Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of appropriately showing information regarding start winning information.SOLUTION: During a specific period from start to stop of a variation in a decorative pattern and an auxiliary pattern, the amount of information shown by respective patterns of a decorative pattern, a decorative pattern auxiliary pattern, and special 1 / special 2 auxiliary patterns becomes larger in order of special 1 / special 2 auxiliary patterns, a decorative pattern auxiliary pattern, and a decorative pattern. When power is interrupted during execution of a particular performance for disabling recognition of a decorative pattern and then power is restored during a specific period, a performance control CPU allows display time of special 1 / special 2 auxiliary patterns to become longer than display time of a decorative pattern and a decorative pattern auxiliary pattern, and allows display time of a decorative pattern auxiliary pattern to become equal to or longer than display time of a decorative pattern, timing for restoring display content according to a type of information pertaining to a lottery result in an information display when power is interrupted is made different, and display timing of a decorative pattern auxiliary pattern after restoration from power interruption is made different between when power is interrupted during stopping of an information display and when it is interrupted during a variation display.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of performing an effect.

Background Art

[0002] As one representative example of a gaming machine, a pachinko machine fires pachinko balls in response to a player operating an operation handle, and guides the pachinko balls to a game area provided with a plurality of game pins or the like to play a game. When the fired pachinko ball wins a start winning port in the game area (start winning), the winning ball is detected by a start winning detection sensor and a detection signal is input to a control means. Based on the input of this detection signal, the control means stores start winning information in a storage means. Then, based on the start winning information, the control means executes a jackpot lottery (winning determination) and determines whether or not to generate a jackpot gaming state advantageous to the player as a privilege for the start winning. In a pachinko machine, information regarding start winning information is configured to be indicated by an effect pattern (decoration pattern) displayed on a display screen such as a liquid crystal display device. Also, separately from the decoration pattern, an auxiliary pattern is displayed on a display screen or the like, and information regarding start winning information is also indicated by the form of the auxiliary pattern (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a configuration where the information regarding the start-up prize is displayed using multiple symbols such as decorative and auxiliary symbols, if the amount of information that the player can grasp from each symbol is not optimized, there is a problem in that when the power is restored after a power outage or other unforeseen event, the player may not be able to properly grasp the information displayed on the screen before and after the power outage, causing confusion or discomfort.

[0005] In other words, the present invention was proposed in view of the aforementioned problems inherent in conventional gaming machines, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can appropriately display information regarding starting prize winnings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first means for solving the aforementioned problem is, In a gaming machine comprising: a first control unit (60a) that acquires start-up win information when a start-up win occurs and conducts a lottery based on the acquired start-up win information; and a second control unit (65a) that executes performance control based on a control signal from the first control unit (60a), wherein the second control unit (65a) controls the display of information related to the start-up win information on the performance display means (17, 35), The second control unit (65a) controls the information display that has started to change when the change start condition is met, to stop when the change stop condition is met. The aforementioned information display includes a first information display, a second information display, and a third information display. During a specific period from the start to the stop of the fluctuation of the aforementioned information display, the amount of information shown by each information display is set such that the amount of information shown by the second information display is greater than that shown by the third information display, and the amount of information shown by the first information display is greater than that shown by the second information display. In the specified period, if a power outage occurs during the execution of a special effect in which at least the first information display becomes unrecognizable, and power is subsequently restored, the second control unit (65a) can control the display time of the information displays from the time the display content returns after power is restored until the remaining fluctuation time has elapsed, such that the display time of the third information display, whose display content returns before the display content of the first and second information displays returns, is longer than the display time of the other information displays, and the display time of the second information display is greater than or equal to the display time of the first information display, whose display content returns after the display content of the second information display returns. Furthermore, the second control unit (60a) is configured to change the timing at which the display of the effect display means (17, 35) returns to the display content based on normal control, depending on the type of information related to the lottery result in the information display during the power outage. The second control unit (65a) is configured to control the display of the second information display so that the display timing of the second information display after power restoration differs depending on whether the information display was stopped or in the process of changing display at the time of the power outage. The aforementioned display means (17, 35) includes a first reserve display, a second reserve display, and a third reserve display that show common reserve information regarding the number of reserved start-winning information, and when a power outage occurs and power is subsequently restored, the display content of the third reserve display is restored before the display content of the first reserve display and the second reserve display are restored. The essence of the second and third information displays is that they show common information during fluctuations, while showing different information when the system is stopped. In this way, the amount of information displayed by multiple information displays is appropriately set, and in the event of an unforeseen situation such as a power outage, the display time of the third information display, which has the least amount of information, is set to be the longest when power is restored. As a result, when power is restored, players can properly grasp the information regarding the start-up and winnings before power was restored without becoming confused. Furthermore, during fluctuations, common information is displayed in the second and third information displays, making it easier to grasp the information during those fluctuations.

[0007] The second method is, In summary, the gist of the configuration is that when the first information display and the second information display overlap during a fluctuation, the display mode of the first information display may be of type 1 or type 2, and the second control unit (65a) is configured to control the display of the first information display and the second information display so that in either case the second information display can be recognized as indicating a fluctuation state or a stopped state. In this way, when the first and second information displays overlap, the second information display makes it possible to recognize whether the system is in a fluctuating state or a stopped state, thus allowing for a proper understanding of the system's status even when both information displays overlap.

[0008] The third method is, The gist of the second control unit (65a) is that, if the power outage occurred while the information display was showing a change in the information display, the second information display, which is to be stopped after power is restored, is configured to control the display of the second information display so that it changes to a different display mode depending on the lottery result. This application includes the following technical ideas: The gist of this is that when the first, second, and third information displays are stopped, there may be cases where all the information displays are in a recognizable state without overlapping. In this way, the information displays do not overlap when the machine is stopped, allowing users to properly understand the information regarding the start and winning results from each display.

[0009] The fourth method is, The gist of this configuration is that when the lottery result of the first control unit (60a) is not a win and results in the awarding of a specific advantage, and the second control unit (65a) stops the first information display in a display mode indicating that a specific advantage has been awarded, the second control unit (65a) is configured to stop the second information display in a display mode different from the mode indicating a loss. Thus, when a specific advantage is awarded, the first information display can be stopped in a display mode indicating that a specific advantage has been awarded, while the second information display can be stopped in a display mode different from the mode indicating a loss. As a result, players can properly understand that the specific advantage awarded is not a winning advantage.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the gaming machine of the present invention, even when an unexpected situation occurs, a player can appropriately grasp information regarding start winning information.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] [Figure 1] It is a front view of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a front view of a game board. [Figure 3] It is a circuit diagram showing the connection relationship of main control boards and the like. [Figure 4] It is a front view of the periphery of the display screen on the game board surface. The display screen in the figure shows the display content when the jackpot display by the decoration figure is stopped at the end of the decoration figure variation display based on the winning in the first start winning opening in the low probability low base state. Regarding the auxiliary lighting display area, the lighting of the LEDs is shown in color. [Figure 5] It shows the arrangement of the display units in the auxiliary lighting display area. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing the main processing of the main control CPU. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing the normal processing of the main control CPU. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt processing of the main control CPU. [Figure 9] (a) is an example of the display mode of the auxiliary image display area when the decoration figure variation display based on the winning in the first start winning opening ends, and (b) is an example of the display mode of the auxiliary image display area when the decoration figure variation display based on the winning in the second start winning opening ends. [Figure 10] It is an explanatory diagram showing the types of display modes when various symbols stop. [Figure 11] It shows the types of information that can be grasped from the decoration figure and each auxiliary symbol. [Figure 12](a) is a time chart showing the state during the decorative figure variation display based on the development reach A production pattern for the decorative figure display area, the first and second reserved display areas, the auxiliary image display area, and the auxiliary lighting display area. (b) is a time chart showing the state of the decorative figure variation display based on the development reach B production pattern for the same display area. (c) is a time chart showing the state of the decorative figure variation display based on the development reach C production pattern for the same display area. [Figure 13] (a) is an example of the state of the game board surface (around the display screen) during the development reach A production period while the decorative figure is being variably displayed, and the operating positions and intermediate operating positions of the movable body are shown by two-dot chain lines. (b) shows an enlarged view of the display content of the auxiliary image display area on the display screen shown in (a). (c) shows an enlarged view of the display content of the auxiliary lighting display area shown in (a). Regarding the auxiliary lighting display area, the lighting of the LEDs is shown in color, and the blinking is shown in a mesh pattern. [Figure 14] (a) is an example of the display content during the development reach B production period on the display screen. (b) is an example of the display state during the development reach C production period on the display screen. [Figure 15] It is an example of the display content where the decorative figure display area and the auxiliary image display area overlap on the display screen. (a) shows the case where the display mode of the decorative figure is of the first type, and (b) shows the case where the display mode of the decorative figure is of the second type. [Figure 16] It shows the positions and ranges of the decorative figure display area, the first and second reserved display areas, the auxiliary image display area, the low-rank abnormality notification area, and the high-rank abnormality notification area on the display screen. [Figure 17] Regarding the symbol display device and the auxiliary lighting display area, it shows the flow of changes in the display content and the trigger for the return of the display content when the power is restored. [Figure 18] (a) shows the display content of the initial display upon restoration on the display screen. (b) shows the display content of the display before the variation returns on the display screen. (c) shows the display content of the display before the win returns on the display screen. (d) shows the display content of the power-on display on the display screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Next, a preferred embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. A typical pachinko machine will be used as an example of the gaming machine. Furthermore, when describing directions and positional relationships, unless otherwise specified, the top, bottom, left, and right directions will be used as reference points when viewing the pachinko machine from the front (player side). [Examples]

[0013] (Regarding the general configuration of pachinko machine 10) The pachinko machine 10 according to this embodiment has a rectangular shape as shown in Figure 1 and is installed in a game parlor in a vertical position. The pachinko machine 10 has an outer frame 11 which serves as a fixed frame to be fixed to the game parlor, and an inner frame (game machine body) 12 which holds the game board 20 (see Figure 2) is assembled to the front of the opening of the outer frame 11 which serves as a fixed frame to be fixed to the game parlor, and an inner frame (game machine body) 12 which opens and closes like a door and is detachable. On the front side of this inner frame 12, a decorative front frame (decorative frame) 13 is assembled to open and close like a door and is detachable.

[0014] The front frame 13 has a window 13a that runs through it from front to back, allowing the player to view the game area 20a (see Figure 2) formed on the front side of the game board 20 from the front of the machine. A transparent protective plate 13b made of glass or synthetic resin is provided to cover this window 13a (see Figure 1). An upper ball receiving tray 14, which protrudes forward and has a recessed top surface, is integrally assembled to the lower front of the front frame 13. The pachinko machine 10 is configured to dispense pachinko balls into the upper ball receiving tray 14 by driving a ball dispensing device (not shown). The upper ball receiving tray 14 is designed to store the pachinko balls dispensed by the ball dispensing device and to send the stored pachinko balls one by one to the launching position. Then, a ball launching device (not shown) located at the lower part of the game board 20 (the lower front part of the middle frame 12) launches the pachinko balls that have been sent to the launching position into the game area 20a. When the upper ball tray 14 is full of pachinko balls, newly dispensed pachinko balls are guided to and stored in the lower ball tray 15 located below the upper ball tray 14.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, an operating handle 16, which is operated when activating the ball launching device, is provided in the lower right position of the front frame 13. The operating handle 16 is equipped with an operating lever 16a biased to rotate counterclockwise. When the player rotates the operating lever 16a clockwise, the ball launching device is activated, and pachinko balls are launched one by one from the launching position toward the game area 20a. When the launched pachinko ball enters the starting prize entry points 31a and 32a of the game area 20a (scheduled to be the starting prize entry) and the judgment conditions are met, a special prize win judgment (win / loss judgment, lottery) is performed, and it is decided whether or not to grant the player a special prize (big win game state, small win game state, or specific advantage game state) according to the result of this special prize win judgment.

[0016] On the rear side of the pachinko machine 10 is a main control board 60 (see Figure 3) equipped with a main control CPU 60a (first control unit) that performs overall control related to pachinko games. Also on the rear side of the pachinko machine 10 is an effect control board 65 (see Figure 3) equipped with an effect control CPU 65a (second control unit) that performs control related to the effects, and a display control board 66 (see Figure 3) equipped with a display control CPU 66a (second control unit) that controls the image display on the symbol display device 17 according to the effect content determined by the effect control board 65 (effect control CPU 65a). Furthermore, on the rear side of the pachinko machine 10 is a power supply board 59 (see Figure 3) equipped with a power supply circuit (not shown) that generates the necessary power supply voltage (e.g., DC30V) for each part from an external power supply (e.g., AC24V) and supplies it to each control board 60, 65, 66 and other electrical components. More specific details regarding the configuration of these control boards 59, 60, 65, and 66 will be described later.

[0017] The game board 20, which is installed in the central frame 12, is equipped with a symbol display device 17 as an effect execution unit (effect display means) capable of executing effects (display effects) (see Figures 2 and 3). The pachinko machine 10, with the control configuration described above, is configured to perform display effects such as decorative symbol variation display (symbol variation effect), in which decorative symbols (hereinafter referred to as decorative symbols), which are symbols used for effects, vary on the display screen 17a of the symbol display device 17 when a pachinko ball enters the starting entry holes 31a and 32a, and finally notify the result of the special symbol hit judgment (big hit judgment, small hit judgment, specific advantage judgment) by the decorative symbol that is stopped (confirmed stop display). As will be described in more detail later, the display screen 17a also displays auxiliary information (first auxiliary information display, second information display) such as auxiliary symbols related to the decorative symbol (first information display).

[0018] As a result of the decorative pattern variation display performed on the display screen 17a of the pattern display device 17, if the decorative patterns used as symbols for performance (performance information display, first information display) stop and are displayed on the pattern display device 17 in a combination that results in a jackpot display, it is notified that a jackpot game state has been granted. If they stop and are displayed in a combination that results in a minor win display, it is notified that a minor win game state has been granted. If they stop and are displayed in a combination that results in a specific advantage display, it is notified that a specific advantage game state has been granted. If they stop and are displayed in a combination that results in a loss display, it is notified that a jackpot game state, minor win game state, or specific advantage game state has not been granted.

[0019] The front frame 13 is equipped with performance execution units 18 and 19 that can perform light and sound effects in accordance with the display effects on the pattern display device 17. As shown in Figure 1, speakers (sound output means) 18, which are performance execution units that can output voice and sound effects, are provided at the top and bottom of the front frame 13. In addition, the part of the front frame 13 above the upper ball receiving tray 14 is decorated almost entirely, excluding the window 13a, and constitutes a frame lamp (light-emitting means) 19, which is a performance execution unit that changes the color of the front surface with light such as an LED.

[0020] (Regarding game board 20) Next, with reference to Figure 2, the configuration of the game board 20 will be described. The game board 20 is made up of a substantially rectangular flat plate (game area forming member) formed to a predetermined thickness from a light-transmitting synthetic resin material such as acrylic or polycarbonate. On the front side of the front surface (board surface) of the game board 20, a game area 20a through which pachinko balls can flow (move) is defined by a substantially circular guide rail 22. This guide rail 22 forms an arc-shaped launching ball passage 22a on the left side of the game area 20a. Pachinko balls launched by the ball launching device then pass through the launching ball passage 22a along the guide rail 22 and are introduced into the game area 20a. The game board 20 may also be made by attaching decorative stickers or the like to the surface of a non-light-transmitting plate member such as plywood or synthetic resin material.

[0021] The game area 20a (playing surface) is provided with a first starting prize section 31, a second starting prize section 32, and a special prize section 33, each having prize slots 31a, 32a, and 33a into which pachinko balls can enter, as well as numerous game pins. Therefore, when pachinko balls reach the game area 20a, their direction of flow changes irregularly due to contact with the game pins, and some of them enter the prize slots 31a, 32a, and 33a. In addition, an outlet 23 is formed to penetrate the lower end of the game board 20 from front to back, so that pachinko balls that have flowed down to the bottom of the game area 20a are discharged out of the game area 20a through the outlet 23.

[0022] (Frame-shaped decorative element 25) Furthermore, a frame-shaped decorative body 25 is attached to the game area 20a (game board) with openings 25a that open to the front and rear. The frame-shaped decorative body 25 comprises a canopy-like portion 25b that protrudes forward from the front of the game board 20 to prevent pachinko balls from entering the inner circumference (i.e., the opening 25a), and a thin plate-shaped base plate portion 25c that extends outward from the rear end of the canopy-like portion 25b. Through the opening 25a of the frame-shaped decorative body 25, the pattern display device 17 (display screen 17a) and the movable body 80 for performing action sequences, which are located on the rear side of the game board 20, face the front side of the game board 20. In addition, a gate 25d is provided on the front of the base plate portion 25c located on the right side of the frame-shaped decorative body 25, through which pachinko balls can pass downward. This gate 25d is equipped with a gate sensor SEa (see Figure 3) that detects pachinko balls passing through (entering) the inside. When a pachinko ball passes through gate 25d, the gate sensor SEa detects the pachinko ball, triggering a determination (normal hit determination) to decide whether or not to open the starting opening / closing member 32b, which will be described later. A detailed explanation of gate 25d and normal hit determination is omitted here.

[0023] The presence of a frame-shaped decorative element 25 approximately in the center of the game area 20a causes the game area 20a to branch to the left and right, forming a first ball flow path 21a, which is the path (movement area) for the pachinko balls flowing down the left side of the canopy-shaped section 25b, and a second ball flow path 21b, which is the path (movement area) for the pachinko balls flowing down the right side of the canopy-shaped section 25b. When the pachinko balls flow down the first ball flow path 21a (when shot to the left), the probability of them entering the first starting prize section 31 is higher than when they flow down the second ball flow path 21b. When the pachinko balls flow down the second ball flow path 21b (when shot to the right), the probability of them entering the second starting prize section 32 or the special prize section 33 (and the probability of them entering the gate 25d) is higher than when they flow down the first ball flow path 21a.

[0024] (Starting Award Winners 31, 32) The first starting prize section 31 has a first starting prize opening 31a that is always open to accept pachinko balls. On the other hand, the second starting prize section 32 changes between an open state where pachinko balls can be awarded (entered) into the second starting prize opening 32a and a closed state where they cannot be awarded (entered) by opening and closing the starting opening / closing member 32b. In other words, the second starting prize section 32 is an opening / closing type prize section (variable prize section) that opens and closes the second starting prize opening 32a according to predetermined opening and closing conditions. The second starting prize section 32 is also equipped with a starting prize solenoid SL1 (see Figure 3) as a driving means for opening and closing (driving) the starting opening / closing member 32b.

[0025] The first and second starting prize entry sections 31 and 32 are equipped with starting prize entry detection sensors SE1 and SE2 (see Figure 3) that detect pachinko balls that have entered the first and second starting prize entry openings 31a and 32a. When pachinko balls are detected by the starting prize entry detection sensors SE1 and SE2 (when entry into the starting prize entry openings 31a and 32a is detected), the ball dispensing device dispenses a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 4 balls). Furthermore, when pachinko balls are detected by the starting prize entry detection sensors SE1 and SE2 (the judgment condition is met), starting prize entry information (values ​​of various random numbers described later) is acquired, and a special prize hit judgment (jackpot judgment, minor win judgment, specific advantage judgment, etc.) is performed based on this acquired starting prize entry information.

[0026] (Special Award Winners Category 33) The special prize section 33 comprises a special prize opening (ball entry opening, variable ball entry opening) 33a and a special opening / closing member 33b, and is an opening / closing type prize section (variable prize section) that opens and closes the special prize opening 33a with the special opening / closing member 33b according to predetermined opening and closing conditions. The special prize section 33 is equipped with a special prize solenoid SL2 (see Figure 3) as a driving means, and by opening the special opening / closing member 33b in response to the driving of this special prize solenoid SL2, the special prize opening 33a is changed from a closed state in which pachinko balls cannot enter to an open state in which they can enter. The special prize section 33 is also equipped with a special prize detection sensor SE3 (special prize detection means, see Figure 3) that detects pachinko balls that have entered the special prize opening 33a. When a pachinko ball is detected by this special prize detection sensor SE3, a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 9 balls) of pachinko balls (prize balls) are dispensed by the ball dispensing device. Furthermore, the special prize slot 33a is designed to open when a big win or a small win is occurring.

[0027] In this jackpot game state, the special opening / closing member 33b is opened a predetermined number of times (for example, 3, 6, or 9 times) during round games, and each round game is set to end when a predetermined number of pachinko balls (a predetermined number, for example, 9) enter the special prize slot 33a, or when a predetermined time (a predetermined special opening time) has elapsed since the start of each round game. During this jackpot game state, an interval is set between each round game during which the special opening / closing member 33b is kept closed for a predetermined time (interval time between rounds). In this jackpot game state, an opening sequence is performed for a predetermined time (opening time) before the start of the first round game, and an ending sequence is performed for a predetermined time (ending time) after the end of the final round game. In the minor jackpot game state, the special prize slot 33a is opened for short periods of time multiple times (for example, 3 times) between the opening sequence and the ending sequence. Furthermore, the specific advantageous game state, as will be described later, is a high base state (shortened time state) in which the function to improve the winning rate is activated without going through a winning game, and a predetermined number of shortened time rounds (for example, 100 or 200 times) are granted.

[0028] Next, the display means for displaying symbols (game information display unit M, symbol display device 17, and auxiliary illuminated display area 35) provided on the game board 20 will be described.

[0029] (Regarding the game information display unit M) As shown in Figure 2, the game board 20 is equipped with a game information display unit M (game information display means) for displaying various game information (special information display) related to the start-up winning information. The game information display unit M is equipped with a plurality of display units (information display units) Ma, Mb, Mc, Md, Me, and is electrically connected to the main control CPU 60a of the main control board 60 (see Figure 3), and the display content (light emission mode) is controlled by the main control CPU 60a. Each display unit (information display unit) Ma, Mb, Mc, Md, Me has one or more illuminated units (LEDs) that can change between an illuminated state and an unilluminated state, and is configured to display different information depending on at least one difference among the number of illuminated units, the color of the illuminated units, and the position of the illuminated units.

[0030] (Special figure display section Ma, Mb) The game information display unit M is equipped with special symbol display units (symbol display units) Ma and Mb that display special symbols (hereinafter referred to as "special symbols") for notification purposes, which indicate the results of special symbol win determination (big win determination, small win determination, specific advantage determination) that is performed when a ball enters the first and second starting prize entry slots 31a and 32a. The first special symbol display unit Ma is a display unit that starts displaying a variable animation when a ball enters the first starting prize entry slot 31a (detected by the first starting prize entry detection sensor SE1) and then ultimately displays one of several types of special symbols in a stopped state, and is composed of multiple LEDs (eight in the embodiment). The second special symbol display unit Mb is a display unit that starts displaying a variable animation when a ball enters the second starting prize entry slot 32a (detected by the second starting prize entry detection sensor SE2) and then ultimately displays one of several types of special symbols in a stopped state, and is composed of multiple LEDs (eight in the embodiment). In the following description, the special figure variation display performed by the first special figure display unit Ma will be referred to as the "first special figure variation display," and the special figure that is stopped and displayed on the first special figure display unit Ma as a result of the first special figure variation display will be referred to as special figure 1. Similarly, the special figure variation display performed by the second special figure display unit Mb will be referred to as the "second special figure variation display," and the special figure that is stopped and displayed on the second special figure display unit Mb as a result of the second special figure variation display will be referred to as special figure 2.

[0031] The first and second special symbol display units Ma and Mb are controlled to indicate the type of special symbol with 256 different lighting patterns, excluding the complete illumination and complete extinguishing of LEDs. Here, the lighting patterns for special symbol 1 in the first special symbol display unit Ma include 250 lighting patterns (jackpot symbols) indicating that a jackpot game state is granted, 3 lighting patterns (minor win symbols) indicating that a minor win game state is granted, 2 lighting patterns (specific advantage symbols) indicating that a specific advantage game state is granted, and 1 lighting pattern (losing symbol) indicating that none of the jackpot game state, minor win game state, or specific advantage game state is granted (a loss) (see Figure 10). Similarly, the lighting patterns for Special Figure 2 in the second Special Figure Display Unit Mb include 250 lighting patterns (jackpot symbols) indicating that a jackpot game state has been granted, 3 lighting patterns (minor jackpot symbols) indicating that a minor jackpot game state has been granted, 2 lighting patterns (specific advantage symbols) indicating that a specific advantage game state has been granted, and 1 lighting pattern indicating a loss. Regarding the jackpot symbols, the lighting patterns for Special Figure 1 can be classified into 5 types (symbols A, B, C, D, E) and the lighting patterns for Special Figure 2 can be classified into 5 types (symbols a, b, c, d, e) depending on the difference in the value of the corresponding jackpot (differences in the number of rounds played during the jackpot game state and the subsequent game state). Symbols A, B, C, D, E, a, b, c, d, e can each be displayed in 50 different lighting patterns. Furthermore, for specific advantageous symbols, the lighting patterns of Special Feature 1 can be classified into two types (symbols F and G) based on the difference in the value of the corresponding specific advantageous symbol (difference in the number of changes), and the lighting patterns of Special Feature 2 can also be classified into two types (symbols f and g). Symbols F, G, f, and g can each be displayed with one type of lighting pattern.

[0032] Regarding the special symbol variation display performed in the special symbol display units Ma and Mb, the variation time (special symbol variation time) and the type of special symbol to be displayed when stopped (lighting pattern) are determined based on start-up information (values ​​of various random numbers) acquired by the main control CPU 60a in accordance with the timing of pachinko ball detection by the first and second start-up detection sensors SE1 and SE2. Specifically, the main control CPU 60a acquires the following random values ​​that constitute the start-up information: the value of a random number for special symbol hit determination used to determine whether or not to assign a jackpot game state, a minor jackpot game state, or a specific advantageous game state (special symbol hit determination); the value of a random number for special symbol determination used to determine the type of special symbol to be displayed when stopped (jackpot symbol, minor jackpot symbol, specific advantageous symbol); and the value of a random number for special symbol variation pattern distribution used to determine the special symbol variation pattern, and stores them in the main control RAM 60c, which is a storage means provided in the main control board 60. The special symbol variation pattern refers to a pattern that specifies the variation time of the special symbol variation display, the decorative symbol variation display, and the content of related effects. Then, a special symbol win determination (jackpot determination) is performed according to the value of the special symbol win determination random number stored in the main control RAM 60c. If this special symbol win determination is a win, the lighting pattern of the jackpot symbols is determined according to the value of the special symbol determination random number. If the special symbol win determination is a loss, a minor win determination and a specific advantage determination are performed, and the lighting pattern of the minor win symbols, specific advantage symbols, or losing symbols is determined according to the value of the special symbol determination random number.

[0033] When a winning symbol (special symbol) is determined, the number of rounds of play that constitute the winning game state and the game state after the winning game state ends are determined. In other words, the type of winning symbol that is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display units Ma and Mb indicates the game state after the winning game state ends. The main control CPU 60a has a probability variation function that improves the probability that the special symbol win judgment will result in a win, and a winning rate improvement function that improves the ease (winning probability) of pachinko balls entering the second starting winning slot 32a. Multiple types of game states can be generated by combining either a high probability state (probability variation state, probability change state) in which the probability variation function is active or a low probability state in which it is not active, and either a high base state (winning rate improvement state, easy winning state, time reduction state) in which the winning rate improvement function is active or a low base state in which it is not active. The possible game states that can occur include a low probability low base state in which neither the probability variation function nor the winning rate improvement function is activated; a high probability high base state in which both the probability variation function and the winning rate improvement function are activated; a high probability low base state in which the probability variation function is activated but the winning rate improvement function is not activated; and a low probability high base state in which the probability variation function is not activated but the winning rate improvement function is activated. The high base state (winning rate improvement state) can be created by increasing the probability of winning in the regular winning judgment compared to the low base state (non-winning rate improvement state), or by increasing the opening time of the starting opening / closing member 32b.

[0034] The number of rounds played during a jackpot game state (specified number of rounds) is 3 for the jackpot game state corresponding to symbols A,a (1st jackpot) and the jackpot game state corresponding to symbols B,b (2nd jackpot), 6 for the jackpot game state corresponding to symbols C,c (3rd jackpot) and the jackpot game state corresponding to symbols D,d (4th jackpot), and 9 for the jackpot game state corresponding to symbols E,e (5th jackpot). Here, the aforementioned high probability high base state, high probability low base state, and low probability high base state are game states that start when a jackpot game state ends, and are advantageous game states (bonus states) that are more favorable to the player than the low probability low base state (normal game state). Specifically, the game state after the "first jackpot" is a low probability, low base state; the game state after the "second jackpot" is a high probability, low base state with a maximum duration (upper limit) of 50 decorative symbol variations; the game state after the "third jackpot" is a low probability, high base state with a maximum duration (upper limit) of 50 decorative symbol variations; and the game state after the "fourth jackpot" and "fifth jackpot" is a high probability, high base state with a maximum duration (upper limit) of 50 decorative symbol variations (however, if a jackpot game state occurs in between, the maximum duration (upper limit) will not be reached).

[0035] Here, the aforementioned specific advantage game state is an advantage game state that is granted when a win is achieved in the specific advantage determination without winning in the big win determination or small win determination (the result of the first control unit's draw is to grant an advantage that is not a win), and is a high base state (shortened time state) in which the winning rate improvement function is activated without going through a winning game. The specific advantage determination is a determination of whether or not to grant a specific advantage when the big win determination or small win determination is missed. In addition, in the embodiment, two types of specific advantages with different periods for granting the specific advantage game state are set, and the number of times the specific advantage state is shortened (number of times the decorative figure changes) is set to an upper limit of 100 times for the specific advantage state corresponding to symbols F and f (first specific advantage state), and to an upper limit of 200 times for the specific advantage state corresponding to symbols G and g (second specific advantage state). However, if a jackpot game state occurs during the game, the specific advantageous game state will end before reaching the upper limit (100 or 200 times). Furthermore, the aforementioned upper limit for the number of rounds of rounds of rounds in the specific advantageous state is just an example and can be set as appropriate. In the future, the specific advantageous state may be referred to as the specific rounds of

[0036] (Special figure reservation display section Mc, Md) The special symbol hold display units Mc and Md of the game information display unit M are display units that show a hold display indicating the number of unexecuted (hold) special symbol variation displays. The main control CPU 60a stores the start entry information (random number value) acquired when a start entry occurs in the first or second start entry pocket 31a, 32a in a predetermined memory area of ​​the main control RAM 60c until the special symbol variation display starts (until it is used in the special symbol win determination). In other words, the number of unexecuted special symbol variation displays is the number of hold start entry information, and is the waiting (hold) number for the special symbol win determination. Here, the special symbol hold display units Mc and Md consist of a first special symbol hold display unit Mc that displays a hold display indicating the number of start-up information (hereinafter referred to as "first start-up information") acquired when a start-up is made into the first start-up pocket 31a, and a second special symbol hold display unit Md that displays a hold display indicating the number of start-up information (hereinafter referred to as "second start-up information") acquired when a start-up is made into the second start-up pocket 32a. Each of the special symbol hold display units Mc and Md is composed of multiple LEDs (lighting units), with two LEDs each in this embodiment.

[0037] Here, the number of reserved balls shown in the reserved ball display unit Mc is increased by 1 each time a ball is entered into the first starting prize slot 31a, and decreased by 1 each time the first special symbol variation display is performed. Similarly, the number of reserved balls shown in the reserved ball display unit Md is increased by 1 each time a ball is entered into the second starting prize slot 32a, and decreased by 1 each time the second special symbol variation display is performed. Note that a predetermined upper limit (4 in both cases in this embodiment) is set for the number of reserved balls for the first and second starting prize information.

[0038] (Status display section Me) The status display unit Me of the game information display unit M is a display unit that can identify whether or not the game is in one of several predetermined game states, and is composed of one LED (lighting unit). In this embodiment, the lighting of the status display unit Me indicates that the game is in either a jackpot game state or a high base state (variable short state (specific variable short game state)). That is, the status display unit Me is lit when the game is in a jackpot game state or a high base state, and is off when the game is in a low base state (non-variable short state).

[0039] (Regarding the auxiliary illumination indicator area 35) As shown in Figures 4 and 5, an auxiliary lighting display area (performance display means) 35 is provided in the upper right part of the frame-shaped decorative body 25 as an auxiliary lighting display area (second auxiliary information display area) for displaying auxiliary information (second auxiliary information display, third information display) corresponding to the content displayed on the game information display unit M. This auxiliary lighting display area 35 is equipped with a plurality of auxiliary display units 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, and 35e (see Figure 5), and is electrically connected to the performance control CPU 65a of the performance control board 65 (see Figure 3), and the display content (lighting pattern) is controlled by the performance control CPU 65a. Specifically, the auxiliary lighting display area 35 is equipped with a special auxiliary symbol display unit 35a, a special auxiliary symbol display unit 35b, a special auxiliary hold display unit 35c, a special auxiliary hold display unit 35d, and a game mode lighting display unit 35e. Each auxiliary display unit 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e has one or more LEDs that can be switched between lit and unlit states, and is configured to display different information depending on at least one difference among the number of LEDs lit, the color of the LEDs, and the position of the LEDs.

[0040] (Special 1 auxiliary symbol display unit 35a and Special 2 auxiliary symbol display unit 35b) The auxiliary lighting display area 35 is provided with a special auxiliary symbol display unit 35a that displays the result of special symbol hit determination (jackpot determination, minor hit determination, specific change-short determination) using special auxiliary symbols 1 (second auxiliary information display, third information display), and a special auxiliary symbol display unit 35b that displays the result of special symbol hit determination (jackpot determination, minor hit determination, specific change-short determination) using special auxiliary symbols 2 (second auxiliary information display, third information display). The special auxiliary symbol display unit 35a is composed of multiple LEDs (two in this embodiment) and maintains a blinking state during the execution period of the first special symbol variation display triggered by a win in the first start prize entry opening 31a, and finally displays the special auxiliary symbol 1 in a stopped state. That is, the variation display (blinking) of the special auxiliary symbol 1 starts and ends simultaneously with the start (fulfillment of variation start condition) and end (fulfillment of variation start condition) of the first special symbol variation display in the first special symbol display unit Ma (game information display unit M). The special auxiliary symbol display unit 35b is composed of multiple LEDs (two in this embodiment) and maintains a blinking state during the execution period of the second special symbol variation display triggered by a win in the second start prize entry opening 32a, and finally displays the special auxiliary symbol 2 in a stopped state. In other words, the variation display (blinking) of the special auxiliary symbol 2 starts and ends simultaneously with the start (fulfillment of the variation start condition) and end (fulfillment of the variation start condition) of the second special symbol variation display on the second special symbol display unit Mb (game information display unit M). The start and end of the variation display of the special auxiliary symbol 1 and special auxiliary symbol 2 are the same as the decorative symbol variation display executed on the display screen 17a of the symbol display device 17. In other words, the special auxiliary symbol display unit 35a and the special auxiliary symbol display unit 35b also function as auxiliary display units that provide supplementary displays corresponding to the display content on the display screen 17a (decorative symbol display area 50, which will be described later).

[0041] As shown in Figure 10, in the Special 1 Auxiliary Symbol Display Unit 35a, when Special Figure 1 is displayed in a lighting pattern indicating a jackpot symbol, the Special 1 Auxiliary Symbol (jackpot display) is displayed by lighting both LEDs. When Special Figure 1 is displayed in a lighting pattern indicating a minor jackpot symbol, the Special 1 Auxiliary Symbol (minor jackpot display) is displayed by lighting one predetermined LED and turning off the other LED. When Special Figure 1 is displayed in a lighting pattern indicating a specific short-term symbol, the Special 1 Auxiliary Symbol (specific short-term symbol) is displayed by lighting the other LED and turning off the other LED, the opposite of the minor jackpot display. When Special Figure 1 is displayed in a lighting pattern indicating a losing symbol, the Special 1 Auxiliary Symbol (losing symbol) is displayed by turning off both LEDs. Similarly, in the Special 2 Auxiliary Symbol Display Unit 35b, in accordance with the lighting patterns of Special Figure 2 (jackpot symbol, minor win symbol, specific short-term change symbol, and losing symbol), the Special 2 Auxiliary Symbol (jackpot display) is displayed by lighting both LEDs, the Special 2 Auxiliary Symbol (minor win display or specific short-term change display) is displayed by lighting only one LED, and the Special 2 Auxiliary Symbol (losing symbol) is displayed by turning off both LEDs. In addition, the Special 1 Auxiliary Symbol Display Unit 35a and the Special 2 Auxiliary Symbol Display Unit 35b maintain the same stop pattern (they do not become invisible) from the time a change display ends until the next change display starts, except in cases of power outage.

[0042] (Special 1 auxiliary hold display unit 35c and Special 2 auxiliary hold display unit 35d) The special 1 auxiliary reserve display unit 35c and the special 2 auxiliary reserve display unit 35d of the auxiliary lighting display area 35 are auxiliary display units that display an auxiliary reserve display (second auxiliary information display) indicating the number of reserved special symbol variation displays (decorative symbol variation displays) (number of reserved special symbol hit judgments, number of reserved start-up information) transmitted from the main control CPU 60a to the performance control CPU 65a by the start-up winning command (described later), and in the embodiment, each is composed of multiple (2) LEDs. In the special auxiliary reserve display unit 35c, an auxiliary reserve display showing the same number of reserved balls as the reserved number shown in the first special symbol reserve display unit Mc (game information display unit M) (the reserved number for the first special symbol variation display and decorative symbol variation display) is displayed by a combination of the on / off states of two LEDs. Similarly, in the special auxiliary reserve display unit 35d, an auxiliary reserve display showing the same number of reserved balls as the reserved number shown in the second special symbol reserve display unit Md (game information display unit M) (the reserved number for the second special symbol variation display and decorative symbol variation display) is displayed by a combination of the on / off states of two LEDs. The number of reserved balls shown in the auxiliary reserve display units 35c and 35d is also matched to the number of reserved balls shown in the reserve display on the display screen 17a (reservation display areas 51 and 52, described later).

[0043] (Game mode indicator light section 35e) The game mode illumination indicator unit 35e of the auxiliary illumination indicator area 35 is an auxiliary display unit that displays information (launch position information) transmitted from the main control CPU 60a to the performance control CPU 65a by a launch position specification command (described later), and in this embodiment it is composed of one LED. Specifically, the game mode illumination indicator unit 35e is kept in an off state when it is advantageous for the player to play in a left-handed game mode (first game mode) in which the pachinko ball is guided to the first ball flow path 21a of the game area 20a, and is controlled to light up when it is advantageous for the player to play in a right-handed game mode (second game mode) in which the pachinko ball is guided to the second ball flow path 21b of the game area 20a. In other words, the game mode indicator unit 35e displays which of the first and second ball flow paths 21a and 21b is advantageous for the player in guiding the pachinko balls, and the state of illumination of the game mode indicator unit 35e (auxiliary notification described later) indicates whether the game is in a jackpot state or a high base state (shortened state).

[0044] (Regarding the pattern display device 17) The pattern display device 17 is electrically connected to the display control board 66, which will be described later (see Figure 3), and the display content is updated by the control of the display control board 66 based on control signals output from the performance control CPU 65a of the performance control board 65. The display screen 17a of the pattern display device 17 has multiple display areas set to display specific target images positioned in front of the background image. Examples of such display areas include, as shown in Figure 4, the decorative diagram display area 50 which displays decorative diagrams (performance information display, first information display), the hold display areas 51 and 52 which display hold displays (performance information display) that show the number of hold information for start winning, the auxiliary image display area 53 which displays auxiliary patterns (second information display), and the abnormality notification areas 55a and 55b which notify the occurrence of abnormal conditions. The decorative diagram display area 50 and the hold display areas 51 and 52 will be described below.

[0045] (Decoration display area 50) As shown in Figure 4, a relatively large decorative figure display area 50 is set in the center of the display screen 17a. This decorative figure display area 50 is composed of three decorative figure areas 50a, 50b, and 50c arranged in the left-right direction. In each decorative figure area 50a, 50b, and 50c, a variable display is performed that switches the decorative figures of the pattern group in the order of their arrangement, and one of the decorative figures is eventually displayed in a fixed position. The arrangement of the decorative figures is common to each pattern group displayed in the decorative figure areas 50a, 50b, and 50c, and as shown in Figure 10, each decorative figure representing the numbers "1" to "7" is arranged in numerical order, with a star-shaped blank pattern (special decorative figure) inserted between each of these number-representing decorative figures. The variable display of the decorative figures is performed over a variable time specified by the special pattern variable pattern determined by the main control CPU 60a, and ends when the decorative figures are displayed in a fixed position in all decorative figure areas 50a, 50b, and 50c at the end of the variable time. Then, after a predetermined stop time (variation interval time) has elapsed, the next decorative pattern variation display can be started. The decorative pattern display area 50 is controlled so that its display position and size change depending on the type of effect performed during the decorative pattern variation or during a jackpot game.

[0046] In the decorative figure display area 50, the result of the special symbol win determination (big win determination, small win determination, or specific change-short determination) is notified by the combination of decorative figures that are stopped and displayed. Specifically, a big win indication (see Figures 4 and 10) in which the same decorative figure is stopped and displayed in the three decorative figure areas 50a, 50b, and 50c notifies that the special symbol win determination has resulted in a win (a big win game state is created). In addition, a small win indication (see Figure 10) in which decorative figures representing the same number are stopped and displayed in the left and right decorative figure areas 50a and 50c, and a blank symbol is stopped and displayed in the central decorative figure area 50b notifies that the small win determination has resulted in a win (a small win game state is created). Furthermore, if the jackpot and minor jackpot determination is not a win, a specific short-time change indicator (see Figure 10) is displayed, in which decorative figures consisting of predetermined combinations of numbers (for example, "1", "2", "3" or "4", "5", "6") are stopped in three decorative figure areas 50a, 50b, and 50c, indicating that the specific short-time change determination is a win (a specific short-time change game state is created). On the other hand, a miss indicator (see Figure 10) is displayed, in which decorative figures are stopped in three decorative figure areas 50a, 50b, and 50c in a combination different from the jackpot indicator, minor jackpot indicator, and specific short-time change indicator, indicating that the special symbol win determination is a miss.

[0047] Furthermore, regarding the probability of drawing lots to determine the type of combination of decorative symbols that results in a jackpot, the system is set so that when the jackpot symbol (special symbol) determined by the main control CPU 60a is one of symbols C, D, E, c, d, or e, the probability of determining a combination of three decorative symbols representing odd numbers (for example, "1", "1", "1", etc.) is higher than when it is one of symbols A, B, a, or b. In addition, the combination of "7", "7", "7" among the combinations of decorative symbols representing odd numbers is set so that it can only be determined when the jackpot symbol (special symbol) determined by the main control CPU 60a is one of symbols D, E, d, or e.

[0048] During the display of the changing decorative symbols, the display may continue with the same decorative symbols (reach symbols) displayed in the left and right decorative symbol areas 50a and 50c of the decorative symbol display area 50, a state known as a "reach" state. The display of this reach state increases the expectation that a big win or a small win will occur.

[0049] Here, in the first special figure display unit Ma and the pattern display device 17 (decorative figure display area 50), the first special figure variation display and the decorative figure variation display corresponding to the first special figure variation display are started simultaneously (when the variation start condition is met), and special figure 1 and the decorative figure are stopped and displayed simultaneously (when the variation stop condition is met). Similarly, in the second special figure display unit Mb and the pattern display device 17 (decorative figure display area 50), the second special figure variation display and the decorative figure variation display corresponding to the second special figure variation display are started simultaneously (when the variation start condition is met), and special figure 2 and the decorative figure are stopped and displayed simultaneously (when the variation stop condition is met). In other words, in the decorative figure display area 50, decorative figure variation displays corresponding to the execution periods of both the first and second special figure variation displays are performed (used as a shared display area).

[0050] (Pending display area 51, 52) Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the lower edge of the display screen 17a of the pattern display device 17 is set to display a reserve display indicating the number of reserved symbols (the number of reserved symbols waiting for special symbol win determination, and the number of reserved symbols for decorative symbol variation display) transmitted from the main control CPU 60a to the performance control CPU 65a by the start prize command. The first reserve display area 51 indicates the number of reserved symbols shown by the first special symbol reserve display unit Mc or the special 1 auxiliary reserve display unit 35c by the number of reserved images in the reserve display (for example, the first reserve display area 51 in Figure 4 indicates that the number of reserved symbols is "2" by a reserve display consisting of two circular reserved images). The second reserve display area 52 indicates the number of reserved symbols shown by the second special symbol reserve display unit Md or the special 2 auxiliary reserve display unit 35d by the number of reserved images in the reserve display (for example, the second reserve display area 52 in Figure 4 indicates that the number of reserved symbols is "0" by a reserve display that does not display any reserved images).

[0051] In addition to the display areas 50, 51, and 52 mentioned above, the display screen 17a also includes an area 53 for auxiliary symbols and abnormality notifications. These will be explained later.

[0052] (Regarding the various circuit boards 59, 60, 65, 66, etc. installed in the pachinko machine 10) Next, referring to Figure 3, the specific board configurations and control contents of the aforementioned control boards 59, 60, 65, and 66 provided in the pachinko machine 10 will be explained in the order of power supply board 59, main control board 60, performance control board 65, and display control board 66.

[0053] (Regarding power supply board 59) The power supply board 59 is equipped with a power switch PWS for switching the power ON and OFF, and a power outage monitoring circuit (not shown) that monitors whether the voltage value of the power supply voltage (hereinafter referred to as the monitored power supply voltage) supplied to the power supply circuit (not shown) has dropped to a threshold voltage. Here, the monitored power supply voltage drops to the threshold voltage when, for example, the power switch PWS is turned OFF or the power supply from outside the machine is cut off due to a power outage (power outage).

[0054] The power supply board 59 is provided with a reset signal circuit (not shown) connected to the power outage monitoring circuit. The power outage monitoring circuit outputs a power outage signal (a signal indicating that the monitored power supply voltage has dropped to the threshold voltage) to the reset signal circuit, the main control board 60 (main control CPU 60a), and the performance control board 65 (performance control CPU 65a) when the monitored power supply voltage falls below a threshold voltage. The reset signal circuit also outputs a reset signal to the main control board 60 (main control CPU 60a) and the performance control board 65 (performance control CPU 65a) when power supply from outside the machine starts (when power is turned on or restored) and when a power outage signal is input, thereby restricting the operation of the main control CPU 60a and the performance control CPU 65a. The power supply board 59 is also provided with a backup power supply (not shown), such as a capacitor. When the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 stops (when a power outage signal is output), power is supplied to the main control CPU 60a and the performance control CPU 65a from the backup power supply.

[0055] (Regarding the main control board 60) The main control board 60 includes a main control CPU 60a that executes control processing such as special symbol hit determination, a main control ROM 60b that stores the control program executed by the main control CPU 60a, a main control RAM 60c that can write and read data necessary for processing by the main control CPU 60a, and a random number generation circuit 60d that generates hardware random numbers used for special symbol hit determination and regular symbol hit determination, which will be described later.

[0056] The main control ROM 60b stores several types of special feature variation patterns (miss special feature variation patterns) that the main control CPU 60a can determine when the special feature hit judgment performed by the main control CPU 60a is a miss; several types of special feature variation patterns (hit special feature variation patterns) that the main control CPU 60a can determine when the special feature hit judgment performed by the main control CPU 60a is a hit; and several types of special feature variation patterns (specific short-time special feature variation patterns) that the main control CPU 60a can determine when the special feature hit judgment (big hit judgment, small hit judgment) performed by the main control CPU 60a is a miss and the specific short-time variation judgment is a hit. Specifically, the main control ROM 60b stores the following special symbol variation patterns as losing special symbol variation patterns: Special symbol variation pattern 1, which specifies that the execution period (variation time) of the special symbol variation display is 8000ms; Special symbol variation pattern 2, which specifies that the variation time is 15000ms; Special symbol variation pattern 3, which specifies that the variation time is 25000ms; and Special symbol variation pattern 4, which specifies that the variation display is 35000ms. In addition, the main control ROM 60b stores the following special symbol variation patterns as winning special symbol variation patterns: Special symbol variation pattern 5, which specifies that the variation time is 15000ms; Special symbol variation pattern 6, which specifies that the variation time is 25000ms; and Special symbol variation pattern 7, which specifies that the variation time is 35000ms. Furthermore, the main control ROM 60b stores the following specific short-term special feature variation patterns: special feature variation pattern 8, which specifies that the execution period (variation time) of the special feature variation display is 15,000 ms; special feature variation pattern 9, which specifies that the variation time is 25,000 ms; and special feature variation pattern 10, which specifies that the variation time is 35,000 ms. The main control CPU 60a is configured to output a special feature variation pattern specification command to the performance control CPU 65a, indicating the type of special feature variation pattern that has been determined. The special feature variation patterns for both special feature 1 and special feature 2 variation displays are common (special feature variation patterns 1 to 10 as described above), but they may be different.

[0057] The random number generation circuit 60d includes a clock oscillator (not shown) and a random number counter for determining special symbol wins. The random number counter for determining special symbol wins counts (updates) values ​​of random numbers for determining special symbol wins from "0" to "65535" at timings corresponding to the input of a clock signal from the clock oscillator. When a signal indicating detection by the start prize detection sensors SE1 and SE2 is input from the main control CPU 60a to the random number generation circuit 60d, the value of the random number for determining special symbol wins counted by the random number counter at that time is input to the main control CPU 60a as a random number confirmation signal and stored in the main control RAM 60c as start prize information. The main control board 60 updates the random number for determining special symbol wins as hardware random numbers in the random number generation circuit 60d, while the main control CPU 60a controls the values ​​of the random numbers for determining special symbols and the random numbers for distributing special symbol variation patterns as software random numbers.

[0058] The main control CPU 60a is electrically connected to various detection sensors such as the first start prize detection sensor SE1, the second start prize detection sensor SE2, and the special prize detection sensor SE3, and is configured to input detection signals from each detection sensor and to determine whether or not such detection signals are input. Furthermore, the main control CPU 60a is electrically connected to various driving means such as the start prize solenoid SL1 and the special prize solenoid SL2, and is configured to drive and control each driving means. In addition, the main control CPU 60a is electrically connected to a game information display unit M that displays various information related to the game, and is configured to control the display content (light emission pattern) of each display unit Ma, Mb, Mc, Md, and Me provided on the game information display unit M.

[0059] The main control board 60 is provided with a clear switch CLS for initializing the main control RAM 60c (erasing backed-up memory information), and a clear circuit (not shown) connected to the clear switch CLS is also provided. In this embodiment, when the power switch PWS on the power supply board 59 is turned ON (power is turned on) with the clear switch CLS turned ON, a clear signal is output from the clear circuit to the main control CPU 60a on the main control board 60, causing the main control CPU 60a to initialize the main control RAM 60c as a memory means. In the following description, the operation to initialize the main control RAM 60c (turning ON the clear switch CLS and turning ON the power switch PWS simultaneously) may be referred to as a "clear operation".

[0060] The main control RAM 60c provided on the main control board 60 has a backup area in addition to a regular storage area (work area) that temporarily stores various information during the operation of the pachinko machine 10. Depending on the power supply from the backup power supply, some or all of the various information stored in the regular storage area of ​​the main control RAM 60c is stored (written) to the backup area, and the information stored in the backup area is retained for a certain period after the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 from outside the machine is stopped. The storage (writing) of various information to the backup area by the main control CPU 60a is performed during the power outage processing (see Figure 7) when the power is cut off (when the power outage signal is input), and the setting (reading) of the various information stored in the backup area to the regular storage area is performed during the data recovery processing (see Figure 6) when the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 is started. The information stored in the backup area when the power is lost includes, for example, information that can identify the game state (values ​​such as the probability change flag, the change-shortening flag (specific change-shortening flag), the big win flag, and the small win flag, as described later), information that can identify the progress of the game (measured game time, the number of rounds played during a big win game, etc., as described later), start-up entry information (values ​​of various random numbers) obtained in response to entry into the start-up entry slots 31a and 32a, and information on unoutput commands. Information that can identify errors (values ​​of error flags) is also stored in the backup area.

[0061] (Main processing) The main processing performed by the main control CPU 60a will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 6.

[0062] First, when the power switch PWS on the power supply board 59 is switched from OFF to ON and the power to the pachinko machine 10 is turned on, or when power is restored after a power outage, the main control CPU 60a performs the initial setup processing necessary to ensure normal operation (step S101). In this case, the main control CPU 60a sets up the timer interrupt processing (see Figure 8), which will be described later, to occur periodically. Specifically, it sets an interval timer (for example, 4ms) for measuring the interval between interrupt occurrences in a register of a timer circuit (not shown) provided on the main control board 60, and also allows the timer interrupt processing to occur. After completing the initial setup processing, the main control CPU 60a sets the main control RAM 60c to an access permission state (step S102).

[0063] Next, the main control CPU 60a determines whether the clear switch CLS was turned ON at the same time the power switch PWS was switched ON (step S103). In this determination process in step S103, the main control CPU 60a determines whether or not there is a clear signal input from the clear switch circuit. If it determines that a clear signal has been input (positive determination), it proceeds to step S104 (described later). If the main control CPU 60a determines in the determination process of step S103 that no clear signal has been input (negative determination), it proceeds to step S106 to perform a data check to determine whether the backup data stored in the backup area of ​​the main control RAM 60c is normal. Specifically, it calculates a RAM determination value (checksum value) and compares the calculated RAM determination value with the RAM determination value stored in the power-off process described later (step S202, see Figure 7) to determine whether or not it is a normal value. If it determines in step S106 that the backup data is not normal (negative determination), it proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, if the backup data is determined to be normal (affirmative determination), the process proceeds to step S107.

[0064] In step S104, the main control CPU 60a clears (erases) the contents of the main control RAM 60c (game information storage area). That is, if a positive determination is made in step S103 (when a clear signal is input), the main control CPU 60a clears the backup data stored during the power outage process (step S202 described later) that was performed when the power was cut off (when the power switch PWS was turned OFF or during a power outage), and sets an initial value in the main control RAM 60c. In other words, in step S104, the main control CPU 60a initializes the main control RAM 60c and then starts the pachinko machine 10.

[0065] When the main control CPU 60a completes the processing in step S104, it sets a RAM clear command to indicate that the contents of the main control RAM 60c have been cleared (step S105). When this RAM clear command is output and input to the performance control CPU 65a, a notification corresponding to the clear operation (RAM clear notification) is executed based on the control of the performance control CPU 65a.

[0066] If the data check in step S106 detects an abnormality in the backup data, the main control CPU 60a clears the backup data stored during the power outage process (step S202, described later) that was performed when the power was cut off (when the power switch PWS was turned OFF or during a power outage), and sets an initial value in the main control RAM 60c (step S110). The main control CPU 60a then maintains the game stop state until the power to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off (step S111), and does not proceed to the normal processing described later (see Figure 7).

[0067] If a positive result is obtained in step S106 (indicating that the backup data is normal), the main control CPU 60a sets the value of the power-off flag to "0" (step S107). The power-off flag is always set to "0" in the main control RAM 60c, and is changed to "1" in the main control CPU 60a's processing (non-maskable interrupt processing) when the power supply from outside the machine is interrupted. In other words, the value of the power-off flag is set to "1" when a power-off signal is input to the main control board 60 from the power supply board 59 in response to a power-off or power outage. Once the processing in step S108 is completed, the main control CPU 60a proceeds to the processing in step S108. The value of the power-off flag is also set to "0" in steps S104 and S110 as described above.

[0068] Next, in step S108, the main control CPU 60a performs data recovery processing based on the information stored in the backup area of ​​the main control RAM 60c. In this data recovery processing, the main control CPU 60a sets the contents backed up at the time of the power outage into the regular storage area (working area) of the main control RAM 60c, and restores the pachinko machine 10 to the state it was in before the power outage.

[0069] When the main control CPU 60a completes the processing in step S108, it sets a recovery command to indicate that power has been restored (step S109). When this recovery command is output and input to the performance control CPU 65a, a notification (power restoration notification) corresponding to the power restoration is executed based on the control of the performance control CPU 65a. In addition, after the recovery command is set, commands indicating the game state at the time of the power outage (game state specification command), commands indicating the stopped symbols (special symbol 1 and special symbol 2) at the time of the power outage, commands indicating the stopped symbols (special symbol 1 and special symbol 2) for the special symbol variation display that was running at the time of the power outage (special symbol specification command), commands indicating whether the power outage occurred during the first special symbol variation, the second special symbol variation, or when the special symbol was not varying (stopped) (symbol state specification command), and commands indicating the timing of the power outage during a jackpot game state are set sequentially. In the following explanation, these commands may be collectively referred to as "a series of commands related to power restoration." In this embodiment, the launch position specification command, which will be described later, is set at a later timing than the "series of commands related to power restoration" (step S306 in Figure 8), but it may also be set as one of the "series of commands related to power restoration" in step S109.

[0070] After the completion of the processing in step S105 or step S109, the main control CPU 60a performs processing such as device setting (step S112). In step S112, the main control CPU 60a sets the detection sensors (ball entry detection means) SE1, SE2, and SE3, which were disabled since power-on, to a detectable state. As a result, after the completion of the processing in step S112 by the main control CPU 60a, the pachinko machine 10 (main control CPU 60a) transitions to a control state in which it can execute control processing related to gameplay, repeating the normal processing described later (see Figure 7) unless the power-off signal is input (changing from a game-stopped state to a game-ready state).

[0071] (Normal processing) Next, the normal processing performed by the main control CPU 60a will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 7.

[0072] In normal processing, the main control CPU 60a first determines whether the value of the power-off flag set in the main control RAM 60c is "1" (step S201). Here, the main control board 60 is configured to, when it receives the power-off signal from the power supply board 59 (when the power is off), forcibly interrupt the main control CPU 60a's processing with a non-maskable interrupt, regardless of the control state of the main control CPU 60a, and change the value of the power-off flag stored in the main control RAM 60c from "0" to "1". If the determination process in step S201 determines that the value of the power-off flag is "1" (positive determination), the main control CPU 60a executes the power-off process (step S202). On the other hand, if the determination process in step S201 determines that the value of the power-off flag is "0" (negative determination), the main control CPU 60a proceeds to the process in step S203, which will be described later.

[0073] In the power-off process (step S202), the main control CPU 60a sets timer interrupt processing to disabled. The main control CPU 60a then stores the game information necessary to restore the game state, etc., when power is restored in the backup area of ​​the main control RAM 60c. In this power-off process, the main control CPU 60a calculates a RAM judgment value (checksum value) that will be referenced when power supply from outside the machine begins, and stores the calculated RAM judgment value in the backup area of ​​the main control RAM 60c.

[0074] Furthermore, in the power-off process (step S202), the main control CPU 60a sets a power-off command and outputs the power-off command to the performance control CPU 65a and the display control CPU 66a. In the power-off process, the main control CPU 60a sets the main control RAM 60c to an access-restricted state. After completing the series of power-off processes described above, the main control CPU 60a enters a loop state (standby state) where it does not perform any processing until the voltage value has completely dropped.

[0075] On the other hand, if the power out flag value is determined to be "0" in the judgment process of step S201 (negative judgment), the main control CPU 60a determines whether or not the timer interrupt process (see Figure 8), described later, occurred during the period since the end of the previous step S201 (or step S112 in Figure 6) (step S203). If the main control CPU 60a determines that the timer interrupt process has occurred (positive judgment), it proceeds to the process of step S201. If the process of step S203 determines that the timer interrupt process has not occurred (negative judgment), the main control CPU 60a repeatedly executes the judgment process of step S203 until the timer interrupt process occurs.

[0076] (Timer interrupt handling) Next, the timer interrupt processing performed by the main control CPU 60a will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 8.

[0077] The main control CPU 60a first performs command input / output processing in timer interrupt processing (step S301). In command input / output processing, it outputs commands set for output to other CPUs and identifies information corresponding to the input command.

[0078] In step S302, the main control CPU 60a executes an error determination process. In this error determination process, the main control CPU 60a determines whether or not an abnormal state (error) has occurred in the pachinko machine 10, and if it determines that an abnormal state has occurred, it sets the value of the error determination flag corresponding to the type of abnormal state that occurred to "1". If the value of any error determination flag is "1", the main control CPU 60a identifies the error determination flag whose value is "1", and sets the error specification command corresponding to the identified error determination flag for output to the performance control CPU 65a.

[0079] In step S303, the main control CPU 60a executes a timing process to measure the game time (variation time, etc.) related to the progress of the game. Specifically, the time related to the special symbol variation display (decorative symbol variation display) is measured, including the special symbol variation time specified by the special symbol variation pattern, the variation interval time which is the stop time after the special symbol variation display has finished or before it has started, and the demo waiting time which is the waiting time from when the number of reserved start winning information becomes "0" at the end of the measurement of this variation interval time until the demo performance starts. In addition, the CPU is configured to measure the opening time which is the time when the opening performance is performed in the big win game state and the small win game state, the ending time which is the time when the ending performance is performed in the big win game state and the small win game state, the special electric release time which is the maximum duration of each round game in the big win game state, the round interval time which is the interval time between rounds, and the time between releases (small win release interval time) in the small win game state.

[0080] In this embodiment, the variable interval time is set to 1000ms, and the demo waiting time is set to 15000ms. Furthermore, for the jackpot and minor jackpot game states, the opening time is set to 8000ms, the ending time to 5000ms, and the round interval time and minor jackpot opening interval time to 1000ms, respectively. The special electric opening time is set to 25000ms for jackpot game states including 6 or 9 rounds of gameplay, and to 500ms for jackpot game states including 3 rounds of gameplay. The opening time for the 3 minor jackpots is also set to 500ms. In addition, step S303 measures the time required for each error determination in the aforementioned error determination process (step S302).

[0081] In step S304, the main control CPU 60a executes a detection determination process to determine whether or not detection signals have been input from detection sensors electrically connected to the main control CPU 60a (first start prize detection sensor SE1, second start prize detection sensor SE2, special prize detection sensor SE3, gate sensor SEa, etc.). In this detection determination process, the main control CPU 60a determines whether or not a detection state is in place for each ball entry detection means, depending on whether or not a detection signal has been input from the various ball entry detection means SE1, SE2, SE3, SEa, etc. Here, if the main control CPU 60a determines that any of the multiple prize entry detection sensors SE1, SE2, SE3 are in a detection state (that a detection signal has been input), it determines the payout of prize balls according to the type of prize entry detection sensor SE1, SE2, SE3 corresponding to the detection state.

[0082] In step S305, the main control CPU 60a updates the value of the random number used to determine the winning symbols in the special feature, which is a software random number, and the value of the random number used to determine the special feature variation pattern, which is a software random number (executes a software random number update process). In this software random number update process, all 101 possible integer values ​​from "0" to "100" for the random number used to determine the special feature, and all 251 possible integer values ​​from "0" to "250" for the random number used to distribute the special feature variation pattern, are updated by "1" each time an interrupt process occurs (every 4ms), and the values ​​of each random number, the random number used to determine the special feature variation pattern, are updated by "1" (however, if the value before the update is the maximum value, it is updated to an initial value determined by a random value). The hardware random number update process, which updates the value of the random number used for determining whether a special feature wins, is performed by the random number counter for determining whether a special feature wins, which is provided in the random number generation circuit 60d.

[0083] In step S306, the main control CPU 60a executes a game state switching process to set and change the game state. In this game state switching process, when switching the game state according to the game result, or when restoring the game state due to power restoration, the values ​​of various flags indicating the type of game state are changed. Specifically, at the timing of starting a jackpot game state (start timing of the opening sequence), the main control CPU 60a changes the value of the jackpot flag stored in the main control RAM 60c from "0" to "1", and at the timing of ending a jackpot game state (end timing of the ending sequence), it changes the value of the jackpot flag from "1" to "0". The jackpot start command includes information that can identify the type of jackpot game state to be started (the type of game state after that jackpot game state). Furthermore, the main control CPU 60a changes the value of the minor win flag stored in the main control RAM 60c from "0" to "1" when the minor win game state begins (the start of the opening sequence), and changes the value of the minor win flag from "1" to "0" when the minor win game state ends (the end of the ending sequence). Also, when the probability variation state (high probability state) begins upon the end of the big win game state, the value of the probability variation flag stored in the main control RAM 60c is changed from "0" to "1". Also, when the probability variation state ends, the value of the probability variation flag is changed from "1" to "0". Furthermore, when the high base state (variable state or specific variable-variable-game state) begins upon the end of the big win game state or a specific variable-variable-delay judgment, the main control CPU 60a changes the value of the variable-variable-delay flag stored in the main control RAM 60c from "0" to "1". Additionally, to exit the high base state, the value of the change-short flag is changed from "1" to "0".

[0084] Furthermore, in step S306, the main control CPU 60a sets a jackpot start command or jackpot end command for output to the performance control CPU 65a in accordance with the change in the value of the jackpot flag, and a minor jackpot start command or minor jackpot end command for output in accordance with the change in the value of the minor jackpot flag. It also sets a probability variation start command or probability variation end command for output to the performance control CPU 65a in accordance with the change in the value of the probability variation flag, and a variation reduction start command or variation reduction end command for output in accordance with the change in the value of the variation reduction flag. In this embodiment, the jackpot start command and minor jackpot start command function as commands indicating the start of the opening performance, but it is also possible to configure the system to output a command other than the jackpot start command and minor jackpot start command as the opening command at the start of this opening performance. In addition, the main control CPU 60a sets a launch position specification command for output to the performance control CPU 65a in accordance with the change in the value of the minor jackpot flag and variation reduction flag. In this case, changing the value of the minor win flag or the change-short flag from "0" to "1" (start of high base state) sets a launch position specification command indicating a change to right-handed play mode, and changing the value of the minor win flag or the change-short flag from "1" to "0" (start of low base state) sets a launch position specification command indicating a change to left-handed play mode.

[0085] In step S307, the main control CPU 60a executes special symbol input processing related to the special symbol. In this special symbol input processing, if the main control CPU 60a determines in the aforementioned detection determination processing (step S304) that a detection signal has been input from the start prize detection sensors SE1 and SE2 (i.e., a start prize has been awarded to the start prize slots 31a and 32a), it acquires start prize information (information consisting of various random values) and stores it in the start memory area of ​​the main control RAM 60c. The start memory area of ​​the main control RAM 60c has separate memory areas for storing the first start prize information (start memory area) and the second start prize information (start memory area). Each memory area can store (hold) up to a predetermined upper limit (4 in this embodiment) of start prize information as start prize information in chronological order until the corresponding special symbol variation display starts. Therefore, when the main control CPU 60a determines that a detection signal has been received from the first or second start-winning detection sensors SE1 and SE2, it checks whether the number of stored (reserved) entries for the corresponding first or second start-winning information has reached its upper limit. Only if the upper limit has not been reached, it stores new first or second start-winning information and updates (adds) the numerical information indicating the current number of stored (reserved) entries for the first or second start-winning information. In addition, in the special symbol input processing (step S307), at the timing when the number of stored (reserved) entries for the first or second start-winning information changes, a start-winning command to identify the changed number of stored (reserved) entries is set for output to the performance control CPU 65a. Note that different start-winning commands are set depending on whether the command is output in response to detection by the first start-winning detection sensor SE1 or in response to detection by the second start-winning detection sensor SE2.

[0086] In step S308, the main control CPU 60a executes a special symbol start process to determine the game content (based on the values ​​of various random numbers) based on the start prize information stored in the main control RAM 60c and to start the special symbol variation display. Furthermore, if the number of first and second start prize information stored (reserved number) in the main control RAM 60c is "0", the main control CPU 60a executes a demo judgment process related to the demo performance.

[0087] In the special symbol start process (step S308), the main control CPU 60a performs tasks such as determining whether a special symbol is a hit (drawing for big win, small win, specific short-time change, etc.), determining which special symbols to stop and display on the special symbol display units Ma and Mb, and determining the special symbol variation pattern (special symbol variation time determination process). Specifically, in the special symbol start process, the main control CPU 60a determines whether the variation start condition for the special symbol variation display has been met. If it determines that this variation start condition has been met, it reads the start-up winning information stored in the main control RAM 60c (if there are multiple, the start-up winning information that was stored earliest). The main control CPU 60a then updates (subtracts) the numerical information indicating the current number of stored items (number of reserved items) in the start-up memory area where the read-out start-up winning information is stored. Next, the main control CPU 60a refers to the win / loss judgment table stored in the main control ROM 60b and determines whether the value of the random number for special symbol win judgment among the read start prize information matches the special symbol win judgment value in the win / loss judgment table (special symbol win judgment). That is, the main control CPU 60a performs a special symbol win judgment using the jackpot probability (normal probability / probability during probability variation) determined by the win / loss judgment table. If the special symbol win judgment (jackpot judgment) is a loss, the CPU 60a determines whether to display a small win symbol, a specific short variation symbol, or a loss symbol as the special symbol to stop on the special symbol display unit Ma,Mb as a result of the special symbol variation display. On the other hand, if the special symbol win judgment is a win, the CPU 60a determines from among several types which jackpot symbol to display on the special symbol display unit Ma,Mb as a result of the special symbol variation display. Furthermore, the main control CPU 60a refers to the variation pattern table and determines a special feature variation pattern from among different options according to the result of the special feature hit determination (special feature variation time determination process). The main control CPU 60a then sets a special feature variation pattern specification command that indicates the special feature variation pattern and a special feature specification command that indicates the special feature (lighting mode) for output to the performance control CPU 65a.

[0088] In the demo judgment process (step S308), it is determined whether it is the timing to start or end the measurement of the demo waiting time. Here, the timing to start measuring the demo waiting time is when the number of reserved first and second start winning information is both "0" and the measurement of the variation interval time has ended. If it is the timing to start measuring the demo waiting time, the demo waiting time is set and the measurement begins. If it is the timing to end the measurement of the demo waiting time, the measurement is ended and a demo command, which is a control signal to instruct the performance control CPU 65a to start the demo performance, is set for output to the performance control CPU 65a.

[0089] In step S309, the main control CPU 60a executes display control processing to control the display content of the game information display M. For example, in accordance with the period during which the special symbol variation time is being measured, the special symbol display units Ma and Mb are turned on and off (switched) in a lighting pattern that indicates that the special symbol variation is being displayed. At the end of the measurement of the special symbol variation time, a stop command indicating that it is the end of the special symbol variation display (the timing of the stop display of the decorative symbol variation display) is set for output to the performance control CPU 65a, and the special symbol display units Ma and Mb are turned on in a lighting pattern of the special symbol determined in the special symbol start processing (step S308). On the other hand, during periods when the special symbol variation time is not being measured (including during the jackpot game state), each of the display units Ma and Mb maintains lighting control in a pattern that shows the special symbol that was stopped as a result of the most recent special symbol variation display. Furthermore, the main control CPU 60a controls the change of the reserve display (lighting pattern) on the special feature reserve display units Mc and Md when the number of stored (reserved) start-up winning information stored in the corresponding start-up memory area of ​​the main control RAM 60c increases or decreases, and maintains the changed reserve display (lighting pattern) until the next increase or decrease in the number of stored information. In addition, the main control CPU 60a controls the status display unit Me to light up in response to the state where either the jackpot flag or the change-short flag stored in the main control RAM 60c is "1".

[0090] In step S310, the main control CPU 60a executes control to open the second start prize slot 32a. Specifically, based on the result of the regular win determination, the main control CPU 60a drives the start prize solenoid SL1 to open the start opening / closing member 32b (granting a regular win game).

[0091] In step S311, the main control CPU 60a executes control related to the jackpot game state. Specifically, during the period in which the jackpot game state is granted (the period in which the value of the jackpot flag is set to "1"), if it is the start timing of a round game (the end of the opening performance or the end of the round interval time), the main control CPU 60a switches the special prize solenoid SL2 from the demagnetized state to the energized state (opens the special opening / closing member 33b) and sets an open command. Furthermore, triggered by the detection of a specified number of pachinko balls by the special prize detection sensor SE3 or the elapsed of the special electric opening time, the CPU 60a determines the end of the round game and switches the special prize solenoid SL2 from the energized state to the demagnetized state (closes the special opening / closing member 33b) and sets a close command. Furthermore, since the timing of switching between the demagnetized and energized states of the special prize solenoid SL2 coincides with the start and end timings of the round game, the release command during the jackpot game state functions as a round start designation command, and the closing command during the jackpot game state functions as a round end designation command. The release and closing commands are output to the performance control CPU 65a in accordance with the execution of the command input / output processing (step S301) described above.

[0092] In step S312, the main control CPU 60a executes control related to the minor win game state. During the period in which the minor win game state is granted (the period in which the value of the minor win flag is set to "1"), the main control CPU 60a controls the special prize solenoid SL2 to be energized for 500ms three times, with a minor win release interval of 1000ms in between. In this case, the main control CPU 60a sets the release command and the closing command at the timing of switching between the demagnetized state and the energized state of the special prize solenoid SL2, similar to the big win game state. Then, after the processing in step S312 is completed, the main control CPU 60a terminates the timer interrupt processing.

[0093] (Regarding the performance control board 65) Next, the performance control board 65 will be described. As shown in Figure 3, the performance control board 65 is equipped with a performance control CPU 65a that executes control processing, a performance control ROM 65b that stores the control program executed by the performance control CPU 65a, and a performance control RAM 65c that can write and read data necessary for the processing of the performance control CPU 65a. The performance control CPU 65a is configured to comprehensively control the performances executed by the performance execution unit, which includes the pattern display device 17, speaker 18, frame lamp 19, and movable body 80. In other words, the performance control CPU 65a functions as a performance control means that executes control processing related to performances based on control signals from the main control CPU 60a (game control means). The performance control CPU 65a updates the values ​​of various random numbers stored in the performance control RAM 65c at predetermined intervals and stores (sets) the updated values ​​in the performance control RAM 65c.

[0094] The performance control ROM 65b stores specific performance content (performance patterns) related to the display of changing decorative figures. The performance control CPU 65a then determines from several types of performance content (performance patterns) related to the display of changing decorative figures based on the special figure change pattern specification command output by the main control board 60. The performance control CPU 65a outputs a control signal (command) to the display control board 66 to cause the display of changing decorative figures and related performances to be executed by the display device 17 according to the determined performance pattern, and also controls the sound output of the speaker 18, the illumination of the frame lamps 19, the operation of the movable parts 80, etc., according to the determined performance pattern.

[0095] Here, the performance control ROM 65b stores, as performance patterns for displaying the changing decorative symbols, multiple types of losing performance patterns that the performance control CPU 65a can determine based on a special symbol variation pattern specification command when the special symbol hit judgment (big hit judgment, small hit judgment, specific variation short judgment) by the main control CPU 60a is determined to be a miss; multiple types of winning performance patterns that the performance control CPU 65a can determine based on a special symbol variation pattern specification command when the special symbol hit judgment (big hit judgment, small hit judgment) is determined to be a hit; and multiple types of specific variation short performance patterns that the performance control CPU 65a can determine based on a special symbol variation pattern specification command when the special symbol hit judgment (big hit judgment, small hit judgment) by the main control CPU 60a is determined to be a miss and the specific variation short judgment is determined to be a hit. Specifically, the performance control ROM 65b stores the following as losing performance patterns: a normal losing performance pattern corresponding to special symbol variation pattern 1, a losing normal reach performance pattern corresponding to special symbol variation pattern 2, a losing development reach A performance pattern and a losing development reach B performance pattern corresponding to special symbol variation pattern 3, and a losing development reach C performance pattern corresponding to special symbol variation pattern 4. In addition, the performance control ROM 65b stores the following as winning performance patterns: a winning normal reach performance pattern corresponding to special symbol variation pattern 5, a winning development reach A performance pattern and a winning development reach B performance pattern corresponding to special symbol variation pattern 6, and a winning development reach C performance pattern corresponding to special symbol variation pattern 7. Furthermore, the performance control ROM 65b stores the following as specific short-time variation performance patterns: a specific short-time variation normal reach performance pattern corresponding to special symbol variation pattern 8, a specific short-time variation development reach A performance pattern and a specific short-time variation development reach B performance pattern corresponding to special symbol variation pattern 9, and a specific short-time variation development reach C performance pattern corresponding to special symbol variation pattern 10. Of these, the "normal miss" animation pattern is one in which the decorative symbols do not form a winning combination (non-reach animation pattern), while the other animation patterns specify the decorative symbol changes that form a winning combination (reach animation pattern).Among the reach animation patterns, the normal reach animation patterns for wins, specific short-time changes, and losses correspond to the normal reach animation; the developed reach A animation patterns for wins, specific short-time changes, and losses correspond to the developed reach A animation; the developed reach B animation patterns for wins, specific short-time changes, and losses correspond to the developed reach B animation; and the developed reach C animation patterns for wins, specific short-time changes, and losses correspond to the developed reach C animation. The animation control CPU 65a sets the win and loss animation patterns so that the expectation of the animation (the probability of displaying a jackpot) increases in the order of normal loss, normal reach, developed reach A, B, and developed reach C, according to the determination probability of special symbol variation patterns 1 to 7. In addition, the animation control CPU 65a sets the specific short-time changes animation patterns so that the expectation of the animation (the probability of displaying a specific short-time change) increases in the order of normal reach, developed reach A, B, and developed reach C, according to the determination probability of special symbol variation patterns 8 to 10.

[0096] Furthermore, the performance control ROM 65b stores the specific performance details (performance patterns) of the performances (jackpot performances) during the jackpot game state. The performance control CPU 65a then determines the performance details (performance patterns) of the jackpot performance from among several types based on control signals (commands) such as jackpot start commands, minor jackpot start commands, open commands, and close commands output by the main control board 60. The performance control CPU 65a outputs control signals (commands) to the display control board 66 to have the symbol display device 17 execute the jackpot performance (opening performance, round performance, interval performance, ending performance) according to the determined performance pattern, and also controls the sound output of the speaker 18, the illumination of frame lamps 19, the operation of movable parts 80, etc., according to the determined performance pattern. Normally, the type of jackpot animation is determined according to the type of jackpot game state (1st jackpot to 5th jackpot). However, in exceptional cases, a generic animation may be executed when power is restored after a power outage during a specific type of jackpot game state (see below).

[0097] (Performance Mode) Furthermore, the performance control CPU 65a is capable of generating multiple types of performance modes, and is configured to make the content of the performance during the display of the decorative symbols (such as the display manner of the decorative symbols and the manner of the background image) and the determination frequency different for each performance mode (the performance tendencies can be changed for each performance mode). Therefore, the player can understand which performance mode is being used by observing the performance manner of the symbol display device 17, speaker 18, frame lamp 19, and movable body 80. Specifically, in this embodiment, the performance modes that the performance control CPU 65a can set include "normal mode," "short change mode," "probability change mode," and "hidden mode." The performance control CPU 65a then designates the low probability high base state and specific short-play state after the third jackpot (symbols C, c) as "Short-play mode," the high probability high base state after the fourth jackpot (symbols D, d) and fifth jackpot (symbols E, e) as "Probability-changing mode," and the low base state (low probability low base state or high probability low base state) until the 50-spin display of the decorative symbols after the first jackpot (symbols A, a) and second jackpot (symbols B, b) is completed as "Concealed mode," and controls the system to transition to "Normal mode" after the end of each of these modes. In other words, the performance modes other than Normal mode (Short-play mode, Probability-changing mode, Concealed mode) are chance modes designed to increase the player's sense of anticipation.

[0098] There are several types of "hidden modes" (three types: Hidden 1 to 3), and they are determined by different probabilities depending on whether the game is in a low-probability low-base state or a high-probability low-base state. Specifically, the probability of determining the performance mode in response to a transition to a low-probability low-base state is highest for "Hidden 1," and the probability of determining the performance mode in response to a transition to a high-probability low-base state is highest for "Hidden 3." In other words, when in "Hidden Mode," the expectation of the game state being a high-probability low-base state is highest for "Hidden 3," followed by "Hidden 2," and then "Hidden 1," in that order.

[0099] The performance control RAM 65c stores the state ("0" or "1") of multiple performance mode flags that correspond one-to-one with each performance mode (variable mode, probability mode, and three types of hidden modes). The performance control CPU 65a executes performance control according to the performance mode corresponding to the performance mode flag whose value is set to "1". Specifically, at the end of either the first or second jackpot (when the jackpot end command is entered), the "hidden mode" is determined by lottery from three types (hidden 1 to 3), and the value of the hidden mode flag corresponding to the determined type of "hidden mode" is changed from "0" to "1". Also, at the end of the third jackpot (when the jackpot end command is entered) and at the timing when a specific variable mode judgment results in a win (when the specific variable mode win command is entered), the value of the variable mode flag corresponding to the "variable mode" is changed from "0" to "1". Furthermore, at the end of either the 4th or 5th jackpot (when the jackpot end command is entered), the value of the probability variation mode flag corresponding to the "probability variation mode" is changed from "0" to "1".

[0100] Furthermore, the performance control CPU 65a counts the total number of decorative symbol variation displays (special symbol variation displays) in the performance mode after the end of the jackpot game state, according to the number of times the special symbol variation pattern specification command is input from the main control CPU 60a after the end of the jackpot game state, and stores the count value corresponding to the total number of variation in the performance control RAM 65c. Then, upon the end of the decorative symbol variation display corresponding to the special symbol variation pattern specification command at the upper limit number (50th time in this embodiment), it changes the performance mode flag, which has a value of "1", to "0", and controls the end of the corresponding performance mode. In addition, the performance control CPU 65a counts the total number of decorative symbol variation displays (special symbol variation displays) in the short-time mode, according to the number of times the special symbol variation pattern specification command is input from the main control CPU 60a after the input of a specific short-time jackpot command, and stores the count value corresponding to the total number of variation in the performance control RAM 65c. Then, in response to the end of the decorative figure variation display corresponding to the special figure variation pattern specification command for the upper limit number of times (100th or 200th time in this example), the change-short mode flag, which has a value of "1", is changed to "0", and control is performed to end the change-short mode.

[0101] (Regarding the display control board 66) Next, the display control board 66 will be described. As shown in Figure 3, the display control board 66 is equipped with a display control CPU 66a that executes control processing, a display control ROM 66b that stores the control program executed by the display control CPU 66a, and a display control RAM 66c that can write and read data necessary for the processing of the display control CPU 66a. The display control CPU 66a is connected to the pattern display device 17. The display control ROM 66b stores a display control program for controlling the display content of the pattern display device 17. This display control ROM 66b stores various image data related to various effects (image data such as patterns, background images, characters, etc.), as well as various image data related to error notification. The display control RAM 66c stores (sets) various information that is rewritten as appropriate during the operation of the pachinko machine 10.

[0102] (Regarding the auxiliary image display area 53) Next, the auxiliary image display area 53 set on the display screen 17a will be explained with reference to Figures 4, 9 to 11, etc.

[0103] As shown in Figure 4, an auxiliary image display area 53 is set on the right edge of the display screen 17a as an area (first auxiliary information display area) for displaying auxiliary information (first auxiliary information display) corresponding to the display content in the decorative diagram display area 50 and the first and second reserved display areas 51 and 52. As shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), this auxiliary image display area 53 is provided with multiple auxiliary display units (specifically, a decorative diagram auxiliary pattern display unit 53a (second information display unit), first and second auxiliary pattern display units 53b and 53c (second information display unit), and first and second auxiliary reserved display units 53d and 53e).

[0104] (Decorative design auxiliary pattern display section 53a) The decorative figure auxiliary symbol display unit 53a of the auxiliary image display area 53 is a display unit that shows information common to the decorative figures displayed in the aforementioned decorative figure display area 50 (decorative figure areas 50a, 50b, 50c) (results of jackpot judgment, minor win judgment, specific change-short judgment) by displaying decorative figure auxiliary symbols (first auxiliary information display, second information display). In this decorative figure auxiliary symbol display unit 53a, a variable display is performed in which the decorative figure auxiliary symbols are switched in the order of arrangement in three divided areas arranged in the left-right direction, and finally one decorative figure auxiliary symbol is displayed in each area. As shown in Figure 10, the decorative figure auxiliary symbols are arranged in the same way as the decorative figures displayed in the aforementioned decorative figure areas 50a, 50b, 50c, with each decorative figure auxiliary symbol representing the number "1" to "7" arranged in numerical order, and a blank symbol (star shape) positioned between each of these number-representing decorative figure auxiliary symbols to form a group of symbols.

[0105] The display of the decorative auxiliary symbols in the decorative auxiliary symbol display unit 53a starts and ends simultaneously with the start (fulfillment of the variation start condition) and end (fulfillment of the variation start condition) of the display of the decorative symbols in the decorative symbol display area 50. The decorative auxiliary symbol display unit 53a displays combinations of decorative auxiliary symbols that correspond to the combinations of decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed in the decorative symbol display area 50. For example, if the combination of "5" - "5" - "5", which is a jackpot display, is displayed in the decorative symbol display area 50, the corresponding combination of "5" - "5" - "5", which is a jackpot display, will also be displayed in the decorative auxiliary symbol display unit 53a. Also, for example, if the combination of "3" - "(star)" - "3", which is a minor win display, is displayed in the decorative symbol display area 50, the corresponding combination of "3" - "(star)" - "3", which is a minor win display, will also be displayed in the decorative auxiliary symbol display unit 53a. Furthermore, if the combination of "1", "2", and "3", which is a specific short-time display, is displayed in the decorative display area 50, the same combination of "1", "2", and "3", which is a specific short-time display, will also be displayed in the decorative auxiliary symbol display unit 53a. Similarly, in the case of a losing display, for example, if the combination of "2", "4", and "6" is displayed in the decorative display area 50, the combination of "2", "4", and "6" will also be displayed in the decorative auxiliary symbol display unit 53a. The result of the special symbol win judgment (big win judgment, small win judgment, or specific short-time display judgment) is then announced based on the combination of decorative auxiliary symbols that are stopped. Note that the losing display displayed in the decorative auxiliary symbol display unit 53a is configured to be a different combination from the combination of numbers and blank symbols (stars) used in the big win, small win, and specific short-time display. In other words, the special short-time bonus awarded when a special short-time bonus is determined to be a win is the result of a loss in the big win or small win determination, but it is configured to have a different display pattern from the loss display that is stopped in the decorative diagram display area 50.

[0106] (First and second auxiliary design display sections 53b, 53c) The first and second auxiliary symbol display sections 53b and 53c of the auxiliary image display area 53 are display sections that show information common to the decorative symbols displayed in the aforementioned decorative symbol display area 50 (decorative symbol areas 50a, 50b, and 50c) (results of big win judgment, small win judgment, and specific change-short judgment) by displaying the first and second auxiliary symbols (first auxiliary information display, second information display). As shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), the first and second auxiliary symbol display sections 53b and 53c each consist of a single area that displays a group of symbols arranged in numerical order, with each group of auxiliary symbols representing the numbers "0" to "9" in a variable display and a stopped display. A variable display is performed that switches the arrangement order of the group of auxiliary symbols, and one of the auxiliary symbols is ultimately displayed as stopped. In the first auxiliary symbol display unit 53b, the first auxiliary symbol is displayed in accordance with the execution period of the decorative symbol variation display (execution period of the first special symbol variation display) triggered by an initial win in the first starting prize slot 31a. In addition, in the second auxiliary symbol display unit 53c, the second auxiliary symbol is displayed in accordance with the execution period of the decorative symbol variation display (execution period of the second special symbol variation display) triggered by an initial win in the second starting prize slot 32a. The variation displays of the first and second auxiliary symbols in the first and second auxiliary symbol display units 53b and 53c start and end simultaneously with the start (fulfillment of the variation start condition) and end (fulfillment of the variation start condition) of the variation display of the decorative symbols in the aforementioned decorative symbol display area 50.

[0107] Here, when a combination of decorative symbols that indicates a jackpot is displayed in the decorative symbol display area 50, the first or second auxiliary symbol corresponding to that combination of decorative symbols is displayed in the first or second auxiliary symbol display units 53b and 53c. As shown in Figure 10, for example, if a jackpot display consisting of the combination of "1", "1", and "1" is displayed in the decorative symbol display area 50 as a result of a decorative symbol variation display triggered by an entry into the first starting prize slot 31a, the first auxiliary symbol "1" is displayed in the first auxiliary symbol display unit 53b as a jackpot display. Also, for example, if a jackpot display consisting of the combination of "5", "5", and "5" is displayed in the decorative symbol display area 50 as a result of a decorative symbol variation display triggered by an entry into the second starting prize slot 32a, the second auxiliary symbol "5" is displayed in the second auxiliary symbol display unit 53c as a jackpot display.

[0108] However, only one type of minor win indicator, specific short-time change indicator, and loss indicator is displayed in the first and second auxiliary symbol display units 53b and 53c (see Figure 10). Specifically, "8" is set as the minor win indicator displayed in the first and second auxiliary symbol display units 53b and 53c, "9" is set as the specific short-time change indicator, and "0" is set as the loss indicator. For this reason, for example, as a result of the decorative symbol variation display triggered by a starting entry into the first or second starting prize entry 31a or 32a, no matter what combination of decorative symbols is displayed as a minor win indicator in the decorative symbol display area 50, the first or second auxiliary symbol with "8" will be displayed as the minor win indicator in the corresponding first or second auxiliary symbol display unit 53b or 53c. Similarly, as a result of the decorative figure variation display triggered by an initial entry into the first or second starting prize slot 31a, 32a, regardless of what combination of decorative figures is displayed as a specific short-term change display in the decorative figure display area 50, the corresponding first or second auxiliary symbol display unit 53b, 53c will display the first or second auxiliary symbol "9" as a specific short-term change display. Similarly, in the case of a losing display, regardless of what combination of decorative figures is displayed as a losing display in the decorative figure display area 50, the corresponding first or second auxiliary symbol will display the losing display "0". In other words, the losing displays displayed in the first and second auxiliary symbol display units 53b, 53c use numbers that are different (displayed in a different manner) from the numbers used for the big win display, small win display, and specific short-term change display.

[0109] (1st and 2nd auxiliary hold display section 53d, 53e) In the first and second auxiliary hold display units 53d and 53e of the auxiliary image display area 53, an auxiliary hold display (first auxiliary information display) is shown, indicating the number of holds (number of waiting (hold) for special symbol win judgment, number of hold information for start-up wins) transmitted from the main control CPU 60a to the performance control CPU 65a by the start-up win command. Specifically, the first auxiliary hold display unit 53d displays an auxiliary hold display showing the same number of holds as shown in the first hold display area 51 and the special 1 auxiliary hold display unit 35c (number of holds for decorative symbol variation display based on start-up wins to the first start-up win slot 31a), and the second auxiliary hold display unit 53e displays an auxiliary hold display showing the same number of holds as shown in the second hold display area 52 and the special 2 auxiliary hold display unit 35d (number of holds for decorative symbol variation display based on start-up wins to the second start-up win slot 32a). However, the first and second auxiliary hold display units 53d and 53e differ from the aforementioned first and second hold display areas 51 and 52, and the special auxiliary hold display unit 35c and special auxiliary hold display unit 35d, in that, as shown in Figure 9, they display the number of holds as a numerical value from "0" to "4" in the auxiliary hold display.

[0110] Here, the variation pattern (display pattern) of the decorative auxiliary symbols (second information display) that are displayed in the decorative auxiliary symbol display unit 53a is configured to be different from the variation pattern (display pattern) of the decorative symbols (first information display) that are displayed in the decorative symbol display area 50. For example, the variation patterns of the decorative auxiliary symbols are made different by setting the number switching speed to be faster than that of the decorative symbols, or by changing the switching speed of the decorative symbols while the numbers are switched at a constant speed. In contrast, when a win is determined in the big win determination, small win determination, or specific change-short determination (when the result of the draw by the first control unit is a win), the display pattern of the decorative auxiliary symbols (second information display) that are stopped and displayed in the decorative auxiliary symbol display unit 53a and the display pattern of the decorative symbols (first information display) that are stopped and displayed in the decorative symbol display area 50 are configured to show the same degree of advantage (type of big win, type of specific change-short, etc.), as shown in Figure 10. Furthermore, the display modes (size, shape, color, etc.) of the decorative auxiliary patterns displayed in the decorative auxiliary pattern display section 53a of the auxiliary image display area 53, the first and second auxiliary patterns displayed in the first and second auxiliary pattern display sections 53b and 53c, and the auxiliary hold displays displayed in the first and second auxiliary hold display sections 53d and 53e are configured to be common regardless of the type of performance mode.

[0111] Furthermore, in the decorative figure display area 50, while the decorative figure is changing, the display mode indicates that the decorative figure is changing by switching the pattern sequence. In contrast, in the decorative figure auxiliary pattern display unit 53a, while the decorative figure auxiliary pattern is changing, the display mode indicates that the decorative figure auxiliary pattern is changing by switching the pattern sequence at a higher speed than the decorative figure, and so on. Thus, the display modes for indicating that the decorative figure and decorative figure auxiliary pattern are changing are different. Also, in the special auxiliary pattern display unit 35a and special auxiliary pattern display unit 35b, while the first auxiliary pattern and second auxiliary pattern are changing, the display mode indicates that the first auxiliary pattern and second auxiliary pattern are changing by flashing an LED. Thus, the display mode for indicating that the first and second auxiliary patterns are changing is different from the display mode for indicating that the decorative figure and decorative figure auxiliary pattern are changing. In other words, the decorative diagram (first information display), the decorative diagram auxiliary pattern (second information display), and the first and second auxiliary patterns (third information display) are each configured to display different ways of indicating that they are in a state of change.

[0112] (Game mode image display unit 53f) The game mode image display unit 53f in the auxiliary image display area 53 is an auxiliary display unit that displays information (launch position information) transmitted from the main control CPU 60a to the performance control CPU 65a by the launch position specification command, similar to the game mode illumination display unit 35e described above. Specifically, the game mode image display unit 53f is controlled to display an arrow image labeled "Right-handed" (auxiliary notification described later) as shown in Figure 9(b) when it is advantageous for the player to play in a game mode that guides the pachinko ball to the second ball flow path 21b of the game area 20a (right-handed play mode), and to hide the arrow image (see Figure 9(a)) when it is advantageous for the player to play in a game mode that guides the pachinko ball to the first ball flow path 21a of the game area 20a (left-handed play mode). In other words, the game mode image display unit 53f displays which of the first and second ball flow paths 21a and 21b is advantageous for the player in guiding the pachinko balls, and the arrow image displayed on the game mode image display unit 53f indicates whether the game is in a jackpot state or a high base state (shortened state).

[0113] (Information that can be gleaned from the decorative illustrations and their auxiliary designs) The performance control CPU 65a (display control CPU 66a) executes display control for the decorative figures in the decorative figure display area 50 and display control for multiple types of auxiliary symbols in the auxiliary image display area 53 and auxiliary lighting display area 35, based on control signals such as special symbol variation pattern specification commands from the main control CPU 60a. Each auxiliary symbol is a supplementary display (auxiliary information display) to the decorative figures (performance information display, first information display), and is similar to the decorative figures in that it notifies the result of the special symbol hit judgment, but is displayed in a display manner that shows less information (amount of information) to the player than the decorative figures (a simpler display than the decorative figures). The similarities and differences between the information that the player can grasp from the decorative figures and the information that the player can grasp from the auxiliary symbols (decorative figure auxiliary symbols, first auxiliary symbols and second auxiliary symbols, special symbol 1 auxiliary symbols and special symbol 2 auxiliary symbols) will be explained below with reference to Figure 11.

[0114] As mentioned above, the jackpot, minor jackpot, specific short-time bonus, and losing jackpot indicators using decorative symbols can each be composed of multiple types of decorative symbols (numbers). The player can then deduce the type of jackpot game state (number of rounds) that will be immediately assigned and the game state after the jackpot game state ends, depending on the type of jackpot indicator (whether each of the three matching symbols represents an odd number, etc.). The player can also deduce the number of short-time bonus rounds in the specific short-time bonus state that will be immediately assigned, depending on the type of specific short-time bonus indicator (whether the combination of symbols is "1", "2", "3" or "4", "5", "6"). In the embodiment, the case where the first specific short-time bonus is assigned is given as the combination of symbols "1", "2", "3", and the case where the second specific short-time bonus is assigned is given as the combination of symbols "4", "5", "6". In addition, the decorative symbols may be displayed in a manner that indicates a winning combination during the display of the decorative symbols, and the winning combination animation begins when the winning combination is displayed. In other words, the player can determine whether or not they are in a winning combination state from the decorative symbols displayed during the display of the decorative symbols.

[0115] The decorative diagram auxiliary symbol display unit 53a displays combinations of three decorative diagram auxiliary symbols, stopping at the same combination of numbers (or blank symbols) as the three decorative diagrams in the decorative diagram display area 50. In other words, the player can grasp symbol information such as whether it is a big win or a small win, the type of big win display, the type of small win display, whether the specific change-short judgment is a win or a loss, the type of specific change-short judgment, and the type of loss display, which are indicated by the decorative diagram, from the decorative diagram auxiliary symbols that are stopped at the same timing as the decorative diagram. However, the decorative diagram auxiliary symbols are not displayed in a manner that indicates a reach state (they maintain the change state from the start to the end of the decorative diagram change display), so it is not possible to determine whether it is a reach state from the display manner of the decorative diagram auxiliary symbols.

[0116] In the first auxiliary symbol display unit 53b, as a jackpot display, one first auxiliary symbol representing the same number (any of "1" to "7") as the three decorative symbols (representing the same number) in the decorative symbol display area 50 is stopped and displayed; as a minor win display, one first auxiliary symbol representing the number "8", which is not displayed in the decorative symbol display area 50, is stopped and displayed; as a specific short-time change display, one first auxiliary symbol representing the number "9", which is not displayed in the decorative symbol display area 50, is stopped and displayed; and as a miss display, one first auxiliary symbol representing the number "0", which is not displayed in the decorative symbol display area 50, is stopped and displayed. In other words, the player can grasp symbol information such as whether it is a jackpot or not, whether it is a minor win or not, the type of jackpot display, whether it is a win in the specific short-time change judgment and the type of specific short-time change display, which are indicated by the decorative symbols, from the first auxiliary symbols that are stopped and displayed at the same timing as the decorative symbols. On the other hand, only one type each of the minor win display, specific short-time change display, and loss display for the first auxiliary symbol is set, and the type of minor win display, specific short-time change display, and loss display shown by the decorative symbol cannot be determined from the minor win display, specific short-time change display, or loss display by the first auxiliary symbol. Furthermore, the first auxiliary symbol is displayed in such a way that it maintains its changing state from the start to the end of the decorative symbol change display, and it is not possible to determine whether or not it is in a reach state from the display pattern of the first auxiliary symbol during the decorative symbol change display. The display of the second auxiliary symbol in the second auxiliary symbol display unit 53c is the same as that of the first auxiliary symbol, and the player can obtain symbol information such as whether or not it is a big win, whether or not it is a minor win, the type of big win display, whether or not it is a hit in the specific short-time change judgment, and the type of specific short-time change display from the second auxiliary symbol that is stopped and displayed. The first auxiliary symbol changes and stops in response to a decorative symbol change display (first special symbol change display) triggered by an initial entry into the first starting entry point 31a of the first and second starting entry points 31a and 32a. The second auxiliary symbol changes and stops in response to a decorative symbol change display (second special symbol change display) triggered by an initial entry into the second starting entry point 32a. In other words, by seeing which of the first or second auxiliary symbol is changing, the player can understand which of the first or second starting entry points 31a or 32a triggered the decorative symbol change display.

[0117] The Special 1 Auxiliary Symbol Display Unit 35a displays a Special 1 Auxiliary Symbol for a jackpot depending on the state of the two LEDs lit; a Special 1 Auxiliary Symbol for a minor win is displayed when one LED is lit and the other is off; a Special 1 Auxiliary Symbol for a specific short-time change is displayed when the other LED is lit and the other is off; and a Special 1 Auxiliary Symbol for a loss is displayed when both LEDs are off. In other words, players can grasp symbol information such as whether it is a jackpot or not, whether it is a minor win or not, and whether it is a win in the specific short-time change judgment, which is indicated by the decorative diagram, from the Special 1 Auxiliary Symbol that is stopped and displayed at the same timing as the decorative diagram. On the other hand, only one type of Special 1 Auxiliary Symbol is set for each of the jackpot, minor win, specific short-time change, and loss indications, and the type of jackpot, minor win, specific short-time change, and loss indications shown by the decorative diagram cannot be grasped from the Special 1 Auxiliary Symbol. Furthermore, the first auxiliary symbol maintains a fluctuating state (flashing state) from the start to the end of the decorative symbol fluctuation display, and it is not possible to determine whether or not it is in a reach state from the display pattern of the first auxiliary symbol during the decorative symbol fluctuation display. Note that the display of the special second auxiliary symbol in the special second auxiliary symbol display unit 35b is the same as that of the special first auxiliary symbol, and the player can obtain symbol information such as whether or not it is a big win, whether or not it is a small win, and whether or not it is a win in the specific change-short judgment, from the special second auxiliary symbol that is stopped and displayed, but it is not possible to determine the type of big win display, the type of specific change-short display, or whether or not it is in a reach state. The special first auxiliary symbol is displayed in a fluctuating state and stopped state in accordance with the decorative symbol fluctuation display (first special symbol fluctuation display) triggered by an entry into the first start entry opening 31a of the first and second start entry openings 31a, 32a. The special auxiliary symbol 2 is displayed in a variable and stopped manner in response to the decorative symbol variation display (special symbol variation display 2) triggered by an initial entry into the second starting prize slot 32a. In other words, by seeing which of the special auxiliary symbols 1 or 2 is displayed in a variable manner, the player can understand whether the decorative symbol variation display was triggered by an initial entry into the first or second starting prize slot 31a or 32a.

[0118] In this embodiment, the information that can be grasped by the decorative diagram, which is displayed as a first information display and is shown in variable and stopped states when an initial entry into the first starting prize slot 31a or the second starting prize slot 32a, is win / loss information such as whether or not it is a big win, whether or not it is a small win, and whether or not it was hit in a specific short-time change judgment, as well as type information such as the type of big win display, the type of small win display, the type of specific short-time change display, and the type of miss display, and reach information such as whether or not it is in a reach state. In contrast, the information that can be grasped by the decorative diagram auxiliary symbols and the first and second auxiliary symbols, which are displayed in variable and stopped states when an initial entry into the first starting prize slot 31a or the second starting prize slot 32a, is win / loss information such as whether or not it is a big win, whether or not it is a small win, and whether or not it was hit in a specific short-time change judgment, as well as type information such as the type of big win display, the type of small win display, the type of specific short-time change display, and the type of miss display, but reach information such as whether or not it is in a reach state cannot be grasped. Furthermore, the information that can be grasped by the special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbols, which are displayed as a third information display that changes and stops when an initial prize is entered into the first starting prize slot 31a or the second starting prize slot 32a, is win / loss information such as whether it is a big win or not, whether it is a small win or not, and whether it was a win in the specific short-time change judgment. However, it is not possible to grasp type information such as the type of big win display, the type of small win display, the type of specific short-time change display, and the type of miss display, nor reach information such as whether it is in a reach state or not. In other words, the amount of information shown by each information display during a specific period from the start to the stop of the variation of the decorative diagram (first information display), the decorative diagram auxiliary pattern (second information display), the first and second auxiliary patterns (second information display), and the special 1 and special 2 auxiliary patterns (third information display) is set to be greater for the decorative diagram auxiliary pattern (second information display) and the first and second auxiliary patterns (second information display) than for the special 1 and special 2 auxiliary patterns (third information display), and greater for the decorative diagram (first information display) than for the decorative diagram auxiliary pattern (second information display) and the first and second auxiliary patterns (second information display).

[0119] Here, during the variation of the decorative symbols, the decorative symbol auxiliary symbols (second information display) and the first and second auxiliary symbols (second information display), as well as the special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbols (third information display), all show common symbol information during the variation of the decorative symbols by switching the symbol groups of the auxiliary symbols. In contrast, the information shown when the decorative symbol auxiliary symbols (second information display) and the first and second auxiliary symbols (second information display) are stopped is win / fail information such as whether it is a big win or not, whether it is a small win or not, and whether it was a hit in the specific change / short judgment, as well as type information such as the type of big win display, the type of small win display, the type of specific change / short display, and the type of miss display. The information shown when the special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbols (third information display) are stopped is only win / fail information such as whether it is a big win or not, whether it is a small win or not, and whether it was a hit in the specific change / short judgment. In other words, the information displayed when the decorative auxiliary symbols (second information display) and the first and second auxiliary symbols (second information display) are stopped is different from the information displayed when the special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbols (third information display) are stopped.

[0120] (Information that can be grasped from the pending display and each auxiliary pending display) The performance control CPU 65a (display control CPU 66a) executes display control for the reserve display in the first and second reserve display areas 51 and 52, and display control for multiple types of auxiliary reserve displays in the auxiliary image display area 53 and auxiliary lighting display area 35, based on control signals such as start-up and prize-winning commands from the main control CPU 60a. The player can then obtain reserve information regarding the number of reserves for the decorative pattern variation display as common information from the reserve display and each auxiliary reserve display. However, while the reserve display shown in the first and second reserve display areas 51 and 52 indicates the number of reserves by the number of reserve images displayed, the auxiliary reserve display shown in the auxiliary image display area 53 indicates the number of reserves by displaying a numerical value, and the auxiliary lighting display area 35 indicates the number of reserves by a combination of LEDs that are lit and extinguished, which is less than the upper limit of the number of reserves. Furthermore, the information obtained from the hold displays shown in the first and second hold display areas 51 and 52, the auxiliary hold displays shown in the auxiliary image display area 53, and the auxiliary hold displays shown in the auxiliary lighting display area 35 is common to all. Even if the hold displays shown in the first and second hold display areas 51 and 52 are included in the first information display, the auxiliary hold displays shown in the auxiliary image display area 53 are included in the second information display, and the auxiliary hold displays shown in the auxiliary lighting display area 35 are included in the third information display, the amount of information is still in the order of first information display > second information display > third information display.

[0121] (Regarding the display / hide of decorative images, hold indicators, auxiliary symbols, and auxiliary hold indicators, etc.) The decorative figure display area 50 may become invisible (non-notification state) when a predetermined display effect is performed on the display screen 17a, or the decorative figure change display may become difficult to see (notification restricted state, visibility restricted state) when the movable body 80 in front of the display screen 17a is moved. Similarly, the first and second hold display areas 51 and 52 may become invisible (non-notification state) when a predetermined display effect is performed on the display screen 17a, or the hold display may become difficult to see (notification restricted state, visibility restricted state) when the movable body 80 in front of the display screen 17a is moved. In these cases, the player will not be able to grasp information such as whether or not the decorative figure change display is in progress (symbol information) from the display in the decorative figure display area 50, and will not be able to grasp information such as the number of hold decorative figure change displays (hold information) from the display in the first and second hold display areas 51 and 52. Therefore, during periods when the decorative symbols in the decorative symbol display area 50 are in a non-notification or notification-restricted state, an auxiliary symbol in another display area that shows information (symbol information) common to the decorative symbols displayed in the decorative symbol display area 50 is maintained in a state where it is clearly visible (notification state). Also, during periods when the hold displays in the first and second hold display areas 51 and 52 are in a non-notification or notification-restricted state, an auxiliary hold display (auxiliary hold display) in another display area that shows information (hold information) common to the hold displays displayed in the first and second hold display areas 51 and 52 is maintained in a state where it is clearly visible (notification state).

[0122] In cases where the decorative figure fluctuation display in the decorative figure display area 50 and the hold display in the first and second hold display areas 51 and 52 are in a non-notification or limited notification state, it may be because a reach performance pattern (development reach A performance pattern, development reach B performance pattern, and development reach C performance pattern) corresponding to the decorative figure fluctuation display including the development reach performance has been determined. That is, the decorative figure fluctuation display in the decorative figure display area 50 and the hold display in the first and second hold display areas 51 and 52 will be in a non-notification or limited notification state during the execution period of the development reach A performance, development reach B performance, and development reach C performance. Therefore, the state of the decorative figures, auxiliary symbols, and hold display during the execution period of the decorative figure fluctuation display including the development reach performance will be explained below with reference to Figures 12, 13, and 14. Furthermore, in the decorative figure variation display corresponding to the normal reach performance pattern, the notification state of the decorative figure variation display in the decorative figure display area 50 and the reserve display in the first and second reserve display areas 51 and 52 are maintained during the execution period (first period) of the normal reach performance (first performance), and there is no non-notification state or notification restriction state.

[0123] As shown in Figure 12(a), the decorative symbol variation display, which is performed based on the development reach A performance pattern, has a non-reach period until the decorative symbols are displayed stationary (temporarily stopped) in the left and right decorative symbol areas 50a and 50c of the decorative symbol display area 50, and a reach period from the start of the reach state until the decorative symbols are displayed stopped (confirmed stop). The reach period has a common performance period in which the same background image as the non-reach period is maintained and the performance (common performance) is performed, and a development reach A performance period (second period) in which the development reach A performance (second performance) is performed with a unique background image behind the decorative symbols. Here, Figure 13(a) shows the display contents of the display screen 17a during the development reach A performance period. In the decorative symbol display area 50 of the display screen 17a, the "5" reach symbol is displayed stationary in the left and right decorative symbol areas 50a and 50c, and the group of decorative symbols in the central decorative symbol area 50b is changing. Furthermore, the first reserve display area 51 displays a reserve indicator (two reserve images) indicating that the number of reserves for the decorative pattern variation display based on a starting entry into the first starting prize entry point 31a is "2", and the second reserve display area 52 displays a reserve indicator (no reserve image) indicating that the number of reserves for the decorative pattern variation display based on a starting entry into the second starting prize entry point 32a is "0". Note that the decorative pattern variation display corresponds to the second special pattern variation display, and the first special pattern variation display is not executed.

[0124] In the development reach A sequence, the movable body 80 performs a motion sequence in which it moves back and forth between a standby position 80A and an operating position 80B. This motion sequence involves the movable body 80 passing through an intermediate operating position 80C in front of the decorative figure display area 50, and the visibility of the decorative figure displayed in the decorative figure display area 50 is reduced due to overlap with the movable body 80. Furthermore, when the movable body 80 reaches the operating position 80B, the visibility of the hold indicators displayed in the first and second hold indicator areas 51 and 52 is reduced due to overlap with the movable body 80. In other words, during the development reach A sequence, the decorative figure change display in the decorative figure display area 50 and the hold indicators in the first and second hold indicator areas 51 and 52 are in a notification-restricted state. In contrast, the auxiliary image display area 53 and the auxiliary lighting display area 35 continue to be displayed during the development reach A sequence and do not overlap with the movable body 80. In other words, as shown in Figures 12(a), 13(b), and 13(c), during the development reach A performance period, the display of the decorative auxiliary symbols, the first auxiliary symbols, the second auxiliary symbols, the special 1 auxiliary symbols, and the special 2 auxiliary symbols is kept in a notification state, and it is notified that the decorative symbols are being displayed in a variation state. In addition, the auxiliary reserve displays in the first auxiliary reserve display unit 53d, the second auxiliary reserve display unit 53e, the special 1 auxiliary reserve display unit 35c, and the special 2 auxiliary reserve display unit 35d are kept in a notification state, and the number of reserved decorative symbols is notified.

[0125] As shown in Figure 12(b), the decorative figure variation display executed based on the development reach B performance pattern has a non-reach period and a reach period. The reach period has a common performance period in which the same background image as the non-reach period is maintained and a performance (common performance) is performed, and a development reach B performance period (second period) in which the development reach B performance (second performance) is performed. Here, Figure 14(a) shows the display contents of the display screen 17a during the development reach B performance period. The development reach B performance does not include the movement performance of the movable body 80, but it performs a display performance using almost the entire display area of ​​the display screen 17a. Specifically, an animation of two people fighting is displayed as the development reach B performance in the display area including the decorative figure display area 50 (decorative figure areas 50a, 50b, 50c) and the first and second hold display areas 51, 52 on the display screen 17a. In other words, during the development reach B performance period, the display of the decorative symbols in the decorative symbol areas 50a, 50b, and 50c becomes non-notification mode, and the hold display in the first and second hold display areas 51 and 52 becomes non-notification mode. In contrast, the display control of the auxiliary image display area 53 and the auxiliary lighting display area 35 continues during the development reach B performance period. That is, during the development reach B performance period, as shown in Figure 12(b), the display of the decorative symbol auxiliary symbols, the first auxiliary symbols, the second auxiliary symbols, special 1 auxiliary symbols, and special 2 auxiliary symbols remains in notification mode, notifying that the decorative symbol is being displayed, and the auxiliary hold display in the first auxiliary hold display unit 53d, the second auxiliary hold display unit 53e, special 1 auxiliary hold display unit 35c, and special 2 auxiliary hold display unit 35d remains in notification mode, notifying the number of holds for the decorative symbol display (resulting in the display content of Figures 13(b) and 13(c)).

[0126] As shown in Figure 12(c), the decorative figure variation display executed based on the development reach C performance pattern has a non-reach period and a reach period. The reach period has a common performance period in which the same background image as the non-reach period is maintained and a performance (common performance) is performed, and a development reach C performance period (third period) in which the development reach C performance (third performance) is performed. Here, Figure 14(b) shows the display contents of the display screen 17a during the development reach C performance period. The development reach C performance involves the movement performance of the movable body 80, followed by a display performance that hides (blacks out) the entire display area of ​​the display screen 17a. Therefore, during the first half of the development reach C performance period (during the movement performance of the movable body 80), the decorative figure variation display in the decorative figure areas 50a, 50b, and 50c is in a notification-restricted state, and the hold display in the first and second hold display areas 51 and 52 is also in a notification-restricted state. During the latter half of the development reach C performance period (during the blackout), the display of the decorative symbols in the decorative symbol areas 50a, 50b, and 50c becomes unnotified, and the display of the reserve symbols in the first and second reserve display areas 51 and 52 also becomes unnotified. Furthermore, since the blackout caused by the development reach B performance occurs across the entire display screen 17a, including the auxiliary image display area 53, during the latter half of the development reach C performance period, the decorative symbol auxiliary symbols, first auxiliary symbols, second auxiliary symbols, and auxiliary reserve symbols that can be displayed in the auxiliary image display area 53 also become unnotified, as shown in Figures 12(c) and 14(b). However, the display control of the auxiliary lighting display area 35 continues during the development reach C performance period. That is, during the development reach C performance period, as shown in Figure 12(c), the display of the special 1 auxiliary symbols and special 2 auxiliary symbols remains unnotified, and it is notified that the decorative symbol is being displayed. Furthermore, the auxiliary hold display in the special auxiliary hold display unit 35c and the special auxiliary hold display unit 35d is maintained in a notification state, and the number of holds for the decorative drawing change display is notified.

[0127] In addition, during the jackpot game state (third period) in which the jackpot performance (third performance) is performed, during the minor jackpot game state (third period) in which the minor jackpot performance (third period) is performed, during the high-rank abnormal notification described later, and during the display before the resurgence of the resurgence when power is restored (see Figure 18(b) described later), the decorative figures in the decorative figure display area 50, the reserve displays in the first and second reserve display areas 51 and 52, and the auxiliary symbols and auxiliary reserve displays in the auxiliary image display area 53 are all in a non-notification state, similar to the development reach C performance period, while the auxiliary symbols and auxiliary reserve displays in the auxiliary lighting display area 35 are maintained in a notification state. Furthermore, at the end of the Development Reach A, Development Reach B, and Development Reach C sequences, the first information display, the decorative figure, which is displayed in the decorative figure display area 50; the second information display, the decorative figure auxiliary symbols and the first and second auxiliary symbols, which are displayed in the auxiliary image display area 53; and the third information display, the special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbols, which are displayed in the auxiliary lighting display area 35, are all in a recognizable notification state without overlapping with each other.

[0128] Here, as an effect suggesting the possibility of a big win display, the reach effect performed on the occasion of the reach display shown in the decoration display process of the symbol display device 17, the pseudo continuous preview effect of temporarily stopping the decorations of each decoration area 50a, 50b, 50c a plurality of times continuously in one decoration combination effect, a continuous preview effect (pre-reading preview effect) that enables a plurality of consecutive execution of a variation cycle that takes one time from the start to the stop of the decoration variation, etc. are provided. And, in an effect provided with a temporary stop period for temporarily stopping at least a part of the decorations (display) displayed in the decoration areas 50a, 50b, 50c, such as the reach effect and the pseudo continuous preview effect, during the temporary stop period, while a part of the decoration which is the first information display is temporarily stopped, the decoration auxiliary symbol which is the second information display and the first and second auxiliary symbols maintain the variation display in the notification state, and information (symbol information) indicating that the decoration is in the process of variation can be grasped by the decoration auxiliary symbol and the first and second auxiliary symbols. That is, unlike the case where the decoration variation display in the decoration areas 50a, 50b, 50c is in a notification restriction state or a non-notification state when the operation effect of the movable body 80 or a specific display effect (animation of performing combat, blackout, etc.) is executed, even when an effect provided with a temporary stop period in which it is difficult or impossible to recognize that the decoration is in the process of variation from the decoration is executed, it is configured so that it can be clearly recognized from the decoration auxiliary symbol and the first and second auxiliary symbols that the decoration is in the process of variation. In other words, the information recognizable during the temporary stop period is different between the decoration auxiliary symbol and the first and second auxiliary symbols and the decoration.

[0129] Here, the effects performed on the display screen 17a of the pattern display device 17 include displaying specific images such as characters that are the motif of the pachinko machine 10 to enhance the player's enjoyment. When such effects are performed, the effect control CPU 65a controls the display so that the rotating decorative figures do not interfere with the specific images, by reducing their size or displaying them in a position away from the center of the screen. In such effects, during rotation, for example as shown in Figure 15, the decorative figure display area 50 and the auxiliary image display area 53 may overlap front to back, and some or all of the rotating decorative figures displayed in the decorative figure display area 50 may be hidden by auxiliary figures (decorative figure auxiliary figures, first and second auxiliary figures, etc.) displayed in the auxiliary image display area 53. At the timing when the decorative figures and auxiliary figures overlap in this way, the display mode of the decorative figures may change from type 1 to type 2. Changes in display mode include effects that change the shape of the decorative figures or change the color of the decorative figures, and Figure 15 shows the case where the color of the decorative figures is changed. For example, the color can be changed from white (Figure 15(a)), which is the first type, to red (Figure 15(b)), which is the second type. When the decorative figure and the auxiliary figure overlap, the performance control CPU 65a is configured to control the display of the decorative figure and auxiliary figures so that it can recognize whether the state is changing or stopped based on the auxiliary figures (decorative figure auxiliary figures, first and second auxiliary figures, etc.) displayed in the auxiliary image display area 53, whether the decorative figure is displayed in the first type or the second type.

[0130] The pachinko machine 10, under the control of the main control CPU 60a, generates a low base state (first state) in which playing with the left-handed play style (first play style) is advantageous to the player, and a jackpot play state (second state) and a high base state (second state) in which playing with the right-handed play style (second play style) is advantageous to the player. Furthermore, under the control of the performance control CPU 65a (display control CPU 66a), the machine is configured to display a right-handed play notification performance, which is a notification related to the right-handed play style, in a notification area (not shown) of the display screen 17a during the period from the end of the low base state to the return to normal (transition period). The transition period refers to the period from the end of the jackpot display of the decorative figure variation display in the low base state (end of the low base state) to the start of the first decorative figure variation display in the subsequent low base state (return to the low base state), or from the start of the specific short-time game state in the specific short-time game state judgment to the start of the first decorative figure variation display in the subsequent low base state (return to the low base state). In addition, the pachinko machine 10 is configured to change the display position and content of the right-hand shooting notification display on the display screen 17a in accordance with changes in the situation (changes in display effects, etc.) during the transition period.

[0131] (Regarding error display areas 55a and 55b) Next, with respect to the display screen 17a, the positional relationship between the abnormality notification areas 55a and 55b, which notify that an abnormal condition has occurred in the pachinko machine 10, and the other display areas 50, 51, 52, and 53 will be explained with reference to Figure 16.

[0132] The pachinko machine 10 is configured to detect and notify of multiple types of abnormal conditions (errors). As mentioned above, multiple abnormality detection sensors (not shown) are electrically connected to the main control CPU 60a as abnormality detection means for detecting abnormal conditions, and the main control CPU 60a determines whether or not the abnormal condition is one of multiple types based on the detection signals from each abnormality detection sensor. When the main control CPU 60a determines that an abnormal condition has occurred, an error specification command corresponding to the type of abnormal condition that has occurred is output from the main control CPU 60a to the performance control CPU 65a, and the performance control CPU 65a, upon receiving this error specification command, causes the symbol display device 17 (display screen 17a), etc., to execute an abnormality notification according to the type of abnormal condition. Here, the main control CPU 60a is configured to determine the occurrence of five types of abnormal conditions: first error, second error, third error, fourth error, and fifth error. A priority order for abnormality notification is defined for these abnormal conditions. In this embodiment, the notification priority for the first error is set to be the highest, followed by the second, third, fourth, and fifth errors, in descending order of notification priority.

[0133] As shown in Figure 16, the display screen 17a has multiple low-priority anomaly notification areas 55a that extend horizontally in a band shape, which are set as areas for executing (displaying) low-priority anomaly notifications (first anomaly notifications) for third to fifth errors (low-priority errors) with low notification priority, and a high-priority anomaly notification area 55b that is larger than the low-priority anomaly notification areas 55a is set as areas for executing (displaying) high-priority anomaly notifications (second anomaly notifications) for first and second errors (high-priority errors) with high notification priority.

[0134] The low-rank anomaly notification area 55a is set in a position that does not overlap with the decorative figure display area 50, the first and second hold display areas 51 and 52, and the auxiliary image display area 53 on the display screen 17a. In other words, when low-rank anomaly notification is executed, the change in the display manner of the display screen 17a is smaller compared to high-rank anomaly notification, and the effect of notifying the occurrence of an anomaly is relatively low. However, it can be executed while maintaining the display images such as the decorative figure change display in the decorative figure display area 50, the hold display using hold images in the first and second hold display areas 51 and 52, and the auxiliary symbols and auxiliary hold display in the auxiliary image display area 53 in a notification state.

[0135] In contrast, the high-rank abnormality notification area 55b is approximately the entire display area on the display screen 17a, and is set to occupy a large area including the decorative figure display area 50, the first and second hold display areas 51 and 52, and the auxiliary image display area 53. That is, when high-rank abnormality notification is performed, the decorative figure change display in the decorative figure display area 50, the hold display using hold images in the first and second hold display areas 51 and 52, and the auxiliary symbols and auxiliary hold display in the auxiliary image display area 53 change to a non-notification state. Therefore, it is highly effective in notifying the occurrence of an abnormal state and can reliably inform the player of the occurrence of a high-rank error.

[0136] Here, the aforementioned auxiliary lighting display area 35 is provided separately from the display screen 17a (in the upper right part of the frame-shaped decorative body 25), and there is no need to disable it (display it) in response to changes in the display mode due to abnormal notification on the display screen 17a. For this reason, the performance control CPU 65a is configured to maintain the notification state of the auxiliary symbols and auxiliary hold display in the auxiliary lighting display area 35 even after the start of execution of low-rank abnormal notification or high-rank abnormal notification on the display screen 17a.

[0137] In other words, when a low-rank abnormality notification is performed in the decorative figure display area 50 during a decorative figure variation display, in response to the occurrence of a low-rank error in the notification state of the auxiliary symbols (e.g., decorative figure auxiliary symbols) or auxiliary hold display in the auxiliary image display area 53, the notification state of the decorative figure auxiliary symbols or auxiliary hold display is maintained. On the other hand, when a high-rank abnormality notification is performed in the auxiliary image display area 53 in response to the occurrence of a high-rank error in the notification state of the auxiliary symbols (e.g., decorative figure auxiliary symbols) in the auxiliary image display area 53, the notification state of the decorative figure auxiliary symbols or auxiliary hold display is not maintained and becomes non-notification. However, while either the low-rank abnormality notification or the high-rank abnormality notification is performed, the notification state of the auxiliary symbols (special 1 auxiliary symbols and special 2 auxiliary symbols) or auxiliary hold display in the auxiliary lighting display area 35 is maintained, so the player can obtain information regarding the start-up winning information (whether or not it is a jackpot, etc.).

[0138] (Regarding the display content of various symbols in display areas 50, 53, and 35 when power is restored) Next, the process by which the display content in the pattern display device 17 (decorative pattern display area 50, auxiliary image display area 53) and the auxiliary illuminated display area 35 returns to normal after power is restored will be explained with reference to Figures 17 and 18.

[0139] As shown in Figure 17, when the power supply changes from the off state to the on state (power restoration), the performance control CPU 65a displays an initial recovery display on the display screen 17a of the pattern display device 17 to indicate that the power supply has been restored. In the initial recovery display, for example, as shown in Figure 18(a), a text image that says "Please wait a moment" and a text image that shows version information regarding the control program settings by the performance control CPU 65a are displayed in front of a solid color background. At this point, the auxiliary lighting display area 35 remains in a non-notification state (off state).

[0140] After power is restored, the performance control CPU 65a acquires various information to restore the display contents of the symbol display device 17 and the auxiliary lighting display area 35 based on the input of the series of commands related to power restoration described above, and stores it in the performance control RAM 65c. The information acquired by the performance control CPU 65a in this case includes the type of special symbol (lighting pattern) that was stopped and displayed when the power was lost, the type of special symbol (lighting pattern) that is stopped and displayed as a result of the special symbol variation display when the power was lost, the game state when the power was lost (whether or not the game state was favorable for playing in the right-hand shooting mode), the number of times the special symbol variation was displayed in the high probability state or high base state when the power was lost, and other types of situations when the power was lost. Here, the performance control CPU 65a is configured to be able to identify one of the following types of situations when the power was lost: special symbol stopped (decorative symbol stopped display), special symbol variation (decorative symbol variation display), small win game state, big win game state, or specific short-time variation game state.

[0141] When the performance control CPU 65a receives a series of commands from the main control CPU 60a regarding power restoration, it controls the auxiliary lighting display area 35, which was in an off state, and restores the display in each display unit 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, and 35e of the auxiliary lighting display area 35 from a state specific to power restoration to a normal state (display content based on normal control). At this time, if the power outage occurred while the first special symbol variation display was in progress, the special 1 auxiliary symbol in the special 1 auxiliary symbol display unit 35a is set to a variation state (flashing state), and the special 2 auxiliary symbol in the special 2 auxiliary symbol display unit 35b is set to a stopped state, which was the special 2 auxiliary symbol before the power outage. If the power outage occurred while the second special symbol variation display was in progress, the special 2 auxiliary symbol in the special 2 auxiliary symbol display unit 35b is set to a variation state (flashing state), and the special 1 auxiliary symbol in the special 1 auxiliary symbol display unit 35a is set to a stopped state, which was the special 1 auxiliary symbol before the power outage. Furthermore, if the power is cut off while the non-variable display of Special Figure 1 and Special Figure 2 is in progress, the Special Figure 1 auxiliary symbol display unit 35a will display the Special Figure 1 auxiliary symbol as it was before the power was cut off, and the Special Figure 2 auxiliary symbol display unit 35b will display the Special Figure 2 auxiliary symbol as it was before the power was cut off, both as stopped.

[0142] In contrast, the decorative pattern change display, hold display, auxiliary pattern, and auxiliary hold display displayed on the pattern display device 17 are returned to their normal display content based on the control during normal operation through different processes depending on the type of situation when the power is cut off. That is, before the decorative pattern, hold display, auxiliary pattern, and auxiliary hold display on the display screen 17a return to the notification state, the auxiliary pattern and auxiliary hold display in the auxiliary lighting display area 35 change from a non-notification state (off state) to a notification state.

[0143] If the power outage occurred while the special feature was stopped (displaying a stopped display of the decorative feature), the performance control CPU 65a controls the display content of the symbol display device 17 based on the input of a series of commands related to power restoration, and displays a power restoration indicator on the display screen 17a. This power restoration indicator displays at least the decorative feature using a predetermined combination of power restoration symbols. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 18(d), the decorative feature in the decorative feature display area 50 is displayed using power restoration symbols (for example, a combination of "3", "2", and "1"), the decorative feature auxiliary symbols in the auxiliary image display area 53 are displayed using power restoration symbols (for example, a combination of "3", "2", and "1"), and the first and second auxiliary symbols are displayed using power restoration symbols (for example, "0"). In addition, the power restoration indicator displays a background image corresponding to the performance mode (in the case of "hidden mode", the background image of "hidden 1", which has the lowest expectation level) (the background image is omitted in Figure 18(d)).

[0144] Here, if the power outage occurred while the special feature was stopped (displaying a stopped decorative feature), the commands that can be input from the main control CPU 60a after the series of commands related to power restoration are one of the following: special feature variation pattern specification command, demo command, jackpot start command, minor jackpot start command, and specific variation short start command. Note that the jackpot start command and minor jackpot start command can only be input if the power outage occurred during the variation interval time. When the performance control CPU 65a identifies the type of situation at the time of the power outage as special feature stopped (displaying a stopped decorative feature), it triggers the input of one of the commands that can be input after the series of commands related to power restoration (one of the special feature variation pattern specification command, demo command, jackpot start command, minor jackpot start command, and specific variation short start command) to restore the display screen 17a to the display content based on normal control.

[0145] If the power outage occurred while the special symbol was changing (displaying the decorative symbol), the performance control CPU 65a controls the display content of the symbol display device 17 based on the input of a series of commands related to power restoration, and displays a pre-restoration display on the display screen 17a. The pre-restoration display, for example, displays the text image "Restoring" in front of a monochrome background, as shown in Figure 18(b). After the input of the series of commands related to power restoration, a stop command may be input from the main control CPU 60a. The performance control CPU 65a then displays a power restoration indicator (see Figure 18(d)) on the display screen 17a upon input of this stop command.

[0146] In this case, if the power outage occurred while the special symbol was changing (displaying the decorative symbol), after the change time during the special symbol change (displaying the decorative symbol) has elapsed and the power restoration indicator is displayed, a specific short-time change game state, a minor win game state, or a major win game state may begin. If the display screen 17a is returned to the display content based on normal control at the start of this specific short-time change game state, minor win game state, or major win game state, then the display effects after the return may not correspond to the previous effects, which may cause discomfort or inconvenience. In contrast, in this embodiment, the timing at which the performance control CPU 65a restores the display screen 17a to the display content based on normal control differs depending on whether the type of special symbol variation display (decorative symbol variation display) when the power is cut off is a losing variation that ultimately displays a losing symbol (losing display), a specific short variation that ultimately displays a specific short variation (specific short variation display), a minor win variation that ultimately displays a minor win symbol (minor win display), or a major win variation that ultimately displays a major win symbol (major win display).

[0147] If the power outage occurred during a losing spin, after the stop command is entered (after the power restoration indicator is displayed), either a special symbol variation pattern specification command or a demo command may be entered from the main control CPU 60a. In this case, since no specific short-time spinning game state, minor win game state, or big win game state occurs, the performance control CPU 65a will, upon receiving one of the commands that may be entered after the stop command (either a special symbol variation pattern specification command or a demo command), return the display screen 17a to the display content based on normal control.

[0148] If the power outage occurred during a specific short-term variation, after the stop command is entered (after the power restoration indicator is displayed), a specific short-term variation start command is entered from the main control CPU 60a, and the specific short-term variation game state is started under the control of the main control CPU 60a. However, it is necessary to prevent any inconsistencies or inconveniences regarding the content of the game during the specific short-term variation game state. For this reason, the performance control CPU 65a, upon receiving the specific short-term variation start command, displays the specific short-term variation effects stored as general-purpose effects in the performance control RAM 65c on the display screen 17a. Then, upon receiving the specific short-term variation end command from the main control CPU 60a, the display screen 17a returns to the display content based on normal control.

[0149] If the power outage occurred during a minor win variation, after the stop command is entered (after the power restoration display), a minor win start command is entered from the main control CPU 60a, and the minor win game state is started under the control of the main control CPU 60a. However, it is necessary to prevent any inconsistencies or inconveniences regarding the content of the presentation during the minor win game state. Furthermore, in the minor win game state, players cannot expect to win a large number of prize balls, and informing players of the minor win game state does not benefit them. For this reason, when the main control CPU 60a inputs commands related to the minor win game state (minor win start command, open command, close command, minor win end command (ending command)), the presentation control CPU 65a maintains the power restoration display without changing the content of the display screen 17a. Subsequently, triggered by the input of either the special symbol variation pattern specification command or the demo command from the main control CPU 60a, the display screen 17a returns to the display content based on normal control.

[0150] If the power outage occurred during a jackpot spin, after the stop command is entered (after the power restoration indicator is displayed), a jackpot start command is entered from the main control CPU 60a, and the jackpot game state is started under the control of the main control CPU 60a. However, it is necessary to prevent any inconsistencies or inconveniences regarding the content of the presentation during the jackpot game state. Therefore, the presentation control CPU 65a displays the jackpot presentation stored as a general-purpose presentation in the presentation control RAM 65c on the display screen 17a, triggered by the input of the jackpot start command, open command, and close command. Then, triggered by the input of the jackpot end command (ending command) from the main control CPU 60a, the display screen 17a returns to the display content based on the normal control.

[0151] If a specific short-time game state is interrupted due to a power outage and resumed upon power restoration, returning the display screen 17a to its normal control-based display content during the resumed short-time game may cause inconsistencies or inconveniences, as the display effects after the restoration may not correspond to the previous effects. For this reason, the effects control CPU 65a controls the display content of the symbol display device 17 based on the input of a series of commands related to power restoration, and displays the pre-short-time game state on the display screen 17a. This pre-short-time game state display is, for example, a text image of "Short-Time Game in Progress" displayed in front of a solid-color background. Furthermore, triggered by the input of a short-time game state restart command from the main control CPU 60a, the effects control CPU 65a displays the short-time game state effects stored as general-purpose effects in the effects control RAM 65c on the display screen 17a. Then, triggered by the input of a short-time game state end command from the main control CPU 60a, the display screen 17a is restored to its normal control-based display content.

[0152] If a minor win game state is interrupted due to a power outage and resumed upon power restoration, returning the display screen 17a to its normal control-based display content during the resumed minor win game state may cause discomfort or inconvenience because the display effects after the restoration do not correspond to the previous effects. Furthermore, the minor win game state does not offer the expectation of winning a large number of prize balls, and notifying the player would not benefit them. For this reason, if the power outage occurred during a minor win game state, the effects control CPU 65a controls the display content of the symbol display device 17 based on the input of a series of commands related to power restoration, and displays a power restoration indicator on the display screen 17a. Then, when a command to open, close, or end a minor win game state is input from the main control CPU 60a, the display screen 17a maintains its power-on display without changing its content. Subsequently, triggered by the input of either a special symbol variation pattern specification command or a demo command from the main control CPU 60a, the display screen 17a returns to its normal display content based on the control settings.

[0153] If the first to fifth jackpots are interrupted due to a power outage and resumed after power is restored, if the display screen 17a is restored to its normal control-based display content during the first to fifth jackpots after the restoration, it may cause discomfort or inconvenience because the display effects after the restoration do not correspond to the previous effects. For this reason, the effect control CPU 65a controls the display content of the symbol display device 17 based on the input of a series of commands related to power restoration, and displays the pre-jackpot restoration display on the display screen 17a. This pre-jackpot restoration display is, for example, as shown in Figure 18(c), an image of the words "During Jackpot" in front of a monochrome background. In addition, the effect control CPU 65a displays the jackpot effects stored as general-purpose effects in the effect control RAM 65c on the display screen 17a when it receives the input of the release and closing commands for the first to fifth jackpots from the main control CPU 60a. Then, triggered by the input of a jackpot termination command (ending command) from the main control CPU 60a, the display screen 17a returns to the display content based on the normal control.

[0154] Thus, the performance control CPU 65a is configured to restore the display content of the auxiliary illuminated display area 35 before the timing of the restoration of the display content by the symbol display device 17 (display screen 17a). In other words, with regard to the control of symbol display by the performance control CPU 65a, when power is restored after a power outage, the display content of the special 1 auxiliary symbol and special 2 auxiliary symbol displayed in the special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbol display sections 35a and 35b of the auxiliary illuminated display area 35 is restored first, and thereafter the display content of the decorative symbols displayed in the decorative symbol display area 50 of the display screen 17a, the decorative symbol auxiliary symbols and the display content of the 1st and 2nd auxiliary symbols displayed in the auxiliary image display area 53 of the display screen 17a are restored.

[0155] In the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, if the power outage occurs while a special symbol variation is in progress (display of decorative symbols variation), the special symbol variation (variation of decorative symbols and auxiliary symbols) that was interrupted by the power outage can be resumed upon power restoration. After the power restoration indicator is displayed, the special symbol variation (variation of decorative symbols and auxiliary symbols) can be performed for the remaining variation time. When the power outage occurs while a special symbol variation is in progress (display of decorative symbols variation, during a specific period), this includes cases where the power outage occurs when the display of the decorative symbols (first information display) is in a non-notification state (unrecognizable) (during the execution of a special effect) due to the movement effect of the movable body 80 in the development reach A effect (special effect), the fighting animation effect in the development reach B effect (special effect), or the blackout effect in the development reach C effect (special effect). Thus, even if a power outage occurs when the display of the decorative diagram is in a non-notification state and power is subsequently restored, the performance control CPU 65a restores the display content of the special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbols (third information display) displayed in the auxiliary lighting display area 35, and thereafter controls the display content of the decorative diagram (first information display) displayed in the decorative diagram display area 50 of the display screen 17a, and the display content of the decorative diagram auxiliary symbols and the 1st and 2nd auxiliary symbols (second information display) displayed in the auxiliary image display area 53 of the display screen 17a. In other words, when power is restored, the performance control CPU 65a controls the display time of the special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbols (third information display) to be longer than the display time of other information displays. In this embodiment, the display content of the decorative auxiliary design, the first and second auxiliary designs (second information display), and the decorative design (first information display) are restored simultaneously. However, depending on the difference in the amount of information shown by the designs (decorative designs and auxiliary designs), the display content of the decorative auxiliary design and the first and second auxiliary designs (second information display), which contain less information, may be restored first, followed by the display content of the decorative design (first information display). Furthermore, the display time is the time from when the display content is restored after power is restored until the remaining fluctuation time has elapsed (until the end timing), and the faster the information display content is restored after power is restored, the longer the display time. Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment, the timing of displaying the decorative symbol auxiliary symbols upon power restoration differs depending on whether (A) the special symbol was stopped (decorative symbol stop display) when the power was lost, or (B) the special symbol was changing (decorative symbol change display). However, in both cases (A) and (B), the timing of displaying the decorative symbol and decorative symbol auxiliary symbols is the same. In addition, when power is restored in the pachinko machine 10, the power restoration symbols are displayed in the decorative symbol display area 50 and the auxiliary image display area 53, and in both cases (A) and (B), the types of decorative symbols and decorative symbol auxiliary symbols displayed upon power restoration are the same. Note that by setting the power restoration symbols to a type different from the jackpot symbols, minor jackpot symbols, specific short-term symbols, and losing symbols, it is possible to make the types of decorative symbols and decorative symbol auxiliary symbols displayed upon power restoration the same, but different from the types displayed at the time of power loss. Furthermore, by using the same symbol for both the power restoration symbol and the losing symbol, it is possible to make the user aware that power has been restored by using a different type of losing symbol for the power restoration symbol that was displayed when the power was lost compared to the losing symbol displayed when power was restored. Here, if a power outage occurs while the decorative figure is displaying a reach state, the manner in which the decorative figure and auxiliary decorative figure symbols are displayed upon power restoration is the same as when the power outage occurs while the special figure is changing (displaying the changing decorative figure), and all symbols are displayed in a non-reach state. When power is restored, the entire symbol display device 17 (decorative figure display area 50 and auxiliary image display area 53) is configured to display an initial recovery display and a pre-change return display, and the decorative figure and auxiliary decorative figure symbols are in a non-notification state (not displayed). Therefore, if a power outage occurs while the decorative figure is displaying a reach state, the display upon power restoration is configured to be in a non-reach state, including the non-display of the decorative figure and auxiliary decorative figure symbols and the display of the power restoration symbol.

[0156] (Effect of the example) Next, the actions and effects of the aforementioned embodiments will be explained.

[0157] (Functions and effects related to decorative and auxiliary designs) In the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, the main control CPU 60a (first control unit) acquires start-up entry information (values ​​of various random numbers) when a start-up entry (fulfillment of the judgment condition) occurs in the start-up entry holes 31a and 32a, and performs a special symbol win judgment (win or loss judgment) based on the acquired start-up entry information. The main control CPU 60a controls the special symbol display units Ma and Mb (symbol display units) of the game information display unit M to display special symbol 1, special symbol 2, and hold display as special information displays related to the start-up entry information. Furthermore, the performance control CPU 65a (second control unit), which executes performance control based on commands (control signals) from the main control CPU 60a, controls the display of a decorative diagram as performance information display (first information display) related to the start prize information in the decorative diagram display area 50 (performance information display area) of the display screen 17a (performance display means), and also controls the display of a hold display as performance information in the first and second hold display areas 51 and 52 (performance information display areas) of the display screen 17a (performance display means).

[0158] The auxiliary image display area 53 (first auxiliary information display area) displays decorative auxiliary symbols (first auxiliary information display, second information display) as images, and the auxiliary lighting display area 35 (second auxiliary information display area) displays special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbols (second auxiliary information display, third information display) by lighting up LEDs. In both areas, auxiliary symbols (auxiliary information displays) that indicate symbol information such as the judgment result of the special symbol hit judgment are displayed as information common to the decorative symbols. The auxiliary image display area 53 also displays an auxiliary hold display (first auxiliary information display) that indicates the number of hold displays (hold information) for the decorative symbol variation display as an image, as information common to the hold display, and the auxiliary lighting display area 35 also displays an auxiliary hold display (second auxiliary information display) that indicates the number of hold displays (hold information) for the decorative symbol variation display as information common to the hold display, by lighting up LEDs (in a manner different from the first auxiliary information display).

[0159] In other words, the performance control CPU 65a can notify symbol information such as the result of the special symbol hit judgment by using the decorative symbols displayed in the decorative symbol display area 50, the decorative symbol auxiliary symbols displayed in the auxiliary image display area 53, and the special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbols displayed in the auxiliary lighting display area 35. Furthermore, the performance control CPU 65a can notify the number of pending special symbol hit judgments (pending information) by using the pending displays displayed in the first and second pending display areas 51 and 52, the auxiliary pending displays displayed in the auxiliary image display area 53, and the auxiliary pending displays displayed in the auxiliary lighting display area 35.

[0160] Regarding control during power restoration, the performance control CPU 65a of the pachinko machine 10 controls the display content of the special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbols in the auxiliary lighting display area 35 to return to the display content based on normal control before the timing at which the display content of the decorative symbols returns to the display content based on normal control when a power outage occurs while the decorative symbols on the display screen 17a (decorative symbol display area 50) are changing and at least the display of the changing decorative symbols becomes unrecognizable due to a special effect, and power is subsequently restored. In other words, even if a power outage occurs when the decorative symbols are in an unrecognizable, non-notification state, when power is subsequently restored, the special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbols will first change to a notification state, and the display time of these special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbols will be longer than the display time of the decorative symbols and decorative symbol auxiliary symbols whose display content returns to normal afterward, making it easier for the player to understand what to check in order to obtain information regarding start-up winning information when power is restored. Furthermore, the amount of information displayed by the decorative diagram (first information display), the decorative diagram auxiliary symbols (second information display), the first and second auxiliary symbols (second information display), and the special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbols (third information display) during the variable display is set to a relationship where special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbols (third information display) < decorative diagram auxiliary symbols (second information display) and first and second auxiliary symbols (second information display) < decorative diagram (first information display). In the event of an unforeseen event such as a power outage, the display time for the special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbols (third information display), which have the least amount of information, is set to be the longest when power is restored. This allows players to properly grasp the information regarding the start-up and winning information before power is restored without becoming confused when power is restored.

[0161] Furthermore, even when the decorative figure display area 50 and the auxiliary image display area 53 overlap front to back during the decorative figure change, and the display mode of the decorative figure changes between Type 1 and Type 2, and even when a part of the decorative figure displayed in the decorative figure display area 50 is hidden by auxiliary symbols (decorative figure auxiliary symbols, first and second auxiliary symbols, etc.) displayed in the auxiliary image display area 53, the performance control CPU 65a controls the display of the decorative figure and auxiliary symbols so that it can recognize whether the state is changing or stopped based on the auxiliary symbols (decorative figure auxiliary symbols, first and second auxiliary symbols, etc.) displayed in the auxiliary image display area 53. In other words, while enhancing the entertainment value by executing specific images on the display screen 17a, the player can be properly informed of the necessary information (state) by the auxiliary symbols (decorative figure auxiliary symbols, first and second auxiliary symbols, etc.). Furthermore, by ensuring that the decorative symbols (first information display), decorative symbol auxiliary symbols (second information display), first and second auxiliary symbols (second information display), and special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbols (third information display) do not overlap when they stop, it becomes possible to properly grasp information regarding the start and winning information through the decorative symbols and each auxiliary symbol.

[0162] In the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, when the result of the big win judgment or small win judgment is not a win, it is configured to grant a specific change-short, which is an advantage that can be granted without going through a winning game. When this specific change-short is granted, the decorative diagram stops in a display mode that indicates that the specific change-short has been granted, while the decorative diagram auxiliary symbols (second information display) and the first and second auxiliary symbols (second information display) can be stopped in a display mode different from the mode that indicates a loss. As a result, the player can properly understand that the granted specific change-short is an advantage that is not a win.

[0163] In performances where a temporary stop period is provided for at least some of the decorative figures (displays) displayed in the decorative figure areas 50a, 50b, and 50c, the performance control CPU 65a controls the display so that while some of the decorative figures are temporarily stopped during this temporary stop period, the decorative figure auxiliary symbols and the first and second auxiliary symbols maintain a notification state of variation. In other words, even when a performance is being executed that includes a temporary stop period during which it is difficult or impossible to recognize that the decorative figures are in a state of variation, the information that has become unrecognizable due to the temporary stop of the decorative figures (information on whether or not they are in a state of variation) can be clearly grasped from the decorative figure auxiliary symbols and the first and second auxiliary symbols.

[0164] In the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, the information displayed when the decorative auxiliary symbols (second information display) and the first and second auxiliary symbols (second information display) are stopped is different from the information displayed when the special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbols (third information display) are stopped. However, the performance control CPU 65a controls the display so that, while the decorative symbols are changing, the decorative auxiliary symbols (second information display) and the first and second auxiliary symbols (second information display), as well as the special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbols (third information display), all show common symbol information indicating that the decorative symbols are changing by switching the symbol groups of the auxiliary symbols during the change. In other words, while the decorative symbols are changing, in addition to the decorative symbols themselves, common information indicating that they are changing is also shown by the decorative auxiliary symbols (second information display) and the first and second auxiliary symbols (second information display), as well as the special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbols (third information display), making it easier to grasp the information during the change.

[0165] In the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, the variation patterns of the decorative auxiliary symbols (second information display) displayed in the decorative symbol auxiliary symbol display unit 53a and the variation patterns of the decorative symbols (first information display) displayed in the decorative symbol display area 50 are configured to be different, making it easy to distinguish between the two. Furthermore, in the case of a win in the big win judgment, small win judgment, or specific change-short judgment, the display patterns of the decorative auxiliary symbols (second information display) stopped and displayed in the decorative symbol auxiliary symbol display unit 53a and the display patterns of the decorative symbols (first information display) stopped and displayed in the decorative symbol display area 50 are configured to show the same degree of advantage (type of big win, type of specific change-short, etc.), making it easy for the player to grasp the degree of advantage that has been granted.

[0166] In the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, the display mode of the decorative figures is made different depending on the type of performance mode, so that each performance mode can be given a distinctive feature by the display mode of the decorative figures, and the type of performance mode can be appropriately understood by the display mode of the decorative figures. On the other hand, the display modes of the decorative figure auxiliary figures displayed in the decorative figure auxiliary figure display section 53a of the auxiliary image display area 53, the first and second auxiliary figures displayed in the first and second auxiliary figure display sections 53b and 53c, and the auxiliary hold displays displayed in the first and second auxiliary hold display sections 53d and 53e are configured to be common regardless of the type of performance mode, so that the amount of control data can be reduced.

[0167] In the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, the decorative figure display area 50, the decorative figure auxiliary symbol display section 53a, the special 1 auxiliary symbol display section 35a, and the special 2 auxiliary symbol display section 35b are each configured to display different ways of indicating that the decorative figures and auxiliary symbols are changing, so that the decorative figures and each auxiliary symbol (decorative figure auxiliary symbols, special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbols, etc.) can be easily identified while they are changing.

[0168] The performance control CPU 65a controls the display of changing decorative symbols in the decorative symbol display area 50 to a notification state during the execution period (first period) of the normal reach performance (first performance) based on the normal reach performance pattern. Furthermore, during the development reach A, B performance period (second period) in which the development reach A, B performances (second performance) based on the development reach A performance pattern or development reach B performance pattern are executed, the performance control CPU 65a controls the display of changing decorative symbols in the decorative symbol display area 50 to a notification restricted state or a non-notification state, while the auxiliary decorative symbol in the auxiliary image display area 53 is in a notification state, and the special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbols in the auxiliary lighting display area 35 are in a notification state.

[0169] Here, the performance control CPU 65a controls the decorative figures in the decorative figure display area 50 and the decorative figure auxiliary symbols in the auxiliary image display area 53 to be in a non-notification state during the development reach C performance period (third period) when the development reach C performance (third performance) based on the development reach C performance pattern is executed, but controls the special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbols in the auxiliary lighting display area 35 to be in a notification state. In addition, the performance control CPU 65a also controls the decorative figure fluctuation display in the decorative figure display area 50 and the decorative figure auxiliary symbols in the auxiliary image display area 53 to be in a non-notification state during the jackpot game state (execution period of the jackpot performance) and the minor jackpot game state (execution period of the minor jackpot performance), and controls the special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbols in the auxiliary lighting display area 35 to be in a notification state.

[0170] In other words, in the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment, during the execution period of the normal reach performance (first period), the decorative figure is in a notification state while the normal reach performance is executed, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the game through the normal reach performance, and allowing information regarding the starting prize to be grasped from the content of the decorative figure's display. On the other hand, during the development reach A and B performance period (second period), the operation of the movable body 80 either puts the decorative figure into a notification-restricted state or puts the decorative figure into a non-notification state, but by putting the decorative figure auxiliary symbols and special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbols into a notification state, information regarding the starting prize (common information) can be grasped. Since the decorative figure auxiliary symbols (images) and special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbols (LED lighting) are displayed in different ways, it is easier to grasp information regarding the starting prize in the second period when the decorative figure is in a notification-restricted state or a non-notification state, compared to when only one type of auxiliary symbol is displayed. Furthermore, during the development reach C performance period (third period), even if one of the decorative auxiliary symbols and the special 1 / special 2 auxiliary symbols (in this embodiment, the decorative auxiliary symbol) enters a notification restricted state or a non-notification state, the other (in this embodiment, the special 1 / special 2 auxiliary symbols) remains in a notification state, thus maintaining a state in which information regarding the start winning information can be obtained from the auxiliary symbols.

[0171] The performance control CPU 65a notifies the occurrence of an abnormal state (one of the 1st to 5th errors) of the type corresponding to the error specification command input from the main control CPU 60a. Here, the performance control CPU 65a executes low-priority abnormality notifications (1st abnormality notifications) for the 3rd to 5th errors (1st abnormality), which have a low notification priority, in a low-priority abnormality notification area 55a that does not overlap with the decorative figure display area 50, the 1st and 2nd hold display areas 51, 52 and the auxiliary image display area 53 on the display screen 17a, and executes high-priority abnormality notifications (2nd abnormality notifications) for the 1st and 2nd errors (2nd abnormality), which have a high notification priority, in a high-priority abnormality notification area 55b that overlaps with the decorative figure display area 50, the 1st and 2nd hold display areas 51, 52 and the auxiliary image display area 53 on the display screen 17a. In other words, the performance control CPU 65a executes a low-rank anomaly notification in a manner that maintains the display mode of the auxiliary reserve display using decorative auxiliary symbols or images, in response to the occurrence of any of the 3rd to 5th errors. On the other hand, in response to the occurrence of any of the 1st or 2nd errors, it executes a high-rank anomaly notification in a manner that does not maintain the display mode of the auxiliary reserve display using decorative auxiliary symbols or images. However, while the low-rank anomaly notification and the high-rank anomaly notification are being executed, the performance control CPU 65a controls the system to maintain the auxiliary reserve display using the special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbols and LEDs in the auxiliary lighting display area 35.

[0172] In other words, in the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment, during the execution of low-rank abnormality notification, the notification state for auxiliary reserve display using decorative auxiliary symbols and images in the auxiliary image display area 53 and the notification state for auxiliary reserve display using special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbols and LED lighting in the auxiliary lighting display area 35 are maintained, respectively. Therefore, while notifying the occurrence of the 3rd to 5th errors, it is possible to easily notify information regarding starting prize information. During the execution of high-rank abnormality notification, the notification state for auxiliary reserve display using decorative auxiliary symbols and images in the auxiliary image display area 53 is not maintained, so there is a high degree of freedom in the notification manner of high-rank abnormality notification, and the effect of notifying the occurrence of the 1st and 2nd errors can be enhanced. Furthermore, the auxiliary reserve display using special 1 and special 2 auxiliary symbols and LED lighting in the auxiliary lighting display area 35 is also in a notification state during the execution of high-rank abnormality notification, so even when high-rank abnormality notification is being executed, it is possible to maintain a state in which the player can obtain information regarding starting prize information.

[0173] (Example of change) The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as follows. (1) In the embodiment, the notification restriction state for the decorative diagram and the held display displayed in the decorative diagram display area and the held display area is caused by the movement of the movable body in front of the display screen. However, the notification restriction state for the decorative diagram or the held display may be caused by the presence of other display images that are displayed overlapping on the front side of the display screen. (2) In the embodiment, the auxiliary image display area is used to display the decorative auxiliary pattern, the first auxiliary pattern, and the second auxiliary pattern as auxiliary patterns. However, the decorative auxiliary pattern may not be displayed, and the first auxiliary pattern and the second auxiliary pattern may not be displayed. (3) In the embodiment, auxiliary patterns (decorative auxiliary patterns, first and second auxiliary patterns) and auxiliary hold indicators are displayed in the auxiliary image display area, but either one of the auxiliary patterns or the auxiliary hold indicators may be displayed and the other may not be displayed. Also, in the embodiment, auxiliary patterns (special 1 and special 2 auxiliary patterns) and auxiliary hold indicators are displayed in the auxiliary lighting display area, but either one of the auxiliary patterns or the auxiliary hold indicators may be displayed and the other may not be displayed. (4) In the embodiment, the decorative figure change display and the hold display displayed in the decorative figure display area and the hold display area are in a notification-restricted state during the development reach A performance period and the development reach C performance period. However, the decorative figure change display and the hold display may be hidden (non-notification state) while the movable body is in operation. (5) In the embodiment, an auxiliary image display area (first auxiliary information display area) for displaying auxiliary patterns (second information display) by image is provided in one place on the display screen of the pattern display device that displays decorative drawings, etc. However, if auxiliary image display areas (first auxiliary information display areas) are provided in multiple places, and the auxiliary patterns (second information display) become non-notification or notification restricted in one auxiliary image display area (first auxiliary information display area) due to the operation of the movable body or the effects performed on the display screen, a configuration can be adopted in which the auxiliary patterns (second information display) are displayed in another auxiliary image display area (first auxiliary information display area). (6) In the embodiment, a part of the display screen of the pattern display device that displays decorative patterns, etc., was set as an auxiliary image display area (first auxiliary information display area) for auxiliary display using images (display of auxiliary patterns). However, this auxiliary image display area may be provided on the display screen of a small liquid crystal display device provided separately from the pattern display device, or it may be provided on an LED display, a 7-segment display, or a dot matrix display as an auxiliary lighting display area (first auxiliary information display area) separate from the auxiliary lighting display area described in the embodiment. (7) In the embodiment, an auxiliary lighting display area for auxiliary display by lighting LEDs was provided separately from the display screen of the graphic display device that displays decorative drawings, etc. However, an auxiliary image display area separate from the auxiliary image display area described in the embodiment may be set on the display screen of the graphic display device. In addition, a 7-segment display, dot matrix display, small liquid crystal display, or other display means provided separately from the graphic display device may also be used as the auxiliary lighting display area. (8) In this embodiment, each display unit of the game information display is configured with a predetermined number of LEDs that can be individually controlled to light up, but a 7-segment display, a dot matrix display, a small liquid crystal display, or other display means can be used. (9) In the embodiment, the auxiliary lighting display area is always in a notification state during the execution period of the decorative figure variation display and does not change to a non-notification state or a notification restriction state. However, the auxiliary lighting display area may be changed to a non-notification state or a notification restriction state by, for example, a movable body in response to the execution period of a predetermined performance such as a development reach performance, a big win performance, or a small win performance. (10) In the embodiment, the decorative figures in the decorative figure display area and the auxiliary figures (decorative figure auxiliary figures, first and second auxiliary figures) in the auxiliary image display area are set to a non-notification state during the big win game state or the small win game state, but the notification state may be maintained. For example, during the small win game state or the first and second big wins, at least one of the decorative figures in the decorative figure display area, the auxiliary figures in the auxiliary image display area (decorative figure auxiliary figures, first and second auxiliary figures), and the auxiliary figures in the auxiliary lighting display area (special 1 and special 2 auxiliary figures) may be set to a notification state. (11) In the embodiment, the specific period was defined as the period from the start of the change in the decorative figure to the final stop, but if the change is a winning change, it can be defined as the period from the start of the change in the decorative figure to the end of the winning game. (12) In the embodiment, the specific short-time change display is configured to be different from the miss display, but it can be the same as the miss display. Also, triggered by a win in the specific short-time change judgment, the group of special symbol variation patterns that can be selected during the granted specific short-time change game can be changed from the group of special symbol variation patterns that can be selected before the win. Also, if multiple types of specific short-time changes are set, the group of special symbol variation patterns that can be selected can be different for each type. Also, the stop time when the variation stops can be different for each of the multiple specific short-time changes. (13) The types and number of specific short-term provisions may differ between Special Provision 1 and Special Provision 2. (14) Special 1 and Special 2 auxiliary symbols only need to be able to recognize whether or not the Special 1 and Special 2 auxiliary symbols are in motion, and the stopping display of minor win symbols and specific short-time change symbols may be the same lighting pattern (display pattern) as the big win symbols or losing symbols. (15) In the embodiment, if the power outage occurred while the special symbol was changing (displaying the decorative symbol change), when power was restored, the decorative symbol auxiliary symbols were displayed in a combination of the power restoration symbols. However, they can be displayed in a combination different from the power restoration symbols. In addition, when displaying the decorative symbol auxiliary symbols, it may be determined by lottery whether to display them in a combination of the power restoration symbols or a combination different from the power restoration symbols. [Explanation of symbols]

[0174] 17. Pattern display device (performance display means) 35 Auxiliary lighting display area (effect display means) 60a Main control CPU (first control unit) 65a Performance control CPU (second control unit)

Claims

[Claim 1] In a gaming machine configured to acquire information about the initial win triggered by an initial win, conduct a lottery based on the acquired initial win information, and display information related to the said initial win information, The system is configured to start displaying information that changes when the change start condition is met, and to stop displaying information that changes when the change stop condition is met. The information display includes a first information display as a decorative pattern for performance purposes, a second information display as a decorative pattern auxiliary pattern that displays supplementary information related to the decorative pattern, and a third information display that displays information by the lighting mode of the light-emitting means. During a specific period from the start to the stop of the fluctuation of the aforementioned information display, the amount of information shown by each information display is set such that the amount of information shown by the second information display is greater than that shown by the third information display, and the amount of information shown by the first information display is greater than that shown by the second information display. In the specified period, if a power outage occurs during the execution of a special effect in which at least the first information display becomes unrecognizable, and power is subsequently restored, the display time of the first to third information displays from the time the display content returns after power is restored until the remaining fluctuation time has elapsed shall be configured such that the display time of the third information display, in which the display content returns before the display content of the first and second information displays returns, is longer than the display time of the other information displays, and the display time of the second information display is longer than or equal to the display time of the first information display, in which the display content returns after the display content of the second information display returns. If a power outage occurs while the first information display is in a non-notification state due to the movement of a movable body during the fluctuation display of the first information display, and power is subsequently restored, the timing at which the first and second information displays are restored to their normal control content may differ depending on the type of information related to the lottery result in the information display at the time of the power outage. The timing of the display of the second information display after power restoration may differ depending on whether the information display was stopped or in a variable display state at the time of the power outage. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

Images