Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of executing appropriate control on decorative pattern display control in a normal state after a game medium has not passed through a specific region in a special state.SOLUTION: In the variable display executed immediately before being controlled to a small winning game state as shown in Fig. 9-24, a performance control CPU 120 displays "2V2" in pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of an image display device 5 as a small winning combination of a decorative pattern corresponding to a display result of "small winning." In a start screen of a "normal mode" of normal states controlled after a small winning blowout is generated in a small winning state as shown in Fig. 9-25, the performance control CPU displays "222," which is a big winning combination of a decorative pattern in the pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of the image display device 5 as a decorative pattern combination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9-25

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a game machine such as a pachinko game machine.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in Patent Document 1, when a V winning does not occur during a small winning game state, when the time shortening state ends, a time shortening end notification for notifying that the time shortening state has ended and a left hitting promotion notification for prompting the player to return to left hitting and play the game are executed. A game machine is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a game machine as disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a game medium does not pass through a specific area (V winning) in a special state (small winning game state), it is necessary to execute appropriate display control according to the change of the game state.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the above actual situation, and in a game machine that can be controlled to a special state, an object is to provide a game machine that executes appropriate display control when a game medium does not pass through a specific area.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (A) To achieve the above object, the game machine according to claim 1 is A game machine that executes variable display, Variable means controlled to an enterable state in which a game medium can enter, A state control means capable of controlling to an advantageous state for the player, a special state controlled after the advantageous state, in which the variable display is executed more frequently than in the normal state, and a special state controlled when special conditions are met in the special state, which is different from the advantageous state, in which the variable means is controlled to the enterable state. It comprises a display control means capable of displaying the display result of the variable display of decorative identification information on a display means, The state control means is The game medium that enters the variable means can be controlled to the advantageous state after passing through a specific area. In the aforementioned special state, after the game medium has not passed through the specific area, it is possible to control it back to the normal state. The display control means is When controlled to the normal state, a specific display result can be displayed on the display means in correspondence with being controlled to the advantageous state as a result of the variable display of the decorative identification information. When the game medium does not pass through the specific area in the special state, the specific display result can be displayed on the display means after the special state ends. If a power outage occurs in the aforementioned special state, and the game medium does not pass through the specific area in the aforementioned special state controlled after the power outage is restored, a display result different from the specific display result can be displayed on the display means after the end of the special state. In the aforementioned special state, the game medium does not pass through the specific area. The predetermined conditions are met, provided that the following conditions are met. Sometimes, it is possible to display a predetermined indication. In the aforementioned special state, a power outage occurs, and after the power outage is restored, in the aforementioned special state which is being controlled The aforementioned predetermined conditions are met. Sometimes, the aforementioned predetermined display is not displayed. In the aforementioned normal state, any of the multiple types of normal background images can be displayed on the display means. A common normal background image can be displayed on the display means in the normal state that is controlled after a variable display is performed in the special state without being controlled in the special state, and in the normal state that is controlled after the game medium does not pass through the specific area in the special state. It is characterized by the following: (1) Other gaming machines, A gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 1) that performs variable display (variable display), A variable means (V-judgment prize-winning device 87) controls the game medium (game ball) to be in an enterable state, A state control means (CPU 103) capable of controlling the game into an advantageous state for the player (jackpot game state), a special state different from the advantageous state in which the variable means is controlled to the enterable state (minor win game state), and a special state controlled after the advantageous state in which the variable display is executed more frequently than in the normal state (time-saving state), A light-emitting means (V-prize determination device LED 87L) provided around or on the variable means, The system includes a light emission control means (performance control CPU 120) for controlling the emission of light from the light emission means, The aforementioned state control means (CPU103) When the game medium that has entered the variable means passes through a specific area (V-winning area 870), it can be controlled to enter the advantageous state (jackpot game state). The aforementioned light emission control means (performance control CPU 120) When controlled to the aforementioned special state, the light-emitting means can be made to emit light in a first light-emitting mode (a first promotional flashing effect is performed in which the V-entry determination device LED 87L flashes (illuminates) in rainbow colors (7 colors) with a flashing cycle of 0.5 seconds during the minor win game state), When controlled to the aforementioned special state, if a power outage occurs in the aforementioned special state, and the special state is controlled after the power outage is restored, it is possible to make the light-emitting means emit light in a second light-emitting mode with a different emission period from the first light-emitting mode (if a power outage occurs during a minor win game state, and the minor win game state after the power is restored, a second promotional flashing effect is performed in which the V-winning judgment device LED 87L flashes (emits light) red (one color) with a flashing period of 2 seconds). It is characterized by the following: With this configuration, when a power outage occurs in a special state while the system is controlled to a special state, the player's attention can be drawn to the variable means in the special state that was restored after the power outage.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention may have only the invention-specific matters described in the claims of the present invention, or may have a configuration other than the invention-specific matters together with the invention-specific matters described in the claims of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine in this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a configuration diagram showing various control boards and the like mounted on the pachinko gaming machine. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing an example of the main game control process. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing an example of the timer interrupt process for game control. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing an example of the special symbol process. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing an example of the main effect control process. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing an example of the effect control process. [Figure 8-1] This is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in the feature part 152F. [Figure 8-2] This is a diagram showing the winning type table. [Figure 8-3] This is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. [Figure 8-4] This is an explanatory diagram showing the winning determination table and the big winning type determination table. [Figure 8-5] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command. [Figure 8-6] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command. [Figure 8-7] This is a flowchart showing the process of passing through the start port switch. [Figure 8-8] This is a flowchart showing the normal process of the special symbol. [Figure 8-9]This flowchart shows the pre-release process for minor wins. [Figure 8-10] This flowchart shows the processing during the minor win opening. [Figure 8-11] This is a flowchart showing the process for ending a minor win. [Figure 9-1] This is a front view of the pachinko game machine 1 in feature section 09TM. [Figure 9-2] This is an explanatory diagram showing the jackpot type table. [Figure 9-3] This is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. [Figure 9-4] (A1) and (A2) are explanatory diagrams showing the display result determination table, (B1) and (B2-1) are explanatory diagrams showing the jackpot type determination table, and (B2-2) is an explanatory diagram showing the jackpot type determination table via minor wins. [Figure 9-5] (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the variation pattern determination table for the 1st to 99th spins of the Hyper Rush Mode time reduction, and (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the variation pattern determination table for the 1st to 4th spins of the remaining reserved spins in Hyper Rush Mode. [Figure 9-6] This is an explanatory diagram showing a concrete example of the game flow. [Figure 9-7] This is a time chart showing the control timing of the game state related to the first flag, the second flag, and the third flag. [Figure 9-8] This is a time chart showing the timing of game state control related to minor wins and subsequent malfunctions. [Figure 9-9] This is a flowchart showing an example of the process for determining the animation at the start of a variation. [Figure 9-10] This is an explanatory diagram showing the table for determining the winning combinations of decorative patterns. [Figure 9-11] This is an explanatory diagram showing specific examples of performance modes related to the symbol stopping motion and symbol stopping sound effects. [Figure 9-12] This is a flowchart showing an example of the process for determining the animation during a minor win. [Figure 9-13] This is an explanatory diagram showing a table of presentation patterns for promotional effects. [Figure 9-14]This is an explanatory diagram showing specific examples of presentation methods related to the first promotional presentation. [Figure 9-15] This is an explanatory diagram showing specific examples of presentation methods related to the second promotional presentation. [Figure 9-16] This flowchart shows an example of the process for determining the animation at the end of a minor win. [Figure 9-17] This is a time chart showing an example of the timing for controlling the display of results. [Figure 9-18] This is a time chart showing an example of the timing for controlling the display of results. [Figure 9-19] This is a time chart showing a modified example of the timing of display control for the results display. [Figure 9-20] This flowchart shows an example of the process for determining the demo display effects. [Figure 9-21] (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the execution conditions table for the customer waiting demo performance, and (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the execution period determination table for the recovery notification performance. [Figure 9-22] This is a time chart showing the timing of the animations that are performed when a V-win occurs and when a minor win occurs. [Figure 9-23] This is an explanatory diagram showing specific examples of the presentation patterns when a V-win occurs and when a minor win occurs. [Figure 9-24] This is an explanatory diagram showing specific examples of the presentation patterns when a V-win occurs and when a minor win occurs. [Figure 9-25] This is an explanatory diagram showing specific examples of the presentation patterns when a V-win occurs and when a minor win occurs. [Figure 9-26] This is a time chart showing the timing of the animations that occur when a power outage occurs during a minor win game, and when a minor win malfunction occurs after power is restored. [Figure 9-27] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating specific examples of presentation patterns that occur when a power outage occurs during a minor win game and when a minor win malfunction occurs after power is restored. [Figure 9-28] This is an explanatory diagram showing a modified version of the game flow. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (Basic explanation) First, we will explain the basic configuration and control of Pachinko Gaming Machine 1 (which is also the configuration and control of a typical Pachinko Gaming Machine).

[0010] (Configuration of Pachinko Game Machine 1, etc.) Figure 1 is a front view of the pachinko game machine 1, showing the layout of its main components. The pachinko game machine (game machine) 1 is broadly composed of a game board (gauge board) 2 that constitutes the game surface, and a game machine frame (frame) 3 that supports and fixes the game board 2. A game area is formed on the game board 2, and game balls, which serve as the game medium, are launched from a predetermined ball launching device and fired into this game area.

[0011] A first special symbol display device 4A and a second special symbol display device 4B are provided at a predetermined position on the game board 2 (to the right of the game area in the example shown in Figure 1) to perform a variable display (also called a special symbol game) of multiple types of special identification information, special symbols (also called special symbols). These each consist of 7-segment LEDs or the like. Special symbols are represented by lighting patterns such as numbers "0" to "9" or "-". Special symbols may also include patterns in which all LEDs are turned off.

[0012] The "variable display" of special symbols refers to, for example, the display of multiple types of special symbols in a variable manner (the same applies to other symbols described later). Variations include updating the display of multiple symbols, scrolling the display of multiple symbols, transforming one or more symbols, and enlarging / shrinking one or more symbols. In the variation of special symbols and the regular symbols described later, multiple types of special symbols or regular symbols are displayed in an updated manner. In the variation of decorative symbols described later, multiple types of decorative symbols are displayed in a scrolling or updated manner, or one or more decorative symbols are transformed or enlarged / shrinked. Variations also include the display of a symbol blinking. At the end of the variable display, a predetermined special symbol is displayed as a stopped display (also called derivation or derivation display, etc.) (the same applies to the variable display of other symbols described later). Variable display may also be expressed as variable display or simply variable.

[0013] Furthermore, the special symbols that are variably displayed in the first special symbol display device 4A are also called "first special symbols," and the special symbols that are variably displayed in the second special symbol display device 4B are also called "second special symbols." In addition, a special symbol game using the first special symbols is called a "first special symbol game," and a special symbol game using the second special symbols is also called a "second special symbol game." Furthermore, there may be only one type of special symbol display device that performs the variable display of special symbols.

[0014] An image display device 5 is provided near the center of the game area on the game board 2. The image display device 5 is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display) or an organic EL (electroluminescence) and displays various visual effects. The image display device 5 may also consist of a projector and a screen. Various visual effects are displayed on the image display device 5.

[0015] For example, on the screen of the image display device 5, a variable display of decorative symbols (such as symbols showing numbers) that are different from special symbols, is performed in synchronization with the first special symbol game and the second special symbol game. Here, in synchronization with the first or second special symbol game, the decorative symbols are displayed variably (for example, by scrolling up and down or updating) in the left, middle, and right decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R, respectively. Note that the special symbol game and the variable display of decorative symbols that are executed in synchronization are collectively referred to simply as variable display.

[0016] The screen of the image display device 5 may be provided with display areas for displaying pending displays corresponding to variable displays whose execution is currently suspended, and active displays corresponding to variable displays that are currently running. The pending displays and active displays are collectively referred to as variable display-compatible displays corresponding to variable displays.

[0017] The number of variable displays that are being held in reserve is also called the reserved memory count. The reserved memory count corresponding to the first special feature game is called the first reserved memory count, and the reserved memory count corresponding to the second special feature game is called the second reserved memory count. The sum of the first reserved memory count and the second reserved memory count is also called the total reserved memory count.

[0018] Furthermore, a first reserve indicator 25A and a second reserve indicator 25B, each composed of multiple LEDs, are provided at predetermined positions on the game board 2. The first reserve indicator 25A displays the first reserve memory count based on the number of lit LEDs, and the second reserve indicator 25B displays the second reserve memory count based on the number of lit LEDs.

[0019] Below the image display device 5, a prize ball device 6A and a variable prize ball device 6B are provided.

[0020] The prize ball entry device 6A forms a first starting prize entry opening that is kept in a constant open state, allowing game balls to enter at all times, for example, by a predetermined ball receiving member. When a game ball enters the first starting prize entry opening, a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 3) are dispensed, and the first special game may be started.

[0021] The variable prize ball device 6B (ordinary electric mechanism) forms a second starting prize opening that changes between a closed state and an open state by a solenoid 81 (see Figure 2). The variable prize ball device 6B includes, for example, an electric tulip-type mechanism having a pair of movable wing pieces. When the solenoid 81 is in the off state, the movable wing pieces are in a vertical position, so the tips of the movable wing pieces are close to the prize ball device 6A, resulting in a closed state where game balls cannot enter the second starting prize opening (also said to be the second starting prize opening being in the closed state). On the other hand, when the solenoid 81 is in the on state, the movable wing pieces of the variable prize ball device 6B are in a tilted position, resulting in an open state where game balls can enter the second starting prize opening (also said to be the second starting prize opening being in the open state). When a game ball enters the second starting prize opening, a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 3) are dispensed, and the second special game may be started. Furthermore, the variable prize ball device 6B does not need to be one that changes between a closed state and an open state, and is not limited to one equipped with an electric tulip-shaped mechanism.

[0022] General prize slots 10 are provided at predetermined locations on the game board 2 (four locations on the left, right, and lower sides of the game area in the example shown in Figure 1), which are kept in a constant open state by predetermined ball receiving members. In this case, when a ball enters any of the general prize slots 10, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10 balls) are dispensed as prize balls.

[0023] Below the prize ball device 6A and the variable prize ball device 6B, a special variable prize ball device 7 is provided, which has a large prize opening. The special variable prize ball device 7 is equipped with a large prize opening door that is opened and closed by a solenoid 82 (see Figure 2), and the large prize opening door forms a large prize opening as a specific region that changes between an open state and a closed state.

[0024] For example, in the special variable prize ball device 7, when the solenoid 82 for the large prize opening door (for the special electric mechanism) is in the off state, the large prize opening door closes the large prize opening, preventing game balls from entering (passing through) the large prize opening. On the other hand, in the special variable prize ball device 7, when the solenoid 82 for the large prize opening door is in the on state, the large prize opening door opens the large prize opening, making it easier for game balls to enter the large prize opening.

[0025] When a game ball enters the large prize slot, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 14) are dispensed as prize balls. When a game ball enters the large prize slot, more prize balls are dispensed than when a game ball enters, for example, the first starting prize slot, the second starting prize slot, or the general prize slot 10.

[0026] When a game ball enters any of the prize-winning slots, including the general prize-winning slot 10, it is also called "winning a prize." In particular, when a ball enters the starting slots (first starting prize-winning slot, second starting prize-winning slot), it is also called a starting prize.

[0027] A regular symbol display unit 20 is provided at a predetermined position on the game board 2 (on the left side of the game area in the example shown in Figure 1). For example, the regular symbol display unit 20 consists of a 7-segment LED and performs a variable display of regular symbols as multiple types of regular identification information distinct from special symbols. Regular symbols are represented by lighting patterns such as numbers "0" to "9" or "-". Regular symbols may also include a pattern in which all LEDs are turned off. Such a variable display of regular symbols is also called a regular symbol game.

[0028] To the left of the image display device 5, there is a passage gate 41 through which game balls can pass. Based on the fact that a game ball has passed through the passage gate 41, the regular game is executed.

[0029] Above the regular symbol display unit 20, a regular symbol hold indicator unit 25C is provided. The regular symbol hold indicator unit 25C is composed of, for example, four LEDs and displays the number of regular symbol hold memories, which is the number of regular symbol games whose execution is pending, by the number of lit LEDs.

[0030] In addition to the above configuration, the surface of the game board 2 is equipped with windmills and numerous obstacle pins that change the direction and speed of the game balls. At the very bottom of the game area is an outlet where game balls that do not enter any of the winning pockets are collected.

[0031] Speakers 8L and 8R for playing and outputting sound effects are provided at the upper left and right positions of the gaming machine frame 3, and a game effect lamp 9 for game effects is provided around the game area. The game effect lamp 9 is composed of LEDs.

[0032] A movable body 32 that operates in accordance with the performance is provided at a predetermined position on the game board 2 (not shown in Figure 1).

[0033] A ball-launching handle (operating knob) 30 is provided at the lower right position of the gaming machine frame 3, which is operated by the player or others to launch the game balls towards the game area using a ball-launching device.

[0034] A ball supply tray (upper tray) is provided at a predetermined position on the gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area, which holds (stores) the game balls dispensed as prize balls and the game balls dispensed by a predetermined ball dispenser so that they can be supplied to the ball launching device. Below the upper tray, a ball supply tray (lower tray) is provided from which prize balls are dispensed when the upper tray is full.

[0035] A stick controller 31A, which can be grasped and tilted by the player, is attached to a predetermined position on the gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area. The stick controller 31A is equipped with a trigger button that can be pressed by the player. Operations on the stick controller 31A are detected by the controller sensor unit 35A (see Figure 2).

[0036] A push button 31B is provided at a predetermined position on the gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area, allowing the player to perform predetermined instruction operations by pressing it. Operations on the push button 31B are detected by a push sensor 35B (see Figure 2).

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

[0038] (Outline of how the game progresses) The player rotates the ball-shooting handle 30 on the pachinko machine 1, launching the game ball towards the game area. When the game ball passes through the passage gate 41, the regular symbol game is started using the regular symbol display 20. If the game ball passes through the passage gate 41 during the execution of the previous regular symbol game (i.e., the game ball passes through the passage gate 41 but the regular symbol game based on that passage cannot be immediately executed), the regular symbol game based on that passage is held up to a predetermined upper limit (for example, 4).

[0039] In this regular symbol game, if a specific regular symbol (regular symbol winning symbol) stops and is displayed, the display result for the regular symbol will be "Regular Symbol Win". On the other hand, if a regular symbol other than the regular symbol winning symbol (regular symbol losing symbol) stops and is displayed as a confirmed regular symbol, the display result for the regular symbol will be "Regular Symbol Loss". When "Regular Symbol Win" occurs, an opening control is performed that keeps the variable prize ball device 6B open for a predetermined period of time (the second starting prize entry point becomes open).

[0040] When a game ball enters the first starting prize entry opening formed in the prize ball entry device 6A, the first special symbol game is started by the first special symbol display device 4A.

[0041] When a game ball enters the second starting prize entry opening formed in the variable prize ball entry device 6B, the second special symbol game is started by the second special symbol display device 4B.

[0042] Furthermore, if a game ball enters (wins) the starting entry point during the execution of a special feature game, or during the period when the game is controlled to be in a jackpot game state or a minor jackpot game state as described later (i.e., a starting entry occurs, but the special feature game based on that entry cannot be executed immediately), the execution of the special feature game based on that entry will be suspended until a predetermined upper limit (for example, 4) is reached.

[0043] In the special feature game, if a specific special symbol (a winning symbol, for example, "7," although the actual symbol will differ depending on the type of win described later) stops and is displayed as a confirmed special symbol, it is a "jackpot." If a predetermined special symbol different from the jackpot symbol (a minor win symbol, for example, "2") stops and is displayed, it is a "minor win." Also, if a special symbol different from the jackpot or minor win symbol (a losing symbol, for example, "-") stops and is displayed, it is a "miss."

[0044] After the display result in the special game is "Big Win," the game is controlled to a Big Win state, which is advantageous for the player. After the display result in the special game is "Minor Win," the game is controlled to a minor win state.

[0045] In a jackpot state, players can win prize balls by getting them into the jackpot slot. Therefore, a jackpot state is advantageous for the player. The more rounds there are in a jackpot state, and the longer the maximum opening period, the more advantageous it is for the player.

[0046] Furthermore, each "jackpot" has a designated jackpot type. For example, there are multiple types of opening patterns for the jackpot entry point (number of rounds and maximum opening period) and game states after a jackpot (such as normal state, time-saving state, and probability-changing state, as described later), and the jackpot type is set according to these. There may be different types of jackpots, including types that award a large number of prize balls and types that award few or almost no prize balls.

[0047] In the minor win state, the large prize slot formed by the special variable prize ball entry device 7 opens in a predetermined opening pattern. For example, in the minor win state, the large prize slot opens in the same opening pattern as in the jackpot state for some jackpot types (the number of times the large prize slot opens is the same as the number of rounds, and the closing timing of the large prize slot is also the same, etc.). In addition, similar to the jackpot types, there may also be minor win types.

[0048] After the jackpot game state ends, the game may be controlled to a time-saving state or a probability-increasing state depending on the type of jackpot.

[0049] In the time-saving state, a control (time-saving control) is implemented that shortens the average special symbol variation time (the period during which the special symbols vary) compared to the normal state. In the time-saving state, a control (high-open control, high-base control) is also implemented that makes it easier for game balls to enter the second starting prize entry point, such as shortening the average normal symbol variation time (the period during which the normal symbols vary) compared to the normal state, or increasing the probability of getting a "normal symbol win" in the normal symbol game compared to the normal state. The time-saving state is advantageous for the player because it improves the variation efficiency of the special symbols (especially the second special symbol).

[0050] In the probability variation state, in addition to the time-saving control, probability variation control is implemented that makes the probability of the displayed result being "jackpot" higher than in the normal state. The probability variation state is even more advantageous for the player because, in addition to the improved efficiency of special symbol variations, it is a state in which "jackpot" is more likely to occur.

[0051] The time-saving mode and the probability-increasing mode continue until one of the following termination conditions is met first: either a predetermined number of special symbol games have been played, or the next jackpot game state has begun. When the termination condition is the execution of a predetermined number of special symbol games, it is also called a count-restriction mode (count-restriction time-saving mode, count-restriction probability-increasing mode, etc.).

[0052] The normal state refers to any game state other than advantageous states such as the jackpot game state, the time-saving state, the probability variation state, etc., which are advantageous to the player. It is a state in which the pachinko game machine 1 is controlled to be the same as its initial setting state (for example, when a system reset is performed and a predetermined recovery process is not executed after power-on).

[0053] The state in which probability variation control is being performed is also called a high probability state, and the state in which probability variation control is not being performed is also called a low probability state. The state in which time reduction control is being performed is also called a high base state, and the state in which time reduction control is not being performed is also called a low base state. Combining these, the time reduction state is also called a low probability high base state, the probability variation state is also called a high probability high base state, and the normal state is also called a low probability low base state. The state that is both a high probability state and a low base state is also called a high probability low base state.

[0054] After the minor win game state ends, the game state is not changed, and the game continues to be controlled to the state before the special symbol game display result became "minor win" (however, if the special symbol game at the time of the "minor win" is the special symbol game of the predetermined number in the above count cut, the game state will naturally be changed). Note that the special symbol game display result does not have to be "minor win".

[0055] Furthermore, the game state may change based on the fact that the game ball passes through a specific area (for example, a specific area within the jackpot entry point) during a jackpot game state. For example, when the game ball passes through a specific area, the game state may be controlled to a probability variation state after the jackpot game state.

[0056] (Progress of effects, etc.) In the pachinko game machine 1, various effects (effects that notify the progress of the game or enhance the excitement of the game) are executed in accordance with the progress of the game. These effects are described below. These effects are performed by displaying various effect images on the image display device 5, but in addition to or instead of such display, they may also be performed by sound output from speakers 8L and 8R, and / or by turning on / off the game effect lamp 9, the operation of the movable body 32, etc.

[0057] As an effect executed in accordance with the progress of the game, the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R on the image display device 5, designated as "left," "center," and "right," begin to display variable decorative symbols in response to the start of the first or second special symbol game. At the timing when the display result (also called the confirmed special symbol) is displayed in a stopped state during the first or second special symbol game, the confirmed decorative symbol (a combination of three decorative symbols) which is the display result of the variable display of decorative symbols is also displayed in a stopped state (derived).

[0058] During the period from the start to the end of the variable display of decorative symbols, the mode of variable display of decorative symbols may become a predetermined reach mode (a reach is achieved). Here, a reach mode refers to a mode in which, when the stopped display of decorative symbols on the screen of the image display device 5 constitutes part of the jackpot combination described later, the variable display of decorative symbols that have not yet been stopped continues.

[0059] Furthermore, a reach animation is executed in response to the above-mentioned reach pattern occurring during the variable display of decorative symbols. In pachinko machine 1, multiple types of reach animations are executed, each with a different probability (also called the jackpot reliability or jackpot expectation) of the display result (display result of the special symbol game or display result of the variable display of decorative symbols) being a "jackpot" depending on the animation pattern. Reach animations include, for example, a normal reach and a super reach, which has a higher jackpot reliability than a normal reach.

[0060] When the display result of the special game is "Big Win," the image display device 5 screen displays a predetermined combination of decorative symbols that results in a big win (the display result of the variable display of decorative symbols is "Big Win"). For example, identical decorative symbols (for example, "7" etc.) are lined up and displayed on predetermined active lines in the "left," "center," and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R.

[0061] In the case of a "probability-increasing jackpot," where the game state is controlled to a probability-increasing state after the jackpot state ends, odd-numbered decorative symbols (for example, "7") may be displayed when the symbols line up. In the case of a "non-probability-increasing jackpot (normal jackpot)," where the game state is not controlled to a probability-increasing state after the jackpot state ends, even-numbered decorative symbols (for example, "6") may be displayed when the symbols line up. In this case, odd-numbered decorative symbols are also called probability-increasing symbols, and even-numbered decorative symbols are also called non-probability-increasing symbols (normal symbols). After a reach-out sequence with non-probability-increasing symbols, an upgrade sequence that ultimately results in a "probability-increasing jackpot" may be performed.

[0062] When the display result of the special feature game is a "minor win," a predetermined combination of confirmed decorative symbols (for example, "1 3 5") is derived as the display result of the variable display of decorative symbols on the screen of the image display device 5 (the display result of the variable display of decorative symbols is a "minor win"). As an example, decorative symbols that constitute a chance combination are stopped and displayed on predetermined active lines in the "left," "center," and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. In addition, a common confirmed decorative symbol may be derived and displayed when the display result of the special feature game is a "jackpot" of a certain type of jackpot (a type of jackpot game state that is similar in nature to a minor win game state) and when it is a "minor win."

[0063] If the display result of the special game is "miss," the variable display mode of the decorative symbols may not become a reach mode, and the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbols may be a confirmed decorative symbol of a non-reach combination (also called "non-reach miss") (the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbols will be "non-reach miss"). In addition, if the display result is "miss," the variable display mode of the decorative symbols may become a reach mode, and then the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbols may be a confirmed decorative symbol of a predetermined reach combination that is not a jackpot combination (also called "reach miss") (the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbols will be "reach miss").

[0064] The effects that Pachinko machine 1 can perform include displaying the above-mentioned variable display-compatible displays (hold displays and active displays). In addition, other effects, such as a prediction effect that foreshadows the probability of a big win, are performed while the decorative symbols are being displayed in a variable display. Prediction effects include prediction effects that foreshadow the probability of a big win in the variable display that is currently being performed, and pre-announcement prediction effects that foreshadow the probability of a big win in the variable display before execution (variable display whose execution is pending). As a pre-announcement effect, an effect that changes the display mode of the variable display-compatible displays (hold displays and active displays) to a mode different from the normal mode may be performed.

[0065] Furthermore, the image display device 5 may perform a pseudo-consecutive display effect by temporarily pausing the display of the decorative pattern while it is being displayed in a variable manner, and then resuming the variable display, thereby making a single variable display appear as if it were multiple variable displays.

[0066] Even during a big win, a special animation is performed to inform the player of the big win state. This animation may include an animation that announces the number of rounds, or an upgrade animation that indicates an increase in the value of the big win state. Similarly, during a minor win, a special animation is performed to inform the player of the minor win state. It is also possible to perform the same animation during a minor win and during certain types of big wins (types of big wins that have a similar nature to the minor win state, for example, a type of big win that makes the subsequent game state a high probability state) so that the player does not know whether they are currently in a minor win state or a big win state. In such cases, it is also possible to perform the same animation at the end of both the minor win state and the big win state so that the player cannot distinguish between a high probability state and a low probability state.

[0067] Furthermore, when, for example, a special game is not being played, a demo image is displayed on the image display device 5 (a customer-waiting demo is performed).

[0068] (Circuit board configuration) The pachinko game machine 1 is equipped with a main board 11, a performance control board 12, a sound control board 13, a lamp control board 14, a relay board 15, and other components, as shown in Figure 2. In addition, various other boards are located on the back of the pachinko game machine 1, such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, a launch control board, and a power supply board.

[0069] The main board 11 is the main control board and has the function of controlling the progress of the above-mentioned game in the pachinko game machine 1 (execution of special symbol games (including management of reserves), execution of regular symbol games (including management of reserves), big win game state, small win game state, game state, etc.). The main board 11 includes a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110, a solenoid circuit 111, etc.

[0070] The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a single-chip microcomputer and includes a ROM (ReadOnly Memory) 101, a RAM (RandomAccess Memory) 102, a CPU (CentralProcessingUnit) 103, a random number circuit 104, and an I / O (Input / Output port) 105.

[0071] The CPU 103 controls the progress of the game (processing that realizes the functions of the main board 11) by executing the program stored in the ROM 101. At this time, various data stored in the ROM 101 (data such as the variation patterns described later, the performance control commands described later, and various tables referenced when making various decisions described later) are used, and the RAM 102 is used as the main memory. The RAM 102 is a backup RAM in which the contents are saved for a predetermined period even if the power supply to the pachinko game machine 1 is stopped, in part or in whole. Alternatively, all or part of the program stored in the ROM 101 may be loaded into the RAM 102 and executed on the RAM 102.

[0072] The random number circuit 104 keeps an updatable count of numerical data representing various random values ​​(game random numbers) used to control the progress of the game. The game random numbers may be updated by the CPU 103 executing a predetermined computer program (updated by software).

[0073] The I / O105 includes, for example, an input port to which various signals (detection signals described later) are input, and an output port for transmitting various signals (signals to control (drive) the first special symbol display device 4A, the second special symbol display device 4B, the normal symbol display device 20, the first hold indicator 25A, the second hold indicator 25B, the normal symbol hold indicator 25C, etc., and solenoid drive signals).

[0074] The switch circuit 110 receives detection signals (such as detection signals indicating that a game ball has passed through or entered and the switch has been turned on) from various switches for detecting game balls (gate switch 21, start switch (first start switch 22A and second start switch 22B), count switch 23) and transmits them to the game control microcomputer 100. The transmission of the detection signals indicates that the passage or entry of a game ball has been detected.

[0075] The solenoid circuit 111 transmits solenoid drive signals from the game control microcomputer 100 (for example, signals to turn on solenoid 81 and solenoid 82) to solenoid 81 for the regular electric mechanism and solenoid 82 for the large prize door.

[0076] The main board 11 (game control microcomputer 100) supplies performance control commands (commands that specify (notify) the progress of the game, etc.) to the performance control board 12 as part of the control of the game's progress. Performance control commands output from the main board 11 are relayed by the relay board 15 and supplied to the performance control board 12. These performance control commands include, for example, commands that specify various decision results on the main board 11 (e.g., display results of the special feature game (including the type of jackpot), the variation pattern used when executing the special feature game (details will be described later)), the status of the game (e.g., start and end of variable display, opening status of the big prize slot, occurrence of a prize, number of reserved items, game state), and the occurrence of an error.

[0077] The performance control board 12 is a sub-control board independent of the main board 11, and has the function of receiving performance control commands and executing performances (various performances corresponding to the progress of the game, including various notifications such as driving the movable body 32, error notification, and power outage recovery notification) based on the received performance control commands.

[0078] The performance control board 12 is equipped with a performance control CPU 120, ROM 121, RAM 122, display control unit 123, random number circuit 124, and I / O 125.

[0079] The CPU 120 for performance control executes a program stored in the ROM 121, and together with the display control unit 123, performs processing to execute the performance (processing to realize the above functions of the performance control board 12, including determining which performance to execute). At this time, various data stored in the ROM 121 (data such as various tables) is used, and the RAM 122 is used as the main memory.

[0080] The CPU 120 for controlling the game's presentation may also instruct the display control unit 123 to execute a game presentation based on detection signals from the controller sensor unit 35A and the push sensor 35B (signals output when an operation by a player is detected, and which appropriately indicate the content of the operation).

[0081] The display control unit 123 is equipped with a VDP (Video Display Processor), CGROM (Character Generator ROM), VRAM (Video RAM), etc., and executes performances based on performance execution instructions from the performance control CPU 120.

[0082] The display control unit 123 displays the performance image on the image display device 5 by supplying a video signal corresponding to the performance to be executed to the image display device 5 based on the performance control CPU 120's instruction to execute the performance. Furthermore, the display control unit 123 supplies a sound specification signal (a signal that specifies the sound to be output) to the sound control board 13 and a lamp signal (a signal that specifies the on / off mode of the lamp) to the lamp control board 14 in order to output sound synchronized with the display of the performance image and to turn the game effect lamp 9 on / off. In addition, the display control unit 123 supplies a signal to operate the movable body 32 to the movable body 32 or the drive circuit that drives the movable body 32.

[0083] The audio control board 13 is equipped with various circuits for driving speakers 8L and 8R, and drives speakers 8L and 8R based on the specified sound signal, and outputs the sound specified by the specified sound signal from speakers 8L and 8R.

[0084] The lamp control board 14 is equipped with various circuits for driving the game effect lamp 9, and drives the game effect lamp 9 based on the lamp signal, turning the game effect lamp 9 on / off in the manner specified by the lamp signal. In this way, the display control unit 123 controls the sound output and the turning on / off of the lamp.

[0085] Furthermore, the control of audio output, lamp on / off (supply of sound specification signals and lamp signals, etc.), and control of the movable body 32 (supply of signals to operate the movable body 32, etc.) may be performed by the performance control CPU 120.

[0086] The random number circuit 124 keeps an updatable count of numerical data representing various random values ​​(random numbers for effects) used to execute various effects. The random numbers for effects may be updated by the effect control CPU 120 executing a predetermined computer program (updated by software).

[0087] The I / O 125 mounted on the performance control board 12 includes an input port for receiving performance control commands transmitted from, for example, the main board 11, and an output port for transmitting various signals (video signals, sound specification signals, lamp signals).

[0088] Other boards besides the main board 11, such as the performance control board 12, the sound control board 13, and the lamp control board 14, are also called sub-boards. In a pachinko game machine 1, multiple sub-boards may be provided for different functions, or the sub-boards of machine 1 may be configured to have multiple functions.

[0089] (operation) Next, we will explain the operation (function) of the pachinko game machine 1.

[0090] (Main operations of the main board 11) First, the main operations of the main board 11 will be explained. When power is supplied to the pachinko game machine 1, the game control microcomputer 100 starts up, and the main game control processing is executed by the CPU 103. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the main game control processing executed by the CPU 103 on the main board 11.

[0091] In the main game control process shown in Figure 3, the CPU 103 first sets interrupts to disabled (step S1). Next, it performs the necessary initial settings (step S2). These initial settings include setting the stack pointer, setting the registers of built-in devices (CTC (counter / timer circuit), parallel input / output ports, etc.), and setting RAM 102 to an accessible state.

[0092] Next, it is determined whether the output signal from the clear switch is ON or OFF (step S3). The clear switch is mounted, for example, on the power supply board. When the power is turned on with the clear switch ON, the output signal (clear signal) is input to the game control microcomputer 100 via the input port. If the output signal from the clear switch is ON (step S3; Yes), the initialization process (step S8) is executed. In the initialization process, the CPU 103 performs a RAM clear process to clear the flags, counters, and buffers stored in the RAM 102, and sets initial values ​​in the work area.

[0093] Furthermore, the CPU 103 sends a performance control command to the performance control board 12 to instruct initialization (step S9). When the performance control CPU 120 receives the performance control command, it displays a screen, for example on the image display device 5, to inform the user that the game machine's control has been initialized.

[0094] If the output signal from the clear switch is not on (step S3; No), it is determined whether or not backup data is stored in RAM 102 (backup RAM) (step S4). When the power supply to the pachinko game machine 1 is stopped due to an unexpected power outage, etc., the CPU 103 executes power supply stoppage processing immediately before it becomes inoperable due to the power supply stoppage. In this power supply stoppage processing, a backup flag indicating that data should be backed up in RAM 102 is turned on, and data protection processing for RAM 102 is performed. Data protection processing includes adding error detection codes (checksum, parity bit, etc.) and backing up various data. The data to be backed up includes various data for advancing the game (including various flags, the status of various timers, etc.), as well as the status of the backup flag and the error detection codes. In step S4, it is determined whether or not the backup flag is on. If the backup flag is off and no backup data is stored in RAM 102 (step S4; No), initialization processing (step S8) is executed.

[0095] If backup data is stored in RAM102 (Step S4; Yes), CPU103 performs a data check on the backed-up data (using an error detection code) and determines whether the data is normal or not (Step S5). In Step S5, for example, parity bits or checksums are used to determine whether the data in RAM102 matches the data at the time of power supply interruption. If these are determined to match, it is determined that the data in RAM102 is normal.

[0096] If the data in RAM102 is determined to be abnormal (step S5; No), the internal state cannot be restored to the state it was in when the power supply was cut off, so the initialization process (step S8) is executed.

[0097] If the data in RAM102 is determined to be normal (step S5; Yes), the CPU103 performs a recovery process (step S6) to restore the internal state of the main board 11 to the state it was in when the power supply was cut off. In the recovery process, the CPU103 sets the working area based on the contents of RAM102 (the contents of the backed-up data). This restores the game state to what it was in when the power supply was cut off, and if the special symbols were changing, the special symbols will resume changing from the state before the recovery by executing the game control timer interrupt process described later.

[0098] Then, the CPU 103 sends a performance control command to the performance control board 12 instructing it to restore power from the power outage (step S7). In conjunction with this, it may also send a performance control command that specifies the game state before the power outage, which is backed up, or, if a special symbol game was being played, a performance control command that specifies the display result of the special symbol game being played. These commands can be the same as the commands that are set to be sent in the special symbol process processing described later. When the performance control CPU 120 receives a performance control command that specifies when power has been restored from the power outage, it displays a screen, for example, on the image display device 5, to inform that power has been restored or that power restoration is in progress. The performance control CPU 120 may also display an appropriate screen based on the performance control command.

[0099] After completing the recovery or initialization process and sending a performance control command to the performance control board 12, the CPU 103 executes a random number circuit setting process to initialize the random number circuit 104 (step S10). Then, it sets the registers of the CTC built into the game control microcomputer 100 so that a timer interrupt occurs periodically at predetermined intervals (e.g., 2ms) (step S11), and enables the interrupt (step S12). After that, it enters a loop process. From then on, an interrupt request signal is sent from the CTC to the CPU 103 at predetermined intervals (e.g., 2ms), and the CPU 103 can periodically execute timer interrupt processing.

[0100] The CPU 103, which has executed the main game control processing, receives an interrupt request signal from the CTC and accepts the interrupt request, then executes the game control timer interrupt processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 4. When the game control timer interrupt processing shown in Figure 4 is started, the CPU 103 first executes a predetermined switch processing to determine whether or not detection signals have been received from various switches such as the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, the second start port switch 22B, and the count switch 23 via the switch circuit 110 (step S21). Next, it performs a predetermined main-side error processing to diagnose an abnormality in the pachinko game machine 1, and if necessary, makes it possible to generate a warning according to the diagnosis result (step S22). After this, it executes a predetermined information output processing to output data such as jackpot information (information indicating the number of jackpot occurrences, etc.), start information (information indicating the number of start entries, etc.), and probability variation information (information indicating the number of times the game entered a probability variation state, etc.) which are supplied to a hall management computer installed outside the pachinko game machine 1 (step S23).

[0101] Following the information output processing, the main board 11 performs a game random number update process to update at least a portion of the game random numbers used by the game via software (step S24). After this, the CPU 103 performs a special symbol process (step S25). By the CPU 103 performing the special symbol process for each timer interrupt, the execution and holding of special symbol games, control of jackpot game states and minor jackpot game states, and control of the game state are realized (details will be described later).

[0102] Following the special symbol process, the normal symbol process is executed (step S26). The CPU 103 executes the normal symbol process each time a timer interrupt occurs, enabling the execution and management of the normal symbol game based on the detection signal from the gate switch 21 (based on the passage of a game ball through the passage gate 41), as well as the opening control of the variable prize ball device 6B based on a "normal symbol win". The normal symbol game is executed by driving the normal symbol display 20, and the number of normal symbol holds is displayed by lighting up the normal symbol hold display 25C.

[0103] After the normal pattern processing is executed, the following may be performed as part of the game control timer interrupt processing: processing when a power outage occurs, processing to pay out prize balls, etc. After that, the CPU 103 executes command control processing (step S27). The CPU 103 may set to send performance control commands in each of the above processes. In the command control processing of step S27, the process of transmitting the set performance control commands to a sub-control board such as the performance control board 12 is performed. After executing the command control processing, interrupts are enabled and then the game control timer interrupt processing is terminated.

[0104] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the process performed in step S25 shown in Figure 4 as part of the special symbol process. In this special symbol process, the CPU 103 first performs the start prize determination process (step S101).

[0105] In the start-up prize determination process, the occurrence of a start-up prize is detected, and a process is executed to store the reserved information in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 102 and update the number of reserved items. When a start-up prize occurs, a random value is extracted to determine the display result (including the type of jackpot) and the variation pattern, and this is stored as reserved information. Alternatively, a process may be executed to predict the display result and variation pattern based on the extracted random value. After storing the reserved information and the number of reserved items, a transmission setting is made to send a performance control command to the performance control board 12 to specify the occurrence of a start-up prize, the number of reserved items, and the judgment result such as the predictive judgment. The performance control command for a start-up prize, which has been set for transmission, is transmitted from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12, for example, after the special symbol process is completed, by executing the command control process in step S27 shown in Figure 4.

[0106] After executing the start-up prize determination process in S101, the CPU 103 selects and executes one of the processes in steps S110 to S120 according to the value of the special symbol process flag set in RAM 102. In each of the special symbol process processes (steps S110 to S120), transmission settings are made to send the corresponding performance control command to the performance control board 12.

[0107] The special symbol normal processing in step S110 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "0" (initial value). In this special symbol normal processing, a determination is made as to whether or not to start the first special symbol game or the second special symbol game, based on the presence or absence of pending information. In addition, in the special symbol normal processing, based on a random value for determining the display result, it is determined (pre-determined) whether or not the display result of the special symbol or decorative symbol will be a "jackpot" or a "minor win," and if it is a "jackpot," the type of jackpot. Furthermore, in the special symbol normal processing, a confirmed special symbol (either a jackpot symbol, a minor win symbol, or a losing symbol) to be displayed in the special symbol game is set in accordance with the determined display result. After that, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "1," and the special symbol normal processing ends. Note that the special symbol game using the second special symbol may be executed with priority over the special symbol game using the first special symbol (also called special symbol 2 priority processing). Alternatively, the system may store the order in which the game balls enter the first and second starting prize slots, and set the conditions for starting the special feature game to be met in that order (also known as "sequential execution").

[0108] When making various decisions based on random values, the various tables stored in ROM 101 (tables in which the decision values ​​compared with the random values ​​are assigned to the decision results) are referenced. The same applies to other decisions on the main board 11 and various decisions on the performance control board 12. On the performance control board 12, the various tables are stored in ROM 121.

[0109] The variable pattern setting process in step S111 is executed when the value of the special feature process flag is "1". This variable pattern setting process includes determining one of several variable patterns using a random value for variable pattern determination, based on a prior decision result such as whether the display result should be "big win" or "small win". When a variable pattern is determined in the variable pattern setting process, the value of the special feature process flag is updated to "2", and the variable pattern setting process ends.

[0110] The variation pattern specifies the execution time of the special feature game (special feature variation time) (which is also the execution time of the variable display of the decorative symbols), the manner of the variable display of the decorative symbols (whether or not there is a reach, etc.), and the content of the performance during the variable display of the decorative symbols (type of reach performance, etc.), and is also called the variation display pattern.

[0111] The special symbol variation process in step S112 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "2". This special symbol variation process includes setting the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B to vary the special symbols, and measuring the elapsed time since the special symbols started to vary. It also determines whether the measured elapsed time has reached the special symbol variation time corresponding to the variation pattern. When the elapsed time since the special symbols started to vary reaches the special symbol variation time, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "3", and the special symbol variation process ends.

[0112] The special symbol stop process in step S113 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "3". This special symbol stop process includes setting the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B to stop the variation of the special symbols and to stop displaying (derive) the confirmed special symbol that will be the display result of the special symbols. If the display result is "Big Win", the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "4". On the other hand, if the Big Win flag is off and the display result is "Small Win", the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "8". If the display result is "Miss", the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "0". If the display result is "Small Win" or "Miss", and the game is controlled to be in a time-saving state or a probability change state, and the end of the number of spins is established, the game state is also updated. Once the value of the special symbol process flag is updated, the special symbol stop process ends.

[0113] Step S114, the pre-jackpot opening process, is executed when the value of the special feature process flag is "4". This pre-jackpot opening process includes settings to start the round execution and open the jackpot opening in the jackpot game state, based on the display result being "jackpot". When opening the jackpot opening, a solenoid drive signal is supplied to the solenoid 82 for the jackpot opening door. At this time, for example, the maximum period for keeping the jackpot opening open and the maximum number of rounds to be executed are set, corresponding to the type of jackpot. Once these settings are completed, the value of the special feature process flag is updated to "5", and the pre-jackpot opening process ends.

[0114] Step S115, the jackpot opening process, is executed when the value of the special feature process flag is "5". This jackpot opening process includes measuring the elapsed time since the jackpot opening was opened, and determining whether it is time to return the jackpot opening from the open state to the closed state based on the measured elapsed time and the number of game balls detected by the count switch 23. When returning the jackpot opening to the closed state, the process includes stopping the supply of a solenoid drive signal to the solenoid 82 for the jackpot opening door, then updating the value of the special feature process flag to "6", and ending the jackpot opening process.

[0115] Step S116, the post-jackpot opening processing, is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "6". This post-jackpot opening processing includes processes to determine whether the number of rounds in which the jackpot opening is kept open has reached the set upper limit, and processes to set the jackpot game state to end if the upper limit has been reached. If the number of rounds has not reached the upper limit, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "5", while if the number of rounds has reached the upper limit, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "7". Once the value of the special symbol process flag is updated, the post-jackpot opening processing ends.

[0116] The jackpot termination process in step S117 is executed when the value of the special feature process flag is "7". This jackpot termination process includes waiting until a waiting period corresponding to the duration of the ending sequence, which is a performance action that signals the end of the jackpot game state, has elapsed, and various settings to start probability variation control or time reduction control in response to the end of the jackpot game state. When these settings are made, the value of the special feature process flag is updated to "0", and the jackpot termination process ends.

[0117] Step S118, the pre-opening of the minor win, is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "8". This pre-opening of the minor win includes processing to set the major prize opening to an open state in the minor win game state, based on the display result being "minor win". At this time, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "9", and the pre-opening of the minor win ends.

[0118] The minor win opening process in step S119 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "9". This minor win opening process includes measuring the elapsed time since the large prize slot was opened, and determining whether it is time to return the large prize slot from the open state to the closed state based on the measured elapsed time. When the large prize slot is returned to the closed state and it is time to end the minor win game state, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "10", and the minor win opening process ends.

[0119] The minor win termination process in step S120 is executed when the value of the special feature process flag is "10". This minor win termination process includes a process that waits until a waiting time corresponding to the period during which a performance action that notifies the end of the minor win game state is executed has elapsed. Here, when the minor win game state ends, the game state of the pachinko machine 1 that was in place before the minor win game state began is continued. When the waiting time at the end of the minor win game state has elapsed, the value of the special feature process flag is updated to "0", and the minor win termination process ends.

[0120] (Main operations of the performance control board 12) Next, the main operations of the performance control board 12 will be explained. When the performance control board 12 receives power voltage from the power supply board or the like, the performance control CPU 120 starts up and executes the main performance control process as shown in the flowchart of Figure 6. When the main performance control process shown in Figure 6 starts, the performance control CPU 120 first performs a predetermined initialization process (step S71), clearing the RAM 122, setting various initial values, and setting the registers of the CTC (counter / timer circuit) mounted on the performance control board 12. It also executes an initial operation control process (step S72). In the initial operation control process, controls are executed to perform the initial operations of the movable body 32, such as controls to drive the movable body 32 back to its initial position and controls to perform predetermined operation checks.

[0121] Next, it is determined whether the timer interrupt flag is on or off (step S73). The timer interrupt flag is set to the on state every predetermined time (e.g., 2 milliseconds) based on the register settings of the CTC, for example. If the timer interrupt flag is off at this time (step S73; No), the process in step S73 is repeatedly executed and the system waits.

[0122] Furthermore, on the performance control board 12, in addition to the timer interrupt that occurs at predetermined intervals, an interrupt occurs to receive performance control commands from the main board 11. This interrupt occurs, for example, when the performance control INT signal from the main board 11 turns ON. When an interrupt occurs due to the performance control INT signal turning ON, the performance control CPU 120 automatically sets the interrupt to disabled. However, if a CPU that does not automatically set the interrupt to disabled is used, it is desirable to issue an interrupt disable instruction (DI instruction). In response to the interrupt caused by the performance control INT signal turning ON, the performance control CPU 120 executes, for example, a predetermined command reception interrupt process. In this command reception interrupt process, the performance control command is received from a predetermined input port among the input ports included in I / O 125 that receives control signals transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15. The performance control command received at this time is stored, for example, in a performance control command reception buffer provided in RAM 122. After that, the performance control CPU 120 sets the interrupt to enabled and then terminates the command reception interrupt process.

[0123] If the timer interrupt flag is on in step S73 (step S73; Yes), the timer interrupt flag is cleared to the off state (step S74), and the command analysis process is executed (step S75). In the command analysis process, for example, various performance control commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100 on the main board 11 and stored in the performance control command reception buffer are read, and then settings and controls corresponding to the read performance control commands are performed. For example, to allow the performance control process to confirm which performance control command was received and what the performance control command identifies, the read performance control command is stored in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 122, or a reception flag provided in RAM 122 is turned on. Also, if the performance control command identifies the game state, the display control unit 123 may be instructed to display a background corresponding to the game state.

[0124] After executing the command analysis process in step S75, the performance control process is executed (step S76). In the performance control process, various performance devices are controlled, such as the display operation of performance images in the display area of ​​the image display device 5, the sound output operation from speakers 8L and 8R, the lighting operation of decorative light-emitting elements such as the game effect lamp 9 and decorative LEDs, and the driving operation of the movable body 32. In addition, judgments, decisions, and settings are made regarding the control content of performance operations using various performance devices, according to performance control commands transmitted from the main board 11.

[0125] Following the performance control process in step S76, the random number update process for performances is executed (step S77), and at least a portion of the random numbers used for performances on the performance control board 12 are updated by software. Then, the process returns to step S73. Other processes may be executed before returning to step S73.

[0126] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S76 of Figure 6 as part of the performance control process. In the performance control process shown in Figure 7, the performance control CPU 120 first executes the pre-read notification setting process (step S161). In the pre-read notification setting process, for example, judgments, decisions, and settings are made to execute the pre-read notification performance based on the performance control command transmitted from the main board 11 at the time of starting and winning. In addition, processing is performed to display the hold display based on the number of hold memories identified from the performance control command.

[0127] After executing the process in step S161, the CPU 120 for performance control selects and executes one of the following processes in steps S170 to S177, depending on the value of the performance process flag provided in, for example, RAM 122.

[0128] The variable display start waiting process in step S170 is a process executed when the value of the production process flag is "0" (initial value). This variable display start waiting process includes a process of determining whether to start the variable display of the decorative pattern in the image display device 5 based on whether a command or the like for specifying the start of the variable display is received from the main board 11. When it is determined to start the variable display of the decorative pattern in the image display device 5, the value of the production process flag is updated to "1", and the variable display start waiting process ends.

[0129] The variable display start setting process in step S171 is a process executed when the value of the production process flag is "1". In this variable display start setting process, based on the display result and variation pattern specified by the production control command, the display result (determined decorative pattern) of the variable display of the decorative pattern, the mode of the variable display of the decorative pattern, the execution of various productions such as reach production and various notice productions, and their modes and execution start timings are determined. Then, a production control pattern (a collection of control data for instructing the execution of the production to the display control unit 123) reflecting the determination result and the like is set. After that, based on the set production control pattern, the display control unit 123 is instructed to start the execution of the variable display of the decorative pattern, the value of the production process flag is updated to "2", and the variable display start setting process ends. The display control unit 123 causes the image display device 5 to start the variable display of the decorative pattern by instructing the start of the execution of the variable display of the decorative pattern.

[0130] The variable display effect processing in step S172 is executed when the value of the effect process flag is "2". In this variable display effect processing, the effect control CPU 120 instructs the display control unit 123 to display an effect image based on the effect control pattern set in step S171 on the display screen of the image display device 5, drive the movable body 32, output voice and sound effects from speakers 8L and 8R by outputting a command (sound effect signal) to the sound control board 13, and turn on / off / blink the game effect lamp 9 and decorative LEDs by outputting a command (lighting signal) to the lamp control board 14, and performs various effect controls during the variable display of decorative symbols. After performing these effect controls, the CPU 120 stops displaying the confirmed decorative symbols, which are the display result of the decorative symbols, in response to, for example, when an exit code indicating the end of the variable display of decorative symbols is read from the effect control pattern, or when a command is received from the main board 11 specifying that the confirmed decorative symbols should be stopped displaying. When the confirmed decorative symbols are displayed in a stopped state, the value of the performance process flag is updated to "3", and the variable display performance processing ends.

[0131] The special feature win waiting process in step S173 is executed when the value of the performance process flag is "3". In this special feature win waiting process, the performance control CPU 120 determines whether or not it has received a performance control command from the main board 11 that specifies the start of a big win game state or a small win game state. When it receives a performance control command that specifies the start of a big win game state, if the command specifies the start of a big win game state, it updates the value of the performance process flag to "6". On the other hand, if the command specifies the start of a small win game state, it updates the value of the performance process flag to "4", which is the value corresponding to the performance processing during a small win. Furthermore, if the waiting time for receiving a command that specifies the start of a big win game state or a small win game state has elapsed without such a command being received, it is determined that the display result in the special feature game was "miss", and the value of the performance process flag is updated to its initial value of "0". Updating the value of the production process flag terminates the special feature win waiting process.

[0132] The mini-bonus animation processing in step S174 is executed when the value of the animation control process flag is "4". In this mini-bonus animation processing, the animation control CPU 120 sets, for example, an animation control pattern corresponding to the animation content in the mini-bonus game state, and executes various animation controls in the mini-bonus game state based on that setting. Also, in the mini-bonus animation processing, in response to receiving, for example, a command from the main board 11 specifying the termination of the mini-bonus game state, the value of the animation process flag is updated to "5", which is the value corresponding to the mini-bonus termination animation, and the mini-bonus animation processing is terminated.

[0133] The minor win termination animation process in step S175 is executed when the value of the animation control process flag is "5". In this minor win termination animation process, the animation control CPU 120 sets an animation control pattern corresponding to, for example, the end of the minor win game state, and executes various animation controls at the end of the minor win game state based on that setting. After that, the value of the animation process flag is updated to the initial value of "0", and the minor win termination animation process ends.

[0134] The jackpot animation processing in step S176 is executed when the value of the animation process flag is "6". In this jackpot animation processing, the animation control CPU 120 sets, for example, an animation control pattern corresponding to the animation content in the jackpot game state, and executes various animation controls in the jackpot game state based on that setting. Also, in the jackpot animation processing, in response to receiving, for example, a command from the main board 11 specifying the termination of the jackpot game state, the value of the animation control process flag is updated to "7", which is the value corresponding to the ending animation processing, and the jackpot animation processing is terminated.

[0135] The ending sequence processing in step S177 is executed when the value of the sequence process flag is "7". In this ending sequence processing, the sequence control CPU 120 sets sequence control patterns corresponding to, for example, the end of a jackpot game state, and executes various sequence controls for the ending sequence at the end of the jackpot game state based on these settings. After that, the value of the sequence process flag is updated to its initial value of "0", and the ending sequence processing ends.

[0136] (A variation of the basic explanation) This invention is not limited to the pachinko game machine 1 described in the basic description above, and various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0137] The pachinko game machine 1 described above was a payout-type game machine that dispensed a predetermined number of game media as prizes based on the occurrence of winnings. However, it may also be a sealed-type game machine that encloses game media and awards points based on the occurrence of winnings.

[0138] During the variable display of special symbols, only one type of symbol (for example, a symbol representing "-") may be displayed, and the variable display may be achieved by repeatedly displaying and extinguishing that symbol. Furthermore, even if the symbol is displayed during the variable display, it does not have to be displayed when the variable display stops (the display result does not have to be the "-" symbol).

[0139] In the basic description above, a pachinko game machine 1 was shown as the game machine, but the present invention can also be applied to slot machines (for example, slot machines equipped with one or more of the following: Big Bonus, Regular Bonus, RT, AT, ART, CZ (hereinafter referred to as Bonus, etc.)) that can execute a game in which a medal is inserted, a predetermined number of bets is set, multiple types of symbols are rotated in response to the operation of the lever by the player, and when the symbols are stopped in response to the operation of the stop button by the player, a predetermined number of medals are paid out to the player if the combination of stopped symbols is a specific combination of symbols.

[0140] The program and data for realizing the present invention are not limited to being distributed and provided to a computer device included in the pachinko game machine 1 via a removable recording medium, but may also be distributed by being pre-installed on a storage device of the computer device. Furthermore, the program and data for realizing the present invention may also be distributed by being downloaded from other devices on a network connected via a communication line, etc., by providing a communication processing unit.

[0141] Furthermore, the execution method of the game is not limited to execution by attaching a removable recording medium. It may also be a form in which programs and data downloaded via a communication line are temporarily stored in internal memory and then made executable, or a form in which the game is executed directly using the hardware resources of other devices on a network connected via a communication line. Moreover, it is also possible to execute the game by exchanging data with other computer devices via a network.

[0142] In this specification, expressions comparing various percentages, such as the percentage of performance execution (expressions such as "high," "low," and "different") may include cases where one of the percentages is "0%." For example, this includes cases where one is "0%" and the other is "100%" or less than "100%."

[0143] (Explanation of feature section 152F) Next, the feature section 152F of this embodiment will be described. The feature section 152F describes a technology for a pachinko game machine in which setting values ​​with different degrees of advantage to the player, such as the probability of winning a jackpot, can be set by a setting means. The game control microcomputer 100 (CPU 103) also functions as a setting means that can set one of several setting values ​​with different degrees of advantage to the player as the setting value for the probability of winning a jackpot.

[0144] First, let's explain the setting values. In this example, the pachinko machine 1 is configured such that the probability of winning a jackpot changes according to the setting value when a person from the amusement parlor (such as an employee of the amusement parlor) changes the setting using a predetermined switch or other operating means.

[0145] For example, in the game control microcomputer 100 (CPU 103), a setting change process is executed that allows the probability of winning a jackpot set in the pachinko game machine 1 to be changed in response to a setting change operation. As a result, in the special symbol normal processing of the special symbol processing, a setting change process is executed that allows the probability of winning a jackpot to be changed by using a display result judgment table corresponding to the setting value. The setting value consists of, for example, six levels (multiple levels) from 1 to 6, and the probability of winning a jackpot increases in the order of setting value 1 < setting value 2 < setting value 3 < setting value 4 < setting value 5 < setting value 6. In other words, when setting value 1 is set, it is the least advantageous for the player, and the advantage increases in stages in the order of setting value 2 < setting value 3 < setting value 4 < setting value 5 < setting value 6. Note that there can be multiple levels of setting values, and it is not limited to six levels. Since changing the probability of winning a jackpot alters the payout rate (number of balls dispensed per unit time (prize balls)), changing the setting value can also be said to alter the payout rate.

[0146] For example, in this embodiment of the pachinko game machine, the probability of winning a jackpot changes depending on the setting value selected through a setting change operation when the power is turned on. Of the six setting values, for example, setting values ​​4 to 6 are called high settings, which have a high probability of winning a jackpot, and setting values ​​1 to 3 are called low settings, which have a low probability of winning a jackpot.

[0147] Furthermore, the probability of selecting a type of jackpot may also be changed by setting a value from 1 to 6, similar to the probability of winning a jackpot. The probability of selecting a type of variation pattern may also be changed by setting a value from 1 to 6, similar to the probability of winning a jackpot. The probability of selecting a variation pattern may also be changed by setting a value from 1 to 6, similar to the probability of winning a jackpot.

[0148] Regarding the feature section 152F, in a pachinko game machine that can set one of several setting values, when the game is controlled to a jackpot state, a "reserve chain" may be executed in which the reserve information that has been determined to be controlled as a win (jackpot or minor win) is stored in the RAM 122, which serves as a reserve memory buffer. Specifically, a reserve chain refers to a series of wins (reserve chain) within the range of reserve information that occurred when a jackpot occurred, where there is reserve information that will result in a future win, and after the jackpot state ends, the next win occurs consecutively within the range of reserve information that existed when the jackpot occurred. In the case of a minor win, since it becomes a jackpot via a minor win based on the occurrence of a V-entry, the reserve information for a minor win can be said to be reserve memory information for a win that will result in a future jackpot. When such a reserve chain is executed, a notification effect that notifies that it is a reserve chain may be executed.

[0149] Figure 8-1 is a front view of the pachinko game machine 1 in feature section 152F. In the pachinko game machine 1 in feature section 152F, the same components as those shown in the front view of the pachinko game machine 1 in Figure 1 are omitted in terms of reference numerals and descriptions, and the differences are described below.

[0150] In the game area where the inserted game balls can flow down, the first flow path of the game balls is mainly provided in the area to the left of the image display device 5 when viewed from the front, and the second flow path of the game balls, which is different from the first path, is mainly provided in the area to the right of the image display device 5 when viewed from the front.

[0151] Shooting a game ball into the left area (left game area) of the image display device 5 to make it flow down the first path is called left-handed shooting. Shooting a game ball into the right area (right game area) of the image display device 5 to make it flow down the second path is called right-handed shooting. The first path is a path through which the game ball can flow down by shooting it into the left side of the game area, so it may also be called a left-handed shooting path. The second path is a path through which the game ball can flow down by shooting it into the right side of the game area, so it may also be called a right-handed shooting path.

[0152] The first and second paths may be composed of different paths, or they may be paths that share a portion of each other. The left game area and the right game area may be separated, for example, by the end face of the image display device 5 or the arrangement of the game pins within the game area.

[0153] When a game ball is launched from the ball launching device in response to the operation of the ball launching handle 30 and hit into the game area, if it is guided to the left game area, for example, by following the arrangement of the game pins, it becomes impossible or difficult to guide it to the right game area. Also, if the game ball is guided to the right game area, for example, by following the arrangement of the game pins, it becomes impossible or difficult to guide it to the left game area.

[0154] A prize ball entry device 6A is provided as a structure into which game balls that have been hit into the left game area of ​​the game area can enter, and which has a first start prize entry opening formed therein. The prize ball entry device 6A is located below the image display device 5. The prize ball entry device 6A is provided with a first start entry switch 22A for detecting game balls that have entered the first start prize entry opening.

[0155] The structure into which game balls that have been hit into the right game area of ​​the game area are provided is a passage gate 41, a variable prize ball entry device 6B, and a V-judgment prize entry device 87. The variable prize ball entry device 6B has a second starting prize entry opening into which game balls can be awarded. In addition, as switches for detecting game balls that have entered each of these, a gate switch 21 is provided inside the passage gate 41, a second starting entry switch 22B is provided inside the second starting prize entry opening, and a V-judgment prize entry switch 87a, a V-judgment prize entry switch 15a, and a V-judgment discharge switch 15b are provided inside the V-judgment prize entry device 87.

[0156] In the left play area, the game pins are positioned to guide the game ball into the first starting entry point of the prize-winning structure. Therefore, when aiming to get the game ball into the first starting entry point, the player should shoot the game ball to the left. In the right play area, the game pins are positioned to guide the game ball into the second starting entry point and the passing gate 41 of the prize-winning structure. Therefore, when aiming to get the game ball into the second starting entry point and the passing gate 41, the player should shoot the game ball to the right.

[0157] The passing gate 41 is a gate structure through which game balls can enter (pass). When a game ball passes through the passing gate 41, the regular symbols change and are displayed. The regular symbols will be described later. In the left game area, the game pins are planted so that the game balls are guided to the first starting prize entry point among the prize entry structure. Therefore, when aiming to get the game balls into the first starting prize entry point, the player should shoot the game balls to the left. In the right game area, the game pins are planted so that the game balls are guided to the second starting prize entry point among the prize entry structure, and to the passing gate 41. Therefore, when aiming to get the game balls into the second starting prize entry point and the passing gate 41, the player should shoot the game balls to the right.

[0158] The V-judgment prize-winning device 87 is a device that determines whether a game ball has entered the V-zone, which is a condition for generating a big win when a small win occurs.

[0159] The V-judgment prize-winning device 87 is made of a transparent material, allowing the player to see the game balls passing through it. The V-judgment prize-winning device 87 has a width at the top that allows the game balls to pass through in the front-to-back direction, and walls are provided on both sides (front and back) of a passage that slopes from right to left and extends in the left-to-right direction, forming a guide path along which the game balls are guided. In the center of the guide path, an operating opening is formed that opens and closes repeatedly for a predetermined period (for example, 0.1 seconds x 10 opening periods + 1 second closing period (interval period) x 9 + 1 second termination period) when a minor win occurs, allowing a total of approximately 10 or more game balls to enter during the predetermined open period. In the V-judgment prize-winning device 87, multiple protrusions are provided alternately on both sides of the wall in the passage for the game balls, serving as deceleration means to slow down the guided game balls. This creates a structure (hereinafter referred to as the deceleration structure) in which, when playing to the right, the game balls flow slowly through the passage above the operating opening at the top of the V-judgment prize-winning device 87.

[0160] In the minor win state, the opening control of the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 is performed for a relatively long period of time, until the entry of 10 game balls into the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 is detected, or until a predetermined period of time has elapsed. In the V-judgment prize-winning device 87, the portion of the guide path where no operating opening is formed forms a fixed passage called a fixed part 873. A movable part 872 that can move back and forth in the front-to-back direction on the operating opening is provided at a position where the operating opening can be opened and closed.

[0161] The movable part 872 is driven by the solenoid 22 and is capable of moving forward and backward to open and close the operating opening. When the operating opening is closed, depending on the state of the movable part 872, the game ball can pass through the upper surface of the movable part 872 and the fixed part 873 as a guide path, and is guided along the guide path from the right end to the left end and falls from the left end. When the operating opening is open, depending on the operating state of the movable part 872, the operating opening opens in the guide path, so the game ball guided into the guide path can fall from the operating opening into the V-judgment prize winning device 87.

[0162] Inside the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 (operating opening), a V-prize-winning area 870 is provided as a specific area in the center of the bottom of the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 in the left-right direction, where game balls entering from the operating opening can be awarded prizes. Furthermore, an inclined path is provided to guide all game balls entering from the operating opening onto the V-prize-winning area 870 via an inclined path. The V-prize-winning area 870 has a V-prize-winning opening into which game balls can enter, and can guide game balls entering from the V-prize-winning opening downwards.

[0163] At the uppermost end of the prize entry opening (V prize entry opening) of the V prize entry area 870, there is a plate-shaped opening / closing member (not shown) that can switch the V prize entry area 870 between an open state and a closed state. The opening / closing member is driven by a solenoid 22 and is capable of moving forward and backward to open and close the V prize entry opening. When the V prize entry opening is open due to the state of the opening / closing member, game balls guided onto the V prize entry area 870 can fall into the V prize entry area 870. On the other hand, when the V prize entry opening is closed due to the state of the opening / closing member, game balls guided onto the V prize entry area 870 pass over the opening / closing member and are provided in such a manner that they open near the downstream side of the V prize entry area 870, and can fall into a prize ball entry area (not shown) that can guide the game ball downward.

[0164] Specifically, the V-winning area 870 of the V-judgment winning device 87 is basically in an open state. In a minor win game state where the operating port of the V-judgment winning device 87 is open, if one game ball enters the V-winning area 870 and wins, that game ball is detected by the V-winning switch 87a provided in the V-winning area 870. In a minor win game state, when one game ball is detected by the V-winning switch 87a, the opening / closing member is controlled to a closed state, and any game balls guided onto the V-winning area 870 thereafter will enter the winning ball area. Game balls that have entered the winning ball area are detected by the V-judgment winning switch 15a provided in the winning ball area. As a result, when a game ball enters the V-judgment prize-winning device 87, one game ball is detected by the V-judgment prize-winning switch 87a, and subsequent game balls are detected by the V-judgment prize-winning switch 15a.

[0165] In the minor win state, the V-judgment prize-winning device 87, which is opened, closes its opening when the total number of balls detected by the V-prize-winning switch 87a and the V-judgment prize-winning switch 15a reaches 10, making it impossible for game balls to enter. The V-prize-winning area 870 and the prize-winning ball area are configured to merge at the bottom, and game balls that enter the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 through this merged discharge passage are discharged into a predetermined discharge passage inside the game board 2. The discharge passage is provided with a V-judgment discharge switch 15b capable of detecting the game balls being discharged, and all game balls to be discharged are detected by this switch.

[0166] When a minor win occurs and the operating port of the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 is opened, if a game ball enters the V-prize area 870 and is detected by the V-prize switch 87a within a predetermined valid period, the conditions for a major win are met, and the machine is controlled to a major win state. This entry of a game ball into the V-prize area 870 is called a V-prize. In the pachinko game machine 1, as described above, during the period when a minor win occurs and the operating port of the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 is opened, the structure and control design are such that an average of about 10 game balls can enter the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 without requiring any special operation. Furthermore, the structure is designed so that when a game ball enters the V-judgment prize-winning device 87, the game ball will always (100%) enter the V-prize area 870. Furthermore, in the pachinko game machine 1, when a minor win occurs, a right-hand shooting promotion notification is issued to instruct the player to shoot to the right, so that the player can easily shoot the game ball into the V-judgment prize-winning device 87.

[0167] Therefore, when a minor win occurs, unless the player does not fire a game ball during the opening period of the V-judgment prize-winning device 87, or the player shoots to the left, shooting to the right will always (100%) result in the game ball entering the V-prize area 870 and a big win occurring.

[0168] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which a deceleration structure for the game balls is provided in the V-judgment prize-winning device 87. However, instead of providing such a deceleration structure, an operating opening is provided in a part of the game ball guidance path in the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 that allows game balls to fall, and a configuration is used in which the operating opening is opened 10 times in order to allow about 10 game balls to enter the V-winning area 870 during the period of minor win game state.

[0169] In the right-hand play area, the game pins are positioned to guide the game balls into the variable prize ball entry device 6B and the V-judgment prize entry device 87. Therefore, when aiming to get the game balls into these variable prize ball entry devices 6B and V-judgment prize entry device 87, the player should shoot the game balls to the right.

[0170] Furthermore, it is possible to allow game balls hit into the left game area to potentially enter either the variable prize ball device 6B or the V-judgment prize ball device 87. However, from the standpoint of gameplay, it is desirable that this possibility be extremely low compared to the possibility of game balls hit into the right game area entering those devices.

[0171] A special variable prize ball entry device 7 is provided below the game area. The special variable prize ball entry device 7 guides game balls shot to the right by game pins planted in the right game area. Furthermore, the special variable prize ball entry device 7 is configured so that game balls cannot enter from the left game area depending on the arrangement of the game pins.

[0172] The special variable prize ball device 7 is equipped with a large prize opening covered by a rectangular door on its front. When a jackpot occurs, a solenoid causes the door to tilt forward around its base, revealing (opening) the large prize opening. Inside the special variable prize ball device 7, there is a count switch 23 for detecting the game balls that have entered. The entry route to the special variable prize ball device 7 is restricted by game pins and other structures so that game balls can only enter the large prize opening when they are hit into the right game area. However, it may be possible to allow game balls to enter the large prize opening regardless of whether they are hit into the left or right game area.

[0173] A jackpot occurs when the jackpot symbol (jackpot display result) is displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A, and when the jackpot symbol (jackpot display result) is displayed on the second special symbol display device 4B. When a jackpot is determined by a lottery based on a game ball entering the first start entry slot, the jackpot symbol is displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A. When a jackpot is determined by a lottery based on a game ball entering the second start entry slot, the jackpot symbol is displayed on the second special symbol display device 4B.

[0174] A jackpot also occurs when a game ball enters the V-entry area 870 while the V-entry device 87's opening is open due to a minor win game state. Hereinafter, the entry of a game ball into the V-entry area 870 and detection by the V-entry switch 87a will be referred to as a V-entry. A minor win is a win in which the opening of the V-entry device 87's opening is made as a predetermined value assignment, and a jackpot can occur on the condition of a V-entry. In the V-entry device 87, the game state in which the opening is open is called the "minor win game state." A jackpot that occurs in the minor win game state based on a game ball entering the V-entry area is called a "jackpot via minor win." In contrast, the state in which a jackpot game is triggered based on the display result of the fluctuation of special symbols by the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special symbol display device 4B is referred to as a "jackpot triggered by special symbols."

[0175] The jackpot game state is a specific game state (advantageous state) that is advantageous to the player as a predetermined value assignment, and a repetitive continuation control is performed in which the special variable prize ball device 7 repeatedly switches between an open state and a closed state a predetermined number of times. In the repetitive continuation control, the state in which the special variable prize ball device 7 is open (the jackpot opening is open) is called a round. The repetitive continuation control is also called round control.

[0176] In the jackpot game state, the special variable prize ball device 7 is opened, and then closed when a predetermined termination condition for the open state is met (for example, when a predetermined period (e.g., 29 seconds) has elapsed in the open state, or when a predetermined number (e.g., 10) prize balls have been awarded). When the termination condition is met, a continuation right is generated, and the special variable prize ball device 7 is opened again. The generation of a continuation right is repeated until the number of openings in the jackpot game state reaches a predetermined upper limit of 15 rounds (the final round).

[0177] The display of the first or second special symbol changes after the first start condition (first execution condition) or second start condition (second execution condition), which is the execution condition for the display of the change, has been met (for example, the game ball has passed through the first start prize slot or the second start prize slot, which is the starting prize slot area, including winning a prize), and after the start condition for the display of the change has been met (for example, the display of the first and second special symbols has not been executed, and a jackpot game has not been executed). After the display of the change (change time) has elapsed, the display result (stopped symbol) is derived and displayed. Note that "passing through" means that the game ball has passed through an area predetermined as a prize slot, such as a prize slot or gate, and this concept includes the game ball entering the prize slot (winning a prize). Also, "deriving and displaying the display result" means finally displaying the symbol (example of identification information) in a stopped state (confirmed display).

[0178] Furthermore, for variable displays where a game ball has entered a starting area such as the first and second starting entry points, but the starting conditions have not yet been met, storing information about these variable displays within a predetermined upper limit is called reserved memory. The term reserved memory is also used to indicate (specify) the reserved information. Reserved memory is also called starting memory or starting entry memory.

[0179] For the first special symbol, the display is executed based on the first reserved memory, which is a reserved memory based on the entry of a game ball into the first starting prize slot. For the second special symbol, the display is executed based on the second reserved memory, which is a reserved memory based on the entry of a game ball into the second starting prize slot. If a jackpot occurs while such a first or second reserved memory exists, the reserved memory that existed before the jackpot is maintained and used for the display after the jackpot game state ends.

[0180] When a second start win occurs in the second start winning slot, even if there is a pending memory of a first start win, the display of the second special symbol variation based on that second start win takes priority. In this way, the display of the second special symbol variation takes priority over the display of the first special symbol variation.

[0181] Above the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, there is a second reserve indicator 25B consisting of four indicators that display the number of valid winning balls that have entered the second start winning slot, i.e., the second reserve memory count. The second reserve indicator 25B increases the number of indicators that light up by one each time there is a valid start winning. Then, each time the variable display on the second special symbol display device 4B starts, it decreases the number of indicators that light up by one.

[0182] Above the second reserve indicator 25B, there is a first reserve indicator 25A consisting of four indicators that display the number of valid winning balls that have entered the first starting winning slot, i.e., the number of first reserves stored. The first reserve indicator 25A increases the number of indicators that light up by one each time there is a valid starting winning ball. Then, each time a variable display is initiated on the first special symbol display device 4A, the number of illuminated indicators is reduced by 1.

[0183] In pachinko machine 1, the game state and presentation are controlled to allow players to enjoy varied gameplay by launching game balls in a way that encourages them to alternate between "left-handed shooting" (aiming at the left game area) and "right-handed shooting" (aiming at the right game area) depending on the game situation. The following describes the flow of gameplay from the moment a player starts playing pachinko machine 1.

[0184] When a player sits down at the pachinko machine 1 and starts playing for the first time, they first play by shooting left to aim for the game ball to enter the first starting prize entry point. Then, the first special symbol variation display is executed, and if the display result is a jackpot (jackpot due to a special symbol), the player switches from shooting left to shooting right and plays aiming for the special variable prize ball entry device 7 that opens. After the jackpot game state ends, the image display device 5 displays a notification encouraging the player to play by shooting right. Specifically, the image display device 5 displays a message such as "Aim to the right."

[0185] During the jackpot state, the player aims to hit the special variable ball entry device 7, which has opened up, by shooting to the right. During a jackpot game, a notification encouraging right-handed play is displayed. After the jackpot game ends, if the player enters the time-saving state described later, they continue playing by shooting to the right. After the jackpot game ends, if the player is in the time-saving state, a time-saving notification is displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 to indicate that the time-saving state has begun. In addition, a notification encouraging right-handed play is also displayed during the time-saving state. If the player does not enter the time-saving state after the jackpot game ends, the right-handed play encouragement notification that was performed during the jackpot game ends, and the player switches from shooting to left-handed play to enter the first starting prize slot. If the player does not enter the time-saving state, a left-handed play encouragement notification (also called a left-handed play notification) may be displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 to prompt the player to switch back to left-handed play.

[0186] During the time-saving state after a big win, players aim for the variable ball entry device 6B, which has a second starting entry opening, by shooting to the right. If a game ball enters the second starting entry opening and the displayed result is a big win (big win with a special symbol), players continue shooting to the right and aim for the special variable ball entry device 7. Also, if a game ball enters the second starting entry opening and the displayed result is a minor win, the operating opening of the V-judgment entry device 87 opens in the minor win game state, so players continue shooting to the right and aim for the V-judgment entry device 87. At the start of the minor win game state, a minor win start notification is displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 to inform the player that the minor win game state has started. Furthermore, when the game is controlled to a minor win state, a notification to encourage right-hand play is also given at a specific timing (depending on the game situation, the start timing of the minor win display which is executed before the operating opening of the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 opens in accordance with the minor win, or a predetermined timing before the minor win display is executed).

[0187] When the operating port of the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 is open due to the minor win game state, if a game ball falls from the operating port into the V-judgment prize-winning device 87, enters the V-winning area 870 and is detected, and a V-win occurs, a major win via the minor win occurs. When a V-win occurs, a V-win notification is displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 to indicate that a V-win has occurred. Also, when the minor win game state ends, a minor win end notification is displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 to indicate that the minor win game state has ended. After the minor win ends, the game state becomes a major win game state and the special variable prize-winning ball device 7 is opened, so the player continues to play by aiming at the special variable prize-winning ball device 7 while shooting to the right.

[0188] Furthermore, if, during a minor win game, the player aims for the V-winning device 87 and the game ball does not enter the V-winning area 870 but enters a non-specific area other than the V-winning area 870, a jackpot will not occur. In this way, if a V-winning does not occur during a minor win game, a V-winning failure notification will be displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 to indicate that the V-winning attempt failed. Also, at the end of the minor win game, a minor win end notification will be displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 to indicate that the minor win game has ended. After the end of the minor win game, if the time-saving state continues, the player continues to play by aiming for the variable-winning ball device 6B while shooting to the right. When the time-saving state ends, the player switches from shooting to the right to shooting to the left and plays in a way that the game ball enters the first starting winning slot. When the time-saving mode ends, the image display device 5 displays a time-saving mode end notification on its screen, and a left-hand play promotion notification prompting the player to return to playing with left-hand play.

[0189] Figure 8-2 is a diagram showing the types of wins. The table shows, for each type of win, the conditions for a big win to occur, the control state (game state) after a big win, the number of openings (number of rounds) in a big win, and the opening time for each round in a big win. In this embodiment, the types of big wins provided are: 15R time-saving big win with symbols, 4R time-saving big win with symbols, 16(15)R time-saving big win via a small win, 9(8)R time-saving big win via a small win, and 5(4)R time-saving big win via a small win. The number in parentheses for big wins via small wins indicates the number of times the special variable prize ball device 7 opens.

[0190] A minor win occurs when a game ball enters the second starting entry slot in the variable ball entry device 6B, and the result displayed on the second special symbol is a minor win symbol. The determination of whether or not the result displayed on the special symbol will be a minor win symbol is made in advance by random number drawing (minor win determination of special symbols). When a minor win occurs, the game enters a minor win state, and the V-judgment prize entry device 87 opens with a pattern of 10 openings and an opening time of 0.1 seconds. The game control state after the minor win state ends (the jackpot probability, minor win probability, and base, which will be described later) is the same as before the minor win. In the case of a minor win, prize balls are paid out for game balls that enter the V-entry area 870 within the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 during the minor win game state. During the minor win game state, it is set that approximately 10 prize balls may enter, and according to the number of prize balls that enter, it is set that approximately 30 prize balls may be paid out.

[0191] When the operating port of the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 is open, if a game ball is entered into the operating port and enters the V-winning area 870 inside the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 (V-winning), a jackpot occurs. A jackpot that occurs via a minor win like this is called a minor win-via jackpot. Minor win-via jackpots include minor win-via 16(15)R time-saving jackpots, minor win-via 9(8)R time-saving jackpots, and minor win-via 5(4)R time-saving jackpots, which have different numbers of rounds in the jackpot. A minor win linked to a 16(15)R time-saving jackpot is called a first minor win. A minor win linked to a 9(8)R time-saving jackpot is called a second minor win. A minor win linked to a 5(4)R time-saving jackpot is called a third minor win.

[0192] On the other hand, a jackpot that occurs directly through the display of special symbols without going through a minor win is called a symbol jackpot. Symbol jackpots include the symbol 15R time-saving jackpot and the symbol 4R time-saving jackpot, which occur directly based on the display of the first or second special symbols.

[0193] Thus, the jackpots include symbol jackpots that occur directly based on the fluctuation display of the first or second special symbol, and jackpots that occur via a minor win after a minor win based on the fluctuation display of the second special symbol and a V-win. Each of the symbol jackpots and minor win-based jackpots is controlled to a time-saving state after the jackpot game state ends, and is named a time-saving jackpot. In this embodiment, the advantageous state for the player also includes the opening of the special variable prize ball device 7.

[0194] The 15R time-saving jackpot is a jackpot in which the large prize slot is opened 15 times (15R). The 4R time-saving jackpot is a jackpot in which the large prize slot is opened 4 times (4R). The 16(15)R time-saving jackpot via a minor win is a jackpot in which the V-judgment prize device 87 is opened once (0.1 seconds x 10 times), and then the large prize slot is opened 15 times (15R) on the condition that a V-entry is achieved. The prize device is opened for 16 rounds, but the actual number of times the large prize slot is opened is 15, and the player will perceive it as the same type of jackpot as the 15R time-saving jackpot in terms of the opening of the large prize slot. The 9(8)R time-saving jackpot via a minor win is a jackpot in which the V-judgment prize device 87 is opened (0.1 seconds x 10 times), and then the large prize slot is opened 8 times (8R) on the condition that a V-entry is achieved. The 5(4)R time-saving jackpot via a minor win is a jackpot in which the V-judgment prize device 87 opens once (0.1 seconds x 10 times), and then the large prize slot opens four times (4R) on the condition that a V-entry occurs. The prize device opens for five rounds, but the number of times the large prize slot actually opens is four, and the player perceives it as the same type of jackpot as the 4R time-saving jackpot with symbols in terms of the opening of the large prize slot.

[0195] The time-saving state after a 4R time-saving jackpot has two termination conditions: one where the second special symbol is displayed once, and another where the total number of times the first and second special symbols are displayed is five. The number of times the second special symbol is displayed once is set considering that 100% of the game balls that enter the V-judgment prize device 87 enter the V-prize area 870. A minor win occurs approximately 1 / 7 of the time when the second special symbol is displayed. Therefore, the termination condition of the second special symbol being displayed once is set to the number of times when the second special symbol is displayed that there is approximately a 1 / 7 chance of a jackpot occurring via a minor win.

[0196] The reason why the time-saving mode ends when the second special symbol is displayed in a variable state once is set as follows: In the case of a 4R time-saving jackpot, the time-saving state (including the electric support state) is basically continued until the second special symbol is displayed in a variable state once. However, in order to display the second special symbol in a variable state, it is necessary to shoot the ball to the right to enter the passing gate 41 and open the variable prize ball device 6B, and then to get the ball into the variable prize ball device 6B in that state. It takes time to get the ball into such a variable prize ball device 6B, and in some cases the first special symbol, which was stored in reserve, may be displayed in a variable state first.

[0197] Therefore, the termination condition of a total of 5 display cycles for the first and second special symbols is designed to ensure that even if the first special symbol's display cycle starts immediately after the start of the time-saving state, before the condition for starting the second special symbol's display cycle is met, and before the jackpot game state is reached, the second special symbol's display cycle, which is likely to result in a jackpot favorable to the player, can be reliably executed once. In this way, it is possible to prevent the second special symbol's display cycle, which is likely to result in a jackpot favorable to the player, from being prevented from being executed during the time-saving state due to the first special symbol's display cycle starting immediately after the start of the time-saving state, based on the reserve memory of the first start entry.

[0198] After a jackpot other than a 4R time-saving jackpot, there are two possible ending conditions: one where the second special symbol is displayed 7 times, and another where the combined number of displays of the first and second special symbols is 11. The number 7 for the time-saving ending condition is set considering that 100% of the game balls that enter the V-judgment prize device 87 enter the V-prize area 870. When the second special symbol is displayed, a minor win occurs at a rate of approximately 1 / 7. Therefore, the ending condition of the second special symbol being displayed 7 times is set to a number where the probability of a jackpot via a minor win occurs significantly higher when the second special symbol is displayed compared to a 4R time-saving jackpot. This allows players to focus their attention on the occurrence of jackpots via minor wins and increases their expectations for the occurrence of jackpots via minor wins.

[0199] Furthermore, the termination condition of 11 total number of display cycles for the first and second special symbols is intended to ensure that even if the display of the first special symbol starts immediately after the start of the time-saving state, before the condition for starting the display of the second special symbol's variation is met, and the display of the first special symbol's variation begins based on the reserve memory that can be stored up to 4 times before the jackpot game state is reached, the display of the second special symbol's variation cycle, which is likely to result in a jackpot favorable to the player, can be reliably performed for 7 cycles. In this way, it is possible to prevent the display of the first special symbol's variation cycle, which is likely to result in a jackpot favorable to the player, from decreasing during the time-saving state due to the start of the display of the first special symbol's variation cycle based on the reserve memory that can be stored before the jackpot game state is reached.

[0200] In this embodiment, in the normal low-base state, the first starting prize entry point is provided so that the ball can enter from the first path. Therefore, it is more advantageous for the player in terms of starting prize entry when the game ball flows down the first path than when it flows down the second path. On the other hand, in an advantageous state such as a jackpot game state, the special variable prize entry device 7, which is opened, is provided so that the ball can enter from the second path. Therefore, it is more advantageous for the player in terms of winning a jackpot when the game ball flows down the second path than when it flows down the first path. Furthermore, in a specific state such as a minor win game state, the V-judgment prize entry device 87, which is opened, is provided so that the ball can enter from the second path. Therefore, it is more advantageous for the player in terms of jackpot occurrence when the game ball flows down the second path than when it flows down the first path.

[0201] Furthermore, beyond this comparison of advantages, a configuration may be adopted in which, for example, other prize-winning openings (which may be for starting prizes or for non-starting prizes) are provided in both the first and second paths, and in the normal low-base state, the first path is more likely to result in a prize entering the variable prize-winning opening than the second path, while in other states such as the high-base state, jackpot state, and small-prize state, the second path is more likely to result in a prize entering the variable prize-winning opening than the first path. In other terms, a configuration may be adopted in which, from other perspectives, it is more advantageous for the player for the game medium to flow down the first path in the normal state, and more advantageous for the player for the game medium to flow down the second path in other game states.

[0202] Figure 8-3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating each random number. Figure 8-3 shows the type of random number, its update range, its purpose, and the conditions for addition. Each random number is used as follows:

[0203] (1) Random R: A random counter used for determining whether to award a jackpot or a minor win. Random 1 is updated by 1 at 10MHz, starting from 0 and increasing up to its upper limit of 65535, after which it starts again from 0 and increases. (2) Random 1: Determines the type of jackpot (one of the following types: 15R time-saving jackpot with symbols, 4R time-saving jackpot with symbols, 16(15)R time-saving jackpot via minor win, 9(8)R time-saving jackpot via minor win, and 5(4)R time-saving jackpot via minor win) and the jackpot symbols (for determining jackpot type and jackpot symbols). (3) Random 2: Determines the type of variation pattern (for determining variation pattern type). (4) Random 3: Determines the variation pattern (variation time) (for determining variation pattern). (5) Random 4: Determines whether to award a win based on normal symbols (for determining normal symbol wins). (6) Random 5: Determine the initial value of Random 5 (for determining the initial value of Random 5).

[0204] In this embodiment, the specific game state of a jackpot includes multiple types: a 15R time-saving jackpot with symbols, a 4R time-saving jackpot with symbols, a 16(15)R time-saving jackpot via a minor win, a 9(8)R time-saving jackpot via a minor win, and a 5(4)R time-saving jackpot via a minor win. Therefore, when a jackpot is determined based on the value of the random number for determining the win (Random R), or when a minor win is determined, the type of jackpot is determined to be one of these types based on the value of the random number for determining the type of jackpot (Random 1). However, in the case of a jackpot via a minor win, the determined jackpot becomes invalid if a V-win does not occur. Furthermore, when the type of jackpot is determined, the jackpot symbols are also determined at the same time based on the value of the random number for determining the type of jackpot (Random 1). Therefore, Random 1 is also a random number for determining the jackpot symbols. Furthermore, when it is decided that a minor win will occur, the minor win symbol is also determined at the same time. Therefore, Random 1 is also a random number used to determine the minor win symbol.

[0205] Furthermore, the variation pattern is determined by first using a random number for determining the variation pattern type (random 2) to determine the variation pattern type, and then using a random number for determining the variation pattern type (random 3) to determine one of the variation patterns included in the determined variation pattern type. Thus, in this embodiment, the variation pattern is determined by a two-stage lottery process. A variation pattern type is a grouping of multiple variation patterns according to the characteristics of their variation patterns. One or more variation patterns belong to a variation pattern type.

[0206] In this embodiment, the fluctuation patterns are classified into two types: normal fluctuation patterns, which are fluctuation patterns that do not involve reaching, and reach fluctuation patterns, which are fluctuation patterns that involve reaching.

[0207] Figure 8-4 is an explanatory diagram showing the first special symbol win determination table, the second special symbol win determination table, and the various jackpot type determination tables. These tables are stored in ROM 101.

[0208] Figure 8-4(A) is an explanatory diagram showing the first special symbol win determination table. The first special symbol win determination table is a data table for determining a win for the first special symbol, and it is a table in which a win determination value is set that is compared with a random R. The "probability" shown in Figure 8-4(A) indicates the probability (percentage) of winning a jackpot.

[0209] The probability of hitting the jackpot with the first special symbol varies depending on the setting. It is 1 / 199 for setting 1, 1 / 190 for setting 2, 1 / 180 for setting 3, 1 / 170 for setting 4, 1 / 160 for setting 5, and 1 / 150 for setting 6. Therefore, the probability of hitting the jackpot increases in the order of setting 1 < setting 2 < setting 3 < setting 4 < setting 5 < setting 6.

[0210] Figure 8-4(B) is an explanatory diagram showing the second special symbol win determination table. The second special symbol win determination table is a data table for determining whether a big win or a small win occurs for the second special symbol, and is a table in which a big win determination value and a small win determination value are set to be compared with random R. The upper part of Figure 8-4(B) is the big win determination table section, and the lower part of Figure 8-4(B) is the small win determination table section. The "probability" shown in the upper part of Figure 8-4(B) indicates the probability (percentage) of a big win, and the "probability" shown in the lower part of Figure 8-4(B) indicates the probability (percentage) of a small win.

[0211] The probability of winning a jackpot with the second special symbol varies depending on the setting. It is 1 / 199 for setting 1, 1 / 190 for setting 2, 1 / 180 for setting 3, 1 / 170 for setting 4, 1 / 160 for setting 5, and 1 / 150 for setting 6. Therefore, the probability of winning a jackpot increases in the order of setting 1 < setting 2 < setting 3 < setting 4 < setting 5 < setting 6. In contrast, the probability of winning a minor prize with the second special symbol is set to 1 / 7.35 regardless of the setting. It is also possible to include a minor prize with the first special symbol. In such cases, it is desirable that the probability of winning a minor prize with the first special symbol be lower than that of the second special symbol. For example, the probability of winning a minor prize with the first special symbol should be 1 / 100.

[0212] When the CPU 103 detects an entry into the first entry slot (first entry) or an entry into the second entry slot (second entry), it extracts a count value (random R) from the random number circuit 124 at a predetermined timing. For the first entry, the extracted value is compared with the jackpot judgment values ​​set in the first special symbol jackpot judgment table, and if the extracted value matches any of the jackpot judgment values, it is decided to award a jackpot for the first special symbol. For the second entry, the extracted value is compared with the jackpot judgment values ​​set in the second special symbol jackpot judgment table, and if the extracted value matches any of the jackpot judgment values, it is decided to award a jackpot for the second special symbol. If the extracted value does not match any of the jackpot judgment values, the extracted value is compared with the minor jackpot judgment values ​​set in the second special symbol jackpot judgment table, and if the extracted value matches any of the minor jackpot judgment values, it is decided to award a minor jackpot for the second special symbol. Deciding to award a minor win also means making a provisional decision to award a major win via a minor win (it's called a provisional decision because if a V-entry doesn't occur during the minor win, it won't be controlled to award a major win).

[0213] Furthermore, deciding whether or not to award a jackpot means deciding whether or not to transition to the jackpot game state, but it also means deciding whether or not to make the stopping symbol from the fluctuation display of the first or second special symbol a jackpot symbol. Similarly, deciding whether or not to award a minor win means deciding whether or not to transition to the minor win game state, but it also means deciding whether or not to make the stopping symbol from the fluctuation display of the second special symbol a minor win symbol.

[0214] Figures 8-4(C), (D), and (E) are explanatory diagrams showing the jackpot type determination tables stored in ROM 101. Figure 8-4(C) is the first special symbol jackpot type determination table used to determine the jackpot type of a symbol jackpot when a jackpot is determined by the first special symbol. Figure 8-4(D) is the second special symbol jackpot type determination table used to determine the jackpot type of a symbol jackpot when a jackpot is determined by the second special symbol.

[0215] The first special symbol jackpot type determination table in Figure 8-4(C) contains jackpot determination values ​​that are compared with the random 2 value used for jackpot type determination, corresponding to "Symbol 15R time-saving jackpot" and "Symbol 4R time-saving jackpot," respectively. The second special symbol jackpot type determination table in Figure 8-4(D) contains jackpot determination values ​​that are compared with the random 1 value, corresponding to "Symbol 15R time-saving jackpot."

[0216] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8-4(C) and (D), the jackpot type determination value is also used as the determination value (jackpot symbol determination value) that determines the jackpot symbols for the first and second special symbols. For example, the determination value corresponding to "8R time-saving jackpot" is also set as the determination value corresponding to the jackpot symbol "3". The determination value corresponding to "15R time-saving jackpot" is also set as the determination value corresponding to the jackpot symbol "7".

[0217] Using these various jackpot type determination tables, the CPU 103 determines the jackpot type corresponding to the jackpot type determination value for which the random 1 value matches, and also determines the jackpot symbol for which the random 1 value matches. In this way, the jackpot type and the jackpot symbol corresponding to the jackpot type are determined simultaneously.

[0218] The small win-to-big win type determination table in Figure 8-4(E) contains numerical values ​​that are compared with two random values ​​for determining the type of big win, and each of these big win determination values ​​corresponds to "small win-to-16(15)R time-saving big win," "small win-to-9(8)R time-saving big win," and "small win-to-5(4)R time-saving big win." However, the big win type determined by the small win-to-big win type determination table is a provisional big win type associated with the first small win (which becomes a 16(15)R time-saving big win), the second small win (which becomes a 9(8)R time-saving big win), and the third small win (which becomes a 5(4)R time-saving big win), and becomes invalid if a V-win does not occur during the small win game state.

[0219] Figures 8-5 and 8-6 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the content of the performance control commands transmitted by the game control microcomputer 100. In Figures 8-5 and 8-6, the relationship between the specific command data, the command name, and the command specification is shown for the performance control commands. As shown in Figures 8-5 and 8-6, the game control microcomputer 100 transmits various performance control commands to the performance control CPU 120 according to the game control state.

[0220] The main commands in Figures 8-5 and 8-6 are explained below. Command 80XX(H) is a performance control command (variation pattern command) that specifies the variation pattern to be displayed on the image display device 5 in response to the variation display of the special symbols (each corresponding to variation pattern XX). When a unique number is assigned to each of the multiple variation patterns, there is a variation pattern command corresponding to each variation pattern identified by that number. "(H)" indicates that it is a hexadecimal number. Furthermore, the performance control command that specifies the variation pattern is also a command to specify the start of the variation. Therefore, when the performance control CPU 120 receives command 80XX(H), it controls the performance display device to start the performance corresponding to the variation display of the special symbols.

[0221] Commands 8C01(H) to 8C06(H) are display result specification commands that show the display result including the result of a miss, the type of big win, the big win display result for each type of small win, and the small win display result.

[0222] Command 8D01(H) is a command to specify the first symbol variation, indicating the start of the variation display for the first special symbol. Command 8D02(H) is a command to specify the second symbol variation, indicating the start of the variation display for the second special symbol. Command 8F00(H) is a command to specify the symbol confirmation, indicating the end of the variation for the first and second special symbols.

[0223] Commands A001 to A005(H) are win start specification commands that specify the start of the win game state for each type of win.

[0224] Command A1XX(H) is a command to indicate that the big prize slot is open for the round indicated by XX. Command A2XX(H) is a command to indicate that the big prize slot has closed after the round indicated by XX.

[0225] Commands A301 to A305(H) are win termination commands that specify the end of the win state for each type of win.

[0226] Command A401(H) is a command to specify that a first-start win has occurred. Command A402(H) is a command to specify that a second-start win has occurred.

[0227] Command B000(H) is a command to specify the normal state, indicating that the game state is the normal state (low base state). Command B001(H) is a command to specify the first time-saving state, indicating that the game state is the first time-saving state (high base state). Command B002(H) is a command to specify the second time-saving state, indicating that the game state is the second time-saving state (high base state).

[0228] Command C0XX(H) is a command to specify the first number of reserved items. In command C0XX(H), "XX" indicates the first number of reserved items. Command C1XX(H) is a command to specify the second number of reserved items. In command C0XX(H), "XX" indicates the second number of reserved items.

[0229] In this embodiment, when the game control microcomputer 100 reduces the number of reserved memories, it sends a reserved memory number specification command that specifies the number of reserved memories after the reduction. However, it is not limited to this, and a reserved memory number reduction specification command may be used to specify that the number of reserved memories should be reduced by 1 for both the first and second reserved memories.

[0230] Commands C2XX(H) and C3XX(H) are performance control commands that indicate the content of the entry judgment results, such as the jackpot judgment, jackpot type judgment, and variation pattern type judgment, when a ball enters the first or second starting entry slot. Of these, command C2XX(H) is a symbol specification command that indicates the judgment result of whether or not it is a jackpot, whether or not it is a minor win, and the type of jackpot. Command C3XX(H) is a variation type command that indicates the judgment result of which range of judgment values ​​the random number used for variation pattern type judgment falls into (variation pattern type judgment result).

[0231] Command C401(H) is a command that specifies the start of the first minor win. Command C402(H) is a command that specifies the start of the second minor win. Command C403(H) is a command that specifies the start of the third minor win. Command C501(H) is a command that specifies the start of the first minor win. Command C502(H) is a command that specifies the start of the second minor win. Command C503(H) is a command that specifies the start of the third minor win. Command C601(H) is a V-win specification command that specifies that a V-win has occurred. Command C602(H) is a V-win ball detection specification command that specifies that a winning ball (including both V-win balls and other winning balls) has been detected in the V-judgment winning device 87.

[0232] In the game control microcomputer 100, a first reserve memory buffer is provided in the RAM 102 for storing the reserve memory information of the first special symbol. The first reserve memory buffer has a storage area corresponding to the upper limit of the first reserve memory (4 in this example). The first reserve memory buffer stores hardware random numbers, such as a random number for determining a jackpot (random R), and software random numbers, such as a random number for determining the type of jackpot (random 1), a random number for determining the type of variation pattern (random 2), and a random number for determining the variation pattern (random 3).

[0233] For the second special symbol, a second hold memory buffer is provided in RAM102 for storing hold memory information for the second special symbol. The second hold memory buffer has a storage area corresponding to the upper limit of the number of second hold memories (4 in this example). The second hold memory buffer stores hardware random numbers for determining the jackpot (random R), and software random numbers for determining the type of jackpot (random 1), the type of variation pattern (random 2), and the type of variation pattern (random 3).

[0234] Based on a win at the first starting prize slot, the CPU 103 extracts random values ​​from the random number circuit 124 and the random counter for generating software random numbers, and stores them in the storage area of ​​the first reserved memory buffer. Specifically, based on a win at the first starting prize slot, these random values ​​are extracted and stored in the first reserved memory buffer. Similarly, based on a win at the second starting prize slot, the CPU 103 extracts random values ​​from the random number circuit 124 and the random counter for generating software random numbers, and stores them in the storage area of ​​the second reserved memory buffer. Specifically, based on a win at the second starting prize slot, these random values ​​are extracted and stored in the second reserved memory buffer.

[0235] In some cases, the storage of information regarding the initial win in the reserved memory buffer is referred to as "reserved storage." Note that the random numbers for determining the variation pattern type (random 2) and random numbers for determining the variation pattern (random 3) may be extracted at the start of the variation of the special symbols, rather than being extracted at the time of the initial win and stored in the reserved memory buffer beforehand.

[0236] Figure 8-7 is a flowchart showing the start port switch passing process, which is executed as part of the process in S101. In the start port switch passing process, the CPU 103 first checks whether the first start port switch 22A is in the ON state (S1211). If the first start port switch 22A is not in the ON state, the process proceeds to S1221. If the first start port switch 22A is in the ON state, the CPU 103 checks whether the first reserved memory count has reached its upper limit (specifically, whether the value of the first reserved memory counter used to count the first reserved memory count is 4) (S1212). If the first reserved memory count has reached its upper limit, the process proceeds to S1221.

[0237] If the first reserved memory count has not reached its upper limit, the CPU 103 increments the value of the first reserved memory counter by 1 (S1213). Next, the CPU 103 extracts values ​​from the random number circuit 124 and the counter for generating software random numbers, and stores them in the storage area of ​​the first reserved memory buffer (S1214). In the process of S1214, the random number for determining the jackpot (random R), the random number for determining the type of jackpot (random 1), the random number for determining the type of variation pattern (random 2), and the random number for determining the variation pattern (random 3) are extracted and stored in the storage area.

[0238] Next, the CPU 103 executes a winning animation process (S1215) that determines in advance the display result of the variation and the type of variation pattern when the variation based on the initial winning of the detected first special symbol is subsequently executed.

[0239] In this embodiment, when an entry into the first or second entry slot occurs, and various data obtained at the time of the entry are stored as reserved storage information, and the conditions for starting the variation display are met, at the timing to start the variation display, the special symbol normal processing (S110) determines whether the variation display result is a jackpot display result and the type of jackpot for the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) that starts the variation display, based on the reserved storage information, using the jackpot determination value and jackpot type determination value set in accordance with the various random values ​​mentioned above. Then, in the variation pattern setting processing (S111), the variation pattern (including the determination of the variation pattern type) is determined using the variation pattern type determination value and variation pattern determination value set in accordance with the various random values ​​mentioned above.

[0240] On the other hand, separate from such decisions, at the timing before the start of the variation display based on the initial entry into the first or second starting entry slot, specifically at the timing when the game ball enters the first or second starting entry slot (the timing when the reserve memory information is stored), the reserve memory information, which stores various data obtained at the time of the initial entry, is pre-read, and based on the pre-read reserve memory information, the entry-time performance processing is executed to pre-determine whether or not it will be a big win, whether or not it will be a small win, the type of big win, and the type of variation pattern, based on the big win judgment value, big win type judgment value, and variation pattern type judgment value set in accordance with the various random values ​​mentioned above. By doing so, the performance control CPU 120 can predict the variation display result in advance before the variation display of the performance symbols is executed, and based on the various judgment results at the time of the initial entry, it is possible to execute pre-read performances such as pre-read announcements that foretell the possibility of a big win during the variation display of the performance symbols.

[0241] Then, CPU 103 performs control to send a symbol specification command to the performance control CPU 120 based on the judgment result of the prize winning performance processing (S1216), and also performs control to send a variation type command to the performance control CPU 120 (S1217). In addition, CPU 103 performs control to send a first start prize winning specification command to the performance control CPU 120 (S1218), and sets the value of the first reserve memory counter as EXT data and performs control to send a first reserve memory specification command to the performance control CPU 120 (S1219).

[0242] By executing the processes in S1216 and S1217, in this embodiment, regardless of the game state (such as high probability state, low probability state, high base state, low base state, or jackpot game state), both the symbol specification command and the variation type command are always sent to the performance control CPU 120 each time a ball enters the first start entry slot.

[0243] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the processing from S1216 to S1219 is executed and a starting prize is awarded to the first starting prize slot, a set of four commands—a symbol specification command, a variation type command, a first starting prize award specification command, and a first reserve memory count specification command—is sent all at once within one timer interrupt.

[0244] Next, the CPU 103 checks whether the second start switch 22B is in the ON state (S1221). If the second start switch 22B is not in the ON state, the process ends. If the second start switch 22B is in the ON state, the CPU 103 checks whether the second reserved memory count has reached its upper limit (specifically, whether the value of the second reserved memory counter used to count the second reserved memory count is 4) (S1222). If the second reserved memory count has reached its upper limit, the process ends.

[0245] If the second reserved memory count has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 103 increments the value of the second reserved memory count by 1 (S1223). Next, the CPU 103 extracts values from the random number circuit 124 or a counter for generating software random numbers, and executes a process of storing them in the storage area in the second reserved memory buffer (S1224). In the process of S1224, the jackpot determination random number (Random R), the jackpot type determination random number (Random 1), the variation pattern type determination random number (Random 2), and the variation pattern determination random number (Random 3) are extracted and stored in the storage area.

[0246] Next, for the detected start winning of the second special symbol, the CPU 103 executes a winning performance process similar to the winning performance process as described in S1215 (S1225). Then, the CPU 103 controls to transmit a symbol designation command to the performance control CPU 120 based on the determination result of the winning performance process (S1226), and controls to transmit a variation type command to the performance control CPU 120 (S1227). In addition, the CPU 103 controls to transmit a second start winning designation command to the performance control CPU 120 (S1228), and controls to set the value of the second reserved memory count to the EXT data and transmit a second reserved memory count designation command to the performance control CPU 120 (S1229).

[0247] By executing the processes of S1226 and S1227, in this embodiment, regardless of the game state (game states such as high probability state, low probability state, high base state, low base state, jackpot game state, etc.), every time a start winning occurs at the second start winning opening, both the symbol designation command and the variation type command are always transmitted to the performance control CPU 120.

[0248] Also, in this embodiment, by executing the processes of S1226 to S1229, when a start winning occurs at the second start winning opening, a set of four commands, namely, the symbol designation command, the variation type command, the second start winning designation command, and the second reserved memory count designation command, are transmitted in a batch within one timer interrupt.

[0249] FIG. 8-8 is a flowchart showing the special symbol normal process (S110) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol normal process, the CPU 103 checks whether there is stored data in the first hold memory buffer or the second hold memory buffer (S51). If there is no stored data in either the first hold memory buffer or the second hold memory buffer, the process ends.

[0250] If there is no stored data in the hold memory buffer in S51, after performing the process (S80) for transmitting the customer waiting demo designation command, the process ends. On the other hand, when there is stored data in the first hold memory buffer or the second hold memory buffer in S51, the CPU 103 checks whether there is stored data in the second hold memory buffer (S52). If there is stored data in the second hold memory buffer, data indicating "second" is set in the special symbol pointer (a flag indicating whether the special symbol process is being performed for the first special symbol or the second special symbol) (S54). On the other hand, if there is no stored data in the second hold memory buffer, data indicating "first" is set in the special symbol pointer (S53).

[0251] In this embodiment, hereinafter, depending on whether data indicating "first" or data indicating "second" is set in the special symbol pointer, the variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display device 4A and the variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 4B are executed using a common processing routine. When data indicating "first" is set in the special symbol pointer, the variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display device 4A is performed based on the stored data in the first hold memory buffer. On the other hand, when data indicating "second" is set in the special symbol pointer, the variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 4B is performed based on the stored data in the second hold memory buffer.

[0252] As a result of the control in S52-S54, if at least one data item for the second reserved memory exists in the second reserved memory buffer, the variable display of the second special symbol display device 4B based on that data for the second reserved memory will be executed in priority over the variable display of the first special symbol display device 4A based on the data for the first reserved memory.

[0253] Next, the CPU 103 reads each random value stored in the storage area corresponding to the number of reserved memories = 1 indicated by the special symbol pointer in the RAM 102 and stores it in the reserved memory buffer of the RAM 102 (S55). Specifically, if the special symbol pointer is pointing to "1st", the CPU 103 reads each random value stored in the storage area corresponding to the number of reserved memories = 1 in the first reserved memory buffer and stores it in the random number buffer of the RAM 102. Also, if the special symbol pointer is pointing to "2nd", the CPU 103 reads each random value stored in the storage area corresponding to the number of reserved memories = 1 in the second reserved memory buffer and stores it in the random number buffer of the RAM 102.

[0254] Then, the CPU 103 decrements the count value of the reserved memory counter indicated by the special symbol pointer by 1 and shifts the contents of each storage area (S56). Specifically, if the special symbol pointer indicates "1st", the CPU 103 decrements the count value of the 1st reserved memory counter by 1 and shifts the contents of each storage area in the 1st reserved memory buffer. If the special symbol pointer indicates "2nd", the CPU 103 decrements the count value of the 2nd reserved memory counter by 1 and erases the contents of the storage area in the 2nd reserved memory buffer.

[0255] In other words, when the special symbol pointer points to "1st", the CPU 103 stores each random value stored in the storage area corresponding to the 1st reserved memory number = n (n=2,3,4) in the first reserved memory buffer of RAM 102 into the storage area corresponding to the 1st reserved memory number = n-1. Also, when the special symbol pointer points to "2nd", the CPU 103 stores each random value stored in the storage area corresponding to the 2nd reserved memory number = n (n=2,3,4) in the second reserved memory buffer of RAM 102 into the storage area corresponding to the 2nd reserved memory number = n-1.

[0256] Therefore, the order in which each random number stored in the respective storage area corresponding to each first reserved memory number is extracted always matches the order of first reserved memory number = 1, 2, 3, 4. Similarly, the order in which each random number stored in the respective storage area corresponding to each second reserved memory number is extracted always matches the order of second reserved memory number = 1, 2, 3, 4.

[0257] Furthermore, CPU 103 controls the performance control CPU 120 to send a command to specify the number of reserved items indicated by the special symbol pointer, based on the value of the reserved item counter indicated by the special symbol pointer after subtraction (S59). In this case, if the special symbol pointer is set to a value indicating "1st", CPU 103 controls the sending of the 1st reserved item specification command. If the special symbol pointer is set to a value indicating "2nd", CPU 103 controls the sending of the 2nd reserved item specification command.

[0258] In the normal processing of special symbols, initially, data indicating "1st" (i.e., data indicating "1st" indicating that processing will be performed on the 1st special symbol) or data indicating "2nd" (i.e., data indicating "2nd" indicating that processing will be performed on the 2nd special symbol) is set in the special symbol pointer. Then, in subsequent processing in the special symbol process processing, processing is performed according to the data set in the special symbol pointer. Therefore, the processing can be standardized whether the 1st special symbol or the 2nd special symbol is the target.

[0259] Next, the CPU 103 reads a random R (a random number for determining a jackpot) from the random number buffer and executes the jackpot determination module (S61). In this case, the CPU 103 reads the random number for determining a jackpot that was extracted in the start gate switch pass-through process S1214 and S1224 and stored in the hold memory buffer and random number buffer, and performs a jackpot determination. The jackpot determination module is a program that compares the random number for determining a jackpot with predetermined jackpot determination values ​​and minor win determination values, and executes a process to determine whether it is a jackpot or a minor win if they match. In other words, it is a program that executes the process of determining a jackpot or a minor win.

[0260] In the jackpot determination process, if the first special symbol matches any of the jackpot determination values ​​shown in Figure 8-4(A), or if the second special symbol matches any of the jackpot determination values ​​shown in Figure 8-4(B), it is determined that the special symbol is a jackpot. If it is determined that it is a jackpot (Y in S61), the process proceeds to S71. Deciding whether or not to declare a jackpot means deciding whether or not to proceed to the jackpot game state, but it also means deciding whether or not to declare the stopped symbol on the special symbol display as a jackpot symbol.

[0261] If it is decided in S61 that it is a jackpot (Y in S61), a jackpot flag is set to indicate that it is a jackpot (S71).

[0262] Next, it is determined whether the special symbol pointer is pointing to "1st" (S72). If the special symbol pointer is pointing to "1st", the 1st special symbol jackpot type determination table in Figure 8-4(C) is selected (S73), and the process proceeds to S75. On the other hand, if the special symbol pointer is not pointing to "1st" (i.e., it is pointing to "2nd"), the 2nd special symbol jackpot type determination table in Figure 8-4(D) is selected (S74), and the process proceeds to S75.

[0263] In S75, the type of jackpot is determined using the jackpot type determination table selected in S73 or S74, and the jackpot type corresponding to the value of the random number (random 1) stored in the random number buffer area that matches the jackpot type determination value is determined (S75), and the process proceeds to S81.

[0264] Furthermore, if the value of the random number for determining the jackpot (random R) in S61 does not match any of the jackpot determination values ​​(N in S61), the system checks whether the data set in the special symbol pointer is the data indicating "second" to determine whether the target of the jackpot determination is the variation display of the second special symbol (S76). If the data set in the special symbol pointer in S76 is not the data indicating "second" (it is the variation display of the first special symbol), the system proceeds to S82, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the data set in the special symbol pointer in S76 is the data indicating "second" (it is the variation display of the second special symbol), the system uses the second special symbol jackpot determination table in Figure 8-4(B) to determine whether the value of the random number for determining the jackpot (random R) matches any of the minor jackpot determination values, and then performs the minor jackpot determination process (S77). In other words, if the value of the random number used to determine a big win (random R) matches any of the minor win determination values ​​shown in Figure 8-4(B) (Y in S77), it is decided that the second special symbol will result in a minor win. If it is decided that it will result in a minor win (S77Y), a minor win flag is set to indicate that it is a minor win (S78).

[0265] After setting the minor win flag, the minor win-to-major win type determination table shown in Figure 8-4(E) is selected (S79), and the major win type corresponding to the value that matches the value of the random number (random1) for determining the major win type stored in the random number buffer area is determined as the major win type via the minor win (S80). Then, the process proceeds to S81. On the other hand, if the value of the random number (randomR) for determining the minor win in S77 does not match any of the minor win determination values ​​(N in S77), the process proceeds to S82, which will be described later.

[0266] In S81, data indicating the type of jackpot determined in S75 or S80 is stored in the jackpot type buffer in RAM102 (S81), and the process proceeds to S82. For example, if the jackpot type is "Symbol 15R Short Time Jackpot", "01" is set in the jackpot type buffer as data indicating the jackpot type, and if the jackpot type is "Symbol 4R Short Time Jackpot", "02" is set in the jackpot type buffer as data indicating the jackpot type. On the other hand, if the jackpot type is "Small Win 16(15)R Short Time Jackpot", "03" is set in a temporary jackpot type buffer separate from the jackpot type buffer as data indicating the jackpot type. If the jackpot type is Small Win 9(8)R Short Time Jackpot, "04" is set in the temporary jackpot type buffer as data indicating the jackpot type. If the jackpot type is a 5(4)R time-saving jackpot via a minor win, "05" is set in the temporary jackpot type buffer as data indicating the jackpot type. Among these, the data indicating a 16(15)R time-saving jackpot via a minor win, a 9(8)R time-saving jackpot via a minor win, and a 5(4)R time-saving jackpot via a minor win are temporary settings because if a V-entry does not occur during the minor win game state, the jackpot will not occur and the data will be invalid.

[0267] In S82, the stop symbol for the special symbol is set (S78). Specifically, if neither the jackpot flag nor the minor jackpot flag is set, the symbol "-", which is a losing symbol, is set as the stop symbol for the special symbol. If the minor jackpot flag is set, one of "1", "5", or "9", which is a minor jackpot symbol corresponding to the minor jackpot type selected in S80, is set as the stop symbol for the special symbol. If the jackpot flag is set, one of "3" or "7", which is a jackpot symbol corresponding to the jackpot type selected in S75, is set as the stop symbol for the special symbol. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (S111) (S79).

[0268] Figure 8-9 is a flowchart of the pre-processing for opening a minor win (S118). In the pre-processing for opening a minor win, the CPU 103 controls the solenoid 22 based on the opening pattern of the minor win to operate the movable part 872 into the open state and start the opening operation of the operating port of the V-judgment prize winning device 87 (S411). Next, the CPU 103 sends a minor win start designation command to the performance control CPU 120, indicating that the minor win game state is about to start (S412). Next, the CPU 103 sets a V-judgment prize winning counter as a counting means in order to use the number of prizes that have entered the V-prize winning area 870 in the minor win opening state as the termination condition for the opening state (S413). Specifically, in S413, the counter value of the V-judgment prize winning counter is set to "10" to set the V-prize winning count to down-count. Then, CPU 103 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the small win opening process (S119) (S414).

[0269] Figs. 8 - 10 are flowcharts showing the small win release process (S119) in the special symbol process. In the small win release process, the CPU 103 updates the small win release control timer by subtracting 1 (S430). Next, it checks whether the count value of the V determination winning count counter, which counts the number of V winning balls in S435 described later, is "0" (S431). The V determination winning count counter is set to "10" in S413 of Fig. 8 - 9, and when it counts 10 V winning balls, the count value becomes "0". When the count value of the V determination winning count counter is "0" in S430, the process proceeds to S441. On the other hand, when the count value of the V determination winning count counter is not "0" in S430, it checks whether the small win release control timer has timed out (timer value = 0) (S432).

[0270] When the small win release control timer has timed out in S432, the process proceeds to S441. On the other hand, when the small win release control timer has not timed out in S432, based on the small win release mode, a process is performed to operate the movable part 872 to the open state and open and close the operating port of the V determination winning device 87 by controlling the solenoid 22 corresponding to the measured value of the small win release control timer (S433).

[0271] Next, in order to determine whether a V-win has been detected, which occurs when a game ball enters the V-win area 870, which is open inside the V-winning device 87, from the V-winning opening, it is determined whether the V-win switch 87a is in the ON state (S434). If it is in the ON state in S434, a V-win has been detected, and the V-win flag, which is set when a V-win is detected, is set (S435). Then, processing is performed to send a V-win ball detection specification command (S436). As a result, the performance control CPU 120 can recognize that a V-win ball has been detected and can recognize the number of V-wins. Next, the opening and closing member is operated by driving the solenoid, changing the V-win opening of the V-win area 870 from the open state to the closed state (S437), and the process proceeds to S439. As a result, when the first game ball that enters the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 is a V-win, the V-win-winning opening in the V-win-winning area 870 is closed, and all game balls that enter the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 thereafter are guided to the prize-winning area and detected by the V-judgment prize-winning switch 15a.

[0272] On the other hand, if it is not in the ON state in S434, it means that a V-win has not been detected, and it is determined whether or not the V-win judgment switch 15a is in the ON state (S438). If the state in S438 is ON, proceed to S439; otherwise, terminate the process.

[0273] In S439, a downcount is performed to subtract 1 from the count value of the V-winning ball counter, which was set to "10" in S413 in Figure 8-9 (S439), and processing is performed to send a V-winning ball detection specification command (S440). As a result, the performance control CPU 120 can recognize that a V-winning ball has been detected and has entered the judgment winning device 87, and can recognize the number of game balls that have entered the judgment winning device 87.

[0274] In S431, when the count of the V-judgment winning count counter is "0", it means that the condition for ending the opening of the minor win has been met because the number of minor wins has reached the upper limit. Also, in S432, when the minor win opening control timer times out, it means that the condition for ending the opening of the minor win has been met because the minor win opening control has ended. In these cases, the CPU 103 controls the solenoid 22 to operate the movable part 872 to the closed state and close the operating opening of the V-judgment winning device 87 (S441). When the count of the V-judgment winning count counter becomes "0", even if the V-judgment winning device 87 is in the process of opening according to the opening mode of the minor win, the V-judgment winning device 87 is forcibly closed according to the count of the V-judgment winning count counter. When the minor win opening control timer times out, the V-judgment prize winning device 87 is closed in accordance with the end of the minor win opening control in the minor win opening mode.

[0275] Next, data corresponding to the specific period which is the valid period for winning a V prize after the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 has closed is set in the V-prize-winning valid period timer (S442), the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the minor win termination process (S120) (S443), and the process ends. This starts the timing of the specific period which is the valid period for winning a V prize after the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 has closed. Furthermore, because a specific period is set for the validity of V-winning, even if the game ball passes through the V-winning area later than it normally would, the game ball can still be detected. Also, because a specific period is set, even if someone tries to fraudulently enter the V-winning area, they will only be detected during that period, thus preventing fraud.

[0276] Figure 8-11 is a flowchart of the minor win termination process (S120) in the special symbol process. In the minor win termination process, the CPU 103 updates the V-winning validity period timer by subtracting -1 (S441) and checks whether the V-winning validity period timer has timed out (timer value = 0) (S442).

[0277] If the V-win validity period timer has not timed out in S442, it is determined whether the V-win flag, which is set in S434 or S445 when a V-win is already detected, is set (S443). If the V-win flag is set, the process ends. On the other hand, if the V-win flag is not set, it is determined whether the V-win switch 87a is in the ON state in order to determine whether a V-win has been detected when a game ball enters the V-win area 870 during the V-win validity period (S444). If it is not in the ON state in S444, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is in the ON state in S444, it means that a V-win has been detected during the V-win validity period, and the V-win flag indicating that a V-win has been detected is set (S445). Then, the process to send a V-win designation command is performed (S446), and the process ends. As a result, the performance control CPU 120 can recognize that a V-win has occurred.

[0278] In S442, if the V-winning validity period timer has timed out, processing is performed to send a command to indicate the end of the minor win (S447). This allows the performance control CPU 120 to recognize that the minor win has ended. Next, by changing the state of the solenoid 22, control is performed to open the opening / closing member and return the V-winning area 870 (V-winning slot) to an open state (S447A). Next, the CPU 103 determines whether the V-winning flag is set or not (S448). If the V-winning flag is set in S448, it is decided that it will be a big win, and the big win flag is set (S449).

[0279] As mentioned above, in the minor win state, if you shoot to the right according to the right-shooting promotion notification described later, you can get the game ball into the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 with approximately 100% probability, and the game ball that enters the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 will always enter the V-winning area 870, and based on the fact that the V-winning flag is set with approximately 100% probability (S435 in Figure 8-10), the big win flag is set in S449 and the game is controlled to the big win state.

[0280] Next, the CPU 103 formally stores the data indicating the type of jackpot via a minor win, which was stored in the provisional jackpot type buffer in S81, back into the jackpot type buffer in response to the occurrence of a V-entry, which has determined that a jackpot has been officially awarded (S450). Then, it resets the time-saving flag that was set at that point (S451).

[0281] Next, the CPU 103 sends a jackpot start 3 command, a jackpot start 4 command, or a jackpot start 5 command, depending on the type of jackpot corresponding to the data stored in S450 (S452). This allows the performance control CPU 120 to recognize that the jackpot game state has started. Next, a value corresponding to the jackpot display time (the time for which the occurrence of a jackpot is announced, for example, on the image display device 5) is set in the jackpot entry control timer (S453).

[0282] Furthermore, the system refers to the jackpot opening pattern data stored in the ROM 101 and sets opening pattern data indicating the opening method, such as the number of openings (for example, 15, 8, or 4 times), opening time (for example, 29 seconds), and interval time (the time the big prize slot is closed between rounds), in a predetermined storage area formed in the RAM 102, according to the type of jackpot (S454). Of this data, the data for the number of openings is set in the opening count counter for counting the number of openings. The value of the special symbol process flag is then updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot opening pre-processing (S114) (S455), and the process ends. As a result, when a V-entry occurs in the minor prize game state, the system transitions to the jackpot game state.

[0283] If the V-winning flag is not set in S448, the jackpot game state will not occur. Therefore, in S81, the data indicating the jackpot type via the minor win stored in the jackpot provisional type buffer is deleted (S456), the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal processing (S110) (S457), and the process ends. As a result, if a V-winning occurs during the minor win game state, the game will not transition to the jackpot game state.

[0284] [Explanation of Feature Section 09TM] Next, feature section 09TM will be explained using Figures 9-1 to 9-28. In this embodiment, when controlled to a low base state (normal state), in a variable display where the display result is "Big Win", it is possible to display a combination of decorative symbols for a big win (for example, "333", etc.) as the combination of decorative symbols to be stopped. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when controlled to a high base state (time-saving state), in a variable display where the display result is a "minor win," it is possible to display a combination of decorative symbols for minor wins ("3V3," etc.) as the combination of decorative symbols to be stopped. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the machine is controlled to a high base state (time-saving state), if a variable display that results in a "minor win" is executed, and the game medium (game ball) does not enter the V-winning area during the minor win game, and the machine is controlled to a low base state (normal state), it is possible to display a combination of decorative symbols for a big win (such as "333") as the combination of decorative symbols to be stopped.

[0285] [Board composition] Figure 9-1 is a front view of the pachinko game machine in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 9-1, the V-entry device 87, which is a device for determining whether a game ball has entered the V-slot, a condition for generating a big win when a minor win occurs as shown in Figure 8-1, is made of a transparent material and allows the player to see the game ball passing through its interior. The V-entry device LED 87L is provided on the V-entry device LED 87L and is configured to perform a promotional flashing effect in which the V-entry device LED 87L flashes (illuminates) at a predetermined timing (in this example, during the promotional effect for the minor win game). Note that the same parts as in Figure 8-1 will not be explained.

[0286] In this embodiment, several different types of flashing animations are provided as modes for the promotional flashing animation. For example, there is a first promotional flashing animation in which the V-winning detection device LED 87L flashes in rainbow colors with a flashing period of 0.5 seconds, and a second promotional flashing animation in which the V-winning detection device LED 87L flashes in red with a flashing period of 2 seconds (see Figures 9-14 and 9-15 described later).

[0287] [Big Win Type Table] Figure 9-2 is a diagram showing the jackpot type table. The jackpot type table shows, for each type of jackpot, the conditions for the jackpot to occur, the control state (game state) after the jackpot, the number of openings (number of rounds) in the jackpot, the opening time for each round in the jackpot, the jackpot ending period (hereinafter referred to as the "jackpot ED period"), and the minor jackpot ending period (hereinafter referred to as the "minor jackpot ED period") as appropriate. In this embodiment, the jackpot types are provided as follows: 10R time-saving jackpot with symbols, 3R time-saving jackpot with symbols, 11(10)R time-saving jackpot via minor jackpot, 6(5)R time-saving jackpot via minor jackpot, and 4(3)R time-saving jackpot via minor jackpot. The number in parentheses for jackpots via minor jackpots indicates the number of times the special variable prize ball device 7 opens.

[0288] A minor win occurs when a game ball enters the second starting entry slot in the variable ball entry device 6B, and the result displayed on the second special symbol is a minor win symbol. The determination of whether or not the result displayed on the special symbol will be a minor win symbol is made in advance by random number drawing (minor win determination of special symbols). When a minor win occurs, the game enters a minor win state, and the V-judgment prize entry device 87 opens with a pattern of 10 openings and an opening time of 0.1 seconds. The game control state after the minor win state ends (the jackpot probability, minor win probability, and base, which will be described later) is the same as before the minor win. In the case of a minor win, prize balls are paid out for game balls that enter the V-entry area 870 within the V-determination prize-winning device 87 during the minor win game state. During the minor win game state, it is set that approximately 10 prize-winning balls may occur, and prize balls may be paid out according to the number of prize-winning balls.

[0289] When the operating port of the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 is open, if a game ball is entered into the operating port and enters the V-winning area 870 inside the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 (V-winning), a jackpot is awarded. A jackpot that occurs via a minor win in this way is called a minor win-via jackpot. Minor win-via jackpots include "minor win-via 11(10)R time-saving jackpot," "minor win-via 6(5)R time-saving jackpot," and "minor win-via 4(3)R time-saving jackpot," which differ in the number of rounds in the jackpot.

[0290] In this example, a minor win linked to a potential "11(10)R time-saving jackpot" is called the "first minor win." A minor win linked to a potential "6(5)R time-saving jackpot" is called the "second minor win." A minor win linked to a potential "4(3)R time-saving jackpot" is called the "third minor win."

[0291] On the other hand, a big win that occurs directly through the display of special symbols without going through a minor win is called a symbol big win. Symbol big wins include the "Symbol 10R Short Time Big Win" and the "Symbol 3R Short Time Big Win," which occur directly based on the display of the first or second special symbol.

[0292] Thus, the jackpots include symbol jackpots that occur directly based on the fluctuation display of the first or second special symbol, and jackpots that occur via a minor win after a minor win based on the fluctuation display of the second special symbol and a V-win. Each of the symbol jackpots and minor win-based jackpots is controlled to a time-saving state after the jackpot game state ends, and is named a time-saving jackpot. In this embodiment, the advantageous state for the player also includes the opening of the special variable prize ball device 7.

[0293] The 10R time-saving jackpot with symbols is a jackpot in which the large prize slot is opened 10 times (10R). The 3R time-saving jackpot with symbols is a jackpot in which the large prize slot is opened 3 times (3R). The 11(10)R time-saving jackpot via a minor win is a jackpot in which the V-judgment prize device 87 is opened once (0.1 seconds x 10 times), and then the large prize slot is opened 10 times (10R) on the condition that a V-entry is achieved. The prize device is opened for 11 rounds, but in reality the large prize slot is opened 10 times, and the player will perceive it as the same type of jackpot as the 10R time-saving jackpot with symbols in terms of the opening of the large prize slot. The 6(5)R time-saving jackpot via a minor win is a jackpot in which the V-judgment prize device 87 is opened (0.1 seconds x 10 times), and then the large prize slot is opened 5 times (5R) on the condition that a V-entry is achieved. The 4(3)R time-saving jackpot via a minor win is a jackpot in which the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 opens once (0.1 seconds x 10 times), and then the large prize-winning opening opens three times (3R) on the condition that a V-win occurs. The prize-winning device opens for four rounds, but the large prize-winning opening is effectively opened only three times, so players perceive it as the same type of jackpot as the 3R time-saving jackpot with symbols in terms of the opening of the large prize-winning opening.

[0294] The time-saving state after a 3R time-saving jackpot has two termination conditions: one where the second special symbol is displayed once, and another where the total number of display times for the first and second special symbols is five (not shown). The number of times the second special symbol is displayed once is set considering that 100% of the game balls that enter the V-judgment prize device 87 enter the V-prize area 870. A minor win occurs approximately 1 / 7 of the time when the second special symbol is displayed. Therefore, the termination condition of the second special symbol being displayed once is set to the number of times when the second special symbol is displayed that there is approximately a 1 / 7 chance of a jackpot occurring via a minor win.

[0295] The reason why the time-saving mode ends when the second special symbol is displayed in a variable state once is set as follows: In the case of a 3R time-saving jackpot, the time-saving state (including the electric support state) is basically continued until the second special symbol is displayed in a variable state once. However, in order to display the second special symbol in a variable state, it is necessary to shoot the ball to the right to enter the passing gate 41 and open the variable prize ball device 6B, and then to get the ball into the variable prize ball device 6B in that state. It takes time to get the ball into such a variable prize ball device 6B, and in some cases the first special symbol, which was stored in reserve, may be displayed in a variable state first.

[0296] Therefore, the termination condition of a total of 5 display cycles for the first and second special symbols is designed to ensure that even if the first special symbol's display cycle starts immediately after the start of the time-saving state, before the condition for starting the second special symbol's display cycle is met, and before the jackpot game state is reached, the second special symbol's display cycle, which is likely to result in a jackpot favorable to the player, can be reliably executed once. In this way, it is possible to prevent the second special symbol's display cycle, which is likely to result in a jackpot favorable to the player, from being prevented from being executed during the time-saving state due to the first special symbol's display cycle starting immediately after the start of the time-saving state, based on the reserve memory of the first start entry.

[0297] Furthermore, after a jackpot, such as a 10R time-saving jackpot with symbols or a portion of the 11(10)R time-saving jackpots via a minor win, there are two termination conditions: one where the second special symbol is displayed 99 times, and another where the total number of times the first and second special symbols are displayed is 103 (not shown). The number 99 for this time-saving state termination condition is set considering that 100% of the game balls that enter the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 enter the V-prize-winning area 870. A minor win occurs approximately 1 / 7 of the time when the second special symbol is displayed. Therefore, the termination condition of 99 times when the second special symbol is displayed effectively guarantees the next jackpot via a minor win when the second special symbol is displayed, and this number significantly increases the probability of a jackpot via a minor win compared to a 3R time-saving jackpot with symbols. This allows players to focus their attention on the occurrence of big wins via small wins, and also increases their anticipation for the occurrence of big wins via small wins.

[0298] Furthermore, the termination condition of a total of 103 rotations for the first and second special symbols is the same reason as in the case of a 3R time-saving jackpot. This is to ensure that even if the rotation of the first special symbol begins immediately after the start of the time-saving state, before the conditions for starting the rotation of the second special symbol are met, and based on the reserve memory that can be stored for up to 4 times before the jackpot game state, the rotation of the second special symbol, which is more likely to result in a jackpot favorable to the player, can be reliably executed for 99 rotations.

[0299] Furthermore, after a jackpot in some cases of 11(10)R time-saving jackpots via a minor win, 6(5)R time-saving jackpots via a minor win, and 4(3)R time-saving jackpots via a minor win, there are two termination conditions: one where the second special symbol is displayed 7 times, and another where the total number of times the first and second special symbols are displayed is 11 (not shown). The number 7 for this time-saving termination condition is set considering that 100% of the game balls that enter the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 enter the V-prize-winning area 870. A minor win occurs approximately 1 / 7 of the time when the second special symbol is displayed. Therefore, the termination condition of 7 times when the second special symbol is displayed is set to a number where the probability of a jackpot via a minor win occurs is significantly higher compared to a 3R time-saving jackpot when the second special symbol is displayed. This allows players to focus their attention on the occurrence of big wins via small wins, and also increases their anticipation for the occurrence of big wins via small wins.

[0300] Furthermore, the termination condition of 11 total number of display cycles for the first and second special symbols is for the same reason as in the case of a 3R time-saving jackpot. This is to ensure that even if the display of the first special symbol starts immediately after the start of the time-saving state, before the condition for starting the display of the second special symbol's variation is met, and based on the reserve memory that can be stored for up to 4 times before the jackpot game state, the display of the second special symbol's variation cycle, which is likely to result in a jackpot favorable to the player, can be reliably executed for 7 cycles.

[0301] A 10-second period is set for the ending of the jackpot (hereinafter referred to as the "jackpot ending period") for both the 3R time-saving jackpot and the 10R time-saving jackpot. During this 10-second jackpot ending period, it is possible to perform an entry animation that suggests the performance mode controlled after the jackpot.

[0302] Furthermore, a 5-second ending period (hereinafter referred to as the "minor win ED period") is set for the 11(10)R time-saving big win via a minor win, the 6(5)R time-saving big win via a minor win, and the 4(3)R time-saving big win via a minor win, and a 10-second big win ED period is set. During this 5-second minor win ED period, it is possible to execute a big win type notification effect that notifies the type of big win and a result effect that displays information related to the number of big wins and the total number of prize balls awarded. During the 10-second big win ED period, it is possible to execute an entry effect that suggests the effect mode controlled after a big win.

[0303] In this embodiment, in the normal low-base state, the first starting prize entry point is provided so that the ball can enter from the first path. Therefore, it is more advantageous for the player in terms of starting prize entry when the game ball flows down the first path than when it flows down the second path. On the other hand, in an advantageous state such as a jackpot game state, the special variable prize ball entry device 7, which is opened, is provided so that the ball can enter from the second path. Therefore, it is more advantageous for the player in terms of winning a jackpot when the game ball flows down the second path than when it flows down the first path. Furthermore, in a special state such as a minor win game state, the V-judgment prize entry device 87, which is opened, is provided so that the ball can enter from the second path. Therefore, it is more advantageous for the player in terms of jackpot occurrence when the game ball flows down the second path than when it flows down the first path.

[0304] Furthermore, beyond this comparison of advantages, a configuration may be adopted in which, for example, other prize-winning openings (for example, another variable prize-winning opening (which may be for starting prizes or for non-starting prizes)) are provided in both the first and second paths, and in the normal low-base state, the first path is more likely to result in a prize entering the variable prize-winning opening than the second path, while in other states such as the high-base state, the jackpot state, and the minor prize state, the second path is more likely to result in a prize entering the variable prize-winning opening than the first path. In other terms, a configuration may be adopted in which, from other perspectives, it is more advantageous for the player for the game medium to flow down the first path in the normal state, and more advantageous for the player for the game medium to flow down the second path in other game states.

[0305] [Random value] Figure 9-3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the random values ​​counted on the main board 11. As shown in Figure 9-3, in this embodiment, on the main board 11, numerical data representing the random value MR1 for determining the special display result, the random value MR2 for determining the type of jackpot, the random value MR3 for determining the variation pattern, the random value MR4 for determining the normal display result, and the random value MR5 for determining the initial value of MR4 are controlled to be countable. In addition, other random values ​​may be used to enhance the game effect. These random values ​​MR1 ​​to MR5 may be counted by the CPU 103 using different random counters and updated by software, or they may be updated by the random number circuit 104. The random number circuit 104 may be built into the game control microcomputer 100, or it may be configured as a random number circuit chip separate from the game control microcomputer 100. Random numbers used to control the progress of the game are also called game random numbers.

[0306] In this embodiment, the random values ​​MR1 ​​to MR5 are exemplified as being within the ranges shown in Figure 9-3. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the ranges of these random values ​​MR1 ​​to MR5 may differ depending on the setting values ​​set in the pachinko game machine 1.

[0307] In the game control microcomputer 100, the CPU 103 executes a program read from the ROM 101 and uses the RAM 102 as a work area to perform various processes for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko game machine 1. In addition, the CPU 103 is capable of generating all types of random numbers used on the main board 11 by executing a random number generation program.

[0308] The ROM 101 of the game control microcomputer 100 stores not only game control programs but also various table data used to control the progress of the game. For example, the ROM 101 stores table data that constitutes multiple judgment tables prepared for the CPU 103 to perform various judgments and decisions. The ROM 101 also stores table data that constitutes multiple control pattern tables used by the CPU 103 to output various control signals from the main board 11, as well as a variable pattern table that stores multiple types of variable display patterns for each symbol in variable displays such as special symbols and regular symbols.

[0309] [Display Result Determination Table] Figures 9-4(A1) and (A2) are explanatory diagrams showing the display result determination table for the first special symbol and the display result determination table for the second special symbol. These tables are stored in ROM101.

[0310] Figure 9-4(A1) is an explanatory diagram showing the display result determination table for the first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as the "[First Special Symbol] Display Result Determination Table" as appropriate). The [First Special Symbol] Display Result Determination Table is a data table for determining a jackpot for the first special symbol, and is a table in which a jackpot determination value is set to be compared with the random value MR1. The "probability" shown in Figure 9-4(A1) represents the probability (percentage) of hitting the jackpot. In this example, the probability of hitting the jackpot with the first special symbol is 1 / 199.

[0311] Figure 9-4(A2) is an explanatory diagram showing the display result determination table for the second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as the "[Second Special Symbol] Display Result Determination Table" as appropriate). The [Second Special Symbol] Display Result Determination Table is a data table for determining whether the second special symbol is a jackpot or a minor win, and is a table in which a jackpot determination value and a minor win determination value are set to be compared with the random value MR1. In Figure 9-4(A2), the upper section is the jackpot determination table section, and the lower section is the minor win determination table section. The "probability" shown in the upper section indicates the probability (percentage) of getting a jackpot, and the "probability" shown in the lower section indicates the probability (percentage) of getting a minor win.

[0312] In this example, the probability of a big win with the second special symbol is 1 / 199. The probability of a minor win with the second special symbol is set at 1 / 7.35. A minor win may also be provided for the first special symbol. In such a case, it is desirable that the probability of winning a minor win with the first special symbol be lower than that of the second special symbol. For example, the probability of a minor win with the first special symbol could be set to 1 / 100.

[0313] When the CPU 103 detects an entry into the first entry slot (first entry) or an entry into the second entry slot (second entry), it extracts a count value (random value MR1) from the random number circuit 124 at a predetermined timing. For the first entry, the extracted value is compared with the jackpot judgment value set in the [for first special symbol] display result judgment table, and if the extracted value matches any of the jackpot judgment values, it is decided to award a jackpot for the first special symbol. For the second entry, the extracted value is compared with the jackpot judgment value set in the [for second special symbol] display result judgment table, and if the extracted value matches any of the jackpot judgment values, it is decided to award a jackpot for the second special symbol. If the extracted value does not match any of the jackpot judgment values, the extracted value is compared with the minor win judgment value set in the [for second special symbol] display result judgment table, and if the extracted value matches any of the minor win judgment values, it is decided to award a minor win for the second special symbol. Deciding to award a minor win also means making a provisional decision to award a major win via a minor win (it's called a provisional decision because if a V-entry doesn't occur during the minor win, it won't be controlled to award a major win).

[0314] Furthermore, deciding whether or not to award a jackpot means deciding whether or not to transition to the jackpot game state, but it also means deciding whether or not to make the stopping symbol from the fluctuation display of the first or second special symbol a jackpot symbol. Similarly, deciding whether or not to award a minor win means deciding whether or not to transition to the minor win game state, but it also means deciding whether or not to make the stopping symbol from the fluctuation display of the second special symbol a minor win symbol.

[0315] [Big Win Type Determination Table] Figures 9-4(B1), (B2-1), and (B2-2) are explanatory diagrams showing the jackpot type determination tables stored in ROM 101. Figure 9-4(B1) is the jackpot type determination table for the first special symbol, used to determine the jackpot type of a symbol jackpot when a jackpot is determined by the first special symbol. Figure 9-4(B2-1) is the jackpot type determination table for the second special symbol, used to determine the jackpot type of a symbol jackpot when a jackpot is determined by the second special symbol. Figure 9-4(B2-2) is the minor win-via-jackpot type determination table for the second special symbol, used to determine the jackpot type of a minor win-via-jackpot when a minor win is determined by the second special symbol.

[0316] The jackpot type determination table for the first special symbol in Figure 9-4(B1) (hereinafter referred to as the "[First Special Symbol] Jackpot Type Determination Table" as appropriate) contains jackpot determination values ​​that are compared with the random number MR2 for jackpot type determination, and correspond to "Symbol 10R Short Time Jackpot" and "Symbol 3R Short Time Jackpot," respectively.

[0317] Furthermore, Figure 9-4(B1) also shows the number of time-saving controls performed after a jackpot, corresponding to the "10R symbol time-saving jackpot" and the "3R symbol time-saving jackpot." The "10R symbol time-saving jackpot" has 99 time-saving controls, while the "3R symbol time-saving jackpot" has 1 time-saving control. Hereafter, the 10R symbol time-saving jackpot with 99 time-saving controls will be referred to as the "10R symbol time-saving jackpot (99 times)," and the 3R symbol time-saving jackpot with 1 time-saving control will be referred to as the "3R symbol time-saving jackpot (1 time)."

[0318] In this example, in the [First Special Symbol] Jackpot Type Determination Table, of the MR2 determination value range of 0 to 299, values ​​from 0 to 2 are assigned to "Symbol 10R Short Time Jackpot" (3%), and values ​​from 3 to 299 are assigned to "Symbol 3R Short Time Jackpot" (97%).

[0319] The jackpot type determination table for the second special symbol in Figure 9-4 (B2-1) (hereinafter referred to as the "[Second Special Symbol] Jackpot Type Determination Table" as appropriate) contains a jackpot determination value that is compared with the random number MR2 for jackpot type determination and corresponds to the "Symbol 10R Short Time Jackpot".

[0320] In this example, in the [Second Special Symbol] Jackpot Type Determination Table, the range of MR2's determination values ​​from 0 to 299 is assigned to "Symbol 10R Short Time Jackpot" (100%).

[0321] The small win-to-big win type determination table for the second special symbol in Figure 9-4 (B2-2) (hereinafter referred to as the "[Second Special Symbol] Small Win-to-Big Win Type Determination Table") contains values ​​that are compared with the random number MR2 for determining the type of big win, and each of the big win determination values ​​corresponds to "small win-to-11(10)R time-saving big win," "small win-to-6(5)R time-saving big win," and "small win-to-4(3)R time-saving big win."

[0322] Furthermore, Figure 9-4 (B2-2) also shows the number of time-saving controls performed after each of the following jackpots: "11(10)R time-saving jackpot via minor win," "6(5)R time-saving jackpot via minor win," and "4(3)R time-saving jackpot via minor win." For "11(10)R time-saving jackpot via minor win," the number of time-saving controls is 99 or 7; for "6(5)R time-saving jackpot via minor win," the number of time-saving controls is 7; and for "4(3)R time-saving jackpot via minor win," the number of time-saving controls is 7. In the following explanation, a 11(10)R time-saving jackpot via a minor win with 99 time-saving control rounds will be appropriately referred to as "11(10)R time-saving jackpot via minor win (99 rounds)", a 11(10)R time-saving jackpot via a minor win with 7 time-saving control rounds will be appropriately referred to as "11(10)R time-saving jackpot via minor win (7 rounds)", a 6(5)R time-saving jackpot via a minor win with 7 time-saving control rounds will be appropriately referred to as "6(5)R time-saving jackpot via minor win (7 rounds)", and a 4(3)R time-saving jackpot via a minor win with 7 time-saving control rounds will be appropriately referred to as "4(3)R time-saving jackpot via minor win (7 rounds)".

[0323] In this example, in the [Second Special Symbol] Small Win-to-Big Win Type Determination Table, out of the MR2 determination value range of 0 to 299, values ​​from 0 to 29 are assigned to "Small Win-to-11(10)R Short Time Big Win (99 times)" (10%), values ​​from 30 to 149 are assigned to "Small Win-to-11(10)R Short Time Big Win (7 times)" (40%), values ​​from 150 to 164 are assigned to "Small Win-to-6(5)R Short Time Big Win (7 times)" (5%), and values ​​from 165 to 299 are assigned to "Small Win-to-4(3)R Short Time Big Win (7 times)" (45%).

[0324] [Variation Pattern Determination] ROM101 also stores a variation pattern determination table for determining the variation pattern based on a random value MR3 used for variation pattern determination, and determines the variation pattern to one of the multiple variation patterns mentioned above according to the pre-determined result.

[0325] This section explains the determination of the variation pattern during the Hyper Rush mode (see Figure 9-6), which will be described later. Specifically, two variation pattern determination tables are prepared in advance: a [Miss] variation pattern determination table used when it is predetermined that the variation display result will be a "miss," and a [Big Win / Small Win] variation pattern determination table used when it is predetermined that the variation display result will be a "Big Win" or a "Small Win."

[0326] In the [Loss] Variation Pattern Determination Table, for the variation patterns of "Shortened Variation Loss," "Shortened Normal Reach Loss," and "Ultra-Shortened Variation Loss," a predetermined random value is assigned as the determination value from within the range that the random value MR3 used for variation pattern determination can take.

[0327] In the [Big Win / Small Win] variation pattern determination table, for the variation patterns of "Shortened Normal Reach Big Win / Small Win" and "Super Shortened Variation Big Win / Small Win," a predetermined random value is assigned as the determination value from within the range that the random value MR3 for variation pattern determination can take.

[0328] In this embodiment, the jackpot includes a symbol jackpot that occurs directly based on the fluctuation display of the first or second special symbol, and a jackpot via a minor win that occurs via a minor win based on the fluctuation display of the second special symbol and a V-win. Therefore, a common fluctuation pattern is used whether the display result is a "jackpot" or a "minor win". However, the embodiment is not limited to this form, and different fluctuation patterns may be used depending on whether the display result is a "jackpot" or a "minor win".

[0329] In this embodiment, in fluctuation patterns where the final display result is "miss" ("shortened fluctuation miss" and "ultra-shortened fluctuation miss" fluctuation patterns), the system is notified that a reach state is not achieved and the final display result is "miss".

[0330] In this embodiment, the variation pattern for "shortened variation miss" is a combination of decorative symbols that corresponds to the display result being "miss" (hereinafter referred to as "decorative symbol miss combination" as appropriate). For example, the display of "245" or "143" (stop display and confirmed stop) indicates that the final display result is a "miss". The variation time at this time is set to 2 seconds.

[0331] Furthermore, in the "ultra-short fluctuation miss" fluctuation pattern, a result display showing information related to the number of big wins and the total number of prize balls awarded is executed, and a combination of small symbols corresponding to the display result being a "miss" (hereinafter referred to as the "miss combination of small symbols" as appropriate; for example, "245", "143", etc.) is displayed (confirmed stop), thereby notifying that the final displayed result is a "miss". The fluctuation time at this time is set to 1 second.

[0332] In this embodiment, among the variation patterns in which the final display result is "miss," in the variation pattern of "shortened normal reach miss," after the reach state is established, a combination of decorative symbols corresponding to a "miss" display result (for example, "323," "545," etc.) is displayed at a predetermined trigger (operation of push button 31B, elapsed period of time, etc.), thereby notifying that the final display result is "miss." The variation time at this time is set to 10 seconds.

[0333] In this embodiment, two "decorative symbol losing combinations" are set: a "first decorative symbol losing combination" that does not result in a reach state, and a "second decorative symbol losing combination" that does result in a reach state. The "first decorative symbol losing combination" is displayed when the variation pattern is a "shortened variation losing" or a "super shortened variation losing," and the "second decorative symbol losing combination" is displayed when the variation pattern is a "shortened normal reach losing."

[0334] In this example, the "first losing combination of decorative symbols" refers to a combination of decorative symbols that does not result in a winning hand, and the types of decorative symbols (characters, number symbols (letter symbols)) are all random. However, in this example, the "first losing combination of decorative symbols" excludes the "special combination of decorative symbols" "135" (described later) and the "initial combination of decorative symbols" "123" (described later).

[0335] In this embodiment, in the variation pattern of "Shortened Normal Reach Big Win / Small Win" among the variation patterns in which the final display result is "Big Win" or "Small Win", after the reach state is established, a combination of decorative symbols corresponding to the display result being "Big Win" or "Small Win" (hereinafter, the combination of decorative symbols corresponding to the display result being "Big Win" will be appropriately referred to as the "Decorative Symbol Big Win Combination," and the combination of decorative symbols corresponding to the display result being "Small Win" will be appropriately referred to as the "Decorative Symbol Small Win Combination") will be displayed at a predetermined trigger (operation of push button 31B, elapsed time of a predetermined period, etc.), thereby notifying that the final display result is "Big Win" or "Small Win." The variation time at this time is set to 15 seconds.

[0336] In this embodiment, the "decorative symbol combination for a big win" is a combination of common decorative symbols that include numbers displayed when stopped in the symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. For example, "333" or "444". The "decorative symbol combination for a minor win" is a combination of common decorative symbols that include numbers displayed when stopped in the symbol display areas 5L and 5R, and decorative symbols that correspond to a "minor win" display result when stopped in the symbol display area 5C. For example, "3V3" or "4V4".

[0337] In this embodiment, in the variation pattern of "ultra-short variation big win / minor win" among the variation patterns in which the final displayed result is "big win" or "minor win", a result performance is executed that displays a result display showing information related to the number of big wins and the total number of prize balls awarded. In addition, a revival performance is executed in which a shooting star is displayed in the result display, and a combination of small symbols corresponding to the display result being "big win" or "minor win" is displayed (confirmed stop), thereby notifying that the final displayed result is "big win" or "minor win". The variation time at this time is set to 10 seconds.

[0338] Figure 9-5(A) (Figures 9-5(A1) and (A2)) is a table for determining the variation pattern during the first to 99th spins of the Hyper Rush mode, and Figure 9-5(B) (Figures 9-5(B1) and (B2)) is a table for determining the variation pattern during the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th remaining spins of the Hyper Rush mode.

[0339] <[Hyper Rush Mode Short Time Rounds 1-99] Variation Pattern Judgment Table> As shown in Figure 9-5(A1), in the [miss] variation pattern judgment table for the first to 99th spins of the Hyper Rush mode, of the MR3 judgment value range of 1 to 997, values ​​from 1 to 900 are assigned to the variation pattern of "shortened variation miss", and values ​​from 901 to 997 are assigned to the variation pattern of "shortened normal reach miss".

[0340] As shown in Figure 9-5(A2), in the [Big Win / Small Win] variation pattern judgment table for the first 1 to 99 spins of the Hyper Rush mode, the range of MR3 judgment values ​​from 1 to 997 is assigned to the variation pattern of "Shortened Normal Reach Big Win / Small Win".

[0341] <[Hyper Rush Mode Remaining Reserves 1-4 Spins] Variation Pattern Judgment Table> As shown in Figure 9-5(B1), in the [miss] variation pattern judgment table for the 1st to 4th remaining reserved spins in Hyper Rush mode, the range of MR3 judgment values ​​from 1 to 997 is assigned to the variation pattern of "ultra-short variation miss".

[0342] As shown in Figure 9-5(B2), in the [Big Win / Small Win] variation pattern determination table for the 1st to 4th remaining spins in Hyper Rush Mode, out of the range of MR3's determination values ​​from 1 to 997, values ​​from 1 to 997 are assigned to the variation pattern of "Super Shortened Variation Big Win / Small Win".

[0343] [Normal gameplay mode] This section provides a detailed explanation of each production mode (sunny mode, cloudy mode, rainy mode) when the production mode is set to [Normal Mode].

[0344] In this embodiment, when the performance mode is set to [Normal Mode], it is possible to control to multiple types of performance modes. These multiple types of performance modes when the performance mode is set to [Normal Mode] include, for example, [Sunny Mode], [Cloudy Mode], [Rainy Mode], etc. In the following explanation, when the performance mode is set to [Normal Mode], [Sunny Mode] will be referred to as [Normal Mode (Sunny Mode)] or simply [Sunny Mode] as appropriate. The same applies to [Cloudy Mode] and [Rainy Mode].

[0345] When the performance mode is controlled to [Normal Mode (Sunny Mode)], the performance control CPU 120 will display a "Sunny Background Image" as the background image for the decorative symbols, which will depict a sunny landscape including the sun and mountains.

[0346] When the performance mode is controlled to [Normal Mode (Cloudy Mode)], the performance control CPU 120 will display a "cloudy background image" representing a cloudy landscape as the background image for the decorative symbols.

[0347] When the performance mode is controlled to [Normal Mode (Rain Mode)], the performance control CPU 120 will display a "rain background image" representing a rainy landscape as the background image for the decorative symbols.

[0348] In this embodiment, when the performance mode is set to [Normal Mode], one of the following methods can be applied to switch between the various performance modes ([Sunny Mode], [Cloudy Mode], [Rainy Mode]). (A) How to change the performance mode at a specified number of rotations (B) Method of changing the performance mode through player operation

[0349] (A) The "method for changing the performance mode at a specified number of rotations" is a method in which, after being controlled to one performance mode, the display of fluctuations at a specified number of rotations is executed, and then the system is controlled to another performance mode. For example, after 30 variations have been displayed since the performance mode was set to [Sunny Mode], the performance mode will be set to either [Cloudy Mode] or [Rainy Mode].

[0350] (B) The "method for changing the performance mode by player operation" is a method in which, when the machine is controlled in one performance mode, the machine will be controlled to another performance mode when the player inputs an operation to the control unit at any time. For example, when the performance mode is controlled to [Sunny Mode], if the player wants to change the performance mode, they can operate the push button 31B or similar to control the performance mode of their choice (either [Cloudy Mode] or [Rainy Mode]).

[0351] In this embodiment, when the performance mode described later is controlled from [Challenge Mode] or [Rush Mode] to [Normal Mode] (hereinafter referred to as "Time Reduction Exit" as appropriate), it is controlled to [Normal Mode (Sunny Mode)] from among [Normal Mode], and thereafter, when the performance mode is controlled to [Normal Mode], if it is possible to switch the performance mode, it is possible to switch to various performance modes including [Normal Mode (Sunny Mode)] ([Normal Mode (Sunny Mode)], [Normal Mode (Cloudy Mode)], [Normal Mode (Rainy Mode)]).

[0352] In other words, in this embodiment, the performance mode controlled after the time-saving mode ends is fixed to [Normal Mode (Sunny Mode)], and thereafter, at a predetermined trigger (for example, after 20 fluctuation displays have finished after the time-saving mode ends), it becomes possible to switch the performance mode, and it is possible to switch from various performance modes including [Normal Mode (Sunny Mode)] ([Normal Mode (Sunny Mode)], [Normal Mode (Cloudy Mode)], [Normal Mode (Rainy Mode)]).

[0353] [Decorative patterns, small patterns] Each of the performance patterns (decorative patterns, small patterns) in this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0354] (Decorative design) In this embodiment, in the pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of the image display device 5, a variable display of decorative patterns, which are different from special patterns and serve as decorative identification information, is performed in synchronization with the first special pattern game and the second special pattern game. The decorative patterns in this embodiment consist of characters, number patterns that represent numbers, and letter patterns that represent letters.

[0355] Decorative patterns that include characters and numbers include, for example, decorative patterns that include character "A" and the number "1", decorative patterns that include character "B" and the number "2", decorative patterns that include character "C" and the number "3", decorative patterns that include character "D" and the number "4", decorative patterns that include character "E" and the number "5", decorative patterns that include character "F" and the number "6", decorative patterns that include character "G" and the number "7", and so on.

[0356] Furthermore, decorative patterns that include characters and English letters refer to, for example, decorative patterns that include the character "V" and the English letter "V".

[0357] (Small design) In this embodiment, a small pattern, smaller than the decorative pattern, displayed in the upper right of the image display device 5, which indicates whether or not the special pattern is being displayed in a variable manner and the display result of the special pattern, is referred to as a small pattern. The variable display of the small pattern can be performed in parallel with the variable display of the special pattern, and the static display of the small pattern can also be performed in parallel with the static display of the special pattern. The upper right area of ​​the screen of the image display device 5 where the small pattern corresponding to the first special pattern is displayed in a variable and static manner is designated from left to right as the small pattern display area 5l, the small pattern display area 5c, and the small pattern display area 5r. The upper right area of ​​the screen of the image display device 5 where the small pattern corresponding to the second special pattern is displayed in a variable and static manner is also the same as the aforementioned small pattern display areas 5l, 5c, and 5r.

[0358] The small symbol display areas 5l, 5c, and 5r have a smaller display area than the symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. Therefore, the visibility of the small symbols is lower than that of the decorative symbols.

[0359] [Active display, Pending display, Number of Pending Memory] In this embodiment, the lower left of the screen of the image display device 5 is provided with a first hold display area 09TM01E that displays the first hold memory count (0 to 4 first hold displays 09TM01), and the lower right of the screen of the image display device 5 is provided with a second hold display area 09TM02E that displays the second hold memory count (0 to 4 second hold displays 09TM02). Furthermore, the lower center of the screen of the image display device 5 is provided with an active display area 09TM03E that displays an active display 09TM03, which is information corresponding to the variable display of the decorative symbols being executed and also information corresponding to the variable display of the special symbols being executed.

[0360] Furthermore, the left side of the screen of the image display device 5 (above the first hold display area 09TM01E) is provided with a first hold memory count display area 09TM05E for displaying the first hold memory count, and the right side of the screen of the image display device 5 (above the second hold display area 09TM02E) is provided with a second hold memory count display area 09TM06E for displaying the second hold memory count.

[0361] Here, the first hold display area 09TM01E displays a number of objects (circular images) corresponding to the first hold memory count, and the second hold display area 09TM02E displays a number of objects (circular images) corresponding to the second hold memory count. In contrast, the first hold memory count display area 09TM05E displays the first hold memory count numerically, and the second hold memory count display area 09TM06E displays the second hold memory count numerically. The display range of the objects in the first hold display area 09TM01E is wider than the display range of the numerical values ​​in the first hold memory count display area 09TM05E, and the first hold memory count is displayed in the first hold display area 09TM01E with higher visibility than in the first hold memory count display area 09TM05E. Furthermore, the display range of objects in the second hold display area 09TM02E is wider than the display range of numerical values ​​in the second hold memory count display area 09TM06E, and the second hold memory count will be displayed in the second hold display area 09TM02E with higher visibility than in the second hold memory count display area 09TM06E.

[0362] [Game Flow] Next, the game flow in this embodiment will be explained. In this example, the performance mode when the game state is controlled to the normal state (low probability / low base state) and the first flag, second flag, and third flag described later are not set is defined as [Normal Mode]. The performance mode when the game state is controlled to either the time-saving state (low probability / high base state) or the normal state (low probability / low base state) and the first flag described later is set is defined as [Challenge Mode]. The performance mode when the game state is controlled to either the time-saving state (low probability / high base state) or the normal state (low probability / low base state) and the second flag described later is set is defined as [Rush Mode]. The performance mode when the game state is controlled to either the time-saving state (low probability / high base state) or the normal state (low probability / low base state) and the third flag described later is set is defined as [Hyper Rush Mode] (see Figure 9-6).

[0363] In the example game flow shown in Figure 9-6, a jackpot occurs when the performance mode is [Normal Mode], and after the jackpot game state ends, the game is controlled to a time-saving state (low probability / high base state), then transitions to [Challenge Mode] (1 time-saving spin + 4 reserved spins) or [Hyper Rush Mode] (99 time-saving spins + 4 reserved spins), and if a jackpot occurs, it transitions to [Rush Mode] (7 time-saving spins + 4 reserved spins) or [Hyper Rush Mode] (99 time-saving spins + 4 reserved spins), and if no jackpot occurs, it transitions to [Normal Mode].

[0364] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9-2, the "4(3)R time-saving big win via small win" is a big win in which the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 is opened for one set number of times (0.1 seconds x 10 times, which is equivalent to a total period of 1 round), and then the big prize-winning opening is opened 3 times (3R) on the condition that a V-win occurs within that set number of times. The prize-winning device is opened for 4 rounds, but the number of times the big prize-winning opening is effectively opened is 3, and the player recognizes it as the same type of big win as the 3R time-saving big win with symbols in terms of the opening of the big prize-winning opening. Furthermore, the "6(5)R Short-Time Big Win via Small Win" is a big win in which the V-judgment prize device 87 is opened for one set number of times (0.1 seconds x 10 times, totaling the equivalent of one round), and then, on the condition that a V-win occurs within that set number of times, the big prize opening is opened 5 times (5R). The prize device is opened for 6 rounds, but in effect the number of times the big prize opening is opened is 5, and the player recognizes the opening of the big prize opening as being the same type of big win as the 5R Short-Time Big Win with symbols. Furthermore, the "11(10)R Short-Time Big Win via Small Win" is a big win in which the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 is opened for one set number of times (0.1 seconds x 10 times, equivalent to a total of 1 round period), and then, on the condition that a V-win occurs within that set number of times, the big prize-winning opening is opened 10 times (10R). The prize-winning device is opened for 11 rounds, but in effect the number of times the big prize-winning opening is opened is 10, and the player recognizes it as the same type of big win as the 10R Short-Time Big Win with symbols in terms of the opening of the big prize-winning opening.

[0365] Normally, players recognize the type of jackpot based on the actual number of times the main prize slot is opened (for example, the number of times it is opened for a maximum of 29 seconds). Therefore, in the following explanation, the jackpot types "3R time-saving jackpot with symbols" and "4(3)R time-saving jackpot via minor win" will be referred to as "3R time-saving jackpot," and the jackpot types "10R time-saving jackpot with symbols" and "11(10)R time-saving jackpot via minor win" will be referred to as "10R time-saving jackpot." In addition, the jackpot type "6(5)R time-saving jackpot via minor win" will be referred to as "5R time-saving jackpot."

[0366] (1) When the game state is controlled to the normal state (low probability / low base state) and the first flag, second flag, and third flag described later are not set, the performance mode is set to [Normal Mode]. (1A) As an example of the performance when the performance mode is [Normal Mode (Sunny Mode)], a sunny background image is displayed on the image display device 5 as the background image of the decorative symbols. (1B) As an example of the performance when the performance mode is [Normal Mode (Cloudy Mode)], a cloudy background image is displayed on the image display device 5 as the background image of the decorative symbols. (1C) As an example of the performance when the performance mode is [Normal Mode (Rainy Mode)], a rainy background image is displayed on the image display device 5 as the background image of the decorative symbols.

[0367] (2) In the state described in (1) above, when a variable display is executed that results in a "jackpot", the game is controlled to a jackpot game state. In this embodiment, there are two types of jackpots for the first special symbol: "3R time-saving jackpot" and "10R time-saving jackpot". (2A) As an example of the presentation when the jackpot type is "3R time-saving jackpot", the word "FEVER" is displayed on the image display device 5 to indicate that it is a 3R jackpot, and (2B) As an example of the presentation when the jackpot type is "10R time-saving jackpot", the word "MAX FEVER" is displayed on the image display device 5 to indicate that it is a 10R jackpot.

[0368] (3) When the jackpot, in the case of the aforementioned (2A) jackpot type being a "symbol 3R time-saving jackpot," ends, the performance control CPU 120 sets the performance mode to [Challenge Mode] in the following cases: (3A-I) when the first flag is set and the game state is controlled to a time-saving state (low probability / high base state) and one variable display is executed; and (3A-II) when the first flag is set and the game state is controlled to a normal state (low probability / low base state) and a reserve memory (variable display with execution pending (up to 4 in this example)) corresponding to the start entry that occurred in (3A-I) is executed.

[0369] In state (3), when a variable display in the time-saving state occurs where all display results are "misses," and a pending memory (variable display with execution pending (up to 4 in this example)) corresponding to the start-up win that occurred at this time is executed, the system is controlled to state (1). In this example, when the system is controlled from state (3) to state (1), the system is controlled to state (1A) (the performance mode is [normal mode (sunny mode)]).

[0370] Furthermore, if a minor bonus malfunction occurs in state (3), as described later, and the remaining number of time-saving control rounds is 0, the system will be controlled to state (1). In this example, when the system is controlled from state (3) to state (1), it will be controlled to state (1A) (the performance mode is [normal mode (sunny mode)]).

[0371] (4) When a jackpot of type (6A) described later is "3R time-saving jackpot" or "5R time-saving jackpot" ends, or when a jackpot of type (6C) described later is "10R time-saving jackpot (7 times)", the CPU 120 for performance control sets the performance mode to [Rush Mode] when (4A-I) the second flag is set, the game state is controlled to a time-saving state (low probability / high base state), and 7 variable displays are executed, and when (4A-II) the second flag is set, the game state is controlled to a normal state (low probability / low base state), and the reserve memory (variable display with execution pending (up to 4 in this example)) corresponding to the start entry that occurred in (4A-I) is executed. As an example of the presentation when the performance mode is [Rush Mode], the words "Battle Rush" are displayed on the image display device 5 to indicate that the performance mode has switched to [Rush Mode].

[0372] In state (4), when all display results are "misses," and the seven variable displays in the time-saving state and the pending memory corresponding to the start-up win that occurred at this time (variable displays whose execution is pending (up to 4 in this example)) are executed, the system is controlled to state (1). In this example, when the system is controlled from state (4) to state (1), the system is controlled to state (1A) (the performance mode is [normal mode (sunny mode)]).

[0373] Furthermore, if a minor win occurs in state (4) and the remaining number of time-saving control rounds is 0, the system will be controlled to state (1). In this example, when the system is controlled from state (4) to state (1), it will be controlled to state (1A) (the performance mode is [normal mode (sunny mode)]).

[0374] (5) When the jackpot of type (2B) described above, which is "Symbol 10R Short Time Jackpot", ends, or when the jackpot of type (6C) described later, which is "10R Short Time Jackpot (99 times)", ends, the CPU 120 for performance control sets the performance mode to [Hyper Rush Mode] when (5B-I) the third flag is set, the game state is controlled to a short time state (low probability / high base state), and a variable display of 99 times (1st to 99th rotations) is executed, or when (5B-II) the third flag is set, the game state is controlled to a normal state (low probability / low base state), and a reserve memory (variable display with execution pending (up to 4 in this example)) corresponding to the start entry that occurred in (5B-I) is executed. As an example of the presentation when the performance mode is [Hyper Rush Mode], the image display device 5 shows a caption containing the word "HYPER" to indicate that the performance mode has transitioned to [Hyper Rush Mode], along with the words "Battle Rush".

[0375] In state (5), when 99 variable displays in the time-saving state are executed, resulting in all display results being "misses," and when the reserved memory (variable displays with execution pending (up to 4 in this example)) corresponding to the start-up win that occurred at this time is executed, the system is controlled to state (1). However, in this embodiment, in the variable display of the second special symbol, a minor win occurs with a probability of approximately 1 / 7, so state (5), where the number of time-saving control rounds is 99, can be said to be a state where, when the variable display of the second special symbol is executed, the next big win via a minor win is practically guaranteed. Therefore, examples of being controlled from state (5) to state (1) are not shown.

[0376] Furthermore, if a minor win occurs in state (5), the machine will be controlled to state (1) regardless of the remaining number of time-saving control rounds (see Figure 9-8(B)). In this example, when the machine is controlled from state (5) to state (1), it will be controlled to state (1A) (the performance mode is [normal mode (sunny mode)]).

[0377] (6) When the performance mode is [Challenge Mode] (see (3)), when the performance mode is [Rush Mode] (see (4)), or when the performance mode is [Hyper Rush Mode] (see (5)), if the display result in any of the fluctuation displays is "Big Win" or "Small Win", the game is controlled to a big win state (including a big win state via a small win). In this embodiment, when the display result is "Big Win", the type of big win for the second special symbol is "Symbol 10R Short Time Big Win", and when the display result is "Small Win", the types of big wins via a small win for the second special symbol are "Small Win via 4(3)R Short Time Big Win", "Small Win via 6(5)R Short Time Big Win", and "Small Win via 11(10)R Short Time Big Win".

[0378] As shown in Figure 9-6, (6A) as an example of the presentation when the jackpot type is "3R time-saving jackpot", the word "FEVER" is displayed on the image display device 5 to indicate that it is effectively a 3R jackpot, (6B) as an example of the presentation when the jackpot type is "5R time-saving jackpot", the word "BIG FEVER" is displayed on the image display device 5 to indicate that it is effectively a 5R jackpot, and (6C) as an example of the presentation when the jackpot type is "10R time-saving jackpot", the word "MAX FEVER" is displayed on the image display device 5 to indicate that it is effectively a 10R jackpot. At this time, among the jackpot types of "10R time-saving jackpot", there are "10R time-saving jackpot (99 times)" with 99 time-saving control rounds and "10R time-saving jackpot (7 times)" with 7 time-saving control rounds.

[0379] [First flag, second flag, third flag] Next, the first flag, second flag, and third flag in this embodiment will be described. Figure 9-7 is a time chart showing the control timing of the game state related to the first flag, second flag, and third flag.

[0380] When the game state is controlled to the normal state (low probability / low base state), a jackpot of the type "Symbol 3R time-saving jackpot" occurs, and the game state is controlled to the jackpot game state. When the game state is controlled to a time-saving state (low probability / high base state) after the jackpot game state has ended, the performance control CPU 120 sets the first flag (at the timing of T1 shown in Figure 9-7). At this time, the performance control CPU 120 sets the performance mode to [Challenge Mode].

[0381] When the first spin display, which results in a "miss" after the game state has been controlled to a time-saving state (low probability / high base state), is completed, the game state is controlled to a normal state (low probability / low base state) (timing T2 shown in Figure 9-7). A spin display based on a reserved memory (a variable display whose execution is reserved (up to 4 in this example)) corresponding to a starting win that occurred during the period T1 to T2 shown in Figure 9-7 (the period of the first spin display of the Rush Challenge) is executed. If the type of jackpot in any of the spin displays based on the reserved memory (up to 4 in this example) during that period is a "4(3)R time-saving jackpot via a small win" or a "6(5)R time-saving jackpot via a small win", when that spin display is completed, the game state is controlled to a jackpot game state (jackpot game state via a small win) (timing T3 shown in Figure 9-7). At this time, the performance control CPU 120 terminates the [Challenge Mode].

[0382] When the jackpot game state ends, the game state is controlled to a time-saving state (low probability / high base state), and the performance control CPU 120 clears the first flag and sets the second flag (at the timing of T4 shown in Figure 9-7). At this time, the performance control CPU 120 sets the performance mode to [rush mode].

[0383] When the game state is controlled to a time-saving state (low probability / high base state) and seven spins have been displayed with the result "miss", the game state is controlled to a normal state (low probability / low base state) (timing T5 shown in Figure 9-7). A spin display based on a reserved memory (variable display whose execution is reserved (up to 4 in this example)) corresponding to a starting win that occurred during the period T4 to T5 shown in Figure 9-7 (the period of the first to seventh spin displays of Battle Rush) is executed, and if the type of jackpot in any of the spin displays based on the reserved memory (up to 4 in this example) during that period is "Symbol 10R time-saving jackpot" or "Small win via 11(10)R time-saving jackpot (99 times)", when that spin display ends, the game state is controlled to a jackpot game state (jackpot game state via small win) (timing T6 shown in Figure 9-7). At this time, the performance control CPU 120 terminates [Rush Mode].

[0384] When the jackpot game state ends, the game state is controlled to a time-saving state (low probability / high base state), and the performance control CPU 120 clears the second flag and sets the third flag (at the timing of T7 shown in Figure 9-7). At this time, the performance control CPU 120 sets the performance mode to [Hyper Rush Mode].

[0385] When the game state is controlled to a time-saving state (low probability / high base state) and 99 spins have finished displaying a "miss" result, the game state is controlled to a normal state (low probability / low base state) (timing T8 shown in Figure 9-7). During the period T7-T8 shown in Figure 9-7 (the period of the 1st to 99th spins of Hyper Battle Rush), spins are executed based on the reserved memory (variable displays whose execution is reserved (up to 4 in this example)) corresponding to the start winning. If the display result is "miss" for all of the spins based on the reserved memory (up to 4 in this example) during that period, when the spins finish, the performance control CPU 120 clears the third flag (timing T9 shown in Figure 9-7). At this time, the performance control CPU 120 ends [Hyper Battle Rush] and transitions to the [Normal Mode] performance mode.

[0386] [Timing for clearing the first and second flags] In this embodiment, one of the following timings (1) to (3) is set as the timing for erasing the first and second flags. Note that the timings shown in (1) to (3) are merely examples of the timing for erasing the first and second flags, and are not limited to this form. Other timings different from those shown in (1) to (3) may be set as the timing for erasing the first and second flags.

[0387] (1) The first and second flags are set, and if the game state is controlled to a time-saving state (low probability / high base state) and the game state is not controlled to a big win game state corresponding to the specified number of time-saving control times (1 time, 7 times) (i.e., the display result is "miss" or the display result is "minor win" and a minor win malfunction occurs), and the number of reserved memories (variable displays with execution pending (maximum 4 in this example)) corresponding to the start entry that occurred during the period controlled to the time-saving state is 0, if the display result of the final time-saving variation display described later is "miss", the first and second flags are erased when this final time-saving variation display ends, and if the display result of the final time-saving variation display is "minor win", the minor win malfunction described later occurs in that minor win game state and the minor win game state ends.

[0388] (2) The first and second flags are set, and if the game state is controlled to a time-saving state (low probability / high base state) and the game state is not controlled to a jackpot game state in response to the specified number of time-saving control times (1 time, 7 times) of fluctuation displays (i.e., the display result is "miss" or the display result is "minor win" resulting in a minor win failure), and if there is one or more reserved memories corresponding to the starting entry that occurred during the time-saving state, and the game state is not controlled to a jackpot game state in response to all fluctuation displays based on the reserved memories corresponding to the starting entry that occurred during the time-saving state (i.e., the display result is "miss" or the display result is "minor win" resulting in a minor win failure), if the display result of the fluctuation display based on the last reserved memory is "miss", the first and second flags are erased when the fluctuation display ends, and if the display result of the fluctuation display based on the last reserved memory is "minor win", the minor win failure occurs in that minor win game state and the minor win game state ends.

[0389] (3) The first and second flags are cleared when the game is controlled to enter a jackpot state while these flags are set, at the time the jackpot state ends.

[0390] [Timing for Deleting the Third Flag] In this embodiment, the timing for deleting the third flag can be set to any of the following timings (1) to (4). Note that the timings shown in (1) to (4) are merely examples of the timing for deleting the third flag and are not limited to this form. Other timings different from those shown in (1) to (4) may be set as the timing for clearing the third flag.

[0391] (1) The third flag is erased when the final time-saving spin display ends, if, with this flag set, the game state is controlled to a time-saving state (low probability / high base state), and if all of the spin displays during the prescribed number of time-saving control spins (99 spins) result in a "miss", and the number of reserved memories corresponding to the starting win that occurred during the time-saving state is 0.

[0392] (2) The third flag is set, and when the game state is controlled to a time-saving state (low probability / high base state), if the display result of all the fluctuation displays out of the prescribed number of time-saving control times (99 times) is "miss", and if there is one or more reserved memories corresponding to the starting win that occurred during the time-saving state, and the display result of all the fluctuation displays based on the reserved memories corresponding to the starting win that occurred during the time-saving state is "miss", then the third flag is erased at the time the fluctuation display based on the last reserved memory ends.

[0393] (3) The third flag is set, and if the result of either the display of the fluctuations for the specified number of time-saving control rounds (99 rounds) after the game state is controlled to a time-saving state (low probability / high base state), or the fluctuation display based on the reserve memory when there is one or more reserve memories corresponding to the start win that occurred during the period controlled to the time-saving state, then a minor win malfunction occurs in that minor win game state, and the flag is erased when the minor win game state ends (see Figure 9-8(B)).

[0394] (4) The third flag is set and the game is controlled to enter a jackpot state, and is cleared when the jackpot state ends.

[0395] [Minor win, then a complete failure] In this embodiment, when a minor win occurs and the operating port of the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 is opened, if a game ball enters the V-prize area 870 and is detected by the V-prize switch 87a within a predetermined valid period, the conditions for a big win are met and the game is controlled to a big win state. This entry of a game ball into the V-prize area 870 is called a V-prize. However, when a minor win occurs and the operating port of the V-judgment prize-winning device 87 is opened, if a game ball does not enter the V-prize area 870 and is not detected by the V-prize switch 87a within a predetermined valid period, the conditions for a big win are not met and the game is not controlled to a big win state. In this case, when a game ball does not enter the V-prize area 870 during a minor win game and the minor win game ends without a V-prize occurring, it is called a "minor win failure".

[0396] As explained in Figure 8-1, if a minor win failure occurs (i.e., a V-win does not occur), and there are 1 or more remaining time-saving control attempts after the minor win game state ends, the game will continue to be controlled in the time-saving state. If there are 0 remaining time-saving control attempts after the minor win game state ends when a minor win failure occurs, the game will be controlled in the normal state. The following explanation will focus on the case where there are 1 or more remaining time-saving control attempts after the minor win game state ends when a minor win failure occurs.

[0397] In this embodiment, the game state controlled after the end of the mini-win game state in which the mini-win malfunction occurred can be varied depending on the type of time-saving state immediately preceding the control to the mini-win game state in which the mini-win malfunction occurred.

[0398] In this example, (A) if the second flag is set (i.e., the performance mode is [Rush Mode]), if a minor win occurs while the game is controlled to a time-saving state, and a minor win malfunction occurs during this minor win game state, the game will continue to be controlled to a time-saving state after the minor win game state ends, provided that there is one or more remaining time-saving control attempts. On the other hand, (B) if the third flag is set (i.e., the performance mode is [Hyper Rush Mode]), if a minor win occurs while the game is controlled to a time-saving state, and a minor win malfunction occurs during this minor win game state, the game will be controlled to a normal state after the minor win game state ends, even if there is one or more remaining time-saving control attempts.

[0399] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9-6, when the first flag is set (i.e., when the performance mode is [Challenge Mode]), the number of time-saving control attempts is 1. Therefore, after the end of the mini-win game state in which a mini-win malfunction occurred, the remaining number of time-saving control attempts is 0, and the game state is not controlled to a time-saving state but to a normal state. However, the configuration is not limited to this form. By adopting a configuration in which the number of time-saving control attempts is 2 or more when the first flag is set (i.e., when the performance mode is [Challenge Mode]), the game may continue to be controlled to a time-saving state after the end of the mini-win game if there is 1 or more remaining time-saving control attempts after the end of the mini-win game state in which a mini-win malfunction occurred.

[0400] Figure 9-8 is a time chart showing the timing of game state control according to the type of time-saving state when a minor win malfunction occurs. Figure 9-8(A) is a time chart showing the timing of game state control when a minor win malfunction occurs in a minor win game that occurred while the game was controlled in a time-saving state, when the second flag is set (i.e., the performance mode is [Rush Mode]). Figure 9-8(B) is a time chart showing the timing of game state control when a minor win malfunction occurs in a minor win game that occurred while the game was controlled in a time-saving state, when the third flag is set (i.e., the performance mode is [Hyper Rush Mode]). The following explanation will describe the case when there is one or more remaining time-saving control rounds after the end of the minor win game state when a minor win malfunction occurs.

[0401] As shown in Figure 9-8(A), when the game state is controlled to a time-saving state (low probability / high base state) (when the performance mode is controlled to [rush mode] based on the setting of the second flag), if a variation display that results in a "minor win" is executed and a minor win occurs, the game state is controlled to a minor win game state when that variation display ends (timing T1 shown in Figure 9-8(A)). At this time, the performance control CPU 120 terminates [rush mode].

[0402] If the minor win game state ends without a V-win, that is, if a minor win failure occurs, the CPU 103 controls the game state to continue in a time-saving state (low probability / high base state), and the performance control CPU 120 continues to set the second flag without erasing it (timing T2 shown in Figure 9-8(2)). At this time, the performance control CPU 120 sets the performance mode to [Rush Mode] based on the fact that the second flag is set (not erased).

[0403] As shown in Figure 9-8(B), when the game state is controlled to a time-saving state (low probability / high base state) (when the performance mode is controlled to [Hyper Rush Mode] based on the setting of the third flag), if a variation display that results in a "minor win" is executed and a minor win occurs, the game state is controlled to a minor win game state when that variation display ends (timing T1 shown in Figure 9-8(B)). At this point, the CPU 120 for controlling the performance terminates the [Hyper Rush Mode].

[0404] If the minor win game state ends without a V-win, that is, if a minor win failure occurs, the game state is controlled to the normal state (low probability / low base state), and the performance control CPU 120 clears the third flag (at the timing of T2 shown in Figure 9-8(B)). At this time, the performance control CPU 120 sets the performance mode to [normal mode] based on the fact that the third flag has been cleared and none of the first to third flags are set.

[0405] In this embodiment, in a minor win game corresponding to a minor win that occurs when the performance mode is either [Challenge Mode] or [Rush Mode] (when either the first flag or the second flag is set), when a minor win failure occurs, (A) if the number of remaining time-saving control rounds after the end of the minor win game state is 1 or more, the performance mode is controlled again to the performance mode that was controlled before the minor win game ([Challenge Mode], [Rush Mode]) until the display of the remaining number of time-saving control rounds is executed, and (B) if the number of remaining time-saving control rounds after the end of the minor win game state is 0, the performance mode is controlled to [Normal Mode].

[0406] For example, when the performance mode is [Rush Mode], if a minor win occurs during the 7th spin display (at which point there are 4 spin displays pending execution) while the game is controlled to a time-saving state, a minor win failure will occur. After the minor win ends, the performance mode will be controlled to [Normal Mode (Sunny Mode)], and the 4 pending spin displays of the second special symbol will be executed.

[0407] At this time, the symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of the image display device 5 display the combination of decorative symbols for big wins that corresponds to the combination of decorative symbols for big wins that was stopped in the variation display when the previous small win occurred (see Figure 9-16), and the variation displays of small symbols corresponding to the variation displays of the second special symbols for the four times that have been put on hold are executed in the small symbol display areas 5l, 5c, and 5r.

[0408] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a minor win occurs in a minor win game corresponding to a minor win that occurs when the performance mode is in [Hyper Rush Mode] (when the third flag is set), if a minor win malfunction occurs, the performance mode is controlled to [Normal Mode] regardless of the number of remaining time-saving control rounds after the end of the minor win game state.

[0409] For example, when the performance mode is [Hyper Rush Mode], if a minor win occurs during the 10th spin display (at which point there are 4 spin displays pending execution) while the game is controlled to a time-saving state, a minor win failure will occur. After the minor win ends, the performance mode will be controlled to [Normal Mode (Sunny Mode)], and the 4 pending spin displays of the second special symbol will be executed.

[0410] At this time, the symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of the image display device 5 display the combination of decorative symbols for big wins that corresponds to the combination of decorative symbols for big wins that was stopped in the variation display when the previous small win occurred (see Figure 9-16), and the variation displays of small symbols corresponding to the variation displays of the second special symbols for the four times that have been put on hold are executed in the small symbol display areas 5l, 5c, and 5r.

[0411] [Processing to determine the effect at the start of the variation] When CPU 103 starts displaying the special symbols in a variable state, it sends a display result specification command to specify the display result, a variable pattern specification command to specify the variable pattern, and a reserved memory count reduction specification command (first reserved memory count reduction specification command or second reserved memory count reduction specification command) to the performance control CPU 120.

[0412] When the display of the special symbols (first special symbols or second special symbols) starts to change, the CPU 120 for performance control receives a set of commands from the microcomputer 100 for game control, which include a command to specify that the number of reserved symbols has been reduced (first reserved symbol reduction command or second reserved symbol reduction command), a command to specify the display result (jackpot, minor win, or miss, type of jackpot if it is a jackpot, type of jackpot if it is a jackpot via a minor win), and a command to specify the change time and performance content (reach and pseudo-consecutive wins, etc.) of the special symbols. Based on this, the CPU 120 can determine whether to display the special symbols changing, and whether to specify the change time and performance content (reach and pseudo-consecutive wins, etc.) of the special symbols changing.

[0413] Furthermore, the CPU 120 for performance control can determine that the display of the special symbols (first special symbol or second special symbol) has finished and the display result has been determined, based on the fact that it has received a symbol determination command from the game control microcomputer 100 when the display of the special symbols has finished and the display result has been determined.

[0414] Figure 9-9 is a flowchart showing the performance determination process executed when a variation starts. The performance control CPU 120 executes the variation start performance determination process shown in Figure 9-9 during the variable display start setting process (step S171) of the performance control process shown in Figure 7. Specifically, when the performance control CPU 120 receives the above set of commands associated with the start of the variation display of a special symbol, it sets a performance control pattern (a collection of control data to instruct the display control unit 123 to execute a performance) for executing the variation display of a decorative symbol corresponding to the variation display of the special symbol based on the display result specification command and the variation pattern specification command, and determines the performances to be executed (and performances not to be executed) during the variation display of the decorative symbol based on the specified variation pattern using the variation start performance determination process shown in Figure 9-9.

[0415] First, the CPU 120 for performance control determines whether the first flag, the second flag, or the third flag is set (step S09TM1010).

[0416] If none of the first, second, or third flags are set (NO in step S09TM1010), the performance control CPU 120 proceeds to process from step S09TM1020 onwards. This case where none of the first, second, or third flags are set (NO in step S09TM1010) means that the performance mode is controlled to [normal mode], so the processing from step S09TM1020 onwards is the processing that is executed when the performance mode is controlled to [normal mode].

[0417] If any of the first, second, or third flags are set (YES in step S09TM1010), the performance control CPU 120 proceeds to process from step S09TM1060 onwards. This setting of the first, second, or third flags (YES in step S09TM1010) means that the performance mode is controlled to either [Challenge Mode], [Rush Mode], or [Hyper Rush Mode], so the processing from step S09TM1060 onwards is the processing that is executed when the performance mode is controlled to either [Challenge Mode], [Rush Mode], or [Hyper Rush Mode].

[0418] If none of the first, second, or third flags are set (NO in step S09TM1010), the performance control CPU 120 determines whether the display result specified by the display result specification command (the display result of the variable display to be executed from now on) is a "jackpot" (step S09TM1020).

[0419] If the display result is "Big Win" (YES in step S09TM1020), the performance control CPU 120 determines the combination of decorative symbols to be displayed when the variation display ends, based on the Big Win combination determination table for decorative symbols for the [First Special Symbol] described later (see Figure 9-10(A)) (step S09TM1030).

[0420] Next, the CPU 120 for controlling the effects decides to execute the symbol stopping action effect and the symbol stopping sound effect (see Figure 9-11), which will be described later (step S09TM1040), and then terminates processing.

[0421] Furthermore, if the display result is "miss" (NO in step S09TM1020), the CPU 120 for performance control determines a combination of decorative symbols for a miss to be displayed when the variation display ends, based on the decorative symbol combination determination table (not shown) (step S09TM1050), and then terminates the process.

[0422] In this embodiment, the "combination for losing decorative symbols" refers to a combination of decorative symbols that is different from any of the combinations for winning a jackpot with decorative symbols (e.g., "333" in this example), the combinations for winning a minor prize with decorative symbols (e.g., "3V3" in this example), and the special combinations of decorative symbols described later (e.g., "135" in this example).

[0423] If any of the first, second, or third flags are set (YES in step S09TM1010), the performance control CPU 120 determines whether the display result specified by the display result specification command (the display result of the variable display to be executed from now on) is either a "big win" or a "small win" (step S09TM1060).

[0424] If the display result is either a "big win" or a "minor win" (YES in step S09TM1060), the performance control CPU 120 determines the combination of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed at the end of the variation display based on the [Second Special Symbol] Big Win Combination Determination Table (see Figure 9-10(B1)) or the [Second Special Symbol] Big Win (Minor Win) Combination Determination Table (see Figure 9-10(B2)) (step S09TM1070).

[0425] Next, the CPU 120 for controlling the effects decides to execute the symbol stopping action effect and the symbol stopping sound effect (see Figure 9-11) (step S09TM1080), and then terminates the process.

[0426] Furthermore, if the display result is "miss" (NO in step S09TM1060), the CPU 120 for performance control determines the combination of decorative symbols to be displayed when the variation display ends, based on the table for determining missing combinations of decorative symbols (not shown) (step S09TM1090), and then terminates the process.

[0427] Figure 9-10 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a table for determining combinations of decorative symbols. As shown in Figure 9-10, in this embodiment, the determination values ​​are assigned such that the determination ratio of the combination of decorative symbols differs depending on the display result and the type of jackpot corresponding to this display result.

[0428] ([For the first special design] Table for determining the combination of decorative designs for the jackpot) Figure 9-10(A) is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a table for determining the combination of decorative symbols for a jackpot, where the display result corresponding to the variation display of the first special symbol specified by the display result specification command is "jackpot," and the jackpot type corresponding to this "jackpot" is either "symbol 3R time-saving jackpot" or "symbol 10R time-saving jackpot."

[0429] If the type of jackpot is a "Symbol 3R Short Time Jackpot," there is a 15% chance that the combination of decorative symbols for the jackpot will be "111," and similarly, there is a 20% chance that it will be "222," a 10% chance that it will be "333," a 20% chance that it will be "444," a 15% chance that it will be "555," and a 20% chance that it will be "666."

[0430] If the type of jackpot is a "10R symbol time-saving jackpot," the combination of decorative symbols for the jackpot will be determined to be "777" with 100% probability.

[0431] Thus, in this embodiment, when the combination of decorative symbols "111" to "666" for a jackpot is displayed, the player can recognize that the jackpot type is a "3R symbol time-saving jackpot," and when the combination of decorative symbols "777" for a jackpot is displayed, the player can recognize that the jackpot type is a "10R symbol time-saving jackpot." Therefore, when the combination of decorative symbols "777" for a jackpot is displayed, the player can recognize that the game will be controlled to [Hyper Rush Mode] after the jackpot game.

[0432] ([For the second special design] Table for determining the combination of decorative designs for the jackpot) Figure 9-10(B1) is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a table for determining the combination of decorative symbols for a jackpot, where the display result corresponding to the variation display of the second special symbol specified by the display result specification command is "jackpot," and the jackpot type corresponding to this "jackpot" is "symbol 10R time-saving jackpot."

[0433] If the type of jackpot is a "10R symbol time-saving jackpot," the combination of decorative symbols for the jackpot will be determined to be "777" with 100% probability.

[0434] ([For the second special design] Table for determining the combination of decorative designs for big wins (and small wins)) Figure 9-10(B2) is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific example of a table for determining the combination of decorative symbols for jackpots (or jackpots) when the display result corresponding to the variation display of the second special symbol specified by the display result specification command is "minor win," and the type of jackpot corresponding to this "minor win" is one of "minor win via 11(10)R time-saving jackpot," "minor win via 6(5)R time-saving jackpot," or "minor win via 4(3)R time-saving jackpot."

[0435] If the type of jackpot is "11(10)R time-saving jackpot via minor jackpot", there is a 10% chance that the combination of decorative symbols for the jackpot will be "111" and the combination of decorative symbols for the minor jackpot will be "1V1". Similarly, there is a 10% chance that the combinations will be "222" and "2V2", a 10% chance that they will be "333" and "3V3", a 10% chance that they will be "444" and "4V4", a 10% chance that they will be "555" and "5V5", a 10% chance that they will be "666" and "6V6", and a 40% chance that they will be "777" and "7V7".

[0436] If the type of jackpot is "6(5)R time-saving jackpot via minor jackpot", there is a 15% chance that the combination of decorative symbols for the jackpot will be "111" and the combination of decorative symbols for the minor jackpot will be "1V1", similarly there is a 20% chance that it will be "222" and "2V2", a 10% chance that it will be "333" and "3V3", a 20% chance that it will be "444" and "4V4", a 15% chance that it will be "555" and "5V5", and a 20% chance that it will be "666" and "6V6".

[0437] If the type of jackpot is "4(3)R time-saving jackpot via minor jackpot", there is a 15% chance that the combination of decorative symbols for the jackpot will be "111" and the combination of decorative symbols for the minor jackpot will be "1V1", similarly there is a 20% chance that it will be "222" and "2V2", a 10% chance that it will be "333" and "3V3", a 20% chance that it will be "444" and "4V4", a 15% chance that it will be "555" and "5V5", and a 20% chance that it will be "666" and "6V6".

[0438] In this embodiment, when determining the combination of decorative symbols for a jackpot (or minor win), the "jackpot combination of decorative symbols" is determined, and at the same time, the "minor win combination of decorative symbols" corresponding to this "jackpot combination of decorative symbols" is also determined. In other words, the "jackpot combination of decorative symbols" and the "minor win combination of decorative symbols" are determined simultaneously.

[0439] In this way, by adopting a configuration in which the "combination of decorative symbols for big wins" and the "combination of decorative symbols for small wins" are predetermined in a common process (step S09TM1070) at the start of the spin, in irregular situations such as when a small win fails, it is only necessary to display these predetermined combinations of decorative symbols ("combination of decorative symbols for big wins" and "combination of decorative symbols for small wins") at the predetermined timing when they should be displayed, thereby reducing the processing burden on the performance control.

[0440] Furthermore, the configuration does not have to be one in which the "combinations of decorative symbols for big wins" and the "combinations of decorative symbols for small wins" are determined simultaneously. In fact, the "combinations of decorative symbols for big wins" and the "combinations of decorative symbols for small wins" may be determined separately. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the "combinations of decorative symbols for small wins" are determined after the "combinations of decorative symbols for big wins," or a configuration may be adopted in which the "combinations of decorative symbols for big wins" are determined after the "combinations of decorative symbols for small wins."

[0441] [Symbol stopping animation, Symbol stopping sound animation] In this embodiment, when the display result of the ongoing fluctuation display is "Big Win" or "Small Win", the performance control CPU 120 can execute a symbol stop action and a symbol stop sound effect at the timing when the decorative symbols should be stopped to indicate that the display result is "Big Win" or "Small Win".

[0442] The symbol stop animation is an animation that is performed when the display result of the ongoing spinning display is a "jackpot" or a "minor win." In the symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of the image display device 5, the decorative symbols (in this example, characters, number symbols, and letter symbols) perform an action (in this example, enlargement and movement) at the timing when the decorative symbols should be stopped. The symbol stop animation ends and the action of the decorative symbols also ends at the timing when the decorative symbols should be stopped for confirmation (such as when a symbol confirmation command is received). The symbol stop animation notifies the player that the display result of the ongoing spinning display is a "jackpot" or a "minor win" by having the decorative symbols perform an action, and also enhances the enjoyment of the game.

[0443] The symbol stop sound effect is an effect that is performed when the display result of the ongoing spinning display is a "jackpot" or a "minor win". In the symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of the image display device 5, a symbol stop sound effect is played from speakers 8L and 8R at the timing when the decorative symbols should be stopped. The symbol stop sound effect ends at the timing when the decorative symbols should be stopped for confirmation (such as when a symbol confirmation command is received), and the playback output of the symbol stop sound effect from speakers 8L and 8R also ends. The symbol stop sound effect notifies the player that the display result of the ongoing spinning display is a "jackpot" or a "minor win" by playing the symbol stop sound effect from speakers 8L and 8R, and also enhances the enjoyment of the game.

[0444] In this embodiment, when the display result of the ongoing fluctuation display is "miss," neither the symbol stopping animation nor the symbol stopping sound animation is performed. At the timing when the decorative symbols should be stopped and displayed, the decorative symbols (in this example, characters, number symbols, and letter symbols) do not perform any action (enlargement, movement), and the sound effect of the symbol stopping is not played from speakers 8L and 8R. This notifies the player that the display result of the ongoing fluctuation display is "miss" and prevents unnecessarily arousing disappointment in the game.

[0445] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the display result of the ongoing fluctuation display is "Big Win" or "Small Win", neither the symbol stop animation nor the symbol stop sound animation is executed in the symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of the image display device 5 at a timing different from the timing at which the decorative symbols should be stopped and displayed.

[0446] For example, if the display result of the spinning display executed immediately before a big win was "Big Win" or "Small Win," then the decorative symbols corresponding to that should be displayed during the period between the big win and the first spinning display executed after the big win, neither the symbol stopping animation nor the symbol stopping sound animation will be executed.

[0447] [Examples of symbol stopping animation and symbol stopping sound effects] Figure 9-11 is an explanatory diagram showing the effect images displayed on the image display device 5 and the effect sounds played back from speakers 8L and 8R, related to the symbol stopping action effect and the symbol stopping sound effect. Figures 9-11(1), (2A), and (3A) are explanatory diagrams showing the animation images displayed on the image display device 5 and the sound effects played back from speakers 8L and 8R when the reel stopping animation and reel stopping sound animations are not performed. Figures 9-11(1), (2B), and (3B) are explanatory diagrams showing the animation images displayed on the image display device 5 and the sound effects played back from speakers 8L and 8R when the reel stopping animation and reel stopping sound animations are performed.

[0448] As shown in Figure 9-11(1), the CPU 120 for performance control establishes a reach state in the variation pattern by stopping the display of decorative symbols including the character "C" and the number "3" in the symbol display area 5L and symbol display area 5R of the image display device 5 at the timing when a reach state should be established. At this time, the small symbol display areas 5l, 5c, and 5r continue to display the small symbols in a variation state. That is, in the small symbol display area 5l corresponding to the symbol display area 5L where the decorative symbols are stopped, and in the small symbol display area 5r corresponding to the symbol display area 5R where the decorative symbols are stopped, the small symbols continue to be displayed in a variation state without stopping.

[0449] At this time, the CPU 120 for controlling the performance displays an operation prompt display 09TM31B in the center of the screen of the image display device 5, prompting the player to operate the push button 31B. Here, the operation prompt display 09TM31B is displayed with a higher priority than the decorative symbols and background images (it is displayed on a higher display layer than the panel image and is superimposed so that it appears in front of the player).

[0450] At this time, the CPU 120 for performance control displays the active display 09TM03, which corresponds to the currently running variable display, in the active display area 09TM03E. In addition, the CPU 120 for performance control displays "0" in the first reserved memory count display area 09TM05E and "0" in the second reserved memory count display area 09TM06E.

[0451] <Example of an effect when the symbol stop animation and symbol stop sound effects are not performed> Next, if it has been decided not to perform the symbol stop animation and symbol stop sound animation at the start of the variation, then, as shown in Figure 9-11(2A), at a predetermined trigger (such as the player operating the push button 31B, or the timing at which decorative symbols should be displayed in the variation pattern), the performance control CPU 120 will stop and display a losing combination of decorative symbols (in this example, "323") that results in a "miss" in the symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. At this time, the small symbol display areas 5l, 5c, and 5r will perform the variation display of the small symbols.

[0452] Next, as shown in Figure 9-11(3A), at the timing when CPU 103 finishes displaying the variation of the first special symbol, the performance control CPU 120, which has received the symbol confirmation command, confirms and stops the final combination for losing decorative symbols (in this example, "323"). At this time, the combination of small symbols (in this example, "323") is confirmed and stopped in the small symbol display areas 5l, 5c, and 5r of the image display device 5. At this time, the active display 09TM03 corresponding to the currently executing variation display is erased from the active display area 09TM03E.

[0453] <Examples of effects when performing the symbol stop animation and symbol stop sound effects> Next, if it has been decided to execute a symbol stop animation and a symbol stop sound animation at the start of the variation, as shown in Figure 9-11(2B), at a predetermined trigger (such as the player operating the push button 31B, or the timing at which decorative symbols in the variation pattern should be stopped and displayed), the performance control CPU 120 executes the symbol stop animation, causing the jackpot combination of decorative symbols that results in a "jackpot" in the symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R to perform an action (in this example, the decorative symbol containing the character "C" and the number "3" is enlarged and operated), executing the symbol stop sound animation, and playing the symbol stop sound effect from speakers 8L and 8R. At this time, the variation display of the small symbols is performed in the small symbol display areas 5l, 5c, and 5r.

[0454] Next, as shown in Figure 9-11(3B), at the timing when CPU 103 finishes displaying the variation of the first special symbol, the performance control CPU 120, which has received the symbol confirmation command, finishes the symbol stop animation, finishes the decorative symbol actions in the symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R, confirms and stops the final combination of decorative symbols for the jackpot (in this example, "333"), finishes the symbol stop sound animation, and stops the playback output of the symbol stop sound effect from speakers 8L and 8R. At this time, the combination of small symbols (in this example, "333") in the small symbol display areas 5l, 5c, and 5r of the image display device 5 is confirmed and stopped. At this time, the active display 09TM03 corresponding to the currently executing variation display is erased from the active display area 09TM03E.

[0455] [Decision process for the performance during a minor win] Figure 9-12 is a flowchart showing the process for determining the effects to be performed during a minor win. The CPU 120 for effect control executes the minor win effect determination process shown in Figure 9-12 during the minor win effect processing (step S174) of the effect control process processing shown in Figure 7. Specifically, when the CPU 120 for effect control receives a command to specify the start of a minor win, it determines which effects to be performed (and which effects not to be performed) during the minor win using the minor win effect determination process shown in Figure 9-12.

[0456] First, the CPU 120 for performance control determines whether it is executing either the first or second promotional performance described later (step S09TM2010). If it is executing either the first or second promotional performance (YES in step S09TM2010), the CPU 120 for performance control terminates processing.

[0457] If neither the first nor the second promotional effect is being executed (NO in step S09TM2010), the effect control CPU 120 determines whether the power outage recovery flag, described later, is set (step S09TM2020).

[0458] In this embodiment, the "power outage recovery flag" is a type of flag that is set when the performance control CPU 120 receives a performance control command (in this example, a power outage recovery specification command, etc.) that instructs the recovery from a power outage as shown in Figure 3 (step S7). If the timing at which this "power outage recovery flag" is set is (1) when the special symbol variation display is being performed, it is cleared when the variation display ends, or (2) when the special symbol variation display is not being performed, during a big win, or during a small win, it is cleared when the next variation display starts.

[0459] If the power outage recovery flag is not set (NO in step S09TM2020), the performance control CPU 120 decides to execute the first promotional performance (step S09TM2030) and terminates the process.

[0460] If the power outage recovery flag is set (YES in step S09TM2020), the performance control CPU 120 decides to execute the second promotional performance (step S09TM2040) and terminates the process.

[0461] [Promotional presentation] In this embodiment, when a minor win is occurring, the performance control CPU 120 can execute a promotional performance that instructs the player to shoot to the right in order to hit a V-prize (win into the V-prize area 870). The promotional performance includes at least one of the following: a promotional flashing performance that promotes shooting to the right in order to hit a V-prize by flashing (illuminating) the V-judgment winning device LED 87L; a promotional sound effect performance that promotes shooting to the right in order to hit a V-prize by playing and outputting a promotional sound effect from speakers 8L and 8R; and a promotional image performance that promotes shooting to the right in order to hit a V-prize by displaying a promotional image on the image display device 5.

[0462] In this embodiment, a first promotional effect and a second promotional effect can be performed as promotional effects. These first and second promotional effects differ in whether or not each effect is executed and in the manner of the effect. Figure 9-13 is an explanatory diagram of the promotional effect manner table, which shows an example of the manner of the promotional effect.

[0463] As shown in Figure 9-13, the first promotional effect is an effect that is performed during a minor win game, and includes the first promotional flashing effect among the promotional flashing effects, the promotional sound effect effect, and the first promotional image effect among the promotional image effects.

[0464] The first promotion flashing effect is a performance in which the V-judgment winning device LED 87L flashes (illuminates) in rainbow colors (7 colors) with a flashing cycle of 0.5 seconds. The promotion sound effect is a performance in which a promotion sound effect is played and output from speakers 8L and 8R. The first promotion image is a performance in which the first promotion image is displayed on the image display device 5. This first promotion image is an image that includes a first arrow image in the center of the screen instructing the player to shoot to the right in order to get a V-win, the words "Aim for V" in the lower left of the screen, and an updateable time gauge image that shows the remaining period of time controlled to the minor win game state. This first arrow image is a rainbow color (7 colors) image and is a moving image that performs animation (see Figure 9-14). The words "Aim for V" are also a rainbow color (7 colors) image (see Figure 9-14).

[0465] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9-13, the second promotional effect is an effect that is performed during a minor win game, and includes the second promotional flashing effect among the promotional flashing effects and the second promotional image effect among the promotional image effects.

[0466] The second promotional flashing effect is a performance in which the V-judgment prize-winning device LED 87L flashes (illuminates) in red (single color) with a flashing cycle of 2 seconds. The second promotional image effect is a performance in which the second promotional image is displayed on the image display device 5. This second promotional image is an image that includes a second arrow image in the center of the screen instructing the player to shoot to the right in order to get a V-win, and the words "Please put the ball in V" at the bottom center of the screen. This second arrow image is a white (single color) image and is a static image that does not perform any animation (see Figure 9-15). The words "Please put the ball in V" are a black (single color) image (see Figure 9-15).

[0467] [Example of a promotional effect for the first stage] Figure 9-14 is an explanatory diagram showing the performance image displayed on the image display device 5, the performance light emitted from the V-judgment winning device LED 87L, and the performance sound output from speakers 8L and 8R, all related to the first promotion performance.

[0468] As shown in Figure 9-14(1), if it is decided to execute the first promotional effect, the performance control CPU 120 executes the first promotional effect (in this example, the first promotional flashing effect, the promotional sound effect, and the first promotional image effect), causing the V-judgment winning device LED 87L to flash (illuminate) in rainbow colors (7 colors) with a flashing period of 0.5 seconds, playing and outputting promotional sound effects from speakers 8L and 8R, and displaying the first promotional image (first arrow image 09TM11A, the words "Aim for V", and time gauge image 09TM11T) on the image display device 5.

[0469] At this time, the V-judgment winning device LED87L should be turned off during the flashing cycle (0.5 seconds) of the first promotion flashing effect, so the V-judgment winning device LED87L is not lit. Also, as the first arrow image 09TM11A of the first promotion image, an image of the animation in progress (the first arrow image displayed only in the left center of the screen) is displayed.

[0470] Next, as shown in Figure 9-14(2), the CPU 120 for performance control continues to execute the first promotional performance (in this example, the first promotional flashing performance, the promotional sound effect performance, and the first promotional image performance), causing the V-judgment winning device LED 87L to flash (illuminate) in rainbow colors (7 colors) with a flashing cycle of 0.5 seconds, outputting promotional sound effects from speakers 8L and 8R, and displaying the first promotional image on the image display device 5.

[0471] At this time, the timing for the V-judgment winning device LED87L to light up is during the flashing cycle (0.5 seconds) of the first promotion flashing effect, so the V-judgment winning device LED87L is emitting rainbow colors. Also, as the first arrow image 09TM11A of the first promotion image, an image of the animation in progress (the first arrow image displayed across the entire center of the screen) is displayed.

[0472] [Example of a second promotional effect] Figure 9-15 is an explanatory diagram showing the performance image displayed on the image display device 5 and the performance light emitted from the V-judgment winning device LED 87L, related to the second promotion performance.

[0473] As shown in Figure 9-15(1), if it is decided to execute the second promotional effect, the effect control CPU 120 executes the second promotional effect (in this example, the second promotional flashing effect and the second promotional image effect), causing the V-judgment prize-winning device LED 87L to flash (illuminate) in red (single color) with a flashing cycle of 2 seconds, and the image display device 5 to display the second promotional image (second arrow image 09TM12A, with the text "Please put the ball in V").

[0474] At this time, the timing for the V-judgment winning device LED87L to be turned off is during the flashing cycle (2 seconds) of the first promotion flashing effect, so the V-judgment winning device LED87L is not lit.

[0475] Next, as shown in Figure 9-15(2), the CPU 120 for performance control continues to execute the second promotional performance (in this example, the second promotional flashing performance and the second promotional image performance), causing the V-judgment winning device LED 87L to flash (illuminate) red (single color) with a flashing cycle of 2 seconds, and the second promotional image to be displayed on the image display device 5.

[0476] At this time, the timing for the V-judgment winning device LED87L to light up is during the flashing cycle (2 seconds) of the second promotion flashing effect, so the V-judgment winning device LED87L is emitting red light. At this time, the second promotion image is continuously displayed in the same display mode as in Figure 9-15(1).

[0477] In this embodiment, a big win occurs when a game ball enters the V-entry area 870 inside the V-entry device 87 (V-entry) during a minor win game state. By executing the first promotional effect, attention can be drawn to the V-entry device 87, and players can be instructed to aim for the V-entry device 87 (by shooting to the right) in order to ensure a V-entry (entry into the V-entry area 870).

[0478] Furthermore, by executing a second promotional animation with a different presentation style than the first promotional animation, the player is notified that the situation is different from a normal minor win game (for example, a situation where a power outage occurs during a minor win game, and although the remaining control period of the minor win game state after power is restored is short, a V-win has not occurred), and the player can be instructed to aim for the V-judgment winning device 87 (by shooting to the right) in order to get a V-win (win into the V-winning area 870) with a presentation style that is more urgent than the first promotional animation (for example, while the first promotional animation is a presentation style that is meant to liven up the game, the second promotional animation is a simple presentation style that is meant to inform the player what they should do).

[0479] [Processing to determine the animation at the end of a minor win] Figure 9-16 is a flowchart showing the process for determining the presentation when a minor win ends. The CPU 120 for performance control executes the performance determination process at the end of a minor win, as shown in Figure 9-16, during the minor win ending performance processing (step S175) of the performance control process processing shown in Figure 7. Specifically, when the CPU 120 for controlling the effects receives a command to specify the end of a minor win, it determines which effects to execute (and which effects not to execute) after the minor win ends, using the minor win end-effect determination process shown in Figure 9-16.

[0480] First, the CPU 120 for controlling the game's presentation determines whether or not it has received a V-winning command (step S09TM3010). That is, it determines whether or not a V-winning occurred during the mini-win game.

[0481] If a V-winning designation command is received (YES in step S09TM3010), that is, if a V-winning occurred in the minor win game, the performance control CPU 120 decides to display the minor win combination of decorative symbols as the combination of decorative symbols displayed after the end of the major win game corresponding to the minor win (step S09TM3020), and then terminates processing.

[0482] The "combination of decorative symbols for minor wins" determined in step S09TM3020 to be displayed after a minor win is a combination of decorative symbols displayed in the symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of the image display device 5 on the start screen of one of the performance modes (in this example, [Rush Mode] or [Hyper Rush Mode]) controlled after the end of the major win game (minor win via time-saving major win) corresponding to the minor win.

[0483] For example, in the variation display that was executed immediately before the game was controlled to the minor win state, a combination of decorative symbols for a minor win (e.g., "3V3") corresponding to the display result being "minor win" is displayed (stop display, confirmed stop) in the symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of the image display device 5. Then, on the start screen of one of the performance modes controlled after the big win state corresponding to the minor win ends (in this example, [Rush Mode], [Hyper Rush Mode]), a combination of decorative symbols for a minor win (e.g., "3V3") is displayed in the symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of the image display device 5.

[0484] In this way, by pre-determining the combination of decorative symbols to be displayed on the starting screen of one of the performance modes (in this example, [Rush Mode] or [Hyper Rush Mode]) that is controlle...

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine that performs variable display, A variable means that controls the game medium to be in an enterable state, A state control means capable of controlling to an advantageous state for the player, a special state controlled after the advantageous state, in which the variable display is executed more frequently than in the normal state, and a special state controlled when special conditions are met in the special state, which is different from the advantageous state, in which the variable means is controlled to the enterable state. It comprises a display control means capable of displaying the display result of the variable display of decorative identification information on a display means, The state control means is The game medium that enters the variable means can be controlled to the advantageous state after passing through a specific area. In the aforementioned special state, after the game medium has not passed through the specific area, it is possible to control it back to the normal state. The display control means is When controlled to the normal state, a specific display result can be displayed on the display means in correspondence with being controlled to the advantageous state as a result of the variable display of the decorative identification information. When the game medium does not pass through the specific area in the special state, the specific display result can be displayed on the display means after the special state ends. If a power outage occurs in the aforementioned special state, and the game medium does not pass through the specific area in the aforementioned special state controlled after the power outage is restored, a display result different from the specific display result can be displayed on the display means after the end of the special state. In the aforementioned special state, a predetermined condition is met provided that the game medium does not pass through the specific area, and when this predetermined condition is met, a predetermined display can be displayed. In the aforementioned special state, the predetermined conditions are not met and the predetermined display is not shown when a power outage occurs, and after the power outage is restored, when the predetermined conditions are met in the controlled special state, the predetermined display is not shown. In the aforementioned normal state, any of the multiple types of normal background images can be displayed on the display means. A common normal background image can be displayed on the display means in the normal state that is controlled after a variable display is performed in the special state without being controlled in the special state, and in the normal state that is controlled after the game medium does not pass through the specific area in the special state. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

Images