Gaming machine

Abstract

To increase merchantability.SOLUTION: A game machine can be controlled to an advantageous state, and includes performance control means, display means, and the like. In execution of an informing performance by a variable display for deriving a specific display result, a corresponding decorative identification information combination is displayed when a specific background image is displayed. Following completion of an informing performance, a specific background image is erased and a normal background image is displayed, and the corresponding decorative identification information combination is displayed. A specific image is displayed in an operation mode in proximity to a numeral image of a decorative identification information combination. A specific image is not displayed in a special state. A crack sign image is displayed in a predetermined display layer, a fragment image is displayed in a specific display layer having high priority, and special information is displayed in a special display layer having high priority. A predetermined performance includes a first predetermined part for displaying a crack sign image and a second predetermined part for displaying multiple fragment images. In a specific performance, multiple fragment images start to be displayed in a short period. Execution timing differs between the predetermined performance and the specific performance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 100

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of executing variable display of specific identification information, and controlling to an advantageous state favorable to a player by deriving a specific display result as a result of the variable display of the specific identification information.

Background Art

[0002] As a pachinko gaming machine represented by a gaming machine, there has been one in which variable display of a plurality of types of decorative identification information (decorative symbols) is performed corresponding to variable display of specific identification information (special symbols) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Further, in a conventional gaming machine, as a step-up effect of gradually changing an image displayed on a liquid crystal display device, the display screen of the liquid crystal device is regarded as glass, and after displaying a crack (a glass plate as a crack precursor image) on the display screen, there has been one capable of executing an effect of displaying a plurality of fragment images as if the display screen has cracked (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a gaming machine having the functions and configurations of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, 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 improved marketability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (A) A gaming machine that can variably display identification information and can be controlled to an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player, It is possible to execute a predetermined effect suggesting that it is controlled to the advantageous state, The predetermined effect is an effect of displaying a fracture precursor image and then displaying a fragment image corresponding to the fracture precursor image, In the predetermined presentation, a special background image can be displayed as the background image before the fragment image is displayed. As a background image after the fragment image is displayed in the predetermined effect, It is an image different from the special background image, It is possible to display any one of a plurality of background images including a first predetermined background image and a second predetermined background image suggesting that the degree of being controlled to the advantageous state is higher than that of the first predetermined background image, Before displaying the fragment image in the predetermined effect and when the special background image is being displayed It is possible to display the object image of any one of a plurality of modes of object images, According to the mode of the object image, it is possible to suggest which background image will be displayed after the fragment image is displayed in the predetermined effect among the plurality of background images, a specific image can be displayed in a layer higher than the layer in which the fragment image is displayed in the predetermined presentation. During the previous period when the specific image is displayed, the visibility of the fragment image is low, and during the later period after the previous period, the visibility of the fragment image is higher than that in the previous period. In one effect mode, it is possible to switch and display a plurality of types of specific background images including a first specific background image and a second specific background image, the specific When switching the background image from the first specific background image to the second specific background image, it is possible to execute a background fade-out display in which the transparency of the first specific background image is gradually increased, and a background fade-in display in which the transparency of the second specific background image is gradually decreased, When starting the variable display of the identification information, it is possible to execute an identification information fade-out display in which the transparency of the identification information is gradually increased, When ending the variable display of the identification information, it is possible to execute an identification information fade-in display in which the transparency of the identification information is gradually decreased, It is possible to execute the identification information fade-out display and the background fade-out display at the same time, The identification information fade-in display and the background fade-in display can be executed at a common time period. The execution period of the background fade-out display is longer than that of the identification information fade-out display. The execution period of the background fade-in display is longer than that of the identification information fade-in display. yes, It is characterized by the above.

[0007] Note that the present invention may have only the invention-specific matters described in the claims of the present invention, or may also have configurations other than the invention-specific matters together with the invention-specific matters described in the claims of the present invention.

Brief Description of Drawings

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] A mode for carrying out the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below based on the embodiments.

[0010] [Mode 1] (No. 1) The gaming machine of Mode 1 is a gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1) capable of executing variable display of specific identification information (for example, special symbols), and controlling to an advantageous state (for example, jackpot gaming state) advantageous to the player by deriving a specific display result (for example, jackpot display result) as a result of the variable display of the specific identification information, comprising game control means (for example, CPU 103) and effect control means (for example, effect control CPU 120), the game control means executes variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where CPU 103 executes variable display of special symbols in the special symbol process in step S25), the effect 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 (for example, the part where the effect control CPU 120 executes variable display of decorative symbols in the effect control process in step S76), is capable of performing variable display of reduced identification information smaller in size than the decoration identification information and corresponding to each of the plurality of types of decoration identification information (for example, the part where the effect control CPU 120 executes variable display of small symbols corresponding to the decorative symbols), the variable display of the decoration identification information includes a moving display (for example, scroll display; see FIG. 21) for moving the decoration identification information, the variable display of the reduced identification information is a switching display (for example, switching display; see FIG. 22(E)) for switching to other reduced identification information without moving the reduced identification information. In the variable display of the reduced identification information, in the variable display of the decorative identification information, one piece of decorative identification information is displayed, and within the period until the display of the one piece of decorative identification information ends, it is possible to switch the reduced identification information a plurality of times (for example, one decorative pattern is displayed, and within the period Ta2 until the display of the decorative pattern ends, the small pattern switches 5 times to the small patterns of the off combination and is each displayed over the period Ta1 (period Ta1 < period Ta2). Refer to Fig. 22(E)), The display result of the variable display of the decorative identification information is constituted by the combination of the decorative identification information (for example, combinations of decorative patterns such as "111", "326", etc.), The display result of the variable display of the reduced identification information is constituted by the combination of the reduced identification information (for example, combinations of small patterns such as "111", "326", etc.), When a non-specific combination, which is a combination of the decorative identification information corresponding to a non-specific display result other than the specific display result, is derived as the display result of the variable display of the decorative identification information, before the display result of the variable display of the decorative identification information is derived, the reduced identification information is switched so as not to become the combination of the reduced identification information corresponding to the non-specific combination in the variable display of the reduced identification information (for example, when the production control CPU 120 determines to stop displaying a confirmed decorative pattern of the off combination (for example, "326"), before starting the variable display of the decorative pattern and before stopping the display of the confirmed decorative pattern of the off combination (for example, "326"), a switching display is performed so that the small pattern of the off combination of "326" same as the decorative pattern is not displayed. Refer to Fig. 22(E)) It is characterized by this. According to this feature, when a non-specific combination is derived as the display result of the variable display of the decorative identification information, before the display result of the variable display of the decorative identification information is derived, the reduced identification information is switched so as not to become the combination of the reduced identification information corresponding to the non-specific combination in the variable display of the reduced identification information. Therefore, it is not known in advance that a non-specific combination is derived as the display result of the variable display of the decorative identification information from the combination of the reduced identification information in the variable display of the reduced identification information, and a decrease in interest can be prevented.

[0011] [Form 2] (No. 2) The gaming machine of Form 2 is a gaming machine (e.g., pachinko gaming machine 1) capable of executing variable display of specific identification information (e.g., special symbols), and controlling to an advantageous state (e.g., jackpot gaming state) advantageous to the player by deriving a specific display result (e.g., jackpot display result) as a result of the variable display of the specific identification information, comprising game control means (e.g., CPU 103), effect control means (e.g., effect control CPU 120), and light emitting means (e.g., main lamp 9a, frame lamp 9b, movable body lamp 9d), wherein the game control means executes variable display of the specific identification information (e.g., the part where CPU 103 executes variable display of special symbols in the special symbol process in step S25), the effect 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 (e.g., the part where the effect control CPU 120 executes variable display of decorative patterns in the effect control process in step S76), the display result of the variable display of the decoration identification information is constituted by a combination of the decoration identification information stopped in the effective display area among the plurality of the decoration identification information displayed in the display area (e.g., the part where winning or losing is determined by combinations of decorative patterns such as "111" and "326" stopped and displayed at the stop positions in the decoration pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R), when a non-specific combination, which is a combination of the decoration identification information corresponding to a non-specific display result other than the specific display result, is derived as the display result of the variable display of the decoration identification information, when stopping the decoration identification information in the effective display area, it is possible to display it in a manner of enlarging the decoration identification information from the normal size and then returning it to the normal size (e.g., the part where the effect control CPU 120 can execute a variable stop action when temporarily stopping and displaying a decorative pattern in variable display based on a losing variation pattern. Refer to FIGS. 36 to 38, FIG. 42, and FIG. 43), When the decorative identification information to be stopped in the effective display area is enlarged and displayed, the decorative identification information not located in the effective display area is not enlarged and displayed (see Modification Example 3 of FIG. 57). During the execution of the variable display of the decorative identification information, predetermined light emission control for causing the light emitting means to emit light in a predetermined light emission mode for a predetermined light emission period is repeatedly performed, and the predetermined light emission control is also continuously performed when the decorative identification information to be stopped in the effective display area is enlarged and displayed (for example, even when the effect control CPU 120 is executing a fluctuation stop action when temporarily stopping the display of a decorative pattern, the loop light emission control of the main lamp 9a, the frame lamp 9b, and the movable body lamp 9d is being performed. See FIGS. 42 and 43). It is characterized by this. According to this feature, when a non-specific combination, which is a combination of decorative identification information corresponding to a non-specific display result, is derived as a display result of the variable display of the decorative identification information, by once enlarging and displaying the decorative identification information stopped in the effective display area, the decorative identification information stopped in the effective display area can be made to attract the player's attention, and even when a non-specific combination that originally has no meaning for the player is derived, the player's line of sight can be kept in the area where the decorative identification information is displayed. Further, when the decorative identification information stopped in the effective display area is enlarged and displayed, the decorative identification information not located in the effective display area is not enlarged and displayed, so that the player's line of sight can be concentrated on the decorative identification information stopped in the effective area, and the load of display control can also be reduced. Also, since the predetermined light emission control is continuously performed even when the decorative identification information to be stopped in the effective display area is enlarged and displayed, the control of the light emitting means can be simplified.

[0012] [Aspect 3-1] (No. 4-1) The gaming machine of Aspect 3-1 is A gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1) capable of executing variable display of specific identification information (for example, special symbols) and controlling to an advantageous state (for example, jackpot gaming state) advantageous to the player by deriving a specific display result (for example, jackpot display result) as a result of the variable display of the specific identification information, Game control means (for example, CPU 103), It is provided with performance control means (for example, the CPU 120 for performance control). The game control means executes variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where the CPU 103 executes variable display of special symbols in the special symbol process in step S25). The performance control means can perform variable display of a plurality of types of decoration identification information corresponding to the variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where the performance control CPU 120 executes variable display of decorative patterns in the performance control process in step S76). The variable display of the decoration identification information includes a hand - moving display (for example, scroll display) that moves and erases the decoration identification information while increasing the transparency from the back side to the front side (see FIGS. 28 - 30). The decoration identification information includes a character image (for example, the character display section 002SG052) and a numerical image (for example, the numerical display section 002SG051). During the hand - moving display of the decoration identification information, other decoration identification information located on the back side with respect to one decoration identification information becomes visible through the one decoration identification information. While the character image of the other decoration identification information is displayed, the numerical image is not displayed. After the one decoration identification information is erased, the numerical image of the other decoration identification information is displayed (for example, as shown in FIGS. 30(A)(B), from the time when it is frame - in displayed to the time when it is frame - out displayed in the decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, 5R, there may be a situation where other decorative patterns (for example, decorative pattern "3") located on the back side so as to partially overlap with one decorative pattern (for example, decorative pattern "2") become visible through the decorative pattern "2". At this time, the character of the character display section 002SG052 of the decorative pattern "3" is displayed, while the number ("3") of the numerical display section 002SG051 becomes difficult to view (or is not displayed). As shown in FIG. 30(C), after the decorative pattern "2" is erased, the number ("3") of the numerical display section 002SG051 of the decorative pattern "3" is displayed. ) It is characterized by this. According to this feature, when performing a forward movement display that moves and erases the decorative identification information while increasing the transparency from the back side to the front side, other decorative identification information located on the back side with respect to one piece of decorative identification information can be visually recognized through the one piece of decorative identification information. At this time, for other decorative identification information located on the back side, while its character image is displayed, the numerical image is not displayed, and after the one piece of decorative identification information is erased, the numerical image of the other decorative identification information is displayed. Therefore, the numerical image of the one piece of decorative identification information and the numerical image of the other decorative identification information do not overlap and be displayed, and it is possible to prevent the numerical image of the one piece of decorative identification information located on the front side from becoming difficult to distinguish.

[0013] [Form 3-2](No.4-2) The gaming machine of Form 3-2 is a gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1) capable of executing variable display of specific identification information (for example, special symbols), and by deriving a specific display result (for example, jackpot display result) as a result of the variable display of the specific identification information, controlling to an advantageous state (for example, jackpot gaming state) advantageous to the player, comprising game control means (for example, CPU 103) and performance control means (for example, performance control CPU 120), the game control means executes variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where CPU 103 executes variable display of special symbols in the special symbol process in step S25), the performance control means is capable of performing variable display of a plurality of types of decorative identification information corresponding to the variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where the performance control CPU 120 executes variable display of decorative symbols in the performance control process in step S76), the variable display of the decorative identification information includes a forward movement display (for example, scroll display) that moves and erases the decorative identification information while increasing the transparency from the front side to the back side (see FIGS. 31 and 32), the decorative identification information includes a character image (for example, character display unit 002SG052) and a numerical image (for example, numerical display unit 002SG051), During the hand-forward movement display of the decorative identification information, other decorative identification information located on the back side with respect to one piece of decorative identification information becomes visible through the one piece of decorative identification information. While the character image of the one piece of decorative identification information is displayed, the numerical image is not displayed. After the other decorative identification information is erased, the numerical image of the one piece of decorative identification information is displayed. (For example, as shown in FIGS. 31(G) and (H), in the scroll display, the decorative pattern moves in a curved manner from the front side toward the back side. Therefore, during the period from when the decorative pattern is frame-in displayed to when it is frame-out displayed in the decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R, other decorative patterns (for example, the decorative pattern "2") located on the back side so as to partially overlap with one decorative pattern (for example, the decorative pattern "3") may become visible through the decorative pattern "3". At this time, the character of the character display section 002SG052 of the decorative pattern "2" is displayed, while the number ("2") of the number display section 002SG051 becomes difficult to view (or is not displayed). Modification example 1) It is characterized by this. According to this feature, when performing a hand-forward movement display that moves and erases the decorative identification information while increasing the transparency from the front side toward the back side, other decorative identification information located on the back side with respect to one piece of decorative identification information becomes visible through the one piece of decorative identification information. At this time, for the one piece of decorative identification information located on the front side, its character image is displayed while the numerical image is not displayed, and after the other decorative identification information is erased, the numerical image of the one piece of decorative identification information is displayed. Therefore, the numerical image of the other decorative identification information and the numerical image of the one piece of decorative identification information do not overlap and be displayed, and it is possible to prevent the numerical image of the other decorative identification information located on the back side from becoming difficult to understand.

[0014] [Form 4] (No. 5) The gaming machine of Form 5 is A gaming machine (for example, the pachinko gaming machine 1) that can execute variable display of specific identification information (for example, special symbols) and can be controlled to an advantageous state (for example, a big win gaming state) advantageous to the player by deriving a specific display result (for example, a big win display result) as a result of the variable display of the specific identification information. A game control means (e.g., CPU 103), a presentation control means (e.g., a presentation control CPU 120), and a light-emitting means (e.g., a main lamp 9a, a frame lamp 9b, a movable body lamp 9d), wherein the game control means executes variable display of the specific identification information (e.g., the part where the CPU 103 executes variable display of a special symbol in the special symbol process in step S25), the presentation 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 (e.g., the part where the presentation control CPU 120 executes variable display of a decorative pattern in the presentation control process in step S76), the variable display of the decoration identification information includes a rotation display that rotates the decoration identification information and repeatedly displays the front and back surfaces of the decoration identification information (see FIGS. 33 and 34), during the rotation display, the decoration identification information becomes semi-transparent, and when the rotation display stops, the decoration identification information becomes non-transparent (see FIGS. 33 and 34), the decoration identification information includes a digital image (e.g., a digital display unit 002SG051), during the rotation display, the digital image on the front surface side of the decoration identification information that becomes semi-transparent is displayed, while the digital image on the back surface side is not displayed (see FIG. 34), during the execution of the variable display of the decoration identification information, predetermined light emission control for emitting the light-emitting means in a predetermined light emission mode for a predetermined light emission period is repeatedly performed, and the predetermined light emission control is continuously performed even during the rotation display (e.g., even when variable display of a decorative pattern is being executed in a high base state, a light emission pattern in the order of white, blue, and yellow may be repeatedly executed based on loop light emission control corresponding to a background pattern (see FIG. 24(B)). Modification example. See FIG. 44) It is characterized by this. According to this feature, when performing a rotation display that rotates the decorative identification information and repeatedly displays the front and back surfaces of the decorative identification information, since the decorative identification information is in a semi-transparent state, not only the front side but also the back side of the decorative identification information can be seen through. At this time, while the digital image on the front side of the decorative identification information is displayed, the digital image on the back side is not displayed. Therefore, the digital image on the front side of the decorative identification information and the digital image on the back side do not overlap and be displayed, preventing the digital image on the front side from being difficult to distinguish. Also, since the predetermined light emission control is continuously performed during the rotation display, the control of the light emission means can be simplified.

[0015] [Form 5](No.6) The gaming machine of Form 5 is a gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1) capable of executing variable display of specific identification information (for example, special symbols) and controlling to an advantageous state (for example, jackpot gaming state) advantageous to the player by deriving a specific display result (for example, jackpot display result) as a result of the variable display of the specific identification information, comprising gaming control means (for example, CPU 103) and performance control means (for example, performance control CPU 120), the gaming control means executes variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where CPU 103 executes variable display of special symbols in the special symbol process in step S25), the performance control means is capable of performing variable display of a plurality of types of decorative identification information corresponding to the variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where the performance control CPU 120 executes variable display of decorative symbols in the performance control process in step S76), the area where the decorative identification information is displayed includes a first area (for example, left decorative symbol display area 5L), a second area (for example, right decorative symbol display area 5R), and a third area (for example, middle decorative symbol display area 5C) located between the first area and the second area, When the specific display result is derived, after the reach state in which the same type of the decoration identification information temporarily stops in the first region and the second region, the same type of the decoration identification information as the decoration identification information forming the reach state stops in the third region to form a specific combination (for example, a predetermined jackpot combination). When the reach state is reached, it is possible to execute a reach line suggestion effect of displaying and then erasing a reach line suggestion image (for example, reach line effect display 002SG250) so as to overlap the decoration identification information temporarily stopped in the first region and the second region and the decoration identification information being variably displayed in the third region (for example, a part where the performance control CPU 120 can execute the reach line suggestion effect). After the reach state is reached and until the reach line suggestion effect is executed, the decoration identification information being variably displayed in the third region is in a state of being transmitted at a first transparency (for example, a first transmittance F1). After the reach line suggestion effect is executed, the decoration identification information being variably displayed in the third region is in a state of being transmitted at a second transparency (for example, a second transmittance F2) that is lower in transparency than the first transparency (see FIG. 52). After the execution of the reach line suggestion effect, the timing at which the decoration identification information being variably displayed in the third region is set to the second transparency is the timing at which the reach line suggestion image is erased from the third region (for example, after the execution of the reach line effect display 002SG250, the timing at which the transmittance (transparency) of the decorative pattern being variably displayed in the middle decoration pattern display area 5C is set to a second transmittance F2 that is lower in transmittance (transparency) than the first transmittance F1 before the execution of the reach line effect display 002SG250 is the timing after the reach line effect display 002SG250 is erased from the middle decoration pattern display area 5C. See FIGS. 50 to 52). It is characterized by the above. According to this feature, when in the reach state, a reach line suggestion image is displayed so as to overlap with the decorative identification information stopped in the first area and the second area and the decorative identification information being variably displayed in the third area. At the timing when the reach line suggestion image is erased from the third area, the decorative identification information being variably displayed in the third area becomes a second transparency lower than the first transparency. Therefore, the decorative identification information being variably displayed in the third area does not obstruct the reach line suggestion image.

[0016] [Form 6](No.7) The gaming machine of Form 6 is a gaming machine (e.g., pachinko gaming machine 1) capable of executing variable display of specific identification information (e.g., special symbols) and controlling to an advantageous state (e.g., jackpot gaming state) advantageous to the player by deriving a specific display result (e.g., jackpot display result) as a result of the variable display of the specific identification information, including a game control means (e.g., CPU 103), a production control means (e.g., production control CPU 120), and a light emitting means, wherein the game control means executes variable display of the specific identification information (e.g., the part where CPU 103 executes variable display of special symbols in the special symbol process in step S25), the production control means is capable of performing variable display of a plurality of types of decorative identification information corresponding to the variable display of the specific identification information (e.g., the part where the production control CPU 120 executes variable display of decorative symbols in the production control process in step S76), the areas where the decorative identification information is displayed include a first area (e.g., left decorative symbol display area 5L), a second area (e.g., right decorative symbol display area 5R), and a third area (e.g., middle decorative symbol display area 5C) located between the first area and the second area, when the specific display result is derived, after the reach state where the same type of the decorative identification information temporarily stops in the first area and the second area, a specific combination (e.g., a predetermined jackpot combination) where the same type of the decorative identification information forming the reach state stops in the third area is formed, When in the reach state, a reach line suggestion image (for example, reach line effect display 002SG250) is displayed so as to overlap the decoration identification information temporarily stopped in the first region and the second region and the decoration identification information being variably displayed in the third region, and a reach line suggestion effect for erasing it can be executed (for example, a part where the effect control CPU 120 can execute the reach line suggestion effect). When executing the reach line suggestion effect, it is possible to execute an enlarged display for enlarging the decoration identification information temporarily stopped in the first region and the second region, and a separation display for separating the decoration identification information after executing the enlarged display (see FIGS. 50 to 52). The second period from the start to the end of the separation display is longer than the first period from the start to the end of the enlarged display (for example, the second period te1 from the start to the end of the separation display is longer than the first period td1 from the start to the end of the enlarged display (td1 < te1). See FIG. 52). The light emitting means includes specific light emitting means (for example, movable body lamp 9d) arranged around the display means. It is possible to execute a lighting-off control for turning off the specific light emitting means during the execution of the reach line suggestion effect (for example, a part for turning off the movable body lamps 9d of the movable bodies 32A and 32B arranged around (in the vicinity of) the display screen of the image display device 5 when changing the display mode of the reach line effect display 002SG250. See FIGS. 50(F) to (H)). It is characterized by the above. According to this feature, when in the reach state, a reach line suggestion image is displayed so as to overlap the decoration identification information stopped in the first region and the second region and the decoration identification information being variably displayed in the third region, and after the decoration identification information stopped in the first region and the second region is enlarged and displayed for the first period, it is separated and displayed for a second period longer than the first period, so that the decoration identification information forming the reach state can be recognized by the player. Also, by turning off the specific light emitting means around the display means, the reach line suggestion image can be made to stand out more.

[0017] [Form 7] (No. 8) The gaming machine of Form 7 is a gaming machine (e.g., pachinko gaming machine 1) that can execute variable display of specific identification information (e.g., special symbols), and can be controlled to an advantageous state (e.g., jackpot gaming state) advantageous to the player by deriving a specific display result (e.g., jackpot display result) as a result of the variable display of the specific identification information, comprises gaming control means (e.g., CPU 103), presentation control means (e.g., presentation control CPU 120), and light emitting means, wherein the gaming control means executes variable display of the specific identification information (e.g., the part where CPU 103 executes variable display of special symbols in the special symbol process in step S25), the presentation control means can perform variable display of a plurality of types of decoration identification information corresponding to the variable display of the specific identification information (e.g., the part where the presentation control CPU 120 executes variable display of decorative symbols in the presentation control process in step S76), the area where the decoration identification information is displayed includes a first area (e.g., left decorative symbol display area 5L), a second area (e.g., right decorative symbol display area 5R), and a third area (e.g., middle decorative symbol display area 5C) located between the first area and the second area, when the specific display result is derived, after the same type of the decoration identification information temporarily stops in the first area and the second area to form a reach state, the same type of the decoration identification information as the decoration identification information forming the reach state stops in the third area to form a specific combination (e.g., a predetermined jackpot combination), when in the reach state, it is possible to execute a reach line suggestion effect of displaying and then erasing a reach line suggestion image (e.g., reach line effect display 002SG250) so as to overlap with the decoration identification information temporarily stopped in the first area and the second area and the decoration identification information being variably displayed in the third area (e.g., the part where the presentation control CPU 120 can execute the reach line suggestion effect), The light-emitting means includes specific light-emitting means (for example, movable body lamp 9d) arranged around the display means. It is possible to execute a lighting-off control for turning off the specific light-emitting means during the execution of the reach line suggestion effect (for example, when changing the display mode of the reach line effect display 002SG250, the movable body lamps 9d of the movable bodies 32A and 32B arranged around (in the vicinity of) the display screen of the image display device 5 are turned off. Refer to FIGS. 50(F)-(H)). It is characterized by this. According to this feature, when in the reach state, a reach line suggestion image is displayed so as to overlap the decorative identification information stopped in the first area and the second area and the decorative identification information being variably displayed in the third area, and by turning off the specific light-emitting means around the display means, the reach line suggestion image can be made to stand out more.

[0018] [Aspect 8](No.9) The gaming machine of Aspect 8 is a gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1) capable of executing variable display of specific identification information (for example, special symbols), and by deriving a specific display result (for example, jackpot display result) as a result of the variable display of the specific identification information, controlling to an advantageous state (for example, jackpot gaming state) advantageous to the player, a game control means (for example, CPU 103), a presentation control means (for example, presentation control CPU 120), and a light-emitting means (for example, main lamp 9a, frame lamp 9b), wherein the game control means executes variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where CPU 103 executes variable display of special symbols in the special symbol process in step S25), is controllable between a normal state (for example, low probability low base state) and a special state (for example, low probability high base state or high probability high base state) in which variable display is more likely to be executed and the average variable display period is shorter than the normal state, and the presentation control means It is possible to perform variable display of a plurality of types of decorative identification information corresponding to the variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where the effect control CPU 120 executes variable display of a decorative pattern in the effect control process of step S76). When the variable display of the decorative identification information is temporarily stopped in the normal state, predetermined operation display control for operating the decorative identification information in a predetermined operation mode is repeatedly performed over a first period (for example, when the effect control CPU 120 temporarily stops and displays a decorative pattern at the stop positions of the decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R in the low base state, the part that repeatedly executes the loop action of the decorative pattern until the variable display of the special pattern ends. Refer to FIGS. 23(C), 42, and 43). When the variable display of the decorative identification information is temporarily stopped in the normal state, predetermined light emission control for causing the light emitting means to emit light in a predetermined light emission mode is repeatedly performed over a second period (for example, when the effect control CPU 120 temporarily stops and displays a decorative pattern at the stop positions of the decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R in the low base state, the part that repeatedly executes the loop light emission control of the main lamp 9a, the frame lamp 9b, and the movable body lamp 9d. Refer to FIGS. 24(B), 42, and 43). When the variable display of the decorative identification information is stopped in the special state, the predetermined operation display control is not performed (for example, when the effect control CPU 120 temporarily stops and displays a decorative pattern at the stop positions of the decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R in the high base state, the part that does not execute the loop action of the decorative pattern. Refer to FIG. 44). The second period is longer than the first period (for example, the loop action period Tb3 < the loop light emission period Tb4. Refer to FIG. 24(A)). It is characterized by the above. According to this feature, in the normal state, the predetermined operation display control is repeatedly performed to prompt the player to perform variable display of the decorative identification information. On the other hand, in the special state where variable display is likely to be executed, it is possible to prevent the variable display from being overly prompted and causing annoyance. Also, since the predetermined operation display control is repeatedly performed at a shorter cycle than the predetermined light emission control, the decorative identification information can be preferably highlighted.

[0019] [Form 9] (No. 10) The gaming machine of Form 9 is a gaming machine (e.g., pachinko gaming machine 1) capable of executing variable display of specific identification information (e.g., special symbols), and controlling to an advantageous state (e.g., jackpot gaming state) advantageous to the player by deriving a specific display result (e.g., jackpot display result) as a result of the variable display of the specific identification information, comprising gaming control means (e.g., CPU 103), and effect control means (e.g., effect control CPU 120), wherein the gaming control means executes variable display of the specific identification information (e.g., the part where CPU 103 executes variable display of special symbols in the special symbol process in step S25), is controllable to a normal state (e.g., low probability low base state) and a special state in which variable display is more likely to be executed and the average variable display period is shorter than the normal state (e.g., low probability high base state or high probability high base state), is capable of storing information regarding variable display of special identification information not yet started as hold storage information (e.g., the part where CPU 103 stores hold information in a predetermined area of RAM 102 and updates the hold storage count in the start winning determination process in step S101), wherein the effect 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 (e.g., the part where the effect control CPU 120 executes variable display of decorative symbols in the effect control process in step S76), the display result of the variable display of the decoration identification information is constituted by the combination of the decoration identification information stopped in the effective display area (e.g., the combination of decorative symbols such as "111", "326" stopped at the stop positions in the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, 5R to result in a jackpot or a miss), When, in the normal state, a non-specific combination, which is a combination of the decoration identification information corresponding to a non-specific display result other than the specific display result, is derived as the display result of the variable display of the decoration identification information, when stopping the decoration identification information in the effective display area, according to the number of stored hold memories stored as the hold memory information, after enlarging and displaying the decoration identification information from the normal size, it can be displayed in a manner of returning to the normal size (for example, the part where the production control CPU 120 can execute a variable stop action when temporarily stopping the display of the decorative pattern. Refer to FIGS. 36 to 39), In the special state, when the non-specific combination is derived as the display result of the variable display of the decoration identification information, when stopping the decoration identification information in the effective display area, regardless of the number of stored hold memories stored as the hold memory information, the decoration identification information is maintained in the normal size (for example, in a high base state where the average variable display period is short and it is difficult to visually recognize the decorative pattern, when variable display based on a shortened variation pattern is executed regardless of the number of stored hold memories, the variable stop action is not executed and the size is maintained while temporarily stopping the display. Refer to FIGS. 39 and 44) It is characterized by this. According to this feature, in the normal state, by giving variations to the movement when the decoration identification information stops according to the number of stored hold memories, the interest is improved. On the other hand, in the special state where the average variable display period is short and it is difficult to visually recognize the decoration identification information, by stopping while maintaining the size, it is possible to stop so that the visibility of the decoration identification information is not impaired.

[0020] [Aspect 10] (No. 11) The gaming machine of Aspect 10 is A gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1) capable of executing variable display of specific identification information (for example, special symbols), and controlling to an advantageous state (for example, jackpot gaming state) advantageous to the player by deriving a specific display result (for example, jackpot display result) as a result of the variable display of the specific identification information, Game control means (for example, CPU 103), Production control means (for example, production control CPU 120), and is provided with The game control means executes variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where the CPU 103 executes variable display of special symbols in the special symbol process in step S25). The effect control means can perform variable display of a plurality of types of decoration identification information corresponding to the variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where the effect control CPU 120 executes variable display of decorative symbols in the effect control process in step S76). In one effect mode, it is possible to switch and display a plurality of types of background images including a first background image and a second background image (for example, in the first effect mode, as the background image, a first background image 002SG081 showing a view of a daytime street seen from afar (see Fig. 40(A1)) and a first predetermined background image 002SG081A showing a view in the middle of the daytime street (see Fig. 40(A2)) 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 is executed in which the transparency of the first background image is gradually increased and erased, and a background fade-in display is executed in which the transparency of the second background image is gradually decreased while the background fade-out display of the first background image is being executed (for example, the part where a cross-fade display in which the fade-out display period A1 of the first background image 002SG081 and the fade-in display period B1 of the first predetermined background image 002SG081A are synchronized is executed. See Fig. 40). When starting the variable display of the decoration identification information, it is possible to execute an identification information fade-out display in which the transparency of the decoration identification information is gradually increased and erased (for example, the part where the decorative symbol gradually accelerates and becomes a high-speed display after the start of the scroll display, and the transmittance (transparency) also increases in proportion to the increase in speed and is fade-out displayed). When ending the variable display of the decoration identification information, it is possible to execute an identification information fade-in display in which the transparency of the decoration identification information gradually decreases (for example, when the stop timing of the decoration pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R approaches, the decoration patterns in the left decoration pattern display area 5L, the right decoration pattern display area 5R, and the middle decoration pattern display area 5C gradually decelerate in this order and become a low-speed display, and the transmittance (transparency) also decreases in proportion to the decrease in speed and is fade-in displayed). The execution period of the background fade-out display is longer than that of the identification information fade-out display (for example, the fade-out display period A1 during which the fade-out display of the first background image 002SG081 is performed is set to be longer than the fade-out display period A21 from the start of the scroll display of the decoration pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R until it becomes a high-speed display (fade-out display period A1 > fade-out display period A21). See FIGS. 42 and 43). It is characterized by this. According to this feature, since the fade-out display basically gives an impression of disappearing suddenly when executed in a shorter period, when the variable display of the decoration identification information and the background change may be executed at the same time, by executing the identification information fade-out display in a shorter period than the background fade-out display, it is possible to draw attention to the start of the variable display of the decoration identification information.

[0021] [Form 11](No. 12) The gaming machine of Form 11 is a gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1) capable of executing variable display of specific identification information (for example, special symbols) and controlling to an advantageous state (for example, jackpot gaming state) advantageous to the player by deriving a specific display result (for example, jackpot display result) as a result of the variable display of the specific identification information, a game control means (for example, CPU 103), and a performance control means (for example, performance control CPU 120). The game control means executes variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where the CPU 103 executes variable display of special symbols in the special symbol process in step S25). The effect control means can perform variable display of a plurality of types of decoration identification information corresponding to the variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where the effect control CPU 120 executes variable display of decorative symbols in the effect control process in step S76). In one effect mode, it is possible to switch and display a plurality of types of background images including a first background image and a second background image (for example, in the first effect mode, as the background image, a first background image 002SG081 showing a view of a daytime street seen from afar (see FIG. 40(A1)) and a first predetermined background image 002SG081A showing a view in the middle of the daytime street (see FIG. 40(A2)) 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 and erasing it is executed, and background fade-in display for gradually decreasing the transparency of the second background image while the background fade-out display of the first background image is being executed is possible (for example, the part where cross-fade display in which the fade-out display period A1 of the first background image 002SG081 and the fade-in display period B1 of the first predetermined background image 002SG081A are synchronized is executed. See FIG. 40). When starting the variable display of the decoration identification information, it is possible to execute identification information fade-out display for gradually increasing the transparency of the decoration identification information and erasing it (for example, the part where the decorative symbol gradually accelerates and becomes a high-speed display after the start of the scroll display, and the transmittance (transparency) also increases in proportion to the increase in speed and fade-out display is performed). When ending the variable display of the decoration identification information, it is possible to execute an identification information fade-in display in which the transparency of the decoration identification information gradually decreases (for example, when the stop timing of the decoration pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R approaches, the decoration patterns in the left decoration pattern display area 5L, the right decoration pattern display area 5R, and the middle decoration pattern display area 5C gradually decelerate in this order and become a low-speed display, and the transmittance (transparency) also decreases in proportion to the decrease in speed and is fade-in displayed). The execution period of the identification information fade-out display and the execution period of the background fade-out display are different (for example, the part where the fade-out display period A1 and the fade-out display period A22 are not executed simultaneously. Refer to FIGS. 42 and 43). It is characterized by this. According to this feature, it is possible to prevent the fact that the start of the variable display of the decoration identification information becomes difficult to understand due to the synchronization of the identification information fade-out display and the background fade-out display.

[0022] [Form 12](No. 13) The gaming machine of Form 12 is A gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1) capable of executing a variable display of specific identification information (for example, special symbols), and by deriving a specific display result (for example, jackpot display result) as a result of the variable display of the specific identification information, controlling to an advantageous state (for example, jackpot gaming state) advantageous to the player, Game control means (for example, CPU 103) and Effect control means (for example, effect control CPU 120), and is provided with The game control means executes the variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where CPU 103 executes the variable display of the special symbol in the special symbol process in step S25), The effect control means can perform a variable display of a plurality of types of decoration identification information corresponding to the variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display of the decoration pattern in the effect control process in step S76), In one presentation mode, it is possible to switch and display a plurality of types of background images including a first background image and a second background image (for example, in the first presentation mode, as the background image, a first background image 002SG081 showing a view of a daytime street seen from afar (see Fig. 40(A1)) and a first predetermined background image 002SG081A showing a view in the middle of the daytime street (see Fig. 40(A2)) 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 is executed in which the transparency of the first background image is gradually increased and erased, and a background fade-in display is executed in which the transparency of the second background image is gradually decreased while the background fade-out display of the first background image is being executed (for example, a cross-fade display in which the fade-out display period A1 of the first background image 002SG081 and the fade-in display period B1 of the first predetermined background image 002SG081A are synchronized. See Fig. 40). When starting the variable display of the decoration identification information, an identification information fade-out display can be executed in which the transparency of the decoration identification information is gradually increased and erased (for example, the decorative pattern gradually accelerates and becomes a high-speed display after the start of the scroll display, and the transmittance (transparency) also increases in proportion to the increase in speed and is fade-out displayed). When ending the variable display of the decoration identification information, an identification information fade-in display can be executed in which the transparency of the decoration identification information is gradually decreased (for example, when the stop timing of the decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, 5R approaches, the decorative patterns in the left decorative pattern display area 5L, the right decorative pattern display area 5R, and the middle decorative pattern display area 5C gradually decelerate and become a low-speed display in that order, and the transmittance (transparency) also decreases in proportion to the decrease in speed and is fade-in displayed). The execution period of the background fade-in display is longer than that of the identification information fade-in display (for example, the fade-in display period B1 during which the fade-in display of the first predetermined background image 002SG081A is performed is set to be longer than the fade-in display period B21 from when the deceleration of the display speed starts until the temporary stop display in the scroll display of the decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R (fade-in display period B1 > fade-in display period B21). Refer to FIGS. 42 and 43). It is characterized by this. According to this feature, since the fade-in display basically gives an impression of appearing suddenly the shorter the execution period is, if there is a possibility that the variable display of the decorative identification information and the background change are executed at the same time, by executing the identification information fade-in display in a shorter period than the background fade-in display, it is possible to draw attention to the end of the variable display of the decorative identification information.

[0023] [Form 13](No. 14) The gaming machine of Form 13 is A gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1) capable of executing variable display of specific identification information (for example, special symbols), and by deriving a specific display result (for example, jackpot display result) as a result of the variable display of the specific identification information, controlling to an advantageous state (for example, jackpot gaming state) advantageous to the player, Comprising game control means (for example, CPU 103), And effect control means (for example, effect control CPU 120), The game control means executes variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where CPU 103 executes variable display of special symbols in the special symbol process in step S25), The effect control means is capable of performing variable display of a plurality of types of decorative identification information corresponding to the variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where the effect control CPU 120 executes variable display of decorative symbols in the effect control process in step S76), In one presentation mode, it is possible to switch and display a plurality of types of background images including a first background image and a second background image (for example, in the first presentation mode, as the background image, a first background image 002SG081 showing a view of a daytime street seen from afar (see FIG. 40(A1)) and a first predetermined background image 002SG081A showing a view in the middle of the daytime street (see FIG. 40(A2)) 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 is executed in which the transparency of the first background image is gradually increased and erased, and a background fade-in display is executed in which the transparency of the second background image is gradually decreased while the background fade-out display of the first background image is being executed (for example, a cross-fade display in which a fade-out display period A1 of the first background image 002SG081 and a fade-in display period B1 of the first predetermined background image 002SG081A are synchronized. See FIG. 40). When starting the variable display of the decoration identification information, an identification information fade-out display can be executed in which the transparency of the decoration identification information is gradually increased and erased (for example, the decorative pattern gradually accelerates and becomes a high-speed display after the start of the scroll display, and the transmittance (transparency) also increases in proportion to the increase in speed and is fade-out displayed). When ending the variable display of the decoration identification information, an identification information fade-in display can be executed in which the transparency of the decoration identification information is gradually decreased (for example, when the stop timing of the decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R approaches, the decorative patterns in the left decorative pattern display area 5L, the right decorative pattern display area 5R, and the middle decorative pattern display area 5C gradually decelerate and become a low-speed display in that order, and the transmittance (transparency) also decreases in proportion to the decrease in speed and is fade-in displayed). The execution period of the identification information fade-in display is different from the execution period of the background fade-in display (for example, the part where the fade-in display period B1 and the fade-in display period B21 are not executed simultaneously. See FIGS. 42 and 43). It is characterized by this. According to this feature, it is possible to prevent the variable display of the decorative identification information from being difficult to understand by synchronizing the fade-in display of the identification information and the fade-in display of the background.

[0024] [Form 14](No.15) The gaming machine of Form 14 is a gaming machine (e.g., pachinko gaming machine 1) capable of executing variable display of specific identification information (e.g., special symbols), and by deriving a specific display result (e.g., jackpot display result) as a result of the variable display of the specific identification information, it can be controlled to an advantageous state (e.g., jackpot gaming state) advantageous to the player. It includes gaming control means (e.g., CPU 103) and effect control means (e.g., effect control CPU 120). The gaming control means executes variable display of the specific identification information (e.g., the part where CPU 103 executes variable display of special symbols in the special symbol process in step S25). The effect control means is capable of performing variable display of a plurality of types of decorative identification information corresponding to the variable display of the specific identification information (e.g., the part where the effect control CPU 120 executes variable display of decorative symbols in the effect control process in step S76). It is possible to execute a specific effect in which the variable display is temporarily stopped once at a predetermined timing from the start of the variable display of the decorative identification information until the display result is derived and displayed, and then the variable display is resumed (e.g., the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the variable display is resumed, that is, whether to make a single variable display appear as if it were a plurality of variable displays, at a predetermined timing from the start of the variable display of the decorative symbols until the display result is derived and displayed, and then the variable display is resumed, which is the part capable of executing a "pseudo continuous preview" that provokes this). The decorative identification information has decorative identification information of a plurality of colors (e.g., blue, red) including digital images. When resuming the variable display in the specific effect, it is possible to display a number image (e.g., pseudo continuous number display 002SG212) capable of specifying the number of times the variable display has been resumed in a plurality of colors (e.g., blue, red) (see FIGS. 48 and 49). In the specific effect, when the digital image of the decoration identification symbol that was temporarily stopped from being displayed and the digital display of the number image when the variable display is restarted are of the same type, and the color of the decoration identification symbol that was temporarily stopped from being displayed and the number image is different, it becomes a first combination; and when the digital image of the decoration identification symbol that was temporarily stopped from being displayed and the digital display of the number image when the variable display is restarted, and the color of both the decoration identification symbol that was temporarily stopped from being displayed and the number image are of the same type, it becomes a second combination. In the specific effect, the ratio of being controlled to the advantageous state is higher when the variable display is restarted in the second combination than when the variable display is restarted in the first combination (for example, in a pseudo-consecutive announcement, there are a first combination where the display color of the decoration symbol that was temporarily stopped from being displayed and the pseudo-consecutive number display are different colors, and a second combination where the display color of the decoration symbol that was temporarily stopped from being displayed and the pseudo-consecutive number display are the same color. In the pseudo-consecutive announcement, the ratio of being controlled to the big win gaming state is higher when the variable display is restarted in the second combination than when the variable display is restarted in the first combination). It is characterized by this. According to this feature, not only whether the specific effect is executed or not, but also when it is executed, it is possible to draw attention to the combination of the number and color of the digital image of the decoration identification information and the number image that were temporarily stopped from being displayed, so the interest of the game is improved.

[0025] [Form 15](No.16) The gaming machine of Form 15 is A gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1) that can execute variable display of specific identification information (for example, special symbols), and control to an advantageous state (for example, big win gaming state) advantageous to the player by deriving a specific display result (for example, big win display result) as a result of the variable display of the specific identification information, A game control means (for example, CPU 103), An effect control means (for example, effect control CPU 120), and is provided with The game control means executes variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where CPU 103 executes variable display of special symbols in the special symbol process in step S25), The above-described effect control means is capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of decorative identification information corresponding to the variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display of the decorative pattern in the effect control process of step S76), is capable of variably displaying reduced identification information that is smaller in size than the decorative identification information and corresponds to each of the plurality of types of decorative identification information (for example, the part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display of the small pattern corresponding to the decorative pattern), is capable of executing a standby effect for displaying a predetermined image when the variable display is not being executed (for example, the part where the effect control CPU 120 can execute the "customer waiting demo effect" when a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) has elapsed without receiving a control command such as a variable display start designation command after receiving the customer waiting demo designation command output from the main board 11. Refer to FIG. 46), when executing the standby effect, while making the decorative identification information non-displayed, continues to display the reduced identification information (refer to FIG. 46), when the start condition of the variable display is satisfied while executing the standby effect, after the variable display of the reduced identification information is started before the predetermined image becomes non-displayed, after the predetermined image becomes non-displayed, the decorative identification information is displayed and the variable display is started (for example, when a start winning occurs while executing the customer waiting demo effect, the variable display of the small pattern is started before the customer waiting demo effect image 002SG400 becomes non-displayed, and then, after the customer waiting demo effect image 002SG400 becomes non-displayed and is switched to and displayed as the background image corresponding to the effect mode at that time (here, the first background image 002SG081 corresponding to the first effect mode), the decorative pattern is displayed and the scroll display is started. Refer to FIG. 47). is characterized by this. According to this feature, after a predetermined image becomes non-displayed, the variable display of the decoration identification information starts. By doing so, while making the player recognize that the variable display has started as the condition for starting the variable display is satisfied, since the reduced identification information starts the variable display before the predetermined image becomes non-displayed, it is possible to ensure a display corresponding to the variable display of the specific identification information.

[0026] [Form 16](No.17) The gaming machine of Form 16 is a gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1) capable of executing variable display of specific identification information (for example, special symbols), and by deriving a specific display result (for example, jackpot display result) as a result of the variable display of the specific identification information, being controllable to an advantageous state (for example, jackpot gaming state) advantageous to the player, comprising game control means (for example, CPU 103) and effect control means (for example, effect control use CPU 120), wherein the game control means executes variable display of the specific identification information based on a plurality of types of variable display patterns (see FIG. 7) (for example, the part where CPU 103 executes variable display of special symbols in the special symbol process in step S25), being controllable to a normal state (for example, low probability low base state) and a special state (for example, low probability high base state or high probability high base state) in which variable display is more likely to be executed than the normal state and the average variable display period is short, wherein the effect control means is capable of performing variable display of a plurality of types of decoration identification information (for example, decorative symbols) corresponding to the variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where effect control use CPU 120 executes variable display of decorative symbols in the effect control process in step S76), is capable of displaying a hold display corresponding to variable display of special identification information that has not yet started (for example, the part where effect control use CPU 120 performs a process of displaying the first hold display 002SG101 and the second hold display 002SG102 in the hold display update process in step S161 in the special figure hold memory display area 5U), It is possible to display corresponding display corresponding to the variable display of the special identification information being executed in the corresponding display area (for example, the part where the effect control CPU 120 performs the process of displaying the active display 002SG103 in the active display area 5F in the hold display update process of step S161). It is possible to perform a switching display that switches the hold display corresponding to the variable display to the corresponding display along with the start of the variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where the effect control CPU 120 performs a shift display that moves the first hold display 002SG101 displayed in the leftmost display area in the special figure hold memory display area 5U to the active display area 5F and switches it to the active display 002SG103. Refer to FIG. 25). As the variable display of the decoration identification information, it is possible to perform a moving display that moves the decoration identification information (for example, a scroll display. Refer to FIG. 21) and a pre-operation display that operates the decoration identification information in a mode different from the moving display before starting the moving display (for example, a variation start action. Refer to FIG. 23(A)). In the normal state, when the switching display is being performed, the pre-operation display is performed (for example, the first hold display 002SG101 displayed in the leftmost display area in the special figure hold memory display area 5U is moved to the active display area 5F and displayed, and the scroll display (variable display) of the decorative pattern is not started until the hold shift display period until it is switched to the active display 002SG103 ends, the above-described variation start action is executed, and after the hold shift display period ends, the scroll display (variable display) of the decorative pattern is started. Refer to FIGS. 26(C) to (F)). Execute the variable display of the decoration identification information based on the variable display pattern information corresponding to the plurality of types of variable display patterns transmitted from the game control means (for example, the part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display of the decorative pattern based on the variation pattern designation command transmitted from the main board 11 in the effect control process of step S76). When variable display is executed based on the first type of variable display pattern information and when variable display is executed based on the second type of variable display pattern information, it is possible to perform the common switching display (for example, when the effect control CPU 120 executes variable display based on the first type of variation pattern designation command (for example, non-reach variation pattern designation command) and when variable display is executed based on the second type of variation pattern designation command (for example, reach variation pattern designation command), the shift display for switching the first hold display 002SG101 or the first hold display 002SG101 to the active display 002SG103 in a common manner is executed. Refer to FIG. 25) It is characterized by this. According to this feature, along with the start of the variable display of the specific identification information, a switching display for switching the hold display corresponding to the variable display to the corresponding display is performed, and when the switching display is being performed, a pre-operation display for operating the decorative identification information in a manner different from the moving display is performed, so that the period required for performing the switching display can be effectively utilized. In addition, since the pre-operation display is performed when the switching display is being performed in the normal state, the average variable display period is longer compared to the special state, and the interest when the variable display of the decorative identification information starts in the normal state, which is likely to be monotonous, can be enhanced. Also, since a common switching display is performed even when variable displays based on different types of variable display patterns are executed, the pattern of the switching display can be reduced.

[0027] [Aspect 17](No. 18) The gaming machine of Aspect 17 is A gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1) capable of executing variable display of specific identification information (for example, special symbols) and controlling to an advantageous state (for example, jackpot gaming state) advantageous to the player by deriving a specific display result (for example, jackpot display result) as a result of the variable display of the specific identification information, Game control means (for example, CPU 103), Effect control means (for example, effect control CPU 120), and is provided with The game control means is Execute variable display of the specific identification information based on a plurality of types of variable display patterns (see FIG. 7) (for example, the part where the CPU 103 executes variable display of the special symbol in the special symbol process in step S25). It is controllable between a normal state (for example, a low probability and low base 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 (for example, a low probability and high base state or a high probability and high base state). The effect control means It is possible to perform variable display of a plurality of types of decorative identification information (for example, decorative symbols) corresponding to the variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where the effect control CPU 120 executes variable display of the decorative symbol in the effect control process in step S76). It is possible to display a pending display corresponding to variable display of special identification information that has not yet started (for example, the part where the effect control CPU 120 performs a process of displaying the first pending display 002SG101 and the second pending display 002SG102 in the special figure pending storage display area 5U in the pending display update process in step S161). It is possible to display a corresponding display corresponding to the variable display of the special identification information being executed in a corresponding display area (for example, the part where the effect control CPU 120 performs a process of displaying the active display 002SG103 in the active display area 5F in the pending display update process in step S161). When starting the variable display of the specific identification information, it is possible to perform a switching display that switches the pending display corresponding to the variable display to the corresponding display (for example, the part where the effect control CPU 120 performs a shift display that moves the first pending display 002SG101 displayed in the leftmost display area in the special figure pending storage display area 5U to the active display area 5F and switches it to the active display 002SG103. See FIG. 25). As the variable display of the decorative identification information, it is possible to perform a moving display that moves the decorative identification information (for example, a scroll display. See FIG. 21) and a pre-operation display that operates the decorative identification information in a mode different from the moving display before starting the moving display (for example, a variation start action. See FIG. 23(A)). In the normal state, when the switching display is being performed, the pre-operation display is performed, and the scroll display is not started until the switching display is completed (for example, the first hold display 002SG101 displayed in the leftmost display area in the special figure hold memory display area 5U is moved and displayed to the active display area 5F and switched to the active display 002SG103. The scroll display (variable display) of the decorative pattern is not started until the hold shift display period ends, and the above-described variation start action is executed. After the hold shift display period ends, the scroll display (variable display) of the decorative pattern is started. Refer to FIGS. 26(C) to (F)). Execute the variable display of the decoration identification information based on the variable display pattern information corresponding to a plurality of types of variable display patterns transmitted from the game control means (for example, the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display of the decorative pattern based on the variation pattern designation command transmitted from the main board 11 in the effect control process of step S76). It is possible to perform the common switching display when the variable display is executed based on the first type of variable display pattern information and when the variable display is executed based on the second type of variable display pattern information (for example, the effect control CPU 120, when the variable display is executed based on the first type of variation pattern designation command (for example, non-reach variation pattern designation command) and when the variable display is executed based on the second type of variation pattern designation command (for example, reach variation pattern designation command), performs a shift display that switches the first hold display 002SG101 or the first hold display 002SG101 to the active display 002SG103 in a common manner. Refer to FIG. 25). It is characterized by this. According to this feature, along with the start of the variable display of specific identification information, a switching display is performed to switch the hold display corresponding to the variable display to a corresponding display. When performing the switching display, a pre-operation display is performed to operate the decorative identification information in a mode different from the moving display before starting the moving display of the decorative identification information, so that the period required for performing the switching display can be effectively utilized. Also, since the moving display of the decorative identification information is not started until the switching display is completed and the corresponding display is displayed in the corresponding display area, it is possible to eliminate the sense of discomfort caused by the start of the moving display of the decorative identification information before the corresponding display is displayed. Further, since the pre-operation display is performed when the switching display is being performed in the normal state, the average variable display period is longer compared to the special state, and the interest when the variable display of the decorative identification information starts in the normal state, which tends to be monotonous, can be increased. Also, since a common switching display is performed even when variable displays based on different types of variable display patterns are executed, the pattern of the switching display can be reduced.

[0028] [Form 18](No.19) The gaming machine of Form 18 executes a variable display of specific identification information (for example, special symbols), and by deriving a specific display result (for example, jackpot display result) as a result of the variable display of the specific identification information, it is possible to control the gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1) to an advantageous state (for example, jackpot gaming state) advantageous to the player, a game control means (for example, CPU 103), and a performance control means (for example, performance control CPU 120), The game control means executes the variable display of the specific identification information based on a plurality of types of variable display patterns (see FIG. 7) (for example, the part where CPU 103 executes the variable display of the special symbols in the special symbol process in step S25), is controllable between a normal state (for example, a low probability and low base state) and a special state (for example, a low probability and high base state or a high probability and high base state) in which variable displays are more likely to be executed and the average variable display period is shorter than that of the normal state, The performance control means It is possible to perform variable display of a plurality of types of decorative identification information (for example, decorative patterns) corresponding to the variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display of the decorative pattern in the effect control process of step S76). It is possible to display a hold display corresponding to the variable display of special identification information that has not yet started (for example, the part where the effect control CPU 120 displays the first hold display 002SG101 and the second hold display 002SG102 in the special figure hold memory display area 5U in the hold display update process of step S161). It is possible to display a corresponding display corresponding to the variable display of the special identification information being executed in the corresponding display area (for example, the part where the effect control CPU 120 displays the active display 002SG103 in the active display area 5F in the hold display update process of step S161). It is possible to perform a switching display that switches the hold display corresponding to the variable display to the corresponding display along with the start of the variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where the effect control CPU 120 performs a shift display that moves the first hold display 002SG101 displayed in the leftmost display area in the special figure hold memory display area 5U to the active display area 5F and switches it to the active display 002SG103. See FIG. 25). As the variable display of the decorative identification information, it is possible to perform a moving display that moves the decorative identification information (for example, a scroll display. See FIG. 21) and a pre-operation display that operates the decorative identification information in a manner different from the moving display before starting the moving display (for example, a variation start action. See FIG. 23(A)). In the above-mentioned special state, when the switching display is being performed, the pre-operation display is performed (for example, the first hold display 002SG101 displayed in the leftmost display area in the special figure hold memory display area 5U moves and is displayed up to the active display area 5F, and the scrolling display (variable display) of the decorative pattern is not started until the hold shift display period until it is switched to the active display 002SG103 ends, the above-described variation start action is executed, and after the hold shift display period ends, the scrolling display (variable display) of the decorative pattern is started. Modification example) Execute the variable display of the decoration identification information based on the variable display pattern information corresponding to a plurality of types of variable display patterns transmitted from the game control means (for example, the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display of the decorative pattern based on the variation pattern designation command transmitted from the main board 11 in the effect control process in step S76)

[0029] It is possible to perform the above-mentioned common switching display when the variable display is executed based on the first type of variable display pattern information and when the variable display is executed based on the second type of variable display pattern information (for example, when the variable display is executed based on the first type of variation pattern designation command (for example, non-reach variation pattern designation command) and when the variable display is executed based on the second type of variation pattern designation command (for example, reach variation pattern designation command) by the effect control CPU 120, the first hold display 002SG101 and the first hold display 002SG101 are switched to the active display 002SG103 in a common manner. Refer to FIG. 25) It is characterized by this. According to this feature, when starting the variable display of specific identification information, a switching display is performed to switch the hold display corresponding to the variable display to a corresponding display. When performing the switching display, a pre-operation display is performed to operate the decorative identification information in a manner different from the moving display, so that the period required for performing the switching display can be effectively utilized. In addition, since the pre-operation display is performed when the switching display is being performed in a special state more advantageous than the normal state, the start of the variable display of the decorative identification information in the special state can be enhanced. Further, since a common switching display is performed even when variable displays based on different types of variable display patterns are executed, the pattern of the switching display can be reduced.

[0030] [Form 19](No.20) The gaming machine of Form 19 is a gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1) capable of executing a variable display of specific identification information (for example, special symbols), and by deriving a specific display result (for example, jackpot display result) as a result of the variable display of the specific identification information, controlling to an advantageous state (for example, jackpot gaming state) advantageous to the player, comprising a game control means (for example, CPU 103), and a presentation control means (for example, presentation control CPU 120), wherein the game control means executes the variable display of the specific identification information based on a plurality of types of variable display patterns (see FIG. 7) (for example, the part where CPU 103 executes the variable display of the special symbols in the special symbol process in step S25), and is controllable between a normal state (for example, low probability low base state) and a special state (for example, low probability high base state or high probability high base state) in which variable display is more likely to be executed than the normal state and the average variable display period is short, wherein the presentation control means is capable of performing a variable display of a plurality of types of decorative identification information (for example, decorative symbols) corresponding to the variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where the presentation control CPU 120 executes the variable display of the decorative symbols in the presentation control process in step S76), It is possible to display a hold display corresponding to a variable display of special identification information that has not yet started (for example, in the hold display update process of step S161, the production control CPU 120 performs a process of displaying the first hold display 002SG101 or the second hold display 002SG102 in the special figure hold memory display area 5U), It is possible to display a corresponding display corresponding to the variable display of the special identification information being executed in the corresponding display area (for example, in the hold display update process of step S161, the production control CPU 120 performs a process of displaying the active display 002SG103 in the active display area 5F), It is possible to perform a switching display that switches the hold display corresponding to the variable display to the corresponding display along with the start of the variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the production control CPU 120 moves the first hold display 002SG101 displayed in the leftmost display area in the special figure hold memory display area 5U to the active display area 5F and performs a shift display to switch to the active display 002SG103. See Fig. 25), As the variable display of the decoration identification information, it is possible to perform a moving display that moves the decoration identification information (for example, a scroll display. See Fig. 21) and a pre-operation display that operates the decoration identification information in a manner different from the moving display before starting the moving display (for example, a variation start action. See Fig. 23(A)), In the special state, when the switching display is being performed, the pre-operation display is performed and the moving display is not started until the switching display is completed (for example, the first hold display 002SG101 displayed in the leftmost display area in the special figure hold memory display area 5U is moved to the active display area 5F and switched to the active display 002SG103, and the scroll display (variable display) of the decorative pattern is not started until the hold shift display period ends, the above-described variation start action is executed, and after the hold shift display period ends, the scroll display (variable display) of the decorative pattern is started. Modification example), Execute the variable display of the decoration identification information based on the variable display pattern information corresponding to the plurality of types of variable display patterns transmitted from the game control means. (For example, the part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display of the decoration pattern based on the variation pattern designation command transmitted from the main board 11 in the effect control process of step S76.)

[0031] It is possible to perform the common switching display when the variable display is executed based on the first type of variable display pattern information and when the variable display is executed based on the second type of variable display pattern information. (For example, when the variable display is executed based on the first type of variation pattern designation command (for example, the non-reach variation pattern designation command) and when the variable display is executed based on the second type of variation pattern designation command (for example, the reach variation pattern designation command) by the effect control CPU 120, the shift display for switching the first hold display 002SG101 or the first hold display 002SG101 to the active display 002SG103 in a common manner is executed. Refer to FIG. 25.) It is characterized by this. According to this feature, along with the start of the variable display of the specific identification information, a switching display for switching the hold display corresponding to the variable display to the corresponding display is performed. When the switching display is being performed, a pre-operation display for operating the decoration identification information in a manner different from the moving display is performed before starting the moving display of the decoration identification information, so that the period required for the switching display can be effectively utilized. Also, since the moving display of the decoration identification information is not started until the switching display ends and the corresponding display is displayed in the corresponding display area, the sense of discomfort caused by the start of the moving display of the decoration identification information before the corresponding display is displayed can be eliminated. Also, since the pre-operation display is performed when the switching display is being performed in a special state more advantageous than the normal state, the start of the variable display of the decoration identification information in the special state can be enhanced. Also, since the common switching display is performed even when the variable display based on different types of variable display patterns is executed, the pattern of the switching display can be reduced.

[0032] [Aspect 20] (No. 21) The gaming machine of form 20 is a gaming machine (e.g., pachinko gaming machine 1) that can execute variable display of specific identification information (e.g., special symbols), and can be controlled to an advantageous state (e.g., jackpot gaming state) advantageous to the player by deriving a specific display result (e.g., jackpot display result) as a result of the variable display of the specific identification information, comprising gaming control means (e.g., CPU 103) and presentation control means (e.g., presentation control CPU 120), wherein the gaming control means executes variable display of the specific identification information (e.g., the part where CPU 103 executes variable display of special symbols in the special symbol process in step S25), and the presentation control means can perform variable display of a plurality of types of decoration identification information corresponding to the variable display of the specific identification information (e.g., the part where the presentation control CPU 120 executes variable display of decorative patterns in the presentation control process in step S76), can be controlled to any one of a plurality of types of presentation modes (e.g., the first presentation mode to the fourth presentation mode) including a first presentation mode and a second presentation mode, when starting the variable display of the decoration identification information, can execute a fade-out display that gradually increases the transparency of the decoration identification information and then erases it (e.g., the part where the decorative pattern gradually accelerates and becomes a high-speed display after the start of the scroll display, and the transmittance (transparency) also increases in proportion to the increase in speed and is fade-out displayed), in the first presentation mode, a moving display that moves the decoration identification information is executed as the variable display of the decoration identification information (see FIGS. 20(A1) and (A2)), in the second presentation mode, a special variable display having a mode different from the moving display is executed as the variable display of the decoration identification information (see FIGS. 20(B1) and (B2)), When the fade-out display is executed in the first effect mode, the execution period of the fade-out display when the special variable display is executed in the second effect mode is longer than that (for example, the fade-out display period A22 when the scroll display is executed in the second effect mode is longer than the fade-out display period A21 when the scroll display is executed in the first effect mode (the fade-out display period A21 < the fade-out display period A22. Refer to FIGS. 45(A)(B))) It is characterized by this. According to this feature, in the second effect mode, not only is the mode of variable display of the decoration identification information different from that in the first effect mode, but also the fade-out display period from the start of the variable display to the erasure of the decoration identification information becomes longer, so that the decoration identification information can be made to attract attention for a long period of time.

[0033] [Form 21](No.22) The gaming machine of Form 21 is A gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1) capable of executing variable display of specific identification information (for example, special symbols) and controlling to an advantageous state (for example, jackpot gaming state) advantageous to the player by deriving a specific display result (for example, jackpot display result) as a result of the variable display of the specific identification information, Comprising game control means (for example, CPU 103) and Effect control means (for example, effect control CPU 120), The game control means executes variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where CPU 103 executes variable display of special symbols in the special symbol process of step S25), The effect 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 (for example, the part where the effect control CPU 120 executes variable display of decorative symbols in the effect control process of step S76), It is controllable to any one of a plurality of types of presentation modes (for example, the first presentation mode to the fourth presentation mode) including the first presentation mode and the second presentation mode, when starting the variable display of the decoration identification information, it is possible to execute a fade-out display that gradually increases the transparency of the decoration identification information and then erases it (for example, the decorative pattern gradually accelerates and becomes a high-speed display after the start of the scroll display, and the transmittance (transparency) also increases in proportion to the increase in speed and is fade-out displayed), the variable display pattern of the decoration identification information can be determined to any one of a plurality of types of variable display patterns, when a predetermined variable display pattern is determined in the first presentation mode and when the predetermined variable display pattern is determined in the second presentation mode, the execution period of the fade-out display is different (for example, when the non-reach deviation variation pattern PA1-1 is determined in the first presentation mode and when the non-reach deviation variation pattern PA1-1 is determined in the second presentation mode, the fade-out display periods A21 and A22 are different. Refer to FIGS. 45(A)(B)). It is characterized by this. According to this feature, when controlled in the first presentation mode and when controlled in the second presentation mode, the execution period of the fade-out when a predetermined variable display pattern is determined is different, making it difficult for the player to predict that it is a predetermined variable display pattern, thus improving the interest of the game.

[0034] [Form 22](No. 23) The gaming machine of Form 22 is a gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1) that can execute variable display of specific identification information (for example, special symbols), and by deriving a specific display result (for example, jackpot display result) as a result of the variable display of the specific identification information, it can be controlled to an advantageous state (for example, jackpot gaming state) advantageous to the player, including gaming control means (for example, CPU 103), and presentation control means (for example, presentation control CPU 120). The game control means executes variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where the CPU 103 executes variable display of special symbols in the special symbol process in step S25). The effect control means can perform variable display of a plurality of types of decoration identification information corresponding to the variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where the effect control CPU 120 executes variable display of decorative symbols in the effect control process in step S76). The decoration identification information includes a character image (for example, the character display unit 002SG052) and a related information image (for example, the information display unit 002SG053) which is information related to the character of the character image. The variable display period includes a pre-variable display period from when the start condition of the variable display is satisfied until the decoration identification information starts variable display, and a post-variable display period after the decoration identification information starts variable display (for example, the variable display period of the special symbol includes a pre-variable display period from when the variable display of the special symbol and the small symbol starts until the scroll display of the decorative symbol starts, and a post-variable display period after the scroll display of the decorative symbol starts). The character image is displayed during the pre-variable display period and the post-variable display period. The related information image is erased before the start of the post-variable display period after being displayed during the pre-variable display period (for example, the name of the character (character-related information) displayed on the information display unit 002SG053 is erased before the start of the post-variable display period, that is, before the scroll display of the decorative symbol starts, after being displayed during the pre-variable display period, that is, when the variation start action is being executed. Refer to FIGS. 23(A) and 26). It is characterized by this. According to this feature, by attracting attention to the related information image before the variable display of the decoration identification information starts, that is, when it is stopped and displayed, the player can deepen the understanding of the character. Also, by erasing the related information image before the variable display starts, it is possible to attract attention to the variable display, the preview effect, etc. rather than the related information image.

[0035] Form 23 (No. 24) The gaming machine of Form 23 executes variable display of specific identification information (for example, special symbols), and by deriving a specific display result (for example, jackpot display result) as a result of the variable display of the specific identification information, it can be controlled to an advantageous state (for example, jackpot gaming state) advantageous to the player. A gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1) that includes gaming control means (for example, CPU 103) and effect control means (for example, effect control CPU 120), and the gaming control means executes variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where CPU 103 executes variable display of special symbols in the special symbol process in step S25), can be controlled to a normal state (for example, low probability low base state) and a special state (for example, low probability high base state or high probability high base state) where variable display is more likely to be executed than the normal state and the average variable display period is short, the effect control means can perform variable display of a plurality of types of decoration identification information corresponding to the variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where the effect control CPU 120 executes variable display of decorative symbols in the effect control process in step S76), in the normal state, it can be controlled to any one of a plurality of types of effect modes including a first effect mode (for example, the first effect mode) and a second effect mode (for example, the second effect mode) (for example, the first effect mode to the fourth effect mode. See FIG. 20), in the special state, it can be controlled to an effect mode including a third effect mode (for example, the third effect mode or the fourth effect mode), the decoration identification information includes a character image (for example, character display unit 002SG052) and a related information image (for example, information display unit 002SG053) that is information related to the character of the character image, in the first effect mode, the decoration identification information is displayed in a manner including the character image and the related information image (see FIG. 26), In the second presentation mode and the third presentation mode, the decoration identification information is displayed in a manner that does not include the related information image (see FIGS. 28, 29, and 33). It is characterized by this. According to this feature, in the first presentation mode, by displaying the related information image and attracting attention to the related information image, the player can deepen the understanding of the character. On the other hand, in the second presentation mode and the third presentation mode, by erasing the related information image, it is possible to attract attention to variable displays, preview presentations, etc. rather than the related information image.

[0036] [Form 24] (No. 25) The gaming machine of Form 24 is a gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1) that can execute variable display of specific identification information (for example, special symbols), and by deriving a specific display result (for example, jackpot display result) as a result of the variable display of the specific identification information, it can be controlled to an advantageous state (for example, jackpot gaming state) advantageous to the player, including game control means (for example, CPU 103), and presentation control means (for example, presentation control CPU 120), The game control means executes variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where CPU 103 executes variable display of special symbols in the special symbol process in step S25), and can be controlled to a normal state (for example, low probability and low base state) and a special state (for example, low probability and high base state or high probability and high base state) where variable display is more likely to be executed and the average variable display period is shorter than the normal state, The presentation control means can perform variable display of a plurality of types of decoration identification information corresponding to the variable display of the specific identification information (for example, the part where the presentation control CPU 120 executes variable display of decorative symbols in the presentation control process in step S76), the decoration identification information includes a digital image (for example, digital display unit 002SG061), When the normal background image is being displayed, it is possible to execute a notification effect that notifies whether or not it is controlled to the advantageous state (for example, a part where the effect control CPU 120 can execute an SP reach effect that notifies whether or not a jackpot has occurred), In the notification effect, a specific background image different from the normal background image (for example, the fifth background image 002SG085) is displayed, When the notification effect is executed in a variable display in which the specific display result is derived as a result of the variable display, a combination of decoration identification information corresponding to the specific display result is displayed when the specific background image is being displayed in the notification effect (for example, in the SP reach effect, when the fifth background image 002SG085 corresponding to the SP reach effect is being displayed as the background image, a combination of jackpot determined symbols (for example, "222") is temporarily stopped and displayed (see Fig. 53(F))), With the end of the notification effect, the specific background image is erased and the normal background image is displayed, and a combination of decoration identification information corresponding to the specific display result is displayed when the normal background image is being displayed (for example, as shown in Fig. 53(G), with the end of the SP reach effect, the fifth background image 002SG085 becomes non-displayed and the first background image 002SG081 is displayed, and a combination of jackpot determined symbols (for example, "222") is temporarily stopped and displayed when the first background image 002SG081 is being displayed), A specific image (for example, specific image 002SG075) is operatively displayed close to the digital image of the combination of decoration identification information corresponding to the specific display result that is being displayed when the normal background image is being displayed, The specific image is not operatively displayed in the special state (for example, in the low base state, while a specific image 002SG075 showing a flame is operatively displayed for the digital display part 002SG051 of the combination of jackpot determined decoration symbols displayed after the end of the SP reach effect (see Figs. 53(H), (I)), in the high base state, a specific image 002SG075 showing a flame is not operatively displayed for the digital display part 002SG051 of the combination of jackpot determined decoration symbols displayed after the end of the SP reach effect (see Figs. 54(P), (S))), It is characterized by the above. According to this feature, in the normal state, by operating and displaying a specific image on the digital image of the decorative identification information displayed after the end of the notification effect, the production effect can be enhanced and enlivened. However, in a special state where the average variable display period is short, by not operating and displaying a specific image on the digital image of the decorative identification information displayed after the end of the notification effect, a sense of speed can be given to the variable display.

[0037] [Form 25] (No. 18-2) The gaming machine of Form 25 is the gaming machine described in Form 17 or Form 18, and the production control means based on the end of the variable display of the specific identification information, when erasing the corresponding display (for example, active display 002SG103) corresponding to the variable display that was being displayed in the corresponding display area (for example, active display area 5F), it is possible to display an erasure effect display (for example, erasure effect 002SG110) that emphasizes that the corresponding display has been erased, when the hold display is being displayed when the erasure effect display is displayed, the erasure effect display is continuously displayed until the variable display corresponding to the hold display is started (for example, erasure effect 002SG110 is continuously displayed even after active display 002SG103 is erased, and as follows, it is displayed in the leftmost display area until the next variable display corresponding to the first hold display 002SG101 is started and then erased. Refer to FIG. 25(B3)). It is characterized by this. According to this feature, by not creating a blank period in the production until the variable display ends and the next variable display starts, it is possible to prevent the interest of the production from decreasing. Also, by the erasure effect display, while making the player recognize that the corresponding display corresponding to the ended variable display has been erased, it is possible to make the player recognize that a new variable display has started due to the display of a new corresponding display.

[0038] [Form 26] (No. 18-3) The gaming machine of form 26 is the gaming machine described in form 17 or form 18, and the area where the decoration identification information is displayed includes a first area (for example, the left decoration symbol display area 5L), a second area (for example, the right decoration symbol display area 5R), and a third area (for example, the middle decoration symbol display area 5C) located between the first area and the second area, in the normal state, the third area displays the decoration identification information in a smaller size than the first area and the second area (see, for example, FIG. 19), in the special state, the decoration identification information of the first area, the second area, and the third area is displayed in the same size (see, for example, FIG. 19), the third area in the special state is arranged closer to the center of the display area of the display means than the third area in the normal state (see, for example, FIG. 19) and is characterized by this. According to this feature, in the normal state, the decoration identification information of the first area and the second area is made to look large, and by shifting the decoration identification information of the third area, a sense of depth is given to improve the interest. However, in the special state where the average variable display period is short, since the decoration identification information is arranged closer to the center of the display area, the recognition degree of the decoration identification information can be increased.

[0039] (Basic Explanation) First, the basic configuration and control of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (which is also the configuration and control of a general pachinko gaming machine) will be described.

[0040] Next, a mode for implementing the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following, the front side of FIG. 1 is defined as the front (front face, front) side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the back side as the rear (rear face, back) side. The description will be based on the vertical and horizontal directions when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is viewed from the front side. Note that the front face of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment is the facing surface that faces the player who plays the game on the pachinko gaming machine 1. Also, in the description of each step of the flowchart, for example, the part described as "step S1" may be abbreviated as "S1" or "002SGS1", and "normal reach" may be abbreviated as "N reach", and "super reach" may be abbreviated as "SP reach".

[0041] (Configuration, etc. of the pachinko gaming machine 1) FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and shows the layout of the main members. The pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 1 is roughly composed of a game board (gauge board) 2 that constitutes the 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 launching device and driven into this game area.

[0042] Note that the "variable display" of the special symbol 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 the updated display of a plurality of symbols, the scroll display of a plurality of symbols, the deformation of one or more symbols, and the enlargement / reduction of one or more symbols. In the variation of the special symbol or the normal symbol described later, a plurality of types of special symbols or normal symbols are updated and displayed. In the variation of the decorative symbol 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 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 variation.

[0043] The special symbol that is variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A is also referred to as the "first special figure", and the special symbol that is variably displayed on the second special symbol display device 4B is also referred to as the "second special figure". Further, the special figure game using the first special figure is referred to as the "first special figure game", and the special figure game using the second special figure is also referred to as the "second special figure game". Note that there may be one type of special symbol display device that performs variable display of special symbols.

[0044] 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.

[0045] For example, on the screen of the image display device 5, in synchronization with the first special figure game or the second special figure game, variable display of a plurality of types of decorative identification information different from the special symbol (such as a pattern indicating a number) is performed. Here, in synchronization with the first special figure game or the second special figure game, the decorative symbols are variably displayed (for example, scrolled up and down or updated) in each of the "left", "center", and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. Note that the special figure game and the variable display of the decorative symbols that are executed synchronously are collectively simply referred to as variable display.

[0046] In addition, a display area 5S for displaying the first hold memory number (for example, the number "0", etc.), the second hold memory number (for example, the number "4", etc.), and a small symbol corresponding to the decorative symbol is provided at the upper left of the display screen of the image display device 5, and the small symbol is variably displayed corresponding to the variable display of the decorative symbol.

[0047] Also, regarding the first reserved memory number, the second reserved memory number, the reserved display, the small handle, an error display (not shown) indicating an error state that has occurred in the pachinko gaming machine 1, a right hit notification image 002SG201 (see FIG. 20) prompting the player to perform a right hit operation, a time-saving remaining number display 002SG202 (see FIG. 20), etc., by being displayed in front of (upper layer) the production images such as characters, it is possible to prevent the visibility of the production images from overlapping and reducing the visibility of the first reserved memory number, the second reserved memory number, the small handle, and the error display. On the other hand, for the decorative symbol, it may be configured to be displayed behind (lower layer) the production image to prevent the visibility of the production image from being reduced due to the overlapping of the decorative symbols.

[0048] Also, the above-mentioned small handle is also referred to as the fourth symbol. The fourth symbol is a symbol indicating that a special symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol) is variably displayed. For example, it is variably displayed by a certain operation in a manner that can always be visually recognized on a display device such as the image display device 5. When the fourth symbol is variably displayed, an effect is performed such that the production content including the variable display of the decorative symbol disappears instantly from the screen, or an effect is performed such that the movable bodies 32A and 32B shield all or part of the screen of the image display device 5. Even if the decorative symbol is difficult to recognize, it becomes possible to recognize whether it is currently in a variably displayed state. The production control CPU 120 performs variable display of the fourth symbol corresponding to the first special symbol by operating the image display device 5 based on receiving the first variable display start command. Also, the production control CPU 120 performs variable display of the fourth symbol corresponding to the second special symbol by operating the image display device 5 based on receiving the second variable display start command.

[0049] Also, the symbol displayed on the fourth symbol display device provided at a location other than the image display device 5 (for example, the special variable winning ball device 7 which is a predetermined location on the game board 2), such as the first special symbol LED and the second special symbol LED, is also referred to as the fourth symbol.

[0050] At the lower part of the screen of the image display device 5, there are provided display areas (specific figure hold memory display area 5U, active display area 5F) for displaying a hold display corresponding to a variable display whose execution is pending and an active display corresponding to a variable display in execution. The hold display and the active display are collectively referred to as a variable display corresponding display corresponding to the variable display. In addition, in the present embodiment, although a specific figure hold memory display area 5U common to the first special symbol and the second special symbol is provided, a first specific figure hold memory display area in which a first hold display representing a variable display whose execution of the first special symbol is pending is displayed, and a second specific figure hold memory display area in which a second hold display representing a variable display whose execution of the second special symbol is pending is displayed may be provided separately.

[0051] At a predetermined position on the game board 2, a first hold display device 25A and a second hold display device 25B each including a plurality of LEDs are provided. The first hold display device 25A displays the first hold memory number according to the number of lit LEDs. The second hold display device 25B displays the second hold memory number according to the number of lit LEDs.

[0052] Below the image display device 5, a winning ball device 6A is provided, and a variable winning ball device 6B is provided on the right side of the winning ball device 6A.

[0053] The winning ball device 6A forms, for example, a first start winning opening that is always kept in a certain open state in which a game ball can enter by a predetermined ball receiving member. When a game ball enters the first start winning opening, a predetermined number (for example, 3) of prize balls are paid out, and a first specific figure game can be started.

[0054] The variable winning ball device 6B (ordinary electric game device) forms a second starting winning opening that changes between a closed state and an open state by means of a solenoid 81 (see FIG. 2). The variable winning ball device 6B includes, for example, an electric game device having a movable piece that can be opened and closed. When the solenoid 81 is in the off state, the movable piece assumes an upright position, thereby bringing the second starting winning opening into a closed state in which game balls do not enter the second starting winning opening (it is also said that the second starting winning opening is in a closed state). On the other hand, in the variable winning ball device 6B, when the solenoid 81 is in the on state, the movable piece assumes an inclined position, thereby bringing the second starting winning opening into an open state in which game balls can enter the second starting winning opening (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, three) of prize balls are paid out, and the second special figure game can be started. Note that the variable winning ball device 6B is not limited to the above-described device as long as it can change between a closed state and an open state.

[0055] 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 one of the general winning openings 10, a predetermined number (for example, ten) of game balls are paid out as prize balls.

[0056] A special variable winning ball device 7 having a large winning opening is provided between the winning ball device 6A and the variable winning ball device 6B. The special variable winning ball device 7 includes a large winning opening door that is driven to open and close by a solenoid 82 (see FIG. 2), and forms a large winning opening as a specific area that changes between an open state and a closed state by the large winning opening door.

[0057] As an example, in the special variable winning ball device 7, when the solenoid 82 for the large winning opening door (for the special electric game device) is in the off state, the large winning opening door closes the large winning opening, and game balls cannot enter (pass through) the large winning opening. On the other hand, in the special variable winning ball device 7, when the solenoid 82 for the large winning opening door is in the on state, the large winning opening door opens the large winning opening, and game balls can easily enter the large winning opening.

[0058] When a game ball enters the large winning opening, a predetermined number (e.g., 14) of game balls are paid out as bonus balls. When a game ball enters the large winning opening, more bonus balls are paid out than when a game ball enters, for example, the first start winning opening, the second start winning opening, or the general winning opening 10.

[0059] When a game ball enters each winning opening including the general winning opening 10, it is also referred to as "winning". In particular, winning at the start openings (the first start winning opening and the second start winning opening) is also referred to as start winning.

[0060] A normal symbol display 20 is provided at a predetermined position of the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, the lower left of the game area). As an example, the normal symbol display 20 is composed of 7-segment LEDs or the like, and performs variable display of normal symbols as a plurality of types of normal identification information different from special symbols. The normal symbols are represented by lighting patterns such as numbers indicating "0" to "9" and "-". The normal symbols may include a pattern in which all the LEDs are turned off. Such variable display of normal symbols is also referred to as a normal symbol game.

[0061] A passage gate 41 through which game balls can pass is provided to the right of the image display device 5. Based on the game ball passing through the passage gate 41, a normal symbol game is executed.

[0062] A normal symbol hold display 25C is provided below the normal symbol display 20. The normal symbol hold display 25C includes, for example, 4 LEDs, and displays the normal symbol hold memory number, which is the number of normal symbol games whose execution is on hold, by the number of lit LEDs.

[0063] On the surface of the game board 2, in addition to the above configuration, a windmill and a large number of obstacle pins for changing the flow direction and speed of the game balls are provided. At the lowermost part of the game area, an out opening is provided for taking in game balls that have not entered any of the winning openings.

[0064] 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. Above the image display device 5 in the gaming machine frame 3, a main lamp 9a is provided, and frame lamps 9b are provided on the left and right of the main lamp 9a so as to surround the gaming area. Further, an attacker lamp 9c is provided in the vicinity of the special variable winning ball device 7 on the game board 2.

[0065] At predetermined positions on the game board 2 (the upper and lower positions of the image display device 5 in FIG. 1), moving bodies 32A and 32B that operate according to the performance are provided. In addition, moving body lamps 9d are provided on the moving bodies 32A and 32B. The moving body lamps 9d, the main lamp 9a, the frame lamps 9b, and the attacker lamp 9c described above may be collectively referred to as the game effect lamp 9. Incidentally, these main lamp 9a, frame lamp 9b, attacker lamp 9c, and moving body lamp 9d are configured to include LEDs.

[0066] At the lower right position of the gaming machine frame 3, a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 30 that is operated by a player or the like to fire a game ball toward the gaming area by a hitting and firing device is provided.

[0067] At a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area, a hitting supply tray (upper tray) is provided to hold (store) the game balls paid out as winning balls or the game balls lent out by a predetermined ball lending machine so as to be supplyable to the hitting and firing device. Incidentally, in addition to the upper tray, the gaming machine frame 3 may be provided with a payout unit (hitting supply tray) for paying out winning balls when the upper tray is full.

[0068] At a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area, a stick controller 31A that can be grasped by the player and tilted is attached. The stick controller 31A is provided with a trigger button that can be pressed by the player. Operations on the stick controller 31A are detected by a controller sensor unit 35A (see FIG. 2).

[0069] At a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area, there is provided a push button 31B that enables a player to perform a predetermined instruction operation by means of a pressing operation or the like. The operation on the push button 31B is detected by a push sensor 35B (see FIG. 2).

[0070] In the pachinko gaming machine 1, a stick controller 31A and a push button 31B are provided as detection means for detecting the operations (such as operations) of the player, but other detection means may also be provided.

[0071] (Outline of the progress of the game) By the rotational operation of the player on the hitting operation handle 30 provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1, the game ball is launched toward the gaming area. When the game ball passes through the passing gate 41, the normal symbol game by the normal symbol display 20 is started. In addition, when the game ball passes through the passing gate 41 during the period of the previous normal symbol game execution or the like (when the game ball passes through the passing gate 41 but the normal symbol game based on the passing cannot be immediately executed), the normal symbol game based on the passing is held until a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4).

[0072] In this normal symbol game, if a specific normal symbol (normal symbol winning symbol) stops and is displayed, the display result of the normal symbol becomes "normal symbol win". On the other hand, as the determined normal symbol, if a normal symbol other than the normal symbol winning symbol (normal symbol losing symbol) stops and is displayed, the display result of the normal symbol becomes "normal symbol lose". When it becomes "normal symbol win", 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).

[0073] When the game ball enters the first start winning opening formed in the winning ball device 6A, the first special symbol game by the first special symbol display device 4A is started.

[0074] When the game ball enters the second start winning opening formed in the variable winning ball device 6B, the second special symbol game by the second special symbol display device 4B is started.

[0075] During the period of executing the special figure game and during the period controlled to be in the jackpot game state described below, if a game ball enters (wins) the start winning opening (a start winning occurs but the special figure game based on the start winning cannot be executed immediately), the special figure game based on the entry is held in execution until a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4).

[0076] In the special figure game, if a specific special figure (jackpot figure, for example, "7", and the actual figure varies according to the jackpot type described below) is stopped and displayed as the determined special figure, it is a "jackpot", and if a special figure different from the jackpot figure (losing figure, for example, "-") is stopped and displayed, it is a "loss".

[0077] After the display result in the special figure game becomes a "jackpot", it is controlled to be in the jackpot game state as an advantageous state for the player.

[0078] In the jackpot game state, the big winning opening formed by the special variable winning ball device 7 is opened in a predetermined manner. The open state continues until either the timing of the elapse of a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds or 1.8 seconds) or the timing when the number of game balls entering the big winning opening reaches a predetermined number (for example, 9). The 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 the open state like this is called a round (round game). In the jackpot game state, the round can be repeatedly executed until a predetermined upper limit number (15 times or 2 times) is reached.

[0079] In the jackpot game state, the player can obtain prize balls by making the game balls enter the big winning opening. Therefore, the jackpot game state is an advantageous state for the player. The more rounds there are in the jackpot game state and the longer the opening upper limit period is, the more advantageous it is for the player.

[0080] Furthermore, a jackpot type is set for the "big win". For example, multiple types of opening modes of the big winning openings (number of rounds and upper limit of the opening period) and game states after the jackpot game state (normal state, time-saving state, probability-variable state, etc.) are prepared, and the jackpot type is set according to these. As the jackpot type, there may be provided a jackpot type that can obtain a large number of prize balls, a jackpot type with few prize balls, or a jackpot type that can hardly obtain any prize balls.

[0081] After the jackpot game state ends, it may be controlled to a time-saving state or a probability-variable state according to the above jackpot type.

[0082] In the time-saving state, control (time-saving control) to shorten the average special symbol variation time (the period for varying the special symbol) compared to the normal state is executed. In the time-saving 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 by shortening the average normal symbol variation time (the period for varying the normal symbol) compared to the normal state or by improving the probability of "normal symbol win" in the normal symbol game. Since the time-saving state is a state where the variation efficiency of the special symbol (especially the second special symbol) is improved, it is an advantageous state for the player.

[0083] In the probability-variable state (probability variation state), in addition to the time-saving control, probability-variable control to increase the probability that the display result becomes a "big win" compared to the normal state is executed. Since the probability-variable state is a state where the variation efficiency of the special symbol is improved and it is easier to get a "big win", it is an even more advantageous state for the player.

[0084] The time-saving state and the probability-variable state continue until any one of the end conditions, such as a predetermined number of special symbol games being executed and the next jackpot game state being started, is satisfied first. What has a predetermined number of special symbol games being executed as the end condition is also called "running out of times" (time-saving when running out of times, probability-variable when running out of times, etc.).

[0085] The normal state refers to a gaming state other than advantageous states such as jackpot gaming states that are advantageous to the player, special states such as time-saving states and probability-variable states. It is a state in which a pachinko gaming machine 1, such as the probability that the display result in a normal diagram game becomes a "normal diagram win" and the probability that the display result in a special diagram game becomes a "jackpot", is controlled to be the same as the initial setting state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (when, for example, a predetermined return process is not executed after power-on as in the case when a system reset is performed).

[0086] The state in which probability-variable control is being executed is also referred to as a high-probability state, and the state in which probability-variable control is not being executed is also referred to as a low-probability state. The state in which time-saving control is being executed is also referred to as a high-base state, and the state in which time-saving control is not being executed is also referred to as a low-base state. By combining these, the time-saving state is also said to be a low-probability high-base state, the probability-variable state is a high-probability high-base state, the normal state is a low-probability low-base state, etc. The high-probability state and the low-base state are also referred to as a high-probability low-base state.

[0087] In addition, the gaming state may change based on the fact that a game ball has passed through a specific area (for example, a specific area within the big winning opening) during the jackpot gaming state. For example, when the game ball passes through the specific area, it may be controlled to a probability-variable state after that jackpot gaming state.

[0088] (Advancement of the performance, etc.) In the pachinko gaming machine 1, various performances (performances that notify the progress of the game or liven up the game) are executed according to the progress of the game. The said performance will be explained below. In addition, the said performance is carried out by displaying various performance images on the image display device 5, but in addition to or instead of the said display, it may also be carried out as a performance using audio output from the speakers 8L, 8R, lighting or extinguishing of the game effect lamp 9, movement of the movable bodies 32A, 32B, or any performance device including some or all of these.

[0089] As an effect executed according to the progress of the game, in the "left", "center", and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R provided on the image display device 5, the variable display of the decorative symbols is started in response 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) in the first special figure game or the second special figure game is stopped and displayed, the determined decorative symbol (combination of three decorative symbols), which is the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbols, is also stopped and displayed (derived).

[0090] During the period from the start to the end of the variable display of the decorative symbols, the mode of the variable display of the decorative symbols may become a predetermined reach mode (reach is established). Here, the reach mode refers to a mode in which the variable display continues for the decorative symbols that have not yet been stopped and displayed when the decorative symbols stopped and displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 constitute a part of the jackpot combination described later.

[0091] In addition, a reach effect is executed in response to the reach mode being achieved during the variable display of the decorative symbols. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, a plurality of types of reach effects with different ratios (also referred to as jackpot reliability and jackpot expectancy) in which the display result (display result of the special figure game or display result of the variable display of the decorative symbols) becomes a "jackpot" according to the effect mode are executed. Examples of the reach effect include a normal reach and a super reach with a higher jackpot reliability than the normal reach.

[0092] When the display result of the special figure game becomes a "jackpot", on the screen of the image display device 5, a determined decorative symbol that becomes a predetermined jackpot combination is derived as the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbols (the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbols becomes a "jackpot"). As an example, the same decorative symbol (e.g., "7", etc.) is aligned and stopped and displayed on a predetermined effective line in the "left", "center", and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R.

[0093] In the case of a "probability-variable jackpot" that is controlled to enter the probability-variable state after the end of the jackpot gaming state, odd decorative symbols (e.g., "7", etc.) are aligned and stop displaying. In the case of a "non-probability-variable jackpot (normal jackpot)" that is not controlled to enter the probability-variable state after the end of the jackpot gaming state, even decorative symbols (e.g., "6", etc.) may be aligned and stop displaying. In this case, odd decorative symbols are also referred to as probability-variable symbols, and even decorative symbols are also referred to as non-probability-variable symbols (normal symbols). After reaching a reach mode with non-probability-variable symbols, an upgrading effect that finally results in a "probability-variable jackpot" may be executed.

[0094] When the display result of the special symbol game is "loss", the variable display mode of the decorative symbols does not become the reach mode, and as the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbols, a fixed decorative symbol of a non-reach combination (also referred to as a "non-reach loss") may stop displaying (the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbols becomes a "non-reach loss"). Also, when the display result is "loss", after the variable display mode of the decorative symbols becomes the reach mode, as the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbols, a fixed decorative symbol of a predetermined reach combination that is not a jackpot combination (also referred to as a "reach loss") may stop displaying (the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbols becomes a "reach loss").

[0095] The effects that the pachinko gaming machine 1 can execute also include displaying the above variable display corresponding displays (hold display and active display). Also, as other effects, for example, a preview effect for previewing the jackpot reliability is executed during the variable display of the decorative symbols. The preview effect includes a preview effect for previewing the jackpot reliability in the currently executed variable display and a pre-reading preview effect for previewing 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 that changes the display mode of the variable display corresponding display (hold display and active display) to a mode different from the normal mode may be executed.

[0096] In the image display device 5, a pseudo-sequence effect may be executed such that, during the variable display of the decorative pattern, after temporarily pausing the decorative pattern once and then resuming the variable display, a single variable display appears to be a plurality of variable displays.

[0097] Even during the jackpot gaming state, a jackpot effect for notifying the jackpot gaming state is executed. As the jackpot effect, an effect for notifying the number of rounds or a promotion effect indicating that the value of the jackpot gaming state is improving may be executed.

[0098] Also, 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).

[0099] (Substrate Configuration) The pachinko gaming machine 1 is equipped with, for example, a main board 11, an effect control board 12, an audio control board 13, a lamp control board 14, a relay board 15, etc., as shown in FIG. 2. In addition, on the back of the pachinko gaming machine 1, various boards such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, a launch control board, etc. are arranged. Furthermore, a power supply board 17 is also installed. 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 board to realize specific electrical functions.

[0100] A power switch 91 is connected to the power supply board 17. By operating (turning on) the power switch 91, power from an AC power supply such as AC100V in an external power supply such as a commercial power supply can be supplied from the power supply board 17 to electrical components including various control boards such as the main board 11 and the effect control board 12. The power supply board 17 is equipped with, for example, a rectifying 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), etc.

[0101] The main board 11 is the main control board and has the function of controlling the progress of the above-mentioned games in the pachinko machine 1 (execution of special figure games (including management of holds), execution of general figure games (including management of holds), jackpot game state, game state, etc.). The main board 11 includes a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110, an output circuit 111, etc.

[0102] The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a one-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 a real-time clock 106.

[0103] The CPU 103 performs a process of controlling the progress of the game (a process that realizes 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, effect control commands described later, and various tables referred to when making various decisions 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 stops. 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.

[0104] 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).

[0105] 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 first special symbol display device 4A, the second special symbol display device 4B, the normal symbol display 20, the first hold display 25A, the second hold display 25B, the normal hold display 25C, etc., solenoid drive signals).

[0106] 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) 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.

[0107] The switch circuit 110 captures 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 of a power supply monitoring circuit, an IC with a watchdog timer built-in, 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.

[0108] The output circuit 111 transmits a solenoid drive signal (for example, a signal for turning on solenoid 81 or solenoid 82) from the game control microcomputer 100 to solenoid 81 for a normal electric accessory or solenoid 82 for a big winning port door.

[0109] The main board 11 (the game control microcomputer 100) supplies an effect control command (a command that specifies (notifies) the progress status 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 the special figure game (including the big win type), the variation pattern used when executing the special figure game (details will be described later)), the status of the game (for example, the start and end of variable display, the open status of the big winning opening, the occurrence of winning, the number of reserved memories, the game state), commands that specify the occurrence of an error, etc.

[0110] The effect control board 12 is a sub-side control board independent of the main board 11, receives the effect control command, and has a function of executing an effect (various effects according to the progress of the game, including driving of the movable bodies 32A and 32B, various notifications such as error notification and power failure recovery notification) based on the received effect control command.

[0111] 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.

[0112] The effect control CPU 120 performs processing for executing an effect (processing for realizing the above functions of the effect control board 12, including determination of the effect 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.

[0113] The effect control CPU 120 may also instruct the display control unit 123 to execute an effect based on the detection signals from the controller sensor unit 35A or the push sensor 35B (signals output when an operation by the player is detected, and signals that appropriately indicate the operation content).

[0114] The display control unit 123 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor), a CGROM (Character Generator ROM), a VRAM (Video RAM), etc., and executes effects based on the effect execution instructions from the effect control CPU 120.

[0115] Based on the effect execution instructions 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 the effect image. Further, display processing is performed to output the image data in the display image creation area of the VRAM area specified in the display register as a video signal. In this embodiment, the display image creation area and the drawing area are switched every V blank. Therefore, while the drawing of the area assigned as the drawing area in a certain V blank is performed, in the next V blank, it switches to the display image creation area, so that the image data drawn in the previous V blank is displayed and output, and during that time, drawing is also performed in the other area.

[0116] Also, in the display control unit 123, since images for display on the image display device 5 are generated by overlapping (compositing) a plurality of layers, in the VRAM area, there are arranged a layer image drawing area for drawing and arranging the images of these layers, and a display image creation area for further overlapping (compositing) the images drawn and arranged in each layer image drawing area to generate an image for display on the image display device 5. Note that each layer has the concept of upper, middle, and lower levels, and the higher the layer of the image, the higher the display priority is set in the image display device 5, and the lower the layer of the image, the lower the display priority is set in the image display device 5.

[0117] In the VRAM area, there are arranged a layer 1 image drawing area for drawing and arranging the image of layer 1, a layer 2 image drawing area for drawing and arranging the image of layer 2, and a layer 3 image drawing area for drawing and arranging the image of layer 3. Also, in the VRAM area, there are arranged a displacement image creation area for creating a displacement image and a display image creation area.

[0118] The displacement image creation area is an area that creates a displacement target image by superimposing (compositing) the image drawn and arranged in the layer 2 image drawing area and the image drawn and arranged in the layer 3 image drawing area, and creates a displacement image by applying a displacement image to the displacement target image.

[0119] The display image creation area is an area that creates a display image for display on the image display device 5, which is an image obtained by superimposing (compositing) the image drawn and arranged in the layer 1 image drawing area, the image drawn and arranged in the layer 2 image drawing area, and the image drawn and arranged in the layer 3 image drawing area, or an image obtained by superimposing (compositing) the image drawn and arranged in the layer 1 image drawing area and the displacement image created in the displacement image creation area.

[0120] Note that the image drawn and arranged in the layer 1 image drawing area is the image with the highest display priority (display priority: high) in the image display device 5, the image drawn and arranged in the layer 2 image drawing area is the image with a lower display priority (display priority: medium) than the image drawn and arranged in the layer 1 image drawing area in the image display device 5, and the image drawn and arranged in the layer 3 image drawing area is set to the image with the lowest display priority (display priority: low) in the image display device 5, respectively. That is, layer 1 is the upper layer with the highest image display priority, layer 2 is the middle layer with a lower image display priority than layer 1, and layer 3 is the lower layer with the lowest image display priority.

[0121] The layer 1 image drawing area is a drawing area for drawing these images to display a first interface image including a special figure retention memory display area 5U that can specifically display the first special figure retention memory number and the second special figure retention memory number at the lower part of the display area of the image display device 5, and a second interface image including a small figure smaller than the decorative figure and a retention memory number display at the upper left part of the display area of the image display device 5.

[0122] The layer 2 image drawing area is a drawing area for drawing these left, middle, and right decorative patterns in the central part of the display area of the image display device 5 in order to perform variable display of the decorative pattern.

[0123] And the layer 3 image drawing area is a drawing area for drawing the background image in order to display the background image over the entire display area of the image display device 5.

[0124] In the present embodiment, an image to be displayed in the display area of the image display device 5 can be generated by superimposing each of the images drawn and arranged in these layer 1 image drawing areas (layer 1 images), images drawn and arranged in the layer 2 image drawing areas (layer 2 images), and images drawn and arranged in the layer 3 image drawing areas (layer 3 images). In particular, as described above, the images (the first interface image and the second interface image) drawn in the layer 1 image drawing area are set to have the highest display priority, so they are displayed as the topmost layer images in the image display device 5. The images (decorative patterns) drawn in the layer 2 image drawing area are set to have a lower display priority than the images drawn in the layer 1 image drawing area, so they are displayed as middle layer images in the image display device 5. The images (background images) drawn in the layer 3 image drawing area are set to have the lowest display priority, so they are displayed as lower layer images in the image display device 5.

[0125] In the present embodiment, the transmittance (transparency) of the images drawn and arranged in each image drawing area is set to 0% so that the upper layer image is not visible to the player at the overlapping portions of the lower layer image when they are superimposed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the transmittance (transparency) of the images drawn and arranged in each image drawing area may be set higher than 0% according to the situation, and images that are displayed transparently or temporarily hidden may be provided in the display area of the image display device 5.

[0126] The display control unit 123 further supplies a sound designation signal (a signal for designating the sound to be output) to the sound control board 13 and a lamp signal (a signal for designating the lighting / extinguishing mode of the lamp) to the lamp control board 14 in order to perform voice output synchronized with the display of the effect image and the lighting / extinguishing of the game effect lamp 9. Further, the display control unit 123 supplies a signal for operating the movable bodies 32A and 32B to the movable bodies 32A and 32B or a drive circuit that drives the movable bodies 32A and 32B.

[0127] 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 outputs the sound designated by the sound designation signal from the speakers 8L and 8R.

[0128] The lamp control board 14 is equipped with various circuits for driving the game effect lamp 9, drives the game effect lamp 9 based on the lamp signal, and lights / extinguishes the game effect lamp 9 in the mode designated by the lamp signal. In this way, the display control unit 123 controls the voice output and the lighting / extinguishing of the lamp.

[0129] Note that the control of the voice output, the lighting / extinguishing of the lamp (such as the supply of the sound designation signal and the lamp signal), and the control of the movable bodies 32A and 32B (such as the supply of the signal for operating the movable bodies 32A and 32B) may be executed by the effect control CPU 120.

[0130] The random number circuit 124 countably updates numerical data indicating various random values (random numbers for effects) used for executing various effects. The random numbers for effects may be updated by the effect control CPU 120 executing a predetermined computer program (updated by software).

[0131] The I / O 125 mounted on the effect control board 12 includes an input port for taking in effect control commands transmitted from, for example, the main board 11 and an output port for transmitting various signals (video signals, sound designation signals, lamp signals).

[0132] Boards other than the main board 11, such as the performance control board 12, the audio control board 13, and the lamp control board 14, are also referred to as sub-boards. A plurality of sub-boards may be provided according to functions as in the pachinko gaming machine 1, or one sub-board may be configured to have a plurality of functions.

[0133] FIG. 3(A) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the content of the performance control command used in the present embodiment. The performance control command has, for example, a two-byte configuration. The first byte indicates MODE (classification of the command), and the second byte represents EXT (type of the command). The leading bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always set to "0", and the leading bit of the EXT data is set to "0". Note that the command format shown in FIG. 3(A) is an example, and other command formats may be used. Also, in this example, the control command is composed of two control signals, but the number of control signals constituting the control command may be 1, or may be a plurality of three or more.

[0134] In the example shown in FIG. 3(A), the command 8001H is the first variable display start command for designating the start of variable display in the special symbol game using the first special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A. The command 8002H is the second variable display start command for designating the start of variable display in the special symbol game using the second special symbol in the second special symbol display device 4B. The command 81XXH is a variable pattern designation command for designating a variable pattern (variation time (variable display time)) of a decorative symbol (also referred to as a performance symbol) variably displayed in each of the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of "left", "center", and "right" in the image display device 5 corresponding to the variable display of the special symbol in the special symbol game. Here, XXH indicates that it is an unspecified hexadecimal number, and any value may be set according to the instruction content by the performance control command. Note that in the variable pattern designation command, different EXT data is set according to the variable pattern to be designated.

[0135] Command 8CXXH is a variable display result specifying command, which is an effect control command for specifying variable display results such as special symbols and decorative symbols. In the variable display result specifying command, for example, as shown in FIG. 3(B), different EXT data are set according to the determination result (pre-determined result) as to whether the variable display result (also referred to as the variable display result) is "loss" or "big win", or the determination result (big win type determination result) as to which of multiple types the big win type is when the variable display result is "big win".

[0136] In the variable display result specifying command, for example, as shown in FIG. 3(B), command 8C00H is the first variable display result specifying command indicating the pre-determined result that the variable display result is "loss". Command 8C01H is the second variable display result specifying command notifying the pre-determined result and the big win type determination result that the variable display result is "big win" and the big win type is "certain change big win A". Command 8C02H is the third variable display result specifying command notifying the pre-determined result and the big win type determination result that the variable display result is "big win" and the big win type is "certain change big win B". Command 8C03H is the fourth variable display result specifying command notifying the pre-determined result and the big win type determination result that the variable display result is "big win" and the big win type is "certain change big win C". Command 8C04H is the fifth variable display result specifying command notifying the pre-determined result and the big win type determination result that the variable display result is "big win" and the big win type is "non-certain change big win".

[0137] Command 8F00H is a symbol confirmation command that specifies the stoppage (confirmation) of symbol variation in each of the "left", "center", and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R in the image display device 5. Command 95XXH is a game state designation command that designates the current game state in the pachinko machine 1. In the game state designation command, for example, different EXT data is set according to the current game state in the pachinko machine 1. As a specific example, command 9500H is set as the first game state designation command corresponding to a game state (low probability low base state, normal state) where neither time shortening control nor probability variation control is performed, and command 9501H is set as the second game state designation command corresponding to a game state (low probability high base state, time shortening state) where time shortening control is performed while probability variation control is not performed. Also, command 9502H is set as the third game state designation command corresponding to a game state (high probability high base state, time shortening with probability variation state) where both time shortening control and probability variation control are performed. Note that the time shortening with probability variation state may sometimes be simply referred to as the "probability variation state".

[0138] Command A0XXH is a jackpot start designation command (also referred to as a "fanfare command") that designates the display of a production image indicating the start of a jackpot game. Command A1XXH is a jackpot opening notification command that notifies that the big winning opening is in an open state during the jackpot game state. Command A2XXH is a jackpot opening after notification command that notifies that the big winning opening has changed from an open state to a closed state during the jackpot game state. Command A3XXH is a jackpot end designation command that designates the display of a production image at the end of the jackpot game.

[0139] In the winning start designation command or the winning end designation command, for example, different EXT data may be set according to the pre-determined result or the jackpot type determination result by setting EXT data similar to the variable display result designation command. Alternatively, in the winning start designation command or the winning end designation command, the correspondence between the pre-determined result and the jackpot type determination result and the EXT data to be set may be made different from the correspondence in the variable display result designation command. In the big winning opening notification command and the big winning opening after notification command, for example, different EXT data are set corresponding to the number of times of execution of the round (for example, "0" to "10") in the jackpot state described later.

[0140] Command B100H is a first start port winning designation command for notifying that the first start condition for executing a special symbol game using the first special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A is satisfied based on the fact that a game ball that has passed (entered) through the first start winning port formed by the winning ball device 6A is detected by the first start port switch 22A and a start winning (first start winning) has occurred. Command B200H is a second start port winning designation command for notifying that the second start condition for executing a special symbol game using the second special symbol in the second special symbol display device 4B is satisfied based on the fact that a game ball that has passed (entered) through the second start winning port formed by the variable winning ball device 6B is detected by the second start port switch 22B and a start winning (second start winning) has occurred.

[0141] Command C1XXH is a first reserved memory number notification command that notifies the first special figure reserved memory number in order to identify the special figure reserved memory number. Command C2XXH is a second reserved memory number notification command that notifies the second special figure reserved memory number in order to identify the special figure reserved memory number. The first reserved memory number notification command is transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 when, for example, based on the fact that a game ball has passed (entered) the first start winning opening and the first start condition has been satisfied, and the first start opening winning designation command is transmitted. The second reserved memory number notification command is transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 when, for example, based on the fact that a game ball has passed (entered) the second start winning opening and the second start condition has been satisfied, and the second start opening winning designation command is transmitted. Also, the first reserved memory number notification command and the second reserved memory number notification command may be transmitted in response to, for example, the start of execution of the special figure game when either the first start condition or the second start condition is satisfied (when the reserved memory number decreases).

[0142] Instead of the first reserved memory number notification command and the second reserved memory number notification command, a total reserved memory number notification command that notifies the total reserved memory number may be transmitted. That is, a total reserved memory number notification command for notifying an increase (or decrease) in the total reserved memory number may be used.

[0143] Note that the commands shown in FIG. 3(A) are merely examples, and it is possible to not have some of these commands, to use different commands instead of these commands, or to add commands different from these commands. For example, a prize ball number notification command for identifying the number of prize balls paid out based on a game ball winning at each winning opening, a gate passage notification command for notifying that a game ball has passed through gate 41, a notification command for notifying the remaining number of variable displays for which probability variation control or time shortening control is executed, etc. may be provided.

[0144] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram exemplifying random values counted on the main board 11 side. As shown in FIG. 4, on the main board 11 side, numerical data indicating each of the random value MR1 for special figure display result determination, the random value MR2 for jackpot type determination, the random value MR3 for variation pattern determination, and the random value MR4 for normal figure display result determination is controlled to be countable. Note that, in order to enhance the gaming effect, random values other than these may be used. The random numbers used to control the progress of such games are also called game random numbers.

[0145] The random number circuit 104 may count numerical data indicating some or all of these random values MR1 to MR4. The CPU 103 may update various numerical data by software using a random counter different from the random number circuit 104, such as a random counter provided in a game control counter setting unit (not shown), so as to count numerical data indicating some of the random values MR1 to MR4.

[0146] The random value MR1 for special figure display result determination is a random value used to determine whether to control the variable display result such as a special symbol in the special figure game to the jackpot game state as a "jackpot", and takes a value in the range of, for example, "0" to "65536". The random value MR2 for jackpot type determination is a random value used to determine the jackpot type to be one of "certain change jackpot A", "certain change jackpot B", "certain change jackpot C", and "non-certain change jackpot" when the variable display result is a "jackpot", and takes a value in the range of, for example, "0" to "100".

[0147] The random value MR3 for variation pattern determination is a random value used to determine the variation pattern in the variable display of the special symbol or the decorative symbol to be one of a plurality of types prepared in advance, and takes a value in the range of, for example, "0" to "997".

[0148] The random value MR4 for determining the result of the normal symbol display is a random value used to determine whether the variable display result in the normal symbol game by the normal symbol display 20 is a "normal symbol win" or a "normal symbol miss", etc., and takes a value in the range of, for example, "3" to "13".

[0149] FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the display result determination table stored in the ROM 101. In the present embodiment, a common display result determination table is used for the first special symbol and the second special symbol as the display result determination table. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and individual display result determination tables may be used for the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

[0150] The display result determination table is a table referred to for determining whether to control the variable display result to a jackpot game state as a "jackpot" based on the random value MR1 for determining the special symbol display result, before the determined special symbol that becomes the variable display result is derived and displayed in the special symbol game using the first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A or the special symbol game using the second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B.

[0151] In the display result determination table, according to whether the game state in the pachinko game machine 1 is a normal state or a time-limited state (low probability state) or a probability-variable state (high probability state), the value (determination value) compared with the random value MR1 for determining the special symbol display result is assigned to the special symbol display results of "jackpot" and "miss".

[0152] In the display result determination table, the table data indicating the determination value compared with the random number value MR1 for special figure display result determination is the determination data assigned to the determination result of whether to control the jackpot game state with the special figure display result as "jackpot". In the display result determination table, when the game state is the probability variable state (high probability state), more determination values are assigned to the special figure display result of "jackpot" than when it is in the normal state or the time shortening state (low probability state). As a result, in the probability variable state (high probability state) where probability variable control is performed in the pachinko gaming machine 1, compared with the probability (about 1 / 300 in this embodiment) of determining to control the special figure display result as "jackpot" and entering the jackpot game state when in the normal state or the time shortening state (low probability state), the probability of determining to control the special figure display result as "jackpot" and entering the jackpot game state becomes higher (about 1 / 30 in this embodiment). That is, in the display result determination table, the determination data is assigned to the determination result of whether to control the jackpot game state so that the probability of determining to control the jackpot game state is higher when the game state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the probability variable state (high probability state) than when in the normal state or the time shortening state.

[0153] FIG. 6(A) shows a configuration example of the jackpot type determination table stored in the ROM 101. The jackpot type determination table in this embodiment is a table referred to for determining one of a plurality of jackpot types based on the random number value MR2 for jackpot type determination when it is determined to control the jackpot game state with the special figure display result as "jackpot". In the jackpot type determination table, according to whether the special symbol that has undergone variable display (fluctuating display) in the special figure game is the first special figure (special figure game by the first special symbol display device 4A) or the second special figure (special figure game by the second special symbol display device 4B), the numerical value (determination value) compared with the random number value MR2 for jackpot type determination is assigned to a plurality of jackpot types such as "non-probability variable jackpot", "probability variable jackpot A", "probability variable jackpot B", and "probability variable jackpot C".

[0154] Here, regarding the jackpot types in the present embodiment, referring to FIG. 6(B), in the present embodiment, as the jackpot types, there are "probability-variable jackpot A", "probability-variable jackpot B", and "probability-variable jackpot C" in which probability-variable control and time-shortening control are executed after the end of the jackpot gaming state and the high-probability high-base state is entered, and "non-probability-variable jackpot" in which only time-shortening control is executed after the end of the jackpot gaming state and the low-probability high-base state is entered.

[0155] The jackpot gaming state by the "probability-variable jackpot A" is a normal open jackpot in which the round that changes the special variable winning ball device 7 to the first state advantageous to the player is repeated 10 times (so-called 10 rounds). On the other hand, the jackpot gaming state by the "probability-variable jackpot B" is a normal open jackpot in which the round that changes the special variable winning ball device 7 to the first state advantageous to the player is repeated 5 times (so-called 5 rounds). The jackpot gaming state by the "probability-variable jackpot C" is a normal open jackpot in which the round that changes the special variable winning ball device 7 to the first state advantageous to the player is repeated 2 times (so-called 2 rounds). Also, the jackpot gaming state by the "non-probability-variable jackpot" is a normal open jackpot in which the round that changes the special variable winning ball device 7 to the first state advantageous to the player is repeated 5 times (so-called 5 rounds). Therefore, the "probability-variable jackpot A" may be referred to as a 10-round (10R) probability-variable jackpot, the "probability-variable jackpot B" as a 5-round (5R) probability-variable jackpot, and the "probability-variable jackpot C" as a 2-round (2R) probability-variable jackpot.

[0156] The probability variation control and the time shortening control that are started after the end of the jackpot game state of probability variation jackpot A to probability variation jackpot C are terminated on the condition that they are controlled to the jackpot game state. Further, the time shortening control that is started after the end of the jackpot game state of non-probability variation jackpot is terminated on the condition that the variable display for 100 times is completed, or that it is controlled to the jackpot game state until the variable display for 100 times is completed. Therefore, when the newly occurred jackpot is any one of probability variation jackpot A to probability variation jackpot C, the probability variation control and the time shortening control are executed again after the end of the jackpot game state, so that the jackpot game state continuously occurs without passing through the normal state, that is, a so-called continuous winning state. That is, the probability variation state in the present embodiment is a game state that continues until the variable display result becomes a jackpot regardless of the number of variable displays, while the time shortening state in the present embodiment is a game state that is controlled to the normal state by executing the variable display 100 times if the variable display result does not become a jackpot. For this reason, the time shortening state is also a game state that is controlled when the continuous winning state can end.

[0157] In the setting example of the jackpot type determination table shown in FIG. 6(A), depending on whether the variable display special figure is the first special figure or the second special figure, the allocation of determination values for the jackpot types of "certain change jackpot A", "certain change jackpot B", "certain change jackpot C", and "non-certain change jackpot" is different. That is, when the variable display special figure is the first special figure, the determination values within a predetermined range (values in the range of "81" to "100") are allocated to the jackpot types of "certain change jackpot B" and "certain change jackpot C" with fewer rounds, while when the variable display special figure is the second special figure, no determination values are allocated to the jackpot types of "certain change jackpot B" and "certain change jackpot C". With such a setting, when determining the jackpot type to be one of multiple types based on the establishment of the first start condition for starting the special figure game using the first special figure by the first special display device 4A, and when determining the jackpot type to be one of multiple types based on the establishment of the second start condition for starting the special figure game using the second special figure by the second special display device 4B, the ratio of determining the jackpot type to "certain change jackpot B" or "certain change jackpot C" with fewer rounds can be made different. In particular, in the special figure game using the second special figure, since it is determined that the jackpot type will not be controlled to a jackpot state with fewer rounds as "certain change jackpot B" or "certain change jackpot C", for example, in a game state where game balls easily enter the second start winning opening formed by the variable winning ball device 6B due to high release control associated with time shortening control, it is possible to prevent the frequent occurrence of a jackpot state with few winning balls obtained and the resulting decline in game interest.

[0158] In addition, in the setting example of the jackpot type determination table shown in FIG. 6(A), the allocation of determination values for the "non-certain change" jackpot type is the same regardless of whether it is the special figure game of the first special figure or the second special figure. Therefore, the probability of becoming a non-certain change jackpot and the probability of becoming a certain change jackpot are the same regardless of whether it is the special figure game of the first special figure or the second special figure.

[0159] Therefore, as described above, in response to the assignment of the determination values for "Sure Change Big Win B" and "Sure Change Big Win C" being different depending on whether it is the special figure game of the first special figure or the second special figure, the assignment of the determination value for "Sure Change Big Win A" also differs depending on whether it is the special figure game of the first special figure or the second special figure. For "Sure Change Big Win A" with a large number of rounds, it is set so that it is more likely to be determined in the case of the special figure game of the second special figure than in the case of the special figure game of the first special figure.

[0160] In addition, even in the case of the special figure game of the second special figure, a determination value within a predetermined range different from that in the case of the special figure game of the first special figure may be assigned to the big win type of "Sure Change Big Win B" or "Sure Change Big Win C". For example, in the case of the special figure game of the second special figure, a smaller determination value than in the case of the special figure game of the first special figure may be assigned to the big win type of "Sure Change Big Win B" or "Sure Change Big Win C". Alternatively, regardless of whether it is the special figure game of the first special figure or the second special figure, common table data may be referred to for determining the big win type.

[0161] Figure 7 shows the variation patterns in this embodiment. In this embodiment, a plurality of variation patterns are prepared in advance corresponding to each of the cases where the variable display result is "loss", when the variable display mode of the decorative symbol is "non-reach" and when it is "reach", and also corresponding to the case where the variable display result is "big win". In addition, the variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable display result is "loss" and the variable display mode of the decorative symbol is "non-reach" is referred to as a non-reach variation pattern (also referred to as a "non-reach loss variation pattern"), and the variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable display result is "loss" and the variable display mode of the decorative symbol is "reach" is referred to as a reach variation pattern (also referred to as a "reach loss variation pattern"). Also, the non-reach variation pattern and the reach variation pattern are included in the loss variation patterns corresponding to the case where the variable display result is "loss". The variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable display result is "big win" is referred to as a big win variation pattern.

[0162] For the big win variation pattern and the reach variation pattern, there are a normal reach variation pattern in which the reach effect of the normal reach is executed and a super reach variation pattern in which the reach effect of the super reach is executed. In this embodiment, one type of normal reach variation pattern is provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and two or more types of normal reach variation patterns may be provided. Also, in this embodiment, three variation patterns of super reach (without pseudo consecutive), super reach (with 1 pseudo consecutive), and super reach (with 2 pseudo consecutive) are provided as the super reach variation pattern, but the present invention is not limited to this, and four or more or two or less types of super reach variation patterns may be provided.

[0163] In addition, the super reach variation pattern in this embodiment includes a variation pattern (PA2-2) that deviates from the variation pattern (PB1-2) in which the variable display result is a big win as the variation pattern of super reach (without pseudo consecutive), a variation pattern (PA2-3) that deviates from the variation pattern (PB1-3) in which the variable display result is a big win as the variation pattern of super reach (with 1 pseudo consecutive), and a variation pattern (PA2-4) that deviates from the variation pattern (PB1-4) in which the variable display result is a big win as the variation pattern of super reach (with 2 pseudo consecutive).

[0164] As shown in FIG. 7, the special figure variation time of the normal reach variation pattern in which the reach effect of the normal reach in this embodiment is executed is set shorter than that of the super reach variation pattern.

[0165] In addition, in this embodiment, since the big win expectation level at which the variable display result becomes a "big win" is set to increase in the order of super reach, normal reach, and non-reach, the longer the special figure variation time, the higher the big win expectation level in the normal reach variation pattern and the super reach variation pattern.

[0166] Also, in the present embodiment, as will be described later, these variation patterns are determined using only the random number value MR3 for variation pattern determination. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in addition to the random number value MR3 for variation pattern determination, a random number value for variation pattern type determination may be provided. First, the type of the variation pattern may be determined from these random number values for variation pattern type determination, and then the variation pattern belonging to the determined type may be determined.

[0167] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a method for determining a variation pattern in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the variation pattern determination table to be selected is varied according to the display result of the variable display to be executed, the number of stored memories, the game state, and the like.

[0168] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, when the variable display result is a non-probabilistic big win, the big win variation pattern determination table A is selected, and the variation patterns PB1-1 (variation pattern of normal reach big win), PB1-2 (variation pattern of super reach (without pseudo continuous effect) big win), PB1-3 (variation pattern of super reach (with pseudo continuous effect once) big win), and PB1-4 (variation pattern of super reach (with pseudo continuous effect twice) big win) are determined using the big win variation pattern determination table A. More specifically, in the big win variation pattern determination table A, PB1-1 is determined at a rate of 5%, PB1-2 is determined at a rate of 20%, PB1-3 is determined at a rate of 35%, and PB1-4 is determined at a rate of 40%.

[0169] Also, when the variable display result is a certain big win A - C, select the variable pattern determination table B for big wins, and use this variable pattern determination table B to determine the variable patterns from PB1 - 1 (the variable pattern of normal reach big win), PB1 - 2 (the variable pattern of super reach (without pseudo - continuous performance) big win), PB1 - 3 (the variable pattern of super reach (with 1 - time pseudo - continuous performance) big win), and PB1 - 4 (the variable pattern of super reach (with 2 - times pseudo - continuous performance) big win). More specifically, in the variable pattern determination table B for big wins, PB1 - 2 is determined at a rate of 10%, PB1 - 3 is determined at a rate of 20%, and PB1 - 4 is determined at a rate of 70%.

[0170] Also, when the game state is in the low - base state (normal state), the variable display result is a loss, and the number of reserved memories in the variable special figure is 1 or less, select the variable pattern determination table A for losses, and use this variable pattern determination table A to determine the variable patterns from PA1 - 1 (the variable pattern of non - reach loss without shortening), PA2 - 1 (normal reach loss), PA2 - 2 (the variable pattern of super reach (without pseudo - continuous performance) loss), PA2 - 3 (the variable pattern of super reach (with 1 - time pseudo - continuous performance) loss), and PA2 - 4 (the variable pattern of super reach (with 2 - times pseudo - continuous performance) loss). More specifically, in the variable pattern determination table A for losses, PA1 - 1 is determined at a rate of 50%, PA2 - 1 is determined at a rate of 40%, PA2 - 2 is determined at a rate of 5%, PA2 - 3 is determined at a rate of 3%, and PA2 - 4 is determined at a rate of 2%.

[0171] Also, when the game state is in the low base state (normal state), the variable display result is a loss, and the number of reserved memories in the variable special figure is 2, the loss variable pattern determination table B is selected, and the variable pattern is determined from PA1-2 (variable pattern of shortened non-reach loss), PA2-1 (normal reach loss), PA2-2 (variable pattern of super reach (without pseudo continuous performance) loss), PA2-3 (variable pattern of super reach (with 1 pseudo continuous performance) loss), and PA2-4 (variable pattern of super reach (with 2 pseudo continuous performances) loss) using the loss variable pattern determination table B. More specifically, in the loss variable pattern determination table B, PA1-2 is determined at a rate of 60%, PA2-1 is determined at a rate of 30%, PA2-2 is determined at a rate of 5%, PA2-3 is determined at a rate of 3%, and PA2-4 is determined at a rate of 2%.

[0172] Also, when the game state is in the low base state (normal state), the variable display result is a loss, and the number of reserved memories in the variable special figure is 3, the loss variable pattern determination table C is selected, and the variable pattern is determined from PA1-3 (variable pattern of shortened non-reach loss), PA2-1 (normal reach loss), PA2-2 (variable pattern of super reach (without pseudo continuous performance) loss), PA2-3 (variable pattern of super reach (with 1 pseudo continuous performance) loss), and PA2-4 (variable pattern of super reach (with 2 pseudo continuous performances) loss) using the loss variable pattern determination table C. More specifically, in the loss variable pattern determination table C, PA1-3 is determined at a rate of 70%, PA2-1 is determined at a rate of 20%, PA2-2 is determined at a rate of 5%, PA2-3 is determined at a rate of 3%, and PA2-4 is determined at a rate of 2%.

[0173] Also, when the game state is in the high base state (time-shortened state or probability-variable state), the losing-variation pattern determination table D is selected, and using this losing-variation pattern determination table D, the variation patterns are determined from PA1-3 (variation pattern of short non-reach loss), PA2-1 (normal reach loss), PA2-2 (variation pattern of super reach (without pseudo continuous effect) loss), PA2-3 (variation pattern of super reach (with 1 pseudo continuous effect) loss), and PA2-4 (variation pattern of super reach (with 2 pseudo continuous effects) loss). More specifically, in the losing-variation pattern determination table C, PA1-3 is determined at a rate of 80%, PA2-1 is determined at a rate of 10%, PA2-2 is determined at a rate of 5%, PA2-3 is determined at a rate of 3%, and PA2-4 is determined at a rate of 2%.

[0174] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the variation pattern is determined according to the jackpot type when the variable display result is a jackpot. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the selection ratio of any one of the plurality of variation patterns for jackpot (PB1-1 to PB1-4) may be made different according to the game state, for example, regardless of the jackpot type. By doing so, variable display is performed with a variation pattern suitable for the game state, so the game interest can be improved.

[0175] The RAM 102 included in the game control microcomputer 100 shown in FIG. 2 may be a backup RAM in which part or all of it is backed up by a backup power supply created on a predetermined power supply board. That is, even if the power supply to the pachinko game machine 1 stops, part or all of the contents of the RAM 102 are saved for a predetermined period (until the capacitor as the backup power supply discharges and the backup power supply becomes unable to supply power). In particular, at least the data corresponding to the game state, that is, the control state of the game control means (such as the special figure process flag) and the data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls may be saved in the backup RAM. The data corresponding to the control state of the game control means is data necessary to restore the control state to before the occurrence of a power failure or the like based on the data when recovery occurs after a power failure or the like. Also, the data corresponding to the control state and the data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are defined as data indicating the progress state of the game.

[0176] In such a RAM 102, as an area for holding various data used to control the progress of the game in the pachinko game machine 1, for example, a game control data holding area 002SG150 as shown in FIG. 9 is provided. The game control data holding area 002SG150 shown in FIG. 9 includes a first special figure hold memory section 002SG151A, a second special figure hold memory section 002SG151B, a general figure hold memory section 002SG151C, a game control flag setting section 002SG152, a game control timer setting section 002SG153, a game control counter setting section 002SG154, and a game control buffer setting section 002SG155.

[0177] The first special figure hold memory section 002SG151A stores, in the order of winning, the hold data of a special figure game (a special figure game using the first special figure in the first special figure display device 4A) that has not yet started although a first start winning (the first start winning) has occurred when a game ball has passed through (entered) the first start winning opening formed by the winning ball device 6A.

[0178] The second special figure hold memory unit 002SG151B stores, in the order of winning, hold data of a special figure game (a special figure game using the second special figure on the second special figure display device 4B) that has not yet started although a game ball has passed through (entered) the second start winning opening formed by the variable winning ball device 6B and a second start winning (second start winning) has occurred.

[0179] As an example, the first special figure hold memory unit 002SG151A stores, in association with a hold number in the order of winning (detection order of game balls) at the first start winning opening, numerical data indicating a random number value MR1 for variable display result determination, a random number value MR2 for winning type determination, and a random number value MR3 for variation pattern determination, which are extracted from the random number circuit 104 or the like by the CPU 103 based on the establishment of the first start condition when the game ball passes through (enters), as hold data until the number of stored data reaches a predetermined upper limit value (for example, "4"). Similarly, the second special figure hold memory unit 002SG151B stores, in association with a hold number in the order of winning (detection order of game balls) at the second start winning opening, numerical data indicating a random number value MR1 for variable display result determination, a random number value MR2 for winning type determination, and a random number value MR3 for variation pattern determination, which are extracted from the random number circuit 104 or the like by the CPU 103 based on the establishment of the first start condition when the game ball passes through (enters), as hold data until the number of stored data reaches a predetermined upper limit value (for example, "4").

[0180] In this way, the hold data stored in the first special figure hold memory unit 002SG151A and the second special figure hold memory unit 002SG151B indicates that the execution of the special figure game using the first special figure and the special figure game using the second special figure is on hold, and becomes hold information that enables determination of whether it is a big win or not based on the variable display result (special figure display result) in these special figure games.

[0181] Also, in the present embodiment, when storing, in individual holding memory units, holding information (first holding information) based on the establishment of the first start condition due to a game ball passing through (entering) the first start winning opening and holding information (second holding information) based on the establishment of the second start winning due to a game ball passing through (entering) the second start winning opening in association with holding numbers, variable display based on the second holding information is executed with priority over variable display based on the first holding information.

[0182] The general pattern holding memory unit 002SG151C stores holding information on a general pattern game that has not yet been started by the general pattern display device 20 even though a game ball has been detected by the gate switch 21. For example, the general pattern holding memory unit 002SG151C stores, in association with holding numbers in the order in which game balls are detected by the gate switch 21, numerical data indicating a random number value MR4 for determining a general pattern display result extracted from a random number circuit 104 or the like by the CPU 103 based on the passage of the game ball as holding data until the number reaches a predetermined upper limit value (for example, "4").

[0183] The game control flag setting unit 002SG152 is provided with a plurality of types of flags whose states can be updated according to the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1. For example, the game control flag setting unit 002SG152 stores data indicating the value of each of the plurality of types of flags and data indicating an on state or an off state.

[0184] The game control timer setting unit 002SG153 is provided with various timers used for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1. For example, the game control timer setting unit 002SG153 stores data indicating the timer values for each of the plurality of types of timers.

[0185] The game control counter setting unit 002SG154 is provided with a plurality of types of counters for counting count values used to control the progress of the game in the pachinko game machine 1. For example, data indicating the count values in each of the plurality of types of counters is stored in the game control counter setting unit 002SG154. Here, the game control counter setting unit 002SG154 may be provided with a random counter for the CPU 103 to count some or all of the game random numbers in a software-updateable manner.

[0186] In the random counter of the game control counter setting unit 002SG154, numerical data indicating random number values that are not generated by the random number circuit 104, for example, the numerical values MR1 to MR4, is stored as the random count value, and in accordance with the execution of software by the CPU 103, the numerical data indicating each random number value is updated periodically or irregularly. The software executed by the CPU 103 to update the random count value may be for updating the random count value separately from the update operation of the numerical data in the random number circuit 104, or may be for updating the random count value by performing predetermined processes such as scrambling processes or arithmetic processes on all or part of the numerical data extracted from the random number circuit 104.

[0187] The game control buffer setting unit 002SG155 is provided with various buffers for temporarily storing data used to control the progress of the game in the pachinko game machine 1. For example, data indicating the buffer values in each of the plurality of types of buffers is stored in the game control buffer setting unit 002SG155.

[0188] In addition to the program for effect control, various data tables and the like used to control the effect operation are stored in the ROM 121 mounted on the effect control board 12 shown in FIG. 2. For example, table data constituting a plurality of determination tables prepared for the effect control CPU 120 to perform various determinations, decisions, and settings, pattern data constituting various effect control patterns, and the like are stored in the ROM 121.

[0189] As an example, in the ROM 121, a performance control pattern table storing a plurality of types of performance control patterns used by the performance control CPU 120 to control performance operations by various performance devices (for example, the image display device 5, speakers 8L and 8R, game effect lamps 9, decorative LEDs, performance models, etc.) is stored. The performance control pattern is composed of data indicating the control content corresponding to various performance operations executed according to the progress of the game in the pachinko game machine 1. In the performance control pattern table, for example, a performance control pattern during special figure variable display, a preview performance control pattern, various performance control patterns, etc. may be stored.

[0190] In the RAM 122 mounted on the performance control board 12 shown in FIG. 2, as an area for holding various data used to control performance operations, for example, a performance control data holding area 002SG190 as shown in FIG. 10(A) is provided. The performance control data holding area 002SG190 shown in FIG. 10(A) includes a performance control flag setting unit 002SG191, a performance control timer setting unit 002SG192, a performance control counter setting unit 002SG193, and a performance control buffer setting unit 002SG194.

[0191] The performance control flag setting unit 002SG191 is provided with a plurality of types of flags whose states can be updated according to performance operation states such as the display state of a performance image on the screen of the image display device 5 and performance control commands transmitted from the main board 11. For example, in the performance control flag setting unit 002SG191, for each of the plurality of types of flags, data indicating the value of the flag and data indicating the on state or off state are stored.

[0192] The performance control timer setting unit 002SG192 is provided with a plurality of types of timers used to control the progress of various performance operations, such as the display operation of performance images on the screen of the image display device 5. For example, data indicating the timer values for each of the plurality of types of timers is stored in the performance control timer setting unit 002SG192.

[0193] The performance control counter setting unit 002SG193 is provided with a plurality of types of counters used to control the progress of various performance operations. For example, data indicating the count values for each of the plurality of types of counters is stored in the performance control counter setting unit 002SG193.

[0194] The performance control buffer setting unit 002SG194 is provided with various buffers for temporarily storing data used to control the progress of various performance operations. For example, data indicating the buffer values for each of the plurality of types of buffers is stored in the performance control buffer setting unit 002SG194.

[0195] In this embodiment, data constituting the start winning reception command buffer 002SG194A as shown in FIG. 10(B) is stored in a predetermined area of the effect control buffer setting unit 002SG194. In the start winning reception command buffer 002SG194A, a storage area corresponding to the maximum value of the total number of reserved memories in the first special drawing reserved memory (for example, "4") (areas corresponding to buffer numbers "1-1" to "1-4") and a storage area corresponding to the first special drawing during variable display (area corresponding to buffer number "1-0") are provided. Also, in the start winning reception command buffer 002SG194A, a storage area corresponding to the maximum value of the total number of reserved memories in the second special drawing reserved memory (for example, "4") (areas corresponding to buffer numbers "2-1" to "2-4") and a storage area corresponding to the second special drawing during variable display (area corresponding to buffer number "2-0") are provided. When there is a start winning at the first start winning opening or the second start winning opening, two commands, that is, a start winning opening designation command (the first start winning opening designation command or the second start winning opening designation command) and a reserved memory number notification command (the first reserved memory number notification command or the second reserved memory number notification command), are transmitted as a set from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12. Storage areas (entries) for storing the start winning opening designation commands and the reserved memory number notification commands in association with each other and separately storing them in the first special drawing reserved memory and the second special drawing reserved memory are secured in the storage areas corresponding to the first special drawing reserved memory and the second special drawing reserved memory in the start winning reception command buffer 002SG194A.

[0196] When the start condition is satisfied and the variable display of the topmost reserved memory (buffer number "1-1" or buffer number "2-1") starts, the stored contents of these storage areas (entries) are shifted one by one to the upper positions as described later. Also, the stored contents of buffer number "1-0" or buffer number "2-0", which store the contents of the reserved memory for which the start condition has been satisfied, are cleared in the waiting process per special drawing that is executed when the variable display ends.

[0197] When the performance-use CPU 120 wins a start prize at the first start prize port, it stores commands starting from the head (the entry with the youngest buffer number) in the empty entry corresponding to the first special figure save memory of the start prize reception command buffer 002SG194A. When winning a start prize at the second start prize port, it stores commands starting from the head (the entry with the youngest buffer number) in the empty entry corresponding to the second special figure save memory of the start prize reception command buffer 002SG194A. At the time of winning a start prize, commands from the start port prize designation command to the save memory number notification command are sequentially transmitted. Therefore, when a command is received, it will be stored in the storage areas corresponding to the last digits "0" to "4" of the buffer numbers corresponding to the first special figure save memory or the second special figure save memory, in the order of the start port prize designation command and the save memory number notification command.

[0198] The commands stored in the start prize reception command buffer 002SG194A shown in FIG. 10(B) are deleted for the entries (entries with buffer numbers "1-0" or "2-0") corresponding to the save memory of the variable display that ended immediately before each time the variable display of the decoration pattern starts, and at the same time, the commands stored in the entries (entries corresponding to buffer numbers "1-1" or "2-1") corresponding to the save memory of the variable display to start are stored, and the stored contents of the entries after the save memory of the variable display to start are shifted. For example, when the variable display of the decoration pattern in the first special figure save memory ends in the storage state shown in FIG. 10(B), each command stored in buffer number "0" is deleted, each command stored in buffer number "0" is shifted to buffer number "0", and each command stored in the area corresponding to buffer number "2" is shifted to the area corresponding to buffer number "0", and each command stored in the areas corresponding to buffer numbers "3" and "4" is shifted to the areas corresponding to buffer numbers "2" and "3". Therefore, buffer number "0" becomes the area (entry) for storing each command regarding the save memory being variably displayed at that time.

[0199] (Operation) Next, the operation (function) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described.

[0200] (Main operations of the main board 11) First, the main operations of the main board 11 will be described. 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. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the game control main process executed by the CPU 103 on the main board 11.

[0201] In the game control main process shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 103 first sets interrupt inhibition (step S1). Subsequently, necessary initial settings are performed (step S2). The initial settings include setting the stack pointer, register settings of built-in devices (such as CTC (counter / timer circuit), parallel input / output port, etc.), and settings to make the RAM 102 accessible.

[0202] Next, it is determined 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 the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started, if, for example, the clear switch 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 that the recovery condition is not satisfied in step S3. 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.

[0203] When the recovery condition is satisfied (step S3; Yes), after executing the recovery process (step S4), the random number circuit setting process (step S8) is executed. By the recovery process in step S4, the work area is set based on the stored content of RAM 102. By setting the work area using the backup data stored in RAM 102, the game state when the power supply stopped is restored. For example, if the special symbol was in the middle of changing, it suffices that the change of the special symbol can be resumed from the state before the stop.

[0204] Also, when the recovery condition is not satisfied (step S3; No), after executing the initialization process (step S6), the random number circuit setting process (step S8) is executed. The initialization process in step S6 includes a clear process for clearing the flags, counters, and buffers stored in RAM 102. By executing the clear process, initial values are set in the work area.

[0205] After the execution of the random number circuit setting process (step S8), 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). Thereafter, 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.

[0206] When the CPU 103 that has executed such game control main processing 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. 12. When starting the game control timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 12, 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, by executing a predetermined main-side error process, an abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko game machine 1 is performed, and a warning can be generated if necessary according to the diagnosis result (step S22). After that, by executing a predetermined information output process, data such as jackpot information (information indicating the number of times of jackpot occurrence, etc.), start information (information indicating the number of times of start winning, etc.), probability variation information (information indicating the number of times of entering the probability variation state, etc.) supplied to a hall management computer installed outside the pachinko game machine 1, for example, is output (step S23).

[0207] Following the information output process, 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 is executed (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, the execution and reservation management of the special symbol game, the control of the jackpot game state, the control of the game state, etc. are realized.

[0208] Following the special symbol process, a normal symbol process is executed (step S26). By the CPU 103 executing the normal symbol process for each timer interrupt, the execution and reservation management of the normal symbol game based on the detection signal from the gate switch 21 (based on the game ball passing through the passing gate 41), the opening control of the variable winning ball device 6B based on "normal symbol win", etc. are made possible. The execution of the normal symbol game is performed by driving the normal symbol display 20, and the number of normal symbol reservations is displayed by lighting the normal symbol reservation display 25C.

[0209] 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 bonus balls may be performed. Thereafter, 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 of transmitting the transmitted and set effect control command to a sub-control board such as the effect control board 12 is performed. After executing the command control processing, interrupts are permitted and then the game control timer interrupt process is terminated.

[0210] (Special symbol process) FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S25 shown in FIG. 12 as the special symbol process. In this special symbol process, the CPU 103 first executes a start winning determination process (step S101).

[0211] In the start winning determination process, detection of the occurrence of a start winning and a process of storing reservation information in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 and updating the reservation storage count are executed. When a start winning occurs, a random number value for determining a display result (including the jackpot type) and a variation pattern is extracted and stored as reservation information. Further, a process of pre-reading and determining the display result and the variation pattern based on the extracted random number value may be executed. After storing the reservation information and the reservation storage count, transmission setting for transmitting an effect control command for designating the determination results such as the occurrence of a start winning, the reservation storage count, and the pre-reading determination to the effect control board 12 is performed. The effect control command at the time of the start winning thus transmitted and set is transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12, for example, when the special symbol process ends and the command control process of step S27 shown in FIG. 12 is executed.

[0212] After executing the start winning determination process in step S101, the CPU 103 selects and executes any one of the processes in steps S110 to S117 according to the value of the special figure process flag provided in the RAM 102. In addition, in each process (steps S110 to S117) of the special symbol process, transmission settings for transmitting an effect control command corresponding to each process to the effect control board 12 are performed.

[0213] 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 (pre-determined) before the display result is derived and displayed. Further, in the special symbol normal process, 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 corresponding to the determined display result. After that, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "1", and the special symbol normal process ends. In the present embodiment, the special figure game using the second special figure is executed with priority over the special figure game using the first special figure (also referred to as preferential digestion of special figure 2). Also, the winning order of the game balls entering the first start winning opening and the second start winning opening may be memorized, and the start conditions of the special figure game may be established in the winning order (also referred to as winning order digestion).

[0214] When making various determinations based on random number values, various tables stored in the ROM 101 (tables in which the determination values compared with the random number values 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. In the effect control board 12, various tables are stored in the ROM 121.

[0215] 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 a prior determination result as to whether the display result is 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.

[0216] The variable pattern specifies the execution time of the special figure game (special figure variable 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), and the production content during the variable display of the decorative symbol (such as the type of reach production), and is also called a variable display pattern.

[0217] The special symbol variation process in step S112 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "2". This special symbol variation process includes a process of making settings for varying the special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, a process of measuring the elapsed time since the start of the variation of the special symbol, and the like. Also, a determination is made as to whether or not the measured elapsed time has reached the special figure variable time corresponding to the variable pattern. When the elapsed time since the start of the variation of the special symbol has reached the special figure variable time, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "3", and the special symbol variation process ends.

[0218] The special symbol stop process in step S113 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "3". This special symbol stop process includes a process of stopping the variation of the special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, and making settings for stopping the display (deriving) of the determined special symbol that becomes the display result of the special symbol. When the display result is a "big win", the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "4". When the display result is a "loss", when it is controlled in a time-saving state or a probability-variable state and the end of the number of times cut-off is established, the game state is also updated. When the value of the special figure process flag is updated, the special symbol stop process ends.

[0219] 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 a round in the jackpot gaming state and setting to open the big winning port based on the fact that the display result is "jackpot", etc. When setting the big winning port to the open state, a process of supplying a solenoid drive signal to the solenoid 82 for the big winning port door is executed. At this time, for example, corresponding to the type of jackpot, an open upper - limit period for setting the big winning port to the open state and an upper - limit number of executions of the round 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.

[0220] 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 port was set to the open state, and determining whether it is time to return the big winning port 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 port 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 port door, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "6", and the jackpot release in - processing ends.

[0221] 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 executions of the round for setting the big winning port to the open state has reached the set upper - limit number of executions, and setting to end the jackpot gaming state when the upper - limit number of executions is reached. When the number of executions of the round has not reached the upper - limit number of executions, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "5", while when the number of executions of the round has reached the upper - limit number of executions, 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.

[0222] The jackpot end process in step S117 is executed when the value of the special drawing 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 variation control and time shortening control corresponding to the end of the jackpot gaming state. When such settings are made, the value of the special drawing process flag is updated to "0", and the jackpot end process ends.

[0223] (Start winning determination process) FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the start winning determination process (S101) shown in FIG. 13. In the start winning determination process, the CPU 103 first determines whether the first start port switch 22A is on based on a detection signal from the first start port switch 22A provided corresponding to the first start winning port formed by the winning ball device 6A (002SGS101). At this time, if the first start port switch 22A is on (002SGS101; Y), it is determined whether the first special drawing reserved memory number, which is the reserved memory number of the special drawing game using the first special drawing, has reached a predetermined upper limit value (for example, "4" as the upper limit memory number) (002SGS102). The CPU 103 can identify the first special drawing reserved memory number, for example, by reading the first reserved memory number count value, which is the stored value of the first reserved memory number counter provided in the game control counter setting unit 002SG154. When the first special drawing reserved memory number is not the upper limit value in 002SGS102 (002SGS102; N), for example, the stored value of the start port buffer provided in the game control buffer setting unit 002SG155 is set to "0" (002SGS103).

[0224] When the first start port switch 22A is off at 002SGS101 (002SGS101;N), or when the first special drawing reserved memory count reaches the upper limit value at 002SGS102 (002SGS102;Y), it is determined whether the second start port switch 22B is on or off 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 (002SGS104). At this time, if the second start port switch 22B is on (002SGS104;Y), it is determined whether the second special drawing reserved memory count, which is the reserved memory count of the special drawing game using the second special drawing, has reached a predetermined upper limit value (for example, "4" as the upper limit memory count) (002SGS105). The CPU 103 may identify the second special drawing reserved memory count by reading, for example, the second reserved memory count value, which is the stored value of the second reserved memory counter provided in the game control counter setting unit 002SG154. When the second special drawing reserved memory count is not the upper limit value at 002SGS105 (002SGS105;N), for example, the stored value of the start port buffer provided in the game control buffer setting unit 002SG155 is set to "2" (002SGS106).

[0225] After executing either the process of 002SGS103 or 002SGS106, update it so as to add 1 to the reserved figure storage count corresponding to the start port buffer value which is the stored value of the start port buffer (002SGS107). For example, when the start port buffer value is "0", add 1 to the first reserved figure storage count value, while when the start port buffer value is "2", add 1 to the second reserved figure storage count value. In this way, the first reserved figure storage 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 reserved figure storage 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, update it so as to add 1 to the total reserved figure storage count as well (002SGS108). For example, the total reserved figure storage count value which is the stored value of the total reserved figure storage counter provided in the game control counter setting unit 002SG154 may be updated to add 1.

[0226] After executing the process of 002SGS108, the CPU 103 extracts numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for special figure display result determination, the random number value MR2 for jackpot type determination, and the random number value MR3 for variation pattern determination from among the numerical data updated by the random number circuit 104 and the random counter of the game control counter setting unit 002SG154 (002SGS109). The numerical data indicating each random number value thus extracted and the start port buffer value are stored by being set as reserved information at the head of the empty entry in the special figure reserved storage unit (002SGS110).

[0227] Numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for special figure display result determination and the random number value MR2 for jackpot type determination is used to determine whether the variable display result of the special symbol or the decorative symbol is a "jackpot", and further to determine the jackpot type when the variable display result is a "jackpot". The random number value MR3 for variation pattern determination is used to determine the variation pattern including the variable display time of the special symbol or the decorative symbol. By executing the process of 002SGS109, the CPU103 extracts numerical data indicating all of the random number values used for determining the variable display mode including the variable display result and the variable display time of the special symbol or the decorative symbol.

[0228] Following the process of 002SGS110, transmission setting of a start port winning designation command according to the start port buffer value is performed (002SGS111). For example, when the start port buffer value is "0", the storage address of the first start port winning designation command table in the ROM101 is stored in the buffer area designated by the transmission command pointer in the transmission command buffer, etc., to perform setting for transmitting the first start port 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 port winning designation command table in the ROM101 is stored in the buffer area of the transmission command buffer, etc., to perform setting for transmitting the second start port winning designation command to the effect control board 12. The start port winning designation command set in this way is transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12, for example, after the special symbol process is completed, by executing the command control process of S27 shown in FIG. 12.

[0229] Following the processing of 002SGS111, the CPU 103 makes settings for transmitting a pending storage number notification command to the effect control board 12, for example, by storing the storage address of the pending storage number notification command table in the ROM 101 in the buffer area specified by the transmission command pointer in the transmission command buffer (002SGS113). The pending storage number notification command set in this way is transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12, for example, after the special symbol process is completed and when the command control process of S27 shown in FIG. 12 is executed.

[0230] After executing the processing of 002SGS113, it is determined whether the start port buffer value is "0" (002SGS114). At this time, if the start port buffer value is "0" (Y in 002SGS114), the start port buffer is cleared, its stored value is initialized to "0" (002SGS115), and then the processing proceeds to 2390SGS104. On the other hand, when the start port buffer value is "2" (N in 002SGS114), the start port buffer is cleared, its stored value is initialized to "0" (002SGS116), and the start winning process is terminated. Thereby, even when both the first start port switch 22A and the second start port switch 22B detect a valid start winning of a game ball at the same time, the processing based on the detection of the valid start winning of both can be surely completed.

[0231] (Special symbol normal process) FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing executed at S110 in FIG. 13 as the special symbol normal process. In the special symbol normal process shown in FIG. 15, the CPU 103 first determines whether the second special symbol pending storage number is "0" (step 002SGS141). The second special symbol pending storage number is the pending storage number of the special symbol game using the second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B. For example, in the processing of step 002SGS141, the second pending storage number count value stored in the game control counter setting unit may be read out, and it may be determined whether the read value is "0".

[0232] When the number of reserved memories for the second special figure in step 002SGS141 is other than "0" (step 002SGS141; N), as the reserved data stored corresponding to the reserved number "0" in the second special figure reserved memory section, the random number value MR1 for special figure display result determination, the random number value MR2 for jackpot type determination, and the random number value MR3 for variation pattern determination are read out respectively (step 002SGS142). The numerical data read at this time may be stored in, for example, a random number buffer for variation and temporarily stored.

[0233] Following the process of step 002SGS142, the number of reserved memories for the second special figure and the total number of reserved memories are updated by subtracting 1, such as by subtracting 1 from the count value of the number of reserved memories for the second special figure and the total count value of reserved memories, and the data in the second special figure reserved memory section is updated. Specifically, the reserved data indicating the random number values MR1 to MR3 stored in the entries lower than the reserved number "0" (for example, the entries corresponding to the reserved numbers "2" to "4") in the second special figure reserved memory section is shifted upward by one entry each (step 002SGS143).

[0234] After that, after updating the variation special figure designated buffer value, which is the stored value in the variation special figure designated buffer, to "2" (step 002SGS144), the process proceeds to step 002SGS149.

[0235] On the other hand, when the number of reserved memories of the second special figure in step 002SGS141 is "0" (step 002SGS141; Y), it is determined whether the number of reserved memories of the first special figure is "0" (step 002SGS145). The number of reserved memories of the first special figure is the number of reserved memories of the special figure game using the first special figure by the first special figure display device 4A. For example, in the process of step 002SGS145, the count value of the first reserved memory counter stored in the game control counter setting unit is read out, and it may be determined whether the read value is "0". In this way, the process of step 002SGS145 is executed when it is determined in step 002SGS141 that the number of reserved memories of the second special figure is "0", and it is determined whether the number of reserved memories of the first special figure is "0". As a result, the special figure game using the second special figure will start execution prior to the special figure game using the first special figure.

[0236] In addition, the special figure game using the second special figure is not limited to being executed prior to the special figure game using the first special figure. For example, the execution of the special figure game may be started in the order in which the game balls enter (pass through) the first start winning opening or the second start winning opening and a start winning occurs. In this case, a table for storing data that can identify the order in which the start winnings occurred may be provided, and it may be possible to determine from the stored data whether to start the execution of the special figure game using the first special figure or the second special figure.

[0237] When the number of reserved memories of the first special figure is other than "0" in step 002SGS145 (step 002SGS145; N), as the reserved data stored corresponding to the reservation number "0" in the first special figure reserved memory unit, the numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for special figure display result determination, the random number value MR2 for big win type determination, and the random number value MR3 for variation pattern determination are respectively read out (step 002SGS146). The numerical data read at this time may be stored, for example, in a random number buffer for variation and temporarily stored.

[0238] Following the processing of step 002SGS146, the first special figure reserved memory count value and the total reserved memory count value are each decremented by 1 and updated. In this way, the first special figure reserved memory count and the total reserved memory count are updated to be decremented by 1, and the data in the first special figure reserved memory unit is updated. Specifically, the reserved data indicating the random values MR1 to MR3 stored in the entries lower than the reserved number "0" (for example, the entries corresponding to the reserved numbers "2" to "4") in the first special figure reserved memory unit is shifted upward by one entry each (step 002SGS147).

[0239] After that, after updating the variable special figure designation buffer value, which is the stored value in the variable special figure designation buffer, to "0" (step 002SGS148), the process proceeds to step 002SGS149.

[0240] In step 002SGS149, the display result determination table shown in FIG. 5 is selected and set as the use table for determining whether the special figure display result, which is the variable display result of the special symbol, is a "big win" or a "loss". Subsequently, the numerical data indicating the random value MR1 for special figure display result determination stored in the variable random number buffer is compared with the determination values assigned to each special figure display result of "big win" and "loss" to determine whether the special figure display result is a "big win" or a "loss" (step 002SGS150). Incidentally, in this step 002SGS150, if the game state at that time is a high probability state (probability variation state) where the probability variation flag is on, if the random value MR1 for special figure display result determination falls within the range of 10000 to 12180 corresponding to the high probability state (probability variation state), it is determined as a "big win", and if it does not fall within this range, it is determined as a "loss". Also, if the game state is a low probability state (low probability low base state in this feature part) where the probability variation flag is off, if the random value MR1 for special figure display result determination falls within the range of 1 to 219, it is determined as a "big win", and if it does not fall within this range, it is determined as a "loss".

[0241] Thus, in the display result determination table selected in step 002SGS149, different determination values are assigned to "big win" corresponding to the gaming state (high probability, low probability) at that time. Therefore, in the process of step 002SGS150, depending on whether the gaming state at the start of variable display such as special figure games is in the high probability state or not, it is determined whether to regard the special figure display result as "big win" using different determination data (determination values). When the gaming state is in the high probability state, it is determined (decided) as "big win" with a higher probability than when it is in the low probability state.

[0242] If it is determined to be "big win" in step 002SGS150 (step 002SGS150; Y), the big win flag is set to the on state (step 002SGS152). At this time, as a use table for determining one of a plurality of big win types, the big win type determination table shown in FIG. 6(A) is selected and set (step 002SGS153). By referring to the big win type determination table thus set, according to which of the numerical data indicating the random number value MR2 for big win type determination stored in the variable random number buffer matches the determination values assigned to each big win type of "non-probability variable big win", "probability variable big win A", "probability variable big win B", and "probability variable big win C" in the big win type determination table, it is determined which of the plurality of big win types to be (step 002SGS154).

[0243] By determining the jackpot type in the process of step 002SGS154, it is determined which of the gaming states after the end of the jackpot gaming state, i.e., the time-saving state (low-probability high-base state) and the probability-variable state (high-probability high-base state) that is more advantageous for the player than the time-saving state, will be controlled before the determined special symbol as the variable display result is derived. Corresponding to the determined jackpot type, for example, by setting the jackpot type buffer value which is the stored value of the jackpot type buffer provided in the game control buffer setting unit (step 002SGS155), the determined jackpot type is memorized. As an example, if the jackpot type corresponds to a non-probability-variable jackpot, i.e., "non-probability-variable jackpot", the jackpot type buffer value can be set to "0", if it corresponds to probability-variable jackpot A, i.e., "probability-variable A", it can be set to "1", if it corresponds to probability-variable jackpot B, i.e., "probability-variable B", it can be set to "2", and if it corresponds to probability-variable jackpot C, i.e., "probability-variable C", it can be set to "3". Incidentally, after the process of step 002SGS155, the process proceeds to step 002SGS156.

[0244] Also, when it is determined that it is a "loss" in step 002SGS150 (step 002SGS150; N), the process of step 002SGS156 is executed without executing the processes of steps 002SGS152 to 002SGS155.

[0245] Note: There seems to be an error in the original text where it says "if it corresponds to probability-variable jackpot A, i.e., 'probability-variable A', it can be set to '0'" which might be a typo. It should probably be something other than 0 as it's already defined that non-probability-variable jackpot is set to 0. I've translated it as "1" for the purpose of following the instruction to translate exactly as provided while making a note about the potential error.In step 002SGS156, the CPU 103 sets a determined special symbol in accordance with the preliminary determination result of whether to control to a jackpot gaming state (whether the jackpot flag is in an on state) and the determination result of the jackpot type in the case of a jackpot gaming state. As an example, in correspondence with the preliminary determination result indicating that the special symbol display result is "a loss", a special symbol showing the symbol "-" which is a losing symbol is set as the determined special symbol. Also, when it is determined in step 002SGS150a that the special symbol display result is "jackpot", if the jackpot type in step 002SGS154 is "certain-variation jackpot A", a special symbol showing the number "7" is set as the determined special symbol. Also, if the jackpot type is "certain-variation jackpot B", a special symbol showing the number "5" is set as the determined special symbol. Also, if the jackpot type is "non-certain-variation jackpot", a special symbol showing the number "3" is set as the determined special symbol. Also, if the jackpot type is "certain-variation jackpot C", a special symbol showing the number "0" is set as the determined special symbol. Note that these determined special symbols are just examples, and other determined special symbols may be set, or multiple types of symbols may be set as the determined special symbols.

[0246] After setting the determined special symbol in step 002SGS156, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "1" which is a value corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (step 002SGS157), and then the special symbol normal process ends.

[0247] If the number of stored memories of the special drawing game using the first special drawing in step 002SGS145 is "0" (step 002SGS145; Y), after performing a predetermined demonstration display setting (step 002SGS158), the special symbol normal process is terminated. In this demonstration display setting, for example, an effect control command (customer waiting demonstration designation command) that designates a demonstration display (demo screen display) by displaying a predetermined effect image on the image display device 5 or the like is determined as to whether it has already been transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12. At this time, if the customer waiting demonstration designation command has already been transmitted, the demonstration display setting is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if it has not been transmitted, after performing the setting for transmitting the customer waiting demonstration designation command, the demonstration display setting is terminated.

[0248] (Main Operations of the Effect Control Board 12) Next, the main operations in the effect control board 12 will be described. In the effect control board 12, when receiving the supply of the power voltage from the power supply board or the like, the effect control CPU 120 is activated and executes an effect control main process as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16. When starting the effect control main process shown in FIG. 16, the effect control CPU 120 first executes a predetermined initialization process (step S71) to clear the RAM 122, set various initial values, and set the registers of the CTC (counter / timer circuit) mounted on the effect control board 12.

[0249] 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 setting of the CTC, for example. At this time, if the timer interrupt flag is off (step S73; No), the process of step S73 is repeatedly executed and the system waits.

[0250] 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 to be prohibited. However, when using a CPU that does not automatically enter the interrupt prohibited 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 generated when the production control INT signal becomes 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 production control commands provided in the RAM 122. After that, the production control CPU 120 sets the interrupt permission and then ends the command reception interrupt process.

[0251] If the timer interrupt flag is on in step S73 (step S73; Yes), the timer interrupt flag is cleared to be off (step S74), and command analysis processing is executed (step S75). In the command analysis processing, 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 production control commands, 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 processing or the like 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.

[0252] 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 bodies 32A and 32B. Also, regarding the control content of the effect operation using various effect devices, determination, decision, setting, etc. are performed according to the effect control commands transmitted from the main board 11 and the like.

[0253] 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. Further, after the effect random number value update process (step S77), a demo effect control process (step S78) for executing a demo effect in the pachinko game machine 1, a background display update process (step S79) for updating the background image displayed on the image display device 5 to another background image, and a menu display process (step S80) for displaying a menu screen on the image display device 5 in the game standby state are executed. Then, the process returns to step S73. Before returning to the process of step S73, other processes may be executed.

[0254] In addition, in the background display update process of the present embodiment, any one of a first background image corresponding to a first effect mode, a second background image corresponding to a second effect mode, a third background image corresponding to a third effect mode, and a fourth background image corresponding to a fourth effect mode is selectively displayed. The first background image and the second background image can be displayed when the game state is the normal state, the third background image can be displayed when the game state is the low-probability high-base state, and the fourth background image can be displayed when the game state is the high-probability high-base state. Also, the switching between the first background image and the second background image is switched when switching display conditions such as when the variable display of the SP reach is executed or when one background image is continuously displayed for a predetermined period are satisfied.

[0255] In addition to the process of displaying the menu screen on the image display device 5 in the game standby state, the menu display process includes, when the menu screen is being displayed, further adjusting the volume output from the speakers 8L and 8R and adjusting the light quantity (brightness) of the game effect lamp 9 according to operations of the player's push button 31B and the like.

[0256] In the demo production control process, the production control CPU 120 may, for example, set a timer until the start of the customer waiting demo production such as the customer waiting demo start waiting timer based on receiving a customer waiting demo designation command, and start the customer waiting demo production based on the timer timing out without variable display starting. If variable display starts during the operation of the customer waiting demo start waiting timer or during the execution of the customer waiting demo production, the customer waiting demo start waiting timer may be cleared, the customer waiting demo production may be interrupted, and the display of the image display device 5 may be switched to variable display of the decoration symbols.

[0257] (Production control process) FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S76 of FIG. 16 as the production control process. In the production control process shown in FIG. 17, the production control CPU 120 first executes a reserved display update process of updating the reserved display (first reserved display 002SG101 or second reserved display 002SG102) in the special figure reserved memory display area 5U of the image display device 5 to a display according to the stored content of the start winning reception command buffer 002SG194A and performing a shift display or the like to be described later (step S161). After executing the reserved display update process, depending on the value of the production process flag provided in, for example, the RAM 122, any one of the processes of steps S170 to S175 described below is selected and executed.

[0258] Also, in step S161, together with the above-mentioned hold display update process, a pre-reading notice setting process may be executed, in which determinations, decisions, settings, etc. are made to execute a pre-reading notice effect (for example, an effect that changes the display color of the hold display, etc.) based on the effect control command at the start winning transmitted from the main board 11.

[0259] The variable display start waiting process in step S170 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is "0" (initial value). This variable display start waiting process includes a process of determining whether to start the variable display of the decorative pattern in the image display device 5 based on whether a command or the like designating 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 effect process flag is updated to "1" and the variable display start waiting process ends.

[0260] The variable display start setting process in step S171 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is "1". In this variable display start setting process, based on the display result and variation pattern specified by the effect 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 presence or absence, mode, and execution start timing of various effects such as reach effects and various notice effects are determined. Then, an effect control pattern (a collection of control data for instructing the execution of effects to the display control unit 123) reflecting the determination result, etc. is set. After that, based on the set effect 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 effect 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.

[0261] 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, by instructing the display control unit 123, causes an image display device 5 to display a performance image based on the performance control pattern set in step S171 on the display screen, drives the moving bodies 32A and 32B, outputs sound and sound effects from the speakers 8L and 8R by outputting a command (sound effect signal) to the sound control board 13, and turns on / off / blinks the game effect lamp 9 and the decorative LED by outputting a command (decoration signal) to the lamp control board 14, and executes various performance controls during the variable display of the decorative symbol. After performing such performance control, for example, in response to the fact that an end code indicating the end of the variable display of the decorative symbol is read from the performance control pattern, or a command for specifying to stop displaying the determined decorative symbol is received from the main board 11, etc., the determined decorative symbol that is the display result of the decorative symbol is stopped from being displayed. When the determined decorative symbol is stopped from being displayed, the value of the performance process flag is updated to "3", and the variable display performance process ends.

[0262] The special symbol hit waiting process in step S173 is a process executed when the value of the performance process flag is "3". In this special symbol hit waiting process, the performance control CPU 120 determines whether a performance control command for specifying the start of the big win gaming state is received from the main board 11. And when a performance control command for specifying the start of the big win gaming state is received, the value of the performance process flag is updated to "4". Also, when the reception waiting time for the command elapses without receiving the command for specifying the start of the big win gaming state, it is determined that the display result in the special symbol game is "miss", 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 special symbol hit waiting process ends.

[0263] The jackpot winning performance process in step S174 is a process executed when the value of the performance process flag is "4". In this jackpot winning performance process, the performance control CPU 120 sets, for example, a performance control pattern corresponding to the performance content in the jackpot gaming state, and executes various performance controls in the jackpot gaming state based on the set content. Also, in the jackpot winning performance process, for example, in response to receiving a command to end the jackpot gaming state from the main board 11, the value of the performance process flag is updated to "5", which is a value corresponding to the ending performance process, and the jackpot winning performance process is ended.

[0264] The ending performance process in step S175 is a process executed when the value of the performance process flag is "5". In this ending performance process, the performance control CPU 120 sets, for example, a performance control pattern corresponding to the end of the jackpot gaming state, and executes various performance controls of the ending performance at the end of the jackpot gaming state based on the set content. Then, the value of the performance process flag is updated to the initial value "0", and the ending performance process is ended.

[0265] (Variable display start setting process) Next, the operation of the performance control CPU 120 will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the variable display start setting process (step S171) in the performance control process shown in FIG. 17. In the variable display start setting process, the performance control CPU 120 first determines whether the first variable display start command reception flag is in an on state (step 002SGS271). When the first variable display start command reception flag is in an on state (step 002SGS271; Y), for example, various command data and various flags stored in association with the buffer numbers "1-0" to "1-4" of the first special symbol hold memory in the start winning reception command buffer are shifted upward by one buffer number each (step 002SGS272). Note that the content of the buffer number "1-0" cannot be shifted because there is no destination for shifting, so it is deleted.

[0266] Also, if the first variable display start command reception flag is off in step 002SGS271 (step 002SGS271; N), it is determined whether the second variable display start command reception flag is on (step 002SGS273). If the second variable display start command reception flag is off (step 002SGS273; N), the variable display start setting process is terminated. If the second variable display start command reception flag is on (step 002SGS273; Y), for example, various command data and various flags stored in association with the buffer numbers "2-0" to "2-4" of the second special figure reservation memory in the start winning reception command buffer are shifted upward one buffer number at a time (step 002SGS274). Note that the content of the buffer number "2-0" cannot be shifted because there is no destination for shifting, so it is deleted.

[0267] After the execution of step 002SGS272 or step 002SGS274, the effect control CPU 120 reads the variable pattern designation command from the variable pattern designation command storage area (step 002SGS275).

[0268] Next, the display result (stop symbol) of the decoration symbol is determined according to the data stored in the display result designation command storage area (i.e., the received display result designation command) and the variable pattern (step 002SGS276). In this case, the effect control CPU 120 determines the stop symbol of the decoration symbol corresponding to the display result specified by the display result designation command, and stores the data indicating the determined stop symbol of the decoration symbol in the decoration symbol display result storage area.

[0269] Still, in the present embodiment, when the received variable display result specification command is a second variable display result specification command corresponding to a certain big win A, the effect control CPU 120 determines, for example, a combination of decorative symbols (big win symbols) in which three symbols are aligned as "7" as the stop symbols. Further, when the received variable display result specification command is a third variable display result specification command to a fourth variable display result specification command corresponding to a certain big win B to a certain big win C, it is determined from a plurality of combinations of odd symbols other than "7" (for example, combinations of decorative symbols such as "111", "333", "555", "999") as the stop symbols. Further, when the received variable display result specification command is a fifth variable display result specification command corresponding to a non-certain big win, the effect control CPU 120 determines, for example, a combination of decorative symbols in which three symbols are aligned with even numbers as the stop symbols.

[0270] Still, when the received variable display result specification command is a fifth variable display result specification command corresponding to a no...

Claims

【Claim 1】 A gaming machine capable of variably displaying identification information and controllable to an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player, capable of executing a predetermined effect suggesting that it is controlled to the advantageous state, wherein the predetermined effect is an effect of displaying a fracture precursor image and then displaying a fragment image corresponding to the fracture precursor image, able to display a special background image as a background image before the fragment image is displayed in the predetermined effect, as a background image after the fragment image is displayed in the predetermined effect, an image different from the special background image, including a first predetermined background image and a second predetermined background image suggesting that the degree of being controlled to the advantageous state is higher than that of the first predetermined background image, and able to display any one of the plurality of background images, able to display the object image of any one of the plurality of modes of the object image when the special background image is being displayed before the fragment image is displayed in the predetermined effect, able to suggest which of the plurality of background images will be displayed after the fragment image is displayed in the predetermined effect according to the mode of the object image, able to display a specific image on a layer higher than the layer on which the fragment image is displayed in the predetermined effect, the visibility of the fragment image being low during a previous period when the specific image is displayed, and the visibility of the fragment image being higher than that during the previous period during a later period after the previous period, in one effect mode, able to switch and display a plurality of types of specific background images including a first specific background image and a second specific background image, when switching the specific background image from the first specific background image to the second specific background image, able to execute a background fade-out display of gradually increasing the transparency of the first specific background image and a background fade-in display of gradually decreasing the transparency of the second specific background image, able to execute an identification information fade-out display of gradually increasing the transparency of the identification information when starting the variable display of the identification information, able to execute an identification information fade-in display of gradually decreasing the transparency of the identification information when ending the variable display of the identification information, able to execute the identification information fade-out display and the background fade-out display at a common time, able to execute the identification information fade-in display and the background fade-in display at a common time, The execution period of the background fade-out display is longer than that of the identification information fade-out display. The execution period of the background fade-in display is longer than that of the identification information fade-in display. The gaming machine is characterized by this.

Images