gaming machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of easily inducing a big win game in a small win game.SOLUTION: Performance control means can execute a performance for suggesting that a degree of expectation for inducing that a second big win game is high, or a specific performance as a performance for notifying that the second big win game is induced. When a small win capable of inducing the second big win game is won, a ratio of execution of the specific performance in a second game state set with a second condition as an opportunity is smaller than a ratio of execution of the specific performance in the second game state set with a first condition as an opportunity for ratios of execution of the specific performance, or the specific performance is not executed in the second game state set with the second condition as an opportunity while the specific performance is not executed in the second game state set with the first condition as an opportunity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Some gaming machines, such as pachinko machines, are configured to be able to launch gaming balls, execute symbol changes based on the entry of the gaming ball into a starting hole, and if a small win is won in the pattern change determination, a small win game starts after the symbol change ends, and if the gaming ball passes through a predetermined area during the small win game, a big win game starts after the small win game ends. For example, see Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-80637 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such gaming machines, depending on whether or not the gaming ball is launched and the launch direction, the player can select whether or not to have the gaming ball pass through a predetermined area in the small hit game, i.e., whether or not to have a jackpot game occur in the small hit game. Therefore, if there is a difference in the advantage of the jackpot game via the small hit game in order to further increase the interest in the game, there is a risk that the game will not be played in the expected flow of play, such as the player not launching the gaming ball in the small hit game, and the jackpot game via the small hit game will not occur.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and provides a gaming machine that makes it easier to generate a big win game in a small win game. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, a gaming machine is capable of launching a gaming ball toward a first flow path provided with a first starting port or a second flow path provided with a second starting port, and when the gaming ball passes through a predetermined area in a small win game that is executed based on a win or loss judgment of a small win, a big win game is generated, and a first gaming state in which the launch of the gaming ball toward the first flow path is recommended, or a second gaming state in which the launch of the gaming ball toward the second starting port is recommended, and the gaming machine is equipped with a presentation means and a presentation control means that controls the presentation means, and Regarding the probability of winning the small win in the hit / miss judgment related to the second starting port, the probability of winning the small win in the hit / miss judgment related to the first starting port is higher than the probability of winning the small win in the hit / miss judgment related to the first starting port, or the small win can be won in the hit / miss judgment related to the second starting port, but the small win cannot be won in the hit / miss judgment related to the first starting port, and the types of the jackpot game include a first jackpot game and a second jackpot game that is more advantageous than the first jackpot game, and if the jackpot game occurs via the small win game, the small win The type of the jackpot game is determined before the timing when the game ball passes through the predetermined area in the game, and when the number of fluctuations in the second game state reaches a predetermined number, the second game state transitions to the first game state, and the conditions for setting the second game state include a first condition and a second condition in which the advantage of the second game state to be set is higher than the first condition, and the effect control means is capable of executing a first specific effect and a second specific effect, and the first specific effect can be the first specific effect. The second specific effect can be a first effect mode, which is a effect mode with a high expectation that the second jackpot game will occur among the effect modes in which the second specific effect can occur, or a effect mode that notifies that the second jackpot game will occur, and the second specific effect can be a second effect mode, which is a effect mode with a high expectation that the second jackpot game will occur among the effect modes in which the second specific effect can occur, or a effect mode that notifies that the second jackpot game will occur, and the rate at which the first specific effect of the first effect mode is executed is set to the second game state set by the second condition. When the jackpot game occurs The rate at which the first specific effect of the first effect mode is executed is set in the second gaming state triggered by the first condition. When the jackpot game occurs In the second gaming state, the rate at which the first specific effect of the first effect mode is executed is lower than the rate at which the first specific effect of the first effect mode is executed, or the rate at which the second gaming state ... When the jackpot game occurs The first specific effect of the first effect mode can be executed in the second gaming state set by the second condition. When the jackpot game occurs In the second game state set by the second condition, the first specific effect of the first effect mode is not executed and the second specific effect of the second effect mode is executed. When the jackpot game occurs The rate at which the second specific effect of the second effect mode is executed is set in the second gaming state triggered by the first condition. When the jackpot game occurs In the second game state, the rate at which the second specific effect of the second effect mode is executed is lower than the rate at which the second specific effect of the second effect mode is executed, or ... When the jackpot game occurs The second specific effect of the second effect mode can be executed in the second gaming state set by the second condition. When the jackpot game occurs In the case where the second specific performance of the second performance mode is not executed, and the second specific performance is executed after the first specific performance, and the second jackpot game occurs In this case, the second specific effect that can become the second effect mode is executed. The percentage of The first specific effect that can become the first effect mode is executed. The probability of occurrence of the second jackpot game is higher than the probability of occurrence of the first jackpot game, and in the second game state set by the second condition, a shorter fluctuation pattern is more likely to be determined than in the second game state set in response to the first condition, and the presentation control means is further capable of executing a predetermined presentation having a lower expectation of occurrence of the second jackpot game compared to the first specific presentation of the first presentation mode. and, with respect to the rate at which the predetermined effect is executed, the rate at which the predetermined effect is executed in the second gaming state set by the second condition is lower than the rate at which the predetermined effect is executed in the second gaming state set by the first condition, or the predetermined effect can be executed in the second gaming state set by the first condition, and the predetermined effect is not executed in the second gaming state set by the second condition. A gaming machine characterized by the above is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a gaming machine is provided that makes it easier to generate a big win game in a small win game. [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 that schematically shows a lottery table for determining whether a special symbol is a hit or not, Figure 8(b) is a diagram that schematically shows 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 that schematically shows 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, and Figure 8(d) is a diagram that schematically shows 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. [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 for pattern variations relating to special chart 2 when the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC is in effect, 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 for pattern variations relating to special chart 2 when the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC is in effect. [Figure 11]Figure 11(a) is a diagram schematically showing a special chart variation pattern lottery table used in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 when in special chart variation pattern derivation state PB or special chart variation pattern derivation state PE, 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 in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 when in special chart variation pattern derivation state PB or special chart variation pattern derivation state PE. [Figure 12] Figure 12(a) is a diagram schematically showing a special chart variation pattern lottery table used in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD, and Figure 12(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 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD. [Figure 13] FIG. 13(a) is a state transition diagram showing the transition of the special chart variation pattern derivation state, and FIG. 13(b) is a diagram showing the relationship between the average variation time for each special chart variation pattern derivation state. [Figure 14] 14(a) to 14(c) are diagrams showing specific examples of the symbol pre-reading effects. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flow chart of the pattern pre-reading effect control process. [Figure 16] 16(a) to 16(c) are diagrams that schematically show lottery tables used in the lottery that determines whether or not to execute the symbol pre-reading effect and the execution mode. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows a flow of the symbol pre-reading effect regulation process. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows a flow of the reach symbol determination process. [Figure 19] 19(a) to 19(c) are diagrams that schematically show lottery tables used in the lottery that determines the reach pattern. [Figure 20]Figure 20(a) is a diagram that schematically shows a lottery table for drawing the special chart 1 stopping pattern when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment is a miss, Figure 20(b) is a diagram that schematically shows a lottery table for drawing the special chart 2 stopping pattern when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment is a miss, and Figure 20(c) is a table that summarizes the types of current special chart variation pattern derivation states and the validity of transitioning to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PE for each of patterns D and f. [Figure 21] 21(a) and 21(b) are diagrams showing specific examples of the number of times displayed according to this embodiment. [Figure 22] Figures 22(a) and 22(b) are diagrams showing the transition of the number of times the display of the number of times has changed when power is interrupted and restored during a period in which the number of times the pattern has changed after the end of a jackpot game is 0 to 1000 times. Figure 22(a) shows the transition of the number of times the display of the number of times has changed when a RAM clear process is performed at the time of the power interruption, and Figure 22(b) shows the transition of the number of times the display of the number of times has changed when a RAM clear process is not performed at the time of the power interruption. [Figure 23] Figures 23(a) and 23(b) are figures showing the transition of the count display when a power outage and restoration occurs during the period after a transition from the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA; Figure 23(a) shows the transition of the count display when a RAM clear process is performed at the time of the power outage, and Figure 23(b) shows the transition of the count display when a RAM clear process is not performed at the time of the power outage. 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 capable of firing game balls, capable of executing pattern changes based on the entry of the game ball into a first start port (first start port 57) or a second start port (second start port 59), executing a hit / miss determination including a determination of whether or not a small win will be won with the start of the pattern change, and if the small win is won in the hit / miss determination, starting a small win game after the end of the pattern change for which the hit / miss determination was executed, and if the game ball passes through a predetermined area (V winning area) during the small win game, starting a big win game after the end of the small win game, A game status management means (game status control means 155) for managing the game status; A presentation means (main display unit 81), A performance control means (first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300) that controls the performance means; Equipped with Regarding the probability of winning the above small prize in the above winning / losing judgment, The probability of winning the small win with the pattern variation related to the second starting port is higher than the probability of winning the small win with the pattern variation related to the first starting port, Alternatively, the small win may be won by the pattern change related to the second starting port, but the small win may not be won by the pattern change related to the first starting port, The game status management means As the game state, a first game state (normal low probability) or a second game state (normal high probability) in which it is easier for the game ball to enter the second starting hole than in the first game state can be set; When the first condition (transition condition (ii) or transition condition (iii)) or the second condition (transition condition (vi)) is satisfied, the gaming state is transitioned from the first gaming state to the second gaming state; In both the second game state set in response to the first condition and the second game state set in response to the second condition, when the number of symbol variations executed in the second game state without the jackpot game in between reaches a specified number, the game state is transitioned from the second game state to the first game state, The specified number of times (500 times) for the second gaming state set in response to the second condition is greater than the specified number of times (80 times) for the second gaming state set in response to the first condition, The types of the jackpot game that are generated via the small jackpot game related to the small jackpot won in the pattern variation related to the second starting port include a first jackpot game (a jackpot game with four rounds) and a second jackpot game (a jackpot game with ten rounds) that is more advantageous than the first jackpot game, When the jackpot game is generated via the small jackpot game, the type of the jackpot game is determined before the timing when the game ball passes through the predetermined area in the small jackpot game, The effect control means is capable of executing a specific effect (a symbol pre-reading effect relating to a special odd number barrage, a 7 symbol reach state) which is an effect suggesting that the second jackpot game is highly expected to occur, or an effect informing that the second jackpot game will occur, When the small win that may cause the second big win game is won, the rate at which the specific performance is executed is as follows: The rate at which the specific effect is executed in the second gaming state set in response to the second condition is lower than the rate at which the specific effect is executed in the second gaming state set in response to the first condition. Alternatively, the specific effect may be executed in the second gaming state set in response to the first condition, while the specific effect is not executed in the second gaming state set in response to the second condition, The above specific performances are It is an effect that is executed in one pattern change, and is an effect that suggests that there is a high expectation that the second jackpot game will occur due to the pattern change. Or it is an effect that is executed in one pattern change, and is an effect that notifies that the second jackpot game will occur due to the pattern change, This is a gaming machine characterized by the above.

[0012] According to the present invention, in a small hit game in the second game state set in response to the second condition, the risk that the game will not be played in the expected flow of play, such as the player not firing the game ball, and that a big hit game will not occur via the small hit game is reduced, making it easier to generate a big hit game in a small hit game. Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the specific effect is a change effect that is executed with the pattern change, the player can be made aware immediately beforehand that the pattern change may require the launch of a game ball related to a small win game.

[0013] First, the above phrase "the type of the jackpot game is determined before the timing at which the game ball passes through the specified area in the small jackpot game" means that the jackpot game caused by the small jackpot game is linked to the stopping pattern of the special chart related to the small jackpot game.

[0014] Furthermore, the factors that cause the difference in the degree of advantage between the first jackpot game and the second jackpot game are not limited to the difference in the number of rounds in each jackpot game, but may also be caused by the difference in the specified number of times related to the high probability of a normal game after the jackpot game, or by a combination of these differences.

[0015] Furthermore, "an effect suggesting a high expectation of the second jackpot game occurring" means that the probability of the second jackpot game occurring when the effect in question is executed is higher than the probability of the second jackpot game occurring when other effects (not all effects but some of them) are executed. Furthermore, "an effect that notifies that the second jackpot game will occur" means that the second jackpot game will occur when the effect is executed, but it is not necessarily necessary that the effect be executed when the second jackpot game occurs.

[0016] Furthermore, the above-mentioned small hit refers to a small hit game that can result in a big hit game, and does not include a small hit that results in a small hit game that is configured so that the game ball does not pass through the above-mentioned specified area in a small hit game, such as when the period during which the special electric device 65 described below is in an open state is extremely short.

[0017] The gaming machine 10 having the above-mentioned features will be specifically described based on the following embodiment. <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 has 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 from each other vertically and are formed integrally with the front frame 20. 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 decorative body 22 that is operated by an actuator such as a motor (not shown) is provided on the side of the upper ball tray 27.

[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 is on the left side relative to the main display unit 81, and the right sub-display unit 82c is 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.

[0029] In addition, in this embodiment, the performance display device 80 (main display unit 81, upper sub-display unit 82a, left sub-display unit 82b, right sub-display unit 82c) all use liquid crystal display devices, but the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, various types of display devices such as drum type and dot matrix type can be used as the performance display device 80.

[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, thereby allowing entry into the large prize winning slot 55. 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 jackpots, which significantly increase the chances of winning prize balls, are in an advantageous gaming state. 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 open for 1.8 seconds or when 10 game balls enter the large prize opening. Therefore, in the small win game, it is more difficult for game balls to enter the large prize opening 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 is in an open state during at least a portion of the normal winning game that is performed by winning the normal pattern variation, and this allows entry into the second starting hole 59. In this way, when the normal electric device 61 is in an open state, it becomes easier to enter the second starting hole 59, so the opportunity for the pattern variation of the special pattern 2 to be 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.

[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 (not shown) is provided for detecting out balls, which are game balls that enter the winning hole and the out hole.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[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 (described later). Specifically, the RAM 103 is configured to back up various pieces of information that, when power is restored (powered on) after a power outage, can be used to restore the gaming machine 10 to the state it was in immediately before the power outage. For example, in addition to data such as the stack pointer and registers held at the time of the power outage, game-related information such as the state of the gaming machine 10 at the time (game stopped or playable) and the current normal symbol lottery status are 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 decorative symbol sequence is frozen with the initial symbol combination (a combination different from the symbol combination that can be frozen by the symbol pre-reading effect (described later)). This state is also maintained if the RAM clear process was not executed when the 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 statically only when the power is turned on, and is not displayed statically 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] In addition, the main control board 100 is electrically connected to the first start port sensor 70, the second start port sensor 71, the large prize port sensor 72, the general prize port 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 so that detection signals from these sensors can be input 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. The first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to the effect button 37 and the cursor button 38, and is configured to be able to detect the operation of these operation units.

[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 is equipped with a CPU 301 that performs various arithmetic processing related to image presentation based on image control commands from the first sub-control board 200, a ROM 302 that stores image control programs and various data, a RAM 303 that functions as a work area or buffer memory that serves as a temporary storage area, and an I / O port 304 that inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and each device, and is configured so that the CPU 301 executes main control related to image presentation in accordance with the control program stored in ROM 302. In addition, the second sub-control board 300 is equipped with a VDP (not shown) 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 301, and a sound source IC that generates sound data according to the content of the effect based on the control signal received from the CPU 301. The VDP is a so-called image processor that reads image data stored in an image ROM in response to instructions from the CPU 301, processes the image data, and transmits the generated image data to the main display unit 81 and the sub-display unit 82. A high-speed VRAM is also connected to this VDP and 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 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 amusement island, a backup power supply circuit that generates backup power, and a power interruption detection circuit (all not shown) 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 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 is detected by the power interruption detection circuit, 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 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 may be installed on the dispensing control board 400, and the power interruption detection circuit may not be installed on the power supply control board 500, but may be installed 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 13 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.

[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 referred to as the special drawing 2 hold counter. 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 hold information corresponding to special drawing 1 and the activation hold information corresponding to special drawing 2 are reserved, a priority change is made in which the activation hold information corresponding to special drawing 2 is used preferentially. However, instead of this priority change, a simultaneous change may be adopted in which the activation hold information corresponding to special drawing 1 and the activation hold information corresponding to special drawing 2 are used simultaneously in this case.

[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. Since the pre-determination command is transmitted (generated and stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160) at least part of the timing of the predetermined pre-determination, it will be transmitted following the above-mentioned pending command. Here, the predetermined timing of the pre-determination refers to a timing that is not during a jackpot game, such as a timing when the activation pending information for a special symbol is reserved. In this embodiment, if the activation pending information for special symbol 1 is reserved during a normal symbol high probability, as 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 pending information for special symbol 2 is reserved during a normal symbol low probability, as 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 12 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 1100 / 65536 (approximately 1 / 59.6), 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 drawing the stopping pattern used when a jackpot is derived in the special pattern hit / miss judgment related to special pattern 1, when a jackpot is derived in the special pattern hit / miss judgment related to special pattern 1, pattern A is determined as the stopping pattern with a probability of 950 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.05), and pattern B is determined with a probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20). Here, whether pattern A or pattern B is determined, the normal pattern will have a high probability as described below after the end of the jackpot game, but the number of pattern changes that will continue to result in the normal pattern having a high probability will be 30 times after the end of the jackpot game when pattern A is determined, and 80 times after the end of the jackpot game when pattern B is determined. Here, symbol A has four rounds, and is a stopping symbol that becomes a normal high probability symbol after the end of the jackpot game, as described below, and the specified number of times for this normal high probability symbol (the maximum number of times that symbol fluctuations are executed while the normal high probability symbol continues) is 30. On the other hand, symbol B has ten rounds, and is a stopping symbol that becomes a normal high probability symbol after the end of the jackpot game, and the specified number of times for this normal high probability symbol is 80. Therefore, symbol B can be said to be a more advantageous symbol than symbol A in terms of both the number of rounds and the specified number of times for the normal high probability symbol.

[0075] As shown in Figure 8(c), which is a diagram that schematically shows 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 2, when a jackpot is derived in the judgment of whether the special symbol is a hit or miss related to special symbol 2, symbol a will be determined as the stopping symbol with a probability of 250 / 1000 (1 / 4), and symbol b will be determined with a probability of 750 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.33). Here, pattern a has 4 rounds, is a stopping pattern that becomes a normal high probability pattern after the end of the jackpot game, and the specified number of times for this normal high probability pattern is 80. On the other hand, pattern b has 10 rounds, is a stopping pattern that becomes a normal high probability pattern after the end of the jackpot game, and the specified number of times for this normal high probability pattern is 80. Therefore, it can be said that pattern b is a more advantageous pattern than pattern a in terms of the number of rounds.

[0076] As shown in Figure 8(d), 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 c will be determined as the stopping pattern with a probability of 250 / 1000 (1 / 4), and pattern d will be determined with a probability of 750 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.33). Here, if a jackpot game occurs in a small jackpot game related to symbol c, the number of rounds in the jackpot game will be 4, and the stopping symbol will be a normal high probability symbol after the jackpot game ends, with the specified number of times for the normal high probability symbol being 80. On the other hand, if a jackpot game occurs in a small jackpot game related to symbol d, the number of rounds in the jackpot game will be 10, and the stopping symbol will be a normal high probability symbol after the jackpot game ends, with the specified number of times for the normal high probability symbol being 80. Therefore, symbol d can be said to be a more advantageous symbol than symbol c in terms of the number of rounds when a jackpot game occurs. In addition, when a jackpot game occurs in a small hit game, the number of rounds in the jackpot game is the number of small hit games converted into one round. In addition, in the following explanation, a jackpot game that occurs in a small hit game related to symbol c will be referred to as a "jackpot game related to symbol c," and a jackpot game that occurs in a small hit game related to symbol d will be referred to as a "jackpot game related to symbol d."

[0077] In addition, if the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment for special chart 1 is a miss, the special chart stop pattern lottery means 132 determines pattern C or pattern D as the stop pattern, and if the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment for special chart 2 is a miss, it determines pattern e or pattern f as the stop pattern. As will be described in detail later, when pattern D or pattern f is determined in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA, the display of these stopped patterns triggers a transition from the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA to the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PE, which will be described later.

[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 will be described later, but in this embodiment, the special chart variation pattern derivation state includes the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB, the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD, and the special chart variation pattern derivation state PE. 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, the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD, and the special chart variation pattern derivation state PE. 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 pattern hit / miss judgment for the pattern change related to special pattern 1 during the special pattern change pattern derivation state PA is a miss, there is a 900 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.11) probability of special pattern change pattern HNP, a 52 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 19.2) probability of special pattern change pattern HRP, a 13 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 76.9) probability of HSP1-A, and a 11 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 90. 9) HSP1-B with a probability of 9 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 111) HSP2-A with a probability of 7 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 143) HSP2-B with a probability of 5 / 1000 (1 / 200) HSP3-A with a probability of 3 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 333) HSP3-B is determined, and in this case, the special pattern variation pattern ASP1-A to the special pattern variation pattern ASP-C are not determined. Details will be described later using Figure 9 (b), but when the special pattern variation pattern HNP is determined, the special pattern variation pattern is further specified using the value of the special pattern 1 pending counter at the start of this pattern variation. 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 variation pattern of this embodiment, when two special chart variation patterns are described with "~" in between, the description of the special chart variation pattern that exists between the special chart variation pattern described earlier and the special chart variation pattern described later is omitted in accordance with the order described in the drawing related to the special chart variation pattern lottery table for each special chart variation pattern derivation state. Also, in the explanation of the special chart variation pattern of this embodiment, regardless of whether the corresponding variation time is described, if the names of the special chart variation patterns are different, it means that the different special chart variation patterns are different (different variation times).

[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 special chart variation pattern derivation state PB, special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, special chart variation pattern derivation state PD, and special chart variation pattern derivation state PE, and in these special chart variation pattern derivation states, the reserved counter referenced is different from that in special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, and in all 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 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. 10(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-F can be determined. Specifically, 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 PC 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), HSP-E with a probability of 15 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 66.7), and HSP-F with a probability of 5 / 1000 (1 / 200). In this case, 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). When 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 this pattern change. The method of determining the special chart variation pattern using this special chart 2 pending counter is also the same in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, special chart variation pattern derivation state PD, and special chart variation pattern derivation state PE described below. 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, special chart change pattern ASP-D will be determined with a probability of 500 / 1000 (1 / 2), ASP-E with a probability of 350 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 2.86), and 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 PC 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 PC 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 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 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 PC include special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-E with a fluctuation time of 1500 ms and special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-F with a fluctuation 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-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 any of the special chart variation patterns 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, 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 2 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB or special chart variation pattern derivation state PE described below, and 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 2 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD described below.

[0084] Figure 11(a) is a diagram schematically showing a special chart variation pattern lottery table used for pattern variation related to special chart 2 when in special chart variation pattern derivation state PB or special chart variation pattern derivation state PE, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0 to 999. As shown in FIG. 11(a), in the pattern change related to special chart 2 in the special chart change pattern derivation state PB or the special chart change pattern derivation state PE, special chart change pattern HNP to special chart change pattern ASP-I can be determined. Specifically, if the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern change related to special chart 2 when in special chart change pattern derivation state PB or special chart change pattern derivation state PE is a 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 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 special chart change pattern derivation state PB or special chart change pattern derivation state PE is a big hit or a small hit, special chart change pattern ASP-G will be determined with a probability of 500 / 1000 (1 / 2), ASP-H with a probability of 350 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 2.86), and 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. 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 or the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PE is a miss, any one of the special chart fluctuation patterns HSP-G to HSP-I is determined at a rate of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20), and the special chart fluctuation pattern HNP is determined at a rate of 950 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.05). Furthermore, 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 or the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PE is a big hit or a small hit, any one of the special chart fluctuation patterns ASP-G to ASP-I is determined at a rate of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1).

[0085] Figure 11(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 2 in special chart variation pattern derivation state PB or special chart variation pattern derivation state PE, 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 fluctuation patterns HNP that can be determined in the pattern fluctuation related to special chart 2 in special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB or special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PE include special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-G with a fluctuation time of 2000 ms and special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-H with a fluctuation time of 12000 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, special chart variation pattern HNP-G and special chart variation pattern HNP-H are different from 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 above-mentioned special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, 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 2 in the above-mentioned special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, and 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 2 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD described below.

[0086] Figure 12(a) is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a special pattern variation lottery table used for the pattern variation related to special pattern 2 in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PD, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0 to 999. As shown in Figure 12(a), in the pattern variation related to the special chart 2 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD, the special chart variation pattern HNP to the special chart variation pattern ASPF can be determined. In particular, the special chart variation pattern HSP-G to the special chart variation pattern ASP-I are common to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB and the special chart variation pattern derivation state PE. Specifically, if the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment for the pattern change related to special chart 2 during the special chart change pattern derivation state PD is a miss, special chart change pattern HNP will be determined with a probability of 965 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.04), special chart change pattern HSP-G with a probability of 30 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 33.3), special chart change pattern HSP-H with a probability of 3 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 333), and HSP-I with a probability of 2 / 1000 (1 / 500), 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 during the special chart change pattern derivation state PD is a big hit or a small hit, special chart change pattern ASP-G will be determined with a probability of 800 / 1000 (1 / 1.25), ASP-H with a probability of 150 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6.67), and ASP-I with a probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20), and in such cases, special chart change pattern HNP to special chart change pattern HSP-I will not be determined.

[0087] As described above, in this embodiment, 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 PD is a miss, then one of special chart change patterns HSP-G to HSP-I is determined at a rate of 35 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 28.6), which is lower than the rate (1 / 20) at which one of special chart change patterns HSP-G to HSP-I is determined when 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. On the other hand, if the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern change related to special chart 2 in the special chart change pattern derivation state PD is a miss, the special chart change pattern HNP is determined at a rate of 965 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.04), which is higher than the rate at which the special chart change pattern HNP is determined (approximately 1 / 1.05) when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern change related to special chart 2 in the special chart change pattern derivation state PB is a miss. In addition, when 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 PD is a big hit or a small hit, one of the special chart change patterns ASP-G to ASP-I will be determined at a rate of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1).

[0088] Furthermore, the probability (approximately 1 / 33.3) that special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-G will be determined when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment is a miss in the pattern fluctuation related to special chart 2 in special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PD is higher than the probability (1 / 40) that special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-G will be determined when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment is a miss in the pattern fluctuation related to special chart 2 in special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB. On the other hand, the probability (approximately 1 / 333) that special chart variation pattern HSP-H will be determined when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment is a miss in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 when the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD is lower than the probability (approximately 1 / 66.7) that special chart variation pattern HSP-H will be determined when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment is a miss in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 when the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB is lower, and the probability (1 / 500) that special chart variation pattern HSP-I will be determined when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment is a miss in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 when the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD is lower than the probability (1 / 100) that special chart variation pattern HSP-I will be determined when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment is a miss in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 when the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB is lower. Furthermore, the probability (1 / 1.25) that the special chart change pattern ASP-G will be determined when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern change related to special chart 2 in the special chart change pattern derivation state PD is a big hit or a small hit is higher than the probability (1 / 2) that the special chart change pattern ASP-G will be determined when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern change related to special chart 2 in the special chart change pattern derivation state PB is a big hit or a small hit. On the other hand, the probability (approximately 1 / 6.67) that special chart variation pattern ASP-H will be determined when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 in special chart variation pattern derivation state PD is a big hit or a small hit is lower than the probability (approximately 1 / 2.86) that special chart variation pattern ASP-H will be determined when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 in special chart variation pattern derivation state PB is a big hit or a small hit, and the probability (1 / 20) that special chart variation pattern ASP-I will be determined when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 in special chart variation pattern derivation state PD is a big hit or a small hit is lower than the probability (approximately 1 / 6.67) that special chart variation pattern ASP-I will be determined when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 in special chart variation pattern derivation state PB is a big hit or a small hit.

[0089] Figure 12(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 2 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD, 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 12(a)) is 0 to 999. As shown in Figure 12(b), the special pattern variation patterns HNP that can be determined in the pattern variation related to special pattern 2 in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PD include special pattern variation pattern HNP-I with a variation time of 1000 ms and special pattern variation with a variation time of 5000 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-I is determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1), and in these cases, the special chart change pattern HNP-J 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-J is determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1), and in these cases, the special chart change pattern HNP-I is not determined. In addition, special chart variation pattern HNP-I and special chart variation pattern HNP-J are different from 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, 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 2 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC described below, and 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 2 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB or special chart variation pattern derivation state PE. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as explained using Figure 12(b), in the pattern change related to special chart 2 in the special chart change pattern derivation state PC, the change pattern is determined based on the value of the special chart 2 pending counter at the start of the pattern change, but in the pattern change, a predetermined special chart change pattern (for example, special chart change pattern HNP-I) may be determined regardless of the value of the special chart 2 pending counter at the start of the pattern change.

[0090] Thus, in this embodiment, for the purpose of reducing the development cost (data capacity) burden related to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD and the special chart variation pattern derivation state PE, the special chart variation pattern that can be determined by lottery using the special chart variation pattern lottery table used in the pattern variation related to the special chart 2 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD and the special chart variation pattern derivation state PE is configured to include some or all of the special chart variation patterns that can be determined by lottery using the special chart variation pattern lottery table used in the pattern variation related to the special chart 2 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB (special chart variation pattern HSP-G to special chart variation pattern ASP-I). In particular, in this embodiment, the same special chart variation pattern lottery table is used in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB and the special chart variation pattern derivation state PE. In addition, the special chart variation patterns that can be determined by lottery using the special chart variation pattern lottery table used for the pattern variation related to special chart 2 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD may be composed only of special chart variation patterns that can be determined by lottery using the special chart variation pattern lottery table used for the pattern variation related to special chart 2 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB, or the same special chart variation pattern lottery table may be used in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD and the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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 execute a regular map hit / miss judgment to determine whether the regular map is a hit or not, and executes a regular map stop pattern lottery to determine the stopping pattern of the regular map by lottery if the regular map hit is won and the regular electric device 61 is controlled to the open state by the regular map hit / miss judgment, and a regular map change pattern lottery to determine the change pattern (change time) of the regular map by lottery. More specifically, in the normal drawing hit / miss judgment, there are two states where the normal drawing lottery state is a high probability state (sometimes abbreviated as "normal drawing high probability") and a low probability state (sometimes abbreviated as "normal drawing low probability"). Although the illustration of the lottery table is omitted, in this embodiment, in the normal drawing high probability state, the normal drawing hits with a probability of 65535 / 65536, and the remaining probability of 1 / 65536 is a miss, while in the normal drawing low probability state, the normal drawing hits with a probability of 1 / 65536, and the remaining probability of 65535 / 65536 is a miss. Note that in the normal drawing low probability state, it may be configured so that the normal drawing does not hit (65536 / 65536 is a miss).

[0093] In the normal stop pattern lottery, as in the special stop pattern lottery, one stop pattern is determined by lottery using a lottery table (not shown) for normal stop pattern lottery from multiple types of stop patterns that have different patterns when the normal electric device 61 is opened. If the normal pattern is judged as a miss, the stop pattern is determined uniformly, as in the special pattern 1 and special pattern 2.

[0094] In addition, in the lottery for the general map fluctuation pattern, as in the lottery for the special map fluctuation pattern, one general map fluctuation pattern is determined from multiple types of general map fluctuation patterns by lottery using a lottery table (not shown) for the general map fluctuation pattern lottery.

[0095] In this way, a high probability of winning a normal game is higher than a low probability of winning a normal game, and it can be said to be a more advantageous state than a low probability of winning a normal game.

[0096] When the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment is a big hit or a small hit, the big hit game control means 140 determines the demo time for the start demo and the demo time for the end demo according to the determined symbol. Furthermore, at the start of a jackpot game, the jackpot game control means 140 generates a presentation control command (jackpot start command) including a demo time related to the start demo of the jackpot game, 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 the same for a small jackpot game.

[0097] In addition, the game control means 140 starts a small win game when the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment is a small win, and when the game ball passes through the V winning area (not shown) provided in the large winning port 55 during the small win game, the end of the small win game (more precisely, the end of the end demo of the small win game) triggers the start of a big win game corresponding to the small win. Therefore, in this embodiment, the small win game functions as a trigger for the big win game. In addition, if the game ball does not pass through the V winning area during a small win game, the big win game will not start (occur) after the small win game ends.

[0098] 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. 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.

[0099] In addition, 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 the normal map fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time) of the normal map, and after the fluctuation time has elapsed, causes the normal map to be displayed in a stopped pattern determined by the normal map stop pattern lottery. In addition, the symbol display control means 145 has a regular symbol game timer for managing the time (variable time, stop display time) related to the display of the regular symbol.

[0100] 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.

[0101] In addition, when the normal drawing is won, the electric role control means 150 outputs a control signal to the normal electric role solenoid 62 to open the normal electric role 61 according to an opening pattern corresponding to the normal stopping pattern.

[0102] 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, and sets the normal symbol low probability after the symbol changes a specified number of times. Note that in this embodiment, during a small jackpot game, the normal symbol lottery state is maintained in the symbol change that caused the small jackpot game. Therefore, if a small jackpot is won during a normal symbol high probability, the normal symbol high probability is maintained during the small jackpot game related to the small jackpot, and if a jackpot game is triggered by the small jackpot game, the normal symbol low probability is triggered by the start of the jackpot game.

[0103] 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 13(a) and 13(b). Figure 13(a) is a state transition diagram showing the transition of the special drawing variation pattern derivation state, and Figure 13(b) is a diagram showing the relationship between the average variation time for each special drawing variation pattern derivation state. As shown in Figure 13(a), the special chart variation pattern derivation state is the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, which corresponds to the normal low probability, and the special chart variation pattern derivation state corresponding to the normal high probability is the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB, the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD, and the special chart variation pattern derivation state PE. Except during jackpot play, one of these special chart variation pattern derivation states is set. The transition conditions between the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA and the special chart variation pattern derivation state PE include transition conditions (i) to (viii). In the following explanation, the normal high probability play state may be referred to as "time-shortened."

[0104] Specifically, transition condition (i) is the end of jackpot play related to pattern A, transition condition (ii) is the end of jackpot play related to pattern B, transition condition (iii) is the end of jackpot play related to patterns a, b, c, and d, transition condition (iv) is the end of pattern change related to special pattern 2 executed without jackpot play in normal pattern high probability mode when the number of pattern changes becomes 30 (the specified number of times related to special pattern change pattern derivation state PB or special pattern change pattern derivation state PE), and transition condition (v) is the end of pattern change related to special pattern 2 executed without jackpot play in normal pattern high probability mode when the number of pattern changes becomes 80 (the specified number of times related to special pattern change pattern derivation state PC). In addition, transition condition (vi) is the end of the pattern change when the number of consecutive pattern changes executed without a jackpot game reaches 1000, and transition condition (vii) is the end of the pattern change when the number of pattern changes related to special pattern 2 executed without a jackpot game in the normal pattern high probability state reaches 500 (the specified number of times related to the special pattern change pattern derivation state PD). Furthermore, transition condition (viii) is the stop display of pattern D or pattern f in the normal pattern low probability state. In addition, in the special pattern change pattern derivation state PC, when the above transition condition (iii) is satisfied, the number of pattern changes executed related to transition condition (v) is initialized to 0.

[0105] In this embodiment, the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB, the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD, and the special chart variation pattern derivation state PE are all normal high probability. Therefore, from the viewpoint of the expectation of the occurrence of a jackpot game, these special chart variation pattern derivation states can be said to be the same special chart variation pattern derivation state. Furthermore, if a big win game does not occur in a small win game related to transition condition (iii), the state when the small win game occurred (high probability of a normal pattern, and the number of pattern changes related to special pattern 2 that can be performed up to the specified number of times) will be maintained. In addition, if a power outage and restoration occurs accompanied by the execution of a RAM clear process, the number of times the pattern change related to transition condition (vi) is executed is cleared (initialized), whereas if a power outage and restoration occurs without the execution of a RAM clear process, the number of times the change is executed is maintained.

[0106] In addition, in this embodiment, the transition condition (vi) may be satisfied during the special chart variation pattern derivation state PE. In this case, at that time, the transition to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD occurs, and the prescribed number of times for the normal chart high probability after the transition is newly set to 500. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the value of the prescribed number of times for each normal chart high probability is configured so that the transition condition (vi) is not satisfied in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC and the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in a pattern variation in which the transition condition (vi) may be satisfied, if the stop pattern (pattern D, pattern f) related to the transition condition (viii) is displayed as a stopped pattern, the transition condition (vi) is satisfied with priority. This is realized by the game state control means 155 determining the transition condition (vi) before (given priority to) determining whether the transition condition (viii) is satisfied, and terminating the determination related to the transition condition upon completion of the determination related to one transition condition.

[0108] In addition, the transition conditions among the above-mentioned transition conditions (i) to (viii) that are satisfied by the number of times the pattern change related to the special pattern 2 is executed include the end of the pattern change corresponding to the transition condition, that is, the transition condition is satisfied at the end of the pattern change corresponding to the transition condition, and a transition to the special pattern change pattern derivation state occurs, but this is not limited to this. In some or all of these transition conditions, the transition condition may include the start of the pattern change corresponding to the transition condition, that is, the transition condition may be satisfied at the start of the pattern change corresponding to the transition condition, and a transition to the special pattern change pattern derivation state may occur. Furthermore, in this embodiment, for the transition conditions (i) to (viii) that are satisfied by the number of times that the pattern change related to special chart 2 is executed, the number of times that the pattern change related to the transition condition is executed does not include the number of times that the pattern change related to special chart 1 is executed. However, the number of times that the pattern change related to the transition condition is executed may include the number of times that the pattern change related to special chart 1 is executed that exceeds a predetermined number (in this embodiment, 4, which is the maximum number of pattern changes related to special chart 1 that can be reserved).

[0109] In addition, when the transition from the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PD to the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PA is made by the transition condition (vii), the state will not transition to the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PD based on the number of times the symbol variation is performed, except when a new jackpot game is played or when the RAM clear process is performed. Therefore, when a power outage and restoration occurs without the execution of the RAM clear process, the state will not transition to the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PD based on the number of times the symbol variation is performed. However, once a jackpot game is played, the state may transition from the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PA to the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PD by the transition condition (vi).

[0110] As shown in Figure 13(b), the average fluctuation time of the special symbol fluctuation pattern derivation state PA, the special symbol fluctuation pattern derivation state PB, the special symbol fluctuation pattern derivation state PC, the special symbol fluctuation pattern derivation state PD, and the special symbol fluctuation pattern derivation state PE decreases in the following order: special symbol fluctuation pattern derivation state PA, special symbol fluctuation pattern derivation state PB and special symbol fluctuation pattern derivation state PE, special symbol fluctuation pattern derivation state PC, and special symbol fluctuation pattern derivation state PD. 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 a special symbol fluctuation pattern can occur in any symbol fluctuation, derived by multiplying the probability of the special symbol winning / losing judgment result being derived by the probability of the special symbol fluctuation pattern being won) 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 chart fluctuation pattern that can be selected in the certain special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state, the fluctuation time related to that special chart fluctuation pattern is treated as the average fluctuation time.

[0111] In this way, in this embodiment, after the transition from the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PD to the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA due to the satisfaction of the transition condition (vii), there is no transition back to the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PD based on the number of times the pattern variation is performed in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA, but the transition condition (viii) is configured to be able to be satisfied in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA. According to this, even if there is a risk of transitioning from the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA due to the transition condition (vii) being satisfied, it is possible to make it difficult for the desire to play to decrease.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] The main error control means 165 monitors the input information of the I / O port 104 and determines whether or not the gaming machine 10 is in an error state. If it is determined that the gaming machine 10 is in an error state, it stores a performance control command (error command) including information that can identify the error state in a transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160.

[0115] 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.

[0116] The power restoration process execution means 175 includes a restoration state setting means 176 and a playable state transition means 179 .

[0117] The recovery state setting means 176 executes a recovery state setting process to set a recovery 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 inner frame door open sensor 76 when power is restored. The recovery states set by this process include a game-stopped state and a playable 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 is a return state in which the game cannot proceed because processing is not performed according 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 restored state in which the game can be continued 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 at the time of the previous power outage. For example, if a jackpot game was being played at the time of the previous power outage, the game will return to the jackpot game that was being played, and if a symbol change was being played at the time of the previous power outage, the game will return to the symbol change that was being played.

[0118] 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) performed on the area related to the game in RAM103.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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).

[0121] 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 volume adjustment means 250, a brightness adjustment means 255, a sub-information storage means 260, 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."

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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 roughly divided into normal, RUSH challenge, RUSH, ceiling play time, and special play time modes, and the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PA corresponds to normal, the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB corresponds to RUSH challenge, the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PC corresponds to RUSH, the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PD corresponds to ceiling play time, and the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PE corresponds to special play time. In the following explanation, ceiling play time may be simply referred to as "play time".

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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, when the big hit presentation route is determined, the development presentation is executed unless otherwise explained. 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. Also, as will be described later, 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, and in this case, one presentation route may be determined from multiple presentation routes corresponding to the determined special chart variation pattern. Below, we will explain the contents of the presentation route corresponding to each special chart change pattern determined in each presentation mode.

[0127] First, the presentation routes corresponding to the special chart variation patterns HNP-A to HNP-D and the special chart variation pattern HRP, which are determined normally (special chart variation pattern derivation state PA), correspond to the non-development miss presentation route described above. Specifically, the special pattern variation patterns HNP-A to HNP-D correspond to a presentation route that notifies the user that the result of the special pattern hit / miss judgment in this pattern change is a miss when the decorative patterns are not in a reach state and are stopped and displayed in a barrage (a state in which all pattern rows are stopped and the same decorative pattern is not stopped and displayed in each pattern row). Here, the same decorative pattern refers to a decorative pattern that resembles the same number, and the parts other than the numbers that make up the decorative pattern may be different. Similarly, different decorative patterns refer to decorative patterns that resemble different numbers. The special symbol variation pattern HRP corresponds to a presentation route in which the decorative symbols reach a reach state without pseudo-variation, and then the decorative symbols stop and display in a scattered pattern without executing the development presentation described below, thereby announcing that the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment for this symbol variation is a miss. Here, pseudo-variation refers to a period before the development presentation begins, which is divided by the stopping of decorative symbols based on a certain rule (for example, the stopping of decorative symbols in a pattern in which the same decorative symbols stop in the middle and right symbol rows, such as "5 symbols-6 symbols-6 symbols"). Therefore, it can be said that a pseudo-variation only occurs when the number of pseudo-variations is two. In other words, if the decorative symbols change only once until the reach state is reached, it can be said that a pseudo-variation does not occur, and in such a case, it can be said that one pseudo-variation is executed. Note that, although the maximum number of pseudo-variations in this embodiment is three, the maximum number of pseudo-variations is not limited to this, and any number greater than two can be used.

[0128] The special chart change patterns HSP1-A to HSP3-B correspond to the above-mentioned development miss performance route. Specifically, for the special chart variation patterns HSP1-A and HSP1-B, the decorative symbols will reach a reach state without any pseudo-variation, and then a development effect will be executed to notify you that the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in this pattern change is a miss, and after the development effect ends, the decorative symbols will stop and be displayed in a spread pattern. Note that the types of development effects corresponding to each special chart variation pattern are different from each other, and the development effect HEA corresponds to the special chart variation pattern HSP1-A, and the development effect HEB corresponds to the special chart variation pattern HSP1-B. For the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP2-A and the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP2-B, the decorative pattern reaches a reach state through two pseudo fluctuations, and then a development effect is executed to notify that the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in this pattern fluctuation is a miss, and after the development effect ends, the decorative pattern stops and is displayed with a spread. Note that, as with the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP1-A and the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP1-B, the types of development effects corresponding to each special chart fluctuation pattern are different from each other, and the development effect HEA corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP2-A, and the development effect HEB corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP2-B. For the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP3-A and the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP3-B, the decorative pattern reaches a reach state through three pseudo fluctuations, and then a development effect is executed to notify that the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in this pattern fluctuation is a miss, and after the development effect ends, the decorative pattern stops and is displayed with a spread. Note that, as with the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP1-A and the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP1-B, the types of development effects corresponding to each special chart fluctuation pattern are different from each other, and the development effect HEA corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP3-A, and the development effect HEB corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP3-B.

[0129] The special chart change pattern ASP1-A and the special chart change pattern ASP1-B correspond to the jackpot performance route described above. Specifically, for the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-A and the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-B, the decorative pattern reaches a reach state without pseudo-fluctuation, and then a development effect is executed to notify that the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in this pattern fluctuation is a jackpot, and after the development effect ends, the decorative pattern is displayed in a pattern alignment (all pattern rows are displayed stopped, and the same decorative pattern is displayed stopped in each pattern row). Note that the types of development effects corresponding to each special chart fluctuation pattern are different from each other, and the development effect HEA corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-A, and the development effect HEB corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-B. For the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP2-A and the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP2-B, the decorative pattern reaches a reach state through two pseudo fluctuations, and then a development effect is executed to notify that the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in this pattern fluctuation is a jackpot, and after the development effect ends, the decorative pattern stops and is displayed with the pattern aligned. As with the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-A and the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-B, the types of development effects corresponding to each special chart fluctuation pattern are different from each other, and the development effect HEA corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP2-A, and the development effect HEB corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP2-B. For the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP3-A and the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP3-B, the decorative pattern reaches a reach state through three pseudo fluctuations, and then a development effect is executed to notify that the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in this pattern fluctuation is a jackpot, and after the development effect ends, the decorative pattern stops and is displayed with the pattern aligned. As with the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-A and the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-B, the types of development effects corresponding to each special chart fluctuation pattern are different from each other, and the development effect HEA corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP3-A, and the development effect HEB corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP3-B. The special pattern change pattern ASP-C corresponds to a performance route in which the decorative pattern reaches a reach state without any pseudo-change, and then a development performance HEC is executed to notify that the result of the special pattern hit / miss judgment in this pattern change is a jackpot, and after the development performance ends, the decorative pattern is displayed stopped with the pattern aligned.

[0130] In this way, in this embodiment, by associating the same development effects, the effect route corresponding to the special symbol variation pattern HSP1-A corresponds to the effect route corresponding to the special symbol variation pattern ASP1-A, the effect route corresponding to the special symbol variation pattern HSP1-B corresponds to the effect route corresponding to the special symbol variation pattern ASP1-B, the effect route corresponding to the special symbol variation pattern HSP2-A corresponds to the effect route corresponding to the special symbol variation pattern ASP2-A, the effect route corresponding to the special symbol variation pattern HSP2-B corresponds to the effect route corresponding to the special symbol variation pattern ASP2-B, the effect route corresponding to the special symbol variation pattern HSP3-A corresponds to the effect route corresponding to the special symbol variation pattern ASP3-A, and the effect route corresponding to the special symbol variation pattern HSP3-B corresponds to the effect route corresponding to the special symbol variation pattern ASP3-B. As a result, the contents of the effects of the associated effect routes are consistent from the start to the very end (the timing when the result of the special symbol win / loss determination is shown by the development effect related to the effect route). Therefore, the pattern changes in which the development effect HEA and development effect HEB are executed can give the player a sense of anticipation of winning a jackpot. In addition, the special pattern variation patterns described above, which determine the performance route in which the development performance HEA and development performance HEB are executed, can also be said to be special pattern variation patterns that make you expect a jackpot. These are the same for other performance modes described later. In addition, there is no corresponding development miss effect route for the special chart variation pattern ASP-C. Therefore, when the development effect HEC is executed in the pattern variation, the player can be made to recognize with certainty that he has won the jackpot. Therefore, it can be said that the effect route corresponding to the special chart variation pattern is an effect route that determines a jackpot win, and the special chart variation pattern can also be said to be a special chart variation pattern that determines a jackpot win.

[0131] Also, as shown in Figure 9 (a), if the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment is a miss, within the range where the number of pseudo-fluctuations is the same, the special chart fluctuation pattern corresponding to the performance route in which the development performance HEA is executed (for example, special chart fluctuation pattern HSP1-A), the special chart fluctuation pattern corresponding to the performance route in which the development performance HEB is executed (for example, special chart fluctuation pattern HSP1-B) will be less likely to be determined in that order. And, if the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment is a jackpot, within the range where the number of pseudo-fluctuations is the same, the special chart fluctuation pattern corresponding to the performance route in which the development performance HEA is executed (for example, special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-A), the special chart fluctuation pattern corresponding to the performance route in which the development performance HEB is executed (for example, special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-B) will be more likely to be determined in that order. And, as mentioned above, the development performance HEC is only executed when a jackpot is won. Therefore, the expectation of winning the jackpot can be increased in the order of the development effect HEA, the development effect HEB, and the development effect HEC. The expectation of winning the jackpot related to such development effects is also the same in the relationship between the development effect HED, the development effect HEE, and the development effect HEF, and the relationship between the development effect HEG, the development effect HEH, and the development effect HEI, which will be described later.

[0132] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9 (a), when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment is a miss, in the range of the same type of development performance, it becomes difficult to determine in the order of special chart fluctuation pattern corresponding to the performance route where no pseudo fluctuation occurs (for example, special chart fluctuation pattern HSP1-A), special chart fluctuation pattern corresponding to the performance route where the number of pseudo fluctuations is 2 (for example, special chart fluctuation pattern HSP2-A), special chart fluctuation pattern corresponding to the performance route where the number of pseudo fluctuations is 3 (for example, special chart fluctuation pattern HSP3-A). And, when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment is a jackpot, in the range of the same type of development performance, it becomes easy to determine in the order of special chart fluctuation pattern corresponding to the performance route where no pseudo fluctuation occurs (for example, special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-A), special chart fluctuation pattern corresponding to the performance route where the number of pseudo fluctuations is 2 (for example, special chart fluctuation pattern ASP2-A), special chart fluctuation pattern corresponding to the performance route where the number of pseudo fluctuations is 3 (for example, special chart fluctuation pattern ASP3-A). Therefore, the more times the pseudo fluctuation is executed, the higher the expectation of winning the jackpot.

[0133] As mentioned above, in special chart fluctuation pattern HSP1-A, special chart fluctuation pattern HSP1-B, special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-C, special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-A, special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-B, and special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-C, the reach state is reached without any pseudo-fluctuation, in special chart fluctuation pattern HSP2-A, special chart fluctuation pattern HSP2-B, special chart fluctuation pattern ASP2-A, and special chart fluctuation pattern ASP2-B, the reach state is reached after two pseudo-fluctuations, and in special chart fluctuation pattern HSP3-A, special chart fluctuation pattern HSP3-B, special chart fluctuation pattern ASP3-A, and special chart fluctuation pattern ASP3-B, the reach state is reached after three pseudo-fluctuations. Therefore, the time until the reach state is reached is longer in the order of special pattern fluctuation patterns that reach the reach state without pseudo fluctuations, special pattern fluctuation patterns that reach the reach state with two pseudo fluctuations, and special pattern fluctuation patterns that reach the reach state with three pseudo fluctuations. However, in the pattern fluctuation that determines the special pattern fluctuation pattern ASP-C, the time until the reach state is reached is longer than the special pattern fluctuation patterns that reach the reach state without other pseudo fluctuations (special pattern fluctuation pattern HSP1-A, special pattern fluctuation pattern HSP1-B, special pattern fluctuation pattern ASP1-A, and special pattern fluctuation pattern ASP1-B).

[0134] Next, the presentation route corresponding to the basic special chart variation patterns (special chart variation patterns HNP-E and HNP-F) that can be determined in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC corresponds to the non-development miss presentation route described above. Specifically, the special chart variation pattern HNP-E and the special chart variation pattern HNP-F correspond to a presentation route in which the decorative pattern does not reach a winning state and the decorative pattern stops and displays in a scattered pattern, thereby announcing that the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in this pattern variation is a miss. This is also true for the basic special chart variation patterns in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB, special chart variation pattern derivation state PD, and special chart variation pattern derivation state PE, which will be described later, so explanations for these special chart variation pattern derivation states will be omitted.

[0135] The special chart change patterns HSP-D to HSP-F correspond to the above-mentioned development miss performance route. Specifically, for special chart fluctuation patterns HSP-D to HSP-F, the decorative pattern reaches a reach state without pseudo-fluctuation, and then a development effect is executed to notify that the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in this pattern fluctuation is a miss, and after the development effect ends, the decorative pattern is displayed stopped with a spread. Note that the types of development effects corresponding to each special chart fluctuation pattern are different from each other, and the development effect HED corresponds to special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-D, the development effect HEE corresponds to special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-E, and the development effect HEF corresponds to special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-F. In addition, the special chart fluctuation patterns ASP-D to ASP-F correspond to the jackpot performance route described above. Specifically, for special chart fluctuation patterns ASP-D to ASP-F, the decorative pattern will be in a reach state without pseudo-fluctuation, and then a development effect will be executed to notify that the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in this pattern fluctuation is a big hit or a small hit, and after the development effect ends, the decorative pattern will be displayed stopped with the pattern aligned. Note that the types of development effects corresponding to each special chart fluctuation pattern are different from each other, and the development effect HED corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-D, the development effect HEE corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-E, and the development effect HEF corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-F.

[0136] The special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-G to special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-I, which can be determined by the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB, the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PD, and the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PE, correspond to the above-mentioned development miss performance route. Specifically, for special chart fluctuation patterns HSP-G to HSP-I, the decorative symbols will reach a reach state without pseudo-fluctuation, and then a development effect will be executed to notify that the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in this pattern fluctuation is a miss, and after the development effect ends, the decorative symbols will stop and be displayed in a scattered pattern. Note that the types of development effects corresponding to each special chart fluctuation pattern are different from each other, with development effect HEG corresponding to special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-G, development effect HEH corresponding to special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-H, and development effect HEI corresponding to special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-I. In addition, the special chart fluctuation patterns ASP-G to ASP-I correspond to the jackpot performance route described above. Specifically, for special chart fluctuation patterns ASP-G to ASP-I, the decorative pattern reaches a reach state without pseudo-fluctuation, and then a development effect is executed to notify that the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in this pattern fluctuation is a jackpot, and after the development effect ends, the decorative pattern stops and is displayed in a pattern alignment. Note that the types of development effects corresponding to each special chart fluctuation pattern are different from each other, and the development effect HEG corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-G, the development effect HEH corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-H, and the development effect HEI corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-I.

[0137] As described above, in this embodiment, when the result of the special chart success / failure judgment in the special chart change pattern derivation state PD is a miss, the probability (approximately 1 / 28.6) that one of the special chart change patterns HSP-G to HSP-I (all of which correspond to the performance route in which the development performance is executed) is determined is lower than the probability (1 / 20) that one of the special chart change patterns HSP-G to HSP-I is determined when the result of the special chart success / failure judgment in the special chart change pattern derivation state PB is a miss. On the other hand, when the result of the special chart success / failure judgment in the special chart change pattern derivation state PD is a miss, the probability (approximately 1 / 1.04) that the special chart change pattern HNP (a special chart change pattern corresponding to the performance route in which the development performance is not executed) is determined is higher than the probability (approximately 1 / 1.05) that the special chart change pattern HNP is determined when the result of the special chart success / failure judgment in the special chart change pattern derivation state PB is a miss. Furthermore, if the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment during the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB is a big hit or a small hit, and if the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment during the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PD is a big hit or a small hit, in both cases, one of the special chart fluctuation patterns ASP-G to ASP-I will be determined at a rate of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1).

[0138] Therefore, in this embodiment, the rate at which a special chart variation pattern corresponding to a presentation route in which a development presentation is executed is determined by a lottery using the special chart variation pattern lottery table related to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD is lower than the rate at which the special chart variation pattern is determined by a lottery using the special chart variation pattern lottery table related to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB. On the other hand, the rate at which a special chart variation pattern corresponding to a presentation route in which a development presentation is not executed is determined by a lottery using the special chart variation pattern lottery table related to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD is higher than the rate at which the special chart variation pattern is determined by a lottery using the special chart variation pattern lottery table related to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB.

[0139] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the probability (approximately 1 / 33.3) that the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-G will be determined when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment during the special chart hit / miss state PD is higher than the probability (1 / 40) that the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-G will be determined when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment during the special chart hit / miss state PB. On the other hand, the probability (approximately 1 / 333) that special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-H will be determined when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment is a miss during special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PD is lower than the probability (approximately 1 / 66.7) that special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-H will be determined when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment is a miss during special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB, and the probability (1 / 500) that special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-I will be determined when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment is a miss during special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PD is lower than the probability (1 / 100) that special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-I will be determined when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment is a miss during special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB. Furthermore, the probability (1 / 1.25) that the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-G will be determined when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment during the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PD is a big hit or a small hit is higher than the probability (1 / 2) that the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-G will be determined when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment during the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB is a big hit or a small hit. On the other hand, the probability (approximately 1 / 6.67) that special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-H will be determined when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PD is a big hit or a small hit is lower than the probability (approximately 1 / 2.86) that special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-H will be determined 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, and the probability (1 / 20) that special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-I will be determined when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PD is a big hit or a small hit is lower than the probability (approximately 1 / 6.67) that special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-I will be determined 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.

[0140] Therefore, in this embodiment, when a special chart variation pattern corresponding to a performance route in which a development performance is executed is determined by lottery using the special chart variation pattern lottery table related to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD, the rate at which a special chart variation pattern corresponding to a performance route in which a development performance is executed HEG is determined is higher than the rate at which a special chart variation pattern corresponding to a performance route in which a development performance is executed HEG is determined when a special chart variation pattern corresponding to a performance route in which a development performance is executed is determined by lottery using the special chart variation pattern lottery table related to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB. On the other hand, when a special chart variation pattern corresponding to a performance route in which a development performance is executed is determined by lottery using the special chart variation pattern lottery table related to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD, the rate at which a special chart variation pattern corresponding to a performance route in which a development performance is executed HEH or HEI is determined is lower than the rate at which a special chart variation pattern corresponding to a performance route in which a development performance is executed HEH or HEI is determined when a special chart variation pattern corresponding to a performance route in which a development performance is executed is determined by lottery using the special chart variation pattern lottery table related to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB.

[0141] 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 subject of a hold pre-reading performance that changes into various forms that suggest the degree of advantage, such as the expectation of a jackpot game occurring.

[0142] When the pre-reading effect control means 224 receives a pre-determination command, it determines the content of the pre-reading effect based on the result of the pre-determination included in the command. The pre-reading effect is an effect that suggests the expectation for the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment in the pre-reading target symbol change and the content of the effect to be executed in the pre-reading target symbol change before the symbol change of the pre-reading target begins, with the aim of increasing interest in the game. The pre-reading effect in this embodiment can be executed during the high probability of normal symbol, and includes a symbol pre-reading effect (details will be described later) that uses a combination of decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed. Here, the symbol change to be pre-read is a symbol change related to the main special symbol (special symbol 1 in the special symbol change pattern derivation state PA, and special symbol 2 in the special symbol change pattern derivation state PB, special symbol change pattern derivation state PC, special symbol change pattern derivation state PD, and special symbol change pattern derivation state PE), and refers to a symbol change that is reserved in the states of hold 1 to hold 3, or a symbol change that is reserved in the state of hold 0 and during the execution of the symbol change related to the special symbol.

[0143] When the variation start command is received, the performance content determination means 225 determines the content of the performance to be executed in the current pattern variation according to the performance route already determined by the performance route determination means 222. More specifically, the effect content determination means 225 determines the content of the effect (effect pattern) for each effect execution timing in the pattern change by lottery using an effect pattern lottery table corresponding to the effect route determined by the effect route determination means 222. In this way, 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 change. Furthermore, even if the same effect route is determined, it is possible to diversify the effects to be executed. Note that the timing for determining the content of the effect can be, for example, the start of the pattern change.

[0144] 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. In this embodiment, when the above-mentioned development effect is executed during a normal high probability, the final combination of decorative symbols is determined based on the reach pattern determined in that case. More specifically, the reach pattern is determined based on the determined reach pattern, and the final combination of decorative symbols is determined by the determined reach pattern. The reach pattern is determined by the decorative symbol control means 226, and the details of this determination will be described later.

[0145] When the jackpot start command is received, the jackpot effect control means 227 determines the content of the jackpot game effect that notifies the player that a jackpot game is in progress, based on the information contained in the command. The jackpot game effects include a start demo effect that notifies the player that a jackpot game has started, a round effect that notifies the player that a round game is in progress, and an end demo effect that notifies the player that a jackpot game has ended. In addition, the jackpot effect control means 227 determines the content of the small jackpot game effect that notifies the player that a small jackpot game is in progress, based on the information contained in the command, when it receives an effect control command related to a small jackpot game, just as when it receives a jackpot start command.

[0146] 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. In particular, when the restored state upon power restoration is a playable state following the execution of a RAM clear process, the normal presentation control means 220 reads presentation data for notifying that the playable state has been achieved following the execution of a RAM clear process, and when the restored state upon power restoration is a playable state without the execution of a RAM clear process, the normal presentation control means 220 reads presentation data for notifying that the playable state has been achieved without the execution of a RAM clear process. Furthermore, when the recovery state at the time of power restoration is a game stop state, the normal presentation control means 220 reads out presentation data to notify that the game has stopped and that it is necessary to execute a RAM clear process. Although details of these notifications are omitted, it is preferable that they be executed continuously for a certain period of time (for example, 30 seconds) after execution has started, and the presentation device that executes the notification does not matter.

[0147] 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 related to the pattern variation. Here, the execution of the error notification with priority is not limited to the case where the device related to the execution of the error notification and the device related to 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 the gaming machine 10 is in an error state, and if it determines that the gaming machine 10 is in an error state, read out performance data that executes an error notification.

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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.

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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 are stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260, as a general rule.

[0152] As explained above, the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment is configured so that a small win can be won in the special symbol win / loss determination for the special symbol 2, and if the game ball passes through the V prize area in the small win game triggered by the small win win, the jackpot game is started after the small win game ends. On the other hand, if the game ball does not pass through the V prize area in the small win game, the jackpot game is not started. The jackpot games triggered via the small win game include a jackpot game related to symbol c and a jackpot game related to symbol d, and the degree of advantage of these jackpot games differs depending on the number of rounds. Therefore, there is a risk that the game will not be played in the expected flow, such as the player not firing the game ball in the small hit game, and the big hit game via the small hit game will not occur. Such a problem becomes more pronounced in a state where there are many prescribed times related to the normal high probability (in this embodiment, the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD). In contrast to this, the gaming machine 10 according to the present invention has two functions for resolving such problems (hereinafter referred to as "problems according to the present invention"), and these functions will be described in detail.

[0153] <About the pattern pre-reading performance> First, the first function to improve the problems of the present invention is to devise a control for the execution of the above-mentioned symbol pre-reading effect that can be executed during the normal high probability. Below, the details of this function will be explained using Figures 14 to 17. Figures 14(a) to 14(c) are diagrams showing specific examples of the symbol pre-reading effect. Figure 15 is a flow chart of the symbol pre-reading effect control process, and Figures 16(a) to 16(c) are diagrams showing a drawing table used in a drawing to determine whether or not to execute the symbol pre-reading effect and the execution mode. Also, Figure 17 is a flow chart of the symbol pre-reading effect regulation process.

[0154] As shown in Figures 14(a) to 14(c), the pattern pre-reading effect is a pre-reading effect that is realized using a combination of decorative patterns that are stopped and displayed in the display area related to the main display unit 81, and there are three types of execution modes. Specifically, there is an execution mode in which, in each of one or more pattern fluctuations (in this example, the Nth rotation to the N+2th rotation) that lead to the pattern fluctuation to be predicted (the rotation to be predicted), a spread pattern consisting of even numbered symbols is displayed stopped (the execution mode shown in Figure 14(a), hereinafter referred to as "even numbered symbols"); an execution mode in which, in each of the one or more pattern fluctuations, a spread pattern consisting of odd numbered symbols excluding the 7 symbol is displayed stopped (the execution mode shown in Figure 14(b), hereinafter referred to as "normal odd numbered symbols"); and an execution mode in which, in each of the one or more pattern fluctuations, a spread pattern consisting of odd numbered symbols including the 7 symbol is displayed stopped (the execution mode shown in Figure 14(c), hereinafter referred to as "special odd numbered symbols"). In this example, in each execution mode, the scatter symbols that are displayed in a stopped state in each of the multiple pattern variations that lead to the pattern variation that is the target of the advance reading are combinations of decorative symbols that are different from each other, but as long as the rules for scatter symbols in each execution mode are observed, the combinations of decorative symbols may match in some or all of the multiple pattern variations.

[0155] Next, we will explain the details of the pattern pre-reading performance control process that determines whether or not to execute the pattern pre-reading performance and the execution mode. Note that this process is executed every time a pre-determination command related to special pattern 2 is received during the normal pattern high probability, and in the following explanation, the hold that triggered the transmission of the pre-determination command (pattern variation that can be the pre-reading target) may be referred to as the target hold. 15, in step S202, which is the first step in the symbol pre-reading effect control process, it is determined whether or not the restriction flag is ON, and if the condition is satisfied, the symbol pre-reading effect control process is terminated, and if the condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S204. Here, the restriction flag is used to restrict new execution of the symbol pre-reading effect, and the setting conditions of the restriction flag will be described later. In step S204, it is determined from the special pattern change pattern corresponding to the target reservation whether or not a development effect will be executed in the pattern change related to the target reservation, and if the condition is met, proceed to step S206, and if the condition is not met, the pattern pre-reading effect control process is terminated. In step S206, it is determined whether or not the symbol pre-reading effect is being executed, and if the condition is met, the symbol pre-reading effect control process is terminated, and if the condition is not met, the process proceeds to step S208. In step S208, it is determined whether the current special chart variation pattern derivation state is the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, and if the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S210, and if the condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S212. In step S210, a lottery is performed using lottery table A1 to determine whether or not to execute the symbol pre-reading effect. In addition to the lottery using lottery table A2 and lottery table A3 described later, these lotteries determine the execution mode of the symbol pre-reading effect as well as whether or not to execute the symbol pre-reading effect, and the details of these lotteries will be described later. In step S212, it is determined whether the current special chart variation pattern derivation state is the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD, and if the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S214, and if the condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S216. In step S214, a lottery is performed using the lottery table A2 to determine whether or not to execute the symbol pre-reading effect. In step S216, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to execute the symbol pre-reading effect using the lottery table A3. Note that the lottery is performed in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB or the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PE. In step S218, it is determined whether or not the lottery for executing the symbol pre-reading effect has been won, and if the condition is met, the process proceeds to step S220, and if the condition is not met, the symbol pre-reading effect control process is terminated. In step S220, effect data relating to the determined symbol pre-reading effect is set, and the symbol pre-reading effect is executed based on this.

[0156] As shown in Figures 16(a) to 16(c), the lottery that determines whether or not the pattern pre-reading performance will be performed determines whether or not there will be an even number spread, a normal odd number spread, a special odd number spread, or no performance.The lottery refers to the results of the special number win / loss judgment and the special number stop pattern lottery, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0 to 999. Specifically, as shown in Figure 16(a), in the lottery using lottery table A1, that is, the lottery to determine whether or not to execute the pattern pre-reading performance in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC, if the result of the advance judgment regarding the target hold is a miss and pattern e, an even number variance will be determined with a probability of 300 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33), a normal odd number variance will be determined with a probability of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10), and no execution will be determined with a probability of the remaining 600 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.67), and in such cases a special odd number variance will not be determined.

[0157] In a lottery using lottery table A1, if the result of the pre-determination for the target reserve is a jackpot and pattern a, there is a 500 / 1000 (1 / 2) probability that an even number will be chosen, a 200 / 1000 (1 / 5) probability that a normal odd number will be chosen, and the remaining 300 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33) probability that no execution will be determined, and in such cases a special odd number will not be chosen. On the other hand, in a lottery using lottery table A1, if the result of the pre-determination for the target hold is a jackpot and pattern b, there is a 300 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33) probability of an even number spread, a 300 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33) probability of a normal odd number spread, a 200 / 1000 (1 / 5) probability of a special odd number spread, and the remaining 200 / 1000 (1 / 5) probability of no execution.

[0158] In a lottery using lottery table A1, if the result of the preliminary judgment regarding the target reserve is a small hit and pattern c, there is a 450 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 2.22) probability of an even number variance, a 150 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6.67) probability of a normal odd number variance, and the remaining 400 / 1000 (1 / 2.5) probability of no execution, and in such cases a special odd number variance will not be determined. On the other hand, in a lottery using lottery table A1, if the result of the preliminary judgment regarding the target reservation is a small hit and pattern d, there is a 250 / 1000 (1 / 4) probability of an even number spread, a 250 / 1000 (1 / 4) probability of a normal odd number spread, a 150 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6.67) probability of a special odd number spread, and the remaining 350 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 2.86) probability of no execution. In this embodiment, including the lottery using lottery table A2 and the lottery using lottery table A3 described later, the rate at which the execution of the symbol pre-reading effect is determined when the result of the pre-determination is a jackpot is higher than the rate at which the execution of the symbol pre-reading effect is determined when the result of the pre-determination is a minor jackpot. Therefore, it can be said that the symbol pre-reading effect is an effect that suggests that the result of the pre-determination will be a jackpot (so-called direct hit).

[0159] Also, as shown in Figure 16(b), in the lottery using lottery table A2, that is, the lottery to determine whether or not to execute the pattern pre-reading performance in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PD, if the result of the advance judgment regarding the target hold is a miss and the pattern is e, there is a 150 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33) probability that an even number scatter will be displayed, a 50 / 1000 (1 / 10) probability that a normal odd number scatter will be displayed, and the remaining 800 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.67) probability that no execution will be performed, and in such cases a special odd number scatter will not be displayed. In addition, when the result of the pre-determination in the lottery using the lottery table A2 is a miss and the pattern is e, the probability that the pattern pre-reading effect itself will be executed will be lower than when the result of the pre-determination in the lottery using the lottery table A1 described later is a miss and the pattern is e. This is also the case in the lottery using the lottery table A3 described later.

[0160] In a lottery using lottery table A2, if the result of the pre-determination for the target reserve is a jackpot and pattern a, there is a 500 / 1000 (1 / 2) probability that an even number will be chosen, a 200 / 1000 (1 / 5) probability that a normal odd number will be chosen, and the remaining 300 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33) probability that no execution will be determined, and in such cases a special odd number will not be chosen. On the other hand, in a lottery using lottery table A2, if the result of the pre-determination for the target hold is a jackpot and pattern b, there is a 300 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33) probability of an even number spread, a 300 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33) probability of a normal odd number spread, a 200 / 1000 (1 / 5) probability of a special odd number spread, and the remaining 200 / 1000 (1 / 5) probability of no execution.

[0161] In the lottery using lottery table A2, if the result of the preliminary judgment regarding the target reserve is a small hit and pattern c, there is a 450 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 2.22) probability of an even number variance, a 150 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6.67) probability of a normal odd number variance, and the remaining 400 / 1000 (1 / 2.5) probability of no execution, and in such cases a special odd number variance will not be determined. On the other hand, in a lottery using lottery table A2, if the result of the advance judgment related to the target reservation is a small hit and pattern d, then there is a 250 / 1000 (1 / 4) probability of an even number spread, a 250 / 1000 (1 / 4) probability of a normal odd number spread, a 50 / 1000 (1 / 20) probability of a special odd number spread, and the remaining 450 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 2.22) probability of no execution. Therefore, the probability (1 / 20) of the special odd number spread being determined is lower than the probability (approximately 1 / 6.67) of the special odd number spread being determined when the result of the advance judgment related to the target reservation is a small hit and pattern d in a lottery using lottery table A1.

[0162] Also, as shown in Figure 16(c), in the lottery using lottery table A3, that is, the lottery to determine whether or not to execute the pattern pre-reading performance in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB or the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PE, if the result of the advance judgment regarding the target reservation is a miss and the pattern is e, there is a 150 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33) probability that an even number will be variance, a 50 / 1000 (1 / 10) probability that a normal odd number will be variance, and the remaining 800 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.67) probability that no execution will be determined, and in such cases a special odd number will not be determined.

[0163] In a lottery using lottery table A3, if the result of the pre-determination for the target reserve is a jackpot and pattern a, there is a 500 / 1000 (1 / 2) probability that an even number will be chosen, a 200 / 1000 (1 / 5) probability that a normal odd number will be chosen, and the remaining 300 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33) probability that no execution will be determined, and in such cases a special odd number will not be chosen. On the other hand, in a lottery using lottery table A3, if the result of the pre-determination for the target hold is a jackpot and pattern b, there is a 300 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33) probability of an even number variance, a 300 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33) probability of a normal odd number variance, and the remaining 400 / 1000 (1 / 2.5) probability of no execution, and in such cases a special odd number variance will not be determined.

[0164] In a lottery using lottery table A3, if the result of the preliminary judgment regarding the target reserve is a small hit and pattern c, there is a 450 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 2.22) probability of an even number variance, a 150 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6.67) probability of a normal odd number variance, and the remaining 400 / 1000 (1 / 2.5) probability of no execution, and in such cases a special odd number variance will not be determined. On the other hand, in a lottery using lottery table A3, if the result of the preliminary judgment for the target reservation is a small win and pattern d, there is a 250 / 1000 (1 / 4) probability of an even number variance, a 250 / 1000 (1 / 4) probability of a normal odd number variance, and the remaining 500 / 1000 (1 / 2) probability of no execution, and in such cases, a special odd number variance is not determined. Therefore, it can be said that the probability (0) of the special odd number variance being determined is lower than the probability (approximately 1 / 6.67) of the special odd number variance being determined when the result of the preliminary judgment for the target reservation is a small win and pattern d in a lottery using lottery table A1. It can also be said that the probability (0) of the special odd number variance being determined is lower than the probability (1 / 20) of the special odd number variance being determined when the result of the preliminary judgment for the target reservation is a small win and pattern d in a lottery using lottery table A2.

[0165] In this way, in this embodiment, the special odd number variance can be determined when the result of the pre-determination for the target reserve is a big hit and pattern b, or when the result of the pre-determination for the target reserve is a small hit and pattern d, but when the result of the pre-determination for the target reserve is a miss and pattern e, when the result of the pre-determination for the target reserve is a big hit and pattern a, and when the result of the pre-determination for the target reserve is a small hit and pattern c, the special odd number variance will not be determined. Therefore, the symbol pre-reading effect relating to the special odd number variation can be said to be a pre-reading effect that notifies (makes it possible to identify) that a jackpot game with 10 rounds will occur. Although it was omitted in the above explanation, naturally, even if the result of the preliminary judgment regarding the target reservation is a miss and the pattern is f, the special odd number variation will not be determined.

[0166] In particular, in this embodiment, as described above, in the lottery using lottery table A2, i.e., in the lottery to determine whether or not to execute the pattern pre-reading effect in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD, when the result of the preliminary judgment regarding the target reservation is a small win and pattern d, the probability (1 / 20) of determining the special odd number variance is lower than the probability (approximately 1 / 6.67) of determining the special odd number variance in the lottery using lottery table A1, i.e., in the lottery to determine whether or not to execute the pattern pre-reading effect in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, when the result of the preliminary judgment regarding the target reservation is a small win and pattern d. And the specified number of times (500 times) of normal chart high probability in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD is greater than the specified number of times (80 times) of normal chart high probability in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC. According to this, in a small hit game in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD, the player does not launch the game ball, etc., and the game is not played in the expected flow of the game, and the risk of the big hit game via the small hit game not occurring is reduced, and it is possible to make the big hit game occur easily in the small hit game. In particular, in this example, since the pattern pre-reading effect related to the special chart odd number barrage is a so-called pre-reading effect, it can be recognized in advance that the launch of the game ball related to the small hit game may be necessary.

[0167] In order to achieve this effect, the special odd number scatter symbol is not limited to being a pre-reading effect that notifies that a jackpot game with 10 rounds may occur, but the special odd number scatter symbol may also be a pre-reading effect that indicates a high probability that the jackpot game may occur. Here, making the special odd number scatter symbols a pre-reading effect with a high probability of causing a jackpot game with 10 rounds means that while allowing for cases where a jackpot game with 10 rounds does not occur when the special odd number scatter symbols is executed (not limited to cases where a jackpot game itself does not occur, but also includes cases where a jackpot game with 4 rounds occurs), the probability of a jackpot game with 10 rounds occurring in such cases is higher than the probability of such a jackpot game occurring when other pre-reading effects (for example, a pattern pre-reading effect related to a normal odd number scatter symbols) are executed.

[0168] In addition, in this embodiment, in the lottery using lottery table A2, if the result of the preliminary judgment regarding the target reservation is a small win and pattern d, a special odd number variance may be determined, but it may be configured so that a special odd number variance is not determined in such a case.

[0169] In addition, in this embodiment, the difference in the advantage of the jackpot game is caused by the difference in the number of rounds, but it is not limited to this. Specifically, the difference in the advantage may be caused by the difference in the prescribed number of subsequent normal high probability rounds, or may be caused by a combination of these differences.

[0170] Furthermore, the transition condition to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD is transition condition (vi), and the transition condition to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC is transition condition (ii) or transition condition (iii). However, as long as the above-mentioned relationship is guaranteed regarding the relationship between the specified number of times of normal chart high probability in these special chart variation pattern derivation states, the transition conditions to these special chart variation pattern derivation states are not important. In particular, in this embodiment, the specified number of times of normal high probability related to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD, 500 times, is more than 7 times the probability denominator (the value of the denominator when the numerator of the probability is 1) of the probability of a jackpot game occurring in special chart 2 (the sum of the probability of a jackpot being derived and the probability of a small jackpot being derived), and the specified number of times of normal high probability related to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, 80 times, is less than 3 times the probability denominator. Here, a number of times more than 7 times the probability denominator is the number of times at which a player does not feel anxious about a jackpot game not occurring, and a number of times less than 3 times the probability denominator is the number of times at which a player is likely to feel anxious about a jackpot game not occurring.

[0171] In addition, in this embodiment, the first function that improves the above-mentioned problems of the present invention is applied to a pattern pre-reading effect that uses a combination of decorative patterns that are displayed in a stopped state, but any pre-reading effect may be adopted, not limited to a pattern pre-reading effect.

[0172] In addition, in this embodiment, if a small win is not won in the pattern change related to special chart 1, but the probability of winning a small win is lower than the probability of winning a small win in the pattern change related to special chart 2, it is possible to make it so that a small win is won in the pattern change related to special chart 1. In this embodiment, a small win refers to a small win that can cause a big win. In other words, for example, a small win that causes a small win game in which the special electric device 65 is in an open state for an extremely short period of time, such that the game ball does not pass through the V winning area in the small win game, is not included in the small win in this embodiment and is treated as a miss.

[0173] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the gaming state management means (gaming state control means 155) can set, as the gaming state, a first gaming state (normal low probability) or a second gaming state (normal high probability) in which it is easier for the gaming ball to enter the second starting hole than in the first gaming state, and transitions the gaming state from the first gaming state to the second gaming state when the first condition (transition condition (ii) or transition condition (iii)) or the second condition (transition condition (vi)) is satisfied. In both the second gaming state set in response to the first condition and the second gaming state set in response to the second condition, When the number of symbol variations executed without a jackpot game in the second game state reaches a predetermined number of times, the game state is transitioned from the second game state to the first game state, and the predetermined number of times (500 times) for the second game state set in response to the second condition is greater than the predetermined number of times (80 times) for the second game state set in response to the first condition. The types of jackpot games that occur via the small jackpot game related to the small jackpot won in the symbol variation related to the second starting port include the first jackpot game (a jackpot game with 4 rounds) and the second jackpot game, which is more advantageous than the first jackpot game. When a jackpot game is generated via a small win game, the type of the jackpot game is determined before the timing when the game ball passes through the predetermined area (V winning area) in the small win game, and the performance control means (first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300) executes a performance that suggests that there is a high expectation of the second jackpot game (a jackpot game with 10 rounds) occurring, or a specific performance (a symbol pre-reading performance related to a special odd number variance) that is a performance that notifies that the second jackpot game will occur. It is possible to do this, and when a small win that can cause a second big win game is won, the rate at which the specific effect is executed in the second game state (normal high probability) set in response to the second condition is lower than the rate at which the specific effect is executed in the second game state set in response to the first condition, or the specific effect can be executed in the second game state set in response to the first condition, but the specific effect is not executed in the second game state set in response to the second condition, and the specific effect is a pre-reading effect that starts before the target pattern variation is executed,In other words, it is an effect that suggests that there is a high expectation that the second jackpot game will occur due to the target symbol change, or it is a pre-reading effect that starts before the target symbol change is executed, and is an effect that notifies that the second jackpot game will occur due to the target symbol change.

[0174] In particular, in this embodiment, the transition condition to the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, transition condition (ii) or transition condition (iii), is satisfied when a jackpot game ends, and the transition condition to the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PD, transition condition (vi), is satisfied when a symbol variation in which a jackpot game does not occur ends. In this embodiment, when transition condition (vi) is satisfied, a transition to the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PD occurs, and when the jackpot game that occurred in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PD ends, transition condition (ii) or transition condition (iii) is satisfied, and a transition to the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC occurs. According to this, the state is transitioned to the special chart change pattern derivation state PC (normal chart high probability) without recognizing the pattern pre-reading effect related to the special odd number variance, thereby reducing the risk that a big hit game will not occur via a small hit game in the special chart change pattern derivation state.

[0175] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the first condition (transition condition (ii) or transition condition (iii)) is a condition that can be satisfied when a jackpot game ends, while the second condition (transition condition (vi)) is a condition that can be satisfied when a pattern change that does not result in a jackpot game ends; in other words, the first condition can be satisfied when a jackpot game that occurs in the second game state (normal, high probability) that is set when the second condition is triggered ends.

[0176] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, in the lottery using lottery table A3, i.e., the lottery to determine whether or not to execute the symbol pre-reading effect in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB or the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PE, if the result of the preliminary determination related to the reserved target is a small win and symbol d, the special odd number of variations is not determined. The specified number of times (30 times) of normal symbol high probability in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB or the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PE is less than the specified number of times (80 times) of normal symbol high probability in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC. In this embodiment, when transition condition (i) is satisfied, the state transitions to the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB, and when transition condition (viii) is satisfied, the state transitions to the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PE. The end of a jackpot game that occurred in these special symbol variation pattern derivation states triggers the satisfaction of transition condition (iii), resulting in a transition to the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC. Even in this way, the game can be transitioned to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC (normal chart high probability) without recognizing the pattern pre-reading effect related to the special odd number scatter, thereby reducing the risk that a big win game will not occur via a small win game in the special chart variation pattern derivation state.

[0177] In order to achieve this effect, when the result of the advance judgment regarding the target reservation in the lottery using lottery table A3 is a small win and pattern d, the special odd number variance may be determined with a lower probability than when the result of the advance judgment regarding the target reservation in the lottery using lottery table A1 is a small win and pattern d. Furthermore, as in this embodiment, it is preferable that the specified number of times (30 times) of high probability of normal drawing in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PB or the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PE is less than the specified number of times (80 times) of high probability of normal drawing in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PC, but these specified numbers may also be the same. Furthermore, the transition conditions (transition condition (i), transition condition (viii)) to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB or the special chart variation pattern derivation state PE are not important as long as they are different from the transition conditions to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC and the transition conditions to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD.

[0178] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the first condition (transition condition (ii) or transition condition (iii)) is a condition that can be satisfied triggered by the end of a jackpot game, and the gaming state management means (gaming state control means 155) transitions the gaming state from the first gaming state (normal low probability) to the second gaming state (normal high probability) triggered by the satisfaction of a third condition (transition condition (i), transition condition (viii)) that is different from either the first condition or the second condition (transition condition (vi)), and the specified number of times (30 times) related to the second gaming state set triggered by the third condition is equal to or less than the specified number of times (80 times) related to the second gaming state set triggered by the first condition, and the second jackpot game (number of rounds) is In other words, when a player wins a small jackpot that may result in a jackpot game of 10 or more, the rate at which a specific effect (a pattern pre-reading effect related to a special odd number variation) is executed in the second game state set in response to the third condition is lower than the rate at which a specific effect is executed in the second game state set in response to the first condition, or while a specific effect may be executed in the second game state set in response to the first condition, a specific effect may not be executed in the second game state set in response to the third condition, and the first condition may be fulfilled upon the completion of the jackpot game that occurred in the second game state set in response to the third condition.

[0179] In particular, in this embodiment, in a lottery using lottery table A3, i.e., in a lottery to determine whether or not to execute a pattern pre-reading effect in special chart variation pattern derivation state PB or special chart variation pattern derivation state PE, when the result of the advance judgment regarding the target reservation is a small win and pattern d, the probability that a special odd number variance will be determined is lower than the probability that in a lottery using lottery table A2, i.e., in a lottery to determine whether or not to execute a pattern pre-reading effect in special chart variation pattern derivation state PD, when the result of the advance judgment regarding the target reservation is a small win and pattern d.

[0180] Next, the setting conditions of the restriction flag will be described in detail with reference to FIG. First, the pattern pre-reading effect regulation process that manages the setting of the regulation flag is a process that is executed when a small win game ends. As shown in Figure 17, in step S302, which is the first step in the pattern pre-reading performance regulation process, it is determined whether the current special pattern variation pattern derivation state is the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PD, and if the condition is met, the process proceeds to step S304, and if the condition is not met, the pattern pre-reading performance regulation process is terminated. In step S304, it is determined whether the game ball has not passed through the V winning area during the small win game, and if the condition is met, proceed to step S306, and if the condition is not met, that is, if a big win game occurs after the small win game ends, the pattern pre-reading performance regulation process is terminated. In step S306, the restriction flag is set to ON, and then the symbol pre-reading effect restriction process is terminated.

[0181] In this way, the restriction flag is a flag that is set to ON when the game ball does not pass through the V winning area in the small win game derived in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD. When the restriction flag is set to ON, the pattern pre-reading effect control process ends immediately after the judgment of the above-mentioned step S202, so in this case, the pattern pre-reading effect is not executed. Although the flow is omitted, the restriction flag is set to OFF when all the pattern variations related to the special chart 2 that are pending at the end of the small win game in which the restriction flag is set to ON are completed. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the game ball does not pass through the V winning area in a small win game derived in the special pattern change pattern derivation state PD, the pattern pre-reading performance related to the special odd number variation will not be executed even if the result of the special pattern hit / miss judgment for the pattern change related to special pattern 2 reserved at the end of the small win game is a small win and pattern d. According to this, it is possible to make it easier for a player who did not achieve a big win game in a small win game derived in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD to achieve a big win game in a small win game that occurs again immediately afterwards. In order to achieve this effect, the restriction flag may be set to OFF when all pattern changes related to special chart 2 that are pending at the end of the pattern change in which a small win related to a small win game in which the restriction flag is set to ON is won have been completed.

[0182] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, in the second gaming state (normal high probability) set in response to the second condition (transition condition (vi)), when a small jackpot is won that can cause a second jackpot game (a jackpot game with 10 rounds), a specific effect (a pattern pre-reading effect related to a special odd number variation) may be executed, and in the second gaming state set in response to the second condition, a small jackpot game related to a small jackpot won by a pattern change related to the second starting port (second starting port 59) is executed, and if the gaming ball does not pass through the specified area (V winning area) in the small jackpot game and a jackpot game is not generated, the specific effect will not be executed, even if a small jackpot that can cause a second jackpot game is won by a pattern change related to the second starting port that was reserved at the end of the small jackpot game or the end of the pattern change is won.

[0183] In this embodiment, the restriction flag may be set to ON only in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD, but the restriction flag may also be set to ON under the same conditions as the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD in other special chart variation pattern derivation states with high probability of normal chart (special chart variation pattern derivation state PB, special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, special chart variation pattern derivation state PE).

[0184] <About the symbols that make up the reach state> Next, the second function that improves the above-mentioned problems of the present invention is the control that determines the decorative symbols that constitute the reach state during the normal high probability. The details of this function will be explained below using Figures 18 and 19. FIG. 18 shows a flow of the reach symbol determination process, and FIGS. 19(a) to 19(c) are diagrams that schematically show lottery tables used in the lottery that determines the reach pattern.

[0185] The reach symbol determination process shown in Figure 18 is a process that is executed each time a command to start a change related to special symbol 2 is received during a high probability of a normal symbol, and in this process, the decorative symbol that constitutes the reach state is determined. Specifically, in step S402, which is the first step in the reach symbol determination process, it is determined whether or not a reach state occurs in the symbol change related to the change start command that triggered the start of the process (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as "the symbol change"), and if the condition is met, the process proceeds to step S404, and if the condition is not met, the reach symbol determination process ends. Here, whether or not a reach state occurs is determined by referring to the special symbol change pattern included in the change start command, and by whether or not the special symbol change pattern is accompanied by the execution of the above-mentioned development performance. In step S404, it is determined whether the above-mentioned restriction flag is ON, and if the condition is met, the process proceeds to step S416, and if the condition is not met, the process proceeds to step S406. In step S406, it is determined whether the current special chart variation pattern derivation state is the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, and if the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S408, and if the condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S410. In step S408, a ready-to-win pattern is determined by lottery using lottery table B1. Here, the ready-to-win pattern is referred to in order to determine the decorative symbols that constitute the ready-to-win state, and the details of this lottery will be described later. In step S410, it is determined whether the current special chart variation pattern derivation state is the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD, and if the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S412, and if the condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S414. In step S412, a reach pattern is determined by lottery using lottery table B2. In step S414, a reach pattern is determined by a lottery using the lottery table B3. The lottery is executed in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB or the special chart variation pattern derivation state PE. In step S416, similarly to step S414, a reach pattern is determined by lottery using lottery table B3. In step S418, the decorative symbols that constitute the ready-to-win state are determined based on the determined ready-to-win pattern, and then the ready-to-win symbol determination process is terminated.

[0186] As shown in Figures 19(a) to 19(c), the lottery that determines the reach pattern determines either an even number pattern reach, an odd number pattern reach excluding the 7 number, or a 7 number pattern reach, and the lottery refers to the results of the special pattern hit / miss judgment and the special pattern stop pattern lottery, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0 to 999. If an even symbol reach is determined in the lottery to determine the reach pattern, in step S418, one even symbol is determined by lottery from a plurality of types of even symbols, and the determined even symbol is adopted as a decorative symbol that constitutes the reach state. Similarly, if an odd symbol reach other than the 7 symbol is determined in the lottery to determine the reach pattern, in step S418, one odd symbol is determined by lottery from a plurality of types of odd symbols other than the 7 symbol, and the determined odd symbol is adopted as a decorative symbol that constitutes the reach state. On the other hand, if a 7 symbol reach is determined in the lottery to determine the reach pattern, in step S418, the 7 symbol is adopted as a decorative symbol that constitutes the reach state. Note that the probability of each decorative symbol being determined is equal in each of the lottery to determine an even symbol from a plurality of types of even symbols and the lottery to determine an odd symbol from a plurality of types of odd symbols other than the 7 symbol.

[0187] As shown in Figure 19(a), in the lottery using lottery table B1, that is, the lottery to determine the reach pattern in the special pattern change pattern derivation state PC, if the result of the special pattern hit / miss judgment for the pattern change is miss and the result of the special pattern stop pattern lottery is pattern e, an even pattern reach will be determined with a probability of 900 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.11), and an odd pattern reach excluding pattern 7 will be determined with a probability of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10), and in such case a 7 pattern reach will not be determined.

[0188] In the lottery using lottery table B1, if the result of the special pattern hit / miss judgment for the pattern change is a jackpot and the result of the special pattern stop pattern lottery is pattern a, an even pattern reach will be determined with a probability of 800 / 1000 (1 / 1.25), and an odd pattern reach excluding pattern 7 will be determined with a probability of 200 / 1000 (1 / 5), and in such case a 7 pattern reach will not be determined. On the other hand, in the lottery using lottery table B1, if the result of the special pattern hit / miss judgment related to the pattern change is a jackpot and the result of the special pattern stop pattern lottery is pattern b, then there is a 500 / 1000 (1 / 2) probability that an even pattern reach will occur, a 300 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33) probability that an odd pattern reach will occur excluding pattern 7, and a 200 / 1000 (1 / 5) probability that a 7 pattern reach will occur.

[0189] In the lottery using lottery table B1, if the result of the special pattern hit / miss judgment for the pattern change is a small hit and the result of the special pattern stop pattern lottery is pattern c, an even pattern reach will be determined with a probability of 850 / 1000 (1 / 1.18), and an odd pattern reach excluding pattern 7 will be determined with a probability of 150 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6.67), and in such cases a 7 pattern reach will not be determined. On the other hand, in the lottery using lottery table B1, if the result of the special pattern hit / miss judgment for the pattern change is a small hit and the result of the special pattern stop pattern lottery is pattern d, then there is a 600 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.67) probability of an even pattern reach, a 250 / 1000 (1 / 4) probability of an odd pattern reach excluding pattern 7, and a 150 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6.67) probability of a 7 pattern reach. In this embodiment, including the lottery using lottery table B2 and the lottery using lottery table B3 described later, when the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment related to the symbol variation is a jackpot, the rate at which an odd symbol hit / miss or a 7 symbol hit is determined as a reach pattern is higher than the rate at which an odd symbol hit / miss or a 7 symbol hit is determined as a reach pattern when the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment related to the symbol variation is a small hit. Therefore, the reach state realized by determining an odd symbol hit / miss or a 7 symbol hit as a reach pattern can be said to be an effect that suggests that the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment related to the symbol variation will be a jackpot (so-called a direct hit).

[0190] Also, as shown in Figure 19(b), in the lottery using lottery table B2, that is, the lottery to determine the reach pattern in the special pattern change pattern derivation state PD, if the result of the special pattern hit / miss judgment for the pattern change is miss and the result of the special pattern stop pattern lottery is pattern e, an even pattern reach will be determined with a probability of 950 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.05), and an odd pattern reach excluding pattern 7 will be determined with a probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20), and in such case a 7 pattern reach will not be determined.

[0191] In the lottery using lottery table B2, if the result of the special pattern hit / miss judgment for the pattern change is a jackpot and the result of the special pattern stop pattern lottery is pattern a, an even pattern reach will be determined with a probability of 800 / 1000 (1 / 1.25), and an odd pattern reach excluding pattern 7 will be determined with a probability of 200 / 1000 (1 / 5), and in such cases a 7 pattern reach will not be determined. On the other hand, in the lottery using lottery table B2, if the result of the special pattern hit / miss judgment for the pattern change is a jackpot and the result of the special pattern stop pattern lottery is pattern b, then there is a 500 / 1000 (1 / 2) probability that an even pattern reach will occur, a 300 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33) probability that an odd pattern reach will occur excluding pattern 7, and a 200 / 1000 (1 / 5) probability that a 7 pattern reach will occur.

[0192] In the lottery using lottery table B2, if the result of the special pattern hit / miss judgment for the pattern change is a small hit and the result of the special pattern stop pattern lottery is pattern c, an even pattern reach will be determined with a probability of 850 / 1000 (1 / 1.18), and an odd pattern reach excluding pattern 7 will be determined with a probability of 150 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6.67), and in such cases a 7 pattern reach will not be determined. On the other hand, in a lottery using lottery table B2, if the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment related to the symbol variation is a small hit and the result of the special symbol stop symbol lottery is symbol d, an even symbol reach will be determined with a probability of 700 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.43), an odd symbol reach excluding symbol 7 with a probability of 250 / 1000 (1 / 4), and a 7 symbol reach with a probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20). Therefore, the probability (1 / 20) of determining the 7 symbol reach is lower than the probability (approximately 1 / 6.67) of determining the 7 symbol reach when the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment related to the symbol variation is a small hit and the result of the special symbol stop symbol lottery is symbol d in a lottery using lottery table B1.

[0193] Also, as shown in Figure 19(c), in the lottery using lottery table B3, that is, the lottery to determine the reach pattern in the special pattern change pattern derivation state PB or the special pattern change pattern derivation state PE, if the result of the special pattern hit / miss judgment for the pattern change is miss and the result of the special pattern stop pattern lottery is pattern e, an even pattern reach will be determined with a probability of 950 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.05), and an odd pattern reach excluding pattern 7 will be determined with a probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20), and in such case a 7 pattern reach will not be determined.

[0194] In the lottery using lottery table B3, if the result of the special pattern hit / miss judgment for the pattern change is a jackpot and the result of the special pattern stop pattern lottery is pattern a, an even pattern reach will be determined with a probability of 800 / 1000 (1 / 1.25), and an odd pattern reach excluding pattern 7 will be determined with a probability of 200 / 1000 (1 / 5), and in such case a 7 pattern reach will not be determined. On the other hand, in a lottery using lottery table B3, if the result of the special pattern hit / miss judgment related to the pattern change is a jackpot and the result of the special pattern stop pattern lottery is pattern b, an even pattern reach will be determined with a probability of 700 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.43), and an odd pattern reach excluding pattern 7 will be determined with a probability of 300 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33), and in such cases a 7 pattern reach will not be determined.

[0195] In the lottery using lottery table B3, if the result of the special pattern hit / miss judgment for the pattern change is a small hit and the result of the special pattern stop pattern lottery is pattern c, an even pattern reach will be determined with a probability of 850 / 1000 (1 / 1.18), and an odd pattern reach excluding pattern 7 will be determined with a probability of 150 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6.67), and in such cases a 7 pattern reach will not be determined. On the other hand, in a lottery using lottery table B3, if the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment for the symbol variation is a small hit and the result of the special symbol stop symbol lottery is symbol d, an even symbol reach is determined with a probability of 750 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.33), and an odd symbol reach excluding symbol 7 is determined with a probability of 250 / 1000 (1 / 4), and in such cases a 7 symbol reach is not determined. Therefore, it can be said that the probability (0) of determining the 7 symbol reach is lower than the probability (approximately 1 / 6.67) of determining a 7 symbol reach when the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment for the symbol variation is a small hit and the result of the special symbol stop symbol lottery is symbol d in a lottery using lottery table B1. In addition, it can also be said that the probability (0) that the 7-pattern reach is determined is lower than the probability (1 / 20) that the 7-pattern reach is determined when, in a lottery using lottery table B2, the result of the special pattern hit / miss judgment related to the pattern change is a small hit and the result of the special pattern stop pattern lottery is pattern d.

[0196] In this way, in this embodiment, a 7-pattern reach can be determined when the result of the special pattern hit / miss judgment for the pattern change is a big hit and the result of the special pattern stopping pattern lottery is pattern b, or when the result of the special pattern hit / miss judgment for the pattern change is a small hit and the result of the special pattern stopping pattern lottery is pattern d, but a 7-pattern reach will not be determined when the result of the special pattern hit / miss judgment for the pattern change is a miss and the result of the special pattern stopping pattern lottery is pattern e, when the result of the special pattern hit / miss judgment for the pattern change is a big hit and the result of the special pattern stopping pattern lottery is pattern a, or when the result of the special pattern hit / miss judgment for the pattern change is a small hit and the result of the special pattern stopping pattern lottery is pattern c. Therefore, the reach state (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "7-symbol reach state") that occurs when a 7-symbol reach is determined as the reach pattern can be said to be a pre-reading effect that notifies (makes it possible to identify) that a jackpot game with 10 rounds will occur. Naturally, even if the result of the preliminary judgment regarding the target hold is a miss and the pattern is F, a 7-pattern reach will not be determined.

[0197] In particular, with regard to the probability of determining a 7 symbol reach in the lottery that determines the above-mentioned reach pattern, the magnitude relationship between the probability related to lottery table B1, the probability related to lottery table B2, and the probability related to lottery table B3 is the same as the magnitude relationship between the probability related to lottery table A1, the probability related to lottery table A2, and the probability related to lottery table A3 with regard to the probability of determining a special odd number variance in the lottery that determines whether or not the above-mentioned symbol pre-reading performance will be executed. Therefore, details regarding the magnitude relationship between the probability related to lottery table B1, the probability related to lottery table B2, and the probability related to lottery table B3 with regard to the probability of determining a 7 symbol reach in the lottery that determines the above-mentioned reach pattern will be omitted. However, the 7-symbol reach state is a presentation that notifies that a jackpot game with 10 rounds will occur in the pattern change; in other words, the reach state is a presentation in the pattern change (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "change presentation"), and is therefore different from the pattern pre-reading presentation related to the special odd-numbered variance described above. In addition, in this example, since the 7 symbol reach state is a variation effect executed by the symbol change, it can be recognized immediately before that the game ball related to the small win game may need to be launched in the symbol change. Also, in this embodiment, since the 7 symbol reach state can occur when the target reservation related to the symbol pre-reading effect related to the special odd number scatter eye is consumed, the effect can be further enhanced.

[0198] In addition, the 7-symbol reach state is not limited to being a variable presentation that notifies that a jackpot game with 10 rounds may occur, and the 7-symbol reach state may also be a variable presentation that indicates a high probability that the jackpot game may occur.

[0199] In addition, in this embodiment, in the lottery using lottery table B2, if the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment related to the symbol change is a small hit and the result of the special symbol stop symbol lottery is symbol d, a 7 symbol reach can be determined, but the system may be configured so that a 7 symbol reach is not determined in such a case.

[0200] In addition, in this embodiment, the second function that improves the problems of the present invention is applied to the variable presentation, but as long as it is a variable presentation, any presentation may be adopted, not limited to a reach state.

[0201] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the gaming state management means (gaming state control means 155) can set, as the gaming state, a first gaming state (normal low probability) or a second gaming state (normal high probability) in which it is easier for the gaming ball to enter the second starting hole than in the first gaming state, and transitions the gaming state from the first gaming state to the second gaming state when the first condition (transition condition (ii) or transition condition (iii)) or the second condition (transition condition (vi)) is satisfied. In either the second gaming state set in response to the first condition or the second gaming state set in response to the second condition, However, when the number of symbol variations executed without a jackpot game in the second game state reaches a predetermined number of times, the game state is transitioned from the second game state to the first game state, and the predetermined number of times (500 times) for the second game state set in response to the second condition is greater than the predetermined number of times (80 times) for the second game state set in response to the first condition, and the types of jackpot games that occur via the small jackpot game related to the small jackpot won in the symbol variation related to the second starting port include the first jackpot game (a jackpot game with 4 rounds) and a jackpot game with a higher degree of advantage than the first jackpot game. When a jackpot game is generated via a small win game, the type of the jackpot game is determined before the timing when the game ball passes through the predetermined area (V winning area) in the small win game, and the presentation control means (first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300) executes a presentation that suggests that there is a high expectation of the second jackpot game (jackpot game with 10 rounds) occurring, or a specific presentation (7 symbol reach state) that is a presentation that notifies that the second jackpot game will occur. When a small win that can cause a second big win game is won, the rate at which the specific effect is executed in the second game state (normal high probability) set in response to the second condition is lower than the rate at which the specific effect is executed in the second game state set in response to the first condition, or the specific effect can be executed in the second game state set in response to the first condition, but the specific effect is not executed in the second game state set in response to the second condition, and the specific effect is an effect executed in one pattern change,In other words, it is an effect that suggests that there is a high expectation that the second jackpot game will occur due to the pattern change, or an effect that is executed in one pattern change and notifies that the second jackpot game will occur due to the pattern change.

[0202] In addition, in the gaming machine 10, the gaming state management means (gaming state control means 155) can set, as the gaming state, a first gaming state (normal low probability) or a second gaming state (normal high probability) in which it is easier for the gaming ball to enter the second starting hole than in the first gaming state, and transitions the gaming state from the first gaming state to the second gaming state when the first condition (transition condition (ii) or transition condition (iii)) or the second condition (transition condition (vi)) is satisfied. In either the second gaming state set in response to the first condition or the second gaming state set in response to the second condition, However, when the number of symbol variations executed without a jackpot game in the second game state reaches a predetermined number of times, the game state is transitioned from the second game state to the first game state, and the predetermined number of times (500 times) for the second game state set in response to the second condition is greater than the predetermined number of times (80 times) for the second game state set in response to the first condition, and the types of jackpot games that occur via the small jackpot game related to the small jackpot won in the symbol variation related to the second starting port include the first jackpot game (a jackpot game with 4 rounds) and a jackpot game with a higher degree of advantage than the first jackpot game. When a jackpot game is generated via a small win game, the type of the jackpot game is determined before the timing when the game ball passes through the predetermined area (V winning area) in the small win game, and the effect control means (first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300) displays an effect that suggests that there is a high expectation of the second jackpot game (jackpot game with 10 rounds) occurring, or a specific effect (a pattern related to a special odd number barakeme) that is an effect that notifies that a second jackpot game will occur. It is possible to execute a specific effect (pre-reading effect, 7-symbol reach state), and when a small jackpot that can cause a second big jackpot game is won, the rate at which a specific effect is executed in the second game state (normal symbol high probability) set in response to the second condition is lower than the rate at which a specific effect is executed in the second game state set in response to the first condition, or in other words, while a specific effect can be executed in the second game state set in response to the first condition, a specific effect is not executed in the second game state set in response to the second condition.

[0203] In addition, in a lottery using lottery table B3, if the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment related to the symbol change is a small hit and the result of the special symbol stopping symbol lottery is symbol d, a 7 symbol reach may be determined with a lower probability than in a lottery using lottery table B1, where the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment related to the symbol change is a small hit and the result of the special symbol stopping symbol lottery is symbol d. In particular, in this embodiment, in a lottery using lottery table B3, i.e., in a lottery to determine a reach pattern in special chart change pattern derivation state PB or special chart change pattern derivation state PE, if the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment for the pattern change is a small hit and the result of the special chart stopping pattern lottery is pattern d, the probability that a 7-pattern reach will be determined may be configured to be lower than the probability that a 7-pattern reach will be determined in a lottery using lottery table B2, i.e., in a lottery to determine a reach pattern in special chart change pattern derivation state PD, if the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment for the pattern change is a small hit and the result of the special chart stopping pattern lottery is pattern d.

[0204] <Regarding the transition of game states related to specific losing symbols> Next, using Figures 20(a) to 20(c), we will provide additional information on the types of specific losing patterns that will result in a transition to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PE, the rate at which each specific losing pattern is determined, and the effectiveness of the transition to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PE due to the type of current special chart variation pattern derivation state and the stop display of a specific losing pattern. 20(a) is a diagram that schematically shows a lottery table for drawing the special symbol 1 stop symbol when the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment is a miss, and FIG. 20(b) is a diagram that schematically shows a lottery table for drawing the special symbol 2 stop symbol when the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment is a miss, and the range of random numbers used in these lotteries is 0 to 999. Also, FIG. 20(c) is a table that organizes the types of current special symbol variation pattern derivation states and the validity of transition to the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PE for each of the symbols D and f.

[0205] As shown in Figure 20(a), in the pattern variation related to Special Chart 1, pattern C or pattern D may be determined as the losing pattern. As noted in the remarks column, when pattern D is determined and the determined stop pattern is displayed, there is a possibility of transitioning to the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PE. After transitioning to the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PE, the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PE continues to be set until the specified number of pattern variations are performed, after which the system transitions to the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA. The specified number of times corresponding to pattern D is 30, while pattern C is a stop pattern that does not transition to the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PE even when displayed. The reason why there is a possibility of transitioning to the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PE when pattern D is displayed is that depending on the type of the current special pattern variation pattern derivation state, transition to the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PE may not occur. The relationship between the type of the current special pattern variation pattern derivation state and the transition to the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PE will be discussed later. Note that this relationship between the stop pattern and the current special pattern variation pattern derivation state also applies to pattern f, which will be discussed later. Specifically, if the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment for special chart 1 is a miss, the lottery for the special chart 1 stop pattern will determine pattern C with a probability of 998 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.002) and pattern D with a probability of 2 / 1000 (1 / 500).

[0206] Also, as shown in Figure 20(b), in the pattern variation related to special pattern 2, pattern e or pattern f may be determined as the losing pattern. As shown in the remarks column, when pattern f is determined and the determined stop pattern is stopped and displayed, there is a case where the state transitions to the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PE, and after the transition to the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PE, the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PE continues to be set until the pattern variation is performed a specified number of times, just as when pattern D is stopped and displayed, and then transitions to the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA. The specified number of times corresponding to pattern f is 30, while pattern e is a stop pattern that does not transition to the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PE even if it is stopped and displayed. Specifically, in the lottery for the special symbol 2 stop symbol when the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment for the special symbol 2 is a miss, the symbol e is determined as the stop symbol with a probability of 1 / 990 (approximately 1 / 1.01). In the lottery for the stop symbol, the symbol f is determined as the stop symbol with a probability of 10 / 1000 (1 / 100), which is higher than the probability (1 / 500) of the symbol D being determined in the lottery for the special symbol 1 stop symbol when the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment for the special symbol 1 is a miss.

[0207] Next, as shown in Figure 20(c), the only special chart variation pattern derivation state in which a transition to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PE occurs when pattern D or pattern f is stopped and displayed is the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA. If the current special chart variation pattern derivation state is the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB, the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD, or the special chart variation pattern derivation state PE, even if pattern D or pattern f is stopped and displayed, a transition to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PE does not occur.

[0208] <About the number of times displayed> In addition, in this embodiment, in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, the display area related to the left sub-display unit 82b and the right sub-display unit 82c is configured to display the number of times. Details will be described later, but the number of times display is a display that is added or subtracted from the time the power is turned on, after the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC ends, or after the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB ends, and in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PE, the same number of times display as in the immediately previous special chart variation pattern derivation state is continuously executed. Hereinafter, the number display in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 21(a) and 21(b) are diagrams showing specific examples of the number of times displayed according to this embodiment. Figures 22(a) and 22(b) are diagrams showing the transition of the number of times the display of the number of times has changed when power is interrupted and restored during a period in which the number of times the pattern has changed after the end of a jackpot game is 0 to 1000 times. Figure 22(a) shows the transition of the number of times the display of the number of times has changed when a RAM clear process is performed at the time of the power interruption, and Figure 22(b) shows the transition of the number of times the display of the number of times has changed when a RAM clear process is not performed at the time of the power interruption. Figures 23(a) and 23(b) are figures showing the transition of the count display when a power outage and restoration occurs during the period after a transition from the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA; Figure 23(a) shows the transition of the count display when a RAM clear process is performed at the time of the power outage, and Figure 23(b) shows the transition of the count display when a RAM clear process is not performed at the time of the power outage.

[0209] As shown in Figures 21(a) and 21(b), the number of times displayed in this embodiment includes number of times display H1 and number of times display H2, and number of times display H1 and number of times display H2 are displayed in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA.

[0210] More specifically, as shown in Figure 21(a), in the count display H1, the display area 821 of the display area related to the left sub-display unit 82b displays the words "??? times remaining until Yu-time", and the display area 822 of the right sub-display unit 82c displays the words "Currently ●●●● times". Here, the text "??? times remaining until Yu-Time" is not updated each time a pattern change is performed, and the text is an indication that makes it impossible to specify the number of pattern changes that must be performed before the special pattern change pattern derivation state PD transition pattern change occurs. The text "Currently ●●●● Times" updates (increments) each time a symbol change occurs, and the text is a display that identifies the number of symbol changes that have occurred since the power was restored. When the text is displayed after a power outage accompanied by a RAM clear, the number of symbol changes required to transition to the special symbol change pattern derivation state (PD) is reset. Therefore, the symbol change identified by the text, which corresponds to the predetermined number of symbol changes (1,000), matches the symbol change that transitions to the special symbol change pattern derivation state (PD). However, when the text is displayed after a power outage without a RAM clear, the symbol changes do not match. Therefore, the text "Currently ●●●● Times," like "??? Numbers Remaining Until Play Time," can be considered a display that does not identify the number of symbol changes required to transition to the special symbol change pattern derivation state (PD).

[0211] As shown in Figure 21(b), in the count display H2, the display area 821 displays the words "●●● times remaining until Yu-time", and the display area 822 displays the words "Currently ●●●● times", similar to the count display H1. Here, the text "●●● times remaining until Yu-time" indicates that the content (number of times) is updated (decremented) each time a pattern change is executed, and the text is an indication that can identify the number of pattern changes that must be executed before the special pattern change pattern derivation state PD transition pattern change occurs.

[0212] Figure 22(a) shows the transition in the number of times the pattern change is executed after the end of a jackpot game when the number of times the change is executed is 300 out of a period of 0 to 1000 times, and shows the transition in the number of times the display is displayed when a power outage and restoration accompanied by the execution of a RAM clear process occurs during that period. Specifically, the number of times display H1 is displayed during the period when the number of times the pattern change has been performed since the power outage was restored is 0 to 1000, and the number of times display H1 is displayed again during the period when the number of times the pattern change has been performed since the power outage was restored is 1501 or more. Note that neither the number of times display H1 nor the number of times display H2 is displayed during the period when the number of times the pattern change has been performed since the power outage was restored is 1001 to 1500. In this embodiment, the timing for ending or starting the count display may be any timing during the execution of the first pattern change in the corresponding period, but it is preferable that it be at the start of the pattern change.

[0213] Figure 22(b) shows the transition in the number of times the pattern change is executed after the end of a jackpot game when the number of times the pattern change is executed is 300 out of a period of 0 to 1000 times, and shows the transition in the number of times the pattern change is executed when a power outage and restoration occurs during that period without the execution of a RAM clear process. Specifically, the number of times display H1 is displayed during the period when the number of times the pattern change has been performed since the power outage was restored is 0 to 700, and the number of times display H1 is displayed again during the period when the number of times the pattern change has been performed since the power outage was restored is 1201 or more. Note that during the period when the number of times the pattern change has been performed since the power outage was restored is 701 to 1200, neither the number of times display H1 nor the number of times display H2 is displayed.

[0214] Next, Figure 23 (a) shows the transition of the number of times display when a power outage and power restoration accompanied by the execution of RAM clear processing occurs during the period after the transition from the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA has been performed 2500 times as an example, and the transition of the number of times display in this case is the same as Figure 22 (a). Therefore, the explanation will be omitted. On the other hand, Figure 23(b) shows the transition of the number of times the display of the number of times is displayed when a power outage and restoration occurs during the period after a transition from the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA has been performed 2500 times, and in this case the number of times is displayed as number of times H1.

[0215] <Other variations> Modifications not mentioned in the above description are listed below. First, in this embodiment, whether or not to execute the symbol pre-reading effect and the execution mode thereof are simultaneously determined by lottery, but if the execution rate of the symbol pre-reading effect described above is guaranteed, it is also possible to determine whether or not to execute the symbol pre-reading effect, and if it is determined that the symbol pre-reading effect is to be executed, to determine the execution mode of the symbol pre-reading effect. In other words, the process of determining whether or not to execute the symbol pre-reading effect and the process of determining the execution mode thereof may be executed separately.

[0216] In addition, in this embodiment, transition condition (vii) is satisfied when the number of pattern changes related to special pattern 2 executed without a jackpot game in between during normal pattern high probability reaches 500, but in addition to this, transition condition (vii) may also be satisfied when a small jackpot game is executed. According to this, in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD, if the player does not shoot the game ball in the small hit game, the transition condition (vii) is satisfied, so it is possible to reliably prevent the player from aiming for a highly advantageous big hit game. In particular, in this modified example, the function of improving the problems according to the present invention described above leads to the prevention of the occurrence of an unfavorable event in which a big hit game does not occur in a small hit game for a player who does not recognize that the transition condition (vii) is satisfied by the execution of the small hit game.

[0217] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the gaming state management means (gaming state control means 155) executes a small win game related to a small win won by a pattern change related to the second starting port (second starting port 59) in the second gaming state (normal high probability) set in response to the second condition (transition condition (vi)), and if the gaming ball does not pass through a predetermined area (V winning area) during the small win game and a big win game does not occur, it can be said that the gaming state transitions from the second gaming state to the first gaming state (normal low probability).

[0218] In addition, in a modified example in which the transition condition (vii) is satisfied when the above-mentioned small hit game is executed, the normal high probability may also be terminated by the execution of a small hit game in other normal high probability special chart variation pattern derivation states (special chart variation pattern derivation state PB, special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, special chart variation pattern derivation state PE). By doing so, the termination conditions for normal high probability are unified, and when a small hit game occurs in the other normal high probability special chart variation pattern derivation state, a jackpot game does not occur and the normal high probability is prevented from ending, and the processing burden related to the determination of the normal high probability termination conditions can be reduced.

[0219] In addition, in this embodiment, the number of types of symbols to be stopped when the transition condition (viii) is satisfied is not limited to the number of types in this embodiment, and may be any number including one type.

[0220] Furthermore, each of the effects described in this embodiment does not necessarily have to be realized by an image, but may be realized by another device such as sound or lamp lighting, or may be realized by a combination of these devices.

[0221] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the same special chart variation pattern lottery table is used in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB and the special chart variation pattern derivation state PE, but different special chart variation pattern lottery tables may be used in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB and the special chart variation pattern derivation state PE.

[0222] 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 12, 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 12 for more than half of the period during which the special chart variation pattern derivation state continues.

[0223] 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.

[0224] In the above explanation, the restoration 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.

[0225] 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 recovery state upon power restoration, but the recovery state may be set without reference to this state. In this case, the recovery state upon power restoration may be uniformly set according to the case where the middle frame door open sensor 76 is ON (the middle frame 17 is open).

[0226] 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.

[0227] <Additional Notes> The present embodiment encompasses the following technical idea. (1) A gaming machine capable of firing game balls, capable of executing pattern variations based on the entry of game balls into a first start port or a second start port, executing a hit / miss determination including a determination of whether or not a small win will be won with the start of the pattern variation, and if a small win is won in the hit / miss determination, starting a small win game after the end of the pattern variation for which the hit / miss determination was executed, and if a game ball passes through a predetermined area during the small win game, starting a big win game after the end of the small win game, a game status management means for managing a game status; The means of production and a performance control means for controlling the performance means; Equipped with Regarding the probability of winning the small prize in the hit / miss judgment, The probability of winning the small win with the pattern variation related to the second starting port is higher than the probability of winning the small win with the pattern variation related to the first starting port, Alternatively, the small win may be won by the pattern change related to the second starting port, but the small win may not be won by the pattern change related to the first starting port, The game status management means As the game state, a first game state or a second game state in which it is easier for a game ball to enter the second starting hole than in the first game state can be set, When the first condition or the second condition is satisfied, the gaming state is transitioned from the first gaming state to the second gaming state; In both the second game state set in response to the first condition and the second game state set in response to the second condition, when the number of symbol variations executed in the second game state without the jackpot game in between reaches a specified number, the game state is transitioned from the second game state to the first game state; The specified number of times related to the second gaming state set in response to the second condition is greater than the specified number of times related to the second gaming state set in response to the first condition, The types of the jackpot game that are generated via the small jackpot game related to the small jackpot won in the pattern variation related to the second starting port include a first jackpot game and a second jackpot game that is more advantageous than the first jackpot game, When the jackpot game is generated via the small jackpot game, the type of the jackpot game is determined before the timing when the game ball passes through the predetermined area in the small jackpot game, The effect control means is capable of executing a specific effect which is an effect suggesting that the second jackpot game is highly expected to occur, or an effect informing that the second jackpot game will occur, When the small win that may cause the second big win game is won, the rate at which the specific performance is executed is as follows: The rate at which the specific effect is executed in the second gaming state set in response to the second condition is lower than the rate at which the specific effect is executed in the second gaming state set in response to the first condition. Alternatively, the specific effect may be executed in the second gaming state set in response to the first condition, while the specific effect is not executed in the second gaming state set in response to the second condition, The specific performance is: It is an effect that is executed in one pattern change, and is an effect that suggests that there is a high expectation that the second jackpot game will occur due to the pattern change. Or, it is an effect that is executed in one pattern change, and is an effect that notifies that the second jackpot game will occur due to the pattern change, A gaming machine characterized by: (2) The gaming machine described in (1) above, The first condition is a condition that can be satisfied upon the end of the jackpot game, The second condition is a condition that can be satisfied upon the end of the pattern variation in which the jackpot game does not occur, The first condition may be satisfied upon the completion of the jackpot game that occurs in the second gaming state that is set upon the second condition being satisfied. A gaming machine characterized by: (3) The gaming machine according to (1) or (2) above, The first condition is a condition that can be satisfied upon the end of the jackpot game, the gaming state management means transitions the gaming state from the first gaming state to the second gaming state when a third condition different from either the first condition or the second condition is satisfied; The specified number of times related to the second gaming state set in response to the third condition is equal to or less than the specified number of times related to the second gaming state set in response to the first condition, When the small win that may cause the second big win game is won, the rate at which the specific performance is executed is as follows: The rate at which the specific effect is executed in the second gaming state set in response to the third condition is lower than the rate at which the specific effect is executed in the second gaming state set in response to the first condition. Alternatively, the specific effect may be executed in the second gaming state set in response to the first condition, while the specific effect is not executed in the second gaming state set in response to the third condition, The first condition may be satisfied upon the completion of the jackpot game that occurs in the second gaming state that is set upon the third condition. A gaming machine characterized by: (4) The gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3) above, With respect to at least the pattern variation relating to the second starting port, the start of the pattern variation is suspended until the variation start condition is satisfied, In the second game state set in response to the second condition, when the small win that may cause the second big win game is won, the specific performance may be executed. In the second game state set by the second condition, the small win game related to the small win won by the pattern change related to the second starting port is executed, and if the game ball does not pass through the predetermined area in the small win game and the big win game is not generated, the specific effect is not executed even if the small win that can generate the second big win game is won by the pattern change related to the second starting port that was reserved at the time of the end of the small win game or the end of the pattern change. A gaming machine characterized by: (5) The gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (4) above, The game state management means executes the small win game related to the small win won by the pattern variation related to the second starting port in the second game state set as a trigger of the second condition, and when the game ball does not pass through the predetermined area in the small win game and the big win game does not occur, transitions the game state from the second game state to the first game state. A gaming machine characterized by: [Explanation of symbols]

[0228] 10 Gaming machines 15 Outer Frame 17 Middle Frame 20 Front frame 21 Hinge mechanism 22 Movable Decorations 23 Cylinder lock 25 Transparent materials 27 Upper ball tray 29 Lower ball tray 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 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 54 Protective materials 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 Return 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 Performance content determining means 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 270 Subcommand Management Method 300 Second sub-control board 301 CPU 302 ROM 303 RAM 304 I / O ports 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 X First flow path Y Second flow path 821 Display area 822 Display area

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine capable of launching a gaming ball toward a first flow path provided with a first starting port or a second flow path provided with a second starting port, and generating a big win game when the gaming ball passes through a predetermined area in a small win game that is executed based on winning a small win in a win / loss judgment, and capable of setting a first gaming state in which the launching of the gaming ball toward the first flow path is recommended, or a second gaming state in which the launching of the gaming ball toward the second starting port is recommended, The means of production and a performance control means for controlling the performance means; Equipped with Regarding the probability of winning the small prize in the hit / miss judgment, The probability of winning the small win in the hit / miss judgment related to the second starting port is higher than the probability of winning the small win in the hit / miss judgment related to the first starting port, Or, the small win may be won in the hit / miss judgment related to the second starting port, and the small win may not be won in the hit / miss judgment related to the first starting port, The types of the jackpot games include a first jackpot game and a second jackpot game that is more advantageous than the first jackpot game, When the jackpot game is generated via the small jackpot game, the type of the jackpot game is determined before the timing when the game ball passes through the predetermined area in the small jackpot game, When the number of fluctuations in the second gaming state reaches a predetermined number of times, the second gaming state is transitioned to the first gaming state, The conditions for setting the second gaming state include a first condition and a second condition in which the advantage of the second gaming state to be set is higher than that of the first condition, The performance control means is capable of executing a first specific performance and a second specific performance, The first specific effect can be a first effect mode, which is a effect mode in which the expectation of the second jackpot game occurring is high among the effect modes in which the first specific effect can occur, or a effect mode that notifies that the second jackpot game will occur, The second specific effect can be a second effect mode that is a mode in which the second specific effect can be a mode in which the expectation of the second jackpot game occurring is high, or a mode in which the second jackpot game will occur, Regarding the rate at which the first specific effect of the first effect mode is executed, The rate at which the first specific effect of the first effect mode is executed when the jackpot game occurs in the second game state set by the second condition is lower than the rate at which the first specific effect of the first effect mode is executed when the jackpot game occurs in the second game state set as a trigger of the first condition, Alternatively, when the jackpot game occurs in the second game state set by the first condition, the first specific performance of the first performance mode can be executed, and when the jackpot game occurs in the second game state set by the second condition, the first specific performance of the first performance mode is not executed, Regarding the rate at which the second specific effect of the second effect mode is executed, The rate at which the second specific effect of the second effect mode is executed when the jackpot game occurs in the second game state set by the second condition is lower than the rate at which the second specific effect of the second effect mode is executed when the jackpot game occurs in the second game state set in response to the first condition, Alternatively, when the jackpot game occurs in the second game state set by the first condition, the second specific performance of the second performance mode can be executed, and when the jackpot game occurs in the second game state set by the second condition, the second specific performance of the second performance mode is not executed, The second specific effect may be executed after the first specific effect, When the second jackpot game occurs, the rate at which the second specific performance that can become the second performance mode is executed is higher than the rate at which the first specific performance that can become the first performance mode is executed, In the second gaming state set by the second condition, a fluctuation pattern shorter than that in the second gaming state set in response to the first condition is likely to be determined, The performance control means is further capable of executing a predetermined performance having a lower expectation of the second jackpot game occurring compared to the first specific performance of the first performance mode, Regarding the rate at which the predetermined effect is executed, The rate at which the predetermined effect is executed in the second gaming state set by the second condition is lower than the rate at which the predetermined effect is executed in the second gaming state set by the first condition, Alternatively, the predetermined effect may be executed in the second gaming state set by the first condition, and the predetermined effect may not be executed in the second gaming state set by the second condition. A gaming machine characterized by:

Images