler lamp 9H is "AAA", the electric chuler lamp 9H "lights up". In particular, in this case, since the luminance is high, the electric chuler lamp 9H lights up brightly.

[0369] The term "flashing" refers to a mode other than the "extinguishing" and "lighting up" of the game effect lamp 9 described above, and includes a mode in which the luminance at the lighting of each lamp alternately switches between a first luminance and a second luminance higher than the first luminance. For example, "flashing" includes repeating lighting up and extinguishing or substantially extinguishing. Specifically, "flashing" includes switching between the case where the luminance data is any one of "2" to "F" and the case where the luminance data is "0" or "1" over time. As described above, in the present embodiment, there is a hazy lighting as a lighting mode of the lamp. However, the hazy lighting is a state in which the game effect lamp 9 lights up hazily while changing the luminance, whereas flashing is different in that the entire lamp included in the game effect lamp 9 repeats lighting up and extinguishing or substantially extinguishing.

[0370] <Presentation mode of the pachinko game machine 1> Next, with reference to Figs. 55 to 164, the presentation mode of the pachinko game machine 1 during the game will be described. In the present embodiment, the presentation mode when any one of the main variation numbers 9, 12, 15, 20, 23, 26 is selected will be described.

[0371] Specifically, when the variation pattern of the main variation number 9 is selected, among the multiple routes shown in Fig. 33, the production transitions in the order of the start part ...

Claims

【Claim 1】 A gaming machine that performs variable display of identification information including first identification information and second identification information and can be controlled to an advantageous state favorable to the player, a plurality of light-emitting means, and light-emitting control means for controlling the light-emitting means, in one effect mode, a plurality of types of background images including a first background image and a second background image can be switched and displayed, when switching the background image from the first background image to the second background image, a background fade-out display for gradually increasing the transparency of the first background image is executed, and a background fade-in display for gradually decreasing the transparency of the second background image can be executed, the area where the variable display of the identification information is performed includes at least a first area and a second area, when starting the variable display of the identification information, the variable display of the first identification information is started in the first area, and the variable display of the second identification information is started in the second area, when starting the variable display of the first identification information, a first identification information fade-out display for gradually increasing the transparency of the first identification information in the first area can be executed, and when starting the variable display of the second identification information, a second identification information fade-out display for gradually increasing the transparency of the second identification information in the second area can be executed, when ending the variable display of the identification information, the variable display of the first identification information is decelerated in the first area, and the variable display of the second identification information is decelerated in the second area, when decelerating the variable display of the first identification information, a first identification information fade-in display for gradually decreasing the transparency of the first identification information in the first area can be executed, and when decelerating the variable display of the second identification information, a second identification information fade-in display for gradually decreasing the transparency of the second identification information in the second area can be executed, at least either the first identification information fade-in display or the second identification information fade-in display and the background fade-in display can be executed at a common time, the execution period of the first identification information fade-in display and the execution period of the second identification information fade-in display are common, the execution period of the background fade-in display is longer than the execution period of the first identification information fade-in display and the execution period of the second identification information fade-in display, The light emission control means controls the light emitting means using a luminance data table composed of luminance data, and is capable of executing a notification effect for notifying whether or not it is controlled to the advantageous state, and the notification effect executed when it is determined that it is controlled to the advantageous state is a first pattern including an introduction part developed in a manner along the story of the notification effect until it is notified whether or not it is controlled to the advantageous state, and a first epilogue part notified in a manner along the story of the notification effect that it is controlled to the advantageous state, a second pattern including an introduction part developed in a manner along the story of the notification effect until it is notified whether or not it is controlled to the advantageous state, a second epilogue part notified in a manner along the story of the notification effect that it is not controlled to the advantageous state, and a relief notification part executed after the second epilogue part and notifying that it is controlled to the advantageous state, and the notification effect executed when it is determined that it is not controlled to the advantageous state is composed of an introduction part developed in a manner along the story of the notification effect until it is notified whether or not it is controlled to the advantageous state, and a second epilogue part notified in a manner along the story of the notification effect that it is not controlled to the advantageous state, the introduction part in the notification effect executed when it is determined that it is controlled to the advantageous state and the introduction part in the notification effect executed when it is determined that it is not controlled to the advantageous state are common, the light emission control means, in the introduction part, controls the light emitting means using a luminance data table corresponding to the introduction part, in the first epilogue part in the notification effect of the first pattern, controls the light emitting means using a luminance data table corresponding to the first epilogue part, in the second epilogue part in the notification effect of the second pattern, controls the light emitting means using a luminance data table corresponding to the second epilogue part, in the relief notification part in the notification effect of the second pattern, controls the light emitting means using a luminance data table corresponding to the relief notification part, the luminance data first used in the luminance data table corresponding to the second epilogue part is set to be lower in luminance than the luminance data last used in the luminance data table corresponding to the introduction part, By controlling the light emitting means using the luminance data last used in the luminance data table corresponding to the introduction part, the light emitting means emits light at a first luminance, By controlling the light emitting means using the luminance data first used in the luminance data table corresponding to the second epilogue part, the light emitting means emits light at a second luminance lower than the first luminance, The luminance data first used in the luminance data table corresponding to the relief notification part is set to have a higher luminance than the luminance data last used in the luminance data table corresponding to the second epilogue part, The luminance data table corresponding to the first epilogue part and the luminance data table corresponding to the relief notification part are different, The control of the light emitting means by the luminance data table corresponding to the second epilogue part is performed by sequentially using the predetermined luminance data used after a predetermined timing among the luminance data constituting the luminance data table corresponding to the second epilogue part, and then using the predetermined luminance data again in order, The control of the light emitting means by the luminance data table corresponding to the relief notification part is terminated without sequentially using the luminance data again after sequentially using the luminance data constituting the luminance data table corresponding to the relief notification part, a gaming machine.

Images