Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine that can increase game amusement.SOLUTION: When a new reservation winning occurs between the execution of a second read-ahead performance and the end of a symbol variation that is a read-ahead target of the second read-ahead performance, and the result of a winning / failure determination related to the symbol variation is a failure, the second read-ahead performance can be executed in which the symbol variation related to the new reservation winning is a read-ahead target on the basis of the occurrence of the new reservation winning. For the reservation winning that has occurred during a first period, when a winning game is generated due to the symbol variation without executing the second read-ahead performance in which the symbol variation related to the reservation winning is the read-ahead target, the second read-ahead performance is executed in which the symbol variation related to the reservation winning is the read-ahead target. The expectation that the winning game is a second winning game is higher than the expectation that the winning game is generated due to the symbol variation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] Some gaming machines typified by pachinko machines perform prediction presentations.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Such prediction presentations are adopted in various models to improve the interest of the game, but there is still room for improvement in their control.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a gaming machine capable of executing control related to a novel prediction presentation to further improve the interest of the game.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to execute a symbol variation accompanied by a success / failure determination, and according to the result of the success / failure determination Derive the corresponding symbol display result, and derive the symbol display result related to the symbol variation.A gaming machine capable of generating a winning game later, wherein the winning game includes a first winning game and a second winning game which is more advantageous than the first winning game, and is capable of executing a first pre-reading effect and a second pre-reading effect, wherein the first pre-reading effect may be executed multiple times between the time the symbol variation that is the target of the pre-reading effect of the first pre-reading effect is put on hold and the start of the symbol variation, and the second pre-reading effect includes an effect in which at least a specific lamp lights up in a specific color pattern, and is executed once between the time the symbol variation that is the target of the pre-reading effect of the second pre-reading effect is put on hold and the start of the symbol variation, When a reserved win occurs and the second pre-reading effect, which targets the symbol variation related to the reserved win, is not executed, the specific lamp lights up in a color pattern different from the specific color pattern, or the specific lamp does not light up, and when a reserved win occurs and the second pre-reading effect, which targets the symbol variation related to the reserved win, is executed, the probability of the winning game occurring after the derivation of the symbol display result related to the symbol variation is higher than the probability of the winning game occurring after the derivation of the symbol display result related to the symbol variation when a reserved win occurs and the second pre-reading effect, which targets the symbol variation related to the reserved win, is not executed. If a new winning combination occurs between the time the first pre-read animation is performed and the time when the symbol change that is the target of the pre-read animation for the first pre-read animation ends, and the symbol change is related to that new winning combination Design Display When the result is a miss, the execution of the first pre-announcement effect, which targets the symbol change related to the new reserved win, is restricted at least until the symbol change in that case ends, and a new reserved win occurs between the time the second pre-announcement effect is executed and the symbol change that is the target of the pre-announcement effect of the second pre-announcement effect ends, and the symbol change related to that case Design Display When the result is a miss, the second pre-announcement performance may be executed based on the occurrence of the new reserved prize, and when a reserved prize occurs in a situation where the execution of the new first pre-announcement performance in the first period is restricted, and the second pre-announcement performance that pre-announces the symbol variation related to the reserved prize is not executed and the winning game occurs due to the symbol variation, the probability that the winning game is the second winning game is higher than when the second pre-announcement performance that pre-announces the symbol variation related to the reserved prize is executed and the winning game occurs due to the symbol variation, and a new reserved prize occurs between the start of the first pre-announcement performance and the end of the symbol variation that is the target of the pre-announcement performance, and the symbol variation related to Design Display A gaming machine is provided, characterized in that when the result is a loss, the second pre-announcement effect may be executed, which pre-announces the symbol changes related to the new reserved win based on the occurrence of the new reserved win. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a gaming machine is provided that can further enhance the enjoyment of the game by performing control related to pre-announcement effects that are not common in the past. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view of the gaming machine. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the pattern display device installed in area II shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a bird's-eye view showing the group of control buttons and their surroundings located in area III shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a game board installed inside a gaming machine. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a rear view of the gaming machine. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of a gaming machine. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a gaming machine. [Figure 8] Figure 8(a) schematically shows a lottery table for determining whether a special symbol win or loss occurs; Figure 8(b) schematically shows a lottery table for determining the stopping symbols used when a big win is determined in the special symbol win or loss determination for special symbol 1; Figure 8(c) schematically shows a lottery table for determining the stopping symbols used when a small win is determined in the special symbol win or loss determination for special symbol 2; and Figure 8(d) schematically shows a lottery table for determining the stopping symbols used when a big win is determined in the special symbol win or loss determination for special symbol 2. [Figure 9] Figure 9(a) schematically shows the special symbol variation pattern lottery table used for symbol variation related to special symbol 1 when special symbol variation pattern derivation state PA, and Figure 9(b) schematically shows the special symbol variation pattern lottery table used when special symbol variation pattern HNP is determined in symbol variation related to special symbol 1 when special symbol variation pattern derivation state PA. [Figure 10]Figure 10(a) schematically shows the special symbol variation pattern lottery table used for symbol variation related to special symbol 2 when the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB is active, and Figure 10(b) schematically shows the special symbol variation pattern lottery table used when the special symbol variation pattern HNP is determined in the symbol variation related to special symbol 2 when the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB is active. [Figure 11] Figure 11(a) schematically shows the special symbol variation pattern lottery table used for symbol variations related to special symbol 2 when the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC is active, and Figure 11(b) schematically shows the special symbol variation pattern lottery table used when the special symbol variation pattern HNP is determined in the symbol variations related to special symbol 2 when the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC is active. [Figure 12] Figure 12(a) is a state transition diagram showing the transitions between the states for which the special pattern variation is derived, and Figure 12(b) is a diagram showing the relationship between the average variation time for each state for which the special pattern variation is derived. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows the flow of the pre-announcement effect control process. [Figure 14] Figures 14(a) to 14(c) schematically show the lottery table used in the lottery for the type of pre-announcement performance. [Figure 15] Figures 15(a) to 15(c) schematically show the lottery table used in the lottery for the type of pre-announcement performance. [Figure 16] Figures 16(a) to 16(c) show specific examples of the pattern prediction effect. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows the flow of the pattern pre-reading effect control process. [Figure 18] Figure 18 schematically shows the lottery table used for the lottery related to the symbol pre-reading effect in the symbol pre-reading effect control processing. [Figure 19] Figures 19(a) and 19(b) show the flow of events in which cut-in animations occur during development sequences. Figure 19(a) shows the flow of events related to weak cut-in animations, and Figure 19(b) shows the flow of events related to strong cut-in animations. [Figure 20]FIG. 20(a) is a diagram showing the flow of the cut-in effect control process, and FIG. 20(b) is a diagram schematically showing the lottery table used for the lottery related to the development effect. [Figure 21] FIG. 21(a) shows a specific example of the notification executed when transitioning from the period where the rotation speed in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC is 1 to 15 to the period where the rotation speed in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC is 16 to 65, and FIG. 21(b) shows a specific example of the notification executed when transitioning from the period where the rotation speed in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC is 16 to 65 to the period where the rotation speed in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC is 66 to 80.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description will be omitted as appropriate. Also, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, "front", "rear", "left", "right", "upper", and "lower" refer to the state of viewing the gaming machine 10 from the front side (the player side) as shown in FIG. 1. Note that "advantageous (degree of advantage)" in the following description means being advantageous to the player, and further, unless otherwise specified, it means being advantageous with respect to the amount of acquired prize balls (game media) (including not only the payout of game balls but also the payout of medals) excluding the effect aspect such as so-called premium images.

[0010] <Regarding the Features of the Present Invention> Before explaining the details of the gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment, the features of the invention (the present invention) described in the present embodiment will be explained. In explaining the said features, the configurations in parentheses are examples of the configurations of the present embodiment corresponding to the immediately preceding configurations, and the configurations may be described in parentheses for the same purpose in the description of the gaming machine 10 after the said explanation.

[0011] The present invention is A gaming machine capable of performing symbol changes accompanied by a win / loss determination, and capable of generating a winning game after the completion of the symbol changes related to the win / loss determination based on the result of the win / loss determination, The above winning games include the first winning game (a jackpot game with 4 rounds) and the second winning game (a jackpot game with 10 rounds), which is more advantageous than the first winning game. The first pre-announcement effect (symbol pre-announcement effect) and the second pre-announcement effect (pre-notification effect such as red flashing) can be executed. If, between the execution of the first pre-announcement sequence and the completion of the symbol variation that is the target of the pre-announcement sequence, a new reserved ball is awarded, and the result of the above-mentioned win / loss judgment related to that symbol variation is a loss, then the execution of the first pre-announcement sequence that targets the symbol variation related to that new reserved ball is restricted at least until the completion of that symbol variation. If, between the execution of the second pre-announcement sequence and the completion of the symbol variation that is the target of the pre-announcement sequence, a new reserved ball is won, and the result of the win / loss judgment related to that symbol variation is a loss, then the second pre-announcement sequence may be executed based on the occurrence of the new reserved ball, with the symbol variation related to that new reserved ball being the target of the pre-announcement sequence. With respect to a reserved ball entry that occurred during the first period (the period when the number of rotations in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC is 16 to 65), if the above-mentioned second pre-reading effect, which targets the symbol variation related to the reserved ball entry, is not executed and the above-mentioned winning game occurs as a result of that symbol variation, the expectation that the winning game is the above-mentioned second winning game is higher than when the above-mentioned second pre-reading effect, which targets the symbol variation related to the reserved ball entry, is executed and the above-mentioned winning game occurs as a result of that symbol variation. If a new reserved ball is awarded between the start of the first pre-announcement sequence and the end of the symbol variation that is the target of the pre-announcement in the first pre-announcement sequence, and the result of the above-mentioned hit / fail judgment related to that symbol variation is a miss, then the second pre-announcement sequence may be executed based on the occurrence of the new reserved ball, with the symbol variation related to that new reserved ball being the target of the pre-announcement. This is a gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0012] According to the present invention, the expectation that the second pre-announcement effect will not be executed when a pending prize is won (that if a winning game occurs, that winning game is the second winning game) is increased by the number of spins during the first period. In this period, the expectation that the second pre-announcement effect will not be executed is suppressed while the expectation that the second pre-announcement effect will not be executed is increased. This contributes to further improving the enjoyment of the game by implementing unprecedented control related to the pre-announcement effect. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the effect of improving the enjoyment of the game through the second pre-announcement effect described above can be further enhanced.

[0013] In this invention, the restriction of the performance means not only that the performance is not performed during the target period (i.e., the performance is restricted), but also that the probability of the performance being performed during the target period is lower than the probability of the performance being performed during periods other than the target period.

[0014] Furthermore, in this invention, the control method for realizing the phenomena described in the invention is not limited, as long as the phenomena described in the invention are guaranteed.

[0015] Furthermore, while the gaming machine according to this embodiment, which will be described later, is a pachinko machine that dispenses actual game balls as prize balls, the gaming machine according to the present invention may also be a pachinko machine that assigns prize balls as electronic data (a so-called smart pachinko machine).

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

[0017] <About the structure of gaming machine 10> First, the structure of the gaming machine 10 will be explained using Figures 1 to 5. Figure 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 10, Figure 2 shows the pattern display device 90 located in area II shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a bird's-eye view showing the group of operation buttons and their surroundings located in area III shown in Figure 1, Figure 4 shows the game board 50 installed inside the gaming machine 10, and Figure 5 is a rear view of the gaming machine 10. The configurations shown in Figures 1 to 5 are merely those necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, and configurations and functions not shown herein may be added to the gaming machine 10. Furthermore, the gaming machine 10 does not necessarily have to include all of the configurations shown herein, and some configurations or functions may be omitted as long as they do not hinder the effects of the present invention.

[0018] The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is a so-called pachinko machine, and it plays a game in which a game ball is launched into the front area (hereinafter referred to as the "game area 50a") of a game board 50 on which a large number of game pins (not shown) are erected, and when the game ball enters a prize pocket (for example, a large prize pocket 55, etc.), the player receives prize balls. In the following description, when a game ball enters a prize pocket, it may be simply referred to as "entering (a prize pocket) to win a prize."

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

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

[0021] The front frame 20 is supported by a hinge mechanism 21 so as to be able to rotate around its left end and open and close relative to the middle frame 17. The front frame 20 can be locked and unlocked by a cylinder lock 23 (by inserting a door key into the cylinder lock 23 and turning the door key in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction of the middle frame 17 (to the left in this embodiment)). Furthermore, the front frame 20 is equipped with a transparent member 25 positioned to cover the game area 50a, and the transparent member 25 provides transparent protection for the game area 50a and the game board 50. Furthermore, the front frame 20 is equipped with an upper ball receiving tray 27 and a lower ball receiving tray 29 for storing game balls, and the upper ball receiving tray 27 and the lower ball receiving tray 29 are spaced apart vertically and integrally provided with the front frame 20. In this embodiment, a full-capacity detection sensor (not shown) for detecting when the lower ball receiving tray 29 is full with discharged game balls is provided upstream of the lower discharge port 30 that discharges game balls into the lower ball receiving tray 29. Furthermore, the front frame 20 is equipped with an operating handle 31 on the right side of the lower ball receiving tray 29, and by rotating the operating handle 31, the game balls stored in the upper ball receiving tray 27 are launched toward the game area 50a.

[0022] Although not shown in Figures 1 to 5, the middle frame 17 has a middle frame open sensor 76 that detects whether the middle frame 17 is open or closed relative to the outer frame 15, and a front frame open sensor 77 that detects whether the front frame 20 is open or closed relative to the middle frame 17. In this embodiment, both of these open sensors are ON when open and OFF when closed. However, these open sensors may be configured to be OFF when open and ON when closed. This allows the gaming machine 10 to detect both the open / closed state of the middle frame 17 relative to the outer frame 15, and the open / closed state of the front frame 20 relative to the middle frame 17.

[0023] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, a group of operation buttons operated by the player is arranged on the upper surface of the upper ball receiving tray 27. This group of operation buttons includes a main operation unit 39 electrically connected to the main control board 100 (described later), which includes a ball dispensing button 39a and a return button 39b for accepting prepaid card return operations. It also includes an effect button 37 electrically connected to the first sub-control board 200 (described later), which can accept player operations to switch between effects that occur during gameplay or to obtain various information related to the gaming machine 10, and cursor buttons 38 (up cursor button 38a, down cursor button 38b, left cursor button 38c, right cursor button 38d, middle cursor button 38e) for instructing operations up, down, left, and right, respectively. Each operation unit is equipped with a sensor to detect operations, and the connected control board detects the operation of each operation unit by changes in the detection state of the sensor.

[0024] Furthermore, a movable decorative body 22, which is operated (vibrates) by an actuator such as a motor (not shown), is provided on the side of the upper ball receiving tray 27. In addition, a lamp made of full-color LEDs is provided inside the movable decorative body 22, and when this lamp lights up in accordance with the operation of the actuator, the movable decorative body 22 lights up, making it easy to recognize that the movable decorative body 22 is in operation. As will be explained in more detail later, in this embodiment, a predictive effect is performed using the movable decorative body 22.

[0025] The lower part of the lower ball receiving tray 29 is provided with a ball removal mechanism 36 that discharges the game balls stored in the lower ball receiving tray 29 downwards. By operating this ball removal mechanism 36, a bottom opening (not shown) formed on the bottom surface of the lower ball receiving tray 29 opens, and the game balls fall naturally out through this bottom opening and are discharged. Although not shown in the diagram, the upper ball tray 27 is equipped with a mechanism, similar to the ball removal mechanism 36, that, when operated, moves the stored balls to the lower ball tray 29. By operating both this mechanism and the ball removal mechanism 36, the stored balls can be discharged.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, a pair of speakers 33 (33a, 33b) are provided on the left and right sides of the upper frame portion 32 of the front frame 20, respectively. The upper frame portion 32 and the left and right side frame portions 34a, 34b of the front frame 20 are formed by light-transmitting covers, and frame lamps 35 (35a, 35b, 35c) are provided inside them, respectively. The speakers 33 and frame lamps 35 can emit sound or light up or turn off in conjunction with effects or error notifications that occur during gameplay.

[0027] The display device 80 consists of a main display unit 81 located approximately in the center of the game board 50, and sub-display units 82 located around the main display unit 81. The sub-display units 82 further include an upper sub-display unit 82a located above the main display unit 81, a left sub-display unit 82b located to the left of the main display unit 81, and a right sub-display unit 82c located to the right of the main display unit 81. Here, the main display unit 81 is a fixed liquid crystal display device, while the upper sub-display unit 82a, left sub-display unit 82b, and right sub-display unit 82c are movable liquid crystal display devices operated by actuators such as motors (not shown).

[0028] The main display unit 81 can display the changing display of the symbol sequence, which is performed in conjunction with the changing display in the first special symbol display device 91 or the second special symbol display device 92, which will be described later, and can also display various other effects. In the display of the pattern sequence (decorative pattern) shown on the main display unit 81, the displayed decorative pattern consists of three pattern sequences. In this embodiment, the direction of the display of each pattern sequence is downward, but this direction is not particularly limited. For example, it may be upward, left or right, in the depth direction, or a combination of these (diagonal direction). Here, the depth direction refers to the virtual direction perceived by the player in a display configuration that uses a method (for example, perspective) that makes it appear as if the pattern sequence is moving from the back to the front or vice versa, even though it is actually a two-dimensional, fluctuating display on the display screen of the main display unit 81. Furthermore, the decorative patterns in this embodiment include "Pattern 1" which resembles the number "1", "Pattern 2" which resembles the number "2", "Pattern 3" which resembles the number "3", "Pattern 4" which resembles the number "4", "Pattern 5" which resembles the number "5", "Pattern 6" which resembles the number "6", "Pattern 7" which resembles the number "7", "Pattern 8" which resembles the number "8", and "Pattern 9" which resembles the number "9", and these patterns are provided in each pattern row.In the following description, "Pattern 1", "Pattern 3", "Pattern 5", "Pattern 7", and "Pattern 9" may be collectively referred to as "odd-number patterns", and "Pattern 2", "Pattern 4", "Pattern 6", and "Pattern 8" may be collectively referred to as "even-number patterns".

[0029] Each of the sub-display units 82 is not only provided for displaying performance images related to the performance, but is also configured to be movable. The initial positions of the sub-display units are as follows: the upper sub-display unit 82a is above the main display unit 81; the left sub-display unit 82b is to the left of the main display unit 81; and the right sub-display unit 82c is to the right of the main display unit 81. Each sub-display unit 82 is configured to be movable from these initial positions until the entire display area of ​​the sub-display unit 82 overlaps with the display area of ​​the main display unit 81. However, even in the initial positions shown in Figure 4, approximately the upper half of the display area (the left display area 821 and the right display area 822, described later) of the sub-display units 82 (especially the left sub-display unit 82b and the right sub-display unit 82c) is visible to the player.

[0030] Multiple light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are arranged on the lower right side of the main display unit 81. These LEDs constitute the display area of ​​the pattern display device 90, which displays special patterns and regular patterns. Furthermore, the symbol display device 90 is positioned in a location that is less visible to the player than the main display unit 81, and the display area of ​​the symbol display device 90 is smaller than the display area of ​​the main display unit 81. In this embodiment, the arrangement and number of LEDs in the pattern display device 90 are as shown in Figure 2, but this is just one example, and the arrangement and number of LEDs in the pattern display device 90 are not limited to this example.

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

[0032] A normal symbol is a symbol that is displayed when stopped as a result of a symbol variation that determines whether or not to activate a normal electric mechanism (for example, a normal electric mechanism 61). In this embodiment, the normal symbols are displayed on the normal symbol display device 93. In addition, regular symbols are sometimes abbreviated as "regular symbols," and regular electric mechanisms are sometimes referred to as "electric chute."

[0033] In addition to the display device described above, the symbol display device 90 is also equipped with a first special symbol hold lamp 94, a second special symbol hold lamp 95, and a regular symbol hold lamp 96. The first special symbol hold lamp 94 can identify the number of symbol changes related to the held special symbol 1, the second special symbol hold lamp 95 can identify the number of symbol changes related to the held special symbol 2, and the normal symbol hold lamp 96 can identify the number of symbol changes of the held normal symbol. In each case, the number of corresponding symbol changes can be identified by the lighting patterns of the two LEDs (in this embodiment, right LED always lit = 1, left and right LEDs always lit = 2, right LED flashing + left LED always lit = 3, left and right LEDs flashing = 4).

[0034] In the following explanation, a symbol variation in which a special symbol is displayed in a variable state on the first special symbol display device 91 or the second special symbol display device 92 and then stopped will be referred to as a "special symbol variation," and in the following explanation, a symbol variation in which a normal symbol is displayed in a variable state on the normal symbol display device 93 and then stopped will be referred to as a "normal symbol variation." Furthermore, in the following explanation, the display of the changing patterns (decorative patterns) shown in the main display unit 81 mentioned above may be referred to as "decorative pattern changes" to distinguish them from "special pattern changes" and "regular pattern changes." In the following explanation, when the term "symbol variation" is used, it refers to the variation of the special symbols unless otherwise specified.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, numerous obstacles such as game pins (not shown), windmills 52, and decorative members are arranged on the front of the game board 50, thereby defining the game area 50a so that the launched game balls roll along it. Furthermore, curved outer rails 51 and inner rails 53 are positioned on the left and upper sides of the game area 50a to guide the game balls, launched by the rotation of the operating handle 31, to the upper part of the game area 50a. The outer rail 51 is located outside the inner rail 53 with respect to the center of the game area 50a. Here, the windmill 52 is a mechanism for changing the direction of the game ball's fall, and is nail-shaped.

[0036] The gaming machine 10 allows the player to adjust the strength of the ball launch by changing the amount of rotation (for example, the rotation angle) of the operating handle 31. Various obstacles are arranged in the gaming area 50a so that the balls roll along either a first channel X (so-called left-handed play) where the balls are launched weaker, or a second channel Y (so-called right-handed play) where the balls are launched stronger.

[0037] Figure 4 illustrates the main prize-winning openings, including the Grand Prize Opening 55, the First Starting Opening 57, the Second Starting Opening 59, Gate 63, and the General Prize-Winning Opening 67. However, the prize-winning openings shown are just an example, and their number and arrangement may be changed as appropriate.

[0038] The large prize slot 55 is located in the lower right of the game area 50a. The large prize slot 55 is equipped with a large prize slot sensor 72, and a prize is determined by the detection result of the large prize slot sensor 72, and a number of prize balls (15 in this embodiment) associated with the large prize slot 55 are awarded. In this embodiment, the obstacles are arranged such that more game balls roll towards the large prize opening 55 when rolling from the second channel Y compared to when rolling from the first channel X.

[0039] A special electric mechanism 65 is installed above the large prize opening 55. The special electric mechanism 65 is a component that can switch between an open state, which makes it easy for balls to enter the large prize opening 55, and a closed state, which makes it difficult for balls to enter. The special electric mechanism solenoid 66 switches between the open state and the closed state. More specifically, the special electric mechanism 65 opens during a portion of a jackpot game initiated when a jackpot is determined by the special symbol win / failure determination described later, or during a portion of a minor win game initiated when a minor win is determined by the special symbol win / failure determination, thereby allowing balls to enter the large prize pocket 55. Thus, when the special electric mechanism 65 is open, it becomes easier for balls to enter the large prize pocket 55, and jackpot games and minor win games in which the opportunity to win prize balls is greatly increased can be said to be advantageous game states. Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, minor win games in this embodiment can generate jackpot games. In a jackpot game, the special electric mechanism 65 is alternately set to an open state and a closed state. One open state (sometimes referred to as a "round game," and the total number of round games that occur in one jackpot may be referred to as the "number of rounds") ends when a predetermined number of game balls (10 in this embodiment) enter the large prize pocket 55, and the special electric mechanism 65 closes. Furthermore, one open state in a jackpot game also ends when a sufficient amount of time (30 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed for a predetermined number of game balls to enter the large prize pocket 55. On the other hand, in a minor win game, the game ends when the special electric mechanism 65 remains open for 1.8 seconds, or when 10 game balls enter the large prize slot 55. Therefore, in a minor win game, it is less likely for game balls to enter the large prize slot 55 compared to a major win game. In this embodiment, when a jackpot game or a minor jackpot game begins, a start demo is set that ends after a set amount of time. Upon completion of the start demo, a round game (or a minor jackpot game in the case of a minor jackpot) begins, and when all round games have finished, an end demo is set that ends after a set amount of time. In other words, in this embodiment, a jackpot game (including those that occur during a minor jackpot game) consists of a start demo, a round game, and an end demo, and the jackpot game progresses in this order.

[0040] The first start opening 57 is located in the lower center of the game area 50a. The first start opening 57 is equipped with a first start opening sensor 70, and a prize is awarded based on the detection result of the first start opening sensor 70, with a number of prize balls (4 in this embodiment) associated with the first start opening 57 being awarded. In at least some cases when a prize is determined to have been awarded to the first start opening 57, a symbol change related to special figure 1 will occur. In this embodiment, the game area 50a is configured such that, compared to when the game balls roll from the second channel Y, more game balls roll towards the first starting opening 57 when they roll from the first channel X. Obstacles such as game pins are arranged accordingly.

[0041] The second starting port 59 is located in the lower right of the game area 50a. The second starting port 59 is equipped with a second starting port sensor 71, and based on the detection result of the second starting port sensor 71, it is determined that a ball has entered the second starting port 59, and a number of prize balls (1 in this embodiment) associated with the second starting port 59 are awarded. In at least some cases where a win is determined in the second starting gate 59, a symbol change related to special figure 2 will occur. In this embodiment, the game area 50a is configured such that, compared to when the game balls roll from the first channel X, more game balls roll towards the second starting opening 59 when they roll from the second channel Y, with obstacles such as game pins arranged accordingly.

[0042] A standard electric mechanism 61 is installed in the flow path connected to the second starting port 59. The standard electric mechanism 61 is a component that can switch between an open state, which facilitates the entry of game balls into the second starting port 59, and a closed state, which makes it difficult for game balls to enter. The standard electric mechanism solenoid 62 switches between the open state and the closed state. More specifically, the standard electric mechanism 61 opens when the result of the standard symbol win / loss determination described later is a standard symbol win (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "standard symbol win"), and as a result, entry into the second start opening 59 is permitted. In this way, when the standard electric mechanism 61 is open, entry into the second start opening 59 is possible, so the number of game balls can be reduced by prize balls, while the opportunities for the symbol changes related to special symbol 2 to be executed can be greatly increased.

[0043] Gate 63 is located in the right-center of the game area 50a. Gate 63 is equipped with a gate sensor 74, and a win in gate 63 is determined by the detection result of the gate sensor 74. In at least some cases when a win in gate 63 is determined, the symbols on the regular display will change.

[0044] The general prize slot 67 is located in the lower left of the game area 50a. The general prize slot 67 is equipped with a general prize slot sensor 73, and a prize is awarded to the general prize slot 67 based on the detection result of the general prize slot sensor 73, according to the number of prize balls associated with the general prize slot 67 (4 in this embodiment). In this embodiment, the obstacles are arranged so that more game balls roll towards the general prize opening 67 when rolling from the first channel X compared to when rolling from the second channel Y. However, the obstacles may also be arranged so that more game balls roll towards the general prize opening 67 when rolling from the second channel Y. Furthermore, multiple general prize openings 67 may be provided.

[0045] The out-out opening 69 is located at the bottom of the game area 50a. Game balls that are hit into the game area 50a and do not enter any of the aforementioned prize-winning openings fall into the out-out opening 69 and are treated as out balls. In this embodiment, an out ball sensor 75 (not shown) is provided for detecting out balls, which are game balls that have entered the prize entry and out exit 69.

[0046] In addition to the sensors mentioned above, the game board 50 is also equipped with a magnetic detection sensor for detecting magnetism and a radio wave detection sensor for detecting radio waves (neither of which are shown in the diagram) to prevent fraudulent activities such as receiving prize balls illegally.

[0047] As shown in Figure 5, the back of the game board 50 is fitted with a main control board case 109 housing the main control board 100, a first sub-control board case 209 housing the first sub-control board 200, a second sub-control board case 309 housing the second sub-control board 300, a power supply control board case 509 housing the power supply control board 500, and a payout control board case 409 housing the payout control board 400. In addition to the backs of the first sub-control board case 209 and the second sub-control board case 309, an opening / closing cover 45 is detachably attached to cover a portion of the back of the main control board case 109. Furthermore, the main control board 100 is provided with a RAM clear switch 43. Furthermore, the circuit board cases and covers that enclose each circuit board are made of transparent materials, allowing the corresponding circuit board to be seen through each case and cover.

[0048] Furthermore, on the back of the game board 50, above the opening / closing cover 45, is a game ball tank 46 where game balls supplied from the game island's ball supply equipment are stored. The game ball tank 46 is further connected to a payout passage 49 that leads to an upper ball tray 27 via a tank rail 47 and a payout unit 48. Balls dispensed by the payout unit 48 are dispensed to the upper ball tray 27 through the payout passage 49.

[0049] Up to this point, the structure of the gaming machine 10 in this embodiment has been described, but these are just examples, and the present invention can also be implemented with other configurations.

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

[0051] The main control board 100 includes a CPU 101 that performs various calculations related to the game, a ROM 102 that stores data such as control programs and various lottery tables, a RAM 103 that functions as a work area for temporary storage and buffer memory, an I / O port 104 that inputs and outputs signals to and from peripheral boards and various devices, and a random number circuit 105 that generates random numbers (hardware random numbers) operating on a separate system from the program processing by the CPU 101, and these are all interconnected via an internal bus.

[0052] The CPU 101 reads various control programs stored in the ROM 102 and performs calculations to execute various processes related to the main control of the game. RAM103 is backed up by a backup power supply generated by the backup power supply circuit described later. Specifically, among the information stored in RAM103, various information is backed up so that when power is restored after a power outage (when power is turned on), the gaming machine 10 can be restored to the state it was in immediately before the power outage. For example, in addition to data such as the stack pointer and each register that was held when the power outage occurred, information related to the game, such as the state of the gaming machine 10 at that time (game stopped state or playable state) and the current normal symbol lottery state, is backed up. This information is cleared (initialized) by the RAM clear process described later. Therefore, after the RAM is cleared, the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PA (normal symbol low probability described later) will be newly set. Furthermore, when the RAM clear process is executed, the symbol sequence related to decorative symbols will be displayed in a stopped state with the initial symbol combination, and the initial symbol combination will also be displayed in a stopped state if the RAM clear process is not executed when power is turned on and the symbol variation was not being executed at the time of the previous power outage. Furthermore, this initial symbol combination is only displayed when the power is turned on, and is not displayed when the symbols change.

[0053] In this embodiment, at least the area where information related to such games is stored (sometimes referred to as the game-related area of ​​RAM 103) is backed up, as well as the area where the checksum complement and backup flag related to the game-related area of ​​RAM 103 are stored (sometimes referred to as the backup information area related to games of RAM 103). When power is restored, the gaming machine 10 recovers using the various information stored in the backed-up game-related area of ​​RAM 103 and the backup information area related to games of RAM 103. Furthermore, there are no limitations on the specific backup method in this embodiment. For example, the area of ​​RAM 103 to be backed up may be implemented in a configuration that can retain data non-volatilely even when the power is off. As another example, different hardware may be provided for the first memory, which is configured to retain data non-volatilely even when the power is off, and the second memory, which is referenced when the gaming machine 10 is operating. In that case, the gaming machine 10 can save the information to be backed up from the second memory to the first memory when the power is off, and recover the saved information from the first memory to the second memory when the power is restored.

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

[0055] Furthermore, the main control board 100 is electrically connected to the first special symbol display device 91, the second special symbol display device 92, the normal symbol display device 93, the first special symbol hold lamp 94, the second special symbol hold lamp 95, the normal symbol hold lamp 96, the normal electric mechanism solenoid 62, and the special electric mechanism solenoid 66, and is configured to be controllable via the I / O port 104. Similarly, the main control board 100 is electrically connected to the main operation unit 39 and the RAM clear switch 43, and is configured to detect operations performed by the main operation unit 39.

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

[0057] The first sub-control board 200 includes a CPU 201 that performs various calculations related to game effects based on effect control commands from the main control board 100, a ROM 202 that stores data such as effect control programs and various lottery tables, a RAM 203 that functions as a work area and buffer memory for temporary storage, and I / O ports 204 that input and output signals to and from peripheral boards and various devices. These are interconnected via an internal bus, and the CPU 201 is configured to execute major controls related to game effects according to the control program stored in the ROM 202. The first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to the performance button 37 and the cursor button 38, and is configured to detect the operation of the said control unit.

[0058] Furthermore, the first sub-control board 200 generates image control commands that instruct the second sub-control board 300 to display images, audio control commands that instruct the audio control board 310 to output audio, lamp control data for controlling the lighting of various lamps such as the frame lamp 35, and movement control data for controlling the movement of the sub-display unit 82, etc., through performance control processing based on performance control commands from the main control board 100. Here, the first sub-control board 200 is connected to the second sub-control board 300 and the voice control board 310 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally. Each control command (image control command, voice control command) is transmitted from the first sub-control board 200 to the second sub-control board 300 or the voice control board 310, while in response, an acknowledgment command (ACK command) indicating that the control command has been successfully received is transmitted from each control board (second sub-control board 300, voice control board 310) to the first sub-control board 200.

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

[0060] The second sub-control board 300, although not shown in the figures, includes a CPU that performs various calculations related to image rendering based on image control commands from the first sub-control board 200, a ROM that stores image control programs and various data, a RAM that functions as a work area and buffer memory for temporary storage, and I / O ports that input and output signals to and from peripheral boards and various devices. The CPU is configured to execute the main controls related to image rendering according to the control program stored in the ROM. Furthermore, the second sub-control board 300 is equipped with a VDP that generates image data in accordance with the content of the performance determined by the performance content determination means 225 (described later) based on control signals received from the CPU, and a sound source IC that generates sound data in accordance with the content of the performance based on control signals received from the CPU. The VDP is a so-called image processor that reads image data stored in the image ROM in response to instructions from the CPU, processes it, and transmits the generated image data to the main display unit 81 and the sub-display unit 82. In addition, a high-speed VRAM used for expanding and processing the image data read from the image ROM is connected to this VDP.

[0061] The voice control board 310 includes a CPU 311 that performs various calculations related to voice effects based on voice control commands from the first sub-control board 200, a ROM 312 that stores voice control programs and voice data, a RAM 313 that functions as a work area and buffer memory for temporary storage, and I / O ports 314 that input and output signals to and from peripheral boards and various devices. The CPU 311 is configured to execute the main controls related to voice effects according to the control program stored in the ROM 312. Therefore, the voice control board 310 can read the voice data stored in the ROM 312 in response to voice control commands received from the first sub-control board 200, synthesize the read voice data, transmit the final synthesized voice data to the speaker 33 via an amplifier, and output sound to the speaker 33.

[0062] The dispensing control board 400 is mainly composed of a CPU, ROM, and RAM (none of which are shown in the illustration). Furthermore, the payout control board 400 is connected to the main control board 100 in a bidirectional manner, and controls the payout unit 48 to dispense game balls based on payout control commands from the main control board 100, and also controls the launch of game balls by synchronously driving the ball feeding mechanism and the launching mechanism based on the amount of operation of the operating handle 31.

[0063] The power control board 500 consists of a normal power supply circuit 501 that generates a normal power supply to the control board and other electronic and electrical components based on the primary power supply from the power supply equipment of the gaming island, a backup power supply circuit 502 that generates a backup power supply, and a power interruption detection circuit 503 that detects a power interruption (when the voltage supplied by the normal power supply drops to a predetermined voltage). Furthermore, a power switch 40 is connected to the power control board 500. Assuming that primary power is supplied from the power supply equipment of the gaming island, when the power switch 40 is turned ON, normal power is generated by the normal power circuit 501 of the power control board 500, and power is supplied to the electronic and electrical components, including the control boards mentioned above (main control board 100, first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300, and payout control board 400). Furthermore, when a power outage is detected by the power outage detection circuit 503, the power control board 500 transmits a power outage signal (NMI signal) to the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the payout control board 400, respectively. Furthermore, the backup power supply circuit 502 is designed to be charged when power is supplied to the gaming machine 10 from the power supply equipment of the gaming island. The backup power supply circuit 502 may be provided on the dispensing control board 400, and the power outage detection circuit 503 may not be provided on the power supply control board 500, but rather on the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the dispensing control board 400.

[0064] <Regarding the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10> Next, the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment will be explained using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10. Note that the functional configuration shown in Figure 7 is necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, and the gaming machine 10 may also have functional configurations not shown in Figure 7. Furthermore, when explaining the functional configuration, Figures 8 to 11 will be referred to as needed.

[0065] As shown in Figure 7, the main control board 100 includes a ball entry determination means 110, a main random number generation means 115, a main hold control means 120, a pre-determination means 125, a special symbol lottery means 130, a regular symbol lottery means 135, a jackpot game control means 140, a symbol display control means 145, an electric mechanism control means 150, a game state control means 155, a main information storage means 160, a main error control means 165, a main command management means 170, a power restoration processing execution means 175, and a power interruption processing execution means 180. These means functionally represent what is realized by each control configuration on the main control board 100 as explained with reference to Figure 6.

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

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

[0068] The main random number generation means 115 is capable of generating multiple types of random numbers with different update ranges using the random number circuit 105, and when it is determined that a prize has been won in a prize slot, it retrieves (latches) one or more random numbers corresponding to that prize slot from the random number circuit 105. More specifically, if the main random number generation means 115 determines that a prize has been won in the first starting gate 57 or the second starting gate 59, it acquires random numbers for determining whether a special symbol is successful, random numbers for drawing special symbol stop symbols, and random numbers for drawing special symbol variation patterns, as described later. If a prize has been won in the gate 63, it stores the random numbers for determining whether a regular symbol is successful, random numbers for drawing regular symbol stop symbols, and random numbers for drawing regular symbol variation patterns, as described later, in the corresponding storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160.

[0069] The main hold control means 120 controls the hold of symbol changes related to special symbols and symbol changes related to regular symbols. With respect to special symbol 1, random numbers for determining whether the special symbol is successful, random numbers for drawing special symbol stop symbols, and random numbers for drawing special symbol change patterns, which are acquired when a prize is awarded in the first start opening 57, are held (stored) as operation hold information for special symbol 1. More specifically, the main hold control means 120 includes a hold counter (hereinafter referred to as the "Figure 1 hold counter") which is incremented by 1 each time the operation hold information of Figure 1 is held, and decremented by 1 each time the operation hold information of Figure 1 is used (used in the lottery of the Figure 1 lottery means 130). The main information storage means 160 stores the operation hold information in the storage area corresponding to the current Figure 1 hold counter until the value of the Figure 1 hold counter reaches its upper limit (4 in this embodiment). Each time the operation hold information is used, the main information storage means 160 clears the used operation hold information and controls the remaining operation hold information to be moved (shifted) from the current storage area to the storage area corresponding to a Figure 1 hold counter that is 1 less than the current Figure 1 hold counter, in order from the smallest Figure 1 hold counter. Furthermore, the main hold control means 120 also performs the same control as described above for Figure 2 and the general figure, separately from Figure 1. The hold counter in Figure 2 is referred to as the Figure 2 hold counter, and the upper limit of the value of the Figure 2 hold counter in this embodiment is 4. Furthermore, in the following explanation, "holding of operation hold information" may be expressed as "holding of symbol change," or simply as "hold." Furthermore, when the main hold control means 120 updates (adds or subtracts) the operation hold information (hold counter) of Figure 1 or Figure 2, it generates a performance control command (hold command) that includes the Figure 1 hold counter and the Figure 2 hold counter, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. In this embodiment, if both the operation hold information corresponding to Figure 1 and the operation hold information corresponding to Figure 2 are held, a priority variation is performed in which the operation hold information corresponding to Figure 2 is used preferentially. However, instead of this priority variation, a prize-winning order variation may be adopted in which the operation hold information is used in the order in which it was held, regardless of whether it corresponds to Figure 1 or Figure 2, or a simultaneous variation may be adopted in which the operation hold information corresponding to Figure 1 and the operation hold information corresponding to Figure 2 are used simultaneously when both the operation hold information corresponding to Figure 1 and the operation hold information corresponding to Figure 2 are held.

[0070] The pre-determination means 125 performs a pre-determination for a pre-reading effect targeting the reserved operation information of the special feature when the reserved operation information of the special feature is reserved at a predetermined pre-determination timing, at least in some cases. More specifically, the pre-determination means 125 reads out each random number of the currently held operation hold information and performs pre-determinations for the special symbol win / failure determination, special symbol stop symbol lottery, and special symbol variation pattern lottery, which will be described later. In each pre-determination, the same or equivalent lottery table (not shown) as the lottery table used for the lottery corresponding to each pre-determination is used. Therefore, the results of these pre-determinations will be the same as the results of the lottery executed later. Furthermore, the pre-determination means 125 generates a performance control command (pre-determination command) that includes the derived pre-determination result, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. In particular, the pre-determination command includes random numbers used for determining whether a special symbol is correct or incorrect, random numbers used for drawing special symbol stop symbols, and random numbers used for drawing special symbol variation patterns. These random numbers are referenced in the pre-announcement performance control process and the symbol pre-reading performance control process, which will be described later. The pre-determination command is transmitted (generated and stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160) at least part of the predetermined pre-determination timing, and is therefore transmitted following the hold command described above. Here, the predetermined pre-determination timing is, for example, the timing when the operation hold information for the special figure is held. In this embodiment, if the operation hold information for special figure 1 is held during the normal figure high probability period described later, the pre-determination is restricted, and therefore the transmission of the pre-determination command corresponding to that pre-determination is also restricted. On the other hand, if the operation hold information for special figure 2 is held during the normal figure low probability period described later, the pre-determination may or may not be restricted.

[0071] The special symbol lottery means 130 comprises a special symbol win / failure determination means 131, a special symbol stop symbol lottery means 132, and a special symbol variation pattern derivation means 133, and executes processing by each means in the order of special symbol win / failure determination means 131, special symbol stop symbol lottery means 132, and special symbol variation pattern derivation means 133. When the conditions for starting the variation of the special symbol are met, the special symbol lottery means 130 reads the earliest operation hold information from the operation hold information held in the main information storage means 160. Furthermore, "the conditions for the start of the special symbol variation are met" means, as an example, that the player is not in a jackpot game, neither Special Symbol 1 nor Special Symbol 2 is currently performing a symbol variation (including the period during which the symbol variation related to Special Symbol 1 or Special Symbol 2 is stopped), and that there is operation hold information for at least one of Special Symbol 1 or Special Symbol 2.

[0072] Figures 8 to 11 schematically show the lottery table used in the main control board 100, and will be referred to as needed in the following explanation. In addition to these lottery tables, in lotteries using lottery tables, the lottery values ​​stored in the lottery table are sequentially added to the read random number in a predetermined order (if there is only one lottery value, the addition is performed once), and the result corresponding to the lottery value that resulted in a carry (overflow) is derived as the result of the lottery. Similarly, in the explanation of lottery tables, names are given to the lottery tables for the sake of explanation, but it is sufficient that the data such as lottery values ​​included in the lottery table corresponding to the name is stored in an identifiable manner in each ROM, and these names do not specify the area in which the data is stored. In the illustrated lottery tables, if there are items listed for the sake of explanation, or if "-" or "0" are listed as lottery values, these do not necessarily represent data stored in each ROM. Furthermore, it is not possible to win a result where "-" or "0" is listed as the lottery value. Moreover, if the same lottery value as the random number range used for the lottery (the number of random numbers that can be obtained within that range) is listed in the lottery table, that result will be derived 100% of the time, so it is not necessarily necessary to perform a lottery. Furthermore, if the sum of the random values ​​used in a single draw matches the range of random numbers used in the draw, a carry will always occur in the final addition of the random values, so that addition does not need to be performed, and in that case, the random values ​​used in that addition themselves become unnecessary.

[0073] The special symbol win / loss determination means 131 reads out a random number for special symbol win / loss determination for each symbol change, and performs special symbol win / loss determination by drawing lots using the read random number and a lottery table for special symbol win / loss determination to determine whether it will be a big win, a small win, or a loss. Figure 8(a) schematically shows the lottery table for determining whether a special symbol wins or losses. This lottery table differs between Special Symbol 1 and Special Symbol 2, and the range of random numbers used in these determinations is 0 to 65535. Therefore, in the special symbol win / loss determination for Special Symbol 1, a big win is determined with a probability of 205 / 65536 (approximately 1 / 320), and any other result is a loss, with no small wins. On the other hand, in the special symbol win / loss determination for Special Symbol 2, a big win is determined with a probability of 205 / 65536 (approximately 1 / 320), a small win is determined with a probability of 1820 / 65536 (approximately 1 / 36.0), and any other result is a loss. In this embodiment, as will be described later, a big win can occur via a minor win, so the probability of a big win being determined in the special symbol win / failure determination is set to the above-mentioned probability 1.

[0074] The special symbol stop symbol lottery means 132, when the result of the special symbol win / loss determination is a big win or a small win, determines the special symbol stop symbol by lottery using a random number for special symbol stop symbol lottery (in this embodiment, in the range of 0 to 999) and a lottery table for special symbol stop symbol lottery. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8(b), a schematic diagram illustrating the lottery table for determining the stopping symbols used when a jackpot is determined in the special symbol win / loss determination for special symbol 1, when a jackpot is determined in the special symbol win / loss determination for special symbol 1, symbol A is determined as the stopping symbol with a probability of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10), and symbol B is determined as the stopping symbol with a probability of 900 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.11). In this case, regardless of whether symbol A or symbol B is determined, after the jackpot game corresponding to these stopped symbols ends, the game enters the normal symbol high probability state described later. However, the number of symbol changes during which the normal symbol high probability state continues (hereinafter referred to as the "prescribed number of normal symbol high probability states") is 80 times if the jackpot game ends when symbol A is determined, and 40 times if the jackpot game ends when symbol B is determined. Furthermore, the number of rounds for the jackpot game corresponding to symbol A is 10, while the number of rounds for the jackpot game corresponding to symbol B is 4. Therefore, symbol A is more advantageous than symbol B in terms of both the number of rounds and the prescribed number of normal symbol high probability states.

[0075] As shown in Figure 8(c), a schematic diagram of the lottery table used for determining the stopping symbols when a minor win is determined in the special symbol win / loss determination related to special symbol 2, when a minor win is determined in the special symbol win / loss determination related to special symbol 2, symbol a is determined as the stopping symbol with a probability of 700 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.43) and symbol b is determined with a probability of 300 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33). Here, symbol a is a stopping symbol in which the number of rounds of the big win game that occurs in the small win game related to that symbol is 10, and after the big win game ends, it becomes a normal symbol high probability state, and the prescribed number of times for this normal symbol high probability state is 80. Symbol b is a stopping symbol in which the number of rounds of the big win game that occurs in the small win game related to that stopping symbol is 4, and after the big win game ends, it becomes a normal symbol high probability state, and the prescribed number of times for this normal symbol high probability state is 80. Therefore, it can be said that symbol a is more advantageous than symbol b in terms of the number of rounds. Furthermore, when a jackpot occurs during a minor win, the number of rounds in that jackpot is calculated by treating the minor win as one round. In addition, in the following explanation, a jackpot occurring during a minor win related to symbol a may be referred to as a "jackpot related to symbol a," and a jackpot occurring during a minor win related to symbol b may be referred to as a "jackpot related to symbol b."

[0076] As shown in Figure 8(d), which schematically illustrates the lottery table for determining the stopping symbols used when a jackpot is determined in the special symbol win / loss determination for special symbol 2, when a jackpot is determined in the special symbol win / loss determination for special symbol 2, symbol c is determined as the stopping symbol with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1). In particular, symbol c is a stopping symbol for which the number of rounds of the jackpot game corresponding to the stopping symbol is 10, and which becomes a normal symbol high probability after the end of the jackpot game, and the prescribed number of times for the normal symbol high probability is 80, which is the same as for the jackpot game related to symbol a.

[0077] Furthermore, the special symbol stop symbol lottery means 132 determines symbol C as the stop symbol if the result of the special symbol win / loss determination for special symbol 1 is a loss, and determines symbol d as the stop symbol if the result of the special symbol win / loss determination for special symbol 2 is a loss (neither of which are shown in the illustration).

[0078] Thus, in the embodiment described above, jackpot games that occur during the symbol variation related to Special Feature 2 tend to be more advantageous than jackpot games that occur during the symbol variation related to Special Feature 1. Therefore, the enjoyment of the game can be further enhanced by transitioning from the Special Feature Variation Pattern Derivation State PA (described later) to another Special Feature Variation Pattern Derivation State (Special Feature Variation Pattern Derivation State PB or Special Feature Variation Pattern Derivation State PC, described later).

[0079] The special symbol variation pattern derivation means 133 includes multiple types of special symbol variation pattern lottery tables that are referenced when determining the special symbol variation pattern. Based on the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state and the result of the special symbol win / failure determination, it selects one special symbol variation pattern lottery table to determine the special symbol variation pattern for the current time. Using the selected special symbol variation pattern lottery table and random numbers for special symbol variation pattern lottery, it determines one special symbol variation pattern, and determines the variation time based on the determined special symbol variation pattern. Here, variation time refers to the time from when the variation of the symbols related to the special symbol (special symbol 1 or special symbol 2) begins until the variation of the symbols ends. Details of the transition conditions will be described later, but in this embodiment, there are three special figure variation pattern derivation states: special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, special figure variation pattern derivation state PB, and special figure variation pattern derivation state PC. The method for determining the special figure variation pattern described above is used for the pattern variation related to special figure 1 in special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, and for the pattern variation related to special figure 2 in special figure variation pattern derivation state PB and special figure variation pattern derivation state PC. On the other hand, in the symbol variation of the other special symbol (the special symbol to which the above-described method for determining the special symbol variation pattern is adopted) in each special symbol variation pattern derivation state, one predetermined special symbol variation pattern is determined according to the result of the special symbol win / failure judgment. In particular, in this embodiment, in the symbol variation of special symbol 2 in special symbol variation pattern derivation state PA, if the result of the special symbol win / failure judgment related to the symbol variation is a miss, and if the result of the special symbol win / failure judgment related to the symbol variation is a jackpot, a variation pattern with a variation time of 1000ms is determined. In the symbol variation of special symbol 1 in special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB or special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, if the result of the special symbol win / failure judgment related to the symbol variation is a miss, and if the result of the special symbol win / failure judgment related to the symbol variation is a jackpot, a variation pattern with a variation time of 2000ms is determined. If the result of the special symbol win / failure judgment for the symbol variation is a miss, a variation pattern with a variation time of 2000ms is determined (the same applies in the case of a minor win).

[0080] Figure 9(a) schematically shows the special symbol variation pattern lottery table used for symbol variation related to special symbol 1 when the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PA is activated, and the range of random numbers used in this lottery is 0 to 999. As shown in Figure 9(a), in the symbol variation related to Special Feature 1 when the Special Feature variation pattern derivation state PA is reached, the Special Feature variation patterns HNP to Special Feature variation patterns ASP-C can be determined. Specifically, if the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment is a loss during the symbol variation related to special symbol 1 in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PA, there is a 900 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.11) probability of special symbol variation pattern HNP, a 52 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 19.2) probability of special symbol variation pattern HRP, a 13 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 76.9) probability of special symbol variation pattern HSP1-A, and an 11 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 90.9) probability of special symbol variation pattern HS For P1-B, there is a 9 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 111) probability that special symbol variation pattern HSP2-A will be determined, a 7 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 143) probability that special symbol variation pattern HSP2-B will be determined, a 5 / 1000 (1 / 200) probability that special symbol variation pattern HSP3-A will be determined, and a 3 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 333) probability that special symbol variation pattern HSP3-B will be determined. In these cases, special symbol variation patterns ASP1-A to ASP-C will not be determined. Further details will be described later using Figure 9(b), but if special symbol variation pattern HNP is determined, the special symbol variation pattern is further identified using the value of the special symbol 1 reserve counter at the start of the current symbol variation. On the other hand, if the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment in the symbol variation related to special symbol 1 during the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PA is a jackpot, then there is a probability of 90 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 11.1) that it will be special symbol variation pattern ASP1-A, a probability of 110 / 1000 (approximately 1 / approximately 9.09) that it will be special symbol variation pattern ASP1-B, a probability of 135 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 7.41) that it will be special symbol variation pattern ASP2-A, and a probability of 165 / 1000 (approximately 1 / approximately 6 There is a probability of 0.06) that special pattern variation ASP2-B will be determined, a probability of 180 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 5.56) that special pattern variation ASP3-A will be determined, a probability of 220 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 4.56) that special pattern variation ASP3-B will be determined, and a probability of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10) that special pattern variation pattern ASP-C will be determined. In these cases, special pattern variation patterns HNP to HSP3-B will not be determined. Thus, in this embodiment, if the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment in the symbol variation related to special symbol 1 during the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PA is a loss, one of the special symbol variation patterns HRP to HSP3-B is determined at a rate of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10), and special symbol variation pattern HNP is determined at a rate of 900 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.11). Furthermore, if the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment in the symbol variation related to special symbol 1 during the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PA is a jackpot, one of the special symbol variation patterns ASP1-A to ASP-C is determined at a rate of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1). In the description of the special symbol variation patterns of this embodiment, when two special symbol variation patterns are described separated by a "~", the description of the special symbol variation pattern that lies between the special symbol variation pattern described earlier and the special symbol variation pattern described later is omitted, in accordance with the order described in the drawing relating to the special symbol variation pattern lottery table for each special symbol variation pattern derivation state. Furthermore, in the description of the special symbol variation patterns of this embodiment, if the names of the special symbol variation patterns are different, regardless of whether the corresponding variation time is described or not, it means that different special symbol variation patterns are different.

[0081] Figure 9(b) schematically shows the special symbol variation pattern lottery table used when the special symbol variation pattern HNP is determined in the symbol variation related to special symbol 1 during the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PA. The range of the random numbers used in this lottery (which are different from the random numbers used in the lottery related to the special symbol variation pattern lottery table shown in Figure 9(a)) is 0 to 999. As shown in Figure 9(b), the special symbol variation patterns HNP that can be determined in the symbol variation related to special symbol 1 when the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PA include special symbol variation pattern HNP-A with a variation time of 3200 ms (milliseconds), special symbol variation pattern HNP-B with a variation time of 5600 ms, special symbol variation pattern HNP-C with a variation time of 8000 ms, and special symbol variation pattern HNP-D with a variation time of 11200 ms, with the variation time increasing in this order. Specifically, if the Special Symbol 1 Reserve Counter = 3 at the start of the symbol change, Special Symbol Change Pattern HNP-A is determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1). Similarly, if the Special Symbol 1 Reserve Counter = 2 at the start of the symbol change, Special Symbol Change Pattern HNP-A is determined with a probability of 150 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6.67), and Special Symbol Change Pattern HNP-B is determined with a probability of 850 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.18). If the Special Symbol 1 Reserve Counter = 1 at the start of the symbol change, Special Symbol Change Pattern HNP-A is determined with a probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20), and Special Symbol Change Pattern HNP-B is determined with a probability of 150 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6.67). The special symbol variation pattern HNP-B is determined by probability, and the special symbol variation pattern HNP-C is determined by probability of 800 / 1000 (1 / 1.25). If the special symbol 1 reserve counter = 0 at the start of the current symbol variation, the special symbol variation pattern HNP-B is determined by probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20), the special symbol variation pattern HNP-C is determined by probability of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10), and the special symbol variation pattern HNP-D is determined by probability of 850 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.18). In the following explanation, if the value of the special symbol reserve counter being referenced is 3, it will be referred to as "Reserve 3", if the value of the special symbol reserve counter is 2, it will be referred to as "Reserve 2", if the value of the special symbol reserve counter is 1, it will be referred to as "Reserve 1", and if the value of the special symbol reserve counter is 0, it will be referred to as "Reserve 0". Thus, when the special symbol variation pattern HNP is determined in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PA, the special symbol variation pattern (variation time) that is likely to be determined differs depending on the value of the special symbol 1 reserve counter at the start of the current symbol variation. More specifically, the smaller the value of the special symbol 1 reserve counter at the start of the current symbol variation, the more likely a special symbol variation pattern with a longer variation time is to be determined (the larger the value of the special symbol 1 reserve counter at the start of the current symbol variation, the more likely a shorter variation time is to be determined). Furthermore, such special feature variation patterns HNP (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "basic special feature variation patterns") also exist in special feature variation pattern derivation states PB and PC. In these special feature variation pattern derivation states, the referenced hold counter differs from that in special feature variation pattern derivation state PA, and in both cases, the value of the special feature 2 hold counter is referenced.

[0082] Figure 10(a) schematically shows the special symbol variation pattern lottery table used for symbol variation related to special symbol 2 when the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB is reached, and the range of random numbers used in this lottery is 0 to 999. As shown in Figure 10(a), in the symbol variation related to Special Feature 2 when the Special Feature variation pattern derivation state PB is reached, the Special Feature variation patterns HNP to Special Feature variation patterns ASP-F can be determined. Specifically, in the special symbol variation state PB, if the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment is a loss during the symbol variation related to special symbol 2, there is a 960 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.04) probability that special symbol variation pattern HNP will be determined, a 20 / 1000 (1 / 50) probability that special symbol variation pattern HSP-D will be determined, a 15 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 66.7) probability that special symbol variation pattern HSP-E will be determined, and a 5 / 1000 (1 / 200) probability that special symbol variation pattern HSP-F will be determined. In this case, special symbol variation patterns ASP-D to ASP-F will not be determined. Further details will be described later using Figure 10(b), but if special symbol variation pattern HNP is determined, the special symbol variation pattern is further identified using the value of the special symbol 2 reserve counter at the start of the current symbol variation. This method of determining the special symbol variation pattern using the special symbol 2 reserve counter is the same in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB, which will be described later. On the other hand, when the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB is reached, if the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment in the symbol variation related to special symbol 2 is a big win or a small win, special symbol variation pattern ASP-D is determined with a probability of 500 / 1000 (1 / 2), special symbol variation pattern ASP-E with a probability of 350 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 2.86), and special symbol variation pattern ASP-F with a probability of 150 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6.67). In this case, special symbol variation patterns HNP to HSP-F will not be determined.

[0083] Figure 10(b) schematically shows the special symbol variation pattern lottery table used when the special symbol variation pattern HNP is determined in the symbol variation related to special symbol 2 when the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB is active. The range of the random numbers used in this lottery (which are different from the random numbers used in the lottery related to the special symbol variation pattern lottery table shown in Figure 10(a)) is 0 to 999. As shown in Figure 10(b), the special symbol variation pattern HNP that can be determined in the symbol variation related to special symbol 2 in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB includes special symbol variation pattern HNP-E with a variation time of 3000ms and special symbol variation pattern HNP-F with a variation time of 15000ms. Specifically, if the Special Symbol 2 Reserve Counter = 3 at the start of the symbol variation, if the Special Symbol 2 Reserve Counter = 2 at the start of the symbol variation, or if the Special Symbol 2 Reserve Counter = 1 at the start of the symbol variation, then the Special Symbol variation pattern HNP-E is determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1), and in these cases, the Special Symbol variation pattern HNP-F will not be determined. On the other hand, if the Special Symbol 2 Reserve Counter = 0 at the start of the symbol variation, then the Special Symbol variation pattern HNP-F is determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1), and in these cases, the Special Symbol variation pattern HNP-E will not be determined. Furthermore, special symbol variation patterns HNP-E and HNP-F are different from both the special symbol variation patterns that can be determined when special symbol variation pattern HNP is determined in the symbol variation related to special symbol 1 in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PA described above, and the special symbol variation patterns that can be determined when special symbol variation pattern HNP is determined in the symbol variation related to the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC described later.

[0084] Figure 11(a) schematically shows the special symbol variation pattern lottery table used for symbol variations related to special symbol 2 when the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC is active, and the range of random numbers used in this lottery is 0 to 999. As shown in Figure 11(a), in the symbol variation related to Special Feature 2 when the Special Feature Variation Pattern Derivation State PC is active, Special Feature Variation Patterns HNP to Special Feature Variation Patterns ASP-I can be determined. Specifically, in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, if the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment is a loss during the symbol variation related to special symbol 2, there is a 950 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.05) probability that special symbol variation pattern HNP will be determined, a 25 / 1000 (1 / 40) probability that special symbol variation pattern HSP-G will be determined, a 15 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 66.7) probability that special symbol variation pattern HSP-H will be determined, and a 10 / 1000 (1 / 100) probability that special symbol variation pattern HSP-I will be determined. In this case, special symbol variation patterns ASP-G to ASP-I will not be determined. On the other hand, when the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC is active, if the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment in the symbol variation related to special symbol 2 is a big win or a small win, then regardless of the number of spins in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, special symbol variation pattern ASP-G is determined with a probability of 500 / 1000 (1 / 2), special symbol variation pattern ASP-H with a probability of 350 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 2.86), and special symbol variation pattern ASP-I with a probability of 150 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6.67). In this case, special symbol variation patterns HNP to HSP-I will not be determined.

[0085] Figure 11(b) schematically shows the special symbol variation pattern lottery table used when the special symbol variation pattern HNP is determined in the symbol variation related to special symbol 2 during the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC. The range of the random numbers used in this lottery (which are different from the random numbers used in the lottery related to the special symbol variation pattern lottery table shown in Figure 11(a)) is 0 to 999. As shown in Figure 11(b), the special symbol variation pattern HNP that can be determined in the symbol variation related to special symbol 2 when the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC is in place includes special symbol variation pattern HNP-G with a variation time of 2000ms and special symbol variation pattern HNP-H with a variation time of 10000ms. Specifically, if the Special Symbol 2 Reserve Counter = 3 at the start of the symbol variation, if the Special Symbol 2 Reserve Counter = 2 at the start of the symbol variation, or if the Special Symbol 2 Reserve Counter = 1 at the start of the symbol variation, then the Special Symbol Variation Pattern HNP-G is determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1), and in these cases, the Special Symbol Variation Pattern HNP-H will not be determined. On the other hand, if the Special Symbol 2 Reserve Counter = 0 at the start of the symbol variation, then the Special Symbol Variation Pattern HNP-H is determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1), and in these cases, the Special Symbol Variation Pattern HNP-G will not be determined. Furthermore, special figure variation patterns HNP-G and HNP-H are different from both the special figure variation patterns that can be determined when special figure variation pattern HNP is determined in the symbol variation related to special figure 1 in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA described above, and the special figure variation patterns that can be determined when special figure variation pattern HNP is determined in the symbol variation related to special figure 2 in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB described above.

[0086] Furthermore, the special symbol variation pattern derivation means 133 generates a performance control command (variation start command) that includes the determined stopping symbol of the special symbol and the determined special symbol variation pattern, based on the result of the special symbol win / loss determination, at the start of the symbol variation, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160.

[0087] The regular symbol lottery means 135, similar to the special symbol lottery means 130, reads the earliest operational pending information from the operational pending information held in the main information storage means 160 when the regular symbol is not changing, and uses the read random number to perform a regular symbol win / failure determination to determine whether the regular symbol is a winner or loser. Based on the result of the regular symbol win / failure determination and information such as the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state, it determines various parameters related to the regular symbol (regular symbol variation time, regular symbol stop display time, etc.). In the determination of whether the regular drawing wins or losses occurs, there are two states: one where the regular drawing state is high probability (sometimes abbreviated as "high regular drawing probability") and one where the regular drawing state is low probability (sometimes abbreviated as "low regular drawing probability"). The lottery table is not shown in this embodiment, but in the high regular drawing probability state, there is a 65535 / 65536 chance of winning the regular drawing and a 1 / 65536 chance of losing. In the low regular drawing probability state, there is a 1 / 65536 chance of winning the regular drawing and a 65535 / 65536 chance of losing. It is also possible to make it so that there is no regular drawing win in the low regular drawing probability state (a 65536 / 65536 chance of losing).

[0088] The jackpot game control means 140 generates a performance control command (start demo command) containing information related to the jackpot game (the duration of the start demo, the number of rounds, and the subsequent special symbol variation pattern derivation state) at the start of the jackpot game and stores it in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. At the end of the start demo, it generates a performance control command (round start command) and stores it in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. Furthermore, at the end of the round game, it generates a performance control command (end demo command) containing the duration of the end demo of the jackpot game and stores it in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. Furthermore, these commands are also applicable to jackpot games triggered by minor win games. Specifically, the jackpot game control means 140 generates a start demo command at the start of a minor win game and stores it in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. At the end of the start demo, it generates a round start command and stores it in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160, and generates an end demo command and stores it in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160.

[0089] Furthermore, the jackpot game control means 140 starts a minor win game if the result of the special symbol win / loss determination is a minor win, and if the game ball passes through the V-entry area (not shown) provided in the major prize opening 55 during the minor win game, it enables the start of the jackpot game corresponding to the minor win after the minor win game ends. Therefore, in this embodiment, the minor win game functions to generate a jackpot game. However, if the game ball does not pass through the V-entry area during the minor win game, the jackpot game will not start after the minor win game ends.

[0090] The symbol display control means 145 causes special symbol 1 to be displayed on the first special symbol display device 91 in accordance with the variation time corresponding to the determined special symbol variation pattern of special symbol 1, and after the variation time has elapsed, special symbol 1 is stopped and displayed with the stop symbol determined by the special symbol stop symbol lottery. Similarly, special symbol 2 is displayed on the second special symbol display device 92 in accordance with the variation time corresponding to the determined special symbol variation pattern of special symbol 2, and after the variation time has elapsed, special symbol 2 is stopped and displayed with the stop symbol determined by the special symbol stop symbol lottery. Here, the stop display time (interval) for symbol changes related to special symbols refers to the time from when a special symbol is stopped until the symbol changes of the next special symbol can begin (if the result of the special symbol win / fail judgment is a loss), or the time from when the symbol changes of a special symbol end until a big win game or a small win game begins (if the result of the regular symbol win / fail judgment is a regular symbol win). In this embodiment, the stop display time for symbol changes related to special symbols is uniformly 300ms, regardless of the type of special symbol or the result of the special symbol win / fail judgment. Furthermore, the symbol display control means 145 has a special symbol game timer for managing the time (variation time, stop display time) related to the display of special symbol 1 and special symbol 2, and when the special symbol is stopped (at the timing when the value of the special symbol game timer becomes "0"), it generates a performance control command (variation stop command) to request a confirmed stop display of the decorative symbol, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. Here, the confirmed stop display of decorative symbols refers to the final stop display of decorative symbols during symbol variation, and is different from the temporary stop display of decorative symbols that may occur during the execution of symbol variation. In the temporary stop display of decorative symbols, the stopped decorative symbols are accompanied by a small up-and-down shaking motion (so-called shaking motion), whereas in the confirmed stop display of decorative symbols, the stopped decorative symbols are not accompanied by shaking motion. Therefore, players can recognize whether the stop display of decorative symbols is a confirmed stop display or a temporary stop display.

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

[0092] The electric mechanism control means 150 outputs a control signal to the special electric mechanism solenoid 66 during the aforementioned big win game and small win game, causing the special electric mechanism 65 to open according to the opening pattern corresponding to the stopping symbol of the special feature.

[0093] The game state control means 155 controls the normal symbol lottery state. Specifically, at the start of a jackpot game, the game state control means 155 sets the normal symbol to low probability regardless of the stopping symbols of the special symbols related to the jackpot game. When prescribed conditions such as the end of a jackpot game are met, the normal symbol is set to high probability until a prescribed number of symbol changes related to the normal symbol high probability are performed, and then sets the normal symbol to low probability when the prescribed number of symbol changes related to the normal symbol high probability have finished. Here, as will be described later, in this embodiment, the number of symbol changes performed that is used to determine whether or not the prescribed number of times related to the normal symbol high probability has been reached is the number of symbol changes performed related to special symbol 2. However, the number of symbol changes performed that is used to determine this may be the number of symbol changes performed related to special symbol 2 plus the number of symbol changes performed related to special symbol 1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, during a minor win game, the normal symbol lottery state for the symbol variation that caused the minor win game is maintained. However, similar to the start of a major win game, the normal symbol low probability state may be set when the minor win game starts.

[0094] This general drawing state changes in conjunction with the special symbol variation pattern derivation state described above, and the transition of the special symbol variation pattern derivation state is managed by the game state control means 155. The transition of the special symbol variation pattern derivation state will be explained below with reference to Figures 12(a) and 12(b). Figure 12(a) is a state transition diagram showing the transition of the special symbol variation pattern derivation state, and Figure 12(b) is a diagram showing the relationship of average variation time for each special symbol variation pattern derivation state. As shown in Figure 12(a), the special symbol variation pattern derivation states include special symbol variation pattern derivation state PA, which corresponds to the normal symbol low probability state, and special symbol variation pattern derivation states PB and special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, which correspond to the normal symbol high probability state. Except during jackpot gameplay, one of these special symbol variation pattern derivation states is set. Furthermore, the transition conditions between special symbol variation pattern derivation state PA and special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC are transition conditions (i) to transition conditions (v).

[0095] Specifically, transition condition (i) is the end of a jackpot game related to symbol B, transition condition (ii) is the end of a jackpot game related to symbol A, transition condition (iii) is the end of a jackpot game related to symbol a, symbol b, or symbol c, transition condition (iv) is the end of a symbol variation where the number of symbol variations related to special symbol 2 performed without a jackpot game in normal symbol high probability mode reaches 40 (the prescribed number for normal symbol high probability mode in special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB), and transition condition (v) is the end of a symbol variation where the number of symbol variations related to special symbol 2 performed without a jackpot game in normal symbol high probability mode reaches 80 (the prescribed number for normal symbol high probability mode in special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC). Furthermore, if a jackpot game involving symbol a, symbol b, or symbol c occurs in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, the system will return to the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC after the jackpot game ends, and the number of symbol variations related to special symbol 2 that can be performed up to the specified number of times related to the normal symbol high probability state in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC will be reset. Although not shown in the diagram, if a minor win occurs in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB or special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, and the game ball does not pass through the V-winning area, resulting in no major win, the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state ends upon the completion of the minor win, and the game transitions to the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PA.

[0096] As shown in Figure 12(b), the average variation times for each of the special symbol variation pattern derivation states PA, PB, and PC decrease in the order of PA, PB, and PC. This is due to the length of the variation time related to the basic special symbol variation pattern that is most easily determined in each special symbol variation pattern derivation state. Here, the average variation time refers to the sum of the variation times derived by multiplying each variation time related to a special symbol variation pattern that can be selected in a given special symbol variation pattern derivation state by the occurrence rate (the probability that can occur in any symbol variation, derived by multiplying the probability of the special symbol variation pattern winning by the probability of the special symbol win / fail judgment result being derived). However, in this embodiment, if there is only one special symbol variation pattern that can be selected in a given special symbol variation pattern derivation state, the variation time related to that special symbol variation pattern is treated as the average variation time.

[0097] Thus, in this embodiment, in terms of the number of prescribed rounds related to the normal high probability, the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC can be said to be a more advantageous game state than the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB. Furthermore, in terms of the time efficiency of prize ball acquisition due to the average variation time, the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC can be said to be a more advantageous game state than the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB.

[0098] Furthermore, when a transition occurs between the normal drawing state and the special symbol variation pattern derivation state, the game state control means 155 generates a performance control command (game state specification command) that includes the state after the transition, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. Furthermore, the game state control means 155 counts the number of times the symbol variation is executed in each special symbol variation pattern derivation state, and each time a symbol variation starts, it generates a performance control command that includes the counted number of symbol variations, and stores the command in the transmission command area of ​​the main information storage means 160. The information included in the performance control command may also be included in the variation start command described above.

[0099] As described above, the main information storage means 160 is a means for temporarily storing data read by each means, data derived by calculations etc. performed by each means, etc., in the corresponding storage areas.

[0100] The main error control means 165 monitors the input information of the I / O port 104 and determines whether the gaming machine 10 is in an error state. If it is determined that the machine is in an error state, it stores a performance control command (error command) containing information that can identify the error state in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160.

[0101] The main command management means 170 transmits a performance control command to the first sub-control board 200 when a performance control command is stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. In principle, each performance control command is transmitted in the order in which it is stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160.

[0102] The power restoration processing execution means 175 includes a recovery state setting means 176 and a game-ready state transition means 179.

[0103] The recovery state setting means 176 executes a recovery state setting process to set a recovery state based on whether or not there is an abnormality in the RAM 103 when power is restored, the state at the time of the power outage immediately before the power restoration, the state of the RAM clear switch 43 when power is restored, and the state of the middle frame door open sensor 76 when power is restored. The recovery states set by this process include a game stop state and a game-ready state (which may or may not involve the execution of a RAM clear process). Specifically, if there is an abnormality in RAM 103 when power is restored, the game stop state is set regardless of the state of RAM clear switch 43 and the state of middle frame door open sensor 76 when power is restored. Also, if there is no abnormality in RAM 103 when power is restored and RAM clear switch 43 is ON (pressed), the RAM clear process is executed and the game-ready state is set, provided that the middle frame door open sensor 76 is ON when power is restored (if the middle frame door open sensor 76 is OFF when power is restored, the RAM clear process is not executed and the game-ready state is set). If there is no abnormality in RAM 103 when power is restored and RAM clear switch 43 is OFF (not pressed), the RAM clear process is not executed and the game-ready state is set. Here, the "game stopped state" is a recovery state in which gameplay cannot proceed because processing based on the detection results of sensors installed at each prize entry point is not performed (the detection results of the sensors themselves do not need to be viewed). On the other hand, the "gameable state" is a recovery state in which gameplay can proceed because processing based on the detection results of sensors installed at each prize entry point is performed. In particular, if the RAM clear process is not performed when power is restored, the game returns to the "gameable state" it was in at the time of the previous power outage. For example, if a big win game or a small win game was in progress at the time of the previous power outage, the game will return to the big win game or small win game that was in progress. If a symbol change was in progress at the time of the previous power outage, the game will return to the symbol change that was in progress.

[0104] Furthermore, whether or not there is an abnormality in RAM103 is determined by executing a RAM abnormality check at the beginning of the recovery state setting process (specifically, determining whether or not a backup flag is stored in the backup information area related to the target area (whether or not the backup flag is ON), and if the backup flag is stored (if the backup flag is ON), deriving a checksum of the complement stored in the target area and the backup information area related to that area, and if the result of this calculation is 0, determining that the target area is normal, and otherwise determining that the target area is abnormal) on the area of ​​RAM103 related to gameplay.

[0105] The playable state transition means 179 executes a playable state transition process to transition to the playable state when the playable state is set. To explain in more detail, during the transition to a playable state, if the security signal output is ON, the process of turning the security signal output OFF and the initial device setup are performed. Furthermore, during the initial setup of the device, processes such as sending a launch permission command to the payout control board 400 to allow the launch of game balls, setting the state in which balls can enter each prize pocket, and setting data to activate the random number circuit 105 are performed.

[0106] The power cut-off processing execution means 180 performs power cut-off processing based on the receipt of a power cut-off signal from the power control board 500. Specifically, for the area of ​​RAM 103 related to gameplay, the following processes are executed: deriving the checksum of the area, storing the complement of the checksum in the backup information area of ​​RAM 103 related to gameplay, and turning on a backup flag to indicate that power-off processing has been performed on the area (storing the backup flag in the backup information area of ​​RAM 103 related to gameplay).

[0107] As shown in Figure 7, the first sub-control board 200 includes a sub-random number generation means 210, a normal performance control means 220, a sub-error control means 230, a lamp control means 240, a movable prop control means 245, a sub-information storage means 260, and a sub-command management means 270. These means functionally represent what is realized by each control configuration on the first sub-control board 200 as described with reference to Figure 6. Here, the sub-information storage means 260 is a means for temporarily storing data read by means provided in the first sub-control board 200, and data derived by calculations performed by said means, in corresponding storage areas. Furthermore, performance control commands transmitted from the main command management means 170 are stored in the received command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260 by the sub-command management means 270. In the following description, the process by which performance control commands transmitted from the main command management means 170 are stored in the received command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260 by the sub-command management means 270 may simply be referred to as the reception of performance control commands.

[0108] The sub-random number generation means 210 is capable of generating random numbers (software random numbers) that are updated by program processing by the CPU 201, and acquires random numbers at the timing when each lottery (details described later) is executed by the normal performance control means 220.

[0109] The normal performance control means 220 includes a performance mode control means 221, a performance route determination means 222, a sub-hold control means 223, a pre-read performance control means 224, a performance content determination means 225, a decorative pattern control means 226, and a jackpot performance control means 227.

[0110] The performance mode control means 221, upon receiving a game state specification command, controls the transition of the performance mode in a manner consistent with the special symbol variation pattern derivation state managed on the main control board 100. In this embodiment, the performance modes are broadly classified into Normal Mode, Challenge Mode, and RUSH Mode. Normal Mode corresponds to Special Symbol Variation Pattern Derivation State PA, Challenge Mode to Special Symbol Variation Pattern Derivation State PB, and RUSH Mode to Special Symbol Variation Pattern Derivation State PC.

[0111] When the performance route determination means 222 receives a pre-determination command, it determines (sets) the performance route corresponding to the currently held symbol variation based on the result of the pre-determination included in the command (in this embodiment, the special symbol variation pattern). However, if the special symbol variation pattern corresponding to the symbol variation is the special symbol variation pattern HNP described above, the performance route determination means 222 does not determine the performance route when the pre-determination command is transmitted, but instead determines the performance route at the start of the symbol variation based on the special symbol variation pattern included in the variation start command (for example, if the special symbol variation pattern derivation state is PA, then special symbol variation patterns HNP-A to special symbol variation patterns HNP-D). Here, the performance route refers to the performance from the start to the end of the symbol variation, which defines the process of performance that notifies the result of the special symbol win / loss determination in that symbol variation. The content of the performance performed in that symbol variation is determined by the performance content determination means 225, which will be described later, according to the performance route corresponding to that symbol variation.

[0112] In this embodiment, the performance routes are broadly divided into a "miss" performance route, which notifies that the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment in the current symbol variation is a miss (the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment in the current symbol variation is neither a big win nor a small win), and a "big win" performance route, which notifies that the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment in the current symbol variation is a big win or a small win. Furthermore, the miss performance route is divided into a "non-development miss" performance route, in which no development performance is performed, and a "development miss" performance route, in which a development performance is performed. As will be described later, if a big win performance route is determined, a development performance will be performed unless otherwise specified. Here, a development sequence refers to a sequence that is executed after the decorative symbols enter a reach state (a state where all but one row of symbols are stopped and displayed, and the remaining row of symbols is displayed in motion), and which, at the end of the sequence, announces whether the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment in the current symbol change is a big win or a small win. Therefore, in a development sequence corresponding to a development miss sequence route, a series of sequences corresponding to that development sequence are executed, and at the end of the sequence, it is announced that the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment in the current symbol change is neither a big win nor a small win. On the other hand, in a development sequence corresponding to a big win sequence route, a series of sequences corresponding to that development sequence are executed, and at the end of the sequence, it is announced that the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment in the current symbol change is either a big win or a small win. As will be described in detail later, a cut-in sequence may be executed during the execution of a development sequence in this embodiment. Furthermore, as will be described later, in this embodiment, in one performance mode, each of the determined special symbol variation patterns is associated with a different performance route. Therefore, in the following explanation, the performance route for a special symbol variation pattern may simply be represented by the special symbol variation pattern. However, multiple performance routes may be associated with a single special symbol variation pattern, in which case one performance route can be determined from the multiple performance routes corresponding to the determined special symbol variation pattern. The following explains the content of the performance routes corresponding to each special symbol variation pattern determined in each performance mode.

[0113] First, the performance routes corresponding to the special feature variation patterns HNP-A to HNP-D and special feature variation pattern HRP, which are determined in the normal state (special feature variation pattern derivation state PA), correspond to the non-developmental miss performance route mentioned above. Specifically, in special symbol variation patterns HNP-A to HNP-D, there is a corresponding performance route that notifies the player that the special symbol win / loss judgment for this symbol variation is a miss, by having the decorative symbols stop in a scattered pattern (a state where all rows of symbols are displayed, and no identical decorative symbols are displayed in any row) without the decorative symbols entering a reach state. Here, identical decorative symbols refer to decorative symbols that imitate the same numbers, even if the parts other than the numbers that make up the decorative symbols are different. Similarly, different decorative symbols refer to decorative symbols that imitate different numbers. The special symbol variation pattern HRP corresponds to a performance route in which the decorative symbols enter a reach state without going through a pseudo-variation, and then the decorative symbols stop and are displayed in a scattered pattern without the development performance described later being executed, thereby notifying the player that the special symbol win / loss judgment for this symbol variation is a loss. Here, a pseudo-variation refers to a period before the development performance begins that is divided by the stopping of decorative symbols according to certain rules (for example, the stopping of decorative symbols in a manner in which the same decorative symbol stops in the middle and right symbol rows, such as "5 symbol-6 symbol-6 symbol"). Therefore, it can be said that a pseudo-variation only occurs when the number of pseudo-variations reaches two. In other words, if the decorative symbols only vary once to form a reach state, it can be said that no pseudo-variation occurs, or in that case, it can be said that one pseudo-variation is executed. In this embodiment, the maximum number of pseudo-variations is three, but the maximum number of pseudo-variations is not limited to this, and any number of two or more may be adopted.

[0114] The special feature variation patterns HSP1-A to HSP3-B correspond to the aforementioned development failure sequence routes. Specifically, the special symbol variation patterns HSP1-A and HSP1-B correspond to a sequence in which the decorative symbols enter a reach state without going through a pseudo-variation, followed by a development sequence that announces that the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment in this symbol variation is a loss, and after the development sequence ends, the decorative symbols stop and are displayed in a scattered pattern. Note that the types of development sequences corresponding to each special symbol variation pattern are different; special symbol variation pattern HSP1-A corresponds to development sequence HEA, and special symbol variation pattern HSP1-B corresponds to development sequence HEB. Special symbol variation patterns HSP2-A and HSP2-B correspond to a sequence in which the decorative symbols enter a reach state through two pseudo-variations, followed by a development sequence that announces that the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment in this symbol variation is a loss, and after the development sequence ends, the decorative symbols stop and are displayed in a scattered pattern. Similar to special symbol variation patterns HSP1-A and HSP1-B, the types of development sequences corresponding to each special symbol variation pattern are different, with development sequence HEA corresponding to special symbol variation pattern HSP2-A and development sequence HEB corresponding to special symbol variation pattern HSP2-B. Special symbol variation patterns HSP3-A and HSP3-B correspond to a sequence in which the decorative symbols enter a reach state through three pseudo-variations, followed by a development sequence that announces that the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment in this symbol variation is a loss, and after the development sequence ends, the decorative symbols stop and are displayed in a scattered pattern. Similar to special symbol variation patterns HSP1-A and HSP1-B, the types of development sequences corresponding to each special symbol variation pattern are different, with development sequence HEA corresponding to special symbol variation pattern HSP3-A and development sequence HEB corresponding to special symbol variation pattern HSP3-B.

[0115] The special feature variation patterns ASP1-A and ASP1-B correspond to the jackpot animation routes described above. Specifically, the special symbol variation patterns ASP1-A and ASP1-B correspond to a performance route in which the decorative symbols enter a reach state without going through a pseudo-variation, and then a development performance is executed that announces that the result of the special symbol hit / fail judgment in this symbol variation is a jackpot, and after the completion of the development performance the decorative symbols stop to display in a symbol alignment state (all symbol rows are stopped and displayed, and the same decorative symbol is stopped and displayed in each symbol row). Note that the types of development performances corresponding to each special symbol variation pattern are different, with development performance HEA corresponding to special symbol variation pattern ASP1-A and development performance HEB corresponding to special symbol variation pattern ASP1-B. Special symbol variation patterns ASP2-A and ASP2-B correspond to a sequence in which the decorative symbols enter a reach state through two pseudo-variations, followed by a development sequence that announces that the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment in this symbol variation is a jackpot, and after the development sequence ends, the decorative symbols stop and are displayed in a matching state. Similar to special symbol variation patterns ASP1-A and ASP1-B, the types of development sequences corresponding to each special symbol variation pattern are different, with development sequence HEA corresponding to special symbol variation pattern ASP2-A and development sequence HEB corresponding to special symbol variation pattern ASP2-B. Special symbol variation patterns ASP3-A and ASP3-B correspond to a sequence in which the decorative symbols enter a reach state through three pseudo-variations, followed by a development sequence that announces that the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment in this symbol variation is a jackpot, and after the development sequence ends, the decorative symbols stop and are displayed in a matching state. Similar to special symbol variation patterns ASP1-A and ASP1-B, the types of development sequences corresponding to each special symbol variation pattern are different, with development sequence HEA corresponding to special symbol variation pattern ASP3-A and development sequence HEB corresponding to special symbol variation pattern ASP3-B. The special symbol variation pattern ASP-C corresponds to a sequence in which the decorative symbols enter a reach state without going through a pseudo-variation, and then the development sequence HEC is executed to announce that the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment in this symbol variation is a jackpot, and after the development sequence ends the decorative symbols stop and are displayed in a matching state.

[0116] Thus, in this embodiment, by associating identical development sequences, the sequence route corresponding to special symbol variation pattern ASP1-A is associated with the sequence route corresponding to special symbol variation pattern HSP1-A, the sequence route corresponding to special symbol variation pattern ASP1-B is associated with the sequence route corresponding to special symbol variation pattern HSP1-B, the sequence route corresponding to special symbol variation pattern ASP2-A is associated with the sequence route corresponding to special symbol variation pattern HSP2-A, the sequence route corresponding to special symbol variation pattern ASP2-B is associated with the sequence route corresponding to special symbol variation pattern ASP2-B, the sequence route corresponding to special symbol variation pattern HSP3-A is associated with the sequence route corresponding to special symbol variation pattern ASP3-A, and the sequence route corresponding to special symbol variation pattern ASP3-B is associated with the sequence route corresponding to special symbol variation pattern ASP3-B. As a result, the content of the sequences in the associated sequence routes will match from the beginning to just before the end (the timing at which the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment is shown by the development sequence related to the sequence route). Therefore, during the symbol variation in which the development sequences HEA and HEB are executed, the player can be made to feel a sense of anticipation for winning a jackpot. Furthermore, the aforementioned special symbol variation patterns that determine the performance route for the development performance HEA and development performance HEB can also be described as special symbol variation patterns that suggest a jackpot. The same applies to the other performance modes described later. Furthermore, there is no corresponding developmental failure sequence for the special symbol variation pattern ASP-C. Therefore, when the developmental sequence HEC is executed during the symbol variation, the player can definitively recognize that they have won a jackpot. Thus, it can be said that the sequence corresponding to this special symbol variation pattern is a sequence that guarantees a jackpot, and that this special symbol variation pattern is a special symbol variation pattern that guarantees a jackpot.

[0117] Next, the performance route corresponding to the basic special symbol variation patterns (special symbol variation patterns HNP-E and special symbol variation patterns HNP-F) that can be determined in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB corresponds to the non-developmental miss performance route described above. Specifically, special symbol variation patterns HNP-E and HNP-F correspond to a performance route in which the decorative symbols do not enter a reach state and stop and are displayed as scattered symbols, indicating that the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment in this symbol variation is a miss. This is also the case for the basic special symbol variation patterns in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC described later, so the explanation is omitted in that special symbol variation pattern derivation state.

[0118] The special feature variation patterns HSP-D to HSP-F correspond to the aforementioned development failure sequence routes. Specifically, for special symbol variation patterns HSP-D to HSP-F, the decorative symbols enter a reach state without going through a pseudo-variation, and then a development sequence is performed to announce that the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment in this symbol variation is a loss. After the development sequence ends, the decorative symbols stop and are displayed in a scattered pattern. Note that the types of development sequences that correspond to each special symbol variation pattern are different. Special symbol variation pattern HSP-D corresponds to development sequence HED, special symbol variation pattern HSP-E corresponds to development sequence HEE, and special symbol variation pattern HSP-F corresponds to development sequence HEF. Furthermore, the special feature variation patterns ASP-D to ASP-F correspond to the aforementioned jackpot animation routes. Specifically, for special symbol variation patterns ASP-D to ASP-F, the decorative symbols enter a reach state without going through a pseudo-variation, and then a development sequence is performed that announces whether the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment in this symbol variation is a big win or a small win. After the development sequence ends, the decorative symbols stop and are displayed in a matching state. Note that the types of development sequences that correspond to each special symbol variation pattern are different. Special symbol variation pattern ASP-D corresponds to development sequence HED, special symbol variation pattern ASP-E corresponds to development sequence HEE, and special symbol variation pattern ASP-F corresponds to development sequence HEF.

[0119] Furthermore, the special symbol variation patterns HSP-G to HSP-I, which can be determined by the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, correspond to the aforementioned developmental failure effect route. Specifically, special symbol variation patterns HSP-G to HSP-I correspond to an effect route in which the decorative symbols enter a reach state without going through a pseudo-variation, and then a development effect is executed to announce that the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment in this symbol variation is a loss, and after the end of the development effect, the decorative symbols stop and are displayed in a scattered pattern. Note that the types of development effects corresponding to each special symbol variation pattern are different from each other, with development effect HEG corresponding to special symbol variation pattern HSP-G, development effect HEH corresponding to special symbol variation pattern HSP-H, and development effect HEI corresponding to special symbol variation pattern HSP-I. Furthermore, the special symbol variation patterns ASP-G to ASP-I correspond to the aforementioned jackpot performance routes. Specifically, the special symbol variation patterns ASP-G to ASP-I correspond to a performance route in which the decorative symbols enter a reach state without going through a pseudo-variation, and then a development performance is executed that announces that the result of the special symbol hit / fail judgment in this symbol variation is a jackpot, and after the end of the development performance the decorative symbols stop and are displayed in a matching state. Note that the types of development performances that correspond to each special symbol variation pattern are different from each other, with special symbol variation pattern ASP-G corresponding to development performance HEG, special symbol variation pattern ASP-H corresponding to development performance HEH, and special symbol variation pattern ASP-I corresponding to development performance HEI.

[0120] When the sub-hold control means 223 receives a hold command (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the occurrence of a hold win), it sets performance data to display a number of hold images corresponding to the special figure 1 hold counter and a number of hold images corresponding to the special figure 2 hold counter in the hold display area (not shown) of the main display unit 81, based on the information of the special figure 1 hold counter and the special figure 2 hold counter included in the command. The hold images are images that are the subject of a hold pre-read performance that changes in various ways to suggest the degree of advantage, such as the expected probability of a big win occurring.

[0121] When the pre-reading effect control means 224 receives a pre-determination command, it determines the content of the so-called pre-reading effect based on the result of the pre-determination included in the command. A pre-announcement effect is a type of effect that aims to enhance the enjoyment of the game by hinting at the expected outcome of the special symbol win / loss judgment during the pre-announcement effect, or the content of the effect that will be performed during the pre-announcement effect, before the reel spinning of the target symbol begins. In particular, the pre-announcement effects in this embodiment include a pre-notification effect using a movable decorative body 22 and a symbol pre-announcement effect using a combination of decorative symbols that are displayed in a stopped state (details of both will be described later), and these pre-announcement effects are executed in the normal symbol high probability state (special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB, special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC). The symbol changes targeted for the above-mentioned pre-reading refer to symbol changes related to the main special symbol (special symbol 1 in special symbol change pattern derivation state PA, and special symbol 2 in special symbol change pattern derivation state PB and special symbol change pattern derivation state PC), and which are held in the state of hold 1 to hold 3.

[0122] When the performance content determination means 225 receives a variation start command, it determines the content of the performance to be executed in the current symbol variation according to the performance route already determined by the performance route determination means 222. More specifically, the performance content determination means 225 determines a reference performance pattern lottery table for each performance execution timing in the symbol variation, based on the performance route determined by the performance route determination means 222, and then determines the content of the performance by lottery using the determined performance pattern lottery table. In particular, this makes it possible to change the content of the performance related to (executed according to) the determined performance route, and also to create a connection between the performances in a single symbol variation.

[0123] When the decorative pattern control means 226 receives a variation start command, it determines the final combination of decorative patterns (left pattern, middle pattern, right pattern) that will be displayed as a confirmed stop, based on the determined stop pattern of the special pattern. Specifically, in the symbol variation related to Special Feature 1, a symbol combination related to decorative symbols, including a symbol combination related to the number 7, is determined for symbol A, and a symbol combination related to decorative symbols excluding the number 7 is determined for symbol B. Therefore, in this embodiment, the number of rounds in the jackpot game that occurs, and the subsequent performance mode (special feature variation pattern derivation state) after the jackpot game ends, can be inferred from the type of symbol combination related to decorative symbols that corresponds to the jackpot game. In the symbol variation related to Special Feature 2, one of the symbol combinations related to decorative symbols including the 7 symbol is determined for symbols a and c, and one of the symbol combinations related to decorative symbols excluding the 7 symbol is determined for symbol b. Therefore, in this embodiment, if a symbol combination related to the 7 symbol is displayed as a stop, it is confirmed that it is a jackpot game related to the stopped symbol (symbol a or symbol c) excluding symbol b. This makes it easier to estimate the number of rounds related to the jackpot game that occurs depending on the type of symbol combination related to decorative symbols that corresponds to the jackpot game, similar to the symbol variation related to Special Feature 1.

[0124] When the jackpot performance control means 227 receives a performance control command related to the jackpot game (start demo command, round start command, end demo command), it determines the content of the performance during the jackpot game based on the type of performance control command and the information contained in the performance control command. Furthermore, the effects during a jackpot game include a start demo effect that is executed based on the reception of a start demo command to announce the start of the jackpot game, a round effect that is executed based on the reception of a round start command to announce that a round game is in progress, and an end demo effect that is executed based on the reception of an end demo command to announce the end of the jackpot game.

[0125] The normal performance control means 220 reads performance data for each device corresponding to each performance at the execution timing of each performance, according to the content of the performance determined by the means described above provided in the first sub-control board 200. If the read performance data includes performance data related to images, it generates an image control command based on that performance data and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260. Furthermore, if the read performance data includes performance data related to sound, it generates an audio control command related to sound based on that performance data and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260. Furthermore, the normal performance control means 220 reads performance data to notify that the system has become playable after the RAM clear process is executed if the system has returned to a playable state after power is restored, and reads performance data to notify that the system has become playable without the RAM clear process if the system has returned to a playable state without the RAM clear process is executed. In addition, if the system enters a play-stopped state, the normal performance control means 220 reads performance data to notify that the system has entered a play-stopped state and that the RAM clear process is required. The details of these notifications are omitted here, but it is preferable that they continue to be executed for a certain period of time (for example, 30 seconds) after execution begins, and the performance device that executes the notification is not limited.

[0126] The sub-error control means 230 determines an error notification pattern when an error command is transmitted and reads out performance data for executing the error notification according to the error notification pattern.

[0127] The lamp control means 240 holds lamp control data for controlling the lighting of various lamps such as the movable decorative body 22 and the frame lamp 35. For example, if the performance data read by the normal performance control means 220 contains performance data corresponding to a lamp, the lamp control means 240 reads the lamp control data based on that performance data and transmits the read lamp control data to the lamp to be executed.

[0128] The movable mechanism control means 245, if the performance data read by the normal performance control means 220 contains performance data corresponding to a movable mechanism, reads from the ROM 202 based on the performance data to control the movement of the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82, transmits the read movable mechanism control data to the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82, and controls the movement of the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82.

[0129] As described above, the sub-information storage means 260 is a means for temporarily storing data read by means provided in the first sub-control board 200, data derived by calculations performed by said means, etc., in corresponding storage areas.

[0130] The subcommand management means 270 receives performance control commands transmitted from the main control board 100 and stores the received performance commands in the received command storage area of ​​the subinformation storage means 260. Furthermore, if an image control command is stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the subinformation storage means 260, the subcommand management means 270 transmits the image control command to the second sub-control board 300. In addition, if an audio control command or volume adjustment command is stored in the same storage area, the subcommand management means 270 transmits these commands to the audio control board 310. These commands are, in principle, transmitted in the order in which they are stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the subinformation storage means 260.

[0131] As described above, the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment is capable of performing a pre-announcement effect using the movable decorative body 22, and a symbol pre-announcement effect using a combination of decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed, as pre-announcement effects. In the conventional control system for executing pre-announcement effects, once a pre-announcement effect is executed (started), the execution of a new pre-announcement effect is restricted until the symbol change of the target symbol for that effect has finished. While this helps to reduce confusion for players by making it easier to identify which of the held symbol changes the target symbol change (hold) of the executed pre-announcement effect is, it also reduces the frequency of pre-announcement effects, leaving room for improvement in terms of enhancing the enjoyment of the game. In contrast, the present invention has a function that improves the above-mentioned problems. The details of this function will be described below.

[0132] <Regarding advance notice presentation> First, Figures 13 to 15 will be used to explain the details of the pre-announcement presentation according to this embodiment. Figure 13 shows the flow of the pre-announcement performance control process, which is executed by the pre-read performance control means 224 upon receiving a pre-determination command related to the entry of a game ball into the second start port 59 in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB or the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC. Figures 14(a) to 14(c) and 15(a) to 15(c) schematically show the lottery tables used in the lottery for the type of pre-announcement performance, and the range of random numbers used in these lotteries is 0 to 999.

[0133] As described above, the pre-announcement effect in this embodiment is a pre-reading effect using the movable decorative body 22, and when it is decided to execute the pre-announcement effect, it is executed when a game ball enters the second starting opening 59, which was the trigger for the execution of the pre-announcement effect control process. In particular, there are three types of pre-announcement effects (effect types): white illumination, in which the movable decorative body 22 does not vibrate but emits white light; red illumination, in which the movable decorative body 22 vibrates and emits red light; and red illumination + frame lamp illumination, in which the movable decorative body 22 vibrates and emits red light, and the frame lamp 35 also lights up red. All types of pre-announcement effects end after 2000ms. In the following explanation, when referring to "pre-announcement effects such as red illumination," it refers to both the red illumination pre-announcement effect and the red illumination + frame lamp illumination pre-announcement effect, but does not include the white illumination pre-announcement effect. Furthermore, when executing the pre-announcement effect, effects using devices other than the movable decorative body 22 may be performed, for example, by emitting sound effects corresponding to each of the above-described types from the speaker 33.

[0134] As shown in Figure 13, in step S202, which is the first step of the pre-announcement effect control process that controls the execution of the pre-announcement effect, it is determined whether the current special feature variation pattern derivation state is special feature variation pattern derivation state PB. If this condition is met, the process proceeds to step S204; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S206. In step S204, it is determined whether the restriction flag is set to ON. If the condition is met, the process proceeds to step S214; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S206. Here, the restriction flag is a flag that is set to ON when the symbol pre-reading effect described later is executed, or when a pre-announcement effect such as red flashing is executed. In this embodiment, the restriction flag, which was in the ON state, is set to OFF when the symbol change (the symbol change that is the target of the pre-reading) that triggered the setting of the restriction flag to ON ends, or when a winning game (minor win game, major win game) occurs.

[0135] In step S206, a lottery is held to determine the type of pre-announcement presentation. As shown in Figures 14(a) to 14(c) and 15(a) to 15(c), in the lottery for the type of pre-announcement performance, the results of the prior determination (results of the special symbol win / fail determination, the result of the special symbol stop symbol lottery, and the result of the special symbol variation pattern lottery) related to the symbol variation related to Special Symbol 2 that triggered the execution of the pre-announcement performance control processing this time are referenced, as well as the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state, the state of the restriction flag, and whether or not a pre-announcement performance with red light + frame lamp light illumination was executed in the preceding time. In particular, if the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state is Special Symbol Variation Pattern Derivation State PC, the number of times the symbol variation related to Special Symbol 2 has been executed since the end of the most recent big win game (the big win game that triggered the setting of the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC) (hereinafter simply referred to as "number of spins") is also referenced. Here, "a pre-announcement effect of red light + frame lamp light is performed in front of the character" means that the pre-announcement effect that triggered the setting of the current restriction flag (assuming it is ON) is red light + frame lamp light. Similarly, "a pre-announcement effect such as red light is performed in front of the character" means that the pre-announcement effect that triggered the setting of the current restriction flag (assuming this is also ON) is red light or red light + frame lamp light. Specifically, as shown in Figure 14(a), if the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state is special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC (especially when the number of rotations is 16 to 65) and the restriction flag is OFF, or if it is special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB (in this case, the restriction flag is OFF from the judgment in step S204), and the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment in the current hold is a win (minor win, big win), and the number of rounds of the big win game related to that win is 10, then white light emission is determined with a probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20), red light emission with a probability of 450 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 2.22), and red light emission + frame lamp light emission with a probability of 500 / 1000 (1 / 2). If the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state is special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC (especially when the number of rotations is 16 to 65) and the restriction flag is OFF, or if the special symbol variation pattern derivation state is PB, and the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment in the current hold is a win, and the number of rounds of the jackpot game related to that win is 4, then, similar to the case where the number of rounds of the jackpot game is 10 as described above, white light emission is determined with a probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20), red light emission with a probability of 450 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 2.22), and red light emission + frame lamp light emission with a probability of 500 / 1000 (1 / 2). If the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state is special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC (especially when the number of rotations is 16 to 65) and the restriction flag is OFF, or if the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state is special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB, and the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment for this hold is a miss, and a special symbol variation pattern for which a development performance is executed is determined, then there is a 400 / 1000 (1 / 2.5) probability of white light flashing, a 500 / 1000 (1 / 2) probability of red light flashing, and a 100 / 1000 (1 / 10) probability of red light flashing + frame lamp flashing. If the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state is special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC (especially when the number of rotations is between 16 and 65) and the restriction flag is OFF, or if the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state is special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB, and the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment for the current hold is a miss and a special symbol variation pattern in which no development performance is executed is determined, then white light will be determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1), and red light and red light + frame lamp light will not be determined. In the lottery for the type of pre-announcement effect using the lottery table shown in Figure 14(a), it is not considered whether or not the pre-announcement effect with red light + frame lamp light illumination was performed in the foreground. This is also the case in the lottery for the type of pre-announcement effect using the lottery table shown in Figure 15(a), which will be described later.

[0136] As shown in Figure 14(b), if the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state is special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC (especially when the number of rotations is 16 to 65), the restriction flag is ON, and the pre-announcement effect of red light + frame lamp light has not been performed in advance, and the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment for the current hold is a win, and the number of rounds of the big win game related to that win is 10, then there is a 200 / 1000 (1 / 5) probability of white light being determined, a 400 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 2.22) probability of red light being determined, and a 400 / 1000 (1 / 2.5) probability of red light + frame lamp light being determined. If the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state is special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC (especially when the number of rotations is between 16 and 65), the restriction flag is ON, and the pre-announcement effect of red light + frame lamp light has not been performed in the preceding instance, and the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment for the current hold is a win, and the number of rounds of the big win game related to that win is 4, then there is a 50 / 1000 (1 / 20) probability of white light being determined, a 450 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 2.22) probability of red light being determined, and a 500 / 1000 (1 / 2) probability of red light + frame lamp light being determined. If the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state is special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC (especially when the number of rotations is between 16 and 65), the restriction flag is ON, and the pre-announcement effect of red light + frame lamp light has not been executed in the preceding instance, and the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment for the current hold is a loss, and a special symbol variation pattern for which a development effect is executed is determined, then there is a 400 / 1000 (1 / 2.5) probability that white light will be determined, a 500 / 1000 (1 / 2) probability that red light will be determined, and a 100 / 1000 (1 / 10) probability that red light + frame lamp light will be determined. If the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state is Special Symbol Variation Pattern Derivation State PC (especially when the number of rotations is between 16 and 65), the restriction flag is ON, and the pre-announcement effect of red light + frame lamp light has not been executed in the preceding instance, and the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment for the current hold is a loss, and a special symbol variation pattern in which no development effect is executed is determined, then there is a 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1) probability that white light will be determined, and red light and red light + frame lamp light will not be determined.

[0137] As shown in Figure 14(c), if the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state is special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC (especially when the number of rotations is 16 to 65), the restriction flag is ON, and a pre-announcement effect of red light + frame lamp light has been performed in the foreground, and the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment for the current hold is a win, and the number of rounds of the big win game related to that win is 10, then there is a 200 / 1000 (1 / 5) probability of white light being determined, a 600 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.67) probability of red light being determined, and a 200 / 1000 (1 / 5) probability of red light + frame lamp light being determined. If the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state is Special Symbol Variation Pattern Derivation State PC (especially when the number of rotations is between 16 and 65), the restriction flag is ON, and a pre-announcement effect of red light + frame lamp light has been performed in the foreground, and the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment for the current hold is a win, and the number of rounds of the big win game related to that win is 4, then there is a 50 / 1000 (1 / 20) probability of white light being determined, a 650 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.54) probability of red light being determined, and a 300 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33) probability of red light + frame lamp light being determined. If the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state is Special Symbol Variation Pattern Derivation State PC (especially when the number of rotations is between 16 and 65), the restriction flag is ON, and a pre-announcement effect of red light + frame lamp light has been executed in the preceding moment, and the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment for the current hold is a loss, and a special symbol variation pattern for which a development effect is executed is determined, then there is a 400 / 1000 (1 / 2.5) probability that white light will be determined, a 550 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.82) probability that red light will be determined, and a 50 / 1000 (1 / 20) probability that red light + frame lamp light will be determined. If the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state is Special Symbol Variation Pattern Derivation State PC (especially when the number of rotations is between 16 and 65), the restriction flag is ON, and a pre-announcement effect of red light + frame lamp light has been executed in the preceding moment, and the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment for the current hold is a loss, and a special symbol variation pattern in which no development effect is executed is determined, then there is a 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1) probability that white light will be determined, and red light and red light + frame lamp light will not be determined.

[0138] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15(a), when the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state is special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC (especially when the number of rotations is 1 to 15 or 66 to 80) and the restriction flag is OFF, if the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment in the current hold is a win (minor win, major win) and the number of rounds of the major win game related to that win is 10, then white light emission is determined with a probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20), red light emission with a probability of 450 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 2.22), and red light emission + frame lamp light emission with a probability of 500 / 1000 (1 / 2). If the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state is special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC (especially when the number of rotations is 1-15 or 66-80) and the restriction flag is OFF, and the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment in the current hold is a win, and the number of rounds of the jackpot game related to that win is 4, then, similar to the case where the number of rounds of the jackpot game is 10 as described above, white light emission is determined with a probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20), red light emission with a probability of 450 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 2.22), and red light emission + frame lamp light emission with a probability of 500 / 1000 (1 / 2). If the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state is Special Symbol Variation Pattern Derivation State PC (especially when the number of rotations is 1-15 or 66-80) and the restriction flag is OFF, and the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment for the current hold is a loss, and a special symbol variation pattern for which a development performance is executed is determined, then there is a 400 / 1000 (1 / 2.5) probability of white light flashing, a 500 / 1000 (1 / 2) probability of red light flashing, and a 100 / 1000 (1 / 10) probability of red light flashing + frame lamp flashing. If the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state is Special Symbol Variation Pattern Derivation State PC (especially when the number of rotations is 1-15 or 66-80) and the restriction flag is OFF, and the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment for the current hold is a loss, and a special symbol variation pattern is determined in which no development performance is executed, then there is a 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1) probability that white light will be determined, and red light and red light + frame lamp light will not be determined.

[0139] As shown in Figure 15(b), if the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state is special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC (especially when the number of rotations is 1-15 or 66-80), the restriction flag is ON, and the pre-announcement effect of red light + frame lamp light has not been performed in the preceding instance, and the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment for the current hold is a win, and the number of rounds of the big win game related to that win is 10, then there is a 50 / 1000 (1 / 20) probability of white light being determined, a 450 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 2.22) probability of red light being determined, and a 500 / 1000 (1 / 2) probability of red light + frame lamp light being determined. If the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state is special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC (especially when the number of rotations is 1-15 or 66-80), the restriction flag is ON, and the pre-announcement effect of red light + frame lamp light has not been performed in the preceding instance, and the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment for the current hold is a win, and the number of rounds of the big win game related to that win is 4, then there is a 50 / 1000 (1 / 20) probability of white light being determined, a 450 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 2.22) probability of red light being determined, and a 500 / 1000 (1 / 2) probability of red light + frame lamp light being determined. If the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state is special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC (especially when the number of rotations is 1-15 or 66-80), the restriction flag is ON, and the pre-announcement effect of red light + frame lamp light has not been executed in the preceding instance, and the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment for the current hold is a loss, and a special symbol variation pattern for which a development effect is executed is determined, then there is a 400 / 1000 (1 / 2.5) probability that white light will be determined, a 500 / 1000 (1 / 2) probability that red light will be determined, and a 100 / 1000 (1 / 10) probability that red light + frame lamp light will be determined. If the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state is Special Symbol Variation Pattern Derivation State PC (especially when the number of rotations is 1-15 or 66-80), the restriction flag is ON, and the pre-announcement effect of red light + frame lamp light has not been executed in the preceding instance, and the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment for the current hold is a loss, and a special symbol variation pattern in which no development effect is executed is determined, then there is a 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1) probability that white light will be determined, and red light and red light + frame lamp light will not be determined.

[0140] As shown in Figure 15(c), if the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state is special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC (especially when the number of rotations is 1-15 or 66-80), the restriction flag is ON, and a pre-announcement effect of red light + frame lamp light has been performed in the foreground, and the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment for the current hold is a win, and the number of rounds of the big win game related to that win is 10, then white light is determined with a probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20), red light is determined with a probability of 650 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.54), and red light + frame lamp light is determined with a probability of 300 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33). If the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state is Special Symbol Variation Pattern Derivation State PC (especially when the number of rotations is 1-15 or 66-80), the restriction flag is ON, and a pre-announcement effect of red light + frame lamp light has been performed in the preceding moment, and the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment for the current hold is a win, and the number of rounds of the big win game related to that win is 4, then there is a 50 / 1000 (1 / 20) probability of white light being determined, a 650 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.54) probability of red light being determined, and a 300 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33) probability of red light + frame lamp light being determined. If the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state is special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC (especially when the number of rotations is 1-15 or 66-80), the restriction flag is ON, and a pre-announcement effect of red light + frame lamp light has been executed in the preceding moment, and the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment for the current hold is a loss, and a special symbol variation pattern for which a development effect is executed is determined, then there is a 400 / 1000 (1 / 2.5) probability that white light will be determined, a 550 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.82) probability that red light will be determined, and a 50 / 1000 (1 / 20) probability that red light + frame lamp light will be determined. If the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state is Special Symbol Variation Pattern Derivation State PC (especially when the number of rotations is 1-15 or 66-80), the restriction flag is ON, and a pre-announcement effect of red light + frame lamp light has been executed in the preceding moment, and the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment for the current hold is a loss, and a special symbol variation pattern in which no development effect is executed is determined, then there is a 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1) probability that white light will be determined, and red light and red light + frame lamp light will not be determined.

[0141] Returning to Figure 13, in step S208, the performance data related to the pre-announcement performance of the type determined by the pre-announcement performance type lottery is set. As a result, the pre-announcement performance of the type determined by the pre-announcement performance type lottery is executed. In step S210, it is determined whether the determined pre-notification effect is a type other than white light emission, i.e., whether the determined pre-notification effect is a type of pre-notification effect such as red light emission. If this condition is met, the process proceeds to step S212; otherwise, the pre-notification effect control process ends. In step S212, the restriction flag is set to ON, and then the pre-notification effect control process is terminated. In particular, in step S212, even if the restriction flag is already ON, the restriction flag is updated to ON again. Therefore, the state of the restriction flag after the update is linked to the current hold. In step S214, the performance data related to the white light pre-announcement performance is set, and then the pre-announcement performance control process is terminated.

[0142] Thus, in this embodiment, in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, the restriction flag is ON, that is, during the period from when a pre-notification effect such as red light flashing is executed until the pre-read target symbol variation (miss variation) related to the pre-notification effect ends, a new pre-notification effect such as red light flashing is made executable (see the flow from step S202 to step S206 in Figure 13). This is also the case when the restriction flag is set to ON by the execution of a symbol pre-read effect described later. Furthermore, the invention described below relates to pre-announcement effects such as red light emission. Therefore, assuming that the content of the pre-announcement effects such as red light emission described above is maintained, the pre-announcement effect of white light emission itself may be eliminated.

[0143] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the jackpot games that can be triggered by the symbol changes related to Special Feature 2 include jackpot games with 4 rounds and jackpot games with 10 rounds. Here, as shown in the "4R Win" column in Figures 14(a) to 14(c), in the pre-announcement sequence where the number of spins is 16 to 65, if a jackpot game with 4 rounds occurs with the current hold, regardless of the state of the restriction flag, white light flashing is determined with a probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20). On the other hand, as shown in the "10R Win" column of Figure 14(a), in the lottery for the type of pre-announcement effect when the number of spins is 16 to 65, if a jackpot game with 10 rounds occurs with the current hold and the restriction flag is OFF, white light emission is determined with a probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20). Furthermore, as shown in the "10R Win" columns of Figures 14(b) and 14(c), in the lottery for the type of pre-announcement effect when the number of spins is 16 to 65, if a jackpot game with 10 rounds occurs with the current hold and the restriction flag is ON, white light emission is determined with a probability of 200 / 1000 (1 / 5). In this embodiment, if the white light emission pre-announcement effect is not determined, a pre-announcement effect such as red light emission is executed. According to this, during the period when the number of rotations of the PC in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state is between 16 and 65, the restriction flag is ON, that is, during the period from when a pre-announcement effect such as red flashing is performed until the pre-read target symbol variation (miss variation) related to the pre-announcement effect ends, the proportion of jackpot games with 10 rounds when a jackpot game occurs with a symbol variation in which a white flashing pre-announcement effect was performed (a symbol variation in which a red flashing pre-announcement effect was not performed) is higher than the proportion of jackpot games with 10 rounds when a jackpot game occurs with a symbol variation in which a red flashing pre-announcement effect was performed.

[0144] Furthermore, as shown in the "4R Win" column in Figures 14(b) and 14(c), in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, when the number of rotations is between 16 and 65 and the restriction flag is ON, in the lottery for the type of pre-announcement performance, if a jackpot game with 4 rounds occurs with the current hold, white illumination is determined with a probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20), regardless of whether or not a pre-announcement performance with red illumination + frame lamp illumination was performed beforehand. On the other hand, as shown in the "10R per win" column in Figures 14(b) and 14(c), in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, when the number of rotations is between 16 and 65 and the restriction flag is ON, in the lottery for the type of pre-announcement performance, if a jackpot game with 10 rounds occurs with the current hold, white illumination is determined with a probability of 200 / 1000 (1 / 5), regardless of whether or not a pre-announcement performance with red illumination + frame lamp illumination was performed beforehand. According to this, in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, when the number of rotations is between 16 and 65 and the restriction flag is ON, when a jackpot game occurs with a symbol variation in which a white flashing pre-announcement effect is performed (a symbol variation in which no red flashing or other pre-announcement effect is performed), the probability that the jackpot game is a 10-round jackpot game is higher than when a jackpot game occurs with a symbol variation in which a red flashing or other pre-announcement effect is performed. This is also true when considering the state when the restriction flag is OFF.

[0145] Furthermore, as shown in the "4R Win" column in Figures 15(b) and 15(c), in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, when the number of rotations is between 1 and 15 and the restriction flag is ON, in the lottery for the type of pre-announcement performance, if a jackpot game with 4 rounds occurs with the current hold, white illumination is determined with a probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20), regardless of whether or not a pre-announcement performance with red illumination + frame lamp illumination was performed beforehand. Furthermore, as shown in the "10R per" column in Figures 15(b) and 15(c), in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, when the number of rotations is between 1 and 15 and the restriction flag is ON, in the lottery for the type of pre-announcement performance, if a jackpot game with 10 rounds occurs with the current hold, regardless of whether or not a pre-announcement performance with red light + frame lamp light was performed beforehand, white light is determined with a probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20). According to this, in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, when a jackpot game occurs during a symbol variation in which a white light pre-announcement effect is performed (a symbol variation in which no red light pre-announcement effect is performed), the proportion of jackpot games with 10 rounds is lower during the period when the number of spins is 1 to 15 and the restriction flag is ON than during the period when the number of spins is 16 to 65 and the restriction flag is ON. This is also true when considering the state when the restriction flag is OFF.

[0146] Similarly, as shown in the "4R Win" column in Figures 15(b) and 15(c), in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, when the number of rotations is 66-80 and the restriction flag is ON, in the lottery for the type of pre-announcement performance, if a jackpot game with 4 rounds occurs with the current hold, white illumination is determined with a probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20), regardless of whether or not a pre-announcement performance with red illumination + frame lamp illumination was performed beforehand. Furthermore, as shown in the "10R Win" column in Figures 15(b) and 15(c), in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, when the number of rotations is 66-80 and the restriction flag is ON, in the lottery for the type of pre-announcement performance, if a jackpot game with 10 rounds occurs with the current hold, white illumination is determined with a probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20), regardless of whether or not a pre-announcement performance with red illumination + frame lamp illumination was performed beforehand. According to this, in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, when a jackpot game occurs during a symbol variation in which a white light pre-announcement effect is performed (a symbol variation in which a red light pre-announcement effect is not performed), the proportion of jackpot games with 10 rounds is lower during the period when the number of spins is 66 to 80 and the restriction flag is ON than during the period when the number of spins is 16 to 65 and the restriction flag is ON. This is also true when considering the state when the restriction flag is OFF.

[0147] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 14(a) to 14(c) and Figures 15(a) to 15(c), in this embodiment, when the pre-announcement effect of red light emission + frame lamp illumination is performed, the expected probability of a jackpot occurring from the symbol change targeted by the pre-announcement effect is higher than the expected probability of a jackpot occurring from the symbol change targeted by the pre-announcement effect when the red light emission pre-announcement effect is performed. In other words, the frame lamp illumination can be said to be an effect that has a high expectation of a jackpot occurring. Furthermore, in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, when a pre-notification effect such as red light-up is performed during the period from the execution of a pre-notification effect accompanied by frame lamp illumination (red light-up + frame lamp illumination) until the end of the pre-read target symbol variation (miss variation) related to the said pre-notification effect, the proportion of the pre-notification effect being red light-up is higher than the proportion of the pre-notification effect being red light-up + frame lamp illumination (see Figures 14(b), 14(c), 15(b), and 15(c)).

[0148] Furthermore, as shown in the flow from step S202 to step S204 in Figure 13, in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB, the restriction flag is ON, meaning that no new pre-notification effects such as red flashing are executed during the period from when a pre-notification effect such as red flashing is executed until the pre-read target symbol variation (miss variation) related to that pre-notification effect ends.

[0149] <About the pattern pre-reading effect> Next, Figures 16 to 18 will be used to explain the details of the symbol pre-reading effect. Figures 16(a) to 16(c) show specific examples of the pattern prediction effect. Figure 17 shows the flow of the symbol pre-reading effect control process. This process, like the pre-announcement effect control process, is executed by the pre-reading effect control means 224 upon receiving a pre-determination command related to the entry of a game ball into the second start port 59 in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB or special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC. In particular, the symbol pre-reading effect control process is executed after the pre-announcement effect control process. Figure 18 schematically shows the lottery table used for the lottery related to the symbol pre-reading effect in the symbol pre-reading effect control processing, and the range of random numbers used in this lottery is 0 to 999.

[0150] As shown in Figures 16(a) to 16(c), the symbol pre-reading effect is a pre-reading effect that is realized using a combination of decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed in the display area related to the main display unit 81, and there are three types of this effect (effect). Specifically, there are three modes: one in which, in each of the one or more symbol changes (in this example, the Nth to N+2th rotations) that lead to the symbol change that is the target of the pre-reading (pre-reading target rotation), a scattered pattern consisting of even-numbered symbols is displayed at the stop (as shown in Figure 16(a), hereinafter referred to as "even-number scattered pattern"); one in which, in each of the one or more symbol changes, a scattered pattern consisting of odd-numbered symbols excluding the 7 symbol is displayed at the stop (as shown in Figure 16(b), hereinafter referred to as "normal odd-number scattered pattern"); and one in which, in each of the one or more symbol changes, a scattered pattern consisting of odd-numbered symbols including the 7 symbol is displayed at the stop (as shown in Figure 16(c), hereinafter referred to as "special odd-number scattered pattern"). In this example, in each embodiment, the scattered symbols displayed at the stop in each of the multiple symbol changes that lead to the symbol change of the target symbol are combinations of different decorative symbols. However, as long as the rules for scattered symbols in each embodiment are followed, the combinations of decorative symbols may match in some or all of the multiple symbol changes.

[0151] Next, as shown in Figure 17, in step S302, which is the first step of the symbol pre-reading effect control process that controls the execution of the symbol pre-reading effect, it is determined whether or not the restriction flag is ON. If the condition is met, the symbol pre-reading effect control process is terminated, and if the condition is not met, the process proceeds to step S304. As described above, in this embodiment, the symbol pre-reading effect control process is executed after the pre-announcement effect control process. Therefore, in the pre-announcement effect control that is executed in response to the reception of the preceding (common) pre-determination command, the state of the restriction flag may change from OFF to ON. In that case, exceptionally, the conditions related to step S302 are not satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S304.

[0152] In step S304, a lottery related to the symbol pre-reading effect is performed. As shown in Figure 18, in the lottery related to the symbol pre-reading effect, the results of the prior determination (the result of the special symbol win / fail determination and the result of the special symbol variation pattern lottery) related to the symbol variation of Special Symbol 2 that triggered the execution of the symbol pre-reading effect control process this time are referenced. Specifically, if the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment related to this hold is a win (minor win or big win), then there is a 200 / 1000 (1 / 5) probability that an even-numbered scattered pattern will be executed, a 300 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33) probability that a normal odd-numbered scattered pattern will be executed, and a 100 / 1000 (1 / 10) probability that a special odd-numbered scattered pattern will be executed. There is a 400 / 1000 (1 / 2.5) probability that the symbol pre-reading effect will not be executed. If the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment for this pending state is a loss and the development sequence is executed, there is a 350 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 2.86) probability that an even-numbered scattered symbol sequence will be executed, a 150 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6.66) probability that a normal odd-numbered scattered symbol sequence will be executed, and a 500 / 1000 (1 / 2) probability that the symbol pre-read sequence will not be executed. In this case, the execution of the special odd-numbered scattered symbol sequence will not be determined. If the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment for this pending state is a loss and the development animation is not executed, there is a 50 / 1000 (1 / 20) probability that the even-numbered scattered symbols will be executed, and there is a 950 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.05) probability that the symbol pre-read animation will not be executed. In this case, the execution of the normal odd-numbered scattered symbols and the special odd-numbered scattered symbols will not be decided. Furthermore, considering these lottery values ​​and the lottery values ​​shown in Figures 14(a) to 14(c), it can be said that the probability of a winning game occurring when a pre-announcement effect such as red light flashing is performed is higher than the probability of a winning game occurring when a symbol pre-reading effect (including all forms) is performed.

[0153] Returning to Figure 17, in step S306, it is determined whether or not the execution of the symbol pre-reading effect has been decided. If the condition is met, the process proceeds to step S308. If the condition is not met, the symbol pre-reading effect control process ends. In step S308, the performance data related to the symbol pre-reading performance that has been decided to be executed is set. As a result, the symbol pre-reading performance will be executed. In step S310, the restriction flag is set to ON, and then the symbol pre-reading effect control process is terminated.

[0154] Thus, in this embodiment, in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, when the restriction flag is ON, that is, during the period from when the symbol pre-reading effect starts until the symbol variation (miss variation) that is the target of the pre-reading effect related to the symbol pre-reading effect ends, the execution of a new symbol pre-reading effect is restricted (see step S302 in Figure 17). On the other hand, regarding pre-announcement effects such as red flashing, as described above, in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, a new pre-announcement effect such as red flashing can be executed during the period from when the pre-announcement effect such as red flashing is executed until the pre-read target symbol variation (miss variation) related to that pre-announcement effect ends. Furthermore, the probability of a winning game occurring when a pre-announcement effect such as red light flashing is performed is higher than the probability of a winning game occurring when a symbol pre-reading effect is performed. According to this, by reducing the frequency of pre-announcement effects that have a relatively low probability of resulting in a winning game, while not reducing the frequency of pre-announcement effects such as red flashing lights that have a relatively high probability of resulting in a winning game, the effect of pre-announcement effects such as red flashing lights on improving the enjoyment of the game can be enhanced. Furthermore, in order to achieve this effect, it is possible to configure the system so that, on the premise of maintaining the expected probability of a winning game occurring in relation to the symbol pre-reading effect, a new symbol pre-reading effect can be executed (in place of an already executed symbol pre-reading effect) at a lower probability than the probability of execution of a symbol pre-reading effect outside of that period, during the period from when the symbol pre-reading effect starts until when the symbol variation of the target of the pre-reading effect related to that effect ends. In other words, in order to achieve this effect, it is sufficient that the execution of symbol pre-reading effects is restricted during that period. Furthermore, the restrictions on the execution of new symbol pre-reading effects may extend beyond the period from when the symbol pre-reading effect begins until the symbol variation of the target symbol for pre-reading related to that effect ends. In addition to that period, the restrictions on the execution of new symbol pre-reading effects may also extend beyond that period to a certain period from the end of that period until a predetermined number of symbol variations (for example, 20 spins) have been performed. Furthermore, although there were three types of patterns for predicting the symbols in this embodiment, the remaining two types of patterns may be eliminated, provided that the content regarding even-numbered scattered symbols described above is maintained. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the relationship between the pre-announcement effect such as the red light emission described above and the symbol pre-reading effect is limited to the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, but the target game state (special symbol variation pattern derivation state) is not specified. This is also the case in subsequent inventions unless otherwise specified.

[0155] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, a first pre-announcement effect (symbol pre-announcement effect) and a second pre-announcement effect (pre-notification effect such as red flashing) can be executed. If a new reserved ball is awarded between the time the first pre-announcement effect is executed and the symbol variation that is the target of the pre-announcement effect of the first pre-announcement effect ends, and the result of the win / loss judgment related to that symbol variation is a loss, the execution of the first pre-announcement effect targeting the symbol variation related to that new reserved ball is restricted at least until that symbol variation ends. If a new reserved ball is awarded between the time the second pre-announcement effect is executed and the first symbol variation that is the target of the pre-announcement effect of the second pre-announcement effect ends, and the result of the win / loss judgment related to that first symbol variation is a loss, then the second pre-announcement effect targeting the second symbol variation related to that new reserved ball can be executed based on the occurrence of that new reserved ball. In other words, the second pre-announcement effect has a higher expectation of generating a winning game than the first pre-announcement effect. In this embodiment, the symbol pre-reading effect corresponding to the first pre-reading effect is executed each time a symbol change occurs during the period from when the symbol change of the target of pre-reading is put on hold until the symbol change of the target of pre-reading begins. However, it is not limited to this, and the first pre-reading effect may be executed for a certain period of time when the symbol change of the target of pre-reading is put on hold and then not executed again, or it may be started once and continue until the symbol change of the target of pre-reading begins. In other words, the first pre-reading effect only needs to be started during the period from when the symbol change of the target of pre-reading is put on hold until the symbol change of the target of pre-reading begins. Furthermore, the timing of the end of the first pre-reading effect may be at any time before the symbol change of the target of pre-reading begins, or it may occur during the execution of the symbol change of the target of pre-reading. The same applies to the second pre-reading effect. Furthermore, if these modifications are adopted, it may occur that a pre-announcement animation related to a new reserved ball entry is started while a pre-announcement animation is being executed. In this case, the system should be configured so that the new pre-announcement animation related to a reserved ball entry is started in place of the previously executed pre-announcement animation (by stopping the previously executed pre-announcement animation). However, when starting a new pre-announcement animation in place of a previously executed pre-announcement animation, it is preferable that there is an interval period between the end of the previously executed pre-announcement animation and the start of the new pre-announcement animation.

[0156] In particular, in this embodiment, in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, a new pre-announcement effect such as red light emission can be executed during the period from when the symbol pre-read effect is executed until the symbol variation (miss variation) of the pre-read target related to the pre-announcement effect ends. According to this, the effect of enhancing the enjoyment of the game through pre-announcement effects such as red flashing lights can be further increased.

[0157] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, if a new reserved ball is awarded between the start of the first pre-announcement effect (symbol pre-announcement effect) and the end of the symbol variation that is the target of the pre-announcement effect of the first pre-announcement effect, and the result of the win / loss judgment related to that symbol variation is a loss, then a second pre-announcement effect (pre-notification effect such as red flashing) that targets the symbol variation related to the new reserved ball award may be executed based on the occurrence of the new reserved ball award.

[0158] Furthermore, as described above, in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, during the period when the number of rotations is between 16 and 65, in the period from when a pre-announcement effect such as red flashing is performed until the pre-read target symbol variation (miss variation) related to the pre-announcement effect ends, the proportion of jackpot games with 10 rounds when a jackpot game occurs with a symbol variation in which a pre-announcement effect such as red flashing was not performed during that period is higher than the proportion of jackpot games with 10 rounds when a jackpot game occurs with a symbol variation in which a pre-announcement effect such as red flashing was performed during that period. In other words, in this embodiment, the former proportion and the latter proportion are different. According to this, it is possible to add new gameplay elements to the execution of pre-announcement effects (pre-notification effects) during the relevant period, thereby improving the enjoyment of the game. Furthermore, in order to achieve this effect, the entire period of the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC may be targeted, not just the period during which the rotation speed in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC is between 16 and 65. This also applies to each invention that is described by only mentioning the period during which the rotation speed in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC is between 16 and 65. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the proportion of the former is higher than the proportion of the latter, but in order to achieve the said effect, the proportion of the latter may be made higher than the proportion of the former.

[0159] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, there are two types of winning games: a first winning game (a jackpot game with 4 rounds) and a second winning game (a jackpot game with 10 rounds) which is more advantageous than the first winning game. In the above predetermined time, the probability of the winning game being a second winning game differs between the first time when a winning game occurs due to the second symbol variation without the second pre-announcement effect (such as a red flashing light) targeting the second symbol variation being executed, and the second time when a winning game occurs due to the second symbol variation after the second pre-announcement effect targeting the second symbol variation being executed. Furthermore, the differences in the degree of advantage of the winning game described above are not limited to those caused by differences in the number of rounds, as in this embodiment, but may also be caused by differences in the degree of advantage related to the game state set after the end of the winning game (for example, differences in the prescribed number of times for normal high probability, or differences in the probability of the winning game itself occurring). The same applies to subsequent inventions.

[0160] In particular, in this embodiment, the proportion of the former described above is higher than the proportion of the latter described above. According to this, even if no pre-announcement effects such as red flashing are performed during the period from when the pre-announcement effect such as red flashing is performed until the symbol change (losing change) related to the pre-announcement effect ends, it is possible to increase the player's anticipation (that if a jackpot game occurs, the jackpot game will be a jackpot game with 10 rounds).

[0161] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the probability that the winning game resulting from the second symbol change is a second winning game (a jackpot game with 10 rounds) can be rephrased as follows: the probability in the first case is higher than the probability in the second case.

[0162] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, assuming that the probability of a jackpot occurring when a pre-announcement effect of red light + frame lamp light is performed is higher than the probability of a jackpot occurring when a pre-announcement effect of red light (without frame lamp light) is performed, in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, when a pre-announcement effect such as red light is performed during the period from the execution of a pre-announcement effect accompanied by frame lamp light (red light + frame lamp light) until the end of the pre-announcement effect of the target symbol variation (miss variation) related to the pre-announcement effect, the proportion of the pre-announcement effect being red light is higher than the proportion of the pre-announcement effect being red light + frame lamp light. According to this, the presence of the frame lamp illumination enhances the effect of the red illumination pre-announcement effect in improving the enjoyment of the game, while during that period, the player's sense of anticipation (regarding the occurrence of a jackpot) can be increased regardless of whether the frame lamp illumination is present or not. Furthermore, in order to achieve the aforementioned effect, the proportion of the former mentioned above may be set to zero. Furthermore, in the red light emission + frame lamp illumination pre-announcement effect in this embodiment, the red light emission of the movable decorative body 22 and the illumination of the frame lamp 35 start at the same time. However, there may be a difference in the start timing of these effects that is sufficient for the player to recognize that the trigger for the execution of these effects is the same. In that case, it is preferable that the red light emission of the movable decorative body 22 is performed first. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the illumination of the frame lamp constitutes a pre-announcement effect, but the illumination of the frame lamp may be a different effect from the pre-announcement effect, as long as the relationship of the execution ratio described above is ensured. Here, a different effect from the pre-announcement effect means that the execution or non-execution of the effect is determined independently of the pre-announcement effect.

[0163] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the second pre-announcement effect (red flashing pre-notification effect) may be performed in conjunction with a predetermined effect (frame lamp flashing), and the probability of a winning game occurring due to the symbol change that is the target of the pre-announcement effect of the second pre-announcement effect performed with the predetermined effect is higher than the probability of a winning game occurring due to the symbol change that is the target of the pre-announcement effect of the second pre-announcement effect performed without the predetermined effect. In the case of the second pre-announcement effect targeting the first symbol change being performed with the predetermined effect, the proportion of the second pre-announcement effect targeting the second symbol change being performed without the predetermined effect is higher than the proportion of the second pre-announcement effect targeting the second symbol change being performed with the predetermined effect, or, to put it another way, the second pre-announcement effect targeting the second symbol change being performed without the predetermined effect.

[0164] Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment, during the period when the number of rotations in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC is 16 to 65, if a jackpot game occurs with a symbol variation in which a white light pre-announcement effect is performed (a symbol variation in which no red light pre-announcement effect is performed), the proportion of the jackpot game being a jackpot game with 10 rounds is higher than if a jackpot game occurs with a symbol variation in which a red light pre-announcement effect is performed. According to this, in the special feature variation pattern derivation state PC, the expectation (that if a jackpot occurs, the jackpot game will be a jackpot game with 10 rounds) when no pre-announcement effect such as red flashing is performed for a held prize is increased during the period from 16 to 65 spins. During this period, the expectation for pre-announcement effects such as red flashing is suppressed, while the expectation when no pre-announcement effect such as red flashing is performed is increased.

[0165] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, a first pre-announcement effect (symbol pre-announcement effect) and a second pre-announcement effect (pre-notification effect such as red flashing) can be executed, and if a new reserved ball is entered between the time the first pre-announcement effect is executed and the symbol variation that is the target of the pre-announcement effect of the first pre-announcement effect ends, and the result of the win / fail judgment related to that symbol variation is a loss, the execution of the first pre-announcement effect targeting the symbol variation related to that new reserved ball is restricted at least until the symbol variation ends, and if a new reserved ball is entered between the time the second pre-announcement effect is executed and the symbol variation that is the target of the pre-announcement effect of the second pre-announcement effect ends, and the result of the win / fail judgment related to that symbol variation is When it is a miss, a second pre-announcement effect may be executed based on the occurrence of the new reserved prize, with the symbol change related to the new reserved prize being the target of the pre-announcement. If a reserved prize occurs during the first period (the period when the number of rotations in the special symbol change pattern derivation state PC is 16 to 65), and the second pre-announcement effect targeting the symbol change related to the reserved prize is not executed, and a winning game occurs as a result of that symbol change, then the probability that the winning game is a second winning game (a big win game with 10 rounds) is higher than when the second pre-announcement effect targeting the symbol change related to the reserved prize is executed and a winning game occurs as a result of that symbol change. In this embodiment, the first period is defined as the period in which the number of rotations in the special feature variation pattern derivation state PC (normal feature high probability) is between 16 and 65. However, the first period may also be defined by the difference in the degree of advantage managed by the main control board 100, or by the difference in the presentation managed by the first sub-control board 200. In other words, any period can be adopted for the first period. The same applies to the second period, which will be described later.

[0166] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, when a jackpot game occurs during a symbol variation in which a white light pre-announcement effect is performed (a symbol variation in which a red light pre-announcement effect is not performed), the proportion of jackpot games with 10 rounds is lower during the period when the number of spins is 1 to 15 and the restriction flag is ON than during the period when the number of spins is 16 to 65 and the restriction flag is ON. According to this, in the period when the number of spins in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC is 1 to 15, the expectation for pre-announcement effects such as red flashing (that if a jackpot occurs, the jackpot game will be a jackpot game with 10 rounds) can be maintained (by increasing the expectation for pre-announcement effects such as red flashing compared to the period when the number of spins is 16 to 65), thereby ensuring the overall expectation for pre-announcement effects such as red flashing, which decreases due to the existence of the period when the number of spins is 16 to 65. This leads to not decreasing attention to pre-announcement effects such as red flashing. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the system is configured to transition from a period where the rotation speed in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC is 1 to 15 to a period where the rotation speed in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC is 16 to 65. However, it may also be configured to transition from the latter period to the former period, or both of these transition directions may be provided.

[0167] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, there is a second period (a period in which the number of rotations in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC is 1 to 15) that is different from the first period (a period in which the number of rotations in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC is 16 to 65), and it is possible to transition from at least one of the first and second periods to the other, and when a winning game occurs due to a symbol variation related to a reserved ball entry without the execution of a second pre-announcement effect (a pre-announcement effect such as red flashing), the expectation that the winning game is a second winning game (a big win game with 10 rounds) can be rephrased as the expectation in the second period being lower than the expectation in the first period. Furthermore, this invention allows for the restriction of the execution of the second pre-announcement effect during the second period described above.

[0168] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, when a jackpot game occurs during a symbol variation in which a white light pre-announcement effect is performed (a symbol variation in which no red light pre-announcement effect is performed), the proportion of jackpot games with 10 rounds is lower during the period when the number of spins is 66 to 80 and the restriction flag is ON than during the period when the number of spins is 16 to 65 and the restriction flag is ON. According to this, assuming that the number of rotations in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC can transition in the following order: period of 1 to 15, period of 16 to 65, and period of 66 to 80, it is possible to raise or lower the expectation for pre-announcement effects such as red flashing (in the case of a jackpot game that will be a jackpot game with 10 rounds if a jackpot game occurs), thereby enhancing the effect of improving the enjoyment of the game through pre-announcement effects such as red flashing.

[0169] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, there is a third period (a period in which the number of rotations in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC is 66 to 80) which is different from the first period (a period in which the number of rotations in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC is 16 to 65) and the second period (a period in which the number of rotations in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC is 1 to 15), and when a winning game occurs due to a symbol variation related to a reserved ball entry without the execution of a second pre-announcement effect (a pre-announcement effect such as red flashing), the expectation that the winning game is a second winning game (a big win game with 10 rounds) is lower in the third period than in the first period, and it can be said that a transition from the first period to the third period is possible.

[0170] <About cut-in animations> Next, using Figures 19 and 20, we will explain in detail the cut-in effects that can be performed in the special feature variation pattern derivation state PB and the special feature variation pattern derivation state PC. Figures 19(a) and 19(b) show the flow of events in which cut-in animations occur during development sequences. Figure 19(a) shows the flow of events related to weak cut-in animations, and Figure 19(b) shows the flow of events related to strong cut-in animations. Figure 20(a) is a diagram showing the flow of the cut-in effect control process, which is executed by the effect content determination means 225 upon receiving a variation start command in the special feature variation pattern derivation state PB and the special feature variation pattern derivation state PC. Figure 20(b) is a diagram schematically showing the lottery table used for the lottery related to the development effect, and the range of random numbers used in this lottery is 0 to 999.

[0171] The cut-in animation is an animation that is performed at the end of a development animation by operating the animation button 37, and as shown in Figures 19(a) and 19(b), there are two types: weak cut-ins and strong cut-ins. More specifically, when a cut-in animation is performed, a button image bg prompting the user to operate the animation button is displayed in the display area of ​​the main display unit 81, along with a meter image mg indicating the acceptance period (valid period) for the operation. The meter image is initially displayed entirely in black, and the area (length) of the black region decreases over time. The area of ​​the black region indicates the acceptance period for the animation button operation.

[0172] As shown in Figure 19(a), in the cut-in animation for the weak cut-in, the main display unit 81 displays a weak cut-in image kg1 with the word "Chance!", and the speaker 33 emits the word "Chance". As shown in Figure 19(b), in the cut-in animation for the strong cut-in, the main display unit 81 displays a strong cut-in image kg2 with the words "Super Hot!", and the speaker 33 emits the word "Super Hot" (a different sound from the sound for the weak cut-in). In this embodiment, the button image bg itself is always displayed towards the end of the development sequence, and although not shown in the illustration, if the execution of the cut-in sequence has not been decided, the cut-in sequence will not be executed even if the sequence button 37 is operated within the acceptance period.

[0173] Next, as shown in Figure 20(a), in step S402, which is the first step of the cut-in effect control process that controls the execution of the cut-in effect, it is determined whether or not a development effect will be executed in the symbol change related to the change start command that triggers the execution of the cut-in effect control process (hereinafter referred to as "this symbol change"). If the condition is met, the process proceeds to step S404; if the condition is not met, the cut-in effect control process is terminated.

[0174] In step S404, a lottery related to the cut-in animation is performed. As shown in Figure 20(b), in the lottery related to the cut-in effect, in addition to the result of the special symbol win / loss determination in the current symbol change, whether or not a pre-announcement effect such as red flashing, which is the target of the current symbol change, is executed is also referenced. Specifically, as shown in Figure 20(b), if the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment in this symbol variation is a win (minor win or big win), and no pre-announcement effect such as red flashing that targets this symbol variation is executed, then there is a 200 / 100 (1 / 5) probability that a weak cut-in will be determined, a 500 / 100 (1 / 2) probability that a strong cut-in will be determined, and a 300 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33) probability that no cut-in effect will be executed. If the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment in this symbol variation is a win, and if a pre-announcement effect such as red flashing is performed that targets this symbol variation as a pre-read, then there is a 300 / 100 (approximately 1 / 3.33) chance of a weak cut-in, a 200 / 100 (1 / 5) chance of a strong cut-in, and a 500 / 1000 (1 / 2) chance that no cut-in effect will be performed. If the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment in this symbol change is a loss, the cut-in animation will not be performed, regardless of whether or not a pre-announcement effect such as red flashing, which is the target of the symbol change, was performed.

[0175] Returning to Figure 20(a), in step S406, it is determined whether or not the execution of the cut-in animation has been decided. If the condition is met, the process proceeds to step S408. If the condition is not met, the cut-in animation control process is terminated. In step S408, the animation data related to the cut-in animation that has been decided to be executed is set. As a result, the cut-in animation will be executed.

[0176] Thus, in this embodiment, the cut-in animation is executed when the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment in the current symbol variation is a win, and is not executed when the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment in the current symbol variation is a loss. Furthermore, if a pre-announcement animation such as a red flash that targets the current symbol variation is not executed, the cut-in animation is executed with a higher probability than when a pre-announcement animation such as a red flash that targets the current symbol variation is executed. In other words, in this embodiment, in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB and special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, which include a period in which the number of rotations in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC is 16 to 65, the probability of executing a cut-in effect when no pre-announcement effect such as red flashing is performed targeting the current symbol variation, assuming that the result of the special symbol hit / fail judgment in the current symbol variation is a hit, is different from the probability of executing a cut-in effect when a pre-announcement effect such as red flashing is performed targeting the current symbol variation. According to this, it is possible to add new gameplay elements to the execution of pre-announcement effects during the relevant period, thereby improving the enjoyment of the game. In this embodiment, the execution probability of the former is higher than that of the latter, but in order to achieve this effect, the execution probability of the latter may be made higher than that of the former.

[0177] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, it is possible to execute a specific effect (cut-in effect) related to the result of the win / loss determination in the ongoing symbol variation, and with respect to a reserved ball entry that occurred during the first period (the period when the number of rotations in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC is 16 to 65), the proportion of times a specific effect is executed for that symbol variation differs depending on whether a second pre-announcement effect (pre-notification effect such as red flashing) that targets the symbol variation related to the reserved ball entry is not executed and a winning game occurs as a result of that symbol variation, or whether a second pre-announcement effect that targets the symbol variation related to the reserved ball entry is executed and a winning game occurs as a result of that symbol variation.

[0178] In particular, in this embodiment, the probability of the former being executed is higher than the proportion of the latter. According to this, if no pre-announcement effects such as red flashing are performed during the period from when a pre-announcement effect such as red flashing is performed until the symbol change (losing change) related to the pre-announcement effect ends, it is possible to make the game more exciting during that symbol change.

[0179] Furthermore, in this embodiment, regardless of the type of cut-in animation (whether it is a weak cut-in or a strong cut-in), the result of the special symbol win / loss determination in this symbol variation is confirmed to be a win (minor win or major win). Furthermore, if no pre-announcement effect such as red flashing is performed targeting the current symbol change, a strong cut-in is more likely to be determined as the type of cut-in (and a weak cut-in is less likely to be determined), and if a pre-announcement effect such as red flashing is performed targeting the current symbol change, a weak cut-in is more likely to be determined as the type of cut-in (and a strong cut-in is less likely to be determined). According to this, the content of the animation in the symbol change related to the new pre-announcement animation (such as a red flashing light) can be changed depending on whether or not a new pre-announcement animation (such as a red flashing light) is performed between the time the pre-announcement animation (such as a red flashing light) is executed and the symbol change (missing spin) related to the pre-announcement animation ends.

[0180] <Notification regarding the transition of the period of the special feature variation pattern derivation state PC> Next, using Figure 21, we will explain in detail the notifications that are executed during the period transition of the special pattern variation derivation state PC. Figure 21(a) shows a specific example of a notification that is executed when the rotation speed in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC transitions from the period when the rotation speed in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC is 1 to 15 to the period when the rotation speed in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC is 16 to 65. Figure 21(b) shows a specific example of a notification that is executed when the rotation speed in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC transitions from the period when the rotation speed in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC is 16 to 65 to the period when the rotation speed in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC is 66 to 80.

[0181] As shown in Figure 21(a), when the rotation count in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC transitions from the period of 1 to 15 to the period of 16 to 65, a text-to-slip image tg1 containing the words "Also look forward to white illumination" is displayed in the display area of ​​the main display unit 81 at the timing of the transition to the latter period (the timing when the first symbol variation in the latter period begins). Although not shown in the illustration, the display of the text-to-slip image tg1 ends after a certain period of time. The same applies to the text-to-slip image tg2, which will be described later. According to this, experienced players (those who understand the meaning of the text image tg1) will recognize that their anticipation for pre-announcement effects such as red flashing lights (in the event that a jackpot occurs and that the jackpot will be a 10-round jackpot) will change, thus preventing them from getting bored during the subsequent game (the period when the number of spins in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC is between 16 and 65). On the other hand, inexperienced players (those who do not understand the meaning of the text image tg1) will be able to continue the subsequent game while maintaining their attention to pre-announcement effects such as red flashing lights. Furthermore, in order to achieve this effect, it is not necessary for the text overlay image tg1 to be displayed for the entire duration of the transition from the period when the rotation count in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC is 1 to 15 to the period when the rotation count in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC is 16 to 65; it is sufficient for the text overlay image tg1 to be displayed for only a portion of this transition.

[0182] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, it is possible to transition from the second period (the period when the number of rotations in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC is 1 to 15) to the first period (the period when the number of rotations in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC is 16 to 65), and in the transition from the second period to the first period, the first notification (telop image tg1) may be executed. Regarding the statement above, "When transitioning from the second period to the first period, the first notification (telop image tg1) may be executed," the first notification is not limited to being executed from the start of the first period (and not during the second period), as in this embodiment, but also includes notifications that span both periods or notifications that are executed during the second period but not during the first period. In other words, the execution period is irrelevant as long as it makes it possible to identify the transition from the second period to the first period. Furthermore, the first notification is not limited to image display as in this embodiment, but may also be realized by lighting up a lamp such as the frame lamp 35, or by outputting sound from the speaker 33. The same applies to the second notification described later.

[0183] In particular, in this embodiment, when transitioning from the period when the rotation speed in the special feature variation pattern derivation state PC is 1 to 15 to the period when the rotation speed in the special feature variation pattern derivation state PC is 16 to 65, the background image hg displayed on the main display unit 81 is the same in both periods. According to this, the effect of keeping players with little gaming experience engaged with pre-announcement effects such as red flashing lights, and allowing them to continue playing the game, can be further enhanced. Furthermore, this also makes it easier to recognize the text overlay image tg1 itself. Furthermore, in order to achieve these effects, the background image does not need to be the same throughout the entire transition from the period when the rotation count in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC is 1 to 15 to the period when the rotation count in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC is 16 to 65; it is sufficient for the background image to be the same in part of that transition. The same applies to the transition from the period when the rotation count in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC is 16 to 65 to the period when the rotation count in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC is 66 to 80, as will be described later.

[0184] As shown in Figure 21(b), when the rotation count in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC transitions from the period of 16 to 65 to the period of 66 to 80, a text-to-score image tg2 containing the words "Expect red light" is displayed in the display area of ​​the main display unit 81 at the timing of the transition to the latter period (the timing when the first symbol variation in the latter period begins). According to this, for experienced players (players who understand the meaning of the text image tg2), the expectation of pre-announcement effects such as red flashing (in the case of a jackpot game occurring, the expectation that the jackpot game will be a jackpot game with 10 rounds) changes, preventing them from getting bored during the subsequent game (the period when the number of spins in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC is 66 to 80). On the other hand, for players with little experience (players who do not understand the meaning of the text image tg2), the difference in expectation of pre-announcement effects such as red flashing can be used to surprise them by having them play the subsequent game with reduced attention to these effects. Furthermore, in order to achieve this effect, it is not necessary for the text overlay image tg2 to be displayed for the entire duration of the transition from the period when the rotation speed in the special feature variation pattern derivation state PC is 16 to 65 to the period when the rotation speed in the special feature variation pattern derivation state PC is 66 to 80; it is sufficient for the text overlay image tg2 to be displayed for only a portion of this transition.

[0185] Therefore, it can be rephrased as follows: when transitioning from the first period (the period when the rotation count in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC is 16 to 65) to the third period (the period when the rotation count in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC is 66 to 80), the second notification (telop image tg2) may be executed.

[0186] In particular, in this embodiment, when transitioning from the period when the rotation speed in the special feature variation pattern derivation state PC is 16 to 65 to the period when the rotation speed in the special feature variation pattern derivation state PC is 66 to 80, the background image hg displayed on the main display unit 81 is common (identical) in both periods. According to this, by having players with limited gaming experience pay less attention to pre-announcement effects such as red flashing lights during subsequent gameplay, the effect of surprising them with the difference in the sense of anticipation of pre-announcement effects such as red flashing lights can be further enhanced.

[0187] <Regarding other variations> The following are variations not described above.

[0188] Firstly, in this embodiment, the mode of the pre-announcement performance is the same whether it is performed in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB or in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, but is not limited to this. Specifically, if there is a mode of the pre-announcement performance described above (white light emission, red light emission, red light emission + frame lamp emission) in these special symbol variation pattern derivation states, the vibration mode (intensity of vibration, vibration duration, etc.) or light emission mode (light emission color, flashing or other lighting pattern, brightness, etc.) of the movable decorative body 22 may be changed to make some or all of the mode of the pre-announcement performance in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB different from the mode of the pre-announcement performance in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC. Similarly, in this embodiment, the presentation mode of the symbol prediction effect is the same when executed in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB and when executed in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC, but is not limited thereto. Specifically, if there are those corresponding to the modes of the symbol prediction effect (even-numbered scatter, normal odd-numbered scatter, special odd-numbered scatter) described above in these special figure variation pattern derivation states, by changing the display mode (shape, color tone, etc.) of the decorative symbols constituting the symbol prediction effect and the display mode (shape, color tone, etc.) of the effect surrounding the decorative symbols, part or all of the mode of the symbol prediction effect in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB may be made different from the mode of the symbol prediction effect in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC.

[0189] Also, each control shown by illustration or the like in the invention according to this embodiment is one means for realizing each of the above-described inventions, and does not limit the specific control content of each invention. That is, each of the above-described inventions merely describes the appearance, and various methods may be adopted for the control for realizing these inventions.

[0190] In addition, the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment employs a so-called one-kind two-kind hybrid machine that can derive both a big win and a small win that can cause a big win game in the special figure win / loss determination, but is not limited thereto, and a machine that can derive only a so-called two-kind win may be adopted. Furthermore, the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB and the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC in this embodiment are gaming states in which the symbol variation according to the special figure 2 is executed, but these gaming states may be gaming states in which the symbol variation according to the general figure is executed (so-called general figure RUSH).

[0191] Also, regarding the high or low probability, ratio, frequency, and the number of times in this embodiment, if each relationship is ensured, the smaller value may be 0 or the larger value may be the maximum value. In particular, regarding the high or low of each ratio described above, as long as the appearance is ensured, the control for realizing the high or low of each ratio is not questioned. In addition, each lottery value in the lottery table illustrated in the present embodiment is an example, and as long as the magnitude relationship between the lottery tables is maintained, each lottery value may adopt any value within the range.

[0192] In the above description, the return state at the time of power restoration is determined by referring to the state of the RAM clear switch 43 at the time of power restoration. However, it may be possible to refer to whether the ON state time of the RAM clear switch 43 from the time of power restoration exceeds a specified time (for example, 3 s). By doing so, the occurrence of incorrect RAM clear processing can be further suppressed.

[0193] In the above description, when determining the return state at the time of power restoration, the state of the middle frame opening / closing sensor 76 (the opening / closing state of the middle frame 17) is referred to. However, the return state may be set without referring to the state. In this case, uniformly, the return state at the time of power restoration may be set according to the case where the middle frame opening / closing sensor 76 is ON (the middle frame 17 is in an open state).

[0194] The present invention described above is not limited to the above description, and includes various deformation, improvement, and other aspects as long as the object of the present invention is achieved.

[0195] <Supplementary Note> The present embodiment includes the following technical ideas. (1) A gaming machine capable of executing symbol variation with a win / loss determination and capable of generating a winning game after the end of the symbol variation related to the win / loss determination based on the result of the win / loss determination. As the winning game, there are a first winning game and a second winning game more advantageous than the first winning game. It is possible to execute a first prediction effect and a second prediction effect. When a new hold winning occurs after the execution of the first prediction effect and before the end of the symbol variation that is the target of the first prediction effect, and the result of the win / loss determination related to the symbol variation is a loss, at least the execution of the first prediction effect targeting the symbol variation related to the new hold winning is restricted until the end of the symbol variation. If a new reserved ball is awarded after the execution of the second pre-announcement effect and before the end of the symbol variation that is the target of the pre-announcement effect, and the result of the win / loss judgment related to that symbol variation is a loss, then the second pre-announcement effect may be executed based on the occurrence of the new reserved ball, with the symbol variation related to the new reserved ball being the target of the pre-announcement effect. With respect to a reserved win that occurred during the first period, if the second pre-reading effect, which targets the symbol change related to the reserved win, is not executed and the winning game occurs as a result of the symbol change, the probability that the winning game is the second winning game is higher than when the second pre-reading effect, which targets the symbol change related to the reserved win, is executed and the winning game occurs as a result of the symbol change. If a new reserved ball is awarded between the start of the first pre-announcement sequence and the end of the symbol variation that is the target of the pre-announcement in the first pre-announcement sequence, and the result of the win / loss judgment related to that symbol variation is a loss, then the second pre-announcement sequence may be executed based on the occurrence of the new reserved ball, with the symbol variation related to that new reserved ball being the target of the pre-announcement. A gaming machine characterized by the following features. [Explanation of symbols]

[0196] 10 Gaming Machines 15 Outer frame 17 Middle frame 20 Front frame 21 Hinge mechanism 22 Movable ornaments 23 Cylinder lock 25 Transparent component 27 Upper ball tray 29 Lower ball tray 31 Operating handle 32 Upper frame part 33 (33a, 33b) Speaker 34a, 34b Left and right side frame sections 35 (35a, 35b, 35c) Frame Lamp 36 Ball Removal Mechanism 37 Performance Button 38 Cursor buttons Upper cursor button 38a Lower cursor button 38b Left cursor button 38c Right cursor button 38d Center cursor button 38e Main operation unit 39 Ball lending button 39a Return button 39b Power switch 40 RAM clear switch 43 Opening / closing cover 45 Game ball tank 46 Tank rail 47 Payout unit 48 Payout passage 49 Game board 50 Game area 50a Outer rail 51 Windmill 52 Inner rail 53 Protection member 54 Big winning hole 55 First start hole 57 Second start hole 59 Normal electric accessory 61 Normal electric accessory solenoid 62 Gate 63 Special electric accessory 65 Special electric accessory solenoid 66 General winning hole 67 Out hole 69 First start hole sensor 70 Second start hole sensor 71 Big winning hole sensor 72 General winning hole sensor 73 Gate sensor 74 Out ball sensor 75 Middle frame opening sensor 76 Front frame opening sensor 77 Effect display device 80 Main display section 81 Sub display section 82 Upper sub display section 82a Left sub display section 82b Right sub display section 82c 90 Pattern Display Device 91. First Special Pattern Display Device 92 Second Special Pattern Display Device 93 Standard Pattern Display Device 94. First Special Symbol Hold Lamp 95. Second Special Symbol Hold Lamp 96 Normal Symbol Hold Lamp 100 Main control board 101 CPU 102 ROM 103 RAM 104 I / O ports 105 Random Number Circuit 109 Main control board case 110 Ball entrance determination method 115 Main Random Number Generation Method 120 Main hold control means 125 Pre-determination means 130 Special drawing method 131 Special Feature Approval / Disapproval Determination Method 132 Special Symbol Stopping Symbol Lottery Method 133 Special Pattern Variation Derivation Method 135 General drawing lottery method 140 Jackpot Game Control Means 145 Pattern display control means 150 Electric control means for mechanical devices 155 Game state control means 160 Main Information Storage Means 165 Main Error Control Means 170 Main command management method 175 Power restoration processing execution means 176 Recovery state setting means 179 Means for transitioning to a playable state 180 Power interruption processing execution means 200 First Sub-Control Board 201 CPU 202 ROM 203 RAM 204 I / O ports 209 First Sub-Control Board Case 210 Sub-random number generation method 220 Normal performance control means 221 Performance mode control means 222 Performance route determination means 223 Sub hold control means 224 Pre-reading performance control means 225 Performance content determination means 226 Decoration symbol control means 227 Big win performance control means 230 Sub error control means 240 Lamp control means 245 Movable accessory control means 260 Sub information storage means 270 Sub command management means 300 Second sub-control board 309 Second sub-control board case 310 Audio control board 311 CPU 312 ROM �13 RAM 314 I / O port 400 payout control board 409 payout control board case 500 Power control board 501 Normal power supply circuit 502 Backup power supply circuit 503 Power failure detection circuit 509 Power control board case bg button image mg meter image kg1 weak cut-in image kg2 strong cut-in image tg1 telop image tg2 telop image hg background image X First flow path Y Second flow path

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine capable of performing symbol changes accompanied by a win / fail determination, deriving a symbol display result corresponding to the result of the win / fail determination, and generating a winning game after the deriving of the symbol display result related to the symbol change, The aforementioned winning games include a first winning game and a second winning game which is more advantageous than the first winning game. The first pre-announcement effect and the second pre-announcement effect can be executed. The aforementioned first pre-reading effect may be executed multiple times between the time the symbol change that is the target of the first pre-reading effect is put on hold and the start of the symbol change. The aforementioned second pre-announcement effect is, This includes at least a special effect in which a specific lamp lights up in a specific color pattern, The second pre-announcement effect is executed once between the time the symbol change that is the target of the pre-announcement is put on hold and the start of that symbol change. When a pending win occurs and the second pre-reading effect, which pre-reads the symbol changes related to the pending win, is not executed, the specific lamp lights up in a color pattern different from the specific color pattern, or the specific lamp does not light up. When a reserved win occurs and the second pre-reading animation is executed, targeting the symbol variation related to the reserved win, the probability of a winning game occurring after the symbol display result related to the symbol variation is higher than the probability of a winning game occurring after the symbol display result related to the symbol variation is not executed when a reserved win occurs and targeting the symbol variation related to the reserved win. If a new winning combination occurs between the time the first pre-reading animation is executed and the completion of the symbol variation that is the target of the pre-reading animation, and the symbol display result related to that symbol variation is a miss, the execution of the first pre-reading animation that targets the symbol variation related to that new winning combination is restricted at least until the completion of that symbol variation. If a new reserved ball is won between the time the second pre-reading effect is executed and the time the symbol variation that is the target of the pre-reading effect of the second pre-reading effect is finished, and the symbol display result related to that symbol variation is a miss, then the second pre-reading effect may be executed based on the occurrence of the new reserved ball, with the symbol variation related to the new reserved ball being the target of the pre-reading effect. In the first period, when a reserved ball is awarded while the execution of the new first pre-announcement performance is restricted, if the second pre-announcement performance, which targets the symbol change related to the reserved ball, is not executed and the winning game is generated by the symbol change, the expectation that the winning game is the second winning game is higher than when the second pre-announcement performance, which targets the symbol change related to the reserved ball, is executed and the winning game is generated by the symbol change. If a new reserved ball is awarded between the start of the first pre-announcement sequence and the end of the symbol variation that is the target of the pre-announcement in the first pre-announcement sequence, and the symbol display result related to that symbol variation is a miss, then the second pre-announcement sequence may be executed based on the occurrence of the new reserved ball, with the symbol variation related to the new reserved ball being the target of the pre-announcement. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

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