gaming machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of enhancing interest in a game while having multiple kinds of customization.SOLUTION: A game machine has a specific period in which operation pertaining to a change in contents of first customization can be invalid and operation pertaining to a change in contents of second customization can be valid, predetermined notification pertaining to operation can be executed and first notification can be executed when valid operation pertaining to a change in contents of second customization is performed, there are a first case in which the contents of the second customization are maintained and a second case in which the contents of the second customization are initialized when first notification is completed during the specific period, and operation pertaining to a change in contents of second customization is valid also during a period after completion of first notification during the specific period and predetermined notification based on the operation is executed in the first case, and operation pertaining to a change in contents of second customization is invalid, or operation pertaining to a change in contents of second customization is valid, and predetermined notification based on the operation is not executed during a period after completion of first notification at least during a specific notification in the second case.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Some gaming machines, such as pachinko machines and slot machines, are configured to be able to customize game presentations. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-036490 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such gaming machines, it is required that they have multiple types of customization in order to achieve more detailed customization, but when configured in this way, there is room for improvement in terms of increasing the enjoyment of the game.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and provides a gaming machine that can enhance gaming enjoyment while having multiple types of customization. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine in which the content of customization relating to game presentation can be changed based on an operation, the customization being classified into a first customization and a second customization, Special It has a fixed term, an operation related to changing the content of the first customization is invalid during the specific period, and an operation related to changing the content of the second customization is valid during at least a part of the specific period;When a valid operation related to a change in the content of the second customization is performed, a predetermined notification related to the operation can be executed, and a first notification can be executed. When the first notification ends in the specific period, there are a first time when the content of the second customization is maintained, and a second time when the content of the second customization is initialized. At the first time, the operation related to a change in the content of the second customization is valid even during a period after the end of the first notification within the specific period, and the predetermined notification based on the operation is executed. At the second time, at least during a period after the end of the first notification within the specific period, specified A gaming machine is provided in which, during a period, an operation related to changing the content of the second customization is invalid, or an operation related to changing the content of the second customization is valid and the specified notification based on the operation is not executed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a gaming machine is provided that can enhance gaming interest while having multiple types of customization. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a pattern display device disposed in the area II shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a bird's-eye view showing the operation buttons and their surroundings arranged in the area III shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a gaming board installed in the gaming machine. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the gaming machine. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the gaming machine. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the gaming machine. [Figure 8]Figure 8(a) is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table for determining whether a special symbol is a hit or not, Figure 8(b) is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table for drawing the stopping symbols used when a big hit is derived in the determination of whether a special symbol is a hit or not related to special symbol 1, Figure 8(c) is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table for drawing the stopping symbols used when a small hit is derived in the determination of whether a special symbol is a hit or not related to special symbol 2, and Figure 8(d) is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table for drawing the stopping symbols used when a big hit is derived in the determination of whether a special symbol is a hit or not related to special symbol 2. [Figure 9] Figure 9(a) is a diagram schematically showing a special chart variation pattern lottery table used in the pattern variation related to special chart 1 when in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, and Figure 9(b) is a diagram schematically showing a special chart variation pattern lottery table used when special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 1 when in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA. [Figure 10] Figure 10(a) is a diagram schematically showing a special chart variation pattern lottery table used in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 when the special chart variation pattern derivation state is PB, and Figure 10(b) is a diagram schematically showing a special chart variation pattern lottery table used when special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 when the special chart variation pattern derivation state is PB. [Figure 11] Figure 11(a) is a diagram schematically showing a special chart variation pattern lottery table used for pattern variations relating to special chart 2 when the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC is in effect, and Figure 11(b) is a diagram schematically showing a special chart variation pattern lottery table used when special chart variation pattern HNP is determined for pattern variations relating to special chart 2 when the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC is in effect. [Figure 12] FIG. 12(a) is a state transition diagram showing the transition of the special chart variation pattern derivation state, and FIG. 12(b) is a diagram showing the relationship between the average variation time for each special chart variation pattern derivation state. [Figure 13]Figure 13(a) is a table that summarizes the items that can be set in bulk customization for normal mode and their details, Figure 13(b) is a table that summarizes the items that can be set in bulk customization for challenge mode and their details, and Figure 13(c) is a table that summarizes the items that can be set in bulk customization for RUSH mode and their details. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a table summarizing the items that can be set in individual customization and their details. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the flow of content changes related to batch customization. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the flow of content change related to individual customization. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing the content of control relating to customization when the notification of left-handed hit is terminated due to detection of an out ball during the customization restriction period. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing the contents of control relating to customization when the left-hit notification ends due to the passage of time during the customization restriction period. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a timing chart showing the contents of control relating to customization when the right-hand hit notification is terminated due to detection of an out ball during the customization restriction period. [Figure 20] Figure 20(a) is a diagram showing the flow when an operation is performed on a movable decorative body 22 while changing the content related to bulk customization, and the customization is initialized, and Figure 20(b) is a diagram showing the flow when an operation is performed on a movable decorative body 22 while changing the content related to individual customization, and the customization is initialized. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted where appropriate. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the terms "front," "rear," "left," "right," "upper," and "lower" refer to the gaming machine 10 as viewed from the front side (player side) as shown in FIG. 1. In the following explanation, "advantage (degree of advantage)" refers to an advantage for the player, and further, unless otherwise specified, refers to an advantage in terms of the amount of prize balls (gaming media) obtained (including not only the payout of gaming balls but also the payout of medals), excluding aspects of presentation such as so-called premium images.

[0010] <Features of the present invention> Before describing the details of the gaming machine 10 in this embodiment, the features of the invention (present invention) described in this embodiment will be described. In addition, when explaining the features, the configuration in parentheses is an example of the configuration of this embodiment corresponding to the immediately preceding configuration, and the configuration may be described in parentheses for the same purpose in the explanation of the gaming machine 10 that follows this explanation.

[0011] The present invention provides A gaming machine in which customization content related to game performance can be changed based on operation, The above customization includes primary customization (bulk customization) and secondary customization (individual customization). a specific period (customization restriction period) during which an operation related to a change in the content of the first customization (an operation on the left cursor button 38c or the right cursor button 38d) is invalid and an operation related to a change in the content of the second customization (an operation on the up cursor button 38a or the down cursor button 38b) is valid; When a valid operation related to a change in the content of the second customization is performed, a predetermined notification related to the operation (individual customization image kkg) may be executed, The first notification (left hit notification) can be executed, When the first notification ends in the specific period, there is a first time when the content of the second customization is maintained, and a second time when the content of the second customization is initialized, In the first case, the operation related to the change of the content of the second customization is valid even during a period after the end of the first notification within the specific period, and the predetermined notification based on the operation is executed, At the second time, at least during the period after the end of the first notification within the specific period, The operation related to the change of the second customization content is invalid. Or, the operation related to the change of the content of the second customization is valid, and the predetermined notification based on the operation is not executed. This is a gaming machine characterized by the above.

[0012] According to the present invention, if the content of the second customization is maintained upon the end of the first notification during the specific period, the operation related to the second customization remains valid for the remainder of the specific period, and the predetermined notification is displayed upon the operation, thereby enabling a smooth change of the content of the second customization after the end of the first notification, but if the second customization is initialized upon the end of the first notification during the specific period, the operation related to the second customization becomes invalid for the remainder of the specific period, thereby preventing an inaccurate change of the content of the second customization. These contribute to increasing the enjoyment of the game.

[0013] It should be noted that the first customization and the second customization are not limited to customizing the reliability of the effect or customizing whether or not the target effect is executed, as in the present embodiment described below, but may also be customizing the presentation style of the target effect without changing the reliability of the effect (for example, changing the subject who speaks the lines or changing the color of the image).

[0014] Furthermore, when initializing the second customization, it is not necessary to refer to whether the content of the second customization has been changed or the current game state, and the second customization may be initialized uniformly, including a state in which the content of the second customization has not been changed (default state). This also applies to the initialization of the first customization, which will be described later.

[0015] Furthermore, the gaming machine according to this embodiment, which will be described later, is a pachinko machine that pays out actual gaming balls as prize balls, but the gaming machine according to the present invention may also be a pachinko machine that provides prize balls as electronic data (so-called smart pachinko). Furthermore, the gaming machine of the present invention may be a conventional slot machine that uses a predetermined number of medals to perform pattern changes that cause multiple reels to spin, and pays out medals based on the results of the pattern changes (the stopping patterns of the multiple reels), or it may be a slot machine (so-called smart slot) that pays out all medals as electronic data.

[0016] The gaming machine 10 having the above-mentioned features will be specifically described based on the following embodiment.

[0017] <Structure of the gaming machine 10> First, the structure of the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. Figure 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 10, Figure 2 is a diagram showing a pattern display device 90 arranged in area II shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a bird's-eye view showing a group of operation buttons arranged in area III shown in Figure 1 and their surroundings, Figure 4 is a diagram showing a gaming board 50 installed within the gaming machine 10, and Figure 5 is a rear view of the gaming machine 10. 1 to 5 are merely those necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, and configurations and functions not shown here may be added to the gaming machine 10. Furthermore, the gaming machine 10 does not necessarily have to include all of the configurations shown here, and some configurations or functions may be omitted as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired.

[0018] The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is a so-called pachinko machine, in which gaming balls are shot into a front area (hereinafter referred to as "gaming area 50a") of a gaming board 50 on which a large number of gaming nails (not shown) are erected, and a prize ball is obtained when the gaming ball enters a prize opening (for example, a big prize opening 55, etc.). In the following description, the entry of a gaming ball into a prize opening may be simply expressed as "entering (a prize opening)."

[0019] The gaming machine 10 comprises a rectangular outer frame 15 that opens at the front and rear, a middle frame 17 that detachably holds a gaming board 50 on the front side of the opening of the outer frame 15, and a front frame 20 that is configured to cover the front side of the gaming board 50.

[0020] The middle frame 17 is supported so as to be rotatable about its left end by a hinge mechanism (not shown) on the same side as the hinge mechanism 21, and can be opened and closed in front of the outer frame 15. The middle frame 17 can be locked and unlocked by a cylinder lock 23 (by inserting a door key into the cylinder lock 23 and turning the door key in the direction opposite to the unlocking direction of the front frame 20 (to the right in this embodiment)).

[0021] The front frame 20 is supported by a hinge mechanism 21 so as to be rotatable around its left end, and can be opened and closed relative to the middle frame 17. The front frame 20 can be locked and unlocked by a cylinder lock 23 (by inserting a door key into the cylinder lock 23 and turning the door key in the direction opposite to the unlocking direction of the middle frame 17 (left in this embodiment)). The front frame 20 also includes a transparent member 25 arranged to cover the play area 50a, and the transparent member 25 protects the play area 50a and the play board 50 from view. The front frame 20 also includes an upper ball tray 27 and a lower ball tray 29 for storing game balls, and the upper ball tray 27 and the lower ball tray 29 are spaced apart vertically and are integral with the front frame 20. In this embodiment, a full-tank detection sensor (not shown) for detecting when the lower ball tray 29 is full with discharged game balls is provided upstream of the lower discharge port 30 that discharges game balls into the lower ball tray 29. In addition, the front frame 20 is provided with an operating handle 31 on the right side of the lower ball tray 29, and by rotating the operating handle 31, the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 27 are launched toward the game area 50a.

[0022] 1 to 5, the middle frame 17 has a middle frame open door sensor 76 that detects whether the middle frame 17 is in an open state or a closed state relative to the outer frame 15, and a front frame open door sensor 77 that detects whether the front frame 20 is in an open state or a closed state relative to the middle frame 17. In this embodiment, both of these door open sensors are ON in the open state and OFF in the closed state. However, these door open sensors may also be configured to be OFF in the open state and ON in the closed state. This allows the gaming machine 10 to detect both the open / closed state of the middle frame 17 relative to the outer frame 15 and the open / closed state of the front frame 20 relative to the middle frame 17.

[0023] 3, a group of operation buttons operated by the player is disposed on the upper surface of the upper ball tray 27. This group of operation buttons includes a main operation unit 39 electrically connected to the main control board 100 (described later), which includes a ball loan button 39a and a return button 39b for accepting a prepaid card return operation. The operation unit electrically connected to the first sub-control board 200 (described later) includes an effect button 37 for accepting a player's operation to switch effects occurring during play or to obtain various information related to the gaming machine 10, and cursor buttons 38 (up cursor button 38a, down cursor button 38b, left cursor button 38c, right cursor button 38d, and center cursor button 38e) for instructing operations up, down, left, and right. Each operation unit is provided with a sensor for detecting the operation, and the connected control board detects the operation of each operation unit by a change in the detection state of the sensor. Furthermore, a movable decoration 22 operated by an actuator such as a motor (not shown) is provided on the side of the upper ball tray 27. The movable decoration 22 is configured to be able to accept the operation of the player, similar to the above-mentioned operation button group.

[0024] A ball ejection mechanism 36 is provided below the lower ball tray 29 to eject the game balls stored in the lower ball tray 29 downward. By operating this ball ejection mechanism 36, a bottom opening (not shown) formed on the bottom surface of the lower ball tray 29 opens, and the game balls fall naturally through the bottom opening and are ejected. Although not shown in the figure, the upper ball tray 27 is provided with a mechanism that, similar to the ball removal mechanism 36, can be operated to move the stored balls to the lower ball tray 29, and by operating both this mechanism and the ball removal mechanism 36, it is possible to discharge the stored balls.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 1, a pair of speakers 33 (33a, 33b) are disposed on the left and right sides of the upper frame portion 32 of the front frame 20. The upper frame portion 32 and the left and right side frame portions 34a, 34b of the front frame 20 are formed with light-transmitting covers, inside which are disposed frame lamps 35 (35a, 35b, 35c). The speaker 33 and the frame lamp 35 can emit sounds or turn on or off in conjunction with effects that occur during play, error notifications, and the like.

[0026] The effect display device 80 is composed of a main display unit 81 disposed approximately in the center of the game board 50, and a sub-display unit 82 disposed around the main display unit 81. The sub-display unit 82 further includes an upper sub-display unit 82a disposed above the main display unit 81, a left sub-display unit 82b disposed on the left side of the main display unit 81, and a right sub-display unit 82c disposed on the right side of the main display unit 81. Here, the main display unit 81 is a fixed liquid crystal display device, and the upper sub-display unit 82a, the left sub-display unit 82b, and the right sub-display unit 82c are movable liquid crystal display devices operated by actuators such as motors (not shown).

[0027] The main display unit 81 can display a changing display of a pattern row that is performed in conjunction with the changing display in the first special pattern display device 91 or the second special pattern display device 92 described below, and can also display various other effects. In the variable display of the symbol rows (decorative symbols) displayed on the main display unit 81, the displayed decorative symbols form three symbol rows. In this embodiment, the variable display direction of each symbol row is downward, but the direction is not particularly limited. For example, it may be upward, left / right, depthwise, or a combination of these (diagonal direction). Here, the depth direction refers to the virtual direction perceived by the player in a display mode that uses a method (for example, perspective) that makes the player perceive the pattern row as if it is changing from the back of the main display unit 81 to the front or vice versa, even though it is actually a flat changing display on the display screen of the main display unit 81. In addition, the decorative symbols in this embodiment include a "1 symbol" imitating the number "1," a "2 symbol" imitating the number "2," a "3 symbol" imitating the number "3," a "4 symbol" imitating the number "4," a "5 symbol" imitating the number "5," a "6 symbol" imitating the number "6," a "7 symbol" imitating the number "7," an "8 symbol" imitating the number "8," and a "9 symbol" imitating the number "9," and these symbols are provided in each symbol row. In the following description, the "1 symbol," "3 symbol," "5 symbol," "7 symbol," and "9 symbol" may be collectively referred to as "odd number symbols," and the "2 symbol," "4 symbol," "6 symbol," and "8 symbol" may be collectively referred to as "even number symbols."

[0028] Each of the sub-display units 82 is not only provided to mainly display effect images related to the effects, but is also configured to be movable. The initial positions of the upper sub-display unit 82a are on the upper side relative to the main display unit 81, the left sub-display unit 82b are on the left side relative to the main display unit 81, and the right sub-display unit 82c are on the right side relative to the main display unit 81, and each of the sub-display units 82 is configured to be movable from these initial positions to a position where the entire display area of ​​the sub-display unit 82 overlaps the display area of ​​the main display unit 81. However, even when the sub-display units 82 (particularly the left sub-display unit 82b and right sub-display unit 82c) are in the initial positions shown in FIG. 4, the upper half of the display area is visible to the player.

[0029] In addition, the performance display device 80 in this embodiment (main display unit 81, upper sub-display unit 82a, left sub-display unit 82b, right sub-display unit 82c) has a lenticular lens arranged on its surface, and is configured to realize naked-eye stereoscopic viewing using the lenticular method. This allows part of the image displayed on the performance display device 80 to be displayed as a 3D image or a 2D image.

[0030] A plurality of light emitting diodes (hereinafter referred to as "LEDs") are arranged on the lower right side of the main display unit 81, and these LEDs form the display area of ​​the pattern display device 90, which displays special patterns and normal patterns. In addition, the symbol display device 90 is disposed in a position that is more difficult for the player to see than the main display unit 81, and the display area of ​​the symbol display device 90 is smaller than the display area of ​​the main display unit 81. In addition, the arrangement and number of LEDs for the pattern display device 90 in this embodiment are as shown in Figure 2, but this is just one example, and the arrangement and number of LEDs for the pattern display device 90 are not limited to this example.

[0031] The special symbols are symbols that are stopped and displayed as a result of a symbol change that determines whether or not to activate a special electric device (for example, special electric device 65). The special symbols in this embodiment include a first special symbol displayed on first special symbol display device 91 and a second special symbol displayed on second special symbol display device 92. The special design may be abbreviated as "Special Design", the first special design as "Special Design 1", and the second special design as "Special Design 2".

[0032] The normal symbol is a symbol that is stopped and displayed as a result of a symbol change that determines whether or not to activate a normal electric device (for example, normal electric device 61). The normal symbol in this embodiment is displayed on the normal symbol display device 93. In addition, normal patterns are sometimes abbreviated as "Fuzu", and normal electric devices are sometimes called "Denchu".

[0033] In addition to the above-mentioned display devices, the symbol display device 90 is provided with a first special symbol reservation lamp 94, a second special symbol reservation lamp 95, and a normal symbol reservation lamp 96. The first special pattern reserve lamp 94 makes it possible to identify the number of pattern variations of reserved special pattern 1, the second special pattern reserve lamp 95 makes it possible to identify the number of pattern variations of reserved special pattern 2, and the normal pattern reserve lamp 96 makes it possible to identify the number of pattern variations of reserved normal patterns, and all of them make it possible to identify the number of corresponding pattern variations by the lighting state of the two LEDs (in this embodiment, right always lit only = 1, left and right always lit = 2, right flashing + left always lit = 3, left and right flashing = 4).

[0034] In the following explanation, the pattern change in which the special pattern is displayed in a variable manner on the first special pattern display device 91 or the second special pattern display device 92 and then the special pattern is displayed in a stationary manner will be referred to as the "pattern change of the special pattern," and in the following explanation, the pattern change in which the normal pattern is displayed in a stationary manner on the normal pattern display device 93 and then the normal pattern is displayed in a variable manner will be referred to as the "pattern change of the normal pattern." In addition, in the following explanation, the display of the change in the pattern sequence (decorative pattern) displayed on the main display unit 81 described above may be referred to as "pattern change of decorative pattern" to distinguish it from "pattern change of special pattern" and "pattern change of normal pattern." In the following explanation, when simply referring to "pattern change," it means the pattern change of the special design unless otherwise specified.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, obstacles such as numerous game pegs (not shown), windmills 52, and decorative elements are placed on the front of the game board 50, thereby defining a game area 50a in which the game balls that are shot out roll. Additionally, curved outer rail 51 and inner rail 53 are arranged on the left and upper sides of play area 50a to guide game balls launched by rotating operating handle 31 to the top of play area 50a. Outer rail 51 is located outside inner rail 53 with respect to the center of play area 50a. Here, windmill 52 is a nail-shaped mechanism for changing the direction in which game balls fall.

[0036] The gaming machine 10 is capable of varying the strength of the game ball's launch depending on the amount of rotation (e.g., rotation angle) of the operating handle 31, and various obstacles are arranged in the gaming area 50a to make the game ball roll along either the first flow path X (so-called left-hand hit), in which a game ball that is launched more weakly rolls, or the second flow path Y (so-called right-hand hit), in which a game ball that is launched more strongly rolls.

[0037] Figure 4 shows the main prize winning openings as the large prize winning opening 55, the first starting opening 57, the second starting opening 59, the gate 63, and the general prize winning opening 67, but the prize winning openings shown are examples, and their number and arrangement may be changed as appropriate.

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

[0039] A special electric device 65 is disposed above the large prize opening 55. The special electric device 65 is a member that can be switched between an open state, which makes it easy to win a prize in the large prize opening 55, and a closed state, which makes it difficult to win a prize, and is switched to either the open state or the closed state by a special electric device solenoid 66. More specifically, the special electric device 65 is in an open state during a portion of a jackpot game that starts when a jackpot is determined by the special symbol hit determination described below, or during a portion of a small jackpot game that starts when a small jackpot is determined by the special symbol hit determination, and thus entry into the large prize winning slot 55 is permitted. In this way, when the special electric device 65 is in an open state, entry into the large prize winning slot 55 becomes easier, so it can be said that jackpot games and small jackpot games, in which the chances of winning prize balls are significantly increased, are in an advantageous gaming state. Also, as will be described in detail later, the small jackpot game in this embodiment can give rise to a jackpot game. In a jackpot game, the special electric device 65 is alternately set to an open state and a closed state, and one open state (sometimes referred to as a "round game," and the total number of round games that occur in one jackpot may be referred to as the "number of rounds") ends when a predetermined number (10 in this embodiment) of game balls have entered the large prize opening 55, and the special electric device 65 enters a closed state. Furthermore, one open state in a jackpot game also ends when a sufficient time (30 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed for the predetermined number of game balls to enter the large prize opening 55. On the other hand, in the small win game, the game ends when the special electric device 65 is in an open state for 1.8 seconds or when 10 game balls enter the large prize opening 55. Therefore, in the small win game, it is more difficult for game balls to enter the large prize opening 55 than in the large win game.

[0040] The first starting hole 57 is located at the bottom center of the game area 50a. A first starting hole sensor 70 is attached to the first starting hole 57, and the detection result of the first starting hole sensor 70 determines whether a ball has entered the first starting hole 57, and the number of prize balls associated with the first starting hole 57 (4 in this embodiment) is awarded. In at least some cases where a ball has entered the first starting hole 57, the pattern of special image 1 is changed. In addition, in the game area 50a of this embodiment, obstacles such as game nails are arranged so that more game balls roll toward the first starting hole 57 when rolling from the first flow path X than when rolling from the second flow path Y.

[0041] The second starting hole 59 is located in the lower right of the play area 50a. A second starting hole sensor 71 is attached to the second starting hole 59, and the detection result of the second starting hole sensor 71 determines whether a ball has entered the second starting hole 59, and the number of prize balls associated with the second starting hole 59 (1 in this embodiment) is awarded. In at least some cases where a winning entry into the second starting port 59 is determined, the pattern of special chart 2 will change. In addition, in the game area 50a of this embodiment, obstacles such as game nails are arranged so that more game balls roll toward the second starting hole 59 when rolling from the second flow path Y than when rolling from the first flow path X.

[0042] A normal electric device 61 is disposed in the flow path connected to the second starting port 59. The normal electric device 61 is a member that can be switched between an open state, which makes it easy for a game ball to enter the second starting port 59, and a closed state, which makes it difficult for the ball to enter, and is switched to either the open state or the closed state by a normal electric device solenoid 62. More specifically, the normal electric device 61 opens when the result of the normal winning / losing judgment described later is a normal winning (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as a "normal winning"), and thus entry into the second starting hole 59 is permitted. In this way, when the normal electric device 61 is in the open state, entry into the second starting hole 59 is possible, so that the chances of the special symbol 2 symbol variation being executed can be greatly increased while suppressing the decrease in game balls due to the prize balls.

[0043] Gate 63 is located in the center right of game area 50a. Gate 63 is equipped with a gate sensor 74, and the detection result of gate sensor 74 determines whether or not a win has been made at gate 63. In at least some cases where a win has been made at gate 63, the normal symbol pattern will change. In this embodiment, the gate 63 can be a trigger for starting a jackpot game in a jackpot game standby state, which will be described later. Specifically, when the entry (passage) of a game ball into the gate 63 is detected in the jackpot game state, the standby jackpot game is started. Note that, a game ball passage area that triggers the start of a jackpot game may be provided separately from the gate 63, but it is preferable that the passage area be provided on the second flow path Y, similar to the gate 63.

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

[0045] The outlet 69 is located at the bottom of the game area 50a. A game ball that is shot into the game area 50a and does not enter any of the winning holes falls into the outlet 69 and is treated as an out ball. In this embodiment, an out ball sensor 75 is provided for detecting out balls, which are game balls that enter the winning hole and the out hole 69.

[0046] In addition to the sensors mentioned above, the game board 50 is also provided with a magnetic detection sensor for detecting magnetism and a radio wave detection sensor for detecting radio waves (both not shown) to prevent fraudulent acts such as receiving prize balls illegally.

[0047] As shown in Figure 5, the back of the game board 50 is equipped with a main control board case 109 housing the main control board 100, a first sub-control board case 209 housing the first sub-control board 200, a second sub-control board case 309 housing the second sub-control board 300, a power supply control board case 509 housing the power supply control board 500, and a payout control board case 409 housing the payout control board 400, and in addition to the back of the first sub-control board case 209 and the second sub-control board case 309, an open / close cover 45 covering part of the back of the main control board case 109 is attached in a removable manner. The main control board 100 is provided with a RAM clear switch 43. The substrate cases and covers that encase each substrate are made of transparent materials, and the corresponding substrates can be seen through each case and cover.

[0048] Additionally, on the back of the gaming board 50, above the opening / closing cover 45, there is disposed a gaming ball tank 46 for storing gaming balls supplied from the ball supply equipment of the gaming island. The gaming ball tank 46 is further connected to a payout passage 49 leading to the upper ball tray 27 via a tank rail 47 and a payout unit 48, and the balls paid out by the payout unit 48 are paid out through the payout passage 49 to the upper ball tray 27.

[0049] So far, the structure of the gaming machine 10 in this embodiment has been described, but this is only one specific example, and the present invention can also be implemented with other configurations.

[0050] <Regarding the control configuration of the gaming machine 10> Next, a control configuration of the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the gaming machine 10. Note that the control configuration shown in Fig. 6 is necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment, and the gaming machine 10 may also have a control configuration not shown in Fig. 6.

[0051] The main control board 100 is equipped with a CPU 101 that performs various calculations related to the game, a ROM 102 that stores data such as control programs and various lottery tables, a RAM 103 that functions as a work area and buffer memory that serves as a temporary storage area, an I / O port 104 that inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and each device, and a random number circuit 105 that operates in a system separate from the program processing by the CPU 101 and generates random numbers (hard random numbers), and these are connected to each other via an internal bus.

[0052] The CPU 101 reads out various control programs stored in the ROM 102 and performs arithmetic processing to execute various processes related to the main control of the game. The RAM 103 is backed up by a backup power source generated by a backup power circuit 502 (described later). Specifically, the RAM 103 is configured to back up various information that allows the gaming machine 10 to return to the state it was in immediately before the power outage when power is restored (when power is turned on) after a power outage. For example, in addition to data such as a stack pointer and various registers held at the time of the power outage, information related to gameplay, such as the state of the gaming machine 10 at the time (game stopped or playable) and the current normal symbol lottery status, is backed up. This information is cleared (initialized) by a RAM clear process. Therefore, after the RAM is cleared, a new special symbol variation pattern derivation state PA (low normal symbol probability, described later) is set. Furthermore, when a RAM clear process is executed, the symbol string related to the decorative symbol is in a state in which the initial symbol combination is frozen. This state is also maintained if the RAM clear process was not executed when power was turned on and the symbol variation was not in progress at the time of the previous power outage. Furthermore, this initial symbol combination is displayed in a static state only when the power is turned on, and is not displayed in a static state when the symbol variation is performed.

[0053] In this embodiment, at least an area in which such information related to the game is stored (sometimes referred to as the game-related area of ​​RAM 103) is backed up, as well as an area in which the complement of a checksum and a backup flag related to the game-related area of ​​RAM 103 are stored (sometimes referred to as the game-related backup information area of ​​RAM 103). Then, when power is restored, the gaming machine 10 recovers using the various pieces of information stored in the backed-up game-related area of ​​RAM 103 and the game-related backup information area of ​​RAM 103. Note that the specific method of backup in this embodiment is not limited in any way. For example, the area of ​​RAM 103 to be backed up may be configured to be able to retain data in a non-volatile manner even in a power outage. As another example, within RAM 103, different hardware may be provided for a first memory configured to retain data in a non-volatile manner even in a power outage and a second memory referenced during operation of the gaming machine 10. In this case, the gaming machine 10 may save the information to be backed up from the second memory to the first memory when power is lost, and then recover the saved information from the first memory to the second memory when power is restored.

[0054] Furthermore, the main control board 100 is electrically connected to the first start gate sensor 70, the second start gate sensor 71, the special prize gate sensor 72, the general prize gate sensor 73, the gate sensor 74, the out ball sensor 75, the middle frame open door sensor 76, the front frame open door sensor 77, etc., and is configured to be able to input detection signals from these sensors to the CPU 101 via the I / O port 104. Although not shown in the figure, in addition to these sensors, the main control board 100 is also electrically connected to a full tank detection sensor, a magnetic detection sensor, and a radio wave detection sensor, and is configured to be able to input detection signals from these sensors to the CPU 101 via the I / O port 104.

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

[0056] The main control board 100 and the first sub-control board 200 are connected by eight parallel signal lines and one strobe line, and are connected so that communication is possible in only one direction, from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200, and various performance control commands are sent from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200. Furthermore, the first sub-control board 200 is configured so that data cannot be transmitted from the main control board 100, and the first sub-control board 200 is configured so that it cannot request the main control board 100 to transmit data. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a parallel transmission method is used for transmitting data from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200, but a serial transmission method may also be used.

[0057] The first sub-control board 200 comprises a CPU 201 that performs various arithmetic processing related to game presentation based on presentation control commands from the main control board 100, a ROM 202 that stores data such as presentation control programs and various lottery tables, a RAM 203 that functions as a work area or buffer memory that serves as a temporary storage area, and an I / O port 204 that inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and each device, and these are connected to each other via an internal bus, and the CPU 201 is configured to execute main control related to game presentation in accordance with the control program stored in ROM 202. In addition, the first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to the performance button 37, cursor button 38, and movable decorative body 22, and is configured to be able to detect operation of the operating parts.

[0058] In addition, the first sub-control board 200 generates, through performance control processing based on performance control commands from the main control board 100, image control commands that instruct the image to be displayed on the second sub-control board 300, audio control commands that instruct the audio to be output to the audio control board 310, lamp control data for controlling the lighting of various lamps such as the frame lamp 35, and movement control data for controlling the movement of the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82, etc. Here, the first sub-control board 200 is connected to the second sub-control board 300 and the audio control board 310 to enable two-way communication, and each control command (image control command, audio control command) is sent from the first sub-control board 200 to the second sub-control board 300 or the audio control board 310, while in response, a response command (ACK command) indicating that the control command was successfully received is sent from each control board (second sub-control board 300, audio control board 310) to the first sub-control board 200.

[0059] The first sub-control board 200 is also electrically connected to the frame lamp 35, and transmits lamp control data via the I / O port 204. The frame lamp 35 is configured so that its illumination is controlled by the lamp control data transmitted from the first sub-control board 200. Furthermore, the first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82, and transmits movement control data via the I / O port 204. The movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82 are configured so that their movement is controlled by the movement control data transmitted from the first sub-control board 200.

[0060] The second sub-control board 300, although not shown in the figure, is equipped with a CPU that performs various arithmetic processing related to image presentation based on image control commands from the first sub-control board 200, a ROM that stores image control programs and various data, etc., a RAM that functions as a work area and buffer memory that serves as a temporary storage area, and an I / O port that inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and each device, and is configured so that the CPU executes main controls related to image presentation in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM (all not shown in the figure). Furthermore, the second sub-control board 300 is equipped with a VDP that generates image data according to the content of the effect determined by the effect content determination means 225 (described later) based on a control signal received from the CPU, and a sound source IC that generates sound data according to the content of the effect based on a control signal received from the CPU. The VDP is a so-called image processor that reads image data stored in an image ROM in response to instructions from the CPU, processes the image data, and sends the generated image data to the main display unit 81 and the sub-display unit 82. Also connected to this VDP is a high-speed VRAM that is used to expand and process the image data read from the image ROM.

[0061] The audio control board 310 is equipped with a CPU 311 that performs various arithmetic processing related to audio performance based on audio control commands from the first sub-control board 200, a ROM 312 that stores audio control programs, audio data, etc., a RAM 313 that functions as a work area or buffer memory that serves as a temporary storage area, and an I / O port 314 that inputs and outputs signals to and from peripheral boards and each device, and is configured so that the CPU 311 executes main control related to audio performance in accordance with the control program stored in ROM 312. Therefore, the audio control board 310 reads audio data stored in ROM 312 in accordance with audio control commands received from the first sub-control board 200, synthesizes the read audio data, and transmits the final synthesized audio data to the speaker 33 via an amplifier, causing the speaker 33 to output audio.

[0062] The dispensing control board 400 is mainly composed of a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (all not shown). In addition, the payout control board 400 is connected to the main control board 100 so as to be able to communicate in both directions, and performs control to drive the payout unit 48 to pay out game balls based on a payout control command from the main control board 100, and also controls the launch of game balls by synchronously driving the ball feeding mechanism and the launching mechanism based on the amount of operation of the operating handle 31.

[0063] The power supply control board 500 is composed of a normal power supply circuit 501 that generates normal power to be supplied to electronic and electrical components such as the control board mentioned above based on the primary power supply supplied from the power supply equipment of the game island, a backup power supply circuit 502 that generates backup power, and a power interruption detection circuit 503 that detects power interruption (when the voltage supplied by the normal power supply drops to a specified voltage). In addition, a power switch 40 is connected to the power supply control board 500, and assuming that primary power is supplied from the amusement island's power supply equipment, when the power switch 40 is turned ON, normal power is generated in the normal power supply circuit 501 of the power supply control board 500, and power is supplied to electronic and electrical components including the above-mentioned control boards (main control board 100, first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300, and payout control board 400). In addition, when a power interruption detection circuit 503 detects a power interruption, the power supply control board 500 transmits a power interruption signal (NMI signal) to each of the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the dispensing control board 400. In addition, the backup power supply circuit 502 is configured to be charged when power is supplied to the gaming machine 10 from the power supply equipment of the gaming island. In addition, the backup power supply circuit 502 may be provided on the dispensing control board 400, and the power interruption detection circuit 503 may not be provided on the power supply control board 500, but may be provided on each of the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the dispensing control board 400.

[0064] <Functional Configuration of Gaming Machine 10> Next, the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10. Note that the functional configuration shown in Fig. 7 is necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, and the gaming machine 10 may also have functional configurations that are not shown in Fig. 7. Furthermore, when explaining the functional configuration, Figs. 8 to 12 will be referenced as necessary.

[0065] As shown in Figure 7, the main control board 100 is equipped with a ball entry determination means 110, a main random number generation means 115, a main hold control means 120, a pre-determination means 125, a special symbol lottery means 130, a normal symbol lottery means 135, a jackpot game control means 140, a pattern display control means 145, an electric device control means 150, a game status control means 155, a main information storage means 160, a main error control means 165, a main command management means 170, a power restoration processing execution means 175, and a power outage processing execution means 180. These means are functional representations of what is realized by each control configuration on the main control board 100 described using Figure 6.

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

[0067] The ball entry determination means 110 determines whether a ball has entered each winning hole based on the detection results of the sensors provided at each winning hole. In addition, when the ball entry determination means 110 determines that a game ball has entered a prize hole using a sensor installed in the prize hole, such as the large prize hole sensor 72, it generates a presentation control command (prize entry command) that includes information that can identify the type of sensor related to the prize, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160.

[0068] The main random number generating means 115 can generate multiple types of random numbers with different update ranges depending on the random number circuit 105, and when a win is determined to have been made at a winning slot, it acquires (latches) one or more random numbers corresponding to that winning slot from the random number circuit 105. More specifically, when it is determined that a prize has been won at the first start gate 57 or the second start gate 59, the main random number generating means 115 acquires a random number for determining whether a special symbol has been won, a random number for drawing a special symbol stop symbol pattern, and a random number for drawing a special symbol change pattern, which will be described later. When it is determined that a prize has been won at gate 63, the main random number generating means 115 stores the random number for determining whether a normal symbol has been won, a random number for drawing a normal symbol stop symbol pattern, and a random number for drawing a normal symbol change pattern, which will be described later, in the corresponding storage areas of the main information storage means 160. The random number circuit 105 monitors whether the multiple types of random numbers it updates are being updated normally, and if an update abnormality occurs in which the random numbers are not updated normally, information indicating the occurrence of the abnormality is written to a specific storage area of ​​the random number circuit 105. Therefore, the CPU 101 can recognize that an update abnormality has occurred in the random number circuit 105.

[0069] The main reserve control means 120 controls the reservation of the pattern variation of the special chart and the reservation of the pattern variation of the normal chart. Regarding the special chart 1, the random number for determining whether the special chart is a hit or not, the random number for drawing the special chart stop pattern, and the random number for drawing the special chart variation pattern, which are acquired upon winning the first starting port 57, are reserved (stored) as operation reservation information for the special chart 1. More specifically, the main hold control means 120 is provided with a hold counter (hereinafter referred to as the "special chart 1 hold counter") that is incremented by 1 each time the activation hold information of special chart 1 is held and decremented by 1 each time the activation hold information of special chart 1 is used (used in the lottery by the special chart lottery means 130), and stores the activation hold information in a storage area corresponding to the current special chart 1 hold counter of the main information storage means 160 until the value of the special chart 1 hold counter reaches an upper limit value (4 in this embodiment), and clears the used activation hold information each time the activation hold information is used, and controls the remaining activation hold information to be moved (shifted) from the current storage area to a storage area corresponding to a special chart 1 hold counter that is 1 less than the current special chart 1 hold counter, in order from the smallest special chart 1 hold counter. In addition, the main hold control means 120 performs the same control as described above for special drawing 2 and regular drawing separately from special drawing 1, and the hold counter for special drawing 2 is called the special drawing 2 hold counter, and the upper limit value of the special drawing 2 hold counter in this embodiment is 4. In addition, in the following explanation, "holding of operation hold information" may be expressed as "holding of pattern change" or simply as "holding." In addition, when the main hold control means 120 updates (adds or subtracts) the operation hold information (hold counter) of special chart 1 or special chart 2, it generates a performance control command (hold command) including the special chart 1 hold counter and the special chart 2 hold counter, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. In this embodiment, when both the activation pending information corresponding to special chart 1 and the activation pending information corresponding to special chart 2 are reserved, a priority variation is performed in which the activation pending information corresponding to special chart 2 is used preferentially. However, instead of this priority variation, a winning order variation in which the activation pending information is used in the order in which it is reserved, regardless of whether it corresponds to special chart 1 or special chart 2, or a simultaneous variation in which the activation pending information corresponding to special chart 1 and the activation pending information corresponding to special chart 2 are simultaneously used when both the activation pending information corresponding to special chart 1 and the activation pending information corresponding to special chart 2 are reserved may be adopted.

[0070] The advance judgment means 125 executes advance judgment for a pre-reading performance targeting the pending activation information in at least some cases where the pending activation information of a special chart is pending at a predetermined advance judgment timing. More specifically, the preliminary judgment means 125 reads out each random number of the operation pending information that has been reserved this time, and performs preliminary judgment for each of the special symbol hit / miss judgment, special symbol stop symbol lottery, and special symbol change pattern lottery, which will be described later. In each preliminary judgment, a lottery table (not shown) that is the same as or equivalent to the lottery table used in the lottery corresponding to each preliminary judgment is used. Therefore, the results of these preliminary judgments will be the same as the results of the lottery that will be executed later. Furthermore, the pre-determination means 125 generates a performance control command (pre-determination command) including the result of the derived pre-determination, and stores the command in a transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. The pre-determination command is transmitted (generated and stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160) at least part of the timing of the predetermined pre-determination, and therefore is transmitted following the above-mentioned hold command. Here, the predetermined timing of the pre-determination is, for example, the timing when the activation hold information of the special pattern is held. In this embodiment, if the activation hold information of special pattern 1 is held during the high probability of the normal pattern described below, the pre-determination is restricted, and therefore the transmission of the pre-determination command corresponding to that pre-determination is also restricted. On the other hand, if the activation hold information of special pattern 2 is held during the low probability of the normal pattern described below, the pre-determination may or may not be restricted.

[0071] The special chart lottery means 130 includes a special chart win / loss determination means 131, a special chart stop pattern lottery means 132, and a special chart change pattern derivation means 133, and executes processing by each means in the order of the special chart win / loss determination means 131, the special chart stop pattern lottery means 132, and the special chart change pattern derivation means 133. When the special chart change start condition is satisfied, the special chart lottery means 130 reads out the earliest activation pending information among the activation pending information reserved in the main information storage means 160. In addition, "the conditions for starting the change of the special chart are satisfied" means, for example, that all of the following conditions are satisfied: the player is not in the middle of a jackpot game, neither Special Chart 1 nor Special Chart 2 is currently changing the pattern (including when the pattern change related to Special Chart 1 or Special Chart 2 is stopped and displayed), and there is pending activation information on at least one of Special Chart 1 and Special Chart 2.

[0072] Here, FIGS. 8 to 11 are diagrams that schematically show lottery tables used in the main control board 100, and will be referred to as necessary in the following description. In a lottery using a lottery table, including other lottery tables, the lottery values ​​stored in the lottery table are sequentially added to the read random number in a predetermined order (if there is only one target lottery value, the addition is performed once), and the result corresponding to the lottery value that has generated a carry (overflow) is derived as the result of the lottery. Similarly, in the explanation of the lottery tables, names are given to the lottery tables for convenience of explanation. However, as long as the data, such as the lottery values, contained in the lottery table corresponding to the names are identifiable and stored in each ROM, these names do not specify the area in which the data is stored. In the illustrated lottery tables, items listed for convenience of explanation or lottery values ​​such as "-" or "0" are listed, but these do not necessarily indicate the data stored in each ROM. Furthermore, results with lottery values ​​of "-" or "0" will not result in a win. Furthermore, if the lottery table contains a lottery value identical to the random number range used in the lottery (the number of random numbers that can be obtained within that range), the result will be derived 100%, so a lottery is not necessarily required. Furthermore, if the total value of the lottery values ​​used in one lottery matches the random number range used in the lottery, a carry will always occur when adding the last lottery value, so the addition does not need to be performed, and in that case the lottery values ​​used in the addition themselves become unnecessary.

[0073] The special symbol hit / miss judgment means 131 reads out a random number for the special symbol hit / miss judgment for each symbol change, and executes a special symbol hit / miss judgment to judge by lottery whether the winning is a big hit, a small hit, or a miss, using the read-out random number and a lottery table for the special symbol hit / miss judgment. Figure 8(a) is a diagram showing a schematic drawing of a lottery table for determining whether a special drawing is a hit or a miss. The lottery table differs between special drawing 1 and special drawing 2, and the range of random numbers used in these determinations is 0 to 65535. Therefore, in determining whether a special drawing is a hit or a miss in special drawing 1, a big hit is derived with a probability of 205 / 65536 (approximately 1 / 320), and any other result is a miss, and no small hit is derived. On the other hand, in determining whether a special drawing is a hit or a miss in special drawing 2, a big hit is derived with a probability of 205 / 65536 (approximately 1 / 320), and a small hit is derived with a probability of 1820 / 65536 (approximately 1 / 36.0), and any other result is a miss. In this embodiment, as will be described later, a jackpot game can occur via a small jackpot, so the probability of a jackpot being derived in the special chart hit / miss determination is set to the single probability described above.

[0074] When the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment is a big hit or a small hit, the special chart stopping pattern lottery means 132 determines the special chart stopping pattern by lottery using a random number for special chart stopping pattern lottery (in this embodiment, in the range of 0 to 999) and a lottery table for special chart stopping pattern lottery. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8(b), which is a diagram that schematically illustrates the lottery table for lottery of stopping symbols used when a jackpot is derived in the judgment of whether the special symbol is a hit or miss related to special symbol 1, when a jackpot is derived in the judgment of whether the special symbol is a hit or miss related to special symbol 1, symbol A is determined as the stopping symbol with a probability of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10), and symbol B is determined with a probability of 900 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.11). Here, whether symbol A or symbol B is selected, the game will enter a normal high probability state after the jackpot game corresponding to these stopped symbols ends, as described below. However, the number of symbol changes during which the normal high probability state continues (hereinafter referred to as the "prescribed number of times related to normal high probability") will be 80 times after the jackpot game ends when symbol A is selected, and 40 times after the jackpot game ends when symbol B is selected. Also, the number of rounds of the jackpot game corresponding to symbol A is 10, while the number of rounds of the jackpot game corresponding to symbol B is 4. Therefore, it can be said that symbol A is more advantageous than symbol B in terms of both the number of rounds and the prescribed number of times related to normal high probability.

[0075] As shown in Figure 8(c), which is a diagram that schematically shows the lottery table for drawing the stopping pattern used when a small win is derived in the judgment of whether the special pattern is a hit or miss for special pattern 2, if a small win is derived in the judgment of whether the special pattern is a hit or miss for special pattern 2, pattern a will be determined as the stopping pattern with a probability of 700 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.43), and pattern b will be determined with a probability of 300 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33). Here, pattern a is a stopping pattern that causes the number of rounds of jackpot play that occurs in the small jackpot play related to that pattern to be 10, and after the jackpot play ends, the specified number of times for that high normal probability is 80. On the other hand, pattern b is a stopping pattern that causes the number of rounds of jackpot play that occurs in the small jackpot play related to that pattern to be 4, and after the jackpot play ends, the specified number of times for that high normal probability is 80. Therefore, it can be said that pattern a is more advantageous than pattern b in terms of the number of rounds. In addition, when a jackpot game occurs in a small hit game, the number of rounds in that jackpot game is the number calculated by counting that small hit game as one round. Furthermore, in the following explanation, a jackpot game that occurs in a small hit game related to symbol a will be referred to as a "jackpot game related to symbol a," and a jackpot game that occurs in a small hit game related to symbol b will be referred to as a "jackpot game related to symbol b."

[0076] As shown in Figure 8(d), which is a diagram schematically illustrating a lottery table for drawing the stopping symbols used when a jackpot is determined in the special symbol hit / miss judgment related to special symbol 2, when a jackpot is determined in the special symbol hit / miss judgment related to special symbol 2, symbol c is determined as the stopping symbol with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1). In particular, symbol c is a stopping symbol for which the number of rounds of the jackpot game corresponding to the stopping symbol is 10, and which becomes a normal symbol with high probability after the jackpot game ends, and the specified number of times for the normal symbol with high probability is 80.

[0077] In addition, the special chart stop pattern lottery means 132 determines pattern C as the stop pattern when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment for special chart 1 is a miss, and determines pattern d as the stop pattern when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment for special chart 2 is a miss.

[0078] In this way, in the above-described embodiment, the jackpot game that occurs in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 tends to be more advantageous than the jackpot game that occurs in the pattern variation related to special chart 1. Therefore, the transition from the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA to another special chart variation pattern derivation state, which will be described later, can further increase the interest in the game.

[0079] The special pattern variation pattern derivation means 133 has a plurality of types of special pattern variation pattern lottery tables to be referenced when determining the special pattern variation pattern, and selects one special pattern variation pattern lottery table for determining the current special pattern variation pattern based on the current special pattern variation pattern derivation state and the result of the current special pattern success / failure judgment, determines one special pattern variation pattern using the selected special pattern variation pattern lottery table and a random number for special pattern variation pattern lottery, and determines the variation time based on the determined special pattern variation pattern. Here, the variation time refers to the time from when the pattern variation related to the special pattern (special pattern 1 or special pattern 2) starts to when the pattern variation ends. Details of the transition conditions etc. will be described later, but in this embodiment, there are three special chart variation pattern derivation states: special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, special chart variation pattern derivation state PB, and special chart variation pattern derivation state PC. The above-mentioned method of determining the special chart variation pattern is adopted for the pattern variation of special chart 1 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, and for the pattern variation of special chart 2 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB and the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC. In addition, in the pattern variation related to the other special chart in each special chart variation pattern derivation state, a predetermined special chart variation pattern is determined depending on the result of the special chart success / failure judgment.

[0080] Figure 9(a) is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a special chart variation pattern lottery table used for the pattern variation related to special chart 1 during the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0 to 999. As shown in FIG. 9(a), in the pattern variation related to the special chart 1 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, special chart variation patterns HNP to ASP-C can be determined. Specifically, if the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern change related to special chart 1 during the special chart change pattern derivation state PA is a miss, the special chart change pattern HNP occurs with a probability of 900 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.11), the special chart change pattern HRP occurs with a probability of 52 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 19.2), the special chart change pattern HSP1-A occurs with a probability of 13 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 76.9), and the special chart change pattern HS occurs with a probability of 11 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 90.9). P1-B, special chart fluctuation pattern HSP2-A with a probability of 9 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 111), special chart fluctuation pattern HSP2-B with a probability of 7 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 143), special chart fluctuation pattern HSP3-A with a probability of 5 / 1000 (1 / 200), special chart fluctuation pattern HSP3-B with a probability of 3 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 333) are determined, and in this case, special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-A to special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-C are not determined. Details will be described later using Figure 9 (b), but when special chart fluctuation pattern HNP is determined, the special chart fluctuation pattern is further specified using the value of the special chart 1 pending counter at the start of this pattern fluctuation. On the other hand, if the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern fluctuation related to special chart 1 during the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PA is a jackpot, the probability of special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-A is 90 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 11.1), the probability of special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-B is 110 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 9.09), the probability of special chart fluctuation pattern ASP2-A is 135 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 7.41), the probability of special chart fluctuation pattern ASP2-B is 165 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6 Special chart fluctuation pattern ASP2-B is determined with a probability of 1 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 5.56), special chart fluctuation pattern ASP3-A with a probability of 180 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 5.56), special chart fluctuation pattern ASP3-B with a probability of 220 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 4.56), and special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-C with a probability of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10), and in such cases, special chart fluctuation pattern HNP to special chart fluctuation pattern HSP3-B will not be determined. In this way, in this embodiment, when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern fluctuation related to the special chart 1 in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PA is a miss, any one of the special chart fluctuation patterns HRP to HSP3-B is determined at a rate of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10), and the special chart fluctuation pattern HNP is determined at a rate of 900 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.11). Furthermore, when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern fluctuation related to the special chart 1 in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PA is a jackpot, any one of the special chart fluctuation patterns ASP1-A to ASP-C is determined at a rate of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1). Here, in the explanation of the special chart fluctuation pattern of this embodiment, when two special chart fluctuation patterns are described with "~" in between, the description of the special chart fluctuation pattern that exists between the special chart fluctuation pattern described earlier and the special chart fluctuation pattern described later is omitted in accordance with the order described in the drawing related to the special chart fluctuation pattern lottery table for each special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state. Also, in the explanation of the special chart fluctuation pattern of this embodiment, regardless of whether the corresponding fluctuation time is described, if the names of the special chart fluctuation patterns are different, it means that the different special chart fluctuation patterns are different.

[0081] Figure 9(b) is a diagram schematically showing a special chart variation pattern lottery table used when a special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 1 during the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, and the range of the random numbers used in this lottery (different from the random numbers used in the lottery related to the special chart variation pattern lottery table shown in Figure 9(a)) is 0 to 999. As shown in Figure 9(b), the special chart fluctuation patterns HNP that can be determined in the pattern fluctuation related to special chart 1 during the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PA include special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-A with a fluctuation time of 3200 ms (milliseconds), special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-B with a fluctuation time of 5600 ms, special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-C with a fluctuation time of 8000 ms, and special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-D with a fluctuation time of 11200 ms, in that order of increasing fluctuation time. Specifically, if the special chart 1 reserved counter is 3 at the start of this pattern change, the special chart change pattern HNP-A will be determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1). Similarly, if the special chart 1 reserved counter is 2 at the start of this pattern change, the special chart change pattern HNP-A will be determined with a probability of 150 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6.67), and the special chart change pattern HNP-B will be determined with a probability of 850 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.18). If the special chart 1 reserved counter is 1 at the start of this pattern change, the special chart change pattern HNP-A will be determined with a probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20), and the special chart change pattern HNP-B will be determined with a probability of 150 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6.67). The special pattern variation pattern HNP-B is determined with a probability of 800 / 1000 (1 / 1.25), and the special pattern variation pattern HNP-C is determined with a probability of 800 / 1000 (1 / 1.25). If the special pattern 1 reserved counter = 0 at the start of this pattern variation, the special pattern variation pattern HNP-B is determined with a probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20), the special pattern variation pattern HNP-C is determined with a probability of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10), and the special pattern variation pattern HNP-D is determined with a probability of 850 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.18). In the following explanation, if the value of the referenced special pattern reserved counter is 3, it will be referred to as "protected 3", if the value of the special pattern reserved counter is 2, it will be referred to as "protected 2", if the value of the special pattern reserved counter is 1, it will be referred to as "protected 1", and if the value of the special pattern reserved counter is 0, it will be referred to as "protected 0". In this way, when the special pattern variation pattern HNP is determined in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA, the special pattern variation pattern (variation time) that is likely to be determined depends on the value of the special pattern 1 reserved counter at the start of the current pattern variation. More specifically, the smaller the value of the special pattern 1 reserved counter at the start of the current pattern variation, the more likely it is that a long pattern variation will be determined (the larger the value of the special pattern 1 reserved counter at the start of the current pattern variation, the more likely it is that a short variation time will be determined). In addition, such special chart variation pattern HNP (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "basic special chart variation pattern") also exists in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB and the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, and in these special chart variation pattern derivation states, the reserved counter referenced is different from that in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, and in both cases the value of the special chart 2 reserved counter is referenced.

[0082] Figure 10(a) is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a special chart variation pattern lottery table used for the pattern variation related to special chart 2 when in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0 to 999. As shown in FIG. 10(a), in the pattern variation related to the special chart 2 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB, the special chart variation pattern HNP to the special chart variation pattern ASP-F can be determined. Specifically, if the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment for the pattern change related to special chart 2 in the special chart change pattern derivation state PB is a miss, special chart change pattern HNP is determined with a probability of 960 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.04), special chart change pattern HSP-D with a probability of 20 / 1000 (1 / 50), special chart change pattern HSP-E with a probability of 15 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 66.7), and special chart change pattern HSP-F with a probability of 5 / 1000 (1 / 200). In such cases, special chart change pattern ASP-D to special chart change pattern ASP-F are not determined. Details will be described later using Figure 10(b). If special chart change pattern HNP is determined, the special chart change pattern is further specified using the value of the special chart 2 pending counter at the start of the current pattern change. The method of determining the special chart change pattern using this special chart 2 pending counter is also the same in the special chart change pattern derivation state PB, described later. On the other hand, if the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern change related to special chart 2 during the special chart change pattern derivation state PB is a big hit or a small hit, special chart change pattern ASP-D will be determined with a probability of 500 / 1000 (1 / 2), special chart change pattern ASP-E with a probability of 350 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 2.86), and special chart change pattern ASP-F with a probability of 150 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6.67), and in such cases, special chart change pattern HNP to special chart change pattern HSP-F will not be determined. In this way, in this embodiment, when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern fluctuation related to the special chart 2 in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB is a miss, any one of the special chart fluctuation patterns HSP-D to HSP-F is determined at a rate of 40 / 1000 (1 / 25), and the special chart fluctuation pattern HNP is determined at a rate of 960 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.04). Furthermore, when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB is a big hit or a small hit, any one of the special chart fluctuation patterns ASP-D to ASP-F is determined at a rate of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1).

[0083] Figure 10(b) is a diagram schematically showing a special chart variation pattern lottery table used when special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 during special chart variation pattern derivation state PB, and the range of the random numbers used in this lottery (different from the random numbers used in the lottery related to the special chart variation pattern lottery table shown in Figure 10(a)) is 0 to 999. As shown in Figure 10(b), the special chart fluctuation patterns HNP that can be determined in the pattern fluctuation related to special chart 2 in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB include special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-E with a fluctuation time of 3000 ms and special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-F with a fluctuation time of 15000 ms. Specifically, if the special chart 2 reserved counter = 3 at the start of the current pattern change, if the special chart 2 reserved counter = 2 at the start of the current pattern change, or if the special chart 2 reserved counter = 1 at the start of the current pattern change, the special chart change pattern HNP-E is determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1), and in these cases, the special chart change pattern HNP-F is not determined.On the other hand, if the special chart 2 reserved counter = 0 at the start of the current pattern change, the special chart change pattern HNP-F is determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1), and in these cases, the special chart change pattern HNP-E is not determined. In addition, special chart variation pattern HNP-E and special chart variation pattern HNP-F are different from both the special chart variation pattern that can be determined when special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 1 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA described above, and the special chart variation pattern that can be determined when special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC described below.

[0084] Figure 11(a) is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a special chart variation pattern lottery table used for the pattern variation related to special chart 2 when the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC is in, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0 to 999. As shown in FIG. 11(a), in the pattern variation related to the special chart 2 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, special chart variation pattern HNP to special chart variation pattern ASP-I can be determined. Specifically, if the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment for the pattern change related to special chart 2 when the special chart change pattern derivation state PC is in the state of miss, special chart change pattern HNP will be determined with a probability of 950 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.05), special chart change pattern HSP-G with a probability of 25 / 1000 (1 / 40), special chart change pattern HSP-H with a probability of 15 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 66.7), and special chart change pattern HSP-I with a probability of 10 / 1000 (1 / 100), and in such cases, special chart change pattern ASP-G to special chart change pattern ASP-I will not be determined. On the other hand, if the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern change related to special chart 2 when in the special chart change pattern derivation state PC is a big hit or a small hit, regardless of the number of spins in that special chart change pattern derivation state PC, special chart change pattern ASP-G will be determined with a probability of 500 / 1000 (1 / 2), special chart change pattern ASP-H with a probability of 350 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 2.86), and special chart change pattern ASP-I with a probability of 150 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6.67), and in such cases, special chart change pattern HNP to special chart change pattern HSP-I will not be determined.

[0085] Figure 11(b) is a diagram schematically showing a special chart variation pattern lottery table used when special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 when the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC is in, and the range of the random numbers used in this lottery (different from the random numbers used in the lottery related to the special chart variation pattern lottery table shown in Figure 11(a)) is 0 to 999. As shown in Figure 11(b), the special chart variation patterns HNP that can be determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 when the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC is in include special chart variation pattern HNP-G with a variation time of 2000 ms and special chart variation pattern HNP-H with a variation time of 10000 ms. Specifically, if the special chart 2 reserved counter = 3 at the start of the current pattern change, if the special chart 2 reserved counter = 2 at the start of the current pattern change, or if the special chart 2 reserved counter = 1 at the start of the current pattern change, the special chart change pattern HNP-G is determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1), and in these cases, the special chart change pattern HNP-H is not determined.On the other hand, if the special chart 2 reserved counter = 0 at the start of the current pattern change, the special chart change pattern HNP-H is determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1), and in these cases, the special chart change pattern HNP-G is not determined. In addition, the special chart variation pattern HNP-G and the special chart variation pattern HNP-H are different from both the special chart variation pattern that can be determined when the special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 1 in the above-mentioned special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, and the special chart variation pattern that can be determined when the special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 in the above-mentioned special chart variation pattern derivation state PB.

[0086] In addition, at the start of the pattern change, the special chart change pattern derivation means 133 generates a performance control command (change start command) including the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment, the determined special chart stop pattern, and the determined special chart change pattern, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160.

[0087] The regular map lottery means 135, like the special map lottery means 130, reads out the earliest pending activation information from the pending activation information stored in the main information storage means 160 when the regular map pattern is not changing, and uses the read random number to perform a regular map validity judgment to determine whether the regular map is valid or invalid, and determines various parameters related to the regular map (regular map change time, regular map stop display time, etc.) based on the result of the regular map validity judgment and information such as the current special map change pattern derivation state. In determining whether a regular drawing is a hit or miss, there are two states where the regular drawing lottery state is a high probability state (sometimes abbreviated as "regular drawing high probability") and a low probability state (sometimes abbreviated as "regular drawing low probability"). An illustration of the lottery table is omitted, but in this embodiment, in a regular drawing high probability state, the probability of a regular drawing being a hit is 65535 / 65536, and the remaining probability of a miss is 1 / 65536, while in a regular drawing low probability state, the probability of a regular drawing being a hit is 1 / 65536, and the remaining probability of a miss is 65535 / 65536. Note that in a regular drawing low probability state, it may be configured so that the regular drawing does not win (65536 / 65536 is a miss).

[0088] At the start of a jackpot game, the jackpot game control means 140 generates a presentation control command (jackpot start command) including information related to the jackpot game (number of rounds and subsequent special chart variation pattern derivation state) and stores it in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160, and at the end of the jackpot game, generates a presentation control command (jackpot end command) including a demo time related to the end demo of the jackpot game and stores it in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. This is also true for jackpot games caused by small jackpot games.

[0089] In addition, the jackpot game control means 140 starts a small jackpot game if the result of the special symbol hit / miss determination is a small jackpot, and if the game ball passes through the V winning area (not shown) provided in the large winning port 55 during the small jackpot game, the jackpot game corresponding to the small jackpot can be started after the small jackpot game ends. Therefore, in this embodiment, the small jackpot game functions as a trigger for the jackpot game. Note that if the game ball does not pass through the V winning area during the small jackpot game, the jackpot game does not start after the small jackpot game ends.

[0090] The pattern display control means 145 causes the first special pattern display device 91 to variably display the special pattern 1 in accordance with the variation time corresponding to the determined special pattern variation pattern of the special pattern 1, and causes the special pattern 1 to be stopped and displayed with the stop pattern determined by the special pattern stop pattern lottery after the variation time has elapsed. Similarly, the second special pattern display device 92 causes the special pattern 2 to variably display in accordance with the variation time corresponding to the determined special pattern variation pattern of the special pattern 2, and causes the special pattern 2 to be stopped and displayed with the stop pattern determined by the special pattern stop pattern lottery after the variation time has elapsed. Here, the stop display time (interval) of the pattern change related to the special chart refers to the time from when the special chart is stopped and displayed until the pattern change of the next special chart can start (if the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment is a miss), or the time from when the pattern change of the special chart ends until the big hit game or small hit game starts (if the result of the normal chart hit / miss judgment is a normal hit), and in this embodiment the stop display time of the pattern change related to the special chart is a uniform 300 ms regardless of the type of special chart or the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment. In addition, the pattern display control means 145 has a special pattern game timer for managing the time (variation time, stop display time) related to the display of special pattern 1 and special pattern 2, and when the special pattern is stopped for display (at the timing when the value of the special pattern game timer becomes "0"), it generates a presentation control command (variation stop command) for requesting the fixed stop display of the decorative pattern, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. Here, the term "confirmed stop display of decorative symbols" refers to the final stop display of decorative symbols in the pattern change, and is different from the provisional stop display of decorative symbols that may occur during the pattern change. In the provisional stop display of decorative symbols, for example, the stopped decorative symbols are accompanied by a small up and down swaying motion (so-called swaying fluctuation), while in the confirmed stop display of decorative symbols, the stopped decorative symbols are not accompanied by a swaying fluctuation. Even when the same decorative symbols are stopped and displayed, the stop display mode of the confirmed and provisionally displayed decorative symbols is different. Therefore, the player can recognize whether the stopped display of the decorative symbols is a confirmed stop display or a provisional stop display.

[0091] Furthermore, the pattern display control means 145 causes the normal map to be displayed on the normal pattern display device 93 in a variable manner according to a variable time corresponding to the determined normal map variable pattern, and after the variable time has elapsed, causes the normal map to be displayed in a stopped state with the determined stopping pattern. In addition, the symbol display control means 145 has a regular symbol game timer for managing the time related to the regular symbol (regular symbol fluctuation time, regular symbol stop display time, etc.).

[0092] In the above-mentioned big win game or small win game, the electric device control means 150 outputs a control signal to the special electric device solenoid 66, and opens the special electric device 65 according to an opening pattern corresponding to the stopping pattern of the special chart.

[0093] The game state control means 155 controls the normal symbol lottery state. Specifically, the game state control means 155 sets the normal symbol low probability at the start of a jackpot game regardless of the stopped symbol of the special symbol related to the jackpot game, and when a specified condition such as the end of the jackpot game is met, sets the normal symbol high probability until the symbol changes a specified number of times related to the normal symbol high probability, and sets the normal symbol low probability when the symbol changes a specified number of times related to the normal symbol high probability are completed. In particular, in this embodiment, during a small jackpot game, the normal symbol lottery state is maintained for the symbol change that caused the small jackpot game.

[0094] Such a regular drawing state changes in conjunction with the above-mentioned special drawing variation pattern derivation state, and the transition of the special drawing variation pattern derivation state is managed by the game state control means 155. The transition of the special drawing variation pattern derivation state will be explained below with reference to Figures 12(a) and 12(b). Figure 12(a) is a state transition diagram showing the transition of the special drawing variation pattern derivation state, and Figure 12(b) is a diagram showing the relationship between the average variation time for each special drawing variation pattern derivation state. As shown in Figure 12(a), in the special chart variation pattern derivation state, there is a special chart variation pattern derivation state PA as a special chart variation pattern derivation state corresponding to a normal chart low probability, and there are a special chart variation pattern derivation state PB and a special chart variation pattern derivation state PC as special chart variation pattern derivation states corresponding to a normal chart high probability, and one of these special chart variation pattern derivation states is set except during a jackpot game. And, there are transition conditions (i) to (v) for the transition conditions between the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA and the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC.

[0095] Specifically, transition condition (i) is the end of jackpot play related to pattern B, transition condition (ii) is the end of jackpot play related to pattern A, transition condition (iii) is the end of jackpot play related to pattern a, pattern b, or pattern c, transition condition (iv) is the end of pattern change related to special pattern 2 executed without jackpot play in normal high probability state by 40 times (the specified number of times related to normal high probability state in special pattern change pattern derivation state PB), and transition condition (v) is the end of pattern change related to special pattern 2 executed without jackpot play in normal high probability state by 80 times (the specified number of times related to normal high probability state in special pattern change pattern derivation state PC). In addition, if a jackpot game occurs in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, the state transitions to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC again after the jackpot game ends, and the number of pattern variations related to special chart 2 that can be executed up to the specified number of times related to the normal chart high probability in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC is reset. Also, although not shown, if a jackpot game does not occur in a small jackpot game that occurred in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, and if a jackpot game does not occur in a small jackpot game related to transition condition (iii), the end of the small jackpot game triggers the current special chart variation pattern derivation state to end and transition to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA.

[0096] As shown in Figure 12(b), the average fluctuation time for the special symbol fluctuation pattern derivation state PA, the special symbol fluctuation pattern derivation state PB, and the special symbol fluctuation pattern derivation state PC decreases in the following order: special symbol fluctuation pattern derivation state PA, special symbol fluctuation pattern derivation state PB, special symbol fluctuation pattern derivation state PC. This is due to the length of the fluctuation time for the basic special symbol fluctuation pattern that is most likely to be determined in each special symbol fluctuation pattern derivation state. Here, the average fluctuation time refers to the sum of the fluctuation times derived by multiplying the occurrence rate (the probability that an arbitrary symbol fluctuation can occur, derived by multiplying the probability of the result of the special symbol win / fail judgment by the probability of the special symbol fluctuation pattern) for each fluctuation time for the special symbol fluctuation pattern that can be selected in a certain special symbol fluctuation pattern derivation state. However, in this embodiment, if there is only one special symbol fluctuation pattern that can be selected in that certain special symbol fluctuation pattern derivation state, the fluctuation time for that special symbol fluctuation pattern is treated as the average fluctuation time.

[0097] In addition, when a transition occurs between the normal drawing state and the special drawing pattern derivation state, the game state control means 155 generates a presentation control command (game state designation command) including the state after the transition, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. Furthermore, the game state control means 155 counts the number of times that a pattern change related to a transition to another special pattern change pattern derivation state is executed in each special pattern change pattern derivation state, and generates a performance control command including the number of times that the pattern change is counted each time a pattern change is started, and stores the command in a transmission command area of ​​the main information storage means 160. Note that the information included in the performance control command may be included in the above-mentioned change start command.

[0098] As described above, the main information storage means 160 is a means for temporarily storing data read by each means and data derived by calculations or the like by each means in the corresponding storage areas.

[0099] The main error control means 165 monitors the input information of the I / O port 104 and determines whether or not an error has occurred in the gaming machine 10. If it is determined that an error has occurred, it stores a performance control command (error command) including information that can identify the occurrence of the error in a transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160.

[0100] When a performance control command is stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160, the main command management means 170 transmits the performance control command to the first sub-control board 200. In principle, each performance control command is transmitted in the order in which it is stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160.

[0101] The power restoration process execution means 175 includes a power restoration state setting means 176 and a playable state transition means 179 .

[0102] The power restoration state setting means 176 executes a power restoration state setting process to set the power restoration state based on whether or not there is an abnormality in the RAM 103 when power is restored, the state at the time of power outage immediately before the power restoration, the state of the RAM clear switch 43 when power is restored, and the state of the middle frame door open sensor 76 when power is restored. The power restoration states set by this process include a game stop state and a game ready state (which may or may not involve the execution of a RAM clear process). Specifically, if there is an abnormality in RAM 103 when power is restored, a game-stopped state is set regardless of the state of RAM clear switch 43 and the state of middle frame door open sensor 76 when power is restored. Also, if there is no abnormality in RAM 103 when power is restored and RAM clear switch 43 is ON (pressed state) when power is restored, RAM clear processing is executed and a playable state is set on the condition that middle frame door open sensor 76 is ON when power is restored (if middle frame door open sensor 76 is OFF when power is restored, the RAM clear processing is not executed and the playable state is set), and if there is no abnormality in RAM 103 when power is restored and RAM clear switch 43 is OFF (not pressed state) when power is restored, the RAM clear processing is not executed and the playable state is set. Here, the game stop state refers to a power restoration state in which the game cannot proceed because no processing is performed in response to the detection results of the sensors installed at each winning port (the detection results of the sensors themselves do not need to be looked at). On the other hand, the playable state is a state in which the game can be continued after power is restored by executing a process according to the detection results of the sensors installed in each winning slot. In particular, if the RAM clear process is not executed when power is restored, the game will return to the playable state it was in at the time of the previous power outage. For example, if a big win game or a small win game was being played at the time of the previous power outage, the game will return to the big win game or small win game that was being played, and if a pattern change was being played at the time of the previous power outage, the game will return to the pattern change that was being played.

[0103] In addition, whether or not there is an abnormality in RAM103 is determined by executing a RAM abnormality check (specifically, a process that determines whether or not a backup flag is stored (whether or not the backup flag is ON) in the backup information area related to the target area, and if the backup flag is stored (if the backup flag is ON), derives a checksum of the target area and the complement stored in the backup information area related to the area, and if the calculation result is 0, determines that the target area is normal, and otherwise determines that the target area is abnormal) on the area related to the game in RAM103.

[0104] The playable state transition means 179 executes a playable state transition process for transitioning to a playable state when the playable state is set. More specifically, in the process of transitioning to a playable state, if the security signal output is ON, a process of turning the security signal output OFF and initial setting of the device are executed. In addition, during the initial setting of the device, processes such as sending a launch permission command to the payout control board 400 to allow the launch of game balls, setting the state in which balls will be valid when they enter each winning slot, and setting data to activate the random number circuit 105 are performed.

[0105] The power cutoff process execution means 180 executes the power cutoff process based on the reception of the power cutoff signal from the power supply control board 500. Specifically, for the area of ​​RAM 103 related to gaming, the checksum of that area is derived, the complement of that checksum is stored in the backup information area of ​​RAM 103 related to gaming, and a backup flag indicating that power-off processing has been performed on that area is turned ON (the backup flag is stored in the backup information area of ​​RAM 103 related to gaming).

[0106] As shown in Figure 7, the first sub-control board 200 is equipped with a sub-random number generating means 210, a normal performance control means 220, a sub-error control means 230, a lamp control means 240, a movable prop control means 245, a sub-information storage means 260, a customization control means 265, and a sub-command management means 270, and these means are functional representations of what is realized by each control configuration on the first sub-control board 200 described using Figure 6. Here, the sub-information storage means 260 is a means for temporarily storing data read by the means provided in the first sub-control board 200, data derived by calculations in the means, etc., in the corresponding storage areas. Also, the performance control command transmitted from the main command management means 170 is stored by the sub-command management means 270 in a received command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260. In the following explanation, the storage of the performance control command transmitted from the main command management means 170 in the received command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260 by the sub-command management means 270 may be simply referred to as "receiving a performance control command."

[0107] The sub-random number generating means 210 can generate random numbers (software random numbers) that are updated by the CPU 201 through program processing, and obtains random numbers at the timing when each lottery (details will be described later) is executed by the normal performance control means 220.

[0108] The normal presentation control means 220 includes a presentation mode control means 221, a presentation route determination means 222, a sub-hold control means 223, a pre-reading presentation control means 224, a presentation content determination means 225, a decorative pattern control means 226, and a jackpot presentation control means 227.

[0109] When the presentation mode control means 221 receives a game state designation command, it controls the transition of the presentation mode in a manner that is consistent with the special chart variation pattern derivation state managed on the main control board 100 side. The presentation modes in this embodiment are broadly divided into normal mode, challenge mode, and RUSH mode, with normal mode corresponding to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, challenge mode corresponding to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB, and RUSH mode corresponding to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC.

[0110] When receiving a preliminary determination command, the performance route determination means 222 determines (sets) a performance route corresponding to the currently reserved pattern change based on the result of the preliminary determination included in the command (in this embodiment, the special symbol change pattern). Note that if the special symbol change pattern corresponding to the pattern change is the above-mentioned special symbol change pattern HNP, the performance route determination means 222 does not determine a performance route when the preliminary determination command is transmitted, and determines a performance route based on the special symbol change pattern included in the change start command at the start of the pattern change (for example, if the special symbol change pattern derivation state PA, special symbol change pattern HNP-A to special symbol change pattern HNP-D). Here, the presentation route is the presentation from the start to the end of the pattern change, and specifies the process of the presentation that notifies the result of the special pattern judgment in the pattern change, and the content of the presentation executed in the pattern change will be determined by the presentation content determination means 225 described later in accordance with the presentation route corresponding to the pattern change.

[0111] The presentation route in this embodiment is roughly divided into a miss presentation route that notifies that the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment in the current symbol change is a miss (the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment in the current symbol change is neither a big hit nor a small hit), and a big hit presentation route that notifies that the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment in the current symbol change is a big hit or a small hit. Furthermore, the miss presentation route includes a non-development miss presentation route in which the development presentation is not executed, and a development miss presentation route in which the development presentation is executed. Note that, as will be described later, if the big hit presentation route is determined, the development presentation is executed. Here, the development effect is an effect that is executed after the decorative symbols reach a reach state (a state in which all decorative symbols except for one symbol row are displayed stationary and the remaining symbol rows are displayed in a variable manner), and at the end of the effect, it is announced whether the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment in the current symbol change is a big hit or a small hit. Therefore, in the development effect corresponding to the development miss effect route, a series of effects corresponding to the development effect is executed, and at the end of the effect, it is announced that the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment in the current symbol change is neither a big hit nor a small hit. On the other hand, in the development effect corresponding to the big hit effect route, a series of effects corresponding to the development effect is executed, and at the end of the effect, it is announced that the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment in the current symbol change is a big hit or a small hit. In particular, in this embodiment, in one presentation mode, each determined special chart variation pattern corresponds to a different presentation route. Therefore, in the following description, the presentation route for the special chart variation pattern may be simply expressed as a special chart variation pattern. However, multiple presentation routes may be associated with one special chart variation pattern. In this case, one presentation route may be determined from multiple presentation routes corresponding to the determined special chart variation pattern.

[0112] When the sub-hold control means 223 receives a hold command (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as the occurrence of a hold winning), it sets performance data for displaying the number of hold images corresponding to the special chart 1 hold counter and the number of hold images corresponding to the special chart 2 hold counter in the hold display area (not shown) of the main display unit 81 based on the information of the special chart 1 hold counter and the special chart 2 hold counter included in the command. The hold images are images that are the target of a hold pre-reading performance (an example of a pre-reading performance described later) that changes into various forms suggesting the degree of advantage, such as the expectation of a jackpot game occurring.

[0113] When the pre-reading effect control means 224 receives a pre-determination command, it determines the content of the so-called pre-reading effect based on the result of the pre-determination included in the command.

[0114] When the effect content determination means 225 receives a change start command, it determines the content of the effect to be executed in this pattern change in accordance with the setting status (reflection status) of the collective customization and individual customization described below, in addition to the effect route already determined by the effect route determination means 222. More specifically, the effect content determination means 225 determines the effect pattern lottery table to be referenced for the content of the effect (effect pattern) for each effect execution timing in the pattern variation based on the effect route determined by the effect route determination means 222, the setting status of collective customization, and the setting status of individual customization, and determines the content of the effect by lottery using the determined effect pattern lottery table. In particular, by doing so, it is possible to change the content of the effect related to (executed according to) the determined effect route, and to provide a connection between the effects in one pattern variation. Furthermore, even when the same effect route is determined, it is possible to diversify the effects to be executed according to the setting status of collective customization, individual customization, etc.

[0115] When the decorative pattern control means 226 receives a variation start command, it determines the final (determined stopped display) combination of decorative patterns (left pattern, center pattern, right pattern) based on the stopped pattern of the determined special pattern. Specifically, in the pattern variation related to Special Chart 1, one of the pattern alignments related to decorative patterns other than the 7 pattern is determined for Pattern A and Pattern B, and a pattern alignment related to the 7 pattern is determined for Pattern C. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if a pattern alignment related to decorative patterns other than the 7 pattern is displayed, it is not possible to accurately determine the subsequent performance mode from the displayed pattern alignment, that is, the performance mode that will be set upon the end of the jackpot game related to that pattern alignment. On the other hand, if a pattern alignment related to the 7 pattern is displayed, the player can determine that the RUSH mode will be set thereafter. In addition, in the pattern variation related to Special Chart 2, any of the pattern matching related to the decorative pattern excluding the 7 pattern is determined for the pattern a and the pattern c, and any of the pattern matching related to the decorative pattern including the 7 pattern is determined for the pattern b and the pattern d. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a pattern matching related to the decorative pattern excluding the 7 pattern is stopped and displayed, it is not possible to accurately determine the number of rounds of the jackpot game related to that pattern matching. On the other hand, when a pattern matching related to the 7 pattern is stopped and displayed, the player can determine that the number of rounds of the jackpot game related to that pattern matching is 10.

[0116] When the jackpot start command is received, the jackpot effect control means 227 determines the content of the effects during the jackpot game based on the information included in the command, etc. The effects during the jackpot game include a round effect that notifies that a round game is in progress and an end demo effect that notifies that the jackpot game has ended. In addition, in this embodiment, the jackpot presentation control means 227 is configured to be able to determine the content of the presentation mode announcement presentation that announces the presentation mode after the jackpot game ends (capable of specifying the presentation mode after the jackpot game ends), and details of the presentation including the start conditions will be described later.

[0117] The normal performance control means 220 reads out performance data for each device corresponding to each performance at the execution timing of that performance, in accordance with the content of the performance determined by the above-mentioned means provided in the first sub-control board 200. If the read performance data includes performance data related to images, it generates image control commands based on that performance data and stores those commands in a transmission command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260. Furthermore, if the read performance data includes performance data related to sound, it generates audio control commands related to sound based on that performance data and stores those commands in a transmission command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260. Furthermore, if the power restoration state upon power restoration becomes a playable state following the execution of a RAM clear process, the normal presentation control means 220 reads presentation data for announcing that the playable state has been achieved following the execution of a RAM clear process, and if the power restoration state upon power restoration becomes a playable state without the execution of a RAM clear process, the normal presentation control means 220 reads presentation data for announcing that the playable state has been achieved without the execution of a RAM clear process. Furthermore, if the power restoration state upon power restoration becomes a game-stop state, the normal presentation control means 220 reads presentation data for announcing that the game has been stopped and that it is now necessary to execute a RAM clear process. Details of these notifications are omitted, but it is preferable that they continue to be executed for a certain period of time (e.g., 30 seconds) after execution begins, and the presentation device that executes the notification does not matter.

[0118] When an error command is transmitted, the sub-error control means 230 determines an error notification pattern and reads out performance data for executing an error notification in accordance with the error notification pattern. The error notification is executed with priority over the variable effect (the effect executed in the pattern variation). Here, the execution of the error notification with priority is not limited to the case where the device involved in the execution of the error notification and the device involved in the execution of the variable effect are the same device, and only the error notification is executed in the device (the execution of the variable effect is restricted by the execution of the error notification), but also includes the case where the error notification is executed in the device in a manner that is easier to recognize than the variable effect. In addition, the sub-error control means 230 may independently (independently of the main error control means 165) determine whether an error has occurred in the gaming machine 10, and if it determines that an error has occurred, read out performance data that executes an error notification.

[0119] The lamp control means 240 holds lamp control data for controlling the lighting of various lamps such as the frame lamp 35. For example, if the performance data read by the normal performance control means 220 contains performance data corresponding to a lamp, the lamp control means 240 reads out the lamp control data based on the performance data and transmits the read lamp control data to the lamp to be executed.

[0120] When the performance data read by the normal performance control means 220 contains performance data corresponding to a movable role, the movable role control means 245 reads movement control data for controlling the movement of the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82 from ROM 202 based on the performance data, and transmits the read movement control data to the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82 to control the movement of the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82.

[0121] As described above, the sub-information storage means 260 is a means for temporarily storing data read out by the means provided in the first sub-control board 200, data derived by calculations in the means, etc. in corresponding storage areas.

[0122] The customization control means 265 executes control relating to changes in the contents of collective customization and individual customization that affect the contents of the rendering by the rendering content determination means 225. Note that, as will be described in detail later, control relating to changes in the contents of these customizations is executed based on operations on the cursor button 38 and the movable ornament 22.

[0123] The sub-command management means 270 receives performance control commands transmitted from the main control board 100 and stores the received performance commands in a received command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260. Furthermore, if an image control command is stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260, the sub-command management means 270 transmits the image control command to the second sub-control board 300. Furthermore, if an audio control command or a volume adjustment command is stored in the storage area, the sub-command management means 270 transmits these commands to the audio control board 310. Note that these commands are transmitted in the order in which they were stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260, as a general rule.

[0124] As explained above, the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment is configured so that the contents of the collective customization and individual customization that affect the presentation content of the pattern fluctuations can be changed based on game operations, and by implementing these customizations, presentation content that matches the player's preferences can be realized, thereby contributing to increased interest in the game. However, since it may be confusing for players if both of these operations for changing the content of two types of customization are always enabled, it is necessary to set up a period during which the content of only one of the two types of customization (individual customization in this embodiment) can be changed (hereinafter referred to as the customization restriction period), but there is room for improvement in the control of customization during this period. In contrast to this, the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment has a function for solving such problems, and the function and the invention related to the function will be described in detail below.

[0125] <Contents of bulk customization and individual customization> First, the contents of the collective customization and the individual customization will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Figure 13(a) is a table that summarizes the items that can be set in bulk customization for normal mode and their details, Figure 13(b) is a table that summarizes the items that can be set in bulk customization for challenge mode and their details, and Figure 13(c) is a table that summarizes the items that can be set in bulk customization for RUSH mode and their details. Figure 14 is a table summarizing the items that can be set in individual customization and their details.

[0126] As shown in FIGS. 13(a) to 13(c), in this embodiment, the items that can be set by collective customization differ in some of the rendering modes. As shown in Figures 13(a) and 13(b), the items that can be set in bulk customization for normal mode and challenge mode include normal, active, and simple, and the frequency of execution (occurrence) of the effects during pattern change changes depending on the item that is set. More specifically, when normal is set as the standard, when active is set, the frequency of the effect in the pattern change increases, and when simple is set, the frequency of the effect in the pattern change decreases. Therefore, when normal is set as the standard, when active is set, the reliability of the effect in the pattern change decreases, and when simple is set, the reliability of the effect in the pattern change increases. Here, the reliability of the effect refers to the expected degree that a jackpot game will occur in the pattern change corresponding to the effect when the effect is executed (the pattern change currently being executed if the effect is not a look-ahead effect, or the pattern change that the look-ahead effect is the target of), that is, the expected degree that a jackpot or small jackpot will be derived in the pattern change corresponding to the effect. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13(c), the items that can be set by batch customization related to RUSH mode include normal and active, and the contents of these items are as described above.

[0127] As shown in Figure 14, the items that can be set by individual customization include no pre-reading, instant announcement UP, auto button, and 3D display, and each item can be set to either ON or OFF. Depending on the setting status of these items, the execution of the corresponding effects and the frequency of execution will change. More specifically, when the no pre-reading item is ON, the pre-reading effect will not occur, and when the item is OFF, the pre-reading effect is allowed to be executed. When the "One Shot Announcement UP" item is ON, the frequency (occurrence probability) of the one shot announcement effect is higher than when the "One Shot Announcement UP" item is OFF. Here, the one shot announcement effect is an effect in which a big win game is generated by the symbol variation in which the effect is executed at the time of execution, that is, an effect in which it is determined that a big win or a small win will be derived by the symbol variation in question. When the Auto Button item is ON, the Auto Button is set, and when the Auto Button is set, if an effect that requires operation of the effect button 37 is executed in the effect of the pattern change, the effect corresponding to the operation is executed without operating the operation unit. When the 3D display item is ON, the target image of the 3D display is displayed as a 3D image, and when the item is OFF, the target image is displayed as a 2D image.

[0128] In this way, in this embodiment, for collective customization, the number of configurable items in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA is different from the number of configurable items in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB and the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC. On the other hand, for individual customization, the content of customization (more specifically, the type of item related to individual customization) is the same regardless of which special chart variation pattern derivation state. In addition, in this embodiment, it is configured so that collective customization and individual customization can be performed both during non-play and during play. Here, "non-play" refers to a state in which no symbol variation is being performed and neither a big win game nor a small win game is being performed, and "play" refers to a state other than during non-play.

[0129] <About the process for changing content for bulk customization> Next, the flow of content changes related to bulk customization will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the flow of content changes related to batch customization.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 15, the content of the bulk customization can be changed by operating the left cursor button 38c and the right cursor button 38d, as well as the effect button 37 and the movable ornament 22. Specifically, as shown in the scene at the top left of Figure 15, when the contents of bulk customization can be changed (when operations related to changing the contents of bulk customization are valid), an operation recommendation image ssg is displayed in the display area of ​​the main display unit 81, which indicates that bulk customization can be performed by operating the left cursor button 38c or the right cursor button 38d. In particular, when the contents of bulk customization can be changed and the contents of individual customization can be changed (a state in which operations related to changing the contents of individual customization are valid), the operation recommendation image ssg is displayed in a manner that makes it possible to identify that bulk customization can be performed by operating the left cursor button 38c or the right cursor button 38d, and that individual customization can be performed by operating the up cursor button 38a or the down cursor button 38b (the manner shown in the top left scene of Figure 15). Note that, when the contents of the bulk customization cannot be changed but the contents of the individual customization can be changed, the operation recommendation image ssg is displayed in a manner that allows only identification that the individual customization can be performed by operating the up cursor button 38a or the down cursor button 38b (the operation recommendation image ssg shown in the scene at the top left of FIG. 15 , with the words "Bulk Customization" and the arrow extending from the words removed). Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the contents of the individual customization cannot be changed, the contents of the bulk customization are not changed. Therefore, there is no state in which the contents of the bulk customization can be changed but the contents of the individual customization cannot be changed. Therefore, the display manner of the operation recommendation image ssg does not allow only identification that the contents of the bulk customization can be performed by operating the left cursor button 38c or the right cursor button 38d.

[0131] As shown in the middle scene in the top row, when the right cursor button 38d is operated while the operation recommendation image ssg is displayed, a bulk customization image ikg is displayed that can identify the bulk customization item being set (in this embodiment, this is the same as the item that was set immediately before the operation, in this example, normal). As will be described later, when the effect button 37 is operated while the bulk customization image ikg is displayed, the item identified by the currently displayed bulk customization image ikg is determined to be the bulk customization item. For this reason, the bulk customization image ikg can be said to be an image that can identify items that can be set as bulk customization (setting candidates for bulk customization). Although not shown in the drawings, even if the left cursor button 38c is operated in this state, the same batch customized image ikg is displayed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the right cursor button 38d is operated to start displaying the batch customization image ikg (an operation on the left cursor button 38c or the right cursor button 38d), a batch customization image ikg that identifies the item that was set immediately before the operation is displayed, but it is also possible to display a batch customization image ikg that identifies the item next to the item that was set immediately before the operation at that time. In other words, the operation may switch the items related to batch customization.

[0132] When the right cursor button 38d is operated in the state shown in the middle scene in the top row, the batch customization image ikg switches to a display mode in which the next item (in this example, active) can be identified, as shown in the scene at the right end of the top row. When the right cursor button 38d is operated in the state shown in the scene at the top right, the bulk customization image ikg switches to a display mode that allows identification of the next item (in this example, it is simple because it indicates that the current presentation mode is normal mode or challenge mode, but if the current presentation mode is RUSH mode, it will be normal), as shown in the scene at the bottom left. When the right cursor button 38d is operated in the state shown in the scene at the left end of the bottom row, the batch customization image ikg switches to a display mode in which the next item (in this example, normal) can be identified, as shown in the scene in the middle of the bottom row. When the effect button 37 is operated in the state shown in the middle scene in the lower row, the items specified by the collective customization image ikg that was displayed immediately before are determined as the collective customization items, and the collective customization image ikg is hidden, as shown in the scene in the lower right of the lower row. Note that the determined collective customization items are reflected when a new pattern change begins. Therefore, when a new pattern change begins, the effect content is determined by referring to the determined collective customization items. Furthermore, when the left cursor button 38c is operated in the state shown in the middle scene at the bottom, the bulk customization image ikg switches to a display mode in which the front item (in this example, simple) can be identified. For example, when the left cursor button 38c is operated, the bulk customization items switch in the reverse order to when the right cursor button 38d is operated.

[0133] In this way, in this embodiment, when the content of the bulk customization can be changed, the content related to the bulk customization can be changed by operating the left cursor button 38c and the right cursor button 38d as well as the performance button 37, and a bulk customization image ikg is displayed that allows the bulk customization being set (reflected) and the bulk customization of setting candidates (decided candidates) to be identified.

[0134] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the batch customization image ikg is hidden when a certain time (5000 ms in this embodiment) has elapsed since the most recent operation related to changing the contents of batch customization (an operation on the left cursor button 38c or the right cursor button 38d). In this case, the items identified by the batch customization image ikg that were displayed immediately before that are not determined as items for batch customization. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if an operation is performed on the movable ornament 22 while the collective customization image ikg is displayed (while the contents of the collective customization are being changed), the collective customization image ikg is hidden and the change in the contents of the collective customization is terminated. In this case, a default item (in this embodiment, normal, which is constant regardless of the type of the current special chart variation pattern derivation state) is set as the collective customization item. In other words, an operation on the movable ornament 22 while the collective customization image ikg is displayed functions as an operation for initializing the collective customization.

[0135] <About the process for changing content for individual customization> Next, the flow of content changes related to individual customization will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the flow of content change related to individual customization.

[0136] As shown in Figure 16, individual customization is achieved by operating the middle cursor button 38e, the performance button 37, and the movable decorative body 22 in addition to operating the up cursor button 38a or the down cursor button 38b. Specifically, as shown in the scene at the top left of Figure 16, when the content of individual customization can be changed while not playing and while playing, an operation recommendation image ssg is displayed in the display area related to the main display unit 81, as in the scene at the top right of Figure 15.

[0137] As shown in the scene in the middle of the top row of Figure 16, when the down cursor button 38b is operated while the operation recommendation image ssg is displayed, an individual customization image kkg is displayed that can identify the ON / OFF setting status of each item related to individual customization (in this embodiment, this is the same as what was set immediately before the operation, and in this example, all items are OFF), as well as the predetermined first selection item (the item shown in shaded area, and in this example, no pre-reading). Although not shown in the drawings, even if the up cursor button 38a is operated in this state, the same individual customized image kkg is displayed. The individual customization image kkg also includes the text "Switch with middle button," which indicates that the selected item can be switched on and off by operating the middle cursor button 38e.

[0138] When the down cursor button 38b is operated in the state shown in the middle scene in the top row, the individual customized image kkg switches to a state in which the next item (in this example, Instant Announcement UP) is selected, as shown in the scene at the top right. When the down cursor button 38b is operated in the state shown in the scene at the top right, the individual customization image kkg switches to a state in which the next item (in this example, the auto button) is selected, as shown in the scene at the bottom left. Although not shown in the figure, when the up cursor button 38a is operated in the state shown in the scene at the top right, the individual customized image kkg switches to a state in which the previous item (in this example, no pre-reading) is selected.

[0139] When the middle cursor button 38e is operated in the state shown in the scene on the left side of the bottom row, as shown in the scene in the middle of the bottom row, the selected item for the individual customization image kkg is switched ON / OFF (in this example, the auto button item is switched from OFF to ON), and the text "※Press middle button to switch" included in the individual customization image kkg is changed to "※Press PUSH button to confirm." The words "※Decide with PUSH button" indicate that the current ON / OFF selection status of each item is determined as a result of this individual customization by operating the effect button 37.

[0140] When the effect button 37 is operated in the state shown in the scene in the middle of the bottom row, the individual customization image kkg is hidden, as shown in the scene at the right end of the bottom row, and the selection status regarding the ON / OFF of each item at the time of the operation (in this example, as shown in the scene in the middle of the bottom row, the AUTO button item is ON and the other items are OFF) is determined as a result of the change in content related to this individual customization. Note that the determined selection status regarding the ON / OFF of each item of individual customization is reflected when a new pattern change is started. Therefore, when the pattern change is newly started, the effect content is determined by referring to the selection status regarding the ON / OFF of each item of individual customization that was determined.

[0141] In this way, in this embodiment, when the content of individual customization can be changed, individual customization is realized by operating the middle cursor button 38e and the performance button 37 in addition to operating the up cursor button 38a or the down cursor button 38b, and by operating the up cursor button 38a or the down cursor button 38b, an individual customization image kkg is displayed that can identify the status of the individual customization being set or selected. This allows the player to change the content related to individual customization while playing and while not playing, and also allows the player to recognize the customization status of individual customization (the ON / OFF status of items related to individual customization that are being set or selected). In this embodiment, the individual customization image kkg is hidden when a certain time (10,000 ms, which is shorter than the same time for collective customization) has elapsed since the most recent operation related to individual customization (operation of the up cursor button 38a, down cursor button 38b, or middle cursor button 38e) even if the effect button 37 is not operated. In this case, the ON / OFF setting status of each item related to individual customization does not change. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if an operation is performed on the movable ornament 22 while the individual customization image kkg is being displayed (while the content of the individual customization is being changed), the individual customization image kkg is hidden, and the change in the content of the individual customization ends, just as when the collective customization image ikg is being displayed. In this case, the ON / OFF setting status for each item related to the individual customization is set to the default (all items are OFF). In other words, an operation on the movable ornament 22 while the individual customization image kkg is being displayed functions as an operation for initializing the individual customization.

[0142] <Regarding customization controls during the customization restriction period> Next, with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19, details of control relating to customization during a customization restriction period in which the contents of collective customization cannot be changed but the contents of individual customization can be changed will be described. FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing the content of control relating to customization when the notification of left-handed hit is terminated due to detection of an out ball during the customization restriction period. FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing the contents of control relating to customization when the left-hit notification ends due to the passage of time during the customization restriction period. FIG. 19 is a timing chart showing the contents of control relating to customization when the right-hand hit notification is terminated due to detection of an out ball during the customization restriction period.

[0143] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, when transitioning from a normal high probability (special chart variation pattern derivation state PB, special chart variation pattern derivation state PC) to a normal low probability (due to the satisfaction of transition conditions (iv) and (v)), in the final variation of the normal low probability, a normal high probability ending screen is displayed in the display area related to the main display unit 81, showing the number of jackpot games that have occurred up to the end of the normal high probability (more specifically, the number of jackpot games that have occurred without a normal low probability game excluding jackpot games) and the number of balls won (more specifically, the total number of prize balls awarded in the jackpot games), and the above-mentioned customization restriction period is set during the period from the start of the normal high probability ending screen to the end of the pattern variation related to special chart 2 that was on hold at the end of the final variation. In addition, during the customization restriction period, when the pattern variation related to the reserved special chart 2 starts (at this timing the display of the normal chart high probability ending screen ends), a left-hand hit notification urging the game ball to be shot into the first flow path X is displayed in the display area related to the main display unit 81. This is because the game ball was recommended to be shot into the second flow path Y in the previous normal chart high probability. Furthermore, this left hit notification ends when the game ball is detected by the out ball sensor 75 or when the elapsed time since the left hit notification began reaches a specified time (5000 ms in this embodiment).

[0144] 17, during a customization restriction period in which the contents of the collective customization cannot be changed (operations related to changing the contents of the collective customization are invalid) and the contents of the individual customization can be changed (operations related to changing the contents of the individual customization are valid), if the left-handed hit notification ends due to the detection of a game ball by the out ball sensor 75, the individual customization is not initialized (if the contents of the individual customization have been changed from their initial state, the changed contents of the individual customization are maintained), and the state in which the contents of the individual customization can be changed is maintained for the remainder of the customization restriction period. Furthermore, during the remainder of the customization restriction period, the state in which the contents of the collective customization cannot be changed is also maintained.

[0145] 18 , during a customization restriction period in which the content of the collective customization cannot be changed but the content of the individual customization can be changed, if the time elapsed since the start of the left-handed hit notification reaches a specified time and the left-handed hit notification ends, the individual customization is initialized and the content of the individual customization becomes unchangeable for the remainder of the customization restriction period. Furthermore, the content of the collective customization remains unchangeable for the remainder of the customization restriction period. In this embodiment, the end of the customization restriction period triggers a situation in which both the content of the collective customization and the content of the individual customization can be changed, but this situation may occur later than the end of the customization restriction period. In addition, if the left-hand hit notification ends because the elapsed time since the start of the left-hand hit notification reaches a specified time, batch customization is also initialized.

[0146] Thus, in this embodiment, there is a customization restriction period during which the contents of the bulk customization cannot be changed (operations related to changing the contents of the bulk customization are invalid) and the contents of the individual customization can be changed (operations related to changing the contents of the individual customization are valid). Furthermore, when the left-hand hit notification ends during the customization restriction period, the individual customization will not be initialized (the contents of the individual customization will be maintained) or will be initialized.If the individual customization is not initialized when the left-hand hit notification ends, the contents of the individual customization can be changed for the remaining customization period (operations related to changing the contents of the individual customization are valid), whereas if the individual customization is initialized when the left-hand hit notification ends, the contents of the individual customization cannot be changed for the remaining customization period (operations related to changing the contents of the individual customization are invalid). Furthermore, as described above, when the content of the individual customization is changeable, if an operation related to changing the content of the individual customization (operation of the up cursor button 38a or the down cursor button 38b) is performed, the individual customization image kkg is displayed. According to these, if the content of the individual customization is maintained by the end of the left-hand hit notification during the customization restriction period, operations related to the individual customization are valid for the remainder of the customization restriction period, and the individual customization image kkg is displayed when the operation is performed, allowing for smooth changes to the content of the individual customization after the end of the left-hand hit notification, but if the individual customization is initialized by the end of the left-hand hit notification during the customization restriction period, operations related to the individual customization are invalid for the remainder of the customization restriction period, thereby preventing inaccurate changes to the content of the individual customization. In order to achieve this effect, in the latter case, operations related to individual customization may be valid for the remaining period of the customization restriction period, and performing such operations may prevent the individual customization image kkg from being displayed.

[0147] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, customization includes first customization (bulk customization) and second customization (individual customization), and there is a specific period (customization restriction period) during which an operation related to a change in the content of the first customization (an operation on the left cursor button 38c or the right cursor button 38d) is invalid and an operation related to a change in the content of the second customization (an operation on the up cursor button 38a or the down cursor button 38b) can be valid, and when a valid operation related to a change in the content of the second customization is performed, a predetermined notification related to that operation (individual customization image kkg) can be executed, and the first notification (left hit notification) is executed. When the first notification ends in the specific period, there are a first time when the content of the second customization is maintained, and a second time when the content of the second customization is initialized. In other words, at the first time, the operation related to changing the content of the second customization is valid even during the period after the end of the first notification within the specific period, and a predetermined notification based on that operation is executed, and at the second time, at least during the period after the end of the first notification within the specific period, the operation related to changing the content of the second customization is invalid, or the operation related to changing the content of the second customization is valid, and a predetermined notification based on that operation is not executed.

[0148] In this embodiment, the specific period is the period from the start of the normal high probability ending screen to the end of the execution of the pattern change related to the special pattern 2 that was on hold at the end of the final change, but it is not limited to this. In other words, as described above, the specific period is a period during which the operation related to the change in the contents of the first customization is invalid and the operation related to the change in the contents of the second customization can be valid, so long as the period is set at any time. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the specific period (customization restriction period) ends at the same timing regardless of whether the first time point or the second time point occurs, but the end timing of the specific period may be different depending on whether the first time point or the second time point occurs. In particular, when configured in this manner, it is preferable that the end timing of the specific period when the second time point occurs ends later than the end timing of the specific period when the first time point occurs, i.e., the specific period is extended when the second time point occurs.

[0149] Furthermore, the first notification starts and ends in the specific period, but is not limited to this. Specifically, if the first notification ends in the specific period, the start timing of the first notification does not matter, and the first notification may start before the start of the specific period. Furthermore, if the first notification ends in the specific period (the first time and the second time), the first notification may end after the specific period ends. The same applies to the second notification described below.

[0150] In addition, a separate effect (alert) may be provided that is executed in parallel with the first alert, and if the first alert ends at the second time, the separate effect may end together with the end of the first alert. This makes it easier for the driver to recognize the end of the first notification relating to the second time. In order to achieve this effect, it is preferable that when the first notification ends at the first time, the separate presentation is maintained (continuously executed). Furthermore, the separate effect may be executed in parallel with the first notification, but does not necessarily have to be executed in parallel with the first notification. The separate effect may be any effect, but may be, for example, a variation effect that notifies the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment in the symbol change being executed during the customization restriction period (in this embodiment, the symbol change related to special symbol 2 that was pending at the end of the final change in which the normal symbol high probability end screen was displayed from the normal symbol high probability end screen). In particular, the separate effect is preferably executed on the same device as the first notification (in this embodiment, the main display unit 81). Here, "the effect (notification) being executed on the same device" means that the two effects to be compared are executed on the same device, and it is acceptable for these effects to be executed on a device different from the same device. This also applies to the following explanation.

[0151] Furthermore, if the first notification ends at the second time, it is preferable that a specific effect (notification) different from both the other effect and the initialization notification described below is executed instead of the other effect, and if the first notification ends at the first time, the specific effect is not executed. In particular, in the second case, it is preferable that the specific effect be started after the first notification has ended (started after a certain time (period) has elapsed since the first notification has ended). Although the timing of the end of the specific effect is not important, it is preferable that the specific effect ends after the end of the specific period, that is, at the end of the specific period or at a time later than the end of the specific period.

[0152] Furthermore, in order to highlight the end of the other effect relating to the second time or the execution of the specific effect relating to the second time, a predetermined effect (alert) may be provided that is executed in parallel with the first alert and continues to be executed both when the first alert ends at the first time and when the first alert ends at the second time. In particular, the above-mentioned predetermined effect, like the above-mentioned separate effect, may be executed in parallel with the above-mentioned first notification, but does not necessarily have to be executed in parallel with the above-mentioned first notification. Furthermore, although the device that executes the above-mentioned predetermined effect does not matter, it is preferable that it be executed on a device that is different from any of the above-mentioned effects (alerts), i.e., the first alert, the other effect, and the specific effect. Furthermore, although the timing at which the predetermined effect ends is not important, it is preferable that the predetermined effect be configured to end at the end of the specific period.

[0153] In addition, it is preferable that the number of game effects (variable effects) that are the subject of the second customization is greater than the number of game effects that are the subject of the first customization. According to this, by setting the specific period as a period during which attention is focused on the operation related to the change of the content of the second customization, the above-mentioned effect can be enhanced. Here, the game effects that can be customized refer to those that have a direct impact on the execution probability, presentation style, etc., due to changes in the content of the customization.

[0154] Therefore, in other words, in the gaming machine 10, the number of game effects that are the subject of second customization is greater than the number of game effects that are the subject of first customization.

[0155] In addition, in this embodiment, if the left-hand hit notification ends during the customization restriction period because the elapsed time since the notification began reaches a specified time, batch customization is also initialized. This makes it easier to recognize that initialization of individual customization has been performed during the customization restriction period.

[0156] Therefore, in other words, in the gaming machine 10, at the second time, the contents of the first customization (collective customization) are also initialized.

[0157] Furthermore, in the above-described invention, the content of the first notification does not matter, but as in this embodiment, it is preferable that the first notification is executed when a state (warning state) that gives some kind of warning to the player is reached and ends when that state ends. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the first notification is not executed unless that state is reached, that is, the content of that state is identifiable. The same applies to notifications executed in other warning states, such as the second notification described below. In particular, the warning state in the present invention is not limited to the state immediately after the recommended launch direction of the game ball is switched from the second flow path Y to the first flow path X in this embodiment, but is preferably also a state in which a warning regarding the progress of the game is issued (particularly a state in which a warning regarding a new period that occurs as the game progresses), such as, for example, the period when the last round starts during a jackpot game and the round number displayed in the display area of ​​the main display unit 81 is "final round" (a state in which a warning regarding the end of the jackpot game is issued), or the period from immediately after the end of the jackpot game until the pattern variation related to the special chart 2 that is reserved at the time of the end of the jackpot game (see FIG. 19). This is because the timing when a warning regarding the progress of the game is issued is likely to result in changes to the customization content.

[0158] Therefore, in other words, in the gaming machine 10, the first notification is executed based on the first warning state being reached. According to this, when the notification (first notification) executed based on the first warning state being reached ends, the above-mentioned effect is achieved, that is, it is possible to prevent inaccurate changes to the individual customization content while enabling smooth changes to the individual customization content.

[0159] In addition, in this embodiment, the first time refers to the end of the first notification when the game ball is detected by the out ball sensor 75, and the second time refers to the end of the first notification due to the passage of time. In this way, whether or not the second customization is to be initialized can be determined depending on whether or not a game ball is being shot, that is, whether or not the player is playing a game. In order to achieve this effect, the sensor for detecting the gaming ball that triggers the termination of the first notification is preferably the out ball sensor 75, but any sensor capable of detecting a gaming ball shot into the gaming area 50a, such as the first start opening sensor 70, the general winning opening sensor 73, or the gate sensor 74, may be used. The sensor for detecting the gaming ball that triggers the termination of the first notification may be composed of multiple sensors capable of detecting gaming balls shot into the gaming area 50a. The first moment may be when the number of times the sensor for detecting the gaming ball that triggers the termination of the first notification detects the gaming ball reaches a predetermined number (e.g., five times). The same applies to the invention described with reference to FIG. 19 (related to the "right hit notification" described later). Furthermore, the second time does not necessarily mean that the first alert ends with the passage of time, but may also mean that the first alert ends due to the occurrence of a door opening error caused by the middle frame door open sensor 76 being ON (the middle frame 17 being in an open state), or that the first alert ends due to the occurrence of an event other than the detection of a game ball, which triggers the end of the first alert, such as an operation being performed on an operating part such as the performance button 37 or movable decorative body 22.

[0160] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the first warning state is a warning state related to the progress of the game, and the first time is when the first notification ends due to the detection of the gaming medium by a specific detection means (out ball sensor 75), and the second time is when the first notification ends due to the occurrence of an event other than the detection of the gaming medium by a specific detection means.

[0161] Next, as shown in Figure 19, when transitioning from a jackpot game (low probability of normal pattern) to high probability of normal pattern (special pattern change pattern derivation state PB, special pattern change pattern derivation state PC) (due to the satisfaction of transition condition (i), transition condition (ii), transition condition (iii)), a jackpot game end screen (a screen indicating the end of the jackpot game and the subsequent execution of high probability of normal pattern) is displayed in the display area related to the main display unit 81 at the end of the jackpot game (end demo), and the above-mentioned customization restriction period is set during the period from the start of the jackpot game end screen to the completion of the execution of the pattern change related to special pattern 2 that was on hold at the end of the jackpot game. Furthermore, during the customization restriction period, when the symbol variation related to the reserved special symbol 2 starts (the display of the jackpot game end screen ends at this timing), a right-hit notification prompting the game ball to be shot into the second flow path Y is displayed again in the display area related to the main display unit 81. Furthermore, this right-hit notification ends when the game ball is detected by the out ball sensor 75. In particular, this right-hit notification does not end under any conditions other than the end condition.

[0162] Then, during a customization restriction period in which the contents of the collective customization cannot be changed (operations related to changing the contents of the collective customization are invalid) and the contents of the individual customization can be changed (operations related to changing the contents of the individual customization are valid), if the right-hit notification ends due to the detection of a game ball by the out ball sensor 75, the individual customization is not initialized (if the contents of the individual customization have been changed from their initial state, the changed contents of the individual customization are maintained), and the state in which the contents of the individual customization can be changed is maintained for the remainder of the customization restriction period. Note that during the remainder of the customization restriction period, the state in which the contents of the collective customization cannot be changed is also maintained. Furthermore, as described above, when the content of the individual customization is changeable, if an operation related to changing the content of the individual customization (operation of the up cursor button 38a or the down cursor button 38b) is performed, the individual customization image kkg is displayed. According to these, when the right-hit notification ends during a specific period in which the right-hit notification is being executed, the content of the individual customization can be smoothly changed.

[0163] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, a second notification (right-hit notification) can be executed based on the occurrence of a second warning state different from the first warning state, and the second notification can be terminated when the gaming medium is detected by a specific detection means, and when the second notification ends within a specific period (customization restriction period), the content of the second customization may be maintained and may not be initialized, and the operation related to changing the content of the second customization is valid even during the period after the end of the second notification within the specific period, and a predetermined notification (individual customization image kkg) is executed based on the operation being performed. In this embodiment, the device that executes the second notification and the device that executes the first notification are the same device (main display unit 81), but this is not limited to this. In other words, these devices may be different. This makes it easier to recognize that the first warning state and the second warning state are different warning states.

[0164] Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, a third warning state different from either the first or second warning state may be provided, which involves the execution of a third warning different from either the first or second warning state. As described above, the third warning state is a state in which a warning related to the progress of the game is issued, regardless of the start or end conditions, and the content of the warning in that state. The same applies to the fourth warning state described below. More specifically, the third warning state is a state in which the operation related to the change of the second customization content is valid, and the operation is not invalidated (the third warning state does not end) when a gaming ball is detected by the specific detection means, and the third warning state can end with a delay from the detection of the gaming ball (after the detection of the gaming ball). When the third warning state ends, the third notification also ends, and the operation related to the change of the second customization content becomes invalid. In particular, it is preferable that the length of the period (time) from the detection of the gaming ball to the end of the third warning state be configured to be a variety of lengths rather than a single predetermined length.

[0165] Also, although not shown in the figure, a fourth warning state different from any of the first warning state, the second warning state, and the third warning state may be provided, which involves the execution of a fourth warning state different from any of the first warning state, the second warning state, and the third warning state. More specifically, the fourth warning state is a state in which operations related to changing the content of the second customization are invalid and does not end when a gaming ball is detected by the specific detection means (the detection of the gaming ball itself may not be performed, in which case the gaming ball passes through the specific detection means). The conditions for ending the fourth warning state are not particularly limited, but when the fourth warning state ends, the fourth notification also ends in conjunction with the end of the fourth warning state. Furthermore, operations related to changing the content of the second customization become valid after the fourth warning state (fourth notification) ends. In particular, it is preferable that the length of the period (time) from the end of the fourth warning state to the activation of operations related to changing the content of the second customization be a predetermined length.

[0166] As described above, the first and second warning states in this embodiment can be terminated by the detection of a gaming ball by the specific detection means, whereas the third and fourth warning states do not end by the detection of a gaming ball by the specific detection means. Therefore, if the start conditions for either the first warning state or the second warning state and the start conditions for either the third warning state or the fourth warning state are met in duplicate, or if these start conditions are met consecutively (for example, one end condition is met when the other end condition is met), it is preferable to transition from the former warning state to the latter warning state. More specifically, when the first warning state and the third warning state occur consecutively, it is preferable that the first warning state be followed by the third warning state, but that the third warning state not be followed by the first warning state.Similarly, when the first warning state and the fourth warning state occur consecutively, it is preferable that the first warning state be followed by the fourth warning state, but that the fourth warning state not be followed by the first warning state. Furthermore, when the second warning state and the third warning state occur consecutively, it is preferable that the second warning state be followed by the third warning state, but that the third warning state not be followed by the second warning state.Similarly, when the second warning state and the fourth warning state occur consecutively, it is preferable that the second warning state be followed by the fourth warning state, but that the fourth warning state not be followed by the second warning state. When transitioning between such warning states, it is preferable to allow the transition from the third warning state to the fourth warning state, while restricting the transition from the fourth warning state to the third warning state.

[0167] <Notification of customization initialization> Next, details of whether or not an initialization notification is executed, which can identify that customization has been initialized, will be described with reference to FIG. Figure 20(a) is a diagram showing the flow when an operation is performed on a movable decorative body 22 while changing the content related to bulk customization, and the customization is initialized, and Figure 20(b) is a diagram showing the flow when an operation is performed on a movable decorative body 22 while changing the content related to individual customization, and the customization is initialized.

[0168] As shown in Figure 20(a), if an operation is performed on the movable ornamental body 22 during a content change related to the bulk customization and the customization is initialized, the bulk customization image ikg is hidden, and an initialization notification image ksg of "*Customization has been initialized" is displayed in the display area related to the main display unit 81 (initialization notification is executed). Then, the display of the image ceases after a time has elapsed (in this embodiment, after 2000 ms has elapsed). Although not shown in the figures, in this embodiment, when initialization of bulk customization is performed based on the elapsed time since the above-mentioned left-hand hit notification began reaching a specified time, the initialization notification image ksg is not displayed.

[0169] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 20 (b), if an operation is performed on the movable ornament 22 during a change in the content related to individual customization and the customization is initialized, the individual customization image kkg is hidden, but the initialization notification image ksg is not displayed. In other words, in this case, the initialization notification is not executed. This is also the case when the initialization of individual customization is performed based on the elapsed time since the start of the above-mentioned left-hit notification reaching the specified time.

[0170] <Other variations> Modifications not mentioned in the above description are listed below.

[0171] First, for each of the above-described customizations, the content change related to the change may be determined at the time when the item is changed. In this embodiment, the timing for reflecting the content change related to each decided customization may be the timing when a new pattern change starts, or if the content change is during the pattern change, the timing may be the timing when the pattern change ends immediately after the content change is decided. Furthermore, the content change related to each customization may be reflected at the time the content change is decided.

[0172] Furthermore, although the various notifications (predetermined notification, first notification, second notification, etc.) according to the present invention have been described as being executed by the main display unit 81, the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, these notifications may be executed by a device other than the main display unit 81, such as a speaker 33 or a performance lamp 35, in addition to the main display unit 81, or may be executed by the other device instead of the main display unit 81.

[0173] In addition, in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, the base value, which is the ratio of the out balls to the out balls, may be derived using the out balls, which are the number of game balls used (the number of game balls detected by the out ball sensor 75), and the safe balls, which are the number of prize balls (the number of prize balls awarded upon detection of game balls by the detection sensor associated with each prize slot). In addition, a performance display monitor may be provided on the gaming machine 10 in a position visible from the rear side of the gaming machine (for example, on the main control board 100), and the above-mentioned base value may be displayed on the display monitor. Furthermore, the base value may be derived over a series of multiple derivation periods (a period including the present, or multiple past periods), and the base values ​​derived for each of the multiple derivation periods may be displayed on the performance display monitor by switching between them in sequence with an interval between them.

[0174] In addition, the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment is a so-called one-type two-type hybrid machine that can derive both a big hit and a small hit that can result in a big hit game in determining whether the special chart is a hit or not, but it is not limited to this, and it is also possible to adopt one that can derive only a so-called two-type hit.

[0175] In addition, in each special chart variation pattern derivation state, if the special chart variation pattern is determined using the special chart variation pattern lottery table shown in Figures 9 to 11, the special chart variation pattern may be determined using another special chart variation pattern lottery table, or the special chart variation pattern may be determined without using the special chart variation pattern lottery table (without drawing lots). However, in each special chart variation pattern derivation state, it is preferable that the special chart variation pattern is determined using the special chart variation pattern lottery table shown in Figures 9 to 11 for more than half of the period during which the special chart variation pattern derivation state continues.

[0176] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as long as the relationship between the probability, rate, frequency, and number of times is ensured, the smaller value may be 0, and the larger value may be the maximum value. In particular, as long as the phenomenon aspect is ensured, the control for realizing the rate can be any. Furthermore, each lottery value in the lottery table illustrated in this embodiment is an example, and as long as the magnitude relationship between the lottery tables is maintained, each lottery value may adopt any value within the range.

[0177] In the above explanation, the power recovery state at the time of power recovery is determined by referring to the state of the RAM clear switch 43 at the time of power recovery, but it may also be determined by referring to whether the time that the RAM clear switch 43 has been in the ON state since power recovery exceeds a specified time (for example, 3 seconds). In this way, it is possible to further prevent erroneous RAM clear processing from occurring.

[0178] In addition, in the above explanation, the state of the middle frame door open sensor 76 (the open / closed state of the middle frame 17) was referenced when determining the power restoration state when power was restored, but the power restoration state may be set without reference to this state. In this case, the power restoration state when power was restored may be uniformly set according to the case when the middle frame door open sensor 76 is ON (the middle frame 17 is open).

[0179] The present invention described above is not limited to the above description, and includes various modifications and improvements as long as the object of the present invention is achieved.

[0180] <Additional Notes> The present embodiment encompasses the following technical idea. (1) A gaming machine in which customization content related to game performance can be changed based on operation, The customization includes a first customization and a second customization, a specific period during which an operation related to a change in the content of the first customization is invalid and an operation related to a change in the content of the second customization is valid; When a valid operation related to a change in the content of the second customization is performed, a predetermined notification related to the operation may be executed, A first notification may be performed, When the first notification ends in the specific period, there is a first time when the content of the second customization is maintained, and a second time when the content of the second customization is initialized, At the first time, the operation related to the change of the content of the second customization is valid even during a period after the end of the first notification within the specific period, and the predetermined notification based on the operation is executed; At the second time, at least during the period after the end of the first notification within the specific period, The operation related to the change of the second customization content is invalid; Alternatively, the operation related to the change of the content of the second customization is valid, and the predetermined notification based on the operation is not executed. A gaming machine characterized by: (2) The gaming machine described in (1) above, The first notification is executed based on the occurrence of a first warning state. A gaming machine characterized by: (3) The gaming machine described in (2) above, The first warning state is a warning state related to the progress of a game, The first time is when the first notification is terminated due to the game medium being detected by a specific detection means, The second time is when the first notification ends due to the occurrence of an event other than the detection of the gaming medium by the specific detection means. A gaming machine characterized by: (4) The gaming machine described in (3) above, A second notification can be executed based on a second warning state different from the first warning state. The second notification may be terminated when the gaming medium is detected by the specific detection means, When the second notification ends during the specific period, the content of the second customization may be maintained, and the content of the second customization may not be initialized, an operation related to the change of the content of the second customization is valid even during a period after the end of the second notification within the specific period, and the predetermined notification is executed based on the operation being performed; A gaming machine characterized by: [Explanation of symbols]

[0181] 10 Gaming machines 15 Outer Frame 17 Middle Frame 20 Front frame 21 Hinge mechanism 22 Movable decorative body 23 Cylinder lock 25 Transparent materials 27 Upper ball tray 29 Lower ball tray 30 Lower outlet 31 Operating handle 32 Upper frame part 33(33a, 33b) Speaker 34a, 34b Left and right side frame parts 35(35a, 35b, 35c) Frame Lamp 36 Ball removal mechanism 37 Production button 38 Cursor Button 38a Up cursor button 38b Down cursor button 38c Left cursor button 38d Right cursor button 38e Middle cursor button 39 Main operation section 39a Ball loan button 39b Return button 40 Power switch 43 RAM clear switch 45 Opening and closing cover 46 Game Ball Tank 47 Tank rail 48 Dispensing Unit 49 Dispensing aisle 50 Game Board 50a Gaming area 51 outer rail 52 Windmill 53 Inner rail 55 Grand Prize Winner 57 First starting point 59 Second starting point 61 Normal electric device 62 Ordinary electric accessory solenoid Gate 63 65 Special Electric Devices 66 Special electric accessory solenoid 67 General Prize Winning Entrance 69 Outlet 70 First starting port sensor 71 Second starting port sensor 72 Large prize entrance sensor 73 General prize entry sensor 74 Gate Sensor 75 Out ball sensor 76 Middle frame door open sensor 77 Front frame door open sensor 80 Performance display device 81 Main display 82 Sub display 82a Upper sub display 82b Left sub-display 82c Right sub display 90 Pattern display device 91 First special pattern display device 92 Second special pattern display device 93 Ordinary pattern display device 94 1st special pattern reserved lamp 95 2nd special pattern reserved lamp 96 Normal pattern hold lamp 100 Main control board 101 CPU 102 ROM 103 RAM 104 I / O ports 105 Random Number Circuit 109 Main control board case 110 Ball entrance determination method 115 Main random number generator 120 Main Hold Control Means 125 Preliminary Judgment Measures 130 Special drawing lottery method 131 Special drawing validity determination means 132 Special stop pattern lottery means 133 Special chart variation pattern derivation means 135 General lottery method 140 Jackpot game control means 145 Pattern display control means 150 Electrical equipment control means 155 Game status control means 160 Main information storage means 165 Main Error Control Measures 170 Main Command Management Method 175 Power restoration processing execution means 176 Power recovery state setting means 179 Means for transitioning to playable state 180 Power cut processing execution means 200 1st sub-control board 201 CPU 202 ROM 203 RAM 204 I / O ports 209 1st sub-control board case 210 Sub-random number generator 220 Normal performance control means 221 Presentation mode control means 222 Production Route Determination Method 223 Sub-hold control means 224 Predictive performance control means 225 Means for determining production content 226 Decorative pattern control means 227 Jackpot performance control means 230 Sub-error Control Measures 240 Lamp control means 245 Movable equipment control means 260 Sub-information storage means 265 Customization Control Measures 270 Subcommand Management Method 300 Second sub-control board 309 Second sub-control board case 310 Voice control board 311 CPU 312 ROM 313 RAM 314 I / O ports 400 Dispensing control board 409 Dispensing control board case 500 Power Control Board 501 Normal power circuit 502 Backup power circuit 503 Power interruption detection circuit 509 Power supply control board case 811 Display area 812 Display area X First flow path Y Second flow path SSG operation recommended image ikg bulk customization images kkg individual customization image ksg initialization notification image

Claims

1. A gaming machine in which customization content related to game performance can be changed based on operation, The customization includes a first customization and a second customization, It has a specific period of time, The operation related to the change of the content of the first customization is invalid during the specific period, an operation related to a change in the content of the second customization is valid for at least a part of the specific period; When a valid operation related to a change in the content of the second customization is performed, a predetermined notification related to the operation may be executed, A first notification may be performed, When the first notification ends in the specific period, there is a first time when the content of the second customization is maintained, and a second time when the content of the second customization is initialized, At the first time, the operation related to the change of the content of the second customization is valid even during a period after the end of the first notification within the specific period, and the predetermined notification based on the operation is executed; At the second time, at least during a predetermined period after the end of the first notification within the specific period, The operation related to the change of the second customization content is invalid; Alternatively, the operation related to the change of the content of the second customization is valid, and the predetermined notification based on the operation is not executed. A gaming machine characterized by:

2. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, The first notification is executed based on the occurrence of a first warning state. A gaming machine characterized by:

3. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, The first warning state is a warning state related to the progress of a game, The first time is when the first notification is terminated due to the game medium being detected by a specific detection means, The second time is when the first notification ends due to the occurrence of an event other than the detection of the gaming medium by the specific detection means. A gaming machine characterized by:

4. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, A second notification can be executed based on a second warning state different from the first warning state. The second notification may be terminated when the gaming medium is detected by the specific detection means, When the second notification ends during the specific period, the content of the second customization is maintained and is not initialized, an operation related to the change of the content of the second customization is valid even during a period after the end of the second notification within the specific period, and the predetermined notification is executed based on the operation being performed; A gaming machine characterized by:

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