Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine that has a good appearance as a whole and is capable of executing attractive performances.SOLUTION: A reach performance includes a weak reach performance and a strong reach performance that can appear at a later stage than the weak reach performance, and in a win loss variation pattern, result display time is longer in the case of the strong ready performance than in the case of the weak ready performance in a last ready performance. Further, first ball entry means attached to the transparent main body plate of the game board is made of a front member attached to the transparent main body plate from a front side and formed at least partially transparent or translucent, and a rear member attached to a rear side, and a first ball entrance into which a game ball flowing down the gaming area can enter is arranged in the front member. The first detection means capable of detecting first detection means is disposed at a position on the rear member that is invisible or difficult to see when viewed from the front.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A gaming machine such as a pachinko machine conducts a lottery on whether to give a profit to a player, variably displays a pattern based on the lottery result, stops the pattern in a specific manner when giving a profit, and during the pattern variation, performs an effect related to the lottery result according to one of a plurality of variation patterns. In addition, a game board mounted on this type of gaming machine is formed by directly or indirectly mounting a ball entry means and other game parts, a liquid crystal and other display means, a main control board and other control boards, etc. on a main body board formed with a certain thickness. Here, for the main body board, in the past, a veneer board or the like with a decorative sheet pasted on the front surface was used, but recently, a transparent main body board such as polycarbonate is often used (so-called transparent game board). In the case of such a transparent game board, there is an advantage that the degree of freedom in decoration can be increased by arranging a decoration body on the rear side of the transparent main body board. On the other hand, there is a disadvantage that the appearance is impaired because electrical components such as switches and their wirings can be visually recognized from the front side. Therefore, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, a through passage hidden by opaque parts is formed in the transparent main body board, and by inserting the wiring of a ball passage detection switch (detection means) provided at the ball entry port into the through passage, the wiring routed on the rear side of the transparent main body board can be made invisible from the front side, and the appearance can be improved.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order to achieve a higher level of visual impact in a gaming machine, it is essential not only to make the visual effects themselves appealing by appropriately structuring the reach animations in the reach variation patterns, but also, as a prerequisite, to make the appearance of the gaming machine, especially the game board, look good. This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a gaming machine that is visually appealing as a whole and capable of performing attractive effects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] First The invention comprises: a lottery means for determining whether or not to grant a prize to the player; a symbol display means for displaying symbols in a variable manner based on the lottery result by the lottery means and stopping the symbols in a specific manner when the prize is to be granted; a performance control means for executing a performance related to the lottery result, along with the variable display by the symbol display means, according to one of a plurality of variable patterns; and a game board having a game area on its front side, wherein the plurality of variable patterns occur after the symbols enter a reach state. Execute Includes reach variation patterns that display the result during the reach animation. 、 The aforementioned game board is a game machine having a transparent main body plate and a first ball entry means attached to the transparent main body plate, The first ball entry means comprises a front member attached to the transparent main body plate from the front and formed to be transparent or semi-transparent in at least a portion thereof, and a rear member attached to the rear of the transparent main body plate. The front member has a plurality of ball entry openings into which game balls flowing down the game area can be entered. The rear member has a first detection means capable of detecting a game ball that has entered one of the plurality of ball entry openings, and a ball passage that guides the game ball that has entered the first ball entry opening toward the first detection means, both positioned in a location on the rear member that is not visible or difficult to see from a front view. The front member is made of a single piece of resin. It is composed of molded parts, the front member displays identification information relating to a specific ball entry opening among the plurality of ball entry openings, a first light-emitting means is positioned behind the transparent main body plate, and the light emitted from the first light-emitting means can cause the front member containing the identification information to light up through the ball passage and the transparent main body plate, and in the reach variation pattern, when the reach performance is a specific reach performance, an operation valid period is provided during the specific reach performance, and the result display is started when a predetermined operation means is operated during the operation valid period and the performance execution conditions are met. The system is configured such that, among the reach variation patterns, in the reach variation pattern corresponding to the winning variation in which the symbols are in the specific form, any of several types of result displays in the specific reach performance can be executed, including a revival win result display and a normal win result display. The revival win result display is configured to first execute a losing result performance, then execute a background return performance that switches the special background to the normal background, and then execute a normal screen display before ending with the execution of the revival win result performance. The normal win result display executes the losing result performance, the background return performance, and the normal screen display. The system is configured to terminate by executing a normal win result animation without performing any further actions, the losing result animation in the revival win result display terminates by executing a losing display indicating that the symbols do not form the specific configuration, the normal win result animation in the normal win result display terminates by executing a win display indicating that the symbols form the specific configuration, and in the specific reach animation, time adjustments are made so that the end time of the result display does not change even if the start time of the result display changes according to the timing of the operation, in the revival win result display, after the execution of the losing display in the losing result animation.Before the execution of the background restoration effect, the normal win result display is performed after the execution of the win display in the normal win result effect, It is. The second invention comprises: a lottery means for determining whether or not to grant a prize to the player; a symbol display means for displaying symbols in a variable manner based on the lottery result by the lottery means and stopping the symbols in a specific manner when the prize is to be granted; a performance control means for executing a performance related to the lottery result, along with the variable display by the symbol display means, according to one of a plurality of variable patterns; and a game board having a game area on its front side, wherein the plurality of variable patterns are used to display the result in a reach performance executed after the symbols enter a reach state. The game machine includes a variable pattern, and the game board comprises a transparent main plate and a first ball entry means attached to the transparent main plate, wherein the first ball entry means comprises a front member attached to the transparent main plate from the front and formed to be transparent or semi-transparent in at least a part thereof, and a rear member attached to the rear of the transparent main plate, and a plurality of ball entry openings into which game balls flowing down the game area can be entered are arranged on the front member, and a first detection means capable of detecting a game ball that has entered the first ball entry opening among the plurality of ball entry openings, and the game ball that has entered the first ball entry opening is placed on the first A spherical passage that guides the ball toward the detection means is positioned on the rear member in a location that is not visible or difficult to see from the front, the front member is made of a resin integrally molded part, and fixing parts for fixing the front member to the transparent main plate are not provided in the middle of the plurality of ball entry openings, but are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the front member, a first light-emitting means is positioned on the rear side of the transparent main plate, and the light emitted from the first light-emitting means can cause the front member to light up through the spherical passage and the transparent main plate, and in the reach variation pattern In the case where the reach animation is a specific reach animation, an operation validity period is provided during the specific reach animation, and the result display is started when a predetermined operation means is operated during the operation validity period and the animation execution conditions are met, and in the reach variation pattern that corresponds to a winning variation in which the symbols are in the specific form, any of a plurality of result displays, including a revival win result display and a normal win result display, can be executed as the result display in the specific reach animation, and the revival win result display is executed after first executing a losing result animation,The system is configured to terminate by executing a background return sequence that switches the special background back to the normal background, followed by a normal screen display, and then a revival win result sequence. The normal win result display is configured to terminate by executing the normal win result sequence without executing the loss result sequence, the background return sequence, or the normal screen display. The loss result sequence in the revival win result display terminates by executing a loss message indicating that the symbols do not form the specific configuration. The normal win result sequence in the normal win result display terminates by executing a win message indicating that the symbols form the specific configuration. In the specific reach sequence, time adjustments are made to ensure that the end time of the result display does not change even if the start time of the result display changes depending on the timing of the operation. In the revival win result display, this is done after the execution of the loss message in the loss result sequence and before the execution of the background return sequence, and in the normal win result display, this is done after the execution of the win message in the normal win result sequence. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to create a visually appealing and attractive presentation for the entire gaming machine. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an overall front view of a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a disassembled perspective view of the same pachinko machine. [Figure 3] It is a front view of the game board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of the main part of the game board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 5] It is a plan sectional view of the main part of the game board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 6] It is a side sectional view of the main part of the game board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 7] It is a front sectional view of the main part of the game board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 8] It is a front view of the main part of the game board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 9] It is a plan sectional view of the main part of the game board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 10] It is a plan sectional view of the main part of the game board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 11] It is a side sectional view of the main part of the game board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 12] It is a side sectional view of the main part of the game board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 13] It is a side sectional view of the main part of the game board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 14] It is a block diagram of the control system of the pachinko machine. [Figure 15] It is a front view of the main part of the game board of the pachinko machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] It is a side sectional view of the main part of the game board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 17] It is a front view of the main part of the game board of the pachinko machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] It is a plan sectional view of the main part of the game board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 19] It is a front view of the whole pachinko machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] It is a block diagram of the control system of the pachinko machine. [Figure 21] It is a diagram showing the variable pattern selection table of the pachinko machine. [Figure 22] It is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the variable pattern of the pachinko machine. [Figure 23]It is a diagram showing the time chart and performance content of the S reach effect of the same pachinko machine. [Figure 24] It is a diagram showing the time chart and performance content of the pre-SP reach effect of the same pachinko machine. [Figure 25] It is a diagram showing the time chart and performance content of the post-SP reach effect (in the case of a miss) of the same pachinko machine. [Figure 26] It is a diagram showing the time chart and performance content of the post-SP reach effect (in the case of a big win) of the same pachinko machine. [Figure 27] It is an explanatory diagram of the rainbow light emission pattern in the normal / resurrection big win movable body effect of the same pachinko machine. [Figure 28] It is a diagram showing the time chart and performance content of the pre-SP reach effect of the pachinko machine according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] It is a diagram showing the time chart and performance content of the pre-SP reach effect of the pachinko machine according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] It is a diagram showing the time chart and performance content of the pre-SP reach effect of the pachinko machine according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31] It is a diagram showing the time chart and performance content of the pre-SP reach effect of the pachinko machine according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32] It is a diagram showing the time chart and performance content of the post-SP reach effect of the pachinko machine according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33] It is a diagram showing the time chart of the S reach effect and the post-SP reach effect of the pachinko machine according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] It is a diagram showing the time chart and performance content of the S reach effect of the pachinko machine according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35] It is a plan sectional view of the main part of the game board of the pachinko machine according to a modification of the present invention. [Figure 36] It is a plan sectional view of the main part of the game board of the pachinko machine according to a modification of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0008] The embodiments of the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 14 illustrate a first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine. In Figures 1 and 2, the gaming machine body 1 comprises an outer frame 2 and a front frame 3 positioned in front of the outer frame 2. The front frame 3 is pivotally attached to the outer frame 2 so as to be able to open, close, and detachably via a first hinge 4 in the vertical direction, which is located on one end in the left-right direction, for example on the left end. The front frame 3 can be locked in the closed position relative to the outer frame 2 by a locking means 5 provided on the opposite side of the first hinge 4 in the left-right direction, for example on the right end.

[0009] The front frame 3 comprises a main frame 6 and a glass door 7 positioned on the front side of the main frame 6. The glass door 7 is pivotally attached to the main frame 6 so as to be able to open, close, and detachably via a second hinge 8 that is positioned vertically and located on one end in the left-right direction, for example, on the left end, and can be locked to the main frame 6 in the closed position by a locking means 5. The first hinge 4 and the second hinge 8 are positioned, for example, on the same axis.

[0010] As shown in Figure 2, the outer frame 2 is formed in a rectangular shape by a pair of left and right vertical frame members 2a, 2b and a pair of upper and lower horizontal frame members 2c, 2d. A resin front cover member 9 is attached to the lower front of the outer frame 2, connecting the lower front of the left and right vertical frame members 2a, 2b along the front edge of the lower horizontal frame member 2d. The front cover member 9 protrudes further forward than the left and right vertical frame members 2a, 2b, and the main frame 6 is positioned above it. The outer frame 2 also has an upper outer frame hinge fitting 11 that constitutes the first hinge 4, for example, located on the upper left, and a lower outer frame hinge fitting 12 located on the lower left, above the front cover member 9.

[0011] The main frame 6 is made of resin and integrally comprises, for example, a rectangular frame portion 13 that can substantially abut against the front edge of the outer frame 2 above the front cover member 9, a game board mounting portion 14 provided on the upper side of the frame portion 13, and a lower mounting portion 15 provided on the lower side of the frame portion 13. The game board 16 is attached to the game board mounting portion 14, for example, detachably from the front, and the launching means 17, lower speaker 18, etc. are arranged on the front side of the lower mounting portion 15. The main frame 6 also has, for example, an upper hinge fitting 19 that constitutes the first hinge 4 and an upper hinge fitting 20 that constitutes the second hinge 8, located, for example, on the upper left, and a lower hinge fitting 21 that constitutes the first, second hinges 4 and 8, for example, located on the lower left.

[0012] The glass door 7 is equipped with a rectangular resin door base 22 that corresponds to the front side of the main frame 6. A window opening 24a for the glass window 24 is formed in this door base 22, corresponding to the game area 23 formed on the front side of the game board 16. Multiple (in this case, four) upper speakers 25, a blower effect device 26, and other effect means are arranged around the window opening 24a, and an upper decorative cover 27 is attached that substantially covers these upper speakers 25 and the like from the front.

[0013] Furthermore, on the lower front side of the door base 22, there is an upper tray 30 that stores game balls dispensed from the dispensing means 28 located on the rear side of the main frame 6 and supplies them to the launching means 17, a lower tray 31 that stores excess balls when the upper tray 30 is full, and a launching handle 32 that is operated to activate the launching means 17. In addition, a lower decorative cover 33 is attached that substantially covers the upper tray 30, lower tray 31, etc. from the front. The lower decorative cover 33 is formed in a forward-facing bulge shape, and on its upper side, there are operating means such as a performance button 34 and a cross-shaped operating means 35 that can be pressed by the player. The cross-shaped operating means 35 has four operating parts: an upper key 35a on the rear side, a lower key 35b on the front side, a left key 35c on the left side, and a right key 35d on the right side.

[0014] On the rear side of the door base 22, a glass unit 36 ​​is detachably attached so as to substantially cover the window opening 24a from the rear. In addition, a vertical hinge end reinforcing plate 37 is positioned along the edges on the first and second hinges 4 and 8 sides, a vertical opening / closing end reinforcing plate 38 is positioned along the edge on the opening / closing end side, and a horizontal lower reinforcing plate 39 is positioned below the window opening 24a, all of which are detachably fixed by screws or the like. Furthermore, the upper glass door hinge fitting 40, which constitutes the second hinge 8, is positioned on the upper left of the door base 22, and the lower glass door hinge fitting 41 is positioned on the lower left.

[0015] Furthermore, for example, a ball feeding unit 42 and a lower tray guide unit 43 are mounted on the rear side of the lower reinforcing plate 39. The ball feeding unit 42 is for supplying game balls from the upper tray 30 one by one to the launching means 17 and is positioned corresponding to the front side of the launching means 17. The lower tray guide unit 43 is for guiding excess balls when the upper tray 30 is full, and foul balls that have been launched by the launching means 17 but have returned without reaching the game area 23, to the lower tray 31 and is positioned, for example, adjacent to the ball feeding unit 42 on the side of its first and second hinges 4 and 8.

[0016] The game board 16 is a so-called transparent game board equipped with a transparent main body plate 45 made of a transparent resin such as polycarbonate. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a guide rail 51, a central display frame means 52, a normal prize winning means 53, a start gate means 54, a first start prize winning means 55, a second start prize winning means 56, a big prize winning means 57, a liquid crystal display means 58, a movable performance means 59, a rear decorative means 60, and the like are attached to the transparent main body plate 45.

[0017] As shown in Figures 4 to 7 and 10, the liquid crystal display means 58, the movable effect means 59, the rear decorative means 60, etc., are arranged on the rear side of the transparent main body plate 45 via a rear support member 61. The rear support member 61 integrally comprises a rear wall portion 62 arranged behind the transparent main body plate 45 and substantially parallel to the transparent main body plate 45, and a peripheral wall portion 63 extending substantially forward from the outer circumference of the rear wall portion 62. The front edge of the peripheral wall portion 63 is fixed to the rear side of the transparent main body plate 45 by screws or the like with the peripheral wall portion 63 in contact with the rear side. A substantially rectangular opening 62a is formed in the rear wall portion 62, and the liquid crystal display means 58 is detachably fixed to the rear side of the rear wall portion 62 with the display screen 58a corresponding to the opening 62a. The movable effect means 59 and the rear decorative means 60 are arranged inside the rear support member 61 and detachably fixed to the rear wall portion 62, etc.

[0018] The guide rail 51 is for guiding the game balls launched from the launching means 17, and is arranged in a roughly ring shape on the front side of the transparent main body plate 45 so as to surround the perimeter of the game area 23. As shown in Figure 3, it is composed of multiple, for example, three, first to third rail members 51a to 51c. The first to third rail members 51a to 51c are made of, for example, transparent or translucent resin.

[0019] The first rail member 51a is formed in a roughly curved shape from the lower left side of the transparent main body plate 45, through the approximate center of the left edge and the approximate center of the upper edge, to the upper right side. It integrally comprises a front wall portion 64 parallel to the transparent main body plate 45 and a peripheral wall portion 65 of approximately constant width projecting backward from the peripheral edge of the front wall portion 64. The rear end of the peripheral wall portion 65 is fixed to the transparent main body plate 45 in contact with the front surface of the transparent main body plate 45. The peripheral wall portion 65a on the game area 23 side of the first rail member 51a is formed in a roughly arc shape when viewed from the front, forming part of the guide rail 51.

[0020] The second rail member 51b is formed as a plate with a constant width in the front-to-back direction, erected almost vertically on the front side of the transparent main body plate 45, and is arranged in an almost arc shape parallel to the inside of the first rail member 51a from the upper left to the lower left of the transparent main body plate 45. The portion sandwiched between the first rail member 51a and the second rail member 51b is a launch guide passage 66 that guides the game balls launched by the launching means 17 into the game area 23.

[0021] The third rail member 51c is formed in a roughly L-shape when viewed from the front, along the right edge and lower edge of the transparent main body plate 45, so as to connect the upper right end of the first rail member 51a and the lower left end of the second rail member 51b. It integrally comprises a front wall portion 67 parallel to the transparent main body plate 45 and a peripheral wall portion 68 of a roughly constant width projecting backward from the peripheral edge of the front wall portion 67. The rear end of the peripheral wall portion 68 is fixed to the transparent main body plate 45 in contact with the front surface of the transparent main body plate 45. The peripheral wall portion 68a on the game area 23 side of the third rail member 51c forms part of the guide rail 51.

[0022] The central display frame means 52 constitutes the display frame of the liquid crystal display means 58 and is detachably attached from the front to a mounting hole (not shown) that penetrates in the front-to-back direction formed in the transparent main body plate 45. This central display frame means 52 is made of transparent or translucent resin and comprises a front mounting plate 52a that is positioned outside the mounting hole along the front surface of the transparent main body plate 45 and through which game balls can pass, a decorative frame 52b that is positioned in a roughly gate shape in a front view, extending from both the left and right sides to the upper side on the front of the liquid crystal display means 58 and projecting forward from the inner circumference of the front mounting plate 52a, and a stage 71 positioned between the left and right lower ends of the decorative frame 52b. Game balls launched by the launching means 17 and entering the upper side of the game area 23 are distributed to the left and right at the top of the decorative frame 52b and flow down either the left-downward path 72a on the left side of the central display frame means 52 or the right-downward path 72b on the right side.

[0023] The central display frame means 52 is provided with a warp inlet 71a into which game balls can flow, on at least one side of the left-flow path 72a and the right-flow path 72b, for example, on the left-flow path 72a side. After the game balls flow into the warp inlet 71a roll freely in the left-right direction on the stage 71, they fall forward from either the central drop section 73, which is provided corresponding to the left-right center of the game area 23, or from the other parts.

[0024] Furthermore, various display means such as a normal symbol display means 76, a normal reserve number display means 77, a first special symbol display means 78, and a second special symbol display means 79 are provided on the central display frame means 52. Of course, these display means 76 to 79 are not limited to the central display frame means 52, but can be placed at any position on the front of the game board 16 in a manner that is visible from the front.

[0025] The ordinary prize-winning means (first ball-winning means) 53 is positioned in the lower left part of the game area 23 and, as shown in Figures 3 to 7, comprises a front member 82 that is detachably attached from the front to a mounting hole 81 formed in the transparent main body plate 45 that penetrates in the front-to-back direction, and a rear member 83 that is positioned on the rear side of the transparent main body plate 45 corresponding to the front member 82.

[0026] The front member 82 is made of resin and is formed to be transparent or translucent in at least part, for example, entirely transparent. It integrally comprises a front wall portion 84 positioned along the back surface of the glass unit 36, a peripheral wall portion 85 extending backward from the outer edge of the front wall portion 84, a mounting plate 86 extending outward from the rear edge of the peripheral wall portion 85 along the front surface of the transparent main body plate 45, a plurality of, for example, two ordinary prize winning openings 87a, 87b, one or more, for example, one out opening 88, prize culverts 89a, 89b corresponding to the ordinary prize winning openings 87a, 87b, and an out culvert 90 corresponding to the out opening 88. The lower peripheral wall portion 85a, which is positioned along the lower edge of the front wall portion 84, is detachably fixed to the transparent main body plate 45 by screws or the like at a fixing portion 86a on the mounting plate 86.

[0027] Furthermore, the front member 82 is composed solely of a single molded resin part and does not have any electrical components such as game ball detection means or LED boards mounted on it. Therefore, the fixing parts 86a for screw fastening are provided only on both ends in the longitudinal direction, that is, along the guide rail 51, and are not provided in the intermediate part between the regular prize entry openings 87a, 87b and the out opening 88. In addition, since the front member 82 does not have game ball detection means or the like mounted on it, it is possible to make it more compact by arranging the regular prize entry openings 87a, 87b closer to the guide rail 51, and the limited space of the game area 23 can be used more efficiently.

[0028] The regular prize entry openings (first ball entry openings) 87a and 87b are openings that face slightly upward and are located adjacent to each other on the left and right sides of the upper peripheral wall portion 85b, which corresponds to the upper edge of the front wall portion 84. The out opening 88 is also an opening that faces slightly upward and is located on the upper peripheral wall portion 85b, adjacent to the upstream side, i.e., the left side, of the regular prize entry openings 87a and 87b. Naturally, no game ball detection means is provided at the out opening 88, but since no game ball detection means is provided near the adjacent regular prize entry openings 87a and 87b, it is difficult to determine whether an opening is an out opening based on the presence or absence of game ball detection means. Of course, the front wall portion 84 displays out opening identification information 91 at a position corresponding to the out opening 88, making it possible to recognize that it is an out opening. The out opening identification information 91 consists of, for example, the letters "OUT".

[0029] The prize entry troughs 89a and 89b guide game balls that enter the regular prize entry openings 87a and 87b to the rear side of the transparent main body plate 45, respectively. They protrude from the rear side of the front wall portion 84 in a downward sloping manner, with the front end communicating with the underside of the regular prize entry openings 87a and 87b, and the rear end opening backward through the mounting hole 81 to the rear side of the transparent main body plate 45. The out trough 90 guides game balls that enter the out opening 88 to the rear side of the transparent main body plate 45. It protrudes from the rear side of the front wall portion 84 in a downward sloping manner, with the front end communicating with the underside of the out opening 88, and the rear end opening backward through the mounting hole 81 to the rear side of the transparent main body plate 45.

[0030] Furthermore, an inclined guide section (first inclined guide section) 92 is formed at the upstream end of the upper peripheral wall section 85b, which guides the game balls that have flowed down along the guide rail 51 toward the normal prize winning holes 87a and 87b. The inclined guide section 92 is composed of a downward sloping surface to the right, and its upstream end is in contact with or close to the inner surface of the guide rail 51 at a gentle angle.

[0031] The rear member 83 is made of transparent, translucent, or opaque resin and, as shown in Figures 4 to 7, is equipped with a prize ball passage 93 for discharging game balls that have entered the regular prize ball openings 87a and 87b to the outside of the machine, and an out ball passage 94 for discharging game balls that have entered the out ball opening 88 to the outside of the machine. It is formed integrally with the rear decorative means 60 and is supported together with the rear decorative means 60 by a support portion 95 that protrudes forward from the rear wall portion 62 of the rear support member 61.

[0032] The prize ball passage (ball passage) 93 comprises a first upstream passage section 93a whose upstream end communicates with the prize trough 89a on the normal prize opening 87a side, a second upstream passage section 93b whose upstream end communicates with the prize trough 89b on the normal prize opening 87b side, and a downstream passage section 93c where the first upstream passage section 93a and the second upstream passage section 93b merge at a confluence section 96 on the upstream end, and whose downstream end communicates with an outflow passage not shown, and is arranged along the back surface of the transparent main body plate 45. A game ball detection means (first detection means) 97 capable of detecting game balls is mounted at a predetermined position on the downstream passage section 93c, for example, near the downstream end. The game ball detection means 97 is composed of a flat rectangular through-type proximity switch with a through-type detection part 97a at one end, and is mounted on the rear member 83 so that game balls flowing down the downstream passage 93c pass through the detection part 97a. In this way, game balls that enter the regular prize winning openings 87a and 87b are detected by the common game ball detection means 97.

[0033] Furthermore, in a front view, the downstream passage section 93c, including the confluence section 96, is positioned almost entirely outside the game area 23, that is, below the guide rail 51. The game ball detection means 97, which is positioned on the downstream passage section 93c, is also positioned outside the game area 23, that is, below the guide rail 51 (see Figure 7). Thus, the game ball detection means 97 is positioned outside the game area 23 in a front view, and as shown in Figure 6, the third rail member 51c is located in front of it, and the upper decorative cover 27 of the glass door 7 is located further in front of that. Therefore, even though the game board 16 is a so-called transparent game board, the game ball detection means 97 is not visible or difficult to see from the front, thus preventing a decrease in appearance.

[0034] Furthermore, when the game ball detection means 97 is positioned outside the game area 23 in a front view, the distance the game ball travels from the normal prize slots 87a and 87b to the game ball detection means (first detection means) 97, especially the vertical distance, becomes larger. As a result, the time between a game ball entering the normal prize slots 87a and 87b and its detection by the game ball detection means 97 becomes longer. However, since the game state does not change as a result of a game ball entering the normal prize slots 87a and 87b, there is no particular problem even if the time from game ball entry to detection is longer.

[0035] The out-ball passage 94 is arranged in a roughly vertical direction along the back surface of the transparent main body plate 45, such that its upstream end communicates with the out-gutter 90 and its downstream end communicates with a discharge passage not shown in the figure.

[0036] Thus, although the prize ball passage (ball passage) 93 of the rear member 83 is equipped with a game ball detection means 97, no other electrical components, such as an LED board, are mounted there. Furthermore, in this embodiment, no LED board is placed in the area of ​​the rear member 83 that corresponds to the rear side of the prize ball passage (ball passage) 93 when viewed from the front.

[0037] Furthermore, the rear decorative means (decorative body) 60, which is formed integrally with the rear member 83, comprises a decorative plate 98 arranged along the back surface of the transparent main body plate 45, and an LED substrate 99 arranged behind the decorative plate 98. The decorative plate 98 is made of a translucent resin and is decorated as desired, and is provided, for example, in the periphery of the prize ball passage 93 and the out ball passage 94, avoiding the front of them. The LED substrate 99 has a large number of LEDs 99a arranged on its front side and is formed in a shape corresponding to the decorative plate 98.

[0038] When the LED (first light-emitting means) 99a of the LED substrate 99 lights up, the decorative plate 98 lights up as a result. The light from the decorative plate 98 is then shone from the rear through the transparent main body plate 45 onto at least a portion of the front member 82 on its front side, such as the ordinary prize entry openings 87a, 87b, the out opening 88, the mounting plate 86, and the front wall portion 84 (out opening identification information 91, etc.), causing these to light up.

[0039] The starting gate means (third ball entry means) 54 is positioned on the right-downward flow path 72b within the game area 23, and as shown in Figures 8 and 9, it comprises a starting gate main body (front structure) 102 that is detachably attached from the front to a mounting hole 101 formed in the transparent main body plate 45 that penetrates in the front-to-back direction, and a game ball detection means 103 that can detect game balls. The starting gate main body 102 is made of transparent or translucent resin, and a normal pattern starting gate (gate part) 104 that allows game balls flowing down the right-downward flow path 72b to pass through in the vertical direction is formed to protrude forward from the transparent main body plate 45, and the normal pattern starting gate 104 is fixed to the transparent main body plate 45 by screws or the like at fixing parts 102a on both the left and right sides.

[0040] The game ball detection means (third detection means) 103 is composed of a flat rectangular through-type proximity switch with a through-type detection part 103a on one end, and is mounted on the start gate body 102 from the rear so that the detection part 103a coincides with the normal symbol start gate 104. The rear side of the game ball detection means 103 is inserted into the mounting hole 101 of the transparent body plate 45, and the harness 105 pulled out backward from its rear end is arranged along the back side of the transparent body plate 45 toward the outside of the game area 23, for example, to the right.

[0041] Furthermore, the main body of the starting gate 102 has a decorative part (third decorative part) 106 formed on at least the front side of the normal symbol starting gate 104. This decorative part 106 functions as a screen to make the game ball detection means 103 difficult or impossible to see from the front, and is formed of at least a part of an opaque decorative sheet or the like. Note that this decorative part 106 is not limited to a decorative sheet as long as it functions as a screen for the game ball detection means 103, and may also be, for example, an uneven decoration applied directly to the front side of the normal symbol starting gate 104. Even a transparent part can function as a screen if unevenness is formed therein to scatter light.

[0042] As described above, in the starting gate means 54 of this embodiment, the game ball detection means 103 is positioned such that its detection unit 103a is located on the front side of the transparent main body plate 45, and a decorative part 106 is provided on the front side of the starting gate main body 102 as a cover, so that the game ball detection means 103 is difficult or impossible to see from the front. This is because the starting gate means 54 needs to pass the game ball through the game area 23, and therefore the game ball detection means 103 cannot be positioned on the rear side of the transparent main body plate 45 as in the ordinary prize-winning means 53.

[0043] Furthermore, a decorative section 107 is provided on the front side of the transparent main body plate 45 between the starting gate means 54 and the nearest (i.e., right-side) guide rail 51. This decorative section 107 functions as a screen to make the harness 105 pulled out from the game ball detection means 103 difficult or impossible to see from the front, and is formed on the front side of a decorative plate 108 that is positioned along the front surface of the transparent main body plate 45 between the starting gate means 54 and the guide rail 51 to its right. The decorative plate 108 is formed integrally with, for example, the central display frame means 52. The decorative section 107 may be formed from a decorative sheet or the like, at least in part, which is opaque, or it may be a ridged decoration applied directly to the front side of the decorative plate 108.

[0044] The first starting prize-winning means 55 is positioned in the lower part of the left-right center of the game area 23, that is, between the central display frame means 52 and the guide rail 51 below it. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, it comprises a first starting prize-winning main body 111 that is detachably attached from the front to a mounting hole (not shown) formed in the transparent main body plate 45 that penetrates in the front-to-back direction, and a game ball detection means 112 capable of detecting game balls. An out opening 110 is provided on the guide rail 51 below the first starting prize-winning means 55.

[0045] The first starting prize main body 111 is made of, for example, transparent or translucent resin and integrally comprises a front mounting plate 113 positioned along the front surface of the transparent main body plate 45 and formed so that game balls can pass through its front, and a first special starting opening 114 provided on the front side of the front mounting plate 113, and is fixed to the transparent main body plate 45 by screws or the like at the front mounting plate 113. The first special starting opening 114 is formed as an upward opening corresponding to the lower side of the central drop section 73 provided on the stage 71.

[0046] The game ball detection means 112 is composed of a flat rectangular through-type proximity switch with a through-type detection part 112a on one end, and is mounted on the first start prize main body 111 from the rear so that the detection part 112a is located below the first special start opening 114. After a game ball enters the first special start opening 114, it is detected by the game ball detection means 112 and then guided to the rear side of the transparent main body plate 45 by a guide passage (not shown) and discharged outside the machine.

[0047] Furthermore, the first start prize main body 111 has a decorative part 115 formed on at least the front side of the first special start opening 114. This decorative part 115 functions as a cover so that the game ball detection means 112 is difficult or impossible to see when viewed from the front, and is formed of at least a part of an opaque decorative sheet or the like. Note that this decorative part 115 is not limited to a decorative sheet as long as it functions as a cover for the game ball detection means 112, and may also be, for example, an uneven decoration applied directly to the front side of the first special start opening 114.

[0048] As described above, in the first starting prize-winning means 55 of this embodiment, the game ball detection means 112 is positioned on the front side of the transparent main body plate 45, that is, immediately downstream of the first special starting opening 114, and a decorative part 115 is provided on the front side of the first special starting opening 114 as a cover, so that the game ball detection means 112 is difficult or impossible to see from the front. This is because, as will be described later, the entry of a game ball into the first special starting opening 114 is the starting condition for the pattern change by the first special pattern display means 78, and therefore the distance from the first special starting opening 114 to the game ball detection means 112 cannot be made unnecessarily large.

[0049] However, in order to widen the game area 23, it may not be possible to provide a sufficient distance from the first special start opening 114 to the out opening 110. In such cases, the vertical movement of the game balls that enter the first special start opening 114 may be reduced so that they flow downward to the rear of the transparent main body plate 45, and the game ball detection means 112 may be placed on the rear side of the transparent main body plate 45.

[0050] The second starting prize-winning means 56 is located downstream of the starting gate means 54 in the rightward flow path 72b, on the front mounting plate 52a on the right side of the central display frame means 52. As shown in Figure 3, it comprises a second special starting opening 121 formed on the front mounting plate 52a, an opening / closing member 122 that can change the second special starting opening 121 between an open state in which game balls can enter and a closed state in which game balls cannot enter (or are more difficult to enter than in the open state), and a game ball detection means 123 that can detect game balls.

[0051] The opening / closing member 122 is, for example, pivotable around a left-right rotation axis provided on the lower side. In the closed state, it is, for example, nearly flush with the front mounting plate 52a, allowing the game balls to pass in front of it. In the open state, it is angled downwards towards the rear in front of the front mounting plate 52a, allowing the game balls to enter facing backward.

[0052] The game ball detection means 123 is composed of a flat rectangular through-type proximity switch with a through-type detection part at one end, and is positioned near the downstream side of the second special start port 121. In addition, a decorative part 124 is formed on the front mounting plate 52a corresponding to the front side of the game ball detection means 123. This decorative part 124 functions as a cover so that the game ball detection means 123 is difficult or impossible to see from the front, and is formed of at least a part of an opaque decorative sheet or the like. Note that this decorative part 124 is not limited to a decorative sheet as long as it functions as a cover for the game ball detection means 123, and may also be, for example, an uneven decoration applied directly to the front side of the front mounting plate 52a.

[0053] As described above, in the second starting prize-winning means 56 of this embodiment, the game ball detection means 123 is positioned near the downstream side of the second special starting port 121, and a decorative part 124 is provided on the front mounting plate 52a in front of it as a cover, so that the game ball detection means 123 is difficult or impossible to see from the front. This is because, as will be described later, the entry of a game ball into the second special starting port 121 is the starting condition for the pattern change by the second special pattern display means 79, so the distance from the second special starting port 121 to the game ball detection means 123 cannot be made unnecessarily large, and also because the opening / closing member 122 needs to be closed when a specified number of game balls enter the second starting prize-winning means 56, so this is to prevent the entry of a number of game balls that far exceeds the specified number.

[0054] The grand prize mechanism (second ball entry mechanism) 57 is positioned downstream of the second starting prize mechanism 56 in the rightward flow path 72b along the guide rail 51, and consists of a grand prize unit (ball entry unit) 132 that is detachably attached from the front to a mounting hole 131 formed in the transparent main body plate 45 that penetrates in the front-to-back direction.

[0055] The grand prize unit 132 comprises a front mounting plate 133 positioned around the mounting holes 131 along the front surface of the transparent main body plate 45, a front structure 134 protruding forward from the front mounting plate 133, and a rear structure 135 protruding backward from the front mounting plate 133. The rear structure 135 is inserted into the mounting holes 131 from the front and fixed to the transparent main body plate 45 by screws or the like at the front mounting plate 133.

[0056] The front structure 134 is made of transparent or translucent resin and has an inclined surface 136 on its upper part that guides the game ball toward the inside (left side) of the game area 23. On the inclined surface 136, the large prize opening (second ball entry opening) 137, the regular prize opening 138, and the out opening 139 are all formed as openings facing approximately upward. The large prize opening 137 is elongated horizontally, with the regular prize opening 138 located upstream (right side) of it, and the out opening 139 located further upstream (right side) near the guide rail 51. An inclined guide section (second inclined guide section) 140 is formed integrally with the front structure 134, for example, on the upper part of the upstream side of the inclined surface 136, which guides the game ball toward the large prize opening 137 side, i.e., the left side.

[0057] Furthermore, the front decorative panel (decorative member) 134a on the front side of the front structure 134 protrudes above the inclined surface 136, allowing the player to visually observe the movement of the game ball on the inclined surface 136 from the front through this transparent or translucent front decorative panel 134a. In addition, the front decorative panel 134a displays out-out-out identification information 91, consisting of the word "OUT" or the like, at a position corresponding to the out-out

[0058] The front structure 134 is also provided with a prize guide section 141 (Figure 11) that guides game balls that enter the large prize opening 137 backward, a prize trough 142 (Figure 12) that guides game balls that enter the regular prize opening 138 backward, and an out trough 143 (Figure 13) that guides game balls that enter the out opening 139 backward.

[0059] The rear structure 135 is made of transparent or translucent resin and, as shown in Figures 10 to 13, etc., integrally includes a prize ball passage 144 for discharging game balls that enter the large prize opening 137 to the outside of the machine, a prize ball passage 145 for discharging game balls that enter the regular prize opening 138 to the outside of the machine, and an out ball passage 146 for discharging game balls that enter the out opening 139 to the outside of the machine.

[0060] The prize ball passage 144 is arranged in a substantially vertical direction such that its upstream end communicates with the prize guide section 141 and its downstream end communicates with an outflow passage (not shown in the figure). A game ball detection means (second detection means) 147 capable of detecting game balls is mounted at a predetermined position, for example, near the upstream end. Game balls that enter the large prize opening 137 are guided backward by the prize guide section 141, detected by the game ball detection means 147, and then discharged outside the machine via the prize ball passage 144.

[0061] Furthermore, the prize ball passage 145 is arranged in a roughly vertical direction such that its upstream end communicates with the prize trough 142 and its downstream end communicates with an outflow passage (not shown in the figure). A game ball detection means 148 capable of detecting game balls is mounted at a predetermined position, for example, near the upstream end. Normally, game balls that enter the prize opening 138 are guided backward by the prize trough 142 and are detected by the game ball detection means 148 on their way out of the machine via the prize ball passage 145.

[0062] Furthermore, the out ball passage 146 is arranged in a roughly vertical direction such that its upstream end communicates with the out trough 143 and its downstream end communicates with an out passage not shown in the figure. Game balls that enter the out opening 139 are discharged outside the machine via the out trough 143 and the out ball passage 146.

[0063] Furthermore, as described above, the grand prize unit 132 of this embodiment has an outlet 139 on the upstream end side of the inclined surface 136, so there is no need to provide a ball flow path from the upstream end side of the inclined surface 136 along the guide rail 51 to the outlet 110. This allows the grand prize unit 132 to be positioned along the guide rail 51, enabling more efficient use of the limited space of the game area 23.

[0064] The rear structure 135 is also provided with an opening / closing mechanism 149 for opening and closing the large prize opening 137. The opening / closing mechanism 149 consists of an opening / closing member 151 corresponding to the large prize opening 137 and an opening / closing drive mechanism 152 for driving the opening / closing member 151. The opening / closing member 151 is a plate-shaped member corresponding to the large prize opening 137, formed in a downward sloping shape to the left to match the inclined surface 136, and is supported in a state that allows it to slide in the front-rear direction between a protruding position that protrudes forward of the front mounting plate 133 (shown by a solid line in Figure 11) and a retracted position that does not protrude forward of the front mounting plate 133 (shown by a dashed line in Figure 11). When the opening / closing member 151 is in the forward protruding position, the large prize opening 137 is closed and game balls cannot be entered (closed state), and when the opening / closing member 151 is in the rear retracted position, the large prize opening 137 is opened and game balls can be entered (open state).

[0065] The opening / closing drive mechanism 152 is composed of an electromagnetic solenoid or the like, and its movable part 152a is connected to the opening / closing member 151 by a connecting means (not shown). When OFF, the opening / closing member 151 is held in a protruding position to close the large prize opening 137, and when ON, the opening / closing member 151 is slid backward to a retracted position to open the large prize opening 137.

[0066] The opening / closing member 151 is made of opaque resin of a predetermined color (for example, red) and is visible from the front through the transparent or translucent front decorative plate 134a. By making the opening / closing member 151 opaque in contrast to the transparent or translucent front structure 134, the position of the large prize opening 137 and its open / closed state can be easily seen from the front. Furthermore, because the opening / closing member 151 is opaque, the game ball detection means 147, which is located at the lower rear of the large prize opening 137, will be invisible or difficult to see if the opening / closing member 151 is in the closed state (protruding position) when viewed from diagonally above and in front of the player. However, if the opening / closing member 151 is in the open state (retracted position), it will be visible through the open large prize opening 137.

[0067] Furthermore, a decorative section 153 is formed on the front decorative panel 134a, corresponding to the front of the game ball detection means 147 and 148. This decorative section 153 functions as a screen to make the game ball detection means 147 and 148 difficult or impossible to see from the front, and is formed of at least a portion of an opaque decorative sheet or the like. Note that this decorative section 153 is not limited to a decorative sheet as long as it functions as a screen for the game ball detection means 147 and 148, and may also be, for example, an uneven decoration applied directly to the front side of the front decorative panel 134a. In addition, the area between the opening / closing member 151 and the decorative section 153 on the front decorative panel 134a may be made transparent without decoration, so that even when the opening / closing member 151 is closed, the inside of the large prize opening 137 and the game ball detection means 147 can be seen through this transparent area. This is to allow for visual confirmation and verification in the event that a game ball becomes jammed inside the large prize opening 137 after the opening / closing member 151 has closed.

[0068] As described above, in the large prize means 57 (large prize unit 132) of this embodiment, the game ball detection means 147 is positioned near the large prize opening 137, and a decorative part 153 is provided on the front side of the front decorative plate 134a as a cover, so that the game ball detection means 147 is difficult or impossible to see from the front. This is because the large prize opening 137 is controlled to switch to a closed state when the number of prize balls entered after it has been opened (number of game balls detected by the game ball detection means 147) reaches a predetermined upper limit, so the distance between the large prize opening 137 and the game ball detection means 147 cannot be made as large as in the ordinary prize means 53.

[0069] In other words, in this embodiment, the distance a game ball travels from the ordinary prize entry openings (first ball entry openings) 87a, 87b in the ordinary prize entry means (first ball entry means) 53 to the game ball detection means (first detection means) 97 is longer in at least one of the vertical, horizontal, or vertical directions compared to the distance from the large prize entry opening (second ball entry opening) 137 to the game ball detection means (second detection means) 147 in the large prize entry means (second ball entry means) 57. This makes it possible to position the game ball detection means (first detection means) 97 in a position where it is not visible or difficult to see from the front, i.e., outside the game area 23.

[0070] Furthermore, in the grand prize unit 132, for example, an LED board 154 is positioned behind the front decorative panel 134a of the front structure 134. When the LED (second light-emitting means) 154a positioned on the front side of the LED board 154 lights up, the light is shone from the rear onto the outlet identification information 91 and decorative part 153 of the front decorative panel 134a without passing through the transparent main body plate 45.

[0071] This is because, as with the standard prize-winning mechanism 53, if the rear decorative means (decorative body) is placed behind the grand prize-winning unit 132 and the light emitted through the rear decorative means (decorative body) is intended to illuminate the front decorative panel 134a, electrical components such as the game ball detection means 147, 148 and the opening / closing drive means 152 would be cast in shadow, resulting in a less appealing appearance. Therefore, the LED board 154 is placed behind the front decorative panel 134a of the grand prize-winning unit 132.

[0072] Furthermore, the harness 155, which is drawn from electrical components such as the game ball detection means 147, 148, the opening / closing drive means 152, and the LED board 154 mounted on the grand prize means 57 (grand prize unit 132), is arranged to pass behind the rear structure 135 and face outwards from the game area 23. Moreover, as mentioned above, there is no ball flow path between the grand prize unit 132 and the guide rail 51, so even though a transparent main body plate 45 is used, it is possible to position the harness 155 in a way that makes it difficult or impossible to see from the front.

[0073] As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 10, the movable display means 59 comprises a movable body 161 and a drive means 162 that drives the movable body 161, for example, in the vertical direction. The movable body 161 is arranged horizontally in front of the liquid crystal display means 58, and a decorative part 161a formed in an arbitrary shape (in this case, a three-dimensional shape based on an airplane) is provided on its front side, and both the left and right ends of the decorative part 161a are supported in a state that allows them to move vertically by a pair of drive means 162, 162 attached to the front side of the rear wall 62 corresponding to the left and right sides of the liquid crystal display means 58.

[0074] The movable body 161 has an LED board 163 placed inside the decorative part 161a, and the decorative part 161a lights up when the LED 163a located on the front side of the LED board 163 is lit.

[0075] The normal symbol display means 76 is for displaying a variety of normal symbols and is equipped with multiple light-emitting elements (e.g., LEDs) corresponding to multiple normal symbols (e.g., two types: "○" and "×"). When a game ball flows down the rightward flow path 72b and passes through the normal symbol start gate 104, the game ball detection means 103 detects it and the multiple light-emitting elements blink in a predetermined order. If the random value for winning judgment included in the normal random number information acquired when the game ball detection means 103 detects the game ball matches a predetermined winning judgment value, the light-emitting element corresponding to the winning pattern (predetermined pattern), for example, the "○" side, lights up. Otherwise, the light-emitting element corresponding to the losing pattern, for example, the "×" side, lights up and stops. When the stopped symbol after the variation of the normal symbol display means 76 becomes a winning pattern, a normal profit state is generated. In the normal profit state, the opening / closing member 122 of the second start prize entry means 56 changes from a closed state to an open state for a predetermined time, making it possible for a game ball to enter the second special start opening 121.

[0076] Furthermore, if a game ball passes through the normal symbol start gate 104 during the normal hold period, which includes the period when the normal symbol display means 76 is changing symbols and the normal profit state, the normal random number information acquired thereby is stored in a predetermined upper limit of four, and one is consumed each time the normal hold period ends, causing the normal symbols to change. The number of stored normal random number information (normal hold number) is notified to the player by the normal hold number display means 77, etc.

[0077] The first special symbol display means 78 is composed of a display means such as a 7-segment type that can display one or more, for example, one, first special symbol in a variable manner. When a game ball enters the first special start opening 114 and the game ball detection means 112 detects it, the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time. If the jackpot judgment random value included in the first special random number information acquired when the game ball detection means 112 detects the game ball matches a predetermined jackpot judgment value, it stops in the first jackpot mode; otherwise, it stops in the first losing mode. When the stopped symbol of the first special symbol display means 78 after variation becomes the first jackpot mode, the first special profit state is generated.

[0078] Furthermore, the first special starting gate 114 has a higher probability of entering if the game ball has flowed down the left-side down path 72a than if it has flowed down the right-side down path 72b, due to the existence of a route through which the game ball can enter from the warp entrance 71a on the left-side down path 72a side via the stage 71.

[0079] The second special symbol display means 79 is composed of a display means such as a 7-segment type that can display one or more, for example, one second special symbol in a variable manner. When a game ball enters the second special start opening 121, which is open during a normal profit state, and the game ball detection means 123 detects it, the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time. If the jackpot judgment random value included in the second special random number information acquired when the game ball detection means 123 detects the game ball matches a predetermined jackpot judgment value, the symbol stops in the second jackpot mode; otherwise, it stops in the second loss mode. When the symbol that stops after the variation of the second special symbol display means 79 is in the second jackpot mode, the second special profit state is generated.

[0080] Furthermore, if a game ball enters the first or second special start opening 114 or 121 during the special hold period, which includes the symbol change of the first special symbol display means 78, the symbol change of the second special symbol display means 79, and the first or second special benefit state, the first and second special random number information acquired thereby is stored in reserve up to a predetermined upper limit, for example, 4 for each. Then, when the special hold period ends, if there is 1 or more reserved memories on the second special symbol side (i.e., the symbol change start condition for the second special symbol is met), the reserved memories of the second special symbol are consumed and the second special symbol changes. If there is 1 or more reserved memories only on the first special symbol side (i.e., the symbol change start condition for the first special symbol is met), the reserved memories of the first special symbol are consumed and the first special symbol changes. Thus, in this embodiment, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are never both changing at the same time, and if there is reserve memory on both the first special symbol side and the second special symbol side, the change of the second special symbol is prioritized. The number of stored first and second special random number information (number of first and second special reserves) is notified to the player by the liquid crystal display means 58, etc.

[0081] When the first and second special symbols of the first and second special symbol display means 78 and 79 stop in the first and second jackpot patterns after changing, resulting in the occurrence of the first and second special bonus states, the opening and closing member 151 of the jackpot entry means 57 opens according to a predetermined opening pattern, allowing the game balls flowing down the inclined surface 136 to enter the jackpot entry opening 137.

[0082] Here, the opening pattern of the opening / closing member 151 is configured to execute a predetermined unit opening operation for a predetermined number of rounds, such as 5R or 10R. Here, a unit opening operation is an operation that closes the large prize opening 137 (ends the specific state) when a predetermined upper limit time (e.g., 28 seconds) has elapsed since the large prize opening 137 was opened (switched from the normal state to a specific state), or when a predetermined upper limit number of game balls (e.g., 9 balls) have entered the large prize opening 137 by then. In this way, the large prize opening 137 is controlled to be closed (ends the specific state) when the number of game balls that have entered the large prize opening 137 while it is open (in the specific state) reaches a predetermined upper limit. Therefore, the large prize means 57 cannot arbitrarily increase the distance from the large prize opening 137 to the game ball detection means 147, and the game ball detection means 147 is positioned near the downstream side of the large prize opening 137.

[0083] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the liquid crystal display means 58 displays the performance symbols 171 in parallel with the display of the first and second special symbols by the first and second special symbol display means 78 and 79, as well as various images such as the first and second reserved display images X1~X4, Y1~Y4, which indicate the number of first and second special reserved items.

[0084] Here, the performance symbol 171 is composed of a combination of a symbol image 171a consisting of numbers from 1 to 9, etc., and a character or other decorative image 171b, and can vary in multiple columns in the left-right direction, for example, three columns, and starts to vary by vertical scrolling, etc., according to a predetermined variation pattern, almost simultaneously with the start of variation of the first and second special symbols, and stops in a predetermined order such as left, right, and center, so as to stop almost simultaneously with the stop of variation of the first and second special symbols. In the performance symbol 171, for example, if all symbols are the same, it is a jackpot performance pattern, and otherwise it is a losing performance pattern. If the first and second special symbols result in the first and second jackpot patterns, the performance symbol 171 will be in a jackpot performance pattern, and if the first and second special symbols result in the first and second losing patterns, the performance symbol 171 will be in a losing performance pattern.

[0085] Figure 14 is a block diagram of the control system of this pachinko machine. In Figure 14, the main control board 181 comprehensively controls the game operation and is connected to display means such as the normal symbol display means 76 and the first and second special symbol display means 78 and 79, as well as game ball detection means 103, 112, 123, 147, 97, and 148 which are provided corresponding to the normal symbol start gate 104, the first and second special start openings 114 and 121, the big prize opening 137, and the normal prize openings 87a, 87b, and 138.

[0086] Furthermore, various control boards such as the performance control board 182, LCD control board 183, payout control board 184, and launch control board 185 are connected below the main control board 181. The performance control board 182 performs performance control based on control commands from the main control board 181, and is connected to various performance means such as the lighting means 186, speakers 18, 25, and movable performance means 59, as well as operation means such as performance buttons 34 and cross-shaped operation means 35. The lighting means 186 consists of various light-emitting means such as LED boards 99, 154, 163, etc., which are arranged on the front frame 3 and the game board 16.

[0087] The liquid crystal control board 183 controls the liquid crystal display means 58 based on control commands from the performance control board 182. The payout control board 184 controls the payout means 28 based on control commands from the main control board 181, and the launch control board 185 is connected below it. The launch control board 185 controls the launch means 17 based on launch control signals from the payout control board 184, operation signals from the launch handle 32, etc. The launch control board 185 is located, for example, on the back side of the launch means 17.

[0088] The main control board 181 includes a normal random number generation processing means 191 composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., a normal start gate check processing means 192, a normal random number storage means 193, a normal symbol processing means 194, a normal symbol display control means 195, a normal profit state generation means 196, a special random number generation processing means 197, a special start gate check processing means 198, a special random number storage means 199, a special symbol processing means 200, a special symbol display control means 201, a special profit state generation means 202, a special game state generation means 203, a prize processing means 204, a control command transmission means 205, and the like.

[0089] The normal random number generation processing means 191 is configured to repeatedly generate a win determination random number, etc., at predetermined intervals, which is used to determine whether or not the normal symbol after variation is a winning pattern. The normal start gate check processing means 192 performs processing based on the detection of game balls by the normal symbol start gate 104. Based on the fact that a game ball passes through the normal symbol start gate 104 and the game ball detection means 103 detects it, it acquires normal random number information such as the win determination random number value created by the normal random number generation processing means 191, and stores that normal random number information in a first-in, first-out normal random number storage means 193 up to a predetermined upper limit of the number of reserved items (for example, 4).

[0090] The normal symbol processing means 194 performs processing related to the display of the variation of normal symbols, and, under the conditions that the normal symbol display means 76 is in a state where variation can be displayed and that one or more win determination random values ​​are stored in the normal random number storage means 193 (the normal number of reserved symbols is 1 or more), it takes a win determination random value from the head of the queue of normal random number information stored in the normal random number storage means 193 and performs a win / loss determination depending on whether the win determination random value matches a predetermined win determination value, a normal stop symbol selection function which selects the type of stop symbol after the variation of the normal symbols based on the win / loss determination result, and a variation time selection function which selects the variation time of the normal symbols.

[0091] In this embodiment, the probability of winning during the special game state (time-saving state and probability-changing state), described later (for example, 1 / 1.3), is set higher than the probability of winning during other normal game states (for example, 1 / 10), and the variation time during the special game state (for example, 2.7 seconds) is set to be shorter than the variation time during the normal game state (for example, 27 seconds).

[0092] The normal symbol display control means 195 controls the display of the normal symbol display means 76 based on the normal symbol processing performed by the normal symbol processing means 194. The normal symbol display means 76 starts changing the normal symbols when the normal symbol display means 76 is in a state where it can change and one or more normal random number information is stored in the normal random number storage means 193 (i.e., the normal number of reserved symbols is 1 or more). Based on the elapsed time of the change selected by the normal symbol processing means 194, the normal symbol change is stopped at the stop symbol also selected by the normal symbol processing means 194.

[0093] The normal profit state generation means 196 generates a normal profit state when the stop symbols after the change of the normal symbol display means 76 become a winning pattern based on the result of the win determination by the normal symbol processing means 194, and the opening / closing member 122 of the second special start opening 121 changes to an open state according to, for example, one of several types of opening / closing patterns. In this embodiment, two types of opening / closing patterns are set: a normal opening / closing pattern (for example, opening once for 0.2 seconds) and an extended opening / closing pattern (for example, opening three times for 2 seconds) which is set to have a longer opening time than the normal opening / closing pattern. The normal opening / closing pattern is selected during normal gameplay, and the extended opening / closing pattern is selected during special gameplay.

[0094] The special random number generation processing means 197 is configured to perform a special random number generation process that repeatedly generates a jackpot determination random number used for determining whether a jackpot is hit or miss, a symbol determination random number used for selecting the stopping symbol after the special symbol has changed, a variation pattern random number used for selecting a variation pattern, and other predetermined random numbers.

[0095] The special start gate check processing means 198 performs processing based on the entry of game balls into the first and second special start gates 114 and 121. Based on the entry of a game ball into either the first or second special start gate 114 or 121, it acquires first and second special random number information, such as the jackpot determination random number and the jackpot symbol random number, created by the special random number generation processing means 197. This first and second special random number information is stored in the special random number storage means 199 up to a predetermined upper limit of the number of reserved balls (for example, 4), and first and second reserved ball increase commands specifying the increased number of first and second special reserved balls are transmitted to the performance control board 182 via the control command transmission means 205.

[0096] Furthermore, the special start port check processing means 198 is equipped with a pre-read determination means 198a. This pre-read determination means 198a performs a pre-read determination on the first and second special random number information acquired when a game ball enters the first and second special start ports 114 and 121, for example, whether the jackpot determination random number value included in the first and second special random number information matches the first and second jackpot determination value. This pre-read determination result is transmitted to the performance control board 182, etc., by a hold increase command that is sent based on the fact that a game ball enters either the first or second special start port 114 or 121.

[0097] The special symbol processing means 200 performs processing related to the display of the first and second special symbols. When the first and second special symbol display means 78 and 79 are in a state where they can display the symbols, if the number of second special reserved symbols is 1 or more, the leading jackpot determination random number is taken from the queue of second special random number information. If only the number of first special reserved symbols is 1 or more, the leading jackpot determination random number is taken from the queue of first special random number information. The jackpot determination means 200 performs a jackpot / miss determination depending on whether the jackpot determination random number matches a predetermined jackpot determination value. The jackpot determination means 200 includes a jackpot determination function that selects the stopping symbols after the first and second special symbols have changed based on the jackpot symbol random numbers included in the first and second special random number information, etc., according to the result of the jackpot determination. The jackpot determination means 200 also includes a change pattern selection function that selects a change pattern for the first and second special symbols from among several types, according to the result of the jackpot determination.

[0098] Furthermore, when the first and second special symbols begin to change, commands such as the first and second reserve reduction command, which specifies the number of first and second special reserves after the reduction, the change pattern command, which specifies the change pattern of the performance symbol 171, and the symbol specification command, which specifies the stopping symbols for the first and second special symbols, are transmitted to the performance control board 182 via the control command transmission means 205. On the other hand, when the first and second special symbols enter a waiting state for change, such as when the number of first and second special reserves is 0 and the change of the first and second special symbols has ended, a customer waiting demo command is transmitted to the performance control board 182 via the control command transmission means 205.

[0099] The special symbol display control means 201 controls the display of the first and second special symbol display means 78 and 79. Based on the special symbol processing by the special symbol processing means 200, it starts the variation of the first and second special symbols by the first special symbol display means 78 or the second special symbol display means 79, and stops the variation of the first and second special symbols at the selected stop symbol based on the elapsed variation time corresponding to the selected variation pattern. When the variation of the first and second special symbols ends, a variation stop command instructing the performance symbol 171 to stop varying is sent to the performance control board 182 via the control command transmission means 205.

[0100] The special benefit state generation means 202 is for generating first and second special benefit states that are advantageous to the player. When the result of the jackpot determination by the special symbol processing means 200 is a jackpot, and the stopping symbols after the variation of the first and second special symbols become the first and second jackpot patterns (specific patterns), the means is configured to generate first and second special benefit states (benefit states) by opening the large prize entry opening 137 according to a predetermined opening pattern.

[0101] The special game state generation means 203 is for generating a special game state that is advantageous to the player after the end of the first and second special benefit states. It is configured to generate either a time-saving state or a probability variation state depending on the random number value of the jackpot symbol when the jackpot judgment random number value included in the first and second special random number information matches the jackpot judgment value.

[0102] During the time-saving state, for example, the variation time of the first and second special symbols is switched to a shortened variation time, which is shorter than the normal variation time. In addition, the probability of a regular symbol resulting in a winning pattern is switched from the normal probability (e.g., 1 / 10) to a high probability (e.g., 1 / 1.3), the variation time of regular symbols is switched from the normal variation time (e.g., 27 seconds) to a shortened variation time (e.g., 2.7 seconds), and the opening and closing pattern of the second special start opening 121 is switched from the normal opening and closing pattern (e.g., 0.2 seconds x 1 opening) to an extended opening and closing pattern (e.g., 2 seconds x 3 openings). The time-saving state starts after the end of the first and second special profit states and ends when the next special profit state occurs or when the first and second special symbols have varied a predetermined number of times (e.g., 50 times).

[0103] During the probability variation state, the probability of the first and second special symbols resulting in the first and second jackpot patterns is switched to a higher probability (e.g., 1 / 35) than the normal probability (e.g., 1 / 350). In addition, during the probability variation state, the same switching as in the time-saving state is also performed in principle. The probability variation state starts after the end of the first and second special bonus states and ends when the next special bonus state occurs, however, other termination conditions such as the number of times the first and second special symbols have changed may be added.

[0104] The prize processing means 204 processes the payout of prize balls when game balls enter each prize slot, namely the normal prize slots 87a, 87b, 138, the first and second special start slots 114, 121, and the large prize slot 137. For example, it counts the number of prize balls that enter each of these prize slots 87a, 87b, 138, 114, 121, and 137 based on detection signals from the game ball detection means 97, 148, 112, 123, and 147. Based on the count value of the number of prize balls that enter each prize slot and the number of prize balls set for each prize slot, it sends a payout quantity specification command to the payout control board 184 via the control command transmission means 205 for each prize.

[0105] Furthermore, the prize processing means 204 is equipped with an abnormal prize determination means 204a. The abnormal prize determination means 204a is for determining abnormal prizes that are suspected to be due to cheating or other fraudulent activities, and is configured to make an abnormal prize determination based on detection signals from game ball detection means 97, 148, 112, 123, and 147, which are provided in correspondence with each prize opening 87a, 87b, 138, 114, 121, and 137. If the abnormal prize determination means 204a determines that an abnormal prize has occurred, error notification and other error processing are performed. In this embodiment, however, with respect to the start gate means (third ball entry means) 54, abnormal determination is not made based on detection signals from the game ball detection means (third detection means) 103.

[0106] In this embodiment, the following processing is performed for the first abnormal prize determination regarding prizes in the ordinary prize slots 87a and 87b provided in the ordinary prize means (first ball entry means) 53, and for the second abnormal prize determination regarding prizes in the large prize slot 137 provided in the large prize means (second ball entry means) 57.

[0107] In other words, the first abnormal prize entry determination (first abnormality detection determination) determines an abnormality if a predetermined number of prize entries are detected within a predetermined time, regardless of the game state. In the case of normal prize entries 87a and 87b, there is a possibility of winning regardless of the game state, so an abnormality cannot be determined by a single prize entry detection; an abnormality is determined by multiple prize entry detections.

[0108] One specific example of this first abnormal prize entry determination is that, at the timer interrupt every 4ms, it is determined whether the game ball detection means 97 corresponding to the normal prize entry slots 87a and 87b is ON or OFF. If it is ON, the abnormal determination counter is incremented (+1); if it is OFF, the abnormal determination counter is reset to 0. Furthermore, if the abnormal determination counter reaches 250 (a predetermined value), that is, if the game ball detection means 97 has been ON for 1000ms (250 timer interrupts), it is determined to be abnormal. Another specific example of this first abnormal prize entry determination is that, triggered by the game ball detection means 97 being ON, a timer starts counting for a predetermined time (for example, a 5000ms timer countdown) and a count of the number of times the game ball detection means 97 has been ON is started. If the count value exceeds 10 (a predetermined number) during the timer's timing, it is determined to be abnormal.

[0109] In this embodiment, the normal prize-winning means 53 is positioned so that the game ball detection means 97 is not visible or difficult to see from the front. Therefore, it may be difficult to visually confirm any fraudulent activity against the game ball detection means 97. For this reason, it is effective to constantly perform abnormal prize-winning determination as described above.

[0110] Furthermore, in the second abnormal prize entry determination (second abnormality detection determination), an abnormality is determined if the game ball detection means 147 corresponding to the large prize entry 137 turns ON when it is not during a specific period including a special benefit state (specific state). The specific period starts at the start of the special benefit state and ends after the special benefit state has ended and the prize entry validity time has elapsed. The prize entry validity time is the time required for all game balls that entered the large prize entry 137 during the special benefit state to pass through the game ball detection means 147, and is set to a predetermined time such as 30 seconds. For the large prize entry 137, the game ball detection means 147 turns ON due to a normal prize entry only during the specific period, so if the game ball detection means 147 turns ON even once outside of the specific period, it can be determined that an abnormality has occurred at that point. In other words, it is possible to determine an abnormality with fewer prize entry detections compared to the case of a normal prize entry.

[0111] The control command transmission means 205 is for transmitting various control commands to control boards such as the performance control board 182 to provide control instructions.

[0112] As described above, in the pachinko machine of this embodiment, the ordinary prize-winning means (first ball-entry means) 53 comprises a front member 82 that is attached to the transparent main body plate 45 from the front and is formed to be transparent or semi-transparent in at least a part thereof, and a rear member 83 that is attached to the rear side of the transparent main body plate 45. Ordinary prize-winning openings (first ball-entry openings) 87a, 87b into which game balls that have flowed down the game area 23 can be entered are arranged on the front member 82, and a game ball detection means (first detection means) 97 that can detect game balls that have entered the ordinary prize-winning openings 87a, 87b is arranged on the rear member 83 in a position that is not visible or difficult to see from the front. Therefore, when adopting a so-called transparent game board, it is possible to eliminate the deterioration of appearance by suppressing the visibility from the front of the game ball detection means 97 that detects game balls that have entered the ordinary prize-winning openings 87a, 87b. Furthermore, by improving the appearance of the gaming machine, particularly the game board, the appeal of the reach animations and other effects can be enhanced, making it possible to create a visually appealing and attractive gaming machine as a whole.

[0113] Furthermore, the game board 16 has a large prize means (second ball entry means) 57 consisting of a large prize unit (ball entry unit) 132 attached to the transparent main body plate 45 from the front. The large prize unit 132 is equipped with a large prize opening (second ball entry opening) 137, an opening / closing member 151 that can change between an open state in which game balls flowing down the game area 23 can enter the large prize opening 137 and a closed state in which entry is more difficult or impossible than in the open state, and a game ball detection means (second detection means) 147 that can detect game balls that have entered the large prize opening 137. The vertical distance from the normal prize openings 87a, 87b in the normal prize means 53 to the game ball detection means 97 is made longer than the vertical distance from the large prize opening 137 to the game ball detection means 147 in the large prize means 57, thereby positioning the game ball detection means 97 in a position where it is not visible or difficult to see from the front.

[0114] Furthermore, the grand prize mechanism 57 is switchable between a normal state in which the opening / closing member 151 is kept in a closed state and a specific state in which the opening / closing member 151 is changed to an open state. The specific state is configured to terminate when the number of game balls detected by the game ball detection mechanism 147 reaches a predetermined upper limit during the specific state.

[0115] Furthermore, the game ball detection means 97 is positioned on the rear side of the transparent main body plate 45, corresponding to the outside of the game area 23.

[0116] Furthermore, the front member 82 is equipped with an inclined guide section (first inclined guide section) 92 on the upstream side of the regular prize winning openings 87a and 87b to guide the game ball towards the regular prize winning openings 87a and 87b, and the big prize winning unit 132 is equipped with an inclined guide section (second inclined guide section) 140 on the upstream side of the big prize winning opening 137 to guide the game ball towards the big prize winning opening 137.

[0117] Furthermore, the ordinary prize-winning means 53 is equipped with multiple ordinary prize-winning openings 87a, 87b for a single game ball detection means 97, and the confluence section 96 in the prize-winning passage (ball passage) 93 that guides game balls from these multiple ordinary prize-winning openings 87a, 87b toward the single game ball detection means 97 is positioned in a location that is not visible or difficult to see from a front view.

[0118] Furthermore, the game ball detection means 147 of the grand prize means 57 is positioned behind the decorative part 153 provided on the front decorative panel (decorative member) 134a, in a manner that makes it invisible or difficult to see from the front.

[0119] Furthermore, the game ball detection means 147 is positioned so that it can be seen through the large prize opening 137 when the opening / closing member 151 is in the open position. In addition, the opening / closing member 151, which is made opaque, can be seen from the front through the front decorative plate 134a.

[0120] Furthermore, the starting gate means (third ball entry means) 54 is equipped with a starting gate body (front structure) 102 attached to the transparent main body plate 45 from the front, and includes a normal symbol starting gate (gate part) 104 configured to allow game balls to pass through within the game area 23 and equipped with a decorative part (third decorative part) 106 on its front side, and a game ball detection means (third detection means) 103 capable of detecting game balls passing through the normal symbol starting gate 104. The game ball detection means 103 is positioned behind the decorative part 106 of the normal symbol starting gate 104, making it impossible or difficult to see from the front.

[0121] Furthermore, with respect to the ordinary prize-winning means 53, a first abnormality detection determination is performed based on the passage of time and the number of game balls detected by the game ball detection means 97. With respect to the big prize-winning means 57, a second abnormality detection determination is performed based on the detection by the game ball detection means 147 when it is not during a specific period that includes a specific state in which the opening / closing member 151 is changed to an open state. With respect to the starting gate means 54, no abnormality detection determination is performed based on the detection by the game ball detection means 103.

[0122] Furthermore, the light emitted via the rear decorative means (decorative body) 60 positioned on the rear side of the transparent main body plate 45 can cause the front member 82 to light up through the transparent main body plate 45, and the light from the LED (light-emitting means) 154a provided in the grand prize unit 132 can cause the front decorative plate 134a to light up without going through the transparent main body plate 45.

[0123] Furthermore, the grand prize unit 132 is provided with an outlet 139, and the front decorative panel 134a displays outlet identification information (identification information) 91 indicating the outlet, with light from the LED 154a illuminating the outlet identification information 91.

[0124] Figures 15 and 16 illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention, showing an example in which the first embodiment is partially modified to position the game ball detection means 97 in the ordinary prize-winning means 53 at a position corresponding to the game area 23 in a front view, and the decorative part 211 is positioned at a position corresponding to the front side of the game ball detection means 97 on the transparent main body plate 45.

[0125] The ordinary prize-winning means 53 of this embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment in that the ordinary prize-winning openings 87a, 87b and the out opening 88 are arranged on the front member 82, and the prize-winning ball passage 93 and the game ball detection means 97 are arranged on the rear member 83. However, the shape of the prize-winning ball passage 93 and the position of the game ball detection means 97 differ from those of the first embodiment.

[0126] In other words, the prize ball passage 93, including the merging section 96, is positioned almost entirely within the game area 23 in a front view, and the game ball detection means 97, which is positioned on the prize ball passage 93, is also positioned within the game area 23 in a front view.

[0127] In this embodiment, a decorative section 211 is formed on the transparent main body plate 45 at a position corresponding to the front of the confluence 96 of the game ball detection means 97 and the prize ball passage 93. This decorative section 211 functions as a screen to make the game ball detection means 97 and the like difficult or impossible to see from the front, and is formed of at least a portion of an opaque decorative sheet or the like. However, this decorative section 211 is not limited to a decorative sheet as long as it functions as a screen for the game ball detection means 97 and the like, and may also be, for example, an uneven decoration applied directly to the front side of the transparent main body plate 45. Even in a transparent area, it is possible to make it function as a screen by forming unevenness there to scatter light. In this embodiment, the decorative section 211 is provided on the front side of the transparent main body plate 45, but it may also be provided on the back side.

[0128] In this way, by arranging the game ball detection means 97 behind the decorative part 211 provided on the transparent main body plate 45, it is possible to make the game ball detection means 97 invisible or difficult to see from the front even when it is positioned in a corresponding location within the game area 23. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the decorative part 211 is provided on the transparent main body plate 45, but the decorative part 211 may also be provided on a member located on the front side of the transparent main body plate 45, such as the front wall portion 84 of the front member 82, or on a member located on the rear side of the transparent main body plate 45, such as the front side of the prize ball passage 93.

[0129] Figures 17 and 18 illustrate a third embodiment of the present invention, showing an example in which the first embodiment is partially modified so that the front member 82 of the ordinary prize-winning means 53 is illuminated by light from a movable body 221 provided on the rear side of the transparent main body plate 45. The only difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is the addition of a new movable performance means 220.

[0130] In this embodiment, the game board 16 has a movable display means 220 located behind the transparent main body plate 45, separate from the movable display means 59. This movable display means 220 comprises a movable body 221 and a drive means 222 that, for example, swings the movable body 221. The movable body 221 has a translucent resin decorative plate 223 on its front side and an LED substrate 224 inside. Driven by the drive means 222, it is supported so as to swing between an origin position (shown by a dashed line in Figure 17) where almost the entire body is retracted outside the display frame of the central display frame means 52, and an operating position (shown by a dashed line in Figure 17) where at least a portion of it advances into the display frame of the central display frame means 52.

[0131] When the movable body 221 is in the origin position, at least a portion of the movable body 221 overlaps the rear side of the normal prize-winning means 53. As a result, when the LED 224a on the front side of the LED board 224 lights up when the movable body 221 is in the origin position, the decorative plate 223 lights up, and the light from the decorative plate 223 illuminates the front member 82 from the rear via the rear member 83 and the transparent main body plate 45. It should be noted that the front member 82 is illuminated from the rear not only by the light from the movable body 221, but also by the light from the rear decorative means 60, as in the first embodiment, which illuminates a portion of the front member 82 from the rear.

[0132] Thus, the system may be configured such that the front member 82 of the ordinary prize-winning means 53 is illuminated from the rear by light from the movable body 221 positioned on the rear side of the transparent main body plate 45.

[0133] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figures 19 to 27 illustrate a fourth embodiment in which the present invention is adopted in a pachinko machine. In Figure 19, the game machine body 501 comprises a rectangular outer frame 502 and a front frame 504 pivotally attached to the front of the outer frame 502 by a hinge 503 on one side, for example, the left side, so as to be openable and closable. On the front of the front frame 504, a game board 505 and the like are arranged on the upper side, and a launching means 506 and the like, which launch game balls toward the game area 505a in front of the game board 505, are arranged on the lower side. A glass door 507 is pivotally supported to open and close, corresponding to the front of the game board 505 and the like, and a front panel 508 is pivotally supported to open and close, corresponding to the front of the launching means 506 and the like, by a hinge 509 on the same side as the hinge 503. The glass door 507 and the front panel 508 may be configured to open and close integrally.

[0134] On the front of the front panel 508, an upper tray 510 is positioned at the top to store game balls dispensed from the dispensing means (not shown) and supply them to the launching means 506. Below the upper tray 510, a lower tray 511 is provided on the left end to store excess balls when the upper tray 510 is full, and a launching handle 512 for operating the launching means 506 is provided on the right end. Furthermore, on the upper tray cover 513, which covers the upper tray 510 etc. from the front, there are provided effects buttons (predetermined operating means) 514 etc. that can be pressed by the player.

[0135] On the front side of the game board 505, a guide rail 515 is mounted in an annular shape to guide the game balls launched from the launching means 506, and various game components such as a center case 517, a normal symbol starting means 518, a special symbol starting means 519, a big prize means 520, and a normal prize means 521 are arranged in the game area 505a inside the guide rail 515.

[0136] The center case 517 is positioned, for example, approximately in the center of the game area 505a and is equipped with a roughly rectangular display window 523 corresponding to an image display means 522 such as an LCD. Various display means such as a normal symbol display means 525, a special symbol display means 526, a normal reserve count display means 527, and a first special reserve count display means 528 are provided on the decorative frame 524 surrounding the display window 523, as well as a stage 529, a movable performance means 530, and the like.

[0137] The stage 529 is positioned horizontally on the lower front side of the image display means 522, and after allowing the game balls that have flowed into the warp entrance 529a provided on the side of the center case 517, for example on the left side, to roll freely, they are dropped forward from, for example, the central drop section in the center horizontally or the side drop sections on both the left and right sides thereof.

[0138] The movable performance means 530 comprises a movable body 531, a movable body guide means 532 that supports the movable body 531 so that it can move, and a drive means 533 that drives the movable body 531. The movable body 531 has an arbitrary decorative element (in this case, the letters of the game machine's title, "Kappa Densetsu") formed in three dimensions, and when an LED 571 located on the rear (or inside) lights up, a predetermined part (in this case, the letters of "Kappa Densetsu") lights up in an arbitrary color.

[0139] The movable body guiding means 532 supports the movable body 531 in a state that it can move in a predetermined direction, for example, vertically, along the front side of the display screen 522a of the image display means 522. It comprises a pair of guide rails 534 arranged vertically along both the left and right sides of the display screen 522a of the image display means 522, and the left and right ends of the movable body 531 are supported by these guide rails 534 so that they can move vertically. With this movable body guiding means 532, the movable body 531 can move vertically between the upper position above the image display means 522 and the lower position in front of the image display means 522, and is normally held in the upper position, which is the origin position.

[0140] The drive means 533 is, for example, a stepping motor and is located behind the decorative frame 524, and is capable of moving the movable body 531 vertically according to a predetermined operating pattern via a belt or the like (not shown).

[0141] The normal symbol starting means 518 is for initiating the symbol change by the normal symbol display means 525, and is composed of a passage gate through which a game ball can pass, is located on the left side of the center case 517, and includes a game ball detection means (not shown) capable of detecting the passage of a game ball.

[0142] The normal symbol display means 525 is for displaying normal symbols in a variable manner and is equipped with multiple light-emitting elements (e.g., LEDs) corresponding to multiple normal symbols (e.g., two types, "○" and "×"). Based on the detection of a game ball by the normal symbol starting means 518, these multiple light-emitting elements blink in a predetermined order. If the random value for winning judgment included in the normal random number information acquired when the normal symbol starting means 518 detects the game ball matches a predetermined winning judgment value, the light-emitting element corresponding to the winning pattern (predetermined pattern), for example, the "○" side, lights up. Otherwise, the light-emitting element corresponding to the losing pattern, for example, the "×" side, lights up and stops.

[0143] The normal random number information acquired when the game ball is detected by the normal symbol starting means 518 is stored in reserve up to a predetermined upper limit, for example, 4 numbers, and is consumed sequentially each time the symbol change by the normal symbol display means 525 begins. The number of normal random number information items stored (normal reserve number) is notified to the player by the normal reserve number display means 527, etc.

[0144] The special symbol starting means 519 is for initiating the symbol change by the special symbol display means 526, and includes, for example, two starting prize-winning means 519a and 519b, an opening / closing means 536 for opening and closing the lower starting prize-winning means 519b, and a game ball detection means (not shown) for detecting game balls that have entered the starting prize-winning means 519a and 519b, respectively, and is arranged, for example, on the lower side of the center case 517. The upper starting prize-winning means 519a is a non-opening type prize-winning means that does not have an opening / closing means, etc., and is arranged in an upward-facing opening shape directly below the central drop section of the stage 529. The lower starting prize-winning means 519b is an openable prize-winning means that can be switched by an opening / closing means 536 between an open state in which a game ball can be won and a closed state in which a game ball cannot be won (or is more difficult to win than in the open state). It is located below the upper starting prize-winning means 519a, and is configured such that in the normal prize state that occurs when the stopping symbol after the change of the normal symbol display means 525 becomes a winning pattern, the opening / closing means 536 changes from the closed state to the open state for a predetermined time.

[0145] The special symbol display means 526 is for displaying special symbols in a variable manner and consists of a display means such as a 7-segment type capable of displaying one or more special symbols in a variable manner, for example, one special symbol. When the special symbol starting means 519 detects a game ball (when the symbol starting condition is met), that is, when a game ball enters either of the two starting prize-winning means 519a or 519b, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time. If the jackpot judgment random value included in the special random number information acquired when the ball enters the starting prize-winning means 519a or 519b matches a predetermined jackpot judgment value, the symbol stops in a predetermined jackpot manner; otherwise, it stops in a losing manner, for example. There are one or more types of jackpot manners and losing manners for the special symbols. Each of these manners may be assigned a number symbol or the like, or a symbol that does not have a special meaning in itself, such as a combination of lines or dots, may be assigned so that the player cannot easily distinguish between the types of special symbols.

[0146] The special random number information acquired when a game ball enters the special symbol activation means 519 is stored in reserve up to a predetermined upper limit, for example, 4, and is consumed sequentially each time the symbol change by the special symbol display means 526 begins. The number of special random number information stored (special reserve number) is notified to the player by the first special reserve number display means 528, etc.

[0147] The jackpot prize-winning mechanism 520 is an open / close type prize-winning mechanism equipped with an open / close plate 537 that can switch between an open state in which game balls can be awarded and a closed state in which they cannot be awarded. For example, it is positioned below the special symbol starting mechanism 519, and in a special prize-winning state that occurs when the stopping symbols after the special symbol display mechanism 526 changes to a jackpot pattern, the open / close plate 537 opens to the front according to a predetermined opening pattern, allowing game balls that have fallen onto it to be awarded inside.

[0148] The image display means 522 also comprises the performance symbol display means 538, the second special reserve number display means 539, etc. The performance symbol display means (symbol display means) 538 displays the performance symbol (symbol) P in parallel with the display of special symbols by the special symbol display means 526. The performance symbol P has multiple symbol rows (three in the left-right direction in the example of Figure 19) which are composed of a number symbol and multiple other symbols, and each symbol that makes up each of these symbol rows is composed of a symbol body part Pa which is composed of numbers such as 1 to 8 and others, and a character or other decorative part Pb which is attached to this symbol body part Pa. The performance symbol P can be arbitrarily changed in its display mode, such as by enlarging or reducing it, changing its display position, or erasing the decorative part Pb.

[0149] The special symbol P begins to move by vertical scrolling or the like, according to a predetermined pattern, for each row of symbols, approximately simultaneously with the start of the special symbol's movement, and comes to a final stop approximately simultaneously with the special symbol's movement stop, so that the stopping symbols on the predetermined active lines are in a predetermined state. For example, with the special symbol P, if all the stopping symbols on the active lines are the same, it is a jackpot performance state (specific state), and any other state is a losing performance state. If the special symbol is in a jackpot state or a losing state, the special symbol P will be in a jackpot performance state or a losing performance state.

[0150] Furthermore, the variation patterns of the performance symbols P begin with a normal variation in which each of the three symbol rows changes. If a reach state such as "2↓2" or "7↓7" is established during the normal variation, the system is configured to proceed through one or more stages of reach performances before finally stopping. A reach variation pattern is when the normal variation develops into a reach performance and results in either a jackpot or a loss performance, while a normal variation pattern is when the normal variation does not develop into a reach performance and results in a loss performance.

[0151] In each reach animation within the reach variation pattern, an arbitrary video animation is performed by the image display means 522, etc., and a result display is provided indicating whether the variation stops in either a winning animation mode or a losing animation mode, or whether it develops into the next stage of the reach animation.

[0152] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 22, there are four stages of reach sequences: "N reach sequence," "S reach sequence," "SP pre-reach sequence," and "SP post-reach sequence." In the N reach sequence, the possibility of a jackpot sequence is extremely low, and in most cases, it stops in a losing sequence or is controlled to develop into the next S reach sequence. The SP pre-reach sequence constitutes the first half of the SP reach sequence, and it does not end in a jackpot sequence; it stops in a losing sequence or is controlled to develop into the next SP post-reach sequence. The SP post-reach sequence is the final stage of the reach sequence and does not develop into the next reach sequence; it is controlled to end in either a jackpot sequence or a losing sequence.

[0153] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 21(b), there are three types of reach jackpot variation patterns that end in a jackpot performance mode: the N-reach jackpot variation pattern which develops to the N-reach performance mode and ends, the S-reach jackpot variation pattern which develops to the S-reach performance mode and ends, and the SP-reach jackpot variation pattern which develops to the post-SP-reach performance mode and ends. Furthermore, there are three types of SP-reach jackpot variation patterns: SP-reach 1 to 3 jackpot variation patterns which have different SP-reach performances. As mentioned above, there are no cases where a jackpot performance mode occurs in the pre-SP-reach performance mode, so the SP-reach 1 to 3 jackpot variation patterns always develop to the post-SP-reach performance mode.

[0154] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 21(a), there are five types of losing variation patterns that end in a losing animation: a normal variation pattern that ends without developing into a reach animation, an N reach losing variation pattern that develops to an N reach animation and ends, an S reach losing variation pattern that develops to an S reach animation and ends, an SP reach pre-reach animation and ends, and an SP reach post-reach losing variation pattern that develops to an SP reach post-reach animation and ends. In addition, there are four types of normal variation patterns with variation times of 15s (s = seconds, the same applies below), 10s, 5s, and 3s, four types of N reach losing variation patterns with differences of -3, -2, -1, and +1 between the final stopping symbol and the reach symbol, and three types each of the SP reach pre-reach losing variation pattern and SP reach post-reach losing variation pattern with different SP reach animations.

[0155] The second special reserve count display means 539 is for notifying the number of special reserves, and can display reserve display images Q4~Q1 for the number of special reserves (maximum 4) and a reserve image Q0 in motion corresponding to the performance symbol P in motion at a predetermined position on the display screen 522a, for example, on the lower side. When the number of special reserves increases due to a game ball entering the special symbol starting means 519, the second special reserve count display means 539 adds one reserve display image Q1~ to the end of the queue (for example, the left end), and when a new variation of the special symbol starts and the number of special reserves decreases, for example, the reserve image Q0 in motion is erased, and the reserve display images Q1~ are shifted one by one toward the front of the queue (for example, the right side), and the leading reserve display image Q1 that is pushed out is changed to a new reserve image Q0 in motion.

[0156] Figure 20 is a block diagram of the control system of this pachinko machine. In Figure 20, 541 is the main control board and 542 is the performance control board. These control boards 541 and 542 are detachably mounted in appropriate locations on the back of the game board 505, housed in board cases. Note that in the block diagram of Figure 20, boards other than the main control board 541 and the performance control board 542 are omitted.

[0157] The main control board 541 comprehensively controls the game operation and includes a normal random number generation processing means 551 composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., a normal start gate check processing means 552, a normal random number storage means 553, a normal symbol processing means 554, a normal symbol display control means 555, a normal reserved number display control means 556, a normal profit state generation means 557, a special random number generation processing means 561, a special start gate check processing means 562, a special random number storage means 563, a special symbol processing means 564, a special symbol display control means 565, a first special reserved number display control means 566, a special profit state generation means 567, a special game state generation means 568, a control command transmission means 569, and the like.

[0158] The normal random number generation processing means 551 is configured to repeatedly generate a win determination random number, etc., at predetermined intervals, which is used to determine whether or not the normal symbol after variation is a winning pattern. The normal start gate check processing means 552 performs processing based on the detection of game balls by the normal symbol start means 518. Based on the detection of game balls by the normal symbol start means 518, it acquires one normal random number piece of information, such as a win determination random number piece created by the normal random number generation processing means 551, and stores that normal random number piece of information in the first-in, first-out normal random number storage means 553, up to a predetermined upper limit of the number of reserved pieces (for example, 4 pieces).

[0159] The normal symbol processing means 554 performs processing related to the display of the changing normal symbols and includes a win determination means 554a, a normal stop symbol selection means 554b, a change time selection means 554c, etc. The win determination means 554a performs a lottery to determine whether the stop symbol after the change of the normal symbols will be a win, that is, whether or not to generate a normal profit state. Provided that the normal symbol display means 525 is in a state where it can display changes and that one or more normal random number information is stored in the normal random number storage means 553 (the normal number of reserved items is one or more), it takes the first win determination random number value from the queue of normal random number information stored in the normal random number storage means 553 and makes a win / loss determination depending on whether or not that win determination random number value matches a predetermined win determination value.

[0160] The normal stop symbol selection means 554b selects the type of stop symbol after the normal symbols have changed. In this embodiment, since there is only one type of symbol corresponding to the winning and losing patterns, based on the win / loss determination result by the win / loss determination function, "○" is uniformly selected in the case of a win and "×" in the case of a loss. The change time selection means 554c selects the change time of the normal symbols.

[0161] The normal symbol display control means 555 controls the display of the normal symbol display means 525 based on the normal symbol processing performed by the normal symbol processing means 554. The normal symbol display means 525 starts changing the normal symbols when it is in a state where it can display a variable symbol and when one or more normal random number information is stored in the normal random number storage means 553 (i.e., the number of normal reserved symbols is 1 or more). Based on the elapsed time of the variable change selected by the variable change time selection means 554c, the normal symbol change is stopped at the stop symbol selected by the normal stop symbol selection means 554b.

[0162] The normal reserved ball count display control means 556 controls the display of the normal reserved ball count display means 527. Based on the detection of game balls by the normal symbol starting means 518 and the change in normal symbols by the normal symbol display means 525, the normal reserved ball count display means 527 displays the normal reserved ball count information.

[0163] The normal profit state generating means 557 generates a normal profit state when the stop symbol after the change of the normal symbol display means 525 becomes a winning symbol based on the hit determination result of the hit determination means 554a, by changing the opening / closing means 536 of the lower special start opening 519b that constitutes the special symbol start means 519 to an open state according to, for example, one of several types of opening / closing patterns.

[0164] The special random number generation processing means 561 is configured to perform a special random number generation process that repeatedly generates a jackpot determination random number used for determining whether a jackpot is hit or miss, a symbol determination random number used for selecting the stopping symbol after the special symbol has changed, a variation pattern random number used for selecting a variation pattern, and other predetermined random numbers.

[0165] The special start gate check processing means 562 performs processing based on the entry of a game ball into the special symbol start means 519. Based on the entry of a game ball into either the start entry means 519a or 519b, it acquires special random number information consisting of a jackpot judgment random number, a symbol judgment random number, etc., created by the special random number creation processing means 561, and stores this special random number information in the special random number storage means 563 up to a predetermined upper limit of the number of reserved balls (for example, 4).

[0166] Furthermore, the special start gate check processing means 562 is equipped with a pre-read determination means 562a. This pre-read determination means 562a performs a pre-read determination process on the special random number information acquired when a game ball enters the start prize entry means 519a, 519b at a predetermined timing before it is used for symbol variation, for example, when the special random number information is acquired. In this pre-read determination process, provided that pre-reading is not prohibited, a jackpot / miss determination result is output depending on whether the jackpot determination random number matches a predetermined jackpot determination value. This pre-read determination result is transmitted to the performance control board 542, etc., by a hold addition command that is sent based on the game ball entering either the start prize entry means 519a, 519b. In this embodiment, this pre-read determination process determines not only the jackpot determination as described above, but also the type of variation pattern.

[0167] The special symbol processing means 564 performs processing related to the display of the special symbols, and includes a jackpot determination means 564a, a jackpot / miss selection means 564b, a variation pattern selection means 564c, etc. The jackpot determination means (lottery means) 564a determines whether it is a jackpot or a miss by random number lottery, that is, whether or not to generate a special benefit state (a lottery to determine whether or not to grant a benefit to the player). Provided that the special symbol display means 526 is in a state where it can be displayed in a variation and that one or more special random number information is stored in the special random number storage means 563 (the number of special reserves is one or more), the jackpot determination random number value at the front of the queue of special random number information stored in the special random number storage means 563 is taken out, and a jackpot / miss determination is made depending on whether or not that jackpot determination random number value matches a predetermined jackpot determination value.

[0168] The jackpot / loss selection means 564b selects the type of jackpot / loss. If the jackpot determination means 564a determines that it is a loss, it selects the type of loss based on the loss variation pattern selection table and the symbol determination random value shown in Figure 21(a). If the jackpot determination means 564a determines that it is a jackpot, it selects the type of jackpot based on the jackpot variation pattern selection table and the symbol determination random value shown in Figure 21(b).

[0169] Regarding misses, in this embodiment, there are two types of misses, A and B. Either miss A or B is selected based on the random value for symbol determination in an arbitrary distribution ratio such as 9:1, as shown in Figure 21(a). Miss A is one in which the distribution of the variation pattern differs depending on the number of special reserves at the start of the symbol variation. As shown in Figure 21(a), the range of the random value for the variation pattern and the correspondence between multiple types of miss variation patterns are defined for each of the special reserve numbers from 0 to 3. Miss B, on the other hand, is one in which the distribution of the variation pattern does not change depending on the number of special reserves at the start of the symbol variation. As shown in Figure 21(a), only one type of correspondence between the range of the random value for the variation pattern and multiple types of variation patterns is defined.

[0170] Furthermore, regarding the jackpot, in this embodiment, there are four types: 10R normal, 5R normal, 10R probability variation, and 5R probability variation. One of these is selected based on the symbol determination random value in an arbitrary distribution ratio such as 1:4:1:4, as shown in Figure 21(b). The 10R normal jackpot and 5R normal jackpot are jackpots that generate a time-saving state as a special game state, which will be described later. In the special profit state, the jackpot prize means 520 performs predetermined unit opening operations for 10 rounds and 5 rounds, respectively. Here, the unit opening operation is, for example, an operation to close the jackpot prize means 520 after a predetermined time (for example, 28 seconds) has elapsed since opening the jackpot prize means 520, or after a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 9) have entered the prize. Furthermore, the 10R and 5R probability-increasing jackpots are jackpots that trigger a probability-increasing state as a special game state, which will be described later. In this special state, the unit release operation is performed for 10 rounds and 5 rounds, respectively.

[0171] The variation pattern selection means 564c selects a variation pattern for the performance symbol P from among several options. For example, if the result of the jackpot determination means 564a is a miss, and the jackpot / miss selection means 564b selects a miss A, then one of the multiple miss variation patterns is selected based on the number of special reserves at that time and the leading variation pattern random value in the queue of special random number information stored in the special random number storage means 563 (Figure 21(a)). If the result of the jackpot determination means 564a is a miss, and the jackpot / miss selection means 564b selects a miss B If this occurs, regardless of the number of special reserves at that time, one of several losing variation patterns is selected based on the leading random variation pattern value in the queue of special random number information stored in the special random number storage means 563 (Figure 21(a)). If the result of the jackpot determination means 564a is a jackpot, one of several jackpot variation patterns is selected based on the type of jackpot selected by the jackpot / losing selection means 564b and the leading random variation pattern value in the queue of special random number information stored in the special random number storage means 563 (Figure 21(b)).

[0172] As shown in Figure 21, the reach variation patterns are configured so that the reliability of reaching a jackpot animation (specific animation) increases as the stages of the reach animation progress. However, in this embodiment, the N reach variation pattern does not result in a jackpot animation, and while the S reach variation pattern has the potential to result in a jackpot animation, the probability is extremely low (less than 1%). Furthermore, the SP reach pre-animation does not result in a jackpot animation, and if the SP reach variation pattern results in a jackpot animation, it always progresses to the SP reach post-animation.

[0173] The special symbol display control means 565 controls the display of the special symbol display means 526. When the special symbol display means 526 is in a state where it can display variations and one or more special random number pieces are stored in the special random number storage means 563 (the number of special reserved pieces is one or more), the special symbol display means 526 starts the variation of the special symbol. Based on the elapsed variation time corresponding to the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern selection means 564c, the variation of the special symbol is stopped in a predetermined way if the result of the jackpot determination means 564a is a miss, or in a jackpot way corresponding to the type of jackpot selected by the jackpot / miss selection means 564b if the result of the jackpot determination means 564a is a jackpot.

[0174] The first special reserved ball count display control means 566 controls the display of the first special reserved ball count display means 528. Based on the detection of game balls by the special symbol starting means 519 and the change in special symbols by the special symbol display means 526, the first special reserved ball count display means 528 displays special reserved ball count information.

[0175] The special benefit state generation means 567 generates a special benefit state in which the big prize means 520 opens according to a predetermined opening pattern. When the result of the big win determination means 564a is a big win and the stopping symbols after the special symbols displayed by the special symbol display means 526 change to a big win pattern, the unit opening operation of the big prize means 520 is repeatedly executed for, for example, 5 rounds or 10 rounds, according to the type of big win selected by the big win / miss selection means 564b (Figure 21(b)).

[0176] The special game state generation means 568 is for generating a special game state that is advantageous to the player after a special benefit state has occurred. For example, depending on the type of jackpot selected by the jackpot / miss selection means 564b, it is configured to generate a time-saving state in the case of a 10R normal or 5R normal jackpot, and a probability change state in the case of a 10R probability change or 5R probability change jackpot.

[0177] During the time-saving state, for example, the variation time of the special symbol display means 526 for special symbols is switched to a shortened variation time that is shorter than the normal variation time. For ordinary symbols, the probability of winning is switched from the normal probability (e.g., 1 / 10) to the high probability (e.g., 1 / 1.3), the variation time is switched from the normal variation time (e.g., 27 seconds) to the shortened variation time (e.g., 2.7 seconds), and the opening and closing pattern of the opening and closing means 536 of the lower special start opening 519b is switched from the normal opening and closing pattern (e.g., 0.2 seconds x 1 opening) to the special opening and closing pattern (e.g., 2 seconds x 3 openings). The time-saving state starts when the special profit state ends and ends when, for example, the special symbol has varied a predetermined number of times (e.g., 50 times), or when the next special profit state occurs before then.

[0178] During the probability variation state, in addition to the same switching mechanisms as in the time-saving state, the number of jackpot determination values ​​increases, so that the probability of special symbols resulting in a jackpot is switched to a high probability (e.g., 1 / 60) which is higher than the normal probability (e.g., 1 / 319). Note that the probability variation state starts when the special profit state ends and ends when, for example, the next special profit state occurs.

[0179] The control command transmission means 569 is for transmitting predetermined control commands to the performance control board 542, etc., to provide control commands. It has the function of transmitting a hold-add command to the performance control board 542 when the number of special hold items increases, specifying the addition of special hold items, a hold-subtract command to specify the subtraction of special hold items when the special symbol starts to change based on the special symbol processing by the special symbol processing means 564, a change-pattern command to specify the change pattern of the performance symbol P, and a special symbol command to specify the stopping pattern of the special symbol in this order to the performance control board 542, and a change-stop command to the performance control board 542 when the change of the special symbol ends to instruct the change to stop.

[0180] The performance control board (performance control means) 542 controls performances by various performance means such as LEDs 571, speakers 572, movable performance means 530, and image display means 522, and includes a hold-add command reception processing means 581, a variation pattern command reception processing means 582, and a game-play performance control means 583. The LEDs 571 are arranged in large numbers on the game board 505 and the front frame 504, as well as on the center case 517 which includes the movable body 531 of the movable performance means 530, and the speakers 572 are arranged, for example, two on the top and one on the bottom of the front frame 504 (Figure 19). In this embodiment, the movable performance means 530 is arranged only on the game board 505, but the movable performance means may be arranged on the front frame 504, or on both the game board 505 and the front frame 504.

[0181] The pending addition command reception processing means 581 is responsible for processing when the number of special pending items increases. It includes a pre-reading effect lottery means 581a, etc. When a pending addition command is received from the main control board 541, the pre-reading effect lottery means 581a performs a lottery related to the pre-reading effect, except in cases such as pre-reading being prohibited. Depending on the lottery result, a pending change effect scenario is set in which pending display images Q1~ are added one by one on the screen of the image display means 522.

[0182] Here, "pre-reading effect" refers to an effect based on the pre-reading judgment result, and includes "pre-reading consecutive effect" and "pre-reading hold change effect." A "pre-reading consecutive effect" is an effect that, based on the pre-reading judgment result by the pre-reading judgment means 562a, executes the same type of effect for multiple symbol changes up to the symbol change (target change) corresponding to the special random number information that was the subject of the pre-reading judgment. For example, if there are two types of effect types, "rain" and "thunder," available as pre-reading consecutive effects, and the pre-reading effect lottery means 581a, based on the pre-reading judgment result, wins either of them, then the image of "rain" or "thunder" will be used as the background image for multiple effect symbol changes up to the target change corresponding to that special random number information. This allows the player to predict whether or not a jackpot will occur at the target change based on whether "rain" or "thunder" appears as the background image of the consecutive effect.

[0183] Furthermore, the "pre-read hold change effect" displays hold display images Q1 to Q4 and the in-spin hold image Q0 in a predetermined display manner based on the pre-read judgment result by the pre-read judgment means 562a, and the hold change effect scenario is selected according to the lottery result of this pre-read hold change effect. For example, there are multiple types of hold display manners for the pre-read hold change effect, such as "elephant," "lion," and "giraffe," and if the lottery by the pre-read effect lottery means 581a based on the pre-read judgment result is successful in selecting one of them, then, for example, when a new hold display image is added to the display, or at a predetermined timing thereafter, that hold display image is displayed in the predetermined display manner that was selected. As a result, the player can predict whether or not a big win will occur in the spin corresponding to the hold display image, depending on whether the display manner of the hold display image is "elephant," "lion," "giraffe," or something else.

[0184] Furthermore, the target of the pre-announcement effect is not limited to whether or not it will result in a jackpot; it can also be the type of variation pattern (for example, whether or not it will develop into an SP reach).

[0185] When the variable pattern command receiving processing means 582 receives a variable pattern command, it performs processing when starting the symbol variation by the special symbol display means 526. It includes a symbol variation content determination means 582a, etc. When receiving a hold subtraction command, a variable pattern command, and a special symbol command from the main control board 541, for example, within a certain period of time, the symbol variation content determination means 582a makes a selection regarding the specific variation content of the effect symbol P and the preliminary effect. According to the results and the like, a variable pattern scenario, a preliminary effect scenario, a hold change effect scenario, etc. are set. In the hold change effect scenario in this case, for example, the hold image Q0 during variation is erased, and the hold display images Q1~ are shifted one by one toward the front side of the queue (for example, the right side of the screen), and the pushed-out leading hold display image Q1 is moved to a predetermined position and changed to a new hold image Q0 during variation.

[0186] The symbol variation content determination means 582a determines the specific effect content of the variable pattern based on the variable pattern command received from the main control board 541. For example, when the SP reach big win variable pattern is specified by the variable pattern command, it determines whether the result display in the last SP reach effect is a revival big win or a normal big win, etc.

[0187] Also, the symbol variation content determination means 582a conducts a lottery on whether to execute one or more types of preliminary effects. If it is to be executed, a further lottery on the content of the preliminary effect, etc. is conducted. Here, the preliminary effect is an effect suggesting the occurrence of a predetermined event such as a big win mode, SP reach, etc., and so-called "SU preview", "timer preview", "premium preview", "pseudo continuous effect", "button effect", etc. correspond to it.

[0188] In addition, in various presentation scenarios such as a variable pattern scenario, a preview presentation scenario, a hold change presentation scenario, etc., for each row at every elapsed time (ms) from the start of execution of the scenario, the presentation content by various presentation means, that is, each presentation content by an LED 571, a speaker 572, a movable presentation means 530, an image display means 522, etc., is set. This presentation scenario is executed by the in-game presentation control means 583 sequentially starting the presentations set for each row at the timing set for each row.

[0189] Next, the presentation content by the variable pattern of the presentation symbol P in the present embodiment, particularly the presentation content by the reach variable pattern, will be specifically described. Before that, the outline of the variable pattern will be described. As shown in FIG. 22, in the variable pattern of the presentation symbol P, first, normal variation is performed. In this normal variation, after all (three) symbol columns fluctuate at high speed in parallel, the first (for example, left) and second (for example, right) symbol columns stop (temporarily stop) with the same symbol, and a reach state is established, or it stops and is determined in a losing presentation mode without going through the reach state. The former is the reach variable pattern, and the latter is the normal variable pattern. In the present embodiment, four types of normal variable patterns with different variable times are prepared (FIG. 21(a)).

[0190] In the case of the reach variable pattern (when the reach state is established in the normal variation), an N-reach presentation is performed after the normal variation. In the N-reach presentation, after an arbitrary video presentation is executed, a development result display indicating the transition (development) to the next S-reach presentation, a jackpot result display indicating that the presentation symbol P becomes a jackpot presentation mode (specific mode), and a losing result display indicating that the presentation symbol P does not become a jackpot presentation mode (becomes a losing presentation mode) are displayed. In the present embodiment, at a branch point during the N-reach presentation, any one of these multiple types of result displays is executed. As is clear from FIG. 21, in the N-reach presentation of the present embodiment, a jackpot result display is not performed (that is, the N-reach jackpot variable pattern is not selected). When the presentation ends with the N-reach presentation, a losing result display is always performed, and it becomes a losing presentation mode (N-reach losing variable pattern).

[0191] If a development result display is shown at the end of the N-Reach performance, the S-Reach performance will follow. In this S-Reach performance, after an arbitrary video performance is executed, one of the following result displays will be shown: a development result display indicating that the performance will proceed to the next SP-Reach performance; a jackpot result display indicating that the performance symbol P will result in a jackpot performance (specific form); or a miss result display indicating that the performance symbol P will not result in a jackpot performance (specific form) (i.e., a miss performance). In this embodiment, one of these multiple result displays will be executed at a branching point during the S-Reach performance. As is clear from Figure 21, the probability of a jackpot being displayed in the S-reach sequence of this embodiment is not zero, but is extremely low (in the example in Figure 21, assuming a jackpot probability of 1 / 319, the jackpot reliability in the S-reach variation pattern is approximately 0.08%, the appearance rate of the S-reach variation pattern is approximately 1.6%, and the frequency of a jackpot occurring in the S-reach variation pattern is approximately 1 / 80000). When the S-reach sequence ends, there is a high probability that a losing result will be displayed, resulting in a losing sequence (S-reach losing variation pattern). The probability of a jackpot being displayed in the S-reach sequence (jackpot reliability) is preferably less than 1%, more preferably less than 0.5%, even more preferably less than 0.2%, and may even be 0.

[0192] If a development result display is shown at the end of the S-Reach performance, the SP-Reach pre-performance will then be performed. In this S-Reach pre-performance, after an arbitrary video performance is executed, either a development result display indicating that the performance will transition (develop) to the next SP-Reach post-performance, or a loss result display indicating that the performance symbol P will not result in a jackpot performance (specific performance) (i.e., a loss performance), will be shown. In this embodiment, one of these multiple result displays will be executed at a branching point during the SP-Reach performance. As is clear from Figure 21, in this embodiment, a jackpot result display is not shown in the SP-Reach pre-performance (i.e., the SP-Reach pre-jackpot variation pattern is not selected), and if the performance ends with the SP-Reach pre-performance, a loss result display will always be shown, resulting in a loss performance (SP-Reach pre-loss variation pattern).

[0193] If a development result display is shown at the end of the pre-SP reach performance, the post-SP reach performance will then be performed. In this post-SP reach performance, after an arbitrary video performance is executed, either a jackpot result display indicating that the performance symbol P will result in a jackpot performance (specific performance), or a miss result display indicating that the performance symbol P will not result in a jackpot performance (specific performance) (i.e., a miss performance), will be shown. In this embodiment, since there is no reach performance following the post-SP reach performance, a development result display will not be shown in this post-SP reach performance.

[0194] Next, we will specifically describe the S-reach effect, the pre-SP-reach effect, and the post-SP-reach effect, which are among the multiple types of reach effects of this embodiment. First, we will explain a specific example of the S-reach effect based on Figure 23, etc. As shown in Figure 23, the effect period of the S-reach effect consists of a reach video display period for executing the video effect unique to S-reach, and a result display period that follows the reach video display period, in which one of the following is executed: development result display, jackpot result display, or miss result display.

[0195] Furthermore, immediately before the results are displayed, that is, towards the end of the reach video display period, a pre-results display sequence is performed to suggest the appearance of the results. This pre-results display sequence consists of a build-up period to heighten the player's anticipation for the results, and a pause period (i.e., a waiting period) to create a sense of anticipation when transitioning from the build-up period to the results display.

[0196] When the S-reach animation begins (during the reach video display period), as shown in Figure 23(a1), the image display means 522 displays the S-reach video, and any sound output or LED light effect is performed in synchronization with the S-reach video. In the S-reach video, reduced-size (retracted) reach symbol images Ps such as "7 7", reach animation images 602a with characters, and other images are displayed in front of the special background 601a for the S-reach.

[0197] Subsequently, as the build-up period near the end of the reach video display period begins (Figure 23(a2)), the reach animation image 602a changes to a build-up animation image 603a. This build-up animation image 603a performs the final stage of the animation before the third (for example, the center) row of symbols, which is still changing, stops. In the example in Figures 23(a2) to (a3), the first character repeatedly hits the first stop symbol candidate (here, "7"), which constitutes a winning animation pattern (i.e., the same as the reach symbols), with a hammer, while the second character repeatedly hits the second stop symbol candidate (here, "6"), which constitutes a losing animation pattern (i.e., different from the reach symbols), competing to see who can destroy the stop symbol candidate first.

[0198] The hype animation image 603a is designed to gradually build up over time. For example, the attack pitch of each character gradually increases, and the damage to each potential stop symbol progresses gradually. The hype period ends just before one of the potential stop symbols is destroyed (Figure 23(a3)). In the example in Figure 23, the length of the hype period is set to 3 seconds. When the hype period ends, the hype animation image 603a becomes static (Figure 23(a3)), and this static state is maintained during the subsequent build-up period. In the example in Figure 23, the length of the build-up period is set to 1 second.

[0199] Then, when the build-up period ends, at that branching point, either the development result display, the jackpot result display, or the miss result display starts, continuing from the previously paused build-up animation image 603a (result display period). In this way, by making the branching for jackpot / miss / development at a single point, the animation can be performed more efficiently compared to when the branching for development or not is made after the jackpot / miss branching. In particular, in the S-reach animation of this embodiment, the probability of the jackpot result display being performed is extremely low (less than 1%), so the effect of the animation is low even if the build-up for jackpot / miss is performed independently, and it is possible to perform the animation efficiently by including the build-up for development or not.

[0200] The jackpot result display features a jackpot result animation. In this animation, the second stop symbol candidate, "6," is destroyed and disappears (Figure 23(c1)), and the middle symbol stops on the remaining first stop symbol candidate, "7" (Figure 23(c2)). In the example in Figure 23, the length of the jackpot result animation is set to 7 seconds.

[0201] In the losing result display, a losing result animation is performed first. In this losing result animation, the first stop symbol candidate, "7", is destroyed and disappears (Figure 23(d1)), and the middle symbol stops on the remaining second stop symbol candidate, "6" (Figure 23(d2)). After that, a background return animation (Figure 23(d3)) returns from special background 601a to normal background 600, and then the display transitions to the normal screen display (Figure 23(d4)) where the losing animation pattern such as "7-6-7" is displayed. In the example in Figure 23, the lengths of the losing result animation, background return animation, and normal screen display that make up the losing result display are set to 3s, 1s, and 2s respectively, and the total time is shorter than the 7s of the jackpot result display.

[0202] Furthermore, a development animation is performed when the development result is displayed. In this development animation, both "7" and "6", which are candidates for the first and second stop symbols, are destroyed and disappear simultaneously (Figure 23(b1)), and then a development notification image 604a such as "Development" indicating development to an SP Reach is displayed (Figure 23(b2)). In the example in Figure 23, the length of the development animation is set to 4s, which is shorter than the 7s for the jackpot result display and the 6s for the loss result display, but the length of the development animation can be the same as or longer than the loss result display.

[0203] Next, a specific example of an SP reach pre-performance will be explained based on Figure 24, etc. As shown in Figure 24, the performance period of an SP reach pre-performance consists of a reach video display period for executing a video performance unique to SP reaches, and a result display period that follows the reach video display period, in which either a development result display or a miss result display (a jackpot result display is not included). In addition, immediately before the result display period, that is, towards the end of the reach video display period, a pre-result display performance is executed to suggest the appearance of the result display. This pre-result display performance consists of a build-up period and a waiting period (i.e., a standby period), similar to the case of an S reach performance (Figure 23). Note that this SP reach pre-performance is an example of a non-winning reach performance that does not result in a jackpot performance (specific performance).

[0204] When the SP pre-reach animation begins (reach video display period), as shown in Figure 24(a1), the image display means 522 displays the SP pre-reach video, and arbitrary sound output and LED light effects are performed in synchronization with the SP pre-reach video. In the SP pre-reach video, reduced-size (retracted) reach symbol images Ps such as "7 7", reach animation images 602b with characters, and other images are displayed in front of the special background 601b for the SP pre-reach.

[0205] Subsequently, when the build-up period at the end of the reach video display period begins (Figure 24(a2)), the reach animation image 602b changes to a build-up animation image 603b. In the examples of Figures 24(a2) to (a3), the build-up animation image 603b shows the monster (enemy) character being attacked with a cannon. Incidentally, in the SP reach pre-animation (non-winning reach animation) of this embodiment, as mentioned above, the jackpot result display does not appear, so it is desirable that the animation during this build-up period (pre-result display animation) be designed to not give the player any unnecessary expectations and to not suggest a jackpot. Therefore, in this embodiment, an explanatory display 605 indicating that the game will move to the next reach animation when a specific result display such as "the game will progress if you defeat the monster" appears is displayed in parallel with the build-up animation image 603b (Figures 24(a2), (a3)). This prevents players from mistakenly believing they've won a jackpot even when a monster (enemy) is defeated, thus preventing unnecessary disappointment despite favorable outcomes (developments) for the player. In the example in Figure 24, the length of the build-up period is set to 3s, the same as in the S-reach animation (Figure 23).

[0206] Furthermore, the explanatory display 605 may be composed of an explanation of the action, such as "Attack the monster," and an explanation of the result, such as "Success leads to XX," and may be configured to be displayed simultaneously or alternately.

[0207] Once the build-up period ends, the build-up animation image 603b becomes static (Figure 24(a3)), and this static state is maintained throughout the subsequent build-up period. The explanatory display 605 continues to be displayed during this build-up period. In the example in Figure 24, the length of the build-up period is set to 1 second, the same as the S-reach animation (Figure 23).

[0208] Then, once the build-up period ends and the results display period begins, either the advanced result display or the losing result display will start, continuing from the previously paused teasing animation image 603b.

[0209] In the case of a losing result, a losing result animation is performed first. In this losing result animation, the attack on the monster fails (Figure 24(c1)), and consequently the middle symbol stops on a "6" which is different from the winning symbol (in this case, "7") (Figure 24(c2)). After that, a background return animation is performed, returning from special background 601b to normal background 600, and then the game transitions to the normal screen display where a losing animation pattern such as "7-6-7" is shown. Note that in the example in Figure 24, the length of the losing result animation is 4s, which is longer than the 3s in the case of the S-reach animation (Figure 23), but the length of the background return animation and the normal screen display are 1s and 2s respectively, which are the same as in the case of the S-reach animation.

[0210] Furthermore, a development animation is performed when the development result is displayed. In this development animation, the attack is successful and the monster is defeated (Figure 24(b1)), and then a development notification image 604b, such as "Development," indicating the development to the SP Reach post-animation, is displayed (Figure 24(b2)). In the example in Figure 24, the length of the development animation is set to 4s, the same as in the S Reach animation, but the length of the development animation in the SP Reach pre-animation may be longer than the length of the development animation in the S Reach animation. Also, the length of the development animation may be the same as or longer than the length of the failure result display.

[0211] In addition to the development animation (normal development animation) shown in Figure 24, a revival development animation may also be implemented to display a development notification image after a revival animation has been performed either after or during the display of a losing result. In the case of this revival development animation, the timing of the revival animation may be before or after the background return animation in the display of a losing result, but it is preferable to perform it before the background return animation.

[0212] Next, specific examples of SP reach post-performance (specific reach performance) will be explained based on Figures 25 and 26. Figure 25 shows the case where a losing result is displayed, and Figure 26 shows the case where a winning result is displayed. As shown in Figures 25 and 26, the performance period of an SP reach post-performance consists of a reach video display period for executing a video performance unique to SP reaches, and a result display period that follows the reach video display period for executing either a winning result display (Figure 26) or a losing result display (Figure 25) (development result display is not included).

[0213] Furthermore, immediately before the result display period, that is, towards the end of the reach video display period, a pre-result display effect is performed to suggest the appearance of the result. This pre-result display effect in the post-SP reach effect is a so-called button effect, and includes an operation validity period suggestion effect that indicates the arrival of the operation validity period during which the operation of the effect button 514 becomes effective, and the operation validity period begins after the operation validity period suggestion effect ends.

[0214] When the SP Reach Post-Performance begins (Reach Video Display Period), as shown in Figure 25(a1), the SP Reach Post-Performance video is displayed on the image display means 522, and arbitrary sound output and LED light effects are performed in synchronization with the SP Reach Post-Performance video. In the SP Reach Post-Performance video, reduced-size (retracted) images of reach symbols such as "7 7", reach performance images 602c with characters, and other images are displayed in front of the special background 601c for SP Reach Post-Performance.

[0215] Subsequently, towards the end of the reach video display period, an indication of successful operation begins. This indication of successful operation is configured to fade in (form the target image) of the target button 514, which is the target of operation during the operation valid period, onto the screen. In the examples of Figures 25(a2) to (a4), the fade-in of the target image 606 is such that it rotates and approaches from a distance. The display manner of the target image 606 during the indication of successful operation is arbitrary, but it must be at least different from the display manner during the operation valid period so that the player does not mistakenly believe that it is the operation valid period. The fade-in of the target image 606 is completed, for example, at the end of the indication of successful operation, i.e., at the start of the operation valid period (Figure 25(a4)). Thus, the indication of successful operation is the sequence from when the target image begins to be formed (displayed) on the screen until it is formed, and the target image during that time is the indication of successful operation image.

[0216] In this embodiment, at the start of the operation validity period, that is, approximately simultaneously with the completion of the fade-in (formation of the operation target image 606), an operation mode notification image 607 consisting of the word "PUSH!" and an arrow image to notify the operation mode, and a progress notification image 608 to notify the progress of the operation validity period are newly displayed (Figure 25(a4)). The progress notification image 608 is configured such that the length of a strip-shaped gauge decreases from 100% to 0% as the operation validity period progresses (Figure 25(a5)). In the example in Figure 25, the operation validity period from the start to the end is set to 3s, and the duration of the preceding operation validity indication effect is set to 4s, which is longer than the operation validity period.

[0217] If the player presses the performance button 514 during this operation valid period, thereby fulfilling the conditions for executing the performance, the operation valid period ends at that point and the result display (either a losing result display or a winning result display) begins. Thus, while the start timing of the result display changes depending on the player's operation, the variation time is already determined, so it is necessary to perform a time adjustment (described later) during the result display to absorb the change in the player's operation timing (i.e., the start timing of the result display). Here, if the time required for this time adjustment is long, it will feel unnatural in the performance, so in that sense, it is desirable for the operation valid period to be short, but if the operation valid period is short, the possibility of the player missing the opportunity to operate increases. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to suppress the unnaturalness of the performance due to time adjustment, the operation valid period is made as short as possible (3s in this case), and in order to prevent the player from missing the opportunity to operate as a result, an operation validity indication performance (4s in this case) that is longer than the operation valid period (3s) is executed immediately before the operation valid period ends.

[0218] Regarding the performance button 514, possible conditions for executing the performance include a one-hit execution condition that is met when the performance button 514 is operated once, a rapid-fire execution condition that is met when the performance button 514 is operated multiple times in succession, and a long-press execution condition that is met when the performance button 514 remains in an operated state. However, in this embodiment, the one-hit execution condition is adopted.

[0219] Figures 25(A1) and (A2) are both time charts for displaying a losing result. Figure 25(A1) shows the earliest start timing, i.e., the case where the performance button 514 is operated approximately simultaneously with the start of the operation validity period, while Figure 25(A2) shows the latest start timing, i.e., the case where the performance button 514 is operated approximately simultaneously with the end of the operation validity period. If the performance button 514 is not operated during the operation validity period (i.e., the operation condition is not met), the system may be configured to start displaying the same or a different losing result at the end of the operation validity period, as would have occurred if the performance button 514 had been operated.

[0220] As shown in Figures 25(A1) and (A2), when a losing result is displayed, a losing result animation is performed first. In this losing result animation, after the middle symbol stops on a "6" which is different from the winning symbol (in this case, "7") (Figure 25(b1)), a loop waiting animation is performed for a length corresponding to the timing of the operation of the animation button 514, i.e., the start timing of the losing result display (Figure 25(b2)). This loop waiting animation adjusts the timing so that the end time of the result display does not change even if the start time of the result display changes.

[0221] As shown in Figure 25(A1), the loop waiting animation time is maximized (3 seconds in this case) when the button is pressed approximately simultaneously with the start of the operation validity period (earliest), and as shown in Figure 25(A2), the loop waiting animation time is minimized (0 seconds in this case) when the button is pressed approximately simultaneously with the end of the operation validity period (latest). Thus, in the display of a losing result in this embodiment, the loop waiting animation for time adjustment is performed after the losing result animation is executed and before switching to the normal screen display (in this case, before the background return animation). As a result, even if the loop waiting animation time is long, the tempo from the end of the losing result display (background return animation, normal screen display) to the next variation is not disrupted, and the sense of incongruity caused by time adjustment is suppressed.

[0222] The loop standby effect is configured on the image display means 522 to repeatedly play video data for loop standby that is connected to the previous video, for example. Regarding the LED 571 light effect, when the effect button 514 is operated, it lights up in a pattern corresponding to a loss (using light pattern data for one-time playback), and then repeats a predetermined light pattern until the end of the loop standby effect (using light pattern data for loop playback). Regarding the audio output from the speaker 572, when the effect button 514 is operated, it outputs a sound effect corresponding to a loss (using sound effect data for one-time playback), and then either remains silent until the end of the loop standby effect, or repeats the output of a predetermined sound effect (using sound effect data for loop playback). This loop standby effect is repeated until a change stop command is received from the main control board 541.

[0223] After that, a background return sequence is performed, returning from special background 601c to normal background 600, before transitioning to the normal screen display showing a losing sequence such as "7-6-7". In the example in Figure 25, the shortest length of the losing result sequence is 5s, which is longer than the S-reach sequence (3s) and the SP-reach pre-sequence sequence (4s), but the length of the background return sequence and the normal screen display are 1s and 2s respectively, the same as the S-reach sequence and the SP-reach pre-sequence sequence.

[0224] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 25, the effective operation time (3 seconds in this case) is shorter than the animation time for the losing result animation (a minimum of 5 seconds in this case). This makes it possible to reduce the proportion of the animation time for the loop waiting animation used for time adjustment to less than half of the animation time for the losing result animation, thereby suppressing the sense of incongruity caused by time adjustment.

[0225] As described above, in this embodiment, when comparing the case where the last reach animation is a weak reach animation (e.g., an S reach animation) (Figure 23) with the case where a strong reach animation (e.g., a post-SP reach animation) can appear at a later stage (i.e., has a higher probability of resulting in a jackpot than a weak reach animation) (Figure 25), the display time for the result is set to be longer in the case of a strong reach animation than in the case of a weak reach animation. This makes it possible to shorten the display time for the result in reach animation patterns with low jackpot reliability and low player expectations, thereby increasing the tempo, and to lengthen the display time for reach animation patterns with high jackpot reliability and high player expectations, thereby enhancing the effect of the animation. Furthermore, by enhancing the effect of the animation in this way, it becomes less likely for players to get bored even if the animation is reused in other machines, and as a result, the cost of the gaming machine can be reduced.

[0226] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the duration of the losing result animation is longer in the case of a strong reach animation (e.g., the animation after an SP reach) than in the case of a weak reach animation (e.g., an S reach animation), but the duration of the background return animation and the normal screen display are the same. If the result display time is set to be longer in the case of a strong reach animation than in the case of a weak reach animation, one of the background return animation and the normal screen display may be the same in the case of a weak reach animation and a strong reach animation, while the other of the background return animation and the normal screen display, as well as the losing result animation, may be different in the case of a weak reach animation and a strong reach animation.

[0227] Figures 26(A1), (A2), (B1), and (B2) are all time charts for displaying jackpot results, but Figures 26(A1) and (A2) show the normal jackpot result display, while Figures 26(B1) and (B2) show the revival jackpot result display. Here, the revival jackpot result display (Figures 26(B1), (B2)) is configured to execute the revival jackpot result display after executing the losing result display, followed by a revival jackpot movable body display involving the movement of a movable body, whereas the normal jackpot result display (Figures 26(A1), (A2)) is configured to execute the normal jackpot result display after a normal jackpot movable body display involving the movement of a movable body, without executing the losing result display.

[0228] Furthermore, whether to execute the normal jackpot result display shown in Figures 26(A1) and (A2) or the revival jackpot result display shown in Figures 26(B1) and (B2) is determined by the symbol variation content determination means 582a (Figure 26) on the performance control board 542 when it receives a variation pattern command corresponding to a specific variation pattern (for example, the SP Reach 1 jackpot variation pattern) from the main control board 541. Therefore, the variation time is the same for both the normal jackpot result display and the revival jackpot result display, and consequently, the performance time and the end timing of each result display are also the same. In other words, the time from the timing of the win / loss branch (the timing when the performance button 514 is operated and the result display starts) until the symbols stop in a confirmed state is the same for both the normal jackpot result display and the revival jackpot result display.

[0229] Furthermore, of Figures 26(A1) and (A2) which show the normal jackpot result display, Figure 26(A1) shows the earliest start timing, i.e., the case where the performance button 514 is operated approximately simultaneously with the start of the operation valid period, and Figure 26(A2) shows the latest start timing, i.e., the case where the performance button 514 is operated approximately simultaneously with the end of the operation valid period. Similarly, of Figures 26(B1) and (B2) which show the revival jackpot result display, Figure 26(B1) shows the earliest start timing, i.e., the case where the performance button 514 is operated approximately simultaneously with the start of the operation valid period, and Figure 26(B2) shows the latest start timing, i.e., the case where the performance button 514 is operated approximately simultaneously with the end of the operation valid period. Note that if the performance button 514 is not operated during the operation valid period (if the operation conditions are not met), the system may be configured to start displaying the same or a different jackpot result at the end of the operation valid period as if the performance button 514 had been operated.

[0230] As shown in Figures 26(A1) and (A2), in the normal jackpot result display, the normal jackpot movable body animation is performed first. In this normal jackpot movable body animation, as shown in Figures 26(b1) to (b3), the movable body 531 operates in a predetermined normal jackpot operation pattern, and an arbitrary image animation corresponding to the operation of the movable body 531 is displayed on the image display means 522, the middle symbol stops at the same symbol as the reach symbol (in this case, "7"), and the LED 571 lights up in a predetermined normal jackpot illumination pattern. In the example in Figure 26, the normal jackpot operation pattern is configured such that the movable body 531 descends at high speed from the origin position (upper position) to the lower position in front of the image display means 522 (Figure 26(b1)), stops for a predetermined time, and then returns to the origin position at low speed (Figures 26(b2) and (b3)).

[0231] Furthermore, the normal jackpot illumination pattern is a so-called rainbow illumination pattern, and as shown in Figure 27(a), the light-emitting part of the movable body 531, that is, the letters "Kappa Legend," are illuminated in rainbow colors flowing in a predetermined direction (for example, left and right). This rainbow illumination pattern is configured to cycle at a predetermined interval, and one cycle of illumination data is executed a predetermined number of times during the 5s from the start to the end of the normal jackpot movable body performance. Note that not only the LEDs on the movable body 531, but also the LEDs on the game board 505 and the front frame 504 may be illuminated with the same rainbow illumination pattern. In addition, when the performance button 514 is operated, that is, at the start of the normal jackpot movable body performance, the illumination may be set to light up in the illumination mode corresponding to a normal jackpot (for example, rainbow flashing), and then the illumination with the rainbow illumination pattern may be repeated.

[0232] After the normal jackpot animation ends, the normal jackpot result animation is performed. In this normal jackpot result animation, a celebration animation (Figure 26(b4)) is performed to celebrate the jackpot, followed by a loop waiting animation of a length corresponding to the timing of the operation of the animation button 514, i.e., the start timing of the normal jackpot result display (Figure 26(b5)). This loop waiting animation adjusts the timing so that the end time of the result display does not change even if the start time of the result display changes.

[0233] As shown in Figure 26(A1), the loop waiting animation time is maximized (3 seconds in this case) when the button is pressed approximately simultaneously with the start of the operation validity period (earliest), and as shown in Figure 26(A2), the loop waiting animation time is minimized (0 seconds in this case) when the button is pressed approximately simultaneously with the end of the operation validity period (latest). Thus, in the normal jackpot result display of this embodiment, the loop waiting animation for time adjustment is performed at the end of the jackpot result animation, which is performed after the normal movable body animation, that is, before the jackpot is confirmed. As a result, the movable body animation that notifies that a jackpot has been won and the result animation that celebrates the jackpot are executed in succession, starting from the timing of the button press, and this series of events is not affected by the loop waiting animation, making it possible to suppress any sense of incongruity caused by time adjustment without compromising the exhilarating feeling of the animation.

[0234] The loop standby effect is configured so that, on the image display means 522, for example, the loop standby video data connected from the previous video is repeatedly played. Regarding the LED 571 light effect, when the effect button 514 is operated, it lights up in a light pattern corresponding to a normal jackpot (e.g., rainbow flashing) (using light pattern data for one-time playback), and then repeats a predetermined light pattern (rainbow flashing pattern) until the end of the loop standby effect (using light pattern data for loop playback). Regarding the audio output from speaker 572, when the effect button 514 is operated, it outputs a sound effect corresponding to a normal jackpot (using sound effect data for one-time playback), and then either remains silent until the end of the loop standby effect, or repeats the output of a predetermined sound effect (using sound effect data for loop playback). This loop standby effect is repeated until a variation stop command is received from the main control board 541.

[0235] In the example shown in Figure 26, the length of the normal jackpot movable body animation in the normal jackpot result display is set to 5s, and the minimum length of the normal jackpot result animation is set to 8s.

[0236] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 26(B1) and (B2), the revival jackpot result display first performs the same effects as the losing result display shown in Figures 25(A1) and (A2). That is, after the losing result effect (Figures 26(c1) and (c2)) is performed first, the background return effect (Figure 26(c3)) returns from the special background 601b to the normal background 600, and then transitions to the normal screen display (Figure 26(c4)) where a losing effect pattern such as "7-6-7" is displayed. In the losing result effect, after the middle symbol stops on "6", which is different from the reach symbol (here, "7") (Figure 26(c1)), a loop waiting effect of a length corresponding to the timing of operation of the effect button 514, i.e., the start timing of the losing result display is executed (Figure 26(c2)). This loop waiting effect adjusts the timing so that the end time of the result display does not change even if the start time of the result display changes.

[0237] As shown in Figure 26(B1), the loop waiting animation time is the longest (3s in this case) when the button is pressed approximately simultaneously with the start of the operation validity period (earliest), and as shown in Figure 26(B2), the loop waiting animation time is the shortest (0 in this case) when the button is pressed approximately simultaneously with the end of the operation validity period (latest).

[0238] The loop standby effect is configured on the image display means 522 to repeatedly play video data for loop standby that is connected to the previous video, for example. Regarding the LED 571 light effect, when the effect button 514 is operated, it lights up in a pattern corresponding to a loss (using light pattern data for one-time playback), and then repeats a predetermined light pattern until the end of the loop standby effect (using light pattern data for loop playback). Regarding the audio output from the speaker 572, when the effect button 514 is operated, it outputs a sound effect corresponding to a loss (using sound effect data for one-time playback), and then either remains silent until the end of the loop standby effect, or repeats the output of a predetermined sound effect (using sound effect data for loop playback). This loop standby effect is repeated until a change stop command is received from the main control board 541.

[0239] In the example in Figure 26, the shortest length of the losing result animation in the revival jackpot result display is 5s, and the lengths of the background return animation and the normal screen display are 1s and 2s, respectively, which are the same as in the case of the losing result display (Figure 25(A1), (A2)).

[0240] Following the normal screen display, a revival jackpot movable body animation is performed. In this revival jackpot movable body animation, as shown in Figures 26(c5) to (c7), the movable body 531 operates in a predetermined revival jackpot operation pattern, and the image display means 522 displays an arbitrary image animation corresponding to the movement of the movable body. At the same time, the middle symbol, which had temporarily stopped at "6" which is different from the reach symbol, changes to the same symbol as the reach symbol (in this case, "7"), and the LED 571 lights up in a predetermined revival jackpot lighting pattern. Note that the animation time (3s) for this revival jackpot movable body animation is shorter than the animation time (5s) for the normal jackpot movable body animation.

[0241] In the example shown in Figure 26, the revival jackpot operation pattern is configured such that the movable body 531 descends at high speed from the origin position (upper position) to the lower position in front of the image display means 522 (Figure 26(c5)), stops for a predetermined time, and then returns to the origin position at a low speed (Figure 26(c6), (c7)). Thus, the revival jackpot operation pattern is almost the same as the normal jackpot operation pattern (Figure 26(b1)~(b3)) in terms of the operation of the movable body 531, but the performance time is different. This difference in performance time is adjusted by, for example, varying the stopping time at the lower position and the movement speed (for example, the speed of return to the origin position).

[0242] Furthermore, the content of the animation images displayed on the image display means 522 during the revival jackpot movable body animation differs from the content of the animation images displayed on the image display means 522 during the normal jackpot movable body animation. The difference in the content of the animation images between the revival jackpot movable body animation and the normal jackpot movable body animation may be based solely on the difference in the movement of the movable body 531 due to the difference in animation time (differences in stopping time at the lower position and movement speed), or it may go beyond the difference in the movement of the movable body 531, such as the appearance of different characters.

[0243] Furthermore, the revival jackpot lighting pattern is a so-called rainbow lighting pattern, and as shown in Figure 27(b), the light-emitting part of the movable body 531, that is, the letters "Kappa Legend," light up in rainbow colors flowing in a predetermined direction (for example, left and right). The revival jackpot lighting pattern shown in Figure 27(b) and the normal jackpot lighting pattern shown in Figure 27(a) are executed at the same cycle using common lighting pattern data, and the only difference between the two is the number of repetitions based on the length of the performance time. Note that not only the LEDs on the movable body 531, but also the LEDs on the other game boards 505 and the front frame 504 may be made to light up with the same rainbow lighting pattern.

[0244] In this way, by using the same movable body 531 for both the regular jackpot movable body effect and the revival jackpot movable body effect, it is possible to reduce costs while enhancing the effect of the effect.

[0245] After the revival jackpot moving mechanism animation ends, a revival jackpot result animation (Figure 26(c8)) is performed, which celebrates the jackpot. In the example in Figure 26, the animation time for this revival jackpot moving mechanism animation is 2 seconds, which is shorter than the animation time for the normal jackpot moving mechanism animation (minimum 8 seconds).

[0246] As explained above, in the revival jackpot result display of this embodiment, the loop waiting animation for time adjustment is performed after the loss result animation is executed and before switching to the normal screen display (in this case, before the background return animation), so that the revival jackpot result animation is executed after the time adjustment is complete. As a result, even if the loop waiting animation takes a long time, the connection from button operation to the loss result animation is not impaired, and the sequence from the movable body animation that notifies that it is a jackpot to the result animation that celebrates the jackpot is not affected. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the sense of incongruity caused by time adjustment without compromising the exhilarating feeling of the animation.

[0247] Furthermore, in the post-SP reach sequence of this embodiment, the timing of the end of the display of the normal jackpot result and the display of the revival jackpot result are the same, and if the timing of the player's button operation is the same, the duration of the sequences is also the same.

[0248] Figure 28 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the present invention, which is a modified version of the fourth embodiment. In the pre-result display of the SP reach pre-performance, which is an example of a non-winning reach performance, a teasing performance is executed using symbols other than the reach symbol and the symbols immediately before and after it as the final stopping symbols, thereby performing a performance that does not suggest that the symbols will become a winning performance (specific form).

[0249] Figure 28 corresponds to Figure 24 of the fourth embodiment. In the SP pre-reach animation of this embodiment, when the build-up period at the end of the reach video display period begins (Figure 28(a1)→(a2)), the reach animation image 602d changes to the build-up animation image 603d. The build-up animation image 603d performs the final stage of animation before the third (for example, the center) row of symbols, which is still changing, stops. In the example of Figures 28(a2)~(a3), the first character repeatedly hits the first stop symbol candidate (here, "5"), which is -2 from the reach symbol (here, "7"), with a hammer, and the second character repeatedly hits the second stop symbol candidate (here, "4"), which is -3 from the reach symbol (here, "7"), with a hammer, competing to see which character can destroy the stop symbol candidate first.

[0250] Thus, in the pre-result display sequence of the SP reach sequence in this embodiment, a build-up sequence is performed using a symbol other than the reach symbol (in this case, "7") and the symbols immediately before and after it (in this case, "6" and "8") as the final stopping symbol.

[0251] When the build-up period ends, the build-up animation image 603d becomes static (Figure 28(a3)), and this static state is maintained throughout the subsequent build-up period. Then, when the build-up period ends and the result display period begins, either the development result display or the failure result display starts, continuing from the previously paused build-up animation image 603d.

[0252] In the losing result display, a losing result animation is performed first. In this losing result animation, the first stop symbol candidate "5" is destroyed (Figure 28(c1)), and the middle symbol stops on the remaining second stop symbol candidate "4" (Figure 28(c2)). After that, the background returns to normal (Figure 28(c3)) and the screen returns to normal (Figure 28(c4)). In the development result display, a development animation is performed. In this development animation, the second stop symbol candidate "4" is destroyed (Figure 28(b1)), and then a development notification image 604d such as "Development" indicating development after an SP reach is displayed (Figure 28(b2)).

[0253] Thus, in the pre-result display sequence of the SP reach sequence in this embodiment, a teasing sequence is performed using symbols other than the reach symbol and the symbols immediately before and after it as the final stopping symbols. Therefore, regardless of the outcome of the teasing sequence, the player will not mistakenly believe that they have won the jackpot, thus preventing unnecessary disappointment for the player.

[0254] In this embodiment as well, similar to the fourth embodiment, an explanatory display indicating that the game will proceed to the next reach animation if a specific result display such as "destroy 4 will lead to development" appears may be displayed in parallel with the hype animation image 603d.

[0255] Figure 29 illustrates a sixth embodiment of the present invention, showing an example in which the fourth embodiment is partially modified to perform an effect that does not suggest that the symbols will become a jackpot effect (specific effect) in the pre-result display effect of the pre-SP reach effect, which is an example of a non-winning reach effect, by not using the success (win) effect result among multiple types of effect results including success (win) and failure (lose).

[0256] Figure 29 corresponds to Figure 24 of the fourth embodiment. In the pre-SP reach animation of this embodiment, when the build-up period at the end of the reach video display period begins (Figure 29(a1)→(a2)), the reach animation image 602e changes to the build-up animation image 603e. In the example of Figures 29(a2)~(a3), the build-up animation image 603e depicts a kappa (ally) who has been defeated by a monster (enemy) trying to stand up again.

[0257] When the build-up period ends, the build-up animation image 603e becomes static (Figure 29(a3)), and this static state is maintained throughout the subsequent build-up period. Then, when the build-up period ends and the result display period begins, either the development result display or the failure result display starts, continuing from the previously paused build-up animation image 603e.

[0258] In the losing result display, a losing result animation is performed first. In this losing result animation, the fallen kappa is unable to stand up and loses (fails) (Figure 29(c1)), and consequently the middle symbol stops at "6", which is different from the winning symbol (in this case, "7") (Figure 29(c2)). After that, the background returns to normal (Figure 29(c3)) and then the screen returns to normal (Figure 29(c4)).

[0259] Furthermore, a development animation is performed when the development result is displayed. In this development animation, the kappa stands up again (Figure 29(b1)), and then a development notification image 604e such as "Development" indicating development after an SP reach is displayed (Figure 29(b2)). Thus, in this embodiment, the development animation does not mean that the kappa has won the battle against the monster just because it stands up, so players will not mistakenly think that they have won the jackpot, and it is possible to prevent players from feeling unnecessarily disappointed.

[0260] In this embodiment as well, similar to the fourth embodiment, an explanatory display indicating that the game will proceed to the next reach animation if a specific result display such as "If it can stand up, it will progress" appears may be displayed in parallel with the hype animation image 603e.

[0261] Figure 30 illustrates a seventh embodiment of the present invention, which is a partial modification of the fourth embodiment. In the result display of the pre-SP reach performance, which is an example of a non-winning reach performance, the LEDs are illuminated with a light pattern other than the specific light pattern (rainbow light pattern) used for displaying the jackpot result in other reach performances. This configuration ensures that the performance does not suggest that the symbols will be in a jackpot performance mode (specific mode).

[0262] Figure 30 corresponds to Figure 24 of the fourth embodiment. In the pre-SP reach animation of this embodiment, when the build-up period at the end of the reach video display period begins (Figure 30(a1) → (a2)), the reach animation image 602f changes to the build-up animation image 603f. In the example of Figures 30(a2)~(a3), the build-up animation image 603f shows a monster (enemy) character being attacked with a cannon. In this embodiment, an explanatory display indicating that the next reach animation will begin if a specific result display such as "defeat the monster to progress" appears is not executed in parallel with the build-up animation image 603f, but such an explanatory display may be displayed as in the fourth embodiment.

[0263] When the build-up period ends, the build-up animation image 603f becomes static (Figure 30(a3)), and this static state is maintained throughout the subsequent build-up period. Then, when the build-up period ends and the result display period begins, either the development result display or the failure result display starts, continuing from the previously paused build-up animation image 603f.

[0264] In the losing result display, a losing result animation is performed first. In this losing result animation, the attack on the monster ends in failure (Figure 30(c1)), and consequently the middle symbol stops on a "6" which is different from the winning symbol (in this case, "7") (Figure 30(c2)). After that, the background returns to normal (Figure 30(c3)) and then the screen returns to normal display (Figure 30(c4)).

[0265] In addition, in the development result display, development effects are performed. In this development effect, a movable body development effect (Figs. 30(b1) to (b3)) is performed. In this movable body development effect, the movable body 531 operates in a predetermined development operation pattern, and on the image display means 522, any image effect corresponding to the operation of the movable body 531 (here, the content that an attack is successful and the monster falls) is performed, and a development notification image 604f such as "development" indicating the development to the post-SP reach effect is displayed. Also, the LED 571 of the movable body 531 emits light in a predetermined development light emission pattern.

[0266] In the example of Fig. 30, the development operation pattern is configured such that the movable body 531 rapidly descends from the origin position (upper position) to the lower position in front of the image display means 522 (Fig. 30(b1)), stops for a predetermined time, and then returns to the origin position at a low speed (Figs. 30(b2), (b3)). Thus, the development operation pattern is substantially the same as the normal jackpot operation pattern (Figs. 26(b1) to (b3)) in terms of the operation content of the movable body 531, but the effect time is different. The difference in this effect time is adjusted, for example, by varying the stop time at the lower position and the moving speed (for example, the return speed to the origin position).

[0267] Also, the content of the effect image displayed on the image display means 522 during the movable body development effect is different from the content of the effect image displayed on the image display means 522 during the normal jackpot movable body effect (Fig. 26). Also, the development light emission pattern is a light emission pattern different from the normal jackpot light emission pattern, that is, the rainbow light emission pattern (specific light emission pattern) (including the case where light emission is not performed).

[0268] Thus, in this embodiment, since the LED 571 of the movable body 531 is configured to emit light in a development light emission pattern different from the normal jackpot light emission pattern (here, the rainbow light emission pattern), even though the movable body 531 is operated in a development operation pattern that is substantially the same as the normal jackpot operation pattern in terms of the operation content in the normal jackpot result effect, the player will not misunderstand this as a jackpot when seeing it, and it is possible to prevent the player from being unnecessarily disappointed.

[0269] Figure 31 illustrates an eighth embodiment of the present invention, showing an example in which the fourth embodiment is partially modified to display an explanatory display indicating that the next reach animation will be performed when a specific result display appears, even before the pre-result animation (teasing animation, build-up period).

[0270] Figure 31 corresponds to Figure 24 of the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 31, in the SP reach pre-performance of this embodiment, the reach title 611 is first displayed on the image display means 522 (Figure 31(a1)), and then an explanatory display 605 such as "Defeating the monster will advance the performance" is displayed largely in the center of the screen for a predetermined time (for example, about 2 seconds) (Figure 31(a2)). After the explanatory display 605 is reduced in size and moved to the periphery of the screen (for example, the top) (Figure 31(a3)), the reach performance proceeds with reach performance images 602b, etc., featuring characters, etc.

[0271] Subsequently, as the build-up period near the end of the reach video display period begins (Figure 31(a4)), the explanatory display 605 continues to be displayed, and the reach animation image 602b changes to the build-up animation image 603b. In the examples of Figures 31(a4) to (a5), as in the case of Figure 24, the build-up animation image 603b shows a monster (enemy) character being attacked with a cannon.

[0272] Once the build-up period ends, the build-up animation image 603b becomes static (Figure 31(a5)), and this static state is maintained throughout the subsequent build-up period. The explanatory display 605 continues to be displayed during this build-up period as well. The animation during the result display period after the build-up period ends is the same as in the fourth embodiment (Figure 24), so its explanation is omitted here.

[0273] As explained above, the explanatory display stating that the game will proceed to the next reach animation when a specific result is displayed may be configured to be displayed not only during the pre-result animation (teasing animation, build-up period), but also before that.

[0274] Figure 32 illustrates a ninth embodiment of the present invention, showing an example in which the fourth embodiment is partially modified to form an operation target image during the operation validity indication performance, and the operation validity period starts after a predetermined time has elapsed from the completion of the formation of the operation target image.

[0275] Figure 32 corresponds to Figures 25 and 26 of the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 32, in the SP reach post-performance of this embodiment, an operation valid indication performance is started at the end of the reach video display period. In the operation valid indication performance of this embodiment, the performance period (4s) consists of a button formation period (3s) and a post-button formation waiting period (1s) that follows the button formation period. The button formation period is the period for forming the operation target image 606 that indicates the performance button 514. As shown in Figures 32(a2) to (a4), for example, the transparency of the operation target image 606 on the screen gradually decreases from 100% and becomes clearer, and at the end of the button formation period, the transparency reaches 0% and the operation target image 606 is completed (Figure 32(a4)). However, this button formation process is arbitrary. The post-button formation waiting period is the waiting time from the completion of the formation of the operation target image 606 until the start of the operation valid period, during which the display state of the operation target image 606 at the time of formation completion is maintained.

[0276] Furthermore, a gauge formation waiting period (0.5s) is provided in the latter half of the button formation waiting period. This gauge formation waiting period is a period during which the progress notification image 608, which notifies the progress of the operation valid period, is maintained in a waiting state (for example, when the gauge is stopped at 100%). It starts one hour (0.5s in this case) after the button formation waiting period has started, and the progress notification image 608 is displayed on the screen at the start of this period (Figure 32(a5)).

[0277] The waiting period after gauge formation (and the waiting period after button formation) ends after 2 hours (here, 0.5 s) have elapsed since the start of the waiting period after gauge formation, and the operation valid period starts. When the operation valid period starts, an operation mode notification image 607 composed of characters "PUSH!" and an arrow image, etc. for notifying the operation mode is displayed (Fig. 32(a6)), and the gauge change of the progress status notification image 608 starts (Figs. 32(a6)-(a7)).

[0278] As described above, in the present embodiment, the operation valid period starts after a predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of the formation of the operation target image 606 during the operation valid suggestion effect. Moreover, the progress status notification image 608 is displayed in a state of waiting for start after 1 hour (0.5 s) has elapsed since the completion of the formation of the operation target image 606, and the operation valid period starts after 2 hours (0.5 s) have elapsed since the start of the display of the progress status notification image 608. Therefore, even if the operation valid time is shortened to suppress the sense of incongruity of the effect due to subsequent time adjustment, it is possible to more surely prevent the loss of the player's operation opportunity due to this.

[0279] Fig. 33 illustrates the 10th embodiment of the present invention, in which a part of the 4th embodiment is modified, and an example is shown in which the effect time of the operation valid suggestion effect in the strong reach effect (here, the effect after SP reach) is made longer than the effect time of the operation valid suggestion effect in the weak reach effect (here, the S reach effect). As described above, the strong reach effect is a reach effect with a higher degree of expectation in a specific mode than the weak reach effect.

[0280] Figure 33(b) is a time chart regarding the operation effectiveness suggestion effect and the operation effective period in the post-SP reach effect (an example of a strong reach effect) of this embodiment, which is the same as that of the fourth embodiment (Figure 25). Also, Figure 33(a) is a time chart regarding the operation effectiveness suggestion effect and the operation effective period in the S reach effect (an example of a weak reach effect) of this embodiment. In the fourth embodiment (Figure 23), the pre-result display effect of the S reach effect was not a button effect, but in the S reach effect of this embodiment (Figure 33(a)), a button effect is executed in the same way as the post-SP reach effect, and an operation effectiveness suggestion effect and an operation effective period are provided before the result display period.

[0281] As is clear from Figures 33(a) and (b), in this embodiment, the effect time of the operation effectiveness suggestion effect in the post-SP reach effect (strong reach effect) (here, 4 s) is longer than the effect time of the operation effectiveness suggestion effect in the S reach effect (weak reach effect) (here, 2 s). Also, regarding the operation effective time from the start to the end of the operation effective period, it is the same for both the S reach effect and the post-SP reach effect (both 3 s), and the effect time of the pre-result display effect combining the operation effectiveness suggestion effect and the operation effective period is longer for the post-SP reach effect (strong reach effect) than for the S reach effect (weak reach effect). Note that the effect time of the operation effectiveness suggestion effect in the post-SP reach effect (4 s) is longer than the operation effective time (3 s), whereas the effect time of the operation effectiveness suggestion effect in the S reach effect (2 s) is shorter than the operation effective time (3 s).

[0282] Thus, in this embodiment, regarding the post-SP reach effect (strong reach effect), similar to the fourth embodiment, in order to suppress the sense of incongruity of the effect due to subsequent time adjustment, the operation effective time (here, 3 s) is made as short as possible, and in order to surely prevent the loss of the player's operation opportunity, an operation effectiveness suggestion effect (here, 4 s) longer than the operation effective time (3 s) is executed immediately before the operation effective period. However, regarding the S reach effect (weak reach effect), in order to prioritize enhancing the effect of the reach effect over the loss of the player's operation opportunity, the operation effectiveness suggestion effect (here, 2 s) is made shorter than the operation effective time (3 s).

[0283] FIG. 34 illustrates a 11th embodiment of the present invention, which is a partial modification of the 4th embodiment, and enables the execution of a development notice effect that develops (or is highly likely to develop) to the next reach effect before the result display effect, and the content of the pre-result display effect is configured to be different according to whether the development notice effect appears or not.

[0284] FIG. 34 corresponds to FIG. 23 of the 4th embodiment, and shows the content of the pre-result display effect in the S reach effect when a development notice effect indicating that it develops (or is highly likely to develop) to the SP reach post-effect (the next reach effect after the next reach effect) is executed during the normal variation in the symbol variation (before reaching the reach state). It is assumed that the content of the pre-result display effect in the S reach effect when the development notice effect is not executed is the same as that in the 4th embodiment (FIG. 23).

[0285] In the example of FIG. 34, during the normal variation in the symbol variation, a notice image 612 indicating a blue signal is displayed on the screen (development notice effect). This notice image 612 of the blue signal indicates that it develops to the SP reach post-effect (a predetermined reach effect) in the symbol variation, and when this notice image 612 is displayed, it will develop to the SP reach post-effect with a 100% probability thereafter.

[0286] And when this notice image 612 is displayed, in the reach effect until reaching the SP reach post-effect, different from the case where the notice image 612 is not displayed (FIG. 23), a pre-result display effect with content assuming development is executed. That is, the exciting effect images 603g shown in FIGS. 34(a3) to (a4) are such that a character sets a bomb and ignites it for both the first stop symbol candidate (here, "7") that constitutes the big win effect mode (i.e., the same as the reach symbol) and the second stop symbol candidate (here, "6") that constitutes the losing effect mode (i.e., different from the reach symbol).

[0287] When the fanning period ends, at that point the fanning effect image 603g becomes stationary (Fig. 34(a4)), and during the subsequent waiting period, the stationary state of the fanning effect image 603g is maintained. Then, when the waiting period ends and the result display period begins, the development result display starts in a form connected from the fanning effect image 603g that had been paused. In this development effect, both the "7" and "6", which are the first and second stop symbol candidates, are simultaneously exploded (Fig. 34(b1)), and then a development notification image 604a such as "Development" indicating the development to the SP reach is displayed (Fig. 34(b2)). Note that the content of the development result display may be the same as when the preview image 612 is not displayed (Fig. 23) (i.e., using common effect data).

[0288] As described above, by varying the content of the pre-result display according to whether a development preview effect indicating development to a predetermined (next) reach effect appears or not, it becomes possible to execute a more appropriate pre-result display according to whether it is clear that development reaches a predetermined reach effect or not.

[0289] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various changes are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, although the first to third embodiments and the fourth to eleventh embodiments are embodied as completely different gaming machines, it goes without saying that they can be embodied as the same gaming machine by appropriately combining the former and the latter. For example, it is possible to configure the gaming machine according to the first to third embodiments to execute the same effects as the gaming machine according to the fourth to eleventh embodiments. At that time, the movable body 161 shown in Fig. 3 may be changed to the same configuration as the movable body 531 decorated with the "Kappa legend" shown in Fig. 19, and the two gaming machines may be appropriately adapted according to their differences.

[0290] In the first to third embodiments, an example was shown in which the opening / closing member 151 that opens and closes the large prize opening (second ball entry opening) 137 is of the sliding type. However, the opening / closing member 151 is not limited to the sliding type, and it is possible to use a type that swings around the horizontal axis on the lower side, or any other opening / closing member. Also, the position of the large prize means (second ball entry means) 57 is arbitrary, and for example, it may be placed on the lower side approximately in the center in the left-right direction of the game area 23. Similarly, the positions of the starting gate means 54, the first starting prize means 55, the second starting prize means 56, etc., are also arbitrary.

[0291] In the first to third embodiments of the ordinary prize-winning means (first ball entry means) 53, an example was shown in which one game ball detection means 97 was placed for two ordinary prize-winning openings (first ball entry openings) 87a and 87b. However, one game ball detection means may be placed for three or more ordinary prize-winning openings, or one game ball detection means may be placed for each ordinary prize-winning opening.

[0292] In the first to third embodiments, an example was shown in which the rear member 83 constituting the ordinary prize-winning means 53 is provided integrally with the rear decorative means 60. However, as shown in Figure 35, the rear member 83 may be provided separately from the rear decorative means 60. Also, in the first to third embodiments, an example was shown in which the LED substrate 99 of the rear decorative means 60 is positioned to avoid the rear member 83. However, as shown in Figure 36, the LED substrate 99 of the rear decorative means 60 may be positioned such that a part of it is located behind the prize-winning ball passage 93, etc., in the rear member 83. In this case, forming the prize-winning ball passage 93 and the out-of-bounds ball passage 94 so that at least a part, for example, the entirety is transparent or semi-transparent, similar to the front member 82, allows the front member 82 to be illuminated more effectively via the prize-winning ball passage 93, the out-of-bounds ball passage 94, and the transparent main body plate 45.

[0293] The first to third embodiments may be combined in any way. For example, the third embodiment was illustrated by modifying the first embodiment in part, but the second embodiment may also be modified in part to form the third embodiment.

[0294] As a modification of the sixth embodiment (Fig. 29), a battle-type performance is carried out in the pre-performance before the result display of the non-winning reach performance, and it is configured to be either a draw or a loss performance result. In the case of a draw, it is developed into the next reach performance, so that a performance that does not remind the symbol of becoming a big win performance mode (specific mode) may be executed.

[0295] In the ninth embodiment (Fig. 32), an example is shown in which the progress notification image 608 is displayed after 1 hour (0.5 s) has elapsed from the completion of the formation of the operation target image 606 (the end of the button formation period). However, the progress notification image 608 may be displayed substantially simultaneously with the completion of the formation of the operation target image 606, and the progress notification image 608 may be displayed in a waiting state for start during the subsequent waiting period after the button is formed.

[0296] In the tenth embodiment (Fig. 33), an example is shown in which the performance time of the operation validity suggestion performance is set to be longer than the operation validity time in the case of a strong reach performance, and shorter than the operation validity time in the case of a weak reach performance. However, the performance time of the operation validity suggestion performance and the operation validity time may be set to be substantially the same in either the case of a weak reach performance or a strong reach performance.

[0297] In the eleventh embodiment (Fig. 34), the performance is also excited and the pre-result display performance of accumulating is executed when the development notice performance appears. However, when the development notice performance appears, the development result display may be performed without exciting and executing the pre-result display performance of accumulating. Also, in the eleventh embodiment (Fig. 34), the development notice performance is configured to be executed during normal variation, but the development notice performance may be configured to be executed after a reach (for example, during the N-reach performance).

[0298] In the 11th embodiment (FIG. 34), an example of executing a development notice effect during the symbol variation has been shown. However, the development notice effect may be executed as a preview effect before the start of the symbol variation (target variation). This preview effect may be either the preview continuous effect or the preview hold change effect described above. When the preview continuous effect is used as the development notice effect, it is conceivable to use a background image of "snow" in a plurality of effect symbol variations until the target variation, on the condition that a preview determination result indicating that the target variation will be a SP reach variation pattern is obtained. When the preview hold change effect is used as the development notice effect, it is conceivable to use a hold display image corresponding to the target variation as a specific image such as "● (red circle)", on the condition that a preview determination result indicating that the target variation will be a SP reach variation pattern is obtained.

[0299] The 5th to 11th embodiments are each a partial modification of the 4th embodiment, but two or more of the 5th to 11th embodiments may be appropriately combined. Also, two or more of the 1st to 11th embodiments may be appropriately combined.

[0300] Further, the present invention is not limited to pachinko machines, and can be similarly implemented in other gaming machines such as arrangement ball machines and mahjong ball gaming machines.

Explanation of Signs

[0301] 16 Game board 23 Game area 45 Transparent main body plate 53 Normal winning means (first ball entry means) 57 Big winning means (second ball entry means) 82 Front member 83 Rear member 87a Normal winning opening (first ball entry opening) 87b Normal winning opening (first ball entry opening) 92 Tilt case interior (first tilt case interior) 93 Winning ball passage (ball passage) 96 Confluence part 97 Game ball detection means (first detection means) 132 Grand Prize Winning Units (Ball-Winning Units) 137 Big prize opening (second ball entrance) 140 Inclined guide part (second inclined guide part) 147 Game ball detection means (second detection means) 151 Opening / closing member 538 Display means for displaying animation patterns (Pattern display means) 542 Performance control board (performance control means) 564a Jackpot determination means (lottery means)

Claims

1. A lottery method for determining whether or not to grant a benefit to the player, A symbol display means that displays symbols in a variable manner based on the lottery result by the lottery means, and stops the symbols in a specific manner when the prize is to be awarded, A performance control means that causes the performance related to the lottery result to be executed according to one of several types of variation patterns, along with the variation display by the symbol display means, A game board having a game area on the front side, The aforementioned multiple types of variation patterns include a reach variation pattern that displays the result in a reach animation performed after the symbols enter a reach state, The game board comprises a transparent main body plate and a first ball entry means mounted on the transparent main body plate. In gaming machines, The first ball-entry means comprises a front member attached to the transparent main body plate from the front and formed to be transparent or semi-transparent in at least a portion thereof, and a rear member attached to the rear side of the transparent main body plate. Multiple ball entry points into the front member are provided, allowing game balls that have flowed down the game area to enter. A first detection means capable of detecting a game ball that has entered the first of the plurality of ball entry openings, and a ball passage that guides the game ball that has entered the first ball entry opening toward the first detection means, are arranged on the rear member in a position that is not visible or difficult to see from a front view. The aforementioned front member is made of a single molded part made of resin. The front member displays identification information relating to a specific ball entry opening among the multiple ball entry openings. The first light-emitting means is positioned on the rear side of the transparent main body plate. The light emitted from the first light-emitting means makes it possible to cause the front member containing the identification information to emit light through the spherical passage and the transparent main body plate, In the aforementioned reach variation pattern, when the reach performance is a specific reach performance, an operation validity period is provided during the specific reach performance, and the result display is started when a predetermined operation means is operated during the operation validity period and the performance execution conditions are met. In the aforementioned reach variation patterns, in the reach winning variation pattern corresponding to the winning variation in which the symbols are in the aforementioned specific form, any of several types of result displays in the specific reach performance can be executed, including a revival winning result display and a normal winning result display. The aforementioned revival win result display is configured to first execute a losing result animation, then switch the special background back to the normal background, display the normal screen, and then execute the revival win result animation to conclude. The aforementioned normal win result display is configured to terminate by executing the normal win result display without executing the aforementioned loss result display, the aforementioned background restoration display, and the aforementioned normal screen display. The aforementioned losing result display in the aforementioned revival win result display ends by displaying a losing result indicating that the symbols do not form the aforementioned specific configuration. The normal win result display in the normal win result display ends by executing a win display indicating that the symbols are in the specific configuration. In the aforementioned specific reach animation, time adjustments are made to ensure that the end time of the result display does not change even if the start time of the result display changes according to the timing of the operation, in the case of the revival win result display, after the execution of the loss display in the loss result animation and before the execution of the background return animation, and in the case of the normal win result display, after the execution of the win display in the normal win result animation. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

2. A lottery means for determining whether or not to grant a benefit to a player, A symbol display means that displays symbols in a variable manner based on the lottery result by the lottery means, and stops the symbols in a specific manner when the prize is to be awarded, A performance control means that causes the performance related to the lottery result to be executed according to one of several types of variation patterns, along with the variation display by the symbol display means, A game board having a game area on the front side, The aforementioned multiple types of variation patterns include a reach variation pattern that displays the result in a reach animation performed after the symbols enter a reach state, The game board comprises a transparent main body plate and a first ball entry means mounted on the transparent main body plate. In gaming machines, The first ball-entry means comprises a front member attached to the transparent main body plate from the front and formed to be transparent or semi-transparent in at least a portion thereof, and a rear member attached to the rear side of the transparent main body plate. Multiple ball entry points into the front member are provided, allowing game balls that have flowed down the game area to enter. A first detection means capable of detecting a game ball that has entered the first of the plurality of ball entry openings, and a ball passage that guides the game ball that has entered the first ball entry opening toward the first detection means, are arranged on the rear member in a position that is not visible or difficult to see from a front view. The aforementioned front member is made of a single molded part made of resin. The fixing parts for securing the front member to the transparent main body plate are not provided in the middle of the plurality of ball entry openings, but are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the front member. The first light-emitting means is positioned on the rear side of the transparent main body plate. The light emitted from the first light-emitting means makes it possible to cause the front member to emit light through the spherical passage and the transparent main body plate, In the aforementioned reach variation pattern, when the reach performance is a specific reach performance, an operation validity period is provided during the specific reach performance, and the result display is started when a predetermined operation means is operated during the operation validity period and the performance execution conditions are met. In the aforementioned reach variation patterns, in the reach winning variation pattern corresponding to the winning variation in which the symbols are in the aforementioned specific form, any of several types of result displays in the specific reach performance can be executed, including a revival winning result display and a normal winning result display. The aforementioned revival win result display is configured to first execute a losing result animation, then switch the special background back to the normal background, display the normal screen, and then execute the revival win result animation to conclude. The aforementioned normal win result display is configured to terminate by executing the normal win result display without executing the aforementioned loss result display, the aforementioned background restoration display, and the aforementioned normal screen display. The aforementioned losing result display in the aforementioned revival win result display ends by displaying a losing result indicating that the symbols do not form the aforementioned specific configuration. The normal win result display in the normal win result display ends by executing a win display indicating that the symbols are in the specific configuration. In the aforementioned specific reach animation, time adjustments are made to ensure that the end time of the result display does not change even if the start time of the result display changes according to the timing of the operation, in the case of the revival win result display, after the execution of the loss display in the loss result animation and before the execution of the background return animation, and in the case of the normal win result display, after the execution of the win display in the normal win result animation. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

Images