JP7618219B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko machines.

As an example of a gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine has been known in the past that is capable of performing an effect in which the gauge display state is changed by repeatedly pressing a normal button (operation unit), or an effect in which the gauge display state is changed by pressing and holding the normal button, as described in Patent Document 1 below.

Patent No. 6843399

However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the instructions for each operation method of the normal buttons (operation unit) are simply displayed as still images of characters instructing the operation method, such as a still image of the characters "tap repeatedly" or a still image of the characters "press and hold." In order to increase the interest of the game, there is room for improvement in this regard.

The gaming machine of the present invention is
an operation unit operable by a player;
A performance execution means capable of executing an operation performance for operating the operation unit,
The operation performance includes an operation method instruction performance that instructs an operation method of the operation unit,
The performance execution means includes:
In the operation method instruction performance, an operation instruction image for instructing an operation of the operation unit is displayed in a motion state representing the operation method of the operation unit and is displayed as a still image.
In the operation performance, a sound instructing an operation method of the operation unit is outputted or not outputted,
The operation performance includes:
a first operation presentation for outputting a voice instructing an operation method of the operation unit and displaying the operation instruction image as a still image;
a second operation performance in which the operation instruction image is displayed in the operation mode without outputting a sound instructing an operation method of the operation unit;
This gaming machine is characterized in that the degree of expectation of being controlled to a gaming state advantageous to the player differs when the first operation presentation is executed and when the second operation presentation is executed .

The gaming machine of the present invention can increase the excitement of the game through its presentation.

FIG. FIG. A front view showing the second large prize device and other details. FIG. (A) is a front view of the performance unit when the above-board movable device and the below-board movable device are in standby state, and (B) is a front view of the performance unit when the above-board movable device and the below-board movable device are in operation. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main control board. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the sub-control board. (A) is a table showing random numbers related to the general map, and (B) is a table showing random numbers related to the special map. (A) is an example of a hit determination table, (B) is an example of a normal game fluctuation pattern determination table, and (C) is an example of an auxiliary game control table. (A) is an example of a jackpot determination table, (B) is an example of a jackpot pattern type determination table, and (C) is an example of a reach determination table. This is an example of a special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table. This is an example of a special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table. 13 is an example of a look-ahead determination table. 13 is an example of a jackpot game control table. FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing specific examples of presentation modes. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of normal fluctuations in the special chart fluctuation performance. This is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of N reach in the special chart change performance. This is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of an SP reach in a special chart change performance. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a hold effect. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a movable object performance. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of an operation presentation. 4 is a flowchart of a main control process. 13 is a flowchart of a main-side timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a sub-control main process. 13 is a flowchart of a 1 ms timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a 10 ms timer interrupt process. This is a jackpot game control table relating to a characteristic part of the pachinko game machine PY1. This is a fluctuation pattern determination table relating to a characteristic part of the pachinko game machine PY1, and is a fluctuation pattern determination table of special chart 1 in a non-time-saving state. 13 is a presentation mode determination table for operation presentations. A figure showing an example of a presentation when a meter charge presentation is started during a variable presentation. A figure showing an example of a meter charge effect when the operation method is rapid tapping. A figure showing an example of a meter charge effect when the operation method is a long press. This figure shows an example of a performance when the meter charge performance is successful and develops into an SP reach. A figure showing an example of the operation presentation at the winning/losing branch of an SP reach when it is a single press without audio output. A figure showing an example of the operation presentation when the winning/losing branch of an SP reach is a single press with audio output. 13 is a timing chart for explaining the operation modes of the operation instruction image in each operation performance of rapid tapping, long press, and single press without sound output. 13 is a timing chart for explaining the operation presentation of a single press with audio output. A figure showing a single-push operation presentation (mini-character operation announcement) for the second type of pachinko gaming machine. This is a lottery table for mini-character operation notice for the second type of pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the operation presentation of rapid-fire taps with audio output in a modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the operation presentation of a long press with audio output in a modified example. A figure showing the repeated hit meter charge effect in a modified example. A figure showing the meter charge effect when pressed and held in a modified example. A figure showing the single-press meter charge effect in a modified example.

Below, an embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings referred to, the same parts are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations of the same parts will be omitted as a general rule. In this specification, for the sake of simplicity, a symbol or code referring to information, signal, physical quantity, member, etc. may be written, and the name of the information, signal, physical quantity, member, etc. corresponding to the symbol or code may be omitted or abbreviated. In addition, in any of the flowcharts described below, the execution order of multiple processes in any of the steps can be arbitrarily changed or executed in parallel, as long as no inconsistency occurs in the process content.

1. Structure of the gaming machine The first type of pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described. First, the structure of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. In the following description, the left, right, up and down directions of each part of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 refer to the left, right, up and down directions (as viewed from the front) of a player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY1. Furthermore, "forward" refers to the direction approaching the player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY1 from the pachinko gaming machine PY1, and "rearward" refers to the direction approaching the pachinko gaming machine PY1 from the player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko game machine PY1 has a game machine frame 2. The game machine frame 2 has a game board mounting frame 2A to which a game board unit YU (described later) is attached, and a front frame 23m that is rotatably supported on the game board mounting frame 2A via a hinge 2B. The front frame 23m can be opened and closed relative to the game board mounting frame 2A. A transparent plate 23t is attached to the front frame 23m. When the front frame 23m is closed, the game board 1 attached to the game board mounting frame 2A and the transparent plate 23t face each other. Therefore, when the pachinko game machine PY1 is installed in a game arcade, a player in front of the pachinko game machine PY1 can see the game area 6 formed on the game board 1 through the transparent plate 23t. The transparent plate 23t can be a transparent glass plate, a transparent synthetic resin plate, or the like. The transparent plate 23t needs only to allow the game area 6 to be visible from the front of the pachinko game machine PY1.

At the lower right of the front of the front frame 23m, a handle 72k is provided that can be rotated to launch the game balls. The amount by which the handle 72k is operated (rotation angle) corresponds to the magnitude (launch strength) of the force applied to the game balls to launch them (the amount by which the launch device 72 described below drives the launch solenoid). Thus, the game balls are launched with a launch strength that corresponds to the rotation of the handle 72k. At the lower center of the front of the front frame 23m, a lower decorative body 36 that protrudes significantly forward is provided. An upper tray 34 is formed on the top surface of the lower decorative body 36 for storing the game balls supplied to the handle 72k. At the lower center of the front of the lower decorative body 36, a lower tray 35 is provided for storing surplus game balls that cannot be accommodated in the upper tray 34.

A first input device (hereinafter "normal button") 40 that can be pressed downward is provided forward of the upper plate 34 on the top surface of the lower decorative body 36. In addition, a second input device (hereinafter "special button") 41 that can be pressed downward is provided on the right decorative body 32 that is formed to protrude forward from the right edge of the surface of the front frame 23m.

A speaker 52 capable of outputting sound is provided on the bottom surface of the upper decorative body 31, which is formed by protruding forward from the top of the surface of the front frame 23m. The speaker 52 consists of a left speaker 52L located on the left side and a right speaker 52R located on the right side. Furthermore, frame lamps 53 capable of emitting light are provided on the right edge of the front frame 23m and on the left and right sides of the lower plate 35 on the front of the lower decorative body 36. Furthermore, a movable frame movable device 58 is attached to the upper side of the left and right edges of the front frame 23m as a performance device aimed at increasing interest in the game. The frame movable device 58 consists of a left frame movable device 58L located on the left side and a right frame movable device 58R located on the right side.

The positions and number of components and devices installed in the gaming machine frame 2 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

Next, the game board unit YU will be described mainly with reference to Figures 2 to 5. The game board unit YU has a game board 1 and a presentation unit 1U attached to the back side of the game board 1. First, the game board 1 will be described. The game board 1 is made of a transparent synthetic resin plate. An opening 1A that is roughly circular when viewed from the front is formed in roughly the center of the game board 1. A roughly ring-shaped inner wall portion 1B is formed to protrude forward along the opening 1A for partitioning a game area 6 into which game balls can flow. In addition, a roughly ring-shaped outer wall portion 1C is formed to protrude forward on the outside of the inner wall portion 1B for partitioning the game area 6.

A play area 6 surrounded by an inner wall portion 1B, an outer wall portion 1C, etc. is formed on the front side of the play board 1. In other words, the front side of the play board 1 is divided by the inner wall portion 1B and the outer wall portion 1C into the play area 6 and the rest of the area.

The play area 6 is an area where game balls released by operating the handle 72k can flow down, and is provided for playing with the pachinko game machine PY1. Note that a large number of game nails (not shown) are protruding from the play area 6. The game nails form a path that appropriately guides game balls that enter the play area 6 and flow down the play area 6 to the first start gate 11, the second start gate 12, the general winning gate 10, the gate 13, the first large winning gate 14, and the second large winning gate 15, which will be described later. Note that the start gates such as the first start gate 11 and the second start gate 12 are referred to as ball entry gates, the large winning gates such as the first large winning gate 14 and the second large winning gate 15 are referred to as special winning gates or specific winning gates, and the gates can be referred to as pass gates or pass areas.

A center frame (center ornament) 61 that decorates the periphery of the opening 1A is provided near the center of the game area 6. The center frame 61 is provided with a stage that can guide the game ball to the first starting hole 11 (described below), and a warp that can guide the game ball to the stage.

In addition, the game area 6 is provided with a first start winning device 11D having a first start hole 11 through which the game ball can enter, and a second start winning device (a so-called "electric chute") 12D that allows or prevents the ball from entering the second start hole 12.

The first start winning device 11D is stationary. Therefore, the ease with which the game ball can enter the first start hole 11 remains constant (unchanging). The entry of a game ball into the first start hole 11 triggers the drawing of a lottery for a first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as "Special Symbol 1") (obtaining and determining a random number related to Special Symbol 1, described below; hereinafter also referred to as "Special Symbol 1 drawing") and the variable display of Special Symbol 1. In addition, when a game ball enters the first start hole 11, a predetermined number of game balls (four in this embodiment) are paid out as prize balls.

The electric chute 12D is equipped with an operable electric chute opening and closing member 12k. The electric chute opening and closing member 12k is usually (in a normal state) in a closed position where the game ball cannot enter the second starting hole 12. Then, when a special state is entered, it moves to an open position where the game ball can enter the second starting hole 12. In this way, the movement of the electric chute opening and closing member 12k to the open position is also called the "open state" of the second starting hole 12 or the electric chute 12D, and the game ball can enter the second starting hole 12 only when it is in the open state. On the other hand, the electric chute opening and closing member 12k in the closed position is also called the "closed state" of the second starting hole 12 or the electric chute 12D. In addition, the second starting hole 12 or the electric chute 12D being in the "open state" is also called "the electric chute 12D opens," and the electric chute 12D being in the "closed state" is also called "the electric chute 12D closes."

The entry of a game ball into the second starting hole 12 triggers the drawing of a lottery for a second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as "Special Symbol 2") (obtaining and determining a Special Symbol 2 related random number described below: hereinafter also referred to as "Special Symbol 2 drawing") and the variable display of Special Symbol 2. In addition, when a game ball enters the second starting hole 12, a predetermined number of game balls (four in this embodiment) are paid out as prize balls. In addition, a guide stage 12g that guides the game ball to the second starting hole 12 is provided in the game area 6.

The game area 6 is also provided with a general winning opening (normal winning opening) 10 into which game balls can enter. When a game ball enters the general winning opening 10, a predetermined number of game balls (three in this embodiment) are paid out as prize balls.

The game area 6 is also provided with a gate 13 through which the game ball can pass. The passage of the game ball through the gate 13 triggers the drawing of a regular symbol (hereinafter referred to as a "regular symbol") (i.e., obtaining and determining a regular symbol random number: hereinafter referred to as a "regular symbol drawing") and the variable display of the regular symbol. The electric chute 12D is opened by the execution of the auxiliary game. In other words, the auxiliary game is a game that involves the opening of the electric chute 12D.

In addition, the game area 6 is provided with a first large prize winning device 14D (hereinafter also referred to as "normal AT 14D") in which a first large prize winning opening 14 through which a game ball can enter is formed. The first large prize winning device 14D is equipped with a normal AT opening/closing member 14k that can be operated in an open state and a closed state. The first large prize winning opening 14 is opened and closed by the operation of the normal AT opening/closing member 14k. The normal AT opening/closing member 14k is normally in a closed state that blocks the first large prize winning opening 14, and it is impossible for a game ball to enter the first large prize winning opening 14. When the normal AT opening/closing member 14k is operated to the open state, it becomes possible for a game ball to enter the first large prize winning opening 14. In this way, a game ball can enter the first large prize winning opening 14 only when the normal AT opening/closing member 14k is in the open state. When a game ball enters the first large prize opening 14, a predetermined number of game balls (15 in this embodiment) are paid out as prize balls.

The game area 6 is also provided with a second large prize winning device 15D (hereinafter also referred to as "VAT 15D") in which a second large prize winning opening 15 through which a game ball can enter is formed. The second large prize winning device 15D is provided with an operable VAT opening/closing member 15k. The VAT opening/closing member 15k normally blocks the second large prize winning opening 15. The VAT opening/closing member 15k can be in an open state. A game ball can enter the second large prize winning opening 15 only when the VAT opening/closing member 15k is in an open state. On the other hand, the state in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k blocks the second large prize winning opening 15 is also referred to as a "closed state." In this way, the second large prize winning opening 15 is opened and closed by the operation of the VAT opening/closing member 15k. When a game ball enters the second large prize winning opening 15, a predetermined number of game balls (15 in this embodiment) are paid out as prize balls.

The second large prize winning device 15D will now be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3. Inside the second large prize winning device 15D, a gate-shaped second large prize winning port sensor 15a is provided that can detect a game ball that has entered the second large prize winning port 15 and allow the game ball to pass downward.

In the downstream area of the second large prize opening sensor 15a, there are a specific area 16 and a non-specific area 17 through which game balls can pass (enter). Game balls that pass through the second large prize opening sensor 15a are sorted by a sorting device 16D into the specific area 16 or the non-specific area 17. The sorting device 16D is equipped with a sorting member 16k made of a substantially rectangular flat plate, and a sorting solenoid 16s that drives the sorting member 16k. The sorting member 16k is configured to be slidable left and right by the drive of the sorting solenoid 16s.

When the distribution solenoid 16s is not energized, the distribution member 16k is in a first state (passage prevention state: in a front view of FIG. 3(A), the left end of the distribution member 16k is located slightly to the right of the left end of the specific area 16, and the distribution member 16k covers the specific area 16 directly above) that prevents the game ball from passing through to the specific area 16. When the distribution member 16k is in the first state, after a game ball enters the second large prize opening 15 passes through the second large prize opening sensor 15a, it cannot pass through the specific area 16 and passes through the non-specific area 17. The route of the game ball flowing down from the second large prize opening 15 to the non-specific area 17 is called the first route.

On the other hand, when the distribution solenoid 16s is energized, the distribution member 16k is in a second state that allows the game ball to pass (enter) the specific area 16 (passage-allowing state: when viewed from the front in FIG. 3(B), the left end of the distribution member 16k is located slightly to the left of the right end of the specific area 16, the distribution member 16k does not cover the specific area 16 directly above, and the area directly above the specific area 16 is open). When the distribution member 16k is in the second state, a game ball that has entered the second large prize opening 15 can easily pass through the specific area 16 after passing through the second large prize opening sensor 15a. The route of the game ball that flows down from the second large prize opening 15 to the specific area 16 is called the second route.

In addition, the distribution member 16k is basically held in the first state. In other words, the first state can be said to be the normal state of the distribution member 16k. Then, only during a specified round of play (e.g. 16R), the distribution solenoid 16s is energized and the state can change to the second state. Note that the operating mode of the distribution member 16k can be changed as appropriate.

Specific area 16 and non-specific area 17 are provided with specific area sensors 16a and non-specific area sensors 17a that detect game balls that pass through (enter) each area 16, 17 and allow the game balls to pass downward.

It is possible to provide only one of the first large prize winning device 14D and the second large prize winning device 15D, as long as it does not interfere with the game. Also, depending on the gameplay, it is possible to provide two large prize winning devices, such as the first large prize winning device 14D, that do not have a specific area or a distribution device. Also, although the first large prize winning device 14D and the second large prize winning device 15D are provided, it is possible to use only the first large prize winning device 14D or only the second large prize winning device 15D, depending on the gameplay. Note that if only the first large prize winning device 14D is used, processing related to the second large prize winning device 15D is not performed, and if only the second large prize winning device 15D is used, processing related to the first large prize winning device 14D is not performed.

As shown in FIG. 2, two outlets 19 are provided at the bottom of the game area 6 to discharge game balls that have been shot into the game area 6 but have not won in any of the winning holes to the outside of the game area 6. The game board 1 is also provided with an illuminating board lamp 54.

The game area 6 through which the game balls can flow can be divided into a left game area 6A (first game area) on the left side of the center in the left-right direction, and a right game area 6B (second game area) on the right side. The operation mode of the handle 72k that launches the game ball so that it flows down the left game area 6A is called "left hit". On the other hand, the operation mode of the handle 72k that launches the game ball so that it flows down the right game area 6B is called "right hit". In the pachinko game machine PY1, the flow path through which the game ball can flow when launched by left hit is called the first flow path R1, and the flow path through which the game ball can flow when launched by right hit is called the second flow path R2. The first flow path R1 and the second flow path R2 are also composed of a large number of game nails, etc.

On the first flow path R1, there is a first start port 11 and two general winning ports 10. Therefore, a player can aim to win at the first start port 11 or the general winning port 10 by hitting the game ball from the left so that it flows down the first flow path R1. On the other hand, on the second flow path R2, there are a second start port 12, a general winning port 10, a gate 13, a first large winning port 14, and a second large winning port 15. Therefore, a player can aim to pass through the gate 13 or win at the second start port 12, the general winning port 10, the first large winning port 14, or the second large winning port 15 by hitting the game ball from the right so that it flows down the second flow path R2.

In addition, game balls that do not enter any of the winning holes (first starting hole 11, second starting hole 12, general winning hole 10, first large winning hole 14, and second large winning hole 15) are guided to the outlet hole 19 and discharged. In addition, the number of winning balls that enter each winning hole can be set appropriately.

In addition, displays 8 are arranged to the lower left of the play area 6 formed on the front of the game board 1 (part other than the play area 6). As shown in FIG. 4, displays 8 include a special chart 1 display 81a that variably displays special chart 1, a special chart 2 display 81b that variably displays special chart 2, and a general chart display 82 that variably displays general charts. In addition, displays 8 include a special chart 1 reserved display 83a that displays the special chart 1 reserved number (U1: the number of reserved variable displays of special chart 1 by the special chart 1 display 81a) described below, and a special chart 2 reserved display 83b that displays the special chart 2 reserved number (U2: the number of reserved variable displays of special chart 2 by the special chart 2 display 81b) described below.

The variable display of special chart 1 is executed when a special chart 1 lottery is held in response to a game ball entering the first starting hole 11. The variable display of special chart 2 is executed when a special chart 2 lottery is held in response to a game ball entering the second starting hole 12. In the following explanation, special chart 1 and special chart 2 are collectively referred to as special charts or special patterns, and special chart 1 lottery and special chart 2 lottery are collectively referred to as special chart lottery. Furthermore, special chart 1 display 81a and special chart 2 display 81b are collectively referred to as special chart display 81. Furthermore, special chart 1 reserve display 83a and special chart 2 reserve display 83b are collectively referred to as special chart reserve display 83.

The variable display of the special chart notifies the result of the special chart lottery. In the variable display of the special chart, the special chart is displayed variably and then stopped. The stopped special chart (stopped special chart, special pattern derived and displayed as a display result of the variable display) is one special chart selected from multiple types of special charts by the special chart lottery. If the stopped special chart is a specific special chart (a special chart with a specific stopping mode, i.e., a jackpot pattern), a jackpot game (an example of a special game) is played in which the jackpot openings (first jackpot opening 14 and second jackpot opening 15) are opened. The game state in which the jackpot game is being played is called the jackpot game state. The jackpot game state is an example of a special game state that is advantageous to the player.

The special chart display 81 is composed of, for example, eight LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) arranged side by side, and displays a special chart according to the result of the special chart lottery according to the lighting state of the LEDs. For example, if the result of the special chart lottery is a jackpot (one of the multiple types of jackpots described below), the special chart display 81 displays a jackpot pattern consisting of the lighting of the first, second, fifth, and sixth LEDs from the left, such as "□□■■□□■■" (□: lit, ■: unlit). Also, if the result of the special chart lottery is a loss, the special chart display 81 displays a loss pattern consisting of only the lighting of the rightmost LED, such as "■■■■■■■□". Note that the lighting state of the LEDs corresponding to the result of the special chart lottery is not limited and can be set appropriately. Therefore, for example, all LEDs may be turned off to represent a loss pattern.

In addition, in the variable display of the special chart, the special chart is displayed for a predetermined variable time before the special chart is displayed in a stopped state. The mode of variable display of the special chart is, for example, a mode in which each LED is lit so that light flows repeatedly from left to right. Note that the mode of variable display of the special chart is not particularly limited, and if each LED is not displayed in a stopped state (illuminated display in a specific mode), it may be set appropriately, such as all LEDs flashing at once.

In the pachinko game machine PY1, when a game ball enters the first start hole 11 or the second start hole 12, various random numbers (an example of judgment information) for performing a special drawing lottery, etc., may be obtained. These various random numbers are temporarily stored as special drawing reservations in the special drawing reservation memory unit 105 described below. In the following, the various random numbers obtained by the game ball entering the first start hole 11 are referred to as "special drawing 1 related random numbers," and the various random numbers obtained by the game ball entering the second start hole 12 are referred to as "special drawing 2 related random numbers." Here, the special drawing 1 related random numbers are stored as special drawing 1 reservations in the special drawing 1 reservation memory unit 105a in the special drawing reservation memory unit 105. On the other hand, the special drawing 2 related random numbers are stored as special drawing 2 reservations in the special drawing 2 reservation memory unit 105b in the special drawing reservation memory unit 105. An upper limit (four in this embodiment) is set for the number of reserved special drawings 1 (reserved special drawing number) that can be stored in the reserved special drawing 1 storage unit 105a and the number of reserved special drawings 2 (reserved special drawing number) that can be stored in the reserved special drawing 2 storage unit 105b. The upper limit for the reserved special drawing number and the reserved special drawing number can be changed as appropriate, and the upper limit may be set to "none." In the following, reserved special drawings 1 and reserved special drawings 2 are collectively referred to as "reserved special drawings," and the reserved special drawing number and reserved special drawing number are collectively referred to as "reserved special drawing number." In addition, the random numbers related to the random drawing 1 and the random numbers related to the random drawing 2 are collectively referred to as "random numbers related to the random drawing."

In the pachinko game machine PY1, if the variable display of the special chart is not performed immediately after the game ball enters the first start port 11 or the second start port 12, specifically, if a prize is won while the variable display of the special chart is being executed or while a jackpot game is being executed, the variable display of the special chart (or the right to draw a special chart) for that prize can be reserved. The reserved special chart stored in the reserved special chart memory unit 105 is consumed when the variable display of the special chart based on that reserved special chart becomes possible. In other words, consuming the reserved special chart means determining the special chart-related random number, etc., that corresponds to that reserved special chart, and executing the variable display of the special chart to show the result of that determination.

The number of reserved special drawings is then displayed on the reserved special drawing display 83. Each of the reserved special drawing 1 display 83a and the reserved special drawing 2 display 83b is composed of, for example, four LEDs, and the number of reserved special drawings can be displayed by lighting up the LEDs corresponding to the number of reserved special drawings.

The variable display of the regular map also notifies the result of the regular map lottery. In the variable display of the regular map, the regular map is displayed variably and then stopped. The regular map that is stopped (stop regular map, regular map derived and displayed as a display result of the variable display) is one regular map selected from multiple types of regular maps by the regular map lottery. If the regular map that is stopped is a specific regular map that has been determined in advance (a regular map with a predetermined stopping pattern, i.e. a winning pattern), an auxiliary game is played in which the second starting hole 12 (electric chute 12D) is opened.

The regular map display 82 is composed of, for example, two LEDs, and displays a regular map according to the result of the regular map lottery depending on the lighting state of the LEDs. If the result of the regular map lottery is a win, the regular map display 82 displays a winning pattern consisting of both LEDs lit, such as "□□" (□: lit, ■: off). If the result of the regular map lottery is a loss, it displays a losing pattern consisting of only the right LED lit, such as "■□". A mode in which all LEDs are off may also be adopted to represent a losing pattern. Note that the lighting state of the LEDs corresponding to the result of the regular map lottery is not limited and can be set as appropriate.

In addition, before the normal map is displayed as stopped, the normal map is displayed as a variable display for a predetermined variable time. The variable display of the normal map is, for example, a mode in which both LEDs are alternately lit. Note that the variable display of the normal map is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately set so that all LEDs flash simultaneously, for example, unless each LED is displayed as stopped (illuminated in a specific mode).

In the pachinko game machine PY1, when the game ball passes through the gate 13, a normal pattern random number (an example of judgment information) for performing a normal pattern lottery may be obtained. This random number is stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit 106 described below, provided that the variable display of the normal pattern or the auxiliary game is not being executed. The number of normal patterns reserved (normal pattern reserve number) that can be stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit 106 is set to an upper limit (four in this embodiment). The upper limit of the number of normal patterns reserved can be changed as appropriate, and the upper limit may be set to "none". In the following, the normal pattern random number obtained by the game ball passing through the gate 13 is also referred to as a "normal pattern related random number". In addition, in this embodiment, a normal pattern reserve display that displays the normal pattern reserve number is not provided, but a normal pattern reserve display may be added to the display unit 8. As the normal pattern reserve display, for example, one with a configuration similar to that of the special pattern reserve display 83 can be adopted.

Next, using Figure 5, we will explain the presentation unit 1U attached to the back of the game board 1. The presentation unit 1U is a unit made up of multiple devices that mainly perform presentations. The presentation unit 1U is equipped with an image display device 50, a first board movable device (hereinafter "above-board movable device") 55, and a second board movable device (hereinafter "below-board movable device") 56.

The image display device 50 is, for example, configured with a 20-inch 3D liquid crystal display, and is equipped with a display unit 50a capable of displaying 3D images. Note that the image display device 50 may be another display device, such as one configured with multiple liquid crystal displays or one configured with an EL (Electro Luminescence) display, as long as it is capable of displaying images.

The above-board movable device 55 is configured to be movable along the display unit 50a and includes a decorated above-board movable body 55k. The below-board movable device 56 is configured to be movable along the display unit 50a and includes a decorated below-board movable body 56k.

Figure 5 (A) shows a schematic diagram of the above-board movable body 55k and the below-board movable body 56k being held in a normal standby state (initial position) when not in operation. When the drive source of the above-board movable device 55 is driven, the above-board movable body 55k moves downward (descends), and when the drive source of the below-board movable device 56 is driven, the below-board movable body 56k moves upward (rises). At this time, the image display device 50 is covered by the lowered above-board movable body 55k or the raised below-board movable body 56k, making the image display device 50 difficult to see.

The positions and number of components and devices installed on the game board unit YU can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

2. Electrical configuration of the gaming machine Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described based on Figures 6 to 7. As shown in Figures 6 to 7, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is equipped with a game control board (hereinafter referred to as the "main control board") 100 that controls game profits such as special drawing, variable display of special drawing, big win game, setting of game state to be described later, regular drawing, variable display of regular drawing, and auxiliary game (progress of game), a performance control board (hereinafter referred to as the "sub-control board") 120 that controls game performances (variable special drawing performances, reserved performances, operation performances, big win game performances, etc.) according to the progress of the game by the main control board 100 and performances such as customer waiting performances, and a payout control board 170 that controls the payout of game balls, etc., on the rear side further than the image display device 50 of the game board 1. The main control board 100 can be positioned as a game control unit (main control unit) that controls the game. The sub-control board 120 can be positioned as a performance control unit (sub-control unit) that controls the performance together with the image control board 140, the lamp control circuit 151, and the sound control circuit 161 described later. The performance control unit only needs to have at least the sub-control board 120 and be capable of controlling various performances using the performance means (the image display device 50, the speaker 52, the frame lamp 53, the board lamp 54, and the movable devices 55, 56, 58, etc.).

The pachinko game machine PY1 also includes a power supply board 190. The power supply board 190 supplies power to the main control board 100, the sub-control board 120, and the payout control board 170, and also supplies the necessary power to other devices via these boards. The power supply board 190 is provided with a backup power circuit 192. When power is not being supplied to the pachinko game machine PY1, the backup power circuit 192 supplies power to the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 and the performance RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120, which will be described later. Therefore, the information stored in the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 and the performance RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120 is retained even when the power to the pachinko game machine PY1 is cut off. A power switch 191 is also connected to the power supply board 190. The power supply is turned on and off by turning the power switch 191 on and off. In addition, a backup power supply circuit for the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 may be provided on the main control board 100, and a backup power supply circuit for the performance RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120 may be provided on the sub-control board 120.

As shown in FIG. 6, the main control board 100 is equipped with a one-chip microcomputer for game control (hereinafter referred to as the "microcomputer for game control") 101 that controls the progress of the game on the pachinko game machine PY1 according to a program. The microcomputer for game control 101 includes a game ROM (Read Only Memory) 103 that stores programs and tables for controlling the progress of the game, a game RAM (Random Access Memory) 104 used as a work memory, and a game CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102 that executes the programs stored in the game ROM 103.

The gaming ROM 103 stores programs for performing the main control main processing and main timer interrupt processing, which will be described later. The gaming ROM 103 also stores a jackpot determination table, a jackpot symbol type determination table, a reach determination table, a special symbol variation pattern determination table, a look-ahead determination table, a jackpot game control table, a win determination table, a regular symbol variation pattern determination table, and an auxiliary game control table, which will be described later. The gaming ROM 103 may be external. The gaming RAM 104 also includes the special symbol reservation memory unit 105 and the regular symbol reservation memory unit 106, which have been described above.

The main control board 100 also includes a gaming I/O (Input/Output) port section 118 for inputting and outputting data and signals, and a RAM clear switch 119 for causing the gaming CPU 102 to clear information stored in the gaming RAM 104.

In addition, various sensors and actuators are connected to the main control board 100 via a predetermined relay board (not shown). Therefore, signals output by the various sensors are input to the main control board 100. In addition, the main control board 100 outputs signals to the various actuators.

The various sensors connected to the main control board 100 include a first start port sensor 11a, a second start port sensor 12a, a general prize port sensor 10a, a gate sensor 13a, a first large prize port sensor 14a, a second large prize port sensor 15a, a specific area sensor 16a, and a non-specific area sensor 17a.

The first start opening sensor 11a detects a game ball that has entered the first start opening 11. The second start opening sensor 12a detects a game ball that has entered the second start opening 12. The general winning opening sensor 10a detects a game ball that has entered the general winning opening 10. The general winning opening sensor 10a is provided for each general winning opening 10. The gate sensor 13a is provided at the gate 13 and detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 13. The first large winning opening sensor 14a detects a game ball that has entered the first large winning opening 14. The second large winning opening sensor 15a detects a game ball that has entered the second large winning opening 15. The specific area sensor 16a detects a game ball that has passed through the specific area 16 (entered the specific area 16). The non-specific area sensor 17a detects a game ball that has passed through the non-specific area 17 (entered the non-specific area 17). When each sensor detects a game ball, it outputs a signal to the main control board 100 according to the detection result.

The type and number of sensors connected to the main control board 100 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

The various actuators connected to the main control board 100 include an electric chute solenoid 12s, a first large prize opening solenoid 14s, a second large prize opening solenoid 15s, and a distribution solenoid 16s. The electric chute solenoid 12s drives the electric chute opening and closing member 12k of the electric chute 12D. The first large prize opening solenoid 14s drives the normal AT opening and closing member 14k of the first large prize device 14D. The second large prize opening solenoid 15s drives the VAT opening and closing member 15k of the second large prize device 15D. The distribution solenoid 16s drives the distribution member 16k of the distribution device 16D.

The type and number of actuators connected to the main control board 100 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

Furthermore, displays 8 (special chart display 81, regular chart display 82, and special chart reserved display 83) are connected to the main control board 100. The display control of these displays 8 is performed by the game control microcomputer 101.

The main control board 100 also transmits various commands to the payout control board 170, and receives signals from the payout control board 170 to monitor payouts. The payout control board 170 is connected to a card unit CU (installed adjacent to the pachinko game machine PY1, which enables ball lending based on information such as an inserted prepaid card) and a prize ball payout device 73, as well as to a launching device 72 via a launch control circuit 175. The launching device 72 includes a handle 72k (see Figure 1).

Based on signals from the game control microcomputer 101 and signals from the connected card unit CU, the payout control board 170 drives the prize ball motor 73m of the prize ball payout device 73 to pay out prize balls or pay out loan balls. The paid-out game balls are detected by a prize ball sensor 73a for counting, and a detection signal from the prize ball sensor 73a is output to the payout control board 170.

The launching device 72 is also provided with a touch switch 72a capable of detecting contact with the handle 72k (see FIG. 1) by a person such as a player. When the player operates the handle 72k, the touch switch 72a detects the player's contact with the handle 72k and outputs a detection signal to the payout control board 170. A launch volume knob 72b capable of detecting the rotation angle (operation amount) of the handle 72k is also connected to the launching device 72. The launching device 72 drives the launch solenoid 72s so that the game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the handle 72k detected by the launch volume knob 72b. In the pachinko game machine PY1, when the rotation operation of the handle 72k is maintained, one game ball is launched approximately every 0.6 seconds.

The main control board 100 also transmits various commands containing information related to the game to the sub-control board 120 according to the progress of the game. The sub-control board 120 can grasp the progress of the game (control contents of the game) by the main control board 100 based on the various commands sent from the main control board 100. The connection between the main control board 100 and the sub-control board 120 is a one-way communication connection that only allows signals to be sent from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 120. In other words, a unidirectional circuit (not shown, for example a circuit using a diode) is interposed between the main control board 100 and the sub-control board 120 as a communication direction restriction means.

As shown in FIG. 7, the sub-control board 120 is equipped with a one-chip microcomputer for controlling presentations (hereinafter referred to as the "microcomputer for controlling presentations") 121, which controls the presentations of the pachinko game machine PY1 according to a program. The microcomputer for controlling presentations 121 includes a ROM for presentations 123 that stores programs for controlling presentations as the game progresses using the main control board 100, a RAM for presentations 124 that is used as a work memory, and a CPU for presentations 122 that executes the programs stored in the ROM for presentations 123.

The performance ROM 123 also stores programs for performing the sub-control main processing, reception interrupt processing, 1 ms timer interrupt processing, and 10 ms timer interrupt processing, which will be described later. Note that the performance ROM 123 may be external.

The sub-control board 120 also includes an I/O port 138 for inputting and outputting data and signals, and an RTC (Real Time Clock) 139. The RTC 139 measures the current date and time. When the pachinko game machine PY1 is supplied with power from a specific island power supply device (not shown), the RTC 139 operates on the power, and when power is not supplied from the island power supply device, the RTC 139 operates on the power supplied from a backup power circuit 192 provided in the power supply board 190. Therefore, the RTC 139 can measure the current date and time even when the power of the pachinko game machine PY1 is not turned on. A backup power circuit for the RTC 139 may be provided in the sub-control board 120. The backup power circuit may include a circuit including a capacitor and an internal battery (such as a button battery).

The image control board 140 is connected to the sub-control board 120. The performance control microcomputer 121 of the sub-control board 120 causes the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 to control the display of the image display device 50 based on commands received from the main control board 100, i.e., according to the progress of the game by the main control board 100. The connection between the sub-control board 120 and the image control board 140 is a two-way communication connection that allows both the transmission of signals from the sub-control board 120 to the image control board 140 and the transmission of signals from the image control board 140 to the sub-control board 120.

The image control board 140 includes an image ROM 142 that stores programs for image control, an image RAM 143 that is used as a work memory, and an image CPU 141 that executes the programs stored in the image ROM 142. The image control board 140 also includes a CGROM 145 that stores image data to be displayed on the image display device 50, a VRAM 146 that is used to expand the image data stored in the CGROM 145, and a VDP (Video Display Processor) 144. Of course, all or part of these electronic components may be configured on a single chip. The CGROM 145 stores, for example, image data (still image data and video data, specifically image data of characters, items, figures, letters, numbers, symbols, etc. (including performance patterns) and background images) for displaying images to be displayed on the image display device 50.

The VDP 144 reads image data from the CGROM 145 and displays it in the display area in the VRAM 146 according to a display list created by the image CPU 141 based on instructions from the performance control microcomputer 121. The VDP 144 then appropriately synthesizes the displayed image data to draw an image in the frame buffer in the VRAM 146. The image drawn in the frame buffer is then output to the image display device 50 as an RGB signal. As a result, various performance images are displayed on the display unit 50a.

The display list is made up of a set of commands that instruct the execution of drawing on a frame-by-frame basis. The display list contains various parameter information such as the type of image to be drawn, the position at which the image is to be drawn, the display priority, the display magnification, and the transparency of the image.

The performance control microcomputer 121 outputs voice, music, sound effects, etc. from the speaker 52 via the sound control circuit 161 based on commands received from the main control board 100, i.e., according to the progress of the game by the main control board 100.

Audio data such as the sound output from the speaker 52 is stored in the performance ROM 123 of the sub-control board 120. The audio control circuit 161 may be a board with a CPU mounted on it. In this case, the CPU may be made to execute the audio control. In this case, a ROM may be mounted on the board and the audio data may be stored in the ROM. The speaker 52 may also be connected to the image control board 140 and the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 may be made to execute the audio control. In this case, the audio data may also be stored in the image ROM 142 of the image control board 140.

The sub-control board 120 is also connected to various switches that serve as input units, various actuators that serve as drive sources, and various lamps via a specified relay board (not shown). Signals output by the various switches are input to the sub-control board 120. The sub-control board 120 also outputs signals to the various actuators. The sub-control board 120 also controls the lighting of various lamps via a lamp control circuit 151 based on commands received from the main control board 100.

The various switches connected to the sub-control board 120 include a normal button detection switch 40a and a special button detection switch 41a. The normal button detection switch 40a detects when the normal button 40 is pressed. The special button detection switch 41a detects when the special button 41 is pressed. Each detection switch 40a, 41a outputs a signal to the sub-control board 120 according to the detection content. The type and number of switches connected to the sub-control board 120 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

The various actuators connected to the sub-control board 120 include an above-board drive motor 55m that drives the above-board movable device 55, an below-board drive motor 56m that drives the below-board movable device 56, and a frame drive motor 58m that drives the frame movable device 58. The performance control microcomputer 121 can drive these motors to cause each movable device to perform a specified operation. In detail, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates operation pattern data that determines the operating mode of each movable device, and controls the operation of each movable device via the lamp control circuit 151. The type and number of actuators connected to the sub-control board 120 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

The various lamps connected to the sub-control board 120 include a frame lamp 53, a board lamp 54, etc. The performance control microcomputer 121 is capable of lighting up each lamp. In detail, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates light pattern data (data that determines the on/off state, light color, etc., also called lamp data) that determines the light emission mode of each lamp, and controls the light emission of each lamp according to the light pattern data. Note that data stored in the performance ROM 123 of the sub-control board 120 is used to create the light pattern data.

A CPU may be mounted on the lamp control circuit 151 as a circuit board. In this case, the CPU may be made to control the lighting of each lamp and the operation of each movable device. Furthermore, in this case, a ROM may be mounted on the circuit board and data relating to the light emission patterns and operation patterns may be stored in the ROM. The type and number of lamps connected to the sub-control board 120 may be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

3. Main Games Played by the Gaming Machine Next, the main games played by the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 15. Note that the tables shown in Figures 8 to 15 are general ones for the purpose of the description of this section, and if a different table is shown in the description of "Characteristics of the Pachinko Gaming Machine PY1" described later, it is assumed that the table is used in the pachinko gaming machine PY1. However, for configurations that do not show a different table in the description of "Characteristics of the Pachinko Gaming Machine PY1" described later, it is assumed that the table shown in this section is used, and also for configurations that show a different table in the description of "Characteristics of the Pachinko Gaming Machine PY1" described later, it is assumed that the table shown in this section can be changed to the table shown in this section.

3-1. Games related to normal figures First, a game related to normal figures will be explained. When the launched game ball passes through the gate 13, the pachinko game machine PY1 performs a normal figure lottery. When the normal figure lottery is performed, the normal figure display 82 performs a variable display of the normal figure (a static display after a variable display). Here, the statically displayed normal figures include winning figures and losing figures. The losing figures of the normal figures are also called "losing normal figures" to distinguish them from the losing figures of the special figures described later. When a winning figure is statically displayed, an auxiliary game is executed, and the game related to the passage of the gate 13 is ended. On the other hand, when a losing normal figure is statically displayed, the auxiliary game is not executed, and the game related to the passage of the gate 13 is ended. In addition, hereinafter, the passing of the game ball through the gate 13 is referred to as "establishment of the normal figure start condition."

When the pachinko game machine PY1 performs this series of games (regular game lottery, variable display of regular games, auxiliary games), it acquires regular game-related random numbers when the regular game start conditions are met. The acquired regular game-related random numbers include regular game pattern random numbers, as shown in FIG. 8 (A). Regular game pattern random numbers are random numbers used to determine whether a win has occurred. The random numbers are also called determination information. Appropriate ranges are set for the random numbers.

3-1-1. Hit Judgment Hit judgment is a judgment for determining whether or not a win has occurred (whether or not to execute an auxiliary game) according to a hit judgment table as shown in FIG. 9(A). The hit judgment table is associated with the game state described later. That is, the hit judgment table includes a hit judgment table used in a non-time-saving state (a hit judgment table for non-time-saving) and a hit judgment table used in a time-saving state (a hit judgment table for time-saving). In each hit judgment table, the judgment value of the normal pattern random number (normal pattern random number value) is allocated to a hit or a miss, which is the result of the hit judgment. Therefore, the pachinko game machine PY1 judges whether the result is a hit or a miss by judging the acquired normal pattern random number according to the hit judgment table. Then, based on the result of the hit judgment, a normal pattern variation pattern judgment is performed for performing a variable display of the normal pattern. If the result of the hit judgment is a hit, a winning pattern is basically displayed in a variable display of the normal pattern. On the other hand, if the result of the hit judgment is a miss, a miss normal pattern is basically displayed in a variable display of the normal pattern. The probability of winning may be changed as appropriate. Also, the win determination table does not need to be divided for each game state.

3-1-2. Map fluctuation The map fluctuation pattern judgment is a judgment for determining the map fluctuation pattern according to the map fluctuation pattern judgment table as shown in Fig. 9 (B). The map fluctuation pattern is identification information regarding predetermined items related to the variable display of the map, such as the map fluctuation time.

The normal map fluctuation pattern determination table is associated with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). In other words, there are normal map fluctuation pattern determination tables, a normal map fluctuation pattern determination table used in the non-time-saving state (non-time-saving normal map fluctuation pattern determination table) and a normal map fluctuation pattern determination table used in the time-saving state (time-saving normal map fluctuation pattern determination table). Note that the normal map fluctuation pattern determination tables do not have to be divided for each game state.

In each normal map fluctuation pattern determination table, a normal map fluctuation pattern, which is the result of the normal map fluctuation pattern determination, is stored for each normal map that is stopped. That is, the pachinko game machine PY1 can make the normal map fluctuation time different in the non-time-saving state and the time-saving state. For example, in the non-time-saving state, for the variable display of the normal map when a losing normal map (losing normal map) is stopped and displayed, a normal map fluctuation pattern is determined in which the normal map fluctuation time is, for example, 30 seconds, and for the variable display of the normal map when a winning pattern is stopped and displayed, a normal map fluctuation pattern is determined in which the normal map fluctuation time is, for example, 30 seconds. Also, in the time-saving state, for the variable display of the normal map when a losing normal map is stopped and displayed, a normal map fluctuation pattern is determined in which the normal map fluctuation time is, for example, 5 seconds, and for the variable display of the normal map when a winning pattern is stopped and displayed, a normal map fluctuation pattern is determined in which the normal map fluctuation time is, for example, 5 seconds. The variable display of the normal map corresponding to the normal map fluctuation pattern determined by this determination is performed by the normal map display device 82. In addition, the time for these map fluctuations can be changed as appropriate. In this way, hit determination and map fluctuation pattern determination are performed, and the map is displayed variably on the map display 82.

Auxiliary games are played when a winning symbol is displayed (derived) as a display result (a result of a lottery for a regular symbol) in the variable display of the regular symbol.

The elements that make up the auxiliary game (auxiliary game components) include various elements such as the number of times the electric chute 12D opens and the opening time for each opening. Each of these elements is associated with a game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). The pachinko game machine PY1 controls the auxiliary game according to an auxiliary game control table such as that shown in FIG. 9 (C) based on the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). The auxiliary game control table is associated with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). Auxiliary game components are stored in each auxiliary game control table. The number of times the electric chute 12D opens and the opening time for each opening can be changed as appropriate.

In the pachinko game machine PY1, the opening time of the electric chute 12D is different between the auxiliary game in the non-time-saving state and the auxiliary game in the time-saving state. For example, in the auxiliary game in the non-time-saving state, the electric chute 12D is opened for a first opening time (a time during which it is difficult to get the game ball to enter the electric chute 12D (e.g., 0.08 seconds)). In the following, the auxiliary game in the non-time-saving state is also referred to as a "short opening auxiliary game". In addition, in the auxiliary game in the time-saving state, the electric chute 12D is opened for a second opening time longer than the first opening time (a time during which it is easy to get the game ball to enter the electric chute 12D (e.g., 3.0 seconds)). In the following, the auxiliary game in the time-saving state is also referred to as a "long opening auxiliary game". Note that the opening time of the electric chute 12D may be the same between the auxiliary game in the non-time-saving state and the auxiliary game in the time-saving state.

3-2. Games related to special figures Next, games related to special figures will be explained. When the launched game ball enters the first starting hole 11, the pachinko game machine PY1 performs a special figure 1 lottery. When the special figure 1 lottery is performed, the special figure 1 display 81a performs a variable display of the special figure 1 (a stop display after performing a variable display) to notify the result of the special figure 1 lottery. Here, the special figure 1 that is stopped and displayed has a jackpot pattern and a loss pattern. In other words, the results of the special figure 1 lottery include a jackpot pattern and a loss pattern. When the jackpot pattern is stopped and displayed, a jackpot game is executed, a new game state is set, and the game based on the winning is ended. On the other hand, when a loss pattern is stopped and displayed, the jackpot game is not performed, and the game based on the winning is ended.

Similarly, the pachinko game machine PY1 performs a special drawing for the 2nd drawing when the released game ball enters the second starting hole 12. When the special drawing for the 2nd drawing is performed, the special drawing for the 2nd drawing is variably displayed (variably displayed and then stopped) on the special drawing for the 2nd drawing on the special drawing for the 2nd drawing, and the result of the special drawing for the 2nd drawing is announced. Here, the special drawing for the 2nd drawing that is stopped includes a jackpot pattern and a losing pattern. In other words, the results of the special drawing for the 2nd drawing include a jackpot pattern and a losing pattern. When a jackpot pattern is stopped, a jackpot game is executed, a new game state is set, and the game based on the winning is terminated. On the other hand, when a losing pattern is stopped, a jackpot game is not performed, and the game based on the winning is terminated.

In the following, the entry of a game ball into the first start hole 11 is referred to as the "fulfillment of the first start condition," and the entry of a game ball into the second start hole 12 is referred to as the "fulfillment of the second start condition." Furthermore, the "fulfillment of the first start condition" and the "fulfillment of the second start condition" are collectively referred to as the "fulfillment of the start condition." Furthermore, the losing special symbol is also referred to as the "losing special symbol" to distinguish it from the losing normal symbols described above.

When the pachinko game machine PY1 performs this series of games (special symbol lottery, variable display of special symbols, jackpot game, and game state setting), it acquires special symbol-related random numbers when the start conditions are met, and performs various judgments on the random numbers. The acquired special symbol-related random numbers include special symbol random numbers (jackpot random numbers), jackpot symbol type random numbers, reach random numbers, and special symbol change pattern random numbers, as shown in FIG. 8 (B). The special symbol random numbers are random numbers used to make jackpot judgments. The jackpot symbol type random numbers are random numbers used to make jackpot symbol type judgments. Reach random numbers are random numbers used to make reach judgments. The special symbol change pattern random numbers are random numbers used to make special symbol change pattern judgments. The random numbers are also called judgment information. An appropriate range is set for each random number.

3-2-1. Jackpot Determination Jackpot determination is a determination for determining whether or not a jackpot has occurred (whether or not a jackpot game is executed) according to a jackpot determination table as shown in FIG. 10(A). The jackpot determination table is associated with the game state, specifically, whether it is a normal probability state or a high probability state. That is, the jackpot determination table includes a jackpot determination table used in the normal probability state (normal probability jackpot determination table) and a jackpot determination table used in the high probability state (high probability jackpot determination table).

In each jackpot determination table, a special symbol random number determination value (special symbol random number value) is assigned to the jackpot and miss results of the jackpot determination. The pachinko game machine PY1 determines whether the acquired special symbol random number is a jackpot or a miss by judging it according to the jackpot determination table. As shown in FIG. 10(A), the high probability jackpot determination table has more special symbol random number determination values that are determined to be a jackpot than the normal probability jackpot determination table. In addition, the probability of winning a jackpot can be changed as appropriate.

3-2-2. Jackpot symbol type determination The jackpot symbol type determination is a determination for determining the type of jackpot symbol (jackpot symbol type) according to a jackpot symbol type determination table as shown in Fig. 10(B) when the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot. Each type of jackpot symbol is associated with the content of the jackpot, in other words, the components of the jackpot that are composed of the game benefits given to the player.

The jackpot symbol type determination table is associated with the type of special symbol (special symbol 1/special symbol 2) that is variably displayed, in other words, the type of start port (first start port 11/second start port 12) where the winning that caused the jackpot symbol type determination (the winning that caused the jackpot symbol type determination) occurred. That is, the jackpot symbol type determination table includes a jackpot symbol type determination table (first jackpot symbol type determination table) used when performing the variable display of special symbol 1, and a jackpot symbol type determination table (second jackpot symbol type determination table) used when performing the variable display of special symbol 2.

There are multiple types of jackpot symbols, and in each jackpot symbol type determination table, the determination value of the jackpot symbol type random number (jackpot symbol type random number value) is assigned to the jackpot symbol type, which is the result of the jackpot symbol type determination. Therefore, the pachinko game machine PY1 determines the type of jackpot symbol by determining the acquired jackpot symbol type random number according to the jackpot symbol type determination table. Then, in the first jackpot symbol type determination table and the second jackpot symbol type determination table, the jackpot symbol type random number value is appropriately assigned to various jackpot symbols. The allocation rate of the jackpot symbol type can be changed as appropriate. Also, the types of jackpot symbols can be increased or decreased as appropriate.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10(B), the allocation rate of the jackpot pattern type determined by the jackpot pattern type for special chart 1 can be 50% for jackpot pattern A and 50% for jackpot pattern B, and the allocation rate of the jackpot pattern type determined by the jackpot pattern type for special chart 2 can be 100% for jackpot pattern C. In this way, it is possible to make the allocation rate of the jackpot pattern type different for the special chart 1 lottery, which is held when a gaming ball enters the first starting hole 11, and the special chart 2 lottery, which is held when a gaming ball enters the second starting hole 12.

Reach judgment is a judgment for determining whether or not to generate a reach in the special chart variation performance described later according to a reach judgment table as shown in FIG. 10(C) when the result of the jackpot judgment is a miss.

The reach judgment table is associated with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). That is, there are reach judgment tables, one for use in the non-time-saving state (non-time-saving reach judgment table) and one for use in the time-saving state (time-saving reach judgment table). Note that it is not necessary to separate the reach judgment tables for each game state.

In each reach judgment table, the reach random number judgment value (reach random number value) is assigned to the reach judgment result of "reach (reach occurs)" and "no reach (reach does not occur)". Therefore, the pachinko game machine PY1 judges the acquired reach random number according to the reach judgment table to judge whether it is reach or not (whether or not to generate a reach). As shown in FIG. 10 (C), the number of reach random number values judged as "reach (reach occurs)" is different between the non-time-saving reach judgment table and the time-saving reach judgment table. Note that the probability of judging that it is reach can be changed appropriately. In the following, "reach (reach occurs)" which is performed on the premise that the result of the jackpot judgment is "miss" is referred to as "reach with miss" and "no reach (reach does not occur)" is also referred to as "no reach miss".

3-2-4. Special pattern change pattern determination The special pattern change pattern determination is a determination for determining the change pattern (special pattern change pattern) of the variable display of the special pattern using a change pattern determination table (special pattern change pattern determination table) of the special pattern as shown in FIG. 11 to FIG. 12, and is performed in both cases where the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot or a miss. The special pattern change pattern is identification information for identifying predetermined items related to the special pattern change time and the performance flow (performance content) of the special pattern change performance described later. In addition, the special pattern change pattern includes identification information related to the result of the jackpot determination and the result of the reach determination, in addition to the special pattern change time and the performance flow (performance content) of the special pattern change performance. The identification information included in the special pattern change pattern can be changed as appropriate. In addition, it is possible to use multiple types of special pattern change patterns with different identification information as the special pattern change pattern, and the number of them can be changed as appropriate.

The special pattern variation pattern judgment table is associated with the type of special pattern (special pattern 1/special pattern 2) that performs the variable display to be judged, in other words, the type of start port (first start port 11/second start port 12) where the winning that caused the special pattern variation pattern judgment was made. That is, the special pattern variation pattern judgment table includes a special pattern variation pattern judgment table (special pattern 1 variation pattern judgment table: Figure 11) used when performing the variable display of special pattern 1, and a special pattern variation pattern judgment table (special pattern 2 variation pattern judgment table: Figure 12) used when performing the variable display of special pattern 2. Note that the special pattern variation pattern judgment table does not have to be divided according to the type of special pattern (special pattern 1/special pattern 2).

And each special chart fluctuation pattern judgment table is also associated with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). That is, the special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table includes a special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table used in the non-time-saving state (special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table for non-time-saving) and a special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table used in the time-saving state (special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table for time-saving). On the other hand, the special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table also includes a special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table used in the non-time-saving state (special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table for non-time-saving) and a special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table used in the time-saving state (special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table for time-saving). It is not necessary to separate the special chart fluctuation pattern judgment tables for each game state.

In addition, each special chart fluctuation pattern determination table associated with a game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state) is further associated with a jackpot determination result and a reach determination result. That is, the non-time-saving special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table and the non-time-saving special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table each have a jackpot, a reach and miss, and a no-reach miss. Similarly, the time-saving special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table and the time-saving special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table each have a jackpot, a reach and miss, and a no-reach miss. Note that the special chart fluctuation pattern determination tables do not have to be divided according to the jackpot determination result and the reach determination result.

Furthermore, each special chart 1 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach is also associated with the reserved number of special charts. For example, there is a special chart 1 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach that is used when the reserved number of special charts 1 (U1) is 0 to 2, and a special chart 1 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach that is used when the reserved number of special charts 1 (U1) is 3 to 4. Furthermore, each special chart 2 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach is also associated with the reserved number of special charts. Specifically, there is a special chart 2 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach that is used when the reserved number of special charts 2 (U2) is 0 to 2, and a special chart 2 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach that is used when the reserved number of special charts 2 (U2) is 3 to 4. Note that the special chart variation pattern judgment table does not have to be divided according to the reserved number of special charts.

Then, the special chart display 81 performs a variable display of the special chart for the special chart variation time according to the special chart variation pattern determined by each special chart variation pattern judgment. Then, when the jackpot pattern is displayed as a static display result (the result of the special chart lottery) in the variable display of the special chart, the next variable display of the special chart is not performed immediately, and the jackpot game is executed next.

In addition, each special chart change pattern is associated with a special chart change presentation flow as shown in the second column from the right in the table of Figures 11 and 12. Note that it is not necessary to associate a special chart change pattern with a special chart change presentation flow.

Also, as shown in the rightmost column of the tables in Figures 11 and 12, the special chart variation patterns are sometimes referred to by names that relate to the special chart (jackpot determination result) and the content of the special chart variation presentation. For example, a special chart variation pattern related to a jackpot is called a "jackpot variation." Among the jackpot variations, a special chart variation pattern in which an SP reach, which is a type of reach, is performed is called an "SP jackpot variation," a special chart variation pattern in which an L reach is performed is called an "L jackpot variation," and a special chart variation pattern in which the special chart variation presentation ends with an N reach is called an "N jackpot variation." On the other hand, among the reach and misses, the special chart fluctuation pattern in which an SP reach, which is a type of reach, occurs is called "SP miss fluctuation", among the reach and misses, the special chart fluctuation pattern in which an L reach, which is a type of reach, occurs is called "L miss fluctuation", among the reach and misses, the special chart fluctuation pattern in which the special chart fluctuation performance ends with an N reach, which is a type of reach, is called "N miss fluctuation", and the special chart fluctuation pattern related to the miss without reach is called "normal miss fluctuation". There are three types of normal miss fluctuation (normal A miss fluctuation, normal B miss fluctuation, normal C miss fluctuation) with different fluctuation times. Also, when the SP jackpot and SP miss fluctuation are collectively referred to as SP fluctuation or SP reach fluctuation.

3-2-5. Pre-reading judgment The pachinko game machine PY1 performs a pre-reading judgment according to a pre-reading judgment table as shown in FIG. 13 based on the acquired special symbol related random number. The pre-reading judgment is performed before the jackpot judgment (specifically, for example, at the time of winning in the start hole). The pre-reading judgment includes, for example, a judgment of whether or not the special symbol random number is judged as a jackpot in the jackpot judgment, a judgment of which jackpot symbol type random number is determined to be a jackpot pattern type in the jackpot symbol type judgment, and a judgment of which special symbol variation pattern random number is determined to be a special symbol variation pattern in the special symbol variation pattern judgment. The pre-reading judgment table is associated with the type of start hole (first start hole 11/second start hole 12) related to the start winning. That is, the pre-reading judgment table includes a pre-reading judgment table (first pre-reading judgment table) when the first start hole 11 is won, and a pre-reading judgment table (second pre-reading judgment table) when the second start hole 12 is won. Since the first starting hole 11 is the starting hole that triggers the drawing of the special drawing 1, the first look-ahead judgment table can also be called the special drawing 1 look-ahead judgment table. Also, since the second starting hole 12 is the starting hole that triggers the drawing of the special drawing 2, the second look-ahead judgment table can also be called the special drawing 2 look-ahead judgment table. Note that the look-ahead judgment table does not have to be divided according to the type of starting hole (first starting hole 11/second starting hole 12).

The look-ahead judgment table is also associated with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). That is, there are look-ahead judgment tables used in the non-time-saving state (non-time-saving look-ahead judgment table) and look-ahead judgment tables used in the time-saving state (time-saving look-ahead judgment table).

In other words, the look-ahead judgment tables include a first look-ahead judgment table used when the time is not reduced, a second look-ahead judgment table used when the time is reduced, a second look-ahead judgment table used when the time is not reduced, and a third look-ahead judgment table used when the time is reduced. Note that the look-ahead judgment tables do not need to be separated for each game state. Also, the types of judgments to be included in the look-ahead judgment can be changed as appropriate.

3-3. Jackpot Game Next, the jackpot game will be described. The jackpot game includes multiple round games involving the opening and closing of the jackpot winning hole (first jackpot winning hole 14 or second jackpot winning hole 15), an opening (also written as OP) from the start of the jackpot game to the start of the first round game, and an ending (also written as ED) from the end of the final round game to the end of the jackpot game. Each round game starts with the end of the opening or the end of the previous round game, and ends with the start of the next round game or the start of the ending. It is also possible not to provide an OP or an ED. In the following, a predetermined number of round games (predetermined order) is simply called a "round". For example, the first (first) round game is called "1st round (1R)" and the tenth round game is called "10th round (10R)".

The elements that make up such a jackpot game (jackpot game components) include the number of rounds of play, the number of times the jackpot openings (first jackpot opening 14, second jackpot opening 15) are opened in each round of play, the type of jackpot opening and the opening time for each opening, the time it is closed until the next opening (closing time or interval time), the opening time (opening time), and the ending time (ending time). After the special chart is stopped and displayed, the pachinko game machine PY1 controls the jackpot game in accordance with a jackpot game control table such as that shown in FIG. 14.

As shown in FIG. 14, the jackpot game control table stores jackpot game components for each jackpot game (e.g., for each jackpot game A to C). In each jackpot game, from 1R to 15R, a round game in which the first large prize opening 14 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds or a round game in which the first large prize opening 14 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds is played. Then, in 16R (the final round), a round game in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds or a round game in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds is played. In each round game, when a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 10 balls) are detected by the large prize opening sensors 14a and 15a, the round game is ended even before the maximum opening time of the large prize openings 14 and 15 has elapsed.

It is possible to configure the jackpot game A shown in FIG. 14 to be executed when the type of the winning jackpot pattern is jackpot pattern A (see FIG. 10(B)), the jackpot game B to be executed when the type of the winning jackpot pattern is jackpot pattern B, and the jackpot game C to be executed when the type of the winning jackpot pattern is jackpot pattern C.

The number of times and the time for each jackpot game component can be changed as appropriate. The jackpot game can be played using both the first jackpot opening 14 and the second jackpot opening 15, or only one of them. In a configuration in which only the first jackpot opening 14 is used for jackpot games, or in which only the second jackpot opening 15 is used for jackpot games, the unused jackpot opening may not be provided. The number of types of jackpot games that can be played may be multiple or only one.

The specific area 16 will now be described in detail. The specific area 16 is placed in a closed state, in which winning is not possible, and an open state, in which winning is possible, by the distribution member 16k, so the operating mode of the distribution member 16k can be said to be the opening and closing mode of the specific area 16. Hereinafter, the operating mode of the distribution member 16k will also be referred to as the "opening and closing mode of the specific area 16". In addition, the open state of the specific area 16 will also be referred to as "V-open", and the closed state of the specific area 16 will also be referred to as "V-closed".

The distribution member 16k is controlled in a certain operating mode (i.e., the specific area 16 is controlled in a certain opening/closing mode). For example, for 15 seconds after the second large prize opening 15 starts to open, the distribution solenoid 16s is energized and the distribution member 16k is controlled in the second state (FIG. 3(B)). Therefore, in a round game in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds, the relationship between the opening time and timing of the second large prize opening 15 and the time and timing at which the distribution member 16k is controlled to the second state makes it easy for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 (to enter the specific area 16). On the other hand, in a round game in which the second large winning opening 15 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds, due to the relationship between the opening time and timing of the second large winning opening 15 and the time and timing during which the distribution member 16k is controlled to the second state, it is almost impossible (difficult) for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 (to make the game ball enter the specific area 16). In this way, by combining a certain operating mode of the distribution member 16k (a certain opening and closing mode of the specific area 16) with the opening and closing mode of the second large winning opening 15 in a jackpot game, it is possible to set the difficulty (ease) of making the game ball enter the specific area 16 in a jackpot game. The operating mode of the distribution member 16k can be changed as appropriate. If another operating mode is shown in the description of "Characteristic parts of the pachinko game machine PY1" described later, it is assumed that the pachinko game machine PY1 adopts that operating mode.

Note that during a jackpot game, a jackpot in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distribution member 16k operate in the first opening pattern (V-long opening pattern) in which it is easy for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 (hereinafter also referred to as "V passing") is called a "V-long jackpot", and a jackpot in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distribution member 16k operate in the second opening pattern (V-short opening pattern) in which it is impossible or difficult for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 is called a "V-short jackpot".

3-4. Game state Next, the game state will be described. As shown in FIG. 15, the pachinko game machine PY1 can be set to any one of the game states of "low probability low base game state", "low probability high base game state", "high probability low base game state", "high probability high base game state" and "jackpot game state". The "low probability low base game state" may be abbreviated as "low probability low base state", the "low probability high base game state" as "low probability high base state", the "high probability low base game state" as "high probability low base state", and the "high probability high base game state" as "high probability high base state". The game state includes a state related to the probability of being determined as a "jackpot" in the jackpot determination and a state related to the ease of opening the electric chute 12D. The former includes a normal probability state and a high probability state. On the other hand, the latter includes a non-time-saving state and a time-saving state.

The normal probability state is set in a "low probability low base game state" or a "low probability high base game state", and the probability of being judged as a jackpot in the jackpot judgment is normal. The high probability state is set in a "high probability low base game state" or a "high probability high base game state", and the probability of being judged as a jackpot in the jackpot judgment is higher than the normal probability. Therefore, it can be said that the high probability state is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal probability state. When the power is turned on for the first time in the pachinko game machine PY1, the normal probability state is set. Then, it is possible to switch from the normal probability state to the high probability state by winning a jackpot. For example, it is possible to switch to the high probability state by the game ball passing through the specific area 16 in a jackpot game. It is also possible to switch to the high probability state depending on the type of jackpot pattern. Whether the trigger for switching to the high probability state is V passing or the type of jackpot pattern is determined in advance according to the gameplay to be realized. In the high probability state, a certain number of jackpot determinations can be made without winning the jackpot, or it is possible to switch from the high probability state to the normal probability state by winning the next jackpot.

The non-time-saving state is set in the "low probability low base game state", "high probability low base game state" or "jackpot game state". The time-saving state is set in the "low probability high base game state" or "high probability high base game state", and is a game state in which the opening time of the electric chute 12D in one auxiliary game is likely to be longer than in the non-time-saving state. For example, in the time-saving state, the opening time of the electric chute 12D is longer (e.g., 3.0 seconds) than in the non-time-saving state (e.g., 0.08 seconds). In addition, in the time-saving state, the special chart change pattern is determined according to a special chart change pattern determination table that is determined so that a special chart change pattern with a short special chart change time is selected more often than in the non-time-saving state (see Figures 11 to 12). As a result, in the time-saving state, the pace of consumption of the special chart reservation is faster, and effective winning at the starting port (winning that can be stored as a special chart reservation) is more likely to occur. Therefore, it is possible to aim for a jackpot under smooth game progress.

In addition, in the time-saving state, the normal map change time is more likely to be shorter than in the non-time-saving state. For example, in the time-saving state, a normal map change time (5 seconds) is determined that is shorter than the normal map change time (30 seconds) determined in the non-time-saving state (Figure 9 (B)). Therefore, in the time-saving state, the number of times the normal map lottery is executed per unit time is greater.

In addition, the time-saving state is more likely to be judged as a hit in the hit judgment than the non-time-saving state. For example, in the time-saving state, a hit is judged with a higher probability (e.g., 59936/65536) than the probability of a hit being judged as a hit in the non-time-saving state (e.g., 6600/65536) (Figure 9 (A)). Therefore, the time-saving state is judged as a hit more often per unit time.

In this way, in the time-saving state, the electric chute 12D is open for a longer period of time per unit time compared to the non-time-saving state, making it easier for game balls to enter the second starting hole 12 more frequently. As a result, the base, which is the ratio of the number of winning balls to the number of balls fired, becomes higher. Therefore, in the time-saving state, where the base is high, it is possible to aim for a jackpot without significantly reducing the number of game balls in the player's possession. Therefore, it can be said that the time-saving state is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the non-time-saving state.

When the pachinko game machine PY1 is first powered on, the non-time-saving state is set. Then, for example, the time-saving state can be set by winning a jackpot. In the time-saving state, a predetermined number of jackpot determinations can be made without winning a jackpot, or the time-saving state can be changed to the non-time-saving state by winning the next jackpot.

In addition, in the time-saving state, compared to the non-time-saving state, it is easier to win a prize, the normal chart change time is more likely to be shorter, and the opening time of the electric chute 12D during one auxiliary play is more likely to be longer. In other words, three points about the game related to the normal chart are set to be advantageous to the player. However, the points set to be advantageous to the player may only be a part of these. Also, the special chart change pattern determination table in the time-saving state does not have to be one in which a special chart change pattern with a short special chart change time is more likely to be selected than in the non-time-saving state.

The game state after the power is turned on for the first time in the pachinko game machine PY1 is a "low probability low base game state" in which the normal probability state and the non-time-saving state are set. This game state is also called the "normal game state." In the "jackpot game state," a normal drawing (a hit determination for a normal drawing) is performed but a special drawing (a jackpot determination) is not performed, so the non-time-saving state is set with the start of the jackpot game. In addition, it is possible to use all or some of the game states described above for the game state. In addition, the various game states described in this specification can be arbitrarily expressed in the form of an "nth game state" (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1).

4. Main Effects of the Gaming Machine Next, the main effects of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

4-1. Presentation mode First, the presentation mode will be described. The presentation mode is a category of presentation (or a higher-level conceptual attribute). The pachinko game machine PY1 can set the following presentation modes: a customer waiting presentation mode, a normal presentation mode, a probability variation presentation mode, a time-saving presentation mode, and a big win presentation mode.

The customer waiting performance mode can be set when the special chart change performance is not being performed in the "low probability low base game state", "low probability high base game state", "high probability low base game state" and "high probability high base game state", and is a performance mode that indicates a standby state in which the special chart change performance is not being performed. When the customer waiting performance mode is set, the customer waiting performance is performed. In the customer waiting performance, for example, as shown in FIG. 16 (A-1), a customer waiting demo video G100 introducing the pachinko game machine PY1 is displayed on the display unit 50a. In addition, when the normal button 40 is operated while the customer waiting demo video G100 is displayed, a setting screen G101 for setting the performance of the pachinko game machine PY1 is displayed as shown in FIG. 16 (A-2). The performance settings include the volume setting of the sound output from the speaker 52, the brightness setting of the display unit 50a, and the frequency setting of the performance to be executed.

The normal presentation mode can be set when the special chart change presentation is being performed in the "low probability low base game state" or the "high probability low base game state", and is a presentation mode that indicates a non-time-saving state. The normal presentation modes include, for example, a first normal presentation mode in which a background image (daytime normal background image G102) showing a daytime mountain scene is displayed on the display unit 50a as shown in FIG. 16 (B-1), a second normal presentation mode in which a background image (evening normal background image G103) showing an evening mountain scene is displayed on the display unit 50a as shown in FIG. 16 (B-2), and a third normal presentation mode in which a background image (nighttime normal background image G104) showing a nighttime mountain scene is displayed on the display unit 50a as shown in FIG. 16 (B-3), and can be switched under the condition that the special chart change presentation is performed once or multiple times without winning a jackpot. Furthermore, each of the first to third normal presentation modes has a normal early presentation mode before the reach is established in the special chart variation presentation, and a normal late presentation mode after the reach is established. In the normal early presentation mode, one of the daytime normal background image G102, the evening normal background image G103, and the nighttime normal background image G104 is displayed on the display unit 50a, while in the normal late presentation mode, a dedicated background image according to the type of reach is displayed. In addition, a special presentation mode that is set only in the "high probability low base game state" may be provided.

The probability change presentation mode is a presentation mode that can be set when the special chart change presentation is being performed in a "high probability high base game state", and is a presentation mode that indicates a high probability state and a time-saving state. In the probability change presentation mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 16 (B-4), a background image representing space (probability change background image G105) is displayed on the display unit 50a. Furthermore, the probability change presentation mode includes a probability change pre-stage presentation mode before a reach is established in the special chart change presentation, and a probability change post-stage presentation mode after a reach is established. In the probability change pre-stage presentation mode, the probability change background image G105 is displayed on the display unit 50a, while in the probability change post-stage presentation mode, a dedicated background image according to the type of reach is displayed.

The time-saving presentation mode is a presentation mode that can be set when the special chart change presentation is being performed in the "low probability high base game state", and is a presentation mode that indicates that the state is in the normal probability state and the time-saving state. In the time-saving presentation mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 16 (B-5), a background image representing the sky (time-saving background image G106) is displayed on the display unit 50a. Furthermore, the time-saving presentation mode includes a first stage of time-saving presentation mode before a reach is established in the special chart change presentation, and a second stage of time-saving presentation mode after a reach is established. In the first stage of time-saving presentation mode, the time-saving background image G106 is displayed on the display unit 50a, while in the second stage of time-saving presentation mode, a dedicated background image according to the type of reach is displayed.

The jackpot presentation mode is a presentation mode that can be set when a jackpot game is being played in the "jackpot game state", and is a presentation mode that indicates that a jackpot game is being played. In the jackpot presentation mode, for example, during the opening of the jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 16 (C-1), a jackpot opening presentation is performed in which an opening image G107 suggesting the start of the jackpot game and a right-hit image G108 encouraging "right hit" are displayed on the display unit 50a. During the round of the jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 16 (C-2), a round presentation is performed in which a round image G109 indicating the number of rounds and a prize ball number image G110 suggesting the number of prize balls paid out are displayed on the display unit 50a. During the ending of the jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 16 (C-3), a jackpot ending presentation is performed in which an ending image G111 suggesting the presentation mode to be set after the jackpot game and a total prize ball number image G112 suggesting the total prize ball number paid out are displayed on the display unit 50a.

The types of presentation modes can be changed or added as appropriate.

4-2. Special chart change performance Next, the special chart change performance (also simply called "change performance") will be explained. When the pachinko game machine PY1 starts the change display of the special chart, it executes the special chart change performance based on the special chart change pattern related to the change display of the special chart and the special chart lottery result (jackpot determination result, jackpot pattern type determination result, reach determination result, and special chart change pattern determination result). In the special chart change performance, the display unit 50a displays the change of the performance pattern superimposed on a predetermined background image. In the change display of the performance pattern, the performance pattern stops after changing. That is, after the change display of the performance pattern is performed for the special chart change time, the change stops and the performance pattern is displayed stationary. Then, the result of the special chart lottery is announced by the display of the stationary performance pattern.

In addition, in the special chart change performance, in addition to the changing display of the performance pattern, it is possible to perform other performances using various performance devices such as the image display device 50, speaker 52, frame lamp 53, board lamp 54, movable devices 55, 56, 58, normal button 40, and special button 41. In this case, it is possible to continue other performances even after the display of the performance pattern has stopped.

4-2-1. Display area of the effect pattern As shown in FIG. 17(A), the display unit 50a of the image display device 50 can be provided with a left effect pattern area 50b1, a middle effect pattern area 50b2, and a right effect pattern area 50b3 on the left side, the center, and the right side of the display unit 50a, which are divided horizontally into three approximately equal parts. The left effect pattern area 50b1 is an area that displays the left effect pattern EZ1 when the effect pattern is stopped in the special pattern change effect. Similarly, the middle effect pattern area 50b2 and the right effect pattern area 50b3 are areas that display the middle effect pattern EZ2 and the right effect pattern EZ3.

As shown in FIG. 17(A), a small pattern area 50c can be provided in one section at the left end (upper left corner) of the upper end of the display unit 50a. The small pattern area 50c is an area that variably displays the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 when the special pattern is being variably displayed.

In addition, in FIG. 17(A), the left performance pattern area 50b1, the middle performance pattern area 50b2, the right performance pattern area 50b3, and the small pattern area 50c are clearly indicated by dashed two-dot lines, but this is written to indicate the range of the left performance pattern area 50b1, the middle performance pattern area 50b2, the right performance pattern area 50b3, and the small pattern area 50c, and is not actually displayed. Also, the range of each area can be changed as appropriate.

4-2-2. Normal Variation In the special chart variation presentation, the pachinko game machine PY1 can first perform normal variation. The normal variation functions as a presentation that suggests that the variable display of the special chart has started.

When the variable display of the special chart is started, for example, as shown in Figure 17 (A), on the display unit 50a, the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2 and the right performance pattern EZ3 are displayed frozen, while the left small pattern KZ1, the middle small pattern KZ2 and the right small pattern KZ3 are displayed frozen, and the variable display of the special chart is not being performed and the state is waiting for the variable display of the special chart.As shown in Figure 17 (B), with the start of the variable display of the special chart, the variable display of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2 and EZ3 is started, and the variable display of the small patterns KZ1, KZ2 and KZ3 is started. Then, when the special pattern of the variable display of the special pattern is, for example, "normal miss variation", as shown in FIG. 17 (C-1), the left performance pattern EZ1 and the right performance pattern EZ3 temporarily stop in different stop modes, and then, as shown in FIG. 17 (D), the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stop in a stop mode (so-called spread) that suggests a miss. At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 also stop all at once in a stop mode that suggests a miss. On the other hand, when the special pattern of the variable display of the special pattern is, for example, a special pattern with a reach such as "N miss variation", as shown in FIG. 17 (C-2), the left performance pattern EZ1 and the right performance pattern EZ3 temporarily stop in the same stop mode, and a reach is established. At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 continue to be displayed, and a reach performance according to the special pattern is performed. The stopping order and stopping patterns of the EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 symbols can be changed as appropriate.

4-2-3. N Reach The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform N Reach when a reach is achieved in normal variation. N Reach is a presentation that suggests that the result of the jackpot determination may be a "jackpot" and functions as a presentation to make the player expect a jackpot.

In the N reach, as shown in FIG. 18(A), the state in which the reach is established is maintained for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds), and as shown in FIG. 18(B), the speed of change of the middle performance pattern EZ2 gradually slows down. Then, when the special pattern change pattern of the variable display of the special pattern is, for example, "N miss change", the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed stopped in a stop mode (so-called barrage) that suggests a miss, as shown in FIG. 18(C-1). At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a stop mode that suggests a miss. On the other hand, when the special pattern change pattern of the variable display of the special pattern is, for example, "N jackpot change", as shown in FIG. 18(C-2), the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped in a stop mode that suggests a jackpot (so-called double numbers). At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a stop mode that suggests a jackpot. In addition, the content of the N Reach effect is not limited to the middle effect pattern EZ2 gradually slowing down, and can be changed or added as appropriate.

In addition, with regard to the stopping patterns of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that indicate a miss, the spread when the reach is not established is called a "non-reach spread" or a "non-reach miss" and the spread when the reach is established is called a "reach spread" or a "reach miss". The combination of each of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that make up the non-reach spread (for example, "2, 3, 1" or "5, 8, 6") and the combination of each of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that make up the reach spread (for example, "2, 1, 2" or "5, 4, 5") are selected by the performance control microcomputer 121. In addition, the combination of the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that make up the stopping pattern (double number) that indicates a jackpot (for example, "2-2-2" or "7-7-7") is selected by the effect control microcomputer 121 based on the type of jackpot symbol that has been selected.

The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform an SP reach after an N reach. The SP reach is a presentation that suggests that the result of the jackpot determination is more likely to be a "jackpot" than the N reach, and functions as a presentation to make the player expect a jackpot.

In the SP reach, after the N reach, for example, as shown in FIG. 19(A), a background image dedicated to the SP reach (background image for the SP reach G113) is displayed on the display unit 50a, and an image indicating that the SP reach has started (SP reach start title image) G1 is displayed in the center of the display unit 50a. After that, as shown in FIG. 19(B), a performance dedicated to the SP reach (for example, a battle performance) is performed. Then, when the special chart change pattern of the variable display of the special chart is, for example, "SP jackpot change", a performance suggesting a jackpot (for example, a display in which the main character (one of the ally characters) has won the battle and is standing with his/her arms crossed) is performed on the display unit 50a, as shown in FIG. 19(C-1), and the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed in a stopped state (so-called double numbers) suggesting a jackpot. At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a manner that suggests a big win. On the other hand, if the special symbol variation pattern of the variable display of the special symbol is, for example, "SP miss variation," then as shown in FIG. 19 (C-2), a performance that suggests a miss (for example, a display of an enemy character standing with its arms crossed after winning a battle) is performed, and the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed stopped in a manner that suggests a miss (so-called barake eyes). At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a manner that suggests a miss. Note that the performance content of the SP reach can be changed or added as appropriate.

Here, we will explain in detail the possibility (jackpot expectation) of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 for each reach stopping in a manner indicating a jackpot. The jackpot expectation for each reach is determined by the execution probability based on the result of the jackpot determination. For example, if the execution probability of an N reach is set to 10% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "miss" and 100% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "jackpot," and the execution probability of an SP reach is set to 4% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "miss" and 100% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "jackpot," it is possible to set the jackpot expectation for an SP reach higher than the jackpot expectation for an N reach. Furthermore, by making SP reach A and SP reach B executable as SP reaches, and setting the execution probability of SP reach A to 2% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "miss" and 30% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "jackpot", and setting the execution probability of SP reach B to 2% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "miss" and 20% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "jackpot", it is possible to set the jackpot expectation of SP reach A higher than the jackpot expectation of SP reach B. In this way, it is possible to set the jackpot expectation by appropriately setting the execution probability according to the result of the jackpot determination.

4-2-5. L Reach The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform an L reach after an N reach. The L reach is a performance that suggests that the possibility that the result of the special chart lottery was a "jackpot" is lower than that of the SP reach but higher than that of the N reach, and functions as a performance that makes the player expect a jackpot. The execution time of the L reach reach performance is shorter than that of the SP reach reach performance (FIGS. 11 and 12). Therefore, in the L reach reach performance, for example, a video shorter than that of the SP reach reach is displayed on the display unit 50a. The content of the L reach reach performance can be changed as appropriate. In addition, a special chart variation pattern in which the SP reach reach performance is executed in a progressive manner after the L reach reach performance may be provided.

4-3. Hold icon display area The display unit 50a of the image display device 50 can be provided with a hold icon display area 50d consisting of four display areas, as shown in FIG. 20 (A). The hold icon display area 50d is composed of a first display area 50d1, a second display area 50d2, a third display area 50d3, and a fourth display area 50d4, and the hold icon HA can be displayed in each display area 50d1, 50d2, 50d3, and 50d4 according to the number of reserved special figures 1 or the number of reserved special figures 2. For example, when the number of reserved special figures 1 is "1", the hold icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1, and when the number of reserved special figures 1 is "2", the hold icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1 and the second display area 50d2.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 20(A), it is possible to provide an icon display area 50e consisting of a single display area near the reserved icon display area 50d. The icon display area 50e is capable of displaying the icon TA (also called the reserved icon TA) that is the same as the reserved icon HA in response to the start of the special chart change performance. Note that an icon different from the reserved icon HA may be displayed as the icon TA.

The number of display areas constituting the reserved icon display area 50d can be changed as appropriate. The reserved icon display area 50d can be a display area that displays both the reserved number of special chart 1 and the reserved number of special chart 2, or a display area that displays only one of them. It is also possible to provide the reserved icon display area 50d but not the icon display area 50e, or to provide neither.

4-3-1. Hold performance The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform a hold performance in response to the game ball entering the first start hole 11 or the second start hole 12. The hold performance can notify the player of the number of special chart 1 holds or special chart 2 holds.

In the reserved performance, when the number of reserved special chart 1 is "0" and a game ball enters the first starting hole 11, the special chart change performance starts, and the icon TA is displayed in the icon display area 50e, for example, as shown in Fig. 20 (B). Then, when two more game balls enter the first starting hole 11 during the special chart change performance, the reserved icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1 and the second display area 50d2 of the reserved icon display area 50d, as shown in Fig. 20 (C), and the player is notified that the number of reserved special chart 1 is "2". After that, when the special chart change performance ends and a new special chart change performance starts, as shown in FIG. 20(D), the reserved icon HA displayed in the first display area 50d1 of the reserved icon display area 50d moves to the icon display area 50e and is displayed as the icon TA, and the reserved icon HA displayed in the second display area 50d2 of the reserved icon display area 50d moves to the first display area 50d1 and is displayed, and the player is notified that the number of reserved special charts 1 is "1".

The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform a notice performance at any timing during the special chart change performance. The notice performance is a performance using the image display device 50, the speaker 52, the frame lamp 53, the board lamp 54, the movable devices 55, 56, 58, the input device (the normal button 40, the special button 41), etc., and can suggest the result of the jackpot determination or the result of the special chart change pattern determination.

The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform a movable body effect as a preview effect using the movable devices 55, 56, and 58. The movable body effect is an effect in which the movable devices 55, 56, and 58 are operated, and functions as an effect that makes the player expect a big win.

In the movable body performance, for example, when the N reach develops into the SP reach, as shown in FIG. 21(A), the movable device on the board 55 and the movable device below the board 56 are operated, and the movable body on the board 55k and the movable body below the board 56k move so as to overlap on the display unit 50a, suggesting the development into the SP reach. At this time, an effect image is displayed in the space on the display unit 50a that does not overlap with the movable body on the board 55k and the movable body below the board 56k. After that, as shown in FIG. 21(B), the movable body on the board 55k and the movable body below the board 56k return to the normal standby state (initial position) and develop into the SP reach. This movable body performance is an example of a development performance. Note that the movable body performance is not limited to the suggestion of development into the SP reach, and can be changed or added as appropriate. In addition, the operation contents of the movable device in the movable body performance can be changed or added as appropriate. In addition, the movable device operated in the movable body performance can be changed as appropriate. Also, if the performance does not progress (for example, in the case of an N miss variation), it is possible to perform a moving body performance as a so-called false performance. A moving body performance is also called a moving body drive performance.

The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform an operation performance as a preview performance using the normal button 40 or the special button 41. The operation performance is a performance that makes the player operate the normal button 40 or the special button 41, and functions as a performance that makes the player expect a big win.

In the operation presentation, for example, in the SP reach, a period (operation valid period) occurs during which the pressing operation of the input device (special button 41) is valid, and with the occurrence of this operation valid period, as shown in FIG. 22 (A), a presentation (operation promotion presentation) is performed to encourage the operation of the special button 41. In the operation promotion presentation, an operation promotion image G30 is displayed on the display unit 50a. The operation promotion image G30 includes an image (special button image G31) that imitates the special button 41, an image (operation method instruction image G32) that shows the operation method of the special button 41 (i.e., pressing operation), and an image (valid period image G33) that shows the remaining time of the operation valid period. The valid period image G33 is generally composed of a curved progress bar, and changes over time so that the player can easily understand the remaining time of the operation valid period. Thereafter, in response to the special button 41 being pressed during the valid operation period, or after the valid operation period has elapsed without the special button 41 being operated during the valid operation period, the on-board movable device 55 is activated as shown in FIG. 22(B), and the on-board movable body 55k moves to overlap the display unit 50a, indicating the likelihood of a big win. Note that the operation presentation is not limited to the operation of the on-board movable device 55, and can be changed or added as appropriate. Also, the operation promotion presentation that encourages the operation of the operation means (operation unit) such as the special button 41 or the normal button 40 is also referred to as an operation instruction presentation.

4-4-3. Pre-reading performance The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform a pre-reading performance for the special chart 1 reserve or the special chart 2 reserve for which the special chart lottery has not been performed as a notice performance. The pre-reading performance functions as a performance to suggest the result of the special chart lottery for the special chart 1 reserve or the special chart 2 reserve in advance.

In the pre-reading performance, for example, if the result of the pre-reading judgment for the special chart 1 reservation is a "jackpot", the reservation icon HA, which is usually displayed as a "circle" in the reservation icon display area 50d, may be displayed as a "☆" as shown in FIG. 20 (C). Also, if the result of the pre-reading judgment is a "miss", the reservation icon HA may be displayed as a "☆" as a so-called false performance. In this way, the pre-reading performance in which the reservation icon HA or the icon TA is displayed in a special mode (in this embodiment, "☆") rather than in the normal mode (in this embodiment, "circle") is called a reservation change performance. Also, the reservation icon HA and the icon TA are collectively called a reservation display. In this embodiment, the reservation icon HA and the icon TA are displayed as a reservation display, but it is also possible to configure it so that only the reservation icon HA is displayed and the icon TA is not displayed. In addition, the timing for the special mode of the hold display in the hold change performance may be when the start winning occurs, which is the trigger for the hold display, or when the hold display shifts (when the display area of the hold icon HA is changed), or when the special chart change corresponding to the hold display is in progress (when it is displayed as the icon TA). Also, there may be multiple types of special modes of the hold display.

Note that the look-ahead effect can be performed on both or either of the special chart 1 reserve and the special chart 2 reserve. Furthermore, the look-ahead effect is not limited to a change in the display mode of the reserve icon HA, but can be changed or added as appropriate. Examples of look-ahead effects other than the reserve change effect include so-called continuous previews.

5. Game control by the game control microcomputer 101 Next, the game control by the game control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to Figures 23 to 24. Note that counters, timers, buffers, etc. that appear in the game control by the game control microcomputer 101 described below are provided in the game RAM 104.

[1. Main control main processing]
When the pachinko game machine PY1 is powered on, the game control microcomputer 101 provided on the main control board 100 reads out the main control main processing program shown in Fig. 23 from the game ROM 103 and executes it. As shown in the figure, the main control main processing first performs power-on processing (S001). In the power-on processing, permission settings for access to the game RAM 104, settings for the game CPU 102, settings for the SIO, PIO, and CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time), etc. are performed.

Following the power-on process, interrupts are prohibited (S002), and the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003) is executed. In this normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003), the counter values of the various random numbers shown in Figures 8 (A) and 8 (B) are updated by incrementing them by 1. When the counter value of each random number reaches its upper limit, it returns to "0" and is incremented again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0", and may be changed randomly. Also, at least a portion of each random number may be so-called hardware random numbers that are generated using a known random number generation circuit consisting of a counter IC or the like.

When the normal and special symbols main random number update process (S003) is completed, an interrupt is permitted (S004). While the interrupt is permitted, the main timer interrupt process (S005) can be executed. The main timer interrupt process (S005) is executed based on an interrupt pulse repeatedly input to the gaming CPU 102, for example, at a 4 msec cycle. That is, the main timer interrupt process (S005) is executed at a 4 msec cycle. Then, between the end of the main timer interrupt process (S005) and the start of the next main timer interrupt process (S005), the update process of the counter values of various random numbers by the normal and special symbols main random number update process (S003) is repeatedly executed. Note that if an interrupt pulse is input to the gaming CPU 102 when the interrupt is prohibited, the main timer interrupt process (S005) is not started immediately, but is started after the interrupt is permitted (S004).

[2. Main side timer interrupt processing]
Next, the main timer interrupt process (S005) will be described. As shown in FIG. 24, in the main timer interrupt process (S005), first, the output process (S101) is executed. In the output process (S101), commands and the like set in the output buffer provided in the gaming RAM 104 of the main control board 100 in each process described below are output to the sub-control board 120, the payout control board 170, and the like.

In the input process (S102) that follows the output process (S101), the game control microcomputer 101, for example, takes in a detection signal from a lower tray full switch that detects whether the lower tray 35 is full, and stores this in the output buffer of the game RAM 104 as lower tray full data.

The normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103) that is performed next is the same as the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003) that is performed in the main control main process of FIG. 23. That is, the update process of the counter values of the various random numbers shown in FIG. 8 (A) and FIG. 8 (B) is performed both during the execution period of the main side timer interrupt process (S005) and during other periods (the period from the end of the main side timer interrupt process (S005) until the start of the next main side timer interrupt process (S005)).

Following the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103), the game control microcomputer 101 performs a sensor detection process (S104), then a normal action process (S105), and then a special action process (S106). The sensor detection process, normal action process, and special action process will be described later.

Following the special operation process (S106), a sorting device control process is performed to control the sorting device 16D (S107). The sorting device 16D is operated when a special game using the second big prize device 15D is played. However, the sorting device 16D may be operated in a constant manner from the time the power is turned on.

Next, the game control microcomputer 101 executes other processes (S108) and ends the main timer interrupt process (S005). Other processes (S108) include power off monitoring when the power is turned off and updating the timer provided in the game RAM 104. Another other process (S108) is a payout control process that pays out prize balls to the player. In the payout control process, a prize ball request signal is sent to the payout control board 170 in response to the entry of game balls into each winning slot. In other words, the payout control board 170 pays out prize balls based on the prize ball request signal.

The gaming control microcomputer 101 then repeatedly executes steps S002 to S004 of the main control main process (see FIG. 23) until the next interrupt pulse is input to the gaming CPU 102, and when the interrupt pulse is input (approximately 4 msec later), it again executes the main timer interrupt process (S005). In the output process (S101) of the main timer interrupt process (S005) that has been executed again, the gaming control microcomputer 101 outputs the commands, etc. that were set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104 in the previous main timer interrupt process (S005).

[2-1. Sensor detection process]
In the sensor detection process (S104), the general winning hole sensor process, the gate sensor process, the second starting hole sensor process, the first starting hole sensor process, the first large winning hole sensor process, the second large winning hole sensor process, and the specific area sensor process are sequentially performed. Then, the commands generated in each process are set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104.

The general prize opening sensor process determines whether or not a game ball has been detected by the general prize opening sensor 10a. In addition, a command for the general prize opening sensor is generated depending on the results of this process.

In the gate sensor process, it is determined whether or not a gaming ball has been detected by the gate sensor 13a. If it is determined that a gaming ball has been detected, a normal pattern random number indicated by the counter value of the normal pattern random number counter is obtained, and the obtained normal pattern random number is stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit 106 provided in the gaming RAM 104. Note that if a predetermined number of normal pattern random numbers (e.g., four) are stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit 106, the newly obtained normal pattern random number is not stored. In addition, a command for the gate sensor is generated depending on the result of this process.

In the second start hole sensor process, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been detected by the second start hole sensor 12a. When it is determined that a game ball has been detected, a special pattern 2 related random number consisting of a special pattern random number counter, a jackpot pattern type random number counter, a reach random number counter, and a special pattern change pattern random number counter is acquired, and the acquired special pattern 2 related random number is stored in the special pattern 2 reserved memory unit 105b provided in the gaming RAM 104. The special pattern 2 reserved memory unit 105b has multiple storage areas from the first area to the nth area (n is an integer equal to or greater than 2, for example, "4"), and the acquired special pattern 2 related random numbers are stored in order from the first area. Note that if special pattern 2 related random numbers are stored up to the nth area, the newly acquired special pattern 2 related random number is not stored. In addition, a second look-ahead judgment is performed using the acquired special pattern 2 related random number and the second look-ahead judgment table. In addition, depending on the result of the processing, a command for the second start port sensor is generated, which includes a special chart 2 reserved number command representing the number of special chart 2 related random numbers (special chart 2 reserved number) stored in the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 105b and a second start winning command representing the result of the second pre-reading judgment.

In the first start hole sensor process, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been detected by the first start hole sensor 11a. When it is determined that a game ball has been detected, a special pattern 1 related random number consisting of a special pattern random number counter, a jackpot pattern type random number counter, a reach random number counter, and a special pattern change pattern random number counter is acquired, and the acquired special pattern 1 related random number is stored in the special pattern 1 reserved memory unit 105a provided in the gaming RAM 104. The special pattern 1 reserved memory unit 105a has multiple storage areas from the first area to the nth area (n is an integer equal to or greater than 2, for example, "4"), and the acquired special pattern 1 related random numbers are stored in order from the first area. Note that if the special pattern 1 related random numbers are stored up to the nth area, the newly acquired special pattern 1 related random number is not stored. In addition, a first look-ahead judgment is performed using the acquired special pattern 1 related random number and the first look-ahead judgment table. In addition, depending on the result of the processing, a command for the first start port sensor is generated, which includes a special chart 1 reserved number command representing the number of special chart 1 related random numbers (special chart 1 reserved number) stored in the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a and a first start winning command representing the result of the first look-ahead judgment.

In the first large prize opening sensor process, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been detected by the first large prize opening sensor 14a. In addition, a command for the first large prize opening sensor is generated according to the results of this process.

In the second large prize opening sensor process, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been detected by the second large prize opening sensor 15a. In addition, a command for the second large prize opening sensor is generated according to the results of this process.

In the specific area sensor process, it is determined whether or not a gaming ball has been detected by the specific area sensor 16a. In addition, a command for the specific area sensor is generated depending on the result of this process.

[2-2. Normal operation processing]
In the normal operation process (S105), a normal symbol waiting process, a normal symbol variation process, a normal symbol determination process, and an auxiliary game control process are sequentially performed. Then, the commands generated in each process are set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104.

The normal pattern standby process is a process that is performed during standby when the variable display of the normal pattern and auxiliary play are not being performed. In the normal pattern standby process, a win determination is made based on the normal pattern random number stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit 106. In addition, a normal pattern change pattern is determined by making a normal pattern change pattern determination based on the current game state. Then, a normal pattern change start command is generated that includes information regarding the results of the win determination and the normal pattern change pattern. Then, the normal pattern display unit 82 is caused to start variable display of the normal pattern based on the normal pattern change time associated with the determined normal pattern change pattern.

The normal pattern change process is a process that is performed during the variable display of the normal map. In the normal pattern change process, the normal map is stopped based on the hit determination result as the normal map change time elapses from the start of the variable display of the normal map being executed. Then, a normal map change stop command is generated, which indicates the end of the variable display of the normal map.

The normal symbol determination process is a process that is performed when a normal symbol is displayed stationary. In the normal symbol determination process, whether or not the normal symbol displayed stationary is a winning symbol is determined depending on the lapse of a predetermined stop time (e.g., 0.8 seconds) from the start of the stationary display of the ongoing normal symbol. If a winning symbol is displayed stationary, an auxiliary game is started based on the current game state and the auxiliary game control table, and an auxiliary game start command indicating the start of the auxiliary game is generated.

The auxiliary game control process is a process that is performed when an auxiliary game is being played. In the auxiliary game control process, the auxiliary game is controlled based on the current game state and the auxiliary game control table. In addition, a command for controlling the auxiliary game is generated according to the result of the process.

[2-3. Special Action Processing]
In the special operation process (S106), a special symbol waiting process, a special symbol variation process, a special symbol determination process, a big win game control process, and a game state setting process are sequentially performed. Then, the commands generated in each process are set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104.

[2-3-1. Special symbol waiting process]
The special symbol standby process is a process that is performed during standby when the special symbol is not being displayed variably, not in a jackpot game state. In the special symbol standby process, a special symbol 2 determination process and a special symbol 2 change pattern determination process are performed based on the special symbol 2 related random number stored in the special symbol 2 reserved memory unit 105b, and a special symbol 2 reserved memory unit shift process is performed. In addition, a special symbol 1 determination process and a special symbol 1 change pattern determination process are performed based on the special symbol 1 related random number stored in the special symbol 1 reserved memory unit 105a, and a special symbol 1 reserved memory unit shift process is performed.

In the special chart 2 determination process, a jackpot determination is performed to determine whether the result is a jackpot or a miss, using the special pattern random number among the special chart 2 related random numbers stored in the first area of the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 105b and a jackpot determination table according to the current game state. If the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, a jackpot pattern type determination is performed to determine the type of the jackpot pattern, using the jackpot pattern type random number among the special chart 2 related random numbers and the special chart 2 jackpot pattern type determination table. Then, a pattern designation command is generated that indicates the determined jackpot pattern type. Also, if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, a pattern designation command that indicates a miss is generated. Note that multiple types of misses may be provided, and if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, the type of the miss pattern may be determined. In this case, the pattern designation command may include information indicating the type of the miss pattern.

The special chart 2 variation pattern determination process is a process performed after the special chart 2 determination process. In the special chart 2 variation pattern determination process, the special chart 2 variation pattern is determined using the special chart variation pattern random number among the special chart 2 related random numbers stored in the first area of the special chart 2 reservation storage unit 105b and the special chart 2 variation pattern determination table according to the current game state. In the special chart 2 variation pattern determination process when the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, a reach determination is made, and the special chart 2 variation pattern is determined according to the result of the reach determination. In addition, the determination of the special chart 2 variation pattern is also associated with the number of special chart 2 related random numbers (special chart 2 reservation number) stored in the special chart 2 reservation storage unit 105b. Then, a special chart 2 variation start command representing the determined special chart 2 variation pattern is generated. The special chart 2 variation start command includes information that it is a special chart 2, information about the result of the jackpot determination, information about the result of the jackpot pattern type determination, information about the result of the reach determination, information about the special chart variation time associated with the special chart 2 variation pattern, and the like. Then, the special chart 2 display 81b starts to display the special chart 2 in a variable manner based on the special chart change time associated with the determined special chart 2 change pattern.

The special chart 2 reserved memory unit shift process is a process that is performed when the special chart 2 determination process and the special chart 2 variation pattern determination process are performed. In the special chart 2 reserved memory unit shift process, the special chart 2 related random numbers stored in the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 105b are shifted by one to the first area side, and the special chart 2 related random numbers in the first area are cleared from the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 105b. In this way, the special chart 2 related random numbers are consumed in the order in which they were obtained. Then, a special chart 2 reserved number command that represents the special chart 2 reserved number after the process is generated.

In the special chart 1 determination process, a jackpot determination is performed to determine whether the jackpot is a jackpot or a miss, using the special pattern random number among the special chart 1 related random numbers stored in the first area of the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a and a jackpot determination table according to the current game state. If the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, a jackpot pattern type determination is performed to determine the type of the jackpot pattern, using the jackpot pattern type random number among the special chart 1 related random numbers and the special chart 1 jackpot pattern type determination table. Then, a pattern designation command is generated that indicates the determined jackpot pattern type. Also, if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, a pattern designation command that indicates a miss is generated. Note that multiple types of misses may be provided, and if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, the type of the miss pattern may be determined. In this case, the pattern designation command may include information indicating the type of the miss pattern.

The special chart 1 variation pattern determination process is a process performed after the special chart 1 determination process. In the special chart 1 variation pattern determination process, the special chart 1 variation pattern is determined using the special chart variation pattern random number among the special chart 1 related random numbers stored in the first area of the special chart 1 reservation storage unit 105a and the special chart 1 variation pattern determination table according to the current game state. In the special chart 1 variation pattern determination process when the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, a reach determination is made, and the special chart 1 variation pattern is determined according to the result of the reach determination. In addition, the determination of the special chart 1 variation pattern is also associated with the number of special chart 1 related random numbers (special chart 1 reservation number) stored in the special chart 1 reservation storage unit 105a. Then, a special chart 1 variation start command representing the determined special chart 1 variation pattern is generated. The special chart 1 variation start command includes information regarding the special chart 1, information regarding the result of the jackpot determination, information regarding the result of the jackpot pattern type determination, information regarding the result of the reach determination, information regarding the special chart variation time associated with the special chart 1 variation pattern, and the like. Then, the special chart 1 display 81a starts to display the special chart 1 in a variable manner based on the special chart change time associated with the determined special chart 1 change pattern.

The special chart 1 reserved memory unit shift process is a process that is performed when the special chart 1 determination process and the special chart 1 variation pattern determination process are performed. In the special chart 1 reserved memory unit shift process, the special chart 1 related random numbers stored in the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a are shifted by one to the first area side, and the special chart 1 related random numbers in the first area are cleared from the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a. In this way, the special chart 1 related random numbers are consumed in the order in which they were obtained. Then, a special chart 1 reserved number command that represents the special chart 1 reserved number after the process is generated.

When both the number of reserved special charts 2 and the number of reserved special charts 1 are present, the special chart 2 determination process is performed with priority, and the variable display of special chart 2 and the variable display of special chart 1 are not performed in parallel. In other words, when there is a reserved special chart 2, the game control microcomputer 101 will not perform the special chart 1 determination process even if there is a reserved special chart 1. The variable display of special chart 2 and the variable display of special chart 1 may be configured to be performed in the order of winning, or to be performed simultaneously.

[2-3-2. Special symbol variation processing]
The special symbol variation process is a process performed during the variable display of the special symbol. In the special symbol variation process, as the special symbol variation time elapses, the special symbol display device 81 ends the variable display of the special symbol and stops displaying the special symbol according to the result of the jackpot determination. If the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, the jackpot symbol indicating the jackpot is stopped and displayed, and if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, the miss symbol indicating the miss is stopped and displayed. Then, a special symbol variation stop command indicating the end of the variable display of the special symbol is generated.

[2-3-3. Special symbol determination process]
The special pattern determination process is a process performed when the special pattern is stopped. In the special pattern determination process, if the currently stopped special pattern is a jackpot pattern, the game is transitioned to a jackpot game state. Then, an opening command indicating the start of a jackpot game is generated. The opening command includes information regarding the result of the jackpot pattern type determination. If the currently stopped special pattern is a losing pattern and the high probability state is to be terminated, a normal probability state is set. Then, a high probability end command indicating a transition to a normal probability state is generated. If the currently stopped special pattern is a losing pattern and the time-saving state is to be terminated, a non-time-saving state is set. Then, a time-saving end command indicating a transition to a non-time-saving state is generated. Note that if the currently stopped special pattern is a losing pattern and the number of reserved special patterns 2 and the number of reserved special patterns 1 are "0", a customer waiting command indicating that the pachinko game machine PY1 is in a standby state is generated.

[2-3-4. Jackpot game control process]
The jackpot game control process is a process carried out in the jackpot game state. In the jackpot game control process, a jackpot game is played according to a jackpot game control table. After transition to the jackpot game state, each round of play is started according to the passage of the opening time or closing time. Then, a round game command indicating the start of the round game is generated. Also, an ending is started according to the end of the final round game. Then, an ending command indicating the end of the jackpot game is generated. The ending command includes information regarding the result of the jackpot symbol type determination.

[2-3-5. Game status setting process]
The game state setting process is a process performed when the jackpot game state ends. In the game state setting process, when changing from a normal probability state to a high probability state, the high probability state is set when the jackpot game state ends. When limiting the duration of the high probability state, the duration of the high probability state (for example, the number of times the special chart can be displayed in a variable manner in which the high probability state can continue without winning a jackpot) is also set. Then, a high probability setting command is generated that indicates the setting of the high probability state. Also, when changing from a non-time-saving state to a time-saving state, the time-saving state is set when the jackpot game state ends. When limiting the duration of the time-saving state, the duration of the time-saving state (for example, the number of times the special chart can be displayed in a variable manner in which the time-saving state can continue without winning a jackpot) is also set. Then, a time-saving setting command is generated that indicates the setting of the time-saving state.

The commands generated by the game control microcomputer 101 in each process can be added or modified as appropriate.

6. Control of performance by performance control microcomputer 121 Next, the control of performance by performance control microcomputer 121 will be described with reference to Fig. 25 to Fig. 27. Note that counters, timers, flags, buffers, etc. that appear in the following description of the control of performance by performance control microcomputer 121 are provided in performance RAM 124.

[1. Sub-control main processing]
When the power of the pachinko game machine PY1 is turned on, the performance control microcomputer 121 provided on the sub-control board 120 reads out the program of the sub-control main process shown in Fig. 25 from the performance ROM 123 and executes it. As shown in the figure, the sub-control main process first performs power-on processing in response to power-on (S4001). In the power-on processing, for example, the settings of the performance CPU 122, the SIO, PIO, CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time), etc. are performed.

Next, interrupts are prohibited (S4002), and a random number update process is executed (S4003). In the random number update process (S4003), the values of various random number counters for determining various effects are updated to make decisions regarding various effects. As an example, the method of updating the random number counters for determining various effects can be the same as the random number update process performed by the main control board 100 described above. When updating, the random number values may be added by 2 instead of by 1. This is also the same as in the random number update process performed by the main control board 100 described above.

When the random number update process is completed, a command transmission process is executed (S4004). In the command transmission process, various commands stored in the output buffer in the performance RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120 are transmitted to the image control board 140. The image control board 140 that receives the command displays an image on the display unit 50a according to the received command (executes various performances using images). In addition to the various performances performed by the image control board 140, the sub-control board 120 outputs sound from the speaker 52 via the sound control circuit 161 (executes various sound performances using sound), causes the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 to emit light via the lamp control circuit 151 (executes various light-emitting performances using light), and operates the movable devices 55, 56, and 58 (executes various movable body performances using operations). In this way, various performances (special chart change performances, reserved performances, operation performances, pre-reading performances, other advance notice performances, big win game performances, customer waiting performances, control of performance modes, etc.) are realized.

The performance control microcomputer 121 then permits interrupts (S4005). Thereafter, steps S4002 to S4005 are looped. While interrupts are permitted, it becomes possible to execute reception interrupt processing (S4010), 1 ms timer interrupt processing (S4011), and 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S4012).

The reception interrupt process (S4010) is executed each time various commands sent from the main control board 100 are input to the performance control microcomputer 121. In the reception interrupt process (S4010), the performance control microcomputer 121 stores the various commands sent and received by the output process (S101) of the main control board 100 in the reception buffer of the performance RAM 124. This reception interrupt process is executed with priority over other interrupt processes (S4011, S4012).

[2.1 ms timer interrupt processing]
The 1 ms timer interrupt process (S4011) is executed every time an interrupt pulse with a 1 msec period is input to the sub-control board 120. In the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S4011), as shown in Fig. 26, an input process (S4101), a light emission data output process (S4102), a movable device control process (S4103), and a watchdog timer process (S4104) are sequentially performed.

In the input process, the operation of the operation unit that can be operated by the player, such as the normal button detection switch 40a and the special button detection switch 41a, is detected, and commands are set and performance data is created according to the detection result. In the light emission data output process, based on the performance data created in the input process or the performance data creation process described later, the light emission data is output to the lamp control circuit 151 to make lamps such as the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 light up at a timing that matches the performance by the image, etc. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 121 makes the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 light up in a predetermined light emission mode according to the light emission data. In the movable device control process, based on the performance data created in the input process or the performance data creation process described later, the drive data is output to perform a movable body performance that operates the movable devices 55, 56, 58, etc. at a predetermined timing. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 121 performs a movable body performance that operates the movable devices 55, 56, 58, etc. in a predetermined operation mode according to the drive data. The watchdog timer process performs the reset setting for the watchdog timer.

[3. 10 ms timer interrupt processing]
The 10 ms timer interrupt process (S4012) is executed every time an interrupt pulse with a 10 msec period is input to the sub-control board 120. In the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S4012), as shown in Fig. 27, a received command analysis process (S4201), a performance timer update process (S4202), a sound control process (S4203), and a performance data creation process (S4204) are sequentially performed.

In the received command analysis process, the command stored in the receive buffer of the performance RAM 124 by the receive interrupt process (S4010) is analyzed, and processing according to the command (for example, selecting a performance, setting a performance mode, setting a command, etc.) is performed. In the performance timer update process, a timer for measuring the time related to each performance is updated. For example, in the performance timer update process, the start timing and end timing of the effective operation period of an operation part such as the normal button 40 or the special button 41 are measured. In the audio control process, audio data (data that controls the audio output from the speaker 52) is created and output to the audio control circuit 161 based on the processing results of the input process and the received command analysis process. In the performance data creation process, performance data is created based on the processing results of the received command analysis process.

Here, an example of processing when the performance control microcomputer 121 receives a command from the game control microcomputer 101 will be described. The command received by the performance control microcomputer 121 is a special chart fluctuation start command (special chart 1 fluctuation start command or special chart 2 fluctuation start command). When the performance control microcomputer 121 determines in the received command analysis process (S4201) that it has received a special chart fluctuation start command, it selects a special chart fluctuation performance performance pattern (sub-fluctuation pattern) based on the special chart fluctuation pattern indicated by the command as a processing at the time of receiving the fluctuation start command, sets information on the sub-fluctuation pattern, and sets a fluctuation performance start command including information on the sub-fluctuation pattern in the output buffer. For example, if the special chart fluctuation pattern indicated by the special chart fluctuation start command is SP fluctuation (SP big win fluctuation or SP miss fluctuation), it selects a sub-fluctuation pattern that performs SP reach, and sets a fluctuation performance start command corresponding to the sub-fluctuation pattern in the output buffer. After that, each process (such as command transmission process (S4004), light emission data output process (S4102), movable device control process (S4103), and audio control process (S4203)) is executed to realize a special chart change effect corresponding to the selected sub-change pattern. The process flow for realizing such effects is basically the same for other effects such as big win game effects, customer waiting effects, pre-reading effects, and so-called advance notice effects associated with the change.

7. Characteristic Parts of the Pachinko Game Machine PY1 The characteristic parts of the pachinko game machine PY1 will be described in detail below. One of the characteristics of the pachinko game machine PY1 is the pseudo consecutive performance.

First, we will explain the jackpot games that can be executed by the game control microcomputer 101. The game control microcomputer 101 can execute various jackpot games (jackpot games 1 to 4) shown in the jackpot game control table in FIG. 28.

As shown in FIG. 28, the game control microcomputer 101 can determine either "jackpot pattern 1" or "jackpot pattern 2" in the jackpot pattern type determination in the special pattern 1 determination process (special pattern determination process based on winning the first starting hole 11). More specifically, the game control microcomputer 101 determines "jackpot pattern 1" at a rate of 60% and "jackpot pattern 2" at a rate of 40%. Also, the game control microcomputer 101 can determine either "jackpot pattern 3" or "jackpot pattern 4" in the jackpot pattern type determination in the special pattern 2 determination process (special pattern determination process based on winning the second starting hole 12). More specifically, the game control microcomputer 101 determines "jackpot pattern 3" at a rate of 60% and "jackpot pattern 4" at a rate of 40%.

Then, the game control microcomputer 101 executes a jackpot game according to the type of the determined jackpot symbol. Specifically, in the "jackpot game 1" executed when the "jackpot symbol 1" is determined, and the "jackpot game 2" executed when the "jackpot symbol 2" is determined, 16 rounds of play are played. Then, from the 1st round to the 8th round, the first jackpot winning hole 14 is opened for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per round, and from the 9th round to the 16th round, the first jackpot winning hole 14 is opened for a maximum of 0.1 seconds per round. From the 9th round to the 16th round of this jackpot game, the opening time of the first jackpot winning hole 14 is extremely short, and in reality, this is a round in which it is not possible to win a prize in the first jackpot winning hole 14. In other words, although the total number of rounds in this jackpot game is 16, the actual number of rounds is 8.

In addition, in "jackpot game 3," which is executed when "jackpot pattern 3" is determined, and in "jackpot game 4," which is executed when "jackpot pattern 4" is determined, 16 rounds of play are played. In all of rounds 1 through 16, the first large prize opening 14 is opened for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per round of play. In other words, the total number of rounds and the actual number of rounds of play in this jackpot game are 16.

Therefore, it can be said that "jackpot game 3" and "jackpot game 4", which have an effective number of rounds of play of 16, are jackpot games that are more advantageous to the player than "jackpot game 1" or "jackpot game 2", which have an effective number of rounds of play of 8, and the jackpot game state in which "jackpot game 3" or "jackpot game 4" is played is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the jackpot game state in which "jackpot game 1" or "jackpot game 2" is played.

Next, the game states that can be controlled by the game control microcomputer 101 will be described. The game control microcomputer 101 sets the game state after a jackpot game to a time-saving state (high base state) regardless of whether a jackpot game of "jackpot game 1," "jackpot game 2," "jackpot game 3," or "jackpot game 4" is executed. In addition, when either a jackpot game of "jackpot game 1" or "jackpot game 3" is executed, the game state after the jackpot game is set to a high probability state, whereas when either a jackpot game of "jackpot game 2" or "jackpot game 4" is executed, the game state after the jackpot game is set to a normal probability state. In other words, after "jackpot game 1" or "jackpot game 3", the game is controlled to a high probability high base game state (high probability state and time-saving state), and after "jackpot game 2" or "jackpot game 4", the game is controlled to a low probability high base game state (normal probability state and time-saving state).

In this embodiment, the "high probability high base game state" can continue until the next big win game is executed. On the other hand, the "low probability high base game state" can continue until the number of times the special chart is displayed variably reaches 100 times (a predetermined upper limit number of times it is executed).

Therefore, it can be said that "jackpot game 1" or "jackpot game 3", in which a high probability state is subsequently set, is a jackpot game that is more advantageous to the player than "jackpot game 2" or "jackpot game 4", in which a high probability state is not subsequently set. Also, it can be said that the jackpot game state in which "jackpot game 1" or "jackpot game 3" is executed is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the jackpot game state in which "jackpot game 2" or "jackpot game 4" is executed.

The jackpot gaming state can be said to be a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state, regardless of the type of jackpot symbol. Also, the "high probability high base gaming state," which is one of the high probability states, can be said to be a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the "low probability high base gaming state," which is one of the normal probability states. In this specification, a gaming state that is advantageous to the player may be referred to as an advantageous gaming state or a special gaming state.

Next, we will explain how to determine the variation pattern of special chart 1 in the non-time-saving state. In the non-time-saving state, the game control microcomputer 101 determines the variation pattern of special chart 1 using the special chart 1 variation pattern determination table shown in Figure 29.

In the special chart 1 variation pattern determination process when the non-time-saving state is set, the game control microcomputer 101 determines the special chart 1 variation pattern based on the result of the jackpot determination performed in the special chart 1 determination process, the result of the reach determination, and the special chart variation pattern random number. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 29, when the game control microcomputer 101 determines that a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination, it can determine one of "THP001" to "THP003" as the special chart 1 variation pattern, regardless of whether it is "jackpot pattern 1" or "jackpot pattern 2". The special chart 1 variation pattern to be determined is determined by the special chart variation pattern random number. The distribution rate is as shown in FIG. 29. The distribution rate (selection rate) of the special chart variation pattern can be changed as appropriate within a range that does not interfere with the game. This also applies to special chart variation patterns other than "THP001" to "THP003".

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 101 judges that the jackpot has been missed in the jackpot judgment and the result of the reach judgment is "reachable," it can determine one of "THP031" to "THP033" as the special chart 1 variation pattern.

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 101 judges that the jackpot has been lost in the jackpot judgment and the result of the reach judgment is "not in reach", it is possible to determine one of the four types of special chart 1 variation patterns, "THP040", "THP041", "THP042", or "THP043", as the special chart 1 variation pattern. The number of reserved special charts 1 determines which of these four types of special chart 1 variation patterns is allocated. When the number of reserved special charts 1 is 0 to 2, a special chart variation pattern with a relatively long special chart variation time is likely to be determined, and when the number of reserved special charts 1 is 3 to 4, a special chart variation pattern with a relatively short special chart variation time is likely to be determined.

Here, special chart 1 variation pattern "THP001" is a variation (meter SP jackpot variation) in which the meter charge effect is successful and develops into an SP reach, and as a result of that SP reach, a successful effect (winning announcement effect) is executed (meter SP big win variation). Also, special chart 1 variation pattern "THP031" is a variation (meter SP miss variation) in which the meter charge effect is successful and develops into an SP reach, and as a result of that SP reach, a failed effect (losing announcement effect) is executed (meter SP miss variation). Also, special chart 1 variation pattern "THP040" is a variation (meter normal miss variation) in which the meter charge effect fails and no reach is formed.

The meter charge performance is an operation performance in which an image of a meter with multiple scales (meter image G1) is displayed on the display unit 50a, and the meter scale approaches full (MAX) in response to operation of the normal button 40 (an example of an operation unit) (see Figures 32 and 33). There are success modes in which the scale ultimately reaches full, and failure modes in which the scale does not reach full. When a meter charge performance in a success mode is executed, a reach is formed, and the N reach develops into an SP reach (see Figure 34). When a meter charge performance in an failure mode is executed, the variable performance ends without a reach being formed.

As shown in FIG. 29, the special chart 1 variation pattern "THP002" is an "SP jackpot variation" that develops into an SP reach without the meter charge effect being executed, and the special chart 1 variation pattern "THP003" is an "N jackpot variation" that does not develop into an SP reach, although the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 become a reach without the meter charge effect being executed.

In addition, the special chart 1 variation pattern "THP032" is an "SP miss variation" that develops into an SP reach without the meter charge effect being executed, and the special chart 1 variation pattern "THP033" is an "N miss variation" in which the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 become a reach without the meter charge effect being executed, but do not develop into an SP reach.

The special chart 1 variation pattern "THP041" is a "normal A miss variation" in which the variation ends in 13 seconds without the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 reaching a reach, "THP042" is a "normal B miss variation" in which the variation ends in 8 seconds without the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 reaching a reach, and "THP043" is a "normal C miss variation" in which the variation ends in 4 seconds without the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 reaching a reach. A reach is a state in which there is only one performance symbol remaining among the multiple performance symbols that are being displayed, and depending on which of the performance symbols that are being displayed, the combination of performance symbols (for example, the "7↓7" state) indicates a game state that is advantageous to the player (for example, a jackpot game state) depending on which symbol is stopped and displayed.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29, if a jackpot is won (in the case of a jackpot fluctuation), a fluctuation presentation that develops into an SP reach is more likely to be executed than a fluctuation presentation that ends in an N reach. On the other hand, if a miss is won (in the case of a miss fluctuation), a fluctuation presentation that ends in an N reach is more likely to be executed than a fluctuation presentation that develops into an SP reach. In other words, in this embodiment, an SP reach is an effect that has a higher chance of winning than an N reach.

In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29, when a jackpot is won (in the case of a jackpot fluctuation), the rate at which a meter SP jackpot fluctuation in which the meter charge effect is successful and develops into an SP reach is selected is higher than the rate at which an SP jackpot fluctuation in which an SP reach is executed without the meter charge effect being executed is selected. On the other hand, in the case of a miss (in the case of a miss fluctuation), the rate at which a meter SP miss fluctuation in which the meter charge effect is successful and develops into an SP reach is selected is lower than the rate at which an SP miss fluctuation in which an SP reach is executed without the meter charge effect being executed is selected. In other words, in this embodiment, a series of effects in which the meter charge effect is successful and develops into an SP reach is more likely to be selected when a jackpot is won than when a miss occurs. For this reason, the meter charge effect in the successful mode functions as an effect that suggests that the expectation of a jackpot game being executed (the expectation of being controlled to a favorable game state) is high.

In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29, when a successful meter charge performance is performed, an SP reach is always performed, and when an unsuccessful meter charge performance is performed, the variable performance ends without a reach being formed. Therefore, the meter charge performance functions as a performance that creates anticipation for the execution of an SP reach.

In this embodiment, a battle reach is executed as an SP reach. A battle reach is a reach effect in which a battle takes place between a main character and an enemy character. A battle reach has a win/lose branch, and branches into a success effect (victory effect) in which the main character triumphs over the enemy character, or a failure effect (defeat effect) in which the main character is defeated by the enemy character. A success effect functions as an effect suggesting to the player that he or she has won a jackpot. A failure effect functions as an effect suggesting to the player that he or she has not won a jackpot. In this embodiment, the reach effect shown in FIG. 19 is executed as a battle reach based on the drawing of special chart 1 in the non-time-saving state. The performance control microcomputer 121 displays performance images on the display unit 50a for each performance (normal variation, meter charge performance, N reach, SP reach, etc.) that constitutes the special chart variation performance, and can execute light-emitting performances using the frame lamps 53 and board lamps 54, sound performances using the speaker 52, movable body performances using the movable devices 55, 56, and 58, and operation performances using the input devices (normal button 40, special button 41), etc., depending on the display of the performance image.

Next, the selection of the operation mode (operation method) of the normal button 40 in the meter charge effect by the effect control microcomputer 121 will be described with reference to FIG. 30. There are two types of meter charge effects that differ in the operation method of the normal button 40. One is a meter charge effect in which the meter is charged by a "repeated tap" operation (repeated tap meter charge effect), and the other is a meter charge effect in which the meter is charged by a "long press" operation (long press meter charge effect). "Repeated taps" refers to the operation of repeatedly pressing the normal button 40 many times during the valid operation period of the normal button 40. "Repeated taps" is an example of a continuous operation. Also, "long press" refers to the operation of continuously pressing the normal button 40 (maintaining the pressed state) throughout the valid operation period of the normal button 40. "Long press" is an example of a continuous operation.

The selection of the operation method of the normal button 40 in the meter charge performance is performed based on the table shown in Figure 30. As shown in Figure 30, when the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart 1 change start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "meter SP big win change" (THP001), the performance control microcomputer 121 selects "repeated taps" 30% of the time and "long press" 70% of the time. When the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart 1 change start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "meter SP miss change" (THP031), the performance control microcomputer 121 selects "repeated taps" 40% of the time and "long press" 60% of the time. In addition, when the special chart fluctuation pattern indicated by the special chart 1 fluctuation start command received from the game control microcontroller 101 is "meter normal miss fluctuation" (THP040), the performance control microcontroller 121 selects "repeated taps" 80% of the time and selects "long press" 20% of the time.

In this way, in this embodiment, in fluctuations that develop into an SP reach (Meter SP jackpot fluctuation, Meter SP miss fluctuation), a long press is more likely to be selected than rapid succession, and in fluctuations that do not result in a reach (Meter normal miss fluctuation), rapid succession is more likely to be selected than a long press. Therefore, the long press meter charge effect functions as an effect that suggests there is a high possibility of development into an SP reach. Also, in a Meter SP jackpot fluctuation, there is a higher probability of a long press being selected, and a lower probability of rapid succession being selected, than in a Meter SP miss fluctuation. Therefore, the long press meter charge effect also functions as an effect that suggests there is a high possibility of a successful effect being executed in an SP reach (in other words, the possibility of winning a jackpot).

Next, the selection of the operation presentation at the winning/losing branch of the SP reach by the presentation control microcomputer 121 will be described with reference to FIG. 30. In the SP reach based on the selection of the special chart 1 in the non-time-saving state, the operation presentation is performed in which the player operates the normal button 40 with a "single press" at the winning/losing branch. In other words, the SP reach branches into a success presentation or a failure presentation after passing through the operation presentation. "Single press" refers to the operation of pressing the normal button 40 only once during the operation valid period of the normal button 40. "Single press" is an example of a single operation. There are two types of operation presentation at the winning/losing branch of the SP reach, which have different operation instruction presentations that instruct the player to operate the normal button 40. One is a single press operation presentation without an operation method instruction voice output presentation (FIG. 35), and the other is a single press operation presentation with an operation method instruction voice output presentation (FIG. 36). The operation method instruction voice output effect is an effect in which a "one-hit" operation method instruction voice instructing how to operate the normal button 40 is output from the speaker 52.

As shown in FIG. 30, when the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart 1 change start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "meter SP big win change" (THP001), the performance control microcomputer 121 selects "no operation method instruction sound output" at a rate of 30% and selects "operation method instruction sound output" at a rate of 70%. Also, when the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart 1 change start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "meter SP miss change" (THP031), the performance control microcomputer 121 selects "no operation method instruction sound output" at a rate of 70% and selects "operation method instruction sound output" at a rate of 30%. In this embodiment, in the SP reach that is executed without going through the meter charge performance, the operation performance is not executed at the win/lose branch, but the configuration may be such that the operation performance is executed even in the SP reach that is executed without going through the meter charge performance.

In this way, in this embodiment, when the Meter SP changes to a jackpot, the operation presentation of "output of operation instruction voice" is more likely to be selected than the operation presentation of "no output of operation instruction voice", and when the Meter SP changes to a miss, the operation presentation of "no output of operation instruction voice" is more likely to be selected than the operation presentation of "output of operation instruction voice". For this reason, the operation presentation of "output of operation instruction voice" functions as a presentation that suggests a high probability of a jackpot (the probability of winning a jackpot).

Next, examples of the characteristic effects (meter charge effects and operation effects at the winning/losing branch of SP reach) in this pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be explained with reference to Figures 31 to 38.

<Meter charge effect>
A specific example of the meter charge performance will be described. When the "meter SP big win variation" (THP001), "meter SP miss variation" (THP031), or "meter normal miss variation" (THP040) is selected as the special pattern variation pattern, the performance control microcomputer 121 starts displaying the variations of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 (see FIG. 31 (A) and (B)), and then immediately executes the meter charge performance (see FIG. 31 (C)). In the meter charge performance, first, a meter image G1 showing a meter with multiple scales and a text image G2 saying "Charge the meter!" are displayed on the display unit 50a. This indicates to the player that the meter charge performance has started.

When the operation method of the normal button 40 in the meter charge performance is "repeated tapping," the repeated tapping meter charge performance shown in FIG. 32 is executed following the image shown in FIG. 31(C). In the repeated tapping meter charge performance, a valid period image G3 indicating the valid operation period of the normal button 40, a normal button image G4 representing the normal button 40, and an operation method instruction image G51 indicating in text that the operation method is repeated tapping are displayed. The valid period image G3 is a progress bar that changes as the valid operation period elapses. The operation method instruction image G51 is an image that includes the text "repeated tapping" indicating the operation method. The operation method instruction image G51 is also an operation instruction image that instructs the player how to operate the normal button 40.

In a rapid-hit meter charge presentation, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 executes an operation method instruction presentation that expresses that the operation method is rapid hits, using an operation method instruction image G51 and a normal button image G4. Specifically, in the operation method instruction presentation in the rapid-hit meter charge presentation, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 alternately enlarges and reduces the character image G6 of "repeated" and the character image G7 of "hit" included in the operation method instruction image G51. In response to this, the normal button image G4 is repeatedly switched between a non-pressed state (first display state) that represents the normal button 40 in an unpressed state, and a pressed state (second display state) that represents the normal button 40 in a pressed state.

That is, the pachinko game machine PY1 first displays the normal button image G4 in a non-pressed state in response to the start of the operation valid period, as shown in FIG. 32 (A), and displays the character image G6 of "RENA" in a normal state and the character image G7 of "HITA" in a position separated from the normal button image G4. Next, as shown in FIG. 32 (B), the character image G6 of "RENA" is enlarged and displayed. At this time, in response to the enlarged display of the character image G6 of "RENA", the normal button image G4 in a non-pressed state is changed to a pressed state. The normal button image G4 in a pressed state is displayed in a specific color (e.g., blue) different from the display color (normal color, e.g., white) of the normal button image G4 in a non-pressed state. Such a moving image (FIG. 32 (A) (B)) expresses the character "RENA" pressing the normal button. Note that the display position of the character image G6 of "RENA" shown in FIG. 32 is a position close to the normal button image G4. When the character image G6 of "Ren" is in a nearby position, its lower part is displayed superimposed in front of the normal button image G4. The image of the character "Ren" pressing the normal button is displayed for a very short time, and then the character image G6 of "Ren" is immediately reduced to its normal state, and the normal button image G4 is returned to its unpressed state, as shown in FIG. 32(C).

Then, the performance control microcomputer 121 enlarges and displays the character image G7 of "HIT" as shown in FIG. 32(D). At this time, the normal button image G4 in the non-pressed state is changed to the pressed state in response to the enlarged display of the character image G7 of "HIT". When the normal button image G4 becomes the pressed state, the display color of the normal button image G4 changes to a specific color. Such a moving image (FIG. 32(C)(D)) expresses the character "HIT" pressing the normal button. Note that the display position of the character image G7 of "HIT" shown in FIG. 32 is a close position close to the normal button image G4. When the character image G7 of "HIT" is in the close position, its lower part is displayed superimposed in front of the normal button image G4. The display time of the image of the character "HIT" pressing the normal button is very short, and immediately, as shown in FIG. 32(E), the character image G6 of "HIT" is reduced to the normal state, and the normal button image G4 is returned to the non-pressed state.

After that, the operation instruction presentation of FIG. 32(B) to FIG. 32(E) is repeated until the operation valid period ends. In other words, until the operation valid period ends, a series of moving images is displayed in which the action of the character image of "CONTINUOUS" pressing the normal button and the action of the character image of "HITTING" pressing the normal button are switched at high speed. In this way, in this embodiment, when the operation method of the normal button 40 is "CONTINUOUS", the operation method instruction image G51 instructing the operation method of "CONTINUOUS" is displayed in an action manner as if the normal button is being hit repeatedly. This makes it possible to clearly indicate to the player that the operation method is "CONTINUOUS", even if the player does not read the meaning of the word "CONTINUOUS". In addition, the interest of the operation presentation can be increased by the anthropomorphic expression of the word "CONTINUOUS" itself hitting the normal button repeatedly.

Furthermore, if the operation method of the normal button 40 in the meter charge performance is a "long press", the long press meter charge performance shown in FIG. 33 is executed following the image shown in FIG. 31(C). In the long press meter charge performance, a valid period image G3 indicating the operation valid period of the normal button 40, a normal button image G4 representing the normal button 40, and an operation method instruction image G52 indicating in text that the operation method is a long press are displayed. The operation method instruction image G52 is an image that includes the text "long press" indicating the operation method. Note that the operation method instruction image G52 is also an operation instruction image that instructs the player how to operate the normal button 40.

In a long press meter charge performance, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 executes an operation method instruction performance that expresses that the operation method is a long press, using an operation method instruction image G52 and a normal button image G4. Specifically, in the operation method instruction performance in the long press meter charge performance, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 moves the operation method instruction image G52, which includes the characters "long press", from a distant position away from the normal button image G4 to a close position overlapping in front of the normal button image G4, and keeps it positioned in the close position for a certain period of time. Then, in response to the movement of this operation method instruction image G52 from the distant position to the close position, the normal button image G4 is switched from a non-pressed state that represents the normal button 40 in an unpressed state to a pressed state that represents the normal button 40 in a pressed state.

That is, in response to the start of the valid operation period, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 first displays a normal button image G4 in a non-pressed state as shown in FIG. 33(A), and displays an operation method instruction image G52, which is a text image of "long press", above the normal button image G4 at a position separate from the normal button image G4 and not overlapping with it. Next, as shown in FIG. 33(B), the operation method instruction image G52 (text image of "long press") is moved downward to a position adjacent to the normal button image G4 where it overlaps with it. At this time, in response to the movement of the operation method instruction image G52, the normal button image G4 in a non-pressed state is changed to a pressed state. The normal button image G4 in a pressed state is displayed in a specific color (e.g., blue).

The display of the operation method instruction image G52 in the proximity position shown in FIG. 33(B) and the display of the normal button image G4 in the pressed state are maintained for a certain period of time (2.5 seconds in this embodiment, approximately 1/3 of the effective operation time of 8 seconds). Such moving images (FIGS. 33(A)(B)) express the appearance of the characters "long press" pressing the normal button using the operation method of long press. Note that when the operation method instruction image G52 (character image of "long press") is in the proximity position, its lower part is displayed superimposed in front of the normal button image G4. Note that the operation method instruction image G52 (character image of "long press") in the proximity position may be displayed with a vibration to emphasize the expression that the characters "long press" are acting on the normal button.

After displaying the operation method instruction image G52 in the close position for a certain period of time, the performance control microcomputer 121 returns the operation method instruction image G52 to the distant position once, as shown in FIG. 33(C), and returns the normal button image G4 to the non-pressed state. Then, as shown in FIG. 33(D), the operation method instruction image G52 is again moved and displayed in the close position, and the normal button image G4 is changed to the pressed state, and this state is maintained for a certain period of time.

After that, the operation instruction presentation of FIG. 33(C) to FIG. 33(D) is repeated until the operation valid period ends. In other words, the action of the character image of "long press" pressing the normal button in the long press operation method is repeated until the operation valid period ends. In this way, in this embodiment, when the operation method of the normal button 40 is "long press", the operation method instruction image G52 instructing the operation method of "long press" is displayed in an action manner as if the normal button is being pressed for a long time. This makes it possible to clearly indicate to the player that the operation method is "long press" just by the action manner, even if the player does not read the meaning of the character of "long press". In addition, the character of "long press" itself is a personified expression of pressing the normal button for a long time, which makes it possible to increase the interest of the operation presentation. Note that the two-dot chain arrow in FIG. 33 is a virtual line for explaining the movement of the operation method instruction image G52, and is not an image displayed on the display unit 50a. The meaning of the two-dot chain arrow in the subsequent drawings is the same.

When the "continuous tap" or "long press" meter charge effect is an effect executed based on the special chart change pattern of "meter SP big win change" or "meter SP miss change", the effect control microcomputer 121 performs a successful meter charge effect in which the scale of the meter image G1 is filled to capacity, as shown in FIG. 34(A). In a successful meter charge effect, in response to the scale of the meter image G1 being displayed to capacity, an effect image G8 depicting an explosion is displayed in the same position as the normal button image G4. After that, in response to the effect image G8 depicting this explosion not being displayed, the effect control microcomputer 121 displays the effect patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in a reach state, as shown in FIG. 34(B), and further develops it into an SP reach, as shown in FIG. 34(C). In addition, if the "repeated tap" or "long press" meter charge effect is an effect executed based on the special chart change pattern of the "normal meter miss change", the effect control microcomputer 121 performs a failed meter charge effect in which the scale on the meter image G1 does not reach full capacity.

<Operation effects at the time of winning or losing the SP reach>
In the SP reach, a video of the main character battling an enemy character is displayed on the display unit 50a, and the result finally branches into a success effect indicating a win (a victory effect in which the main character wins) or a failure effect indicating a loss (a defeat effect in which the main character is defeated). When this win/loss branch occurs, the effect control microcomputer 121 executes an operation effect for operating the normal button 40. That is, a success effect or a failure effect is executed in response to the operation of the normal button 40.

The operation presentation at the winning/losing branch of the SP reach includes an operation presentation without instruction voice for the operation method, in which an instruction voice for the operation method of "one hit" is not output from the speaker 52, and an image instructing the operation of the normal button 40 with a single press is displayed on the display unit 50a, and an operation presentation with instruction voice for the operation method of "one hit" is output from the speaker 52, and an image instructing the operation of the normal button 40 with a single press is displayed on the display unit 50a.

When executing an operation presentation without an operation method instruction sound, the presentation control microcomputer 121 executes the operation method instruction presentation shown in FIG. 35 without outputting an operation method instruction sound from the speaker 52. That is, in response to the start of the effective operation period, the presentation control microcomputer 121 first displays, as shown in FIG. 35(A), a valid period image G3 indicating the effective operation period of the normal button 40, a normal button image G4 representing the normal button 40, and an operation method instruction image G53 indicating in text that the operation method is a single press. The operation method instruction image G53 is an image including the text "one hit" indicating the operation method. Note that the operation method instruction image G53 is also an operation instruction image that instructs the player to operate the normal button 40.

The character "one hit" functions as an indication of the basic operation method of single pressing, not a special operation method such as repeated pressing or long pressing. A single press is called a basic operation, and repeated pressing and long pressing are called non-basic operations. Repeated pressing is an example of a first non-basic operation, and long pressing is an example of a second non-basic operation. The output of the operation method instruction sound of "one hit" from the speaker 52 also functions as an indication of the basic operation method of single pressing. Note that other images such as "one hit", "single press", and "press" may be used as the operation method instruction image for instructing the operation method of single pressing. Even if it is simply an image of "press", it functions as an image instructing the operation method of single pressing in this embodiment in which the operation method instruction image G51 of "repeated pressing" is displayed when the operation method is repeated pressing, and the operation method instruction image G52 of "long press" is displayed when the operation method is long pressing. In this case, the operation method instruction sound may be configured to output the sound of "press", and the operation method instruction sound of "press" also functions as a sound instructing that the operation method is a single press.

The pachinko gaming machine PY1 uses an operation method instruction image G53 and a normal button image G4 to express that the operation method is a single press in an operation method instruction performance without an operation method instruction sound. Specifically, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 moves the operation method instruction image G53, which includes the characters "One Strike", from a distant position away from the normal button image G4 to a close position overlapping in front of the normal button image G4, and then immediately returns it to the distant position. Then, in response to the movement of the operation method instruction image G53 between the distant position and the close position, the normal button image G4 is switched between a non-pressed state representing the normal button 40 in an unpressed state and a pressed state representing the normal button 40 in a pressed state.

That is, as shown in Figures 35 (A) and (B), the pachinko gaming machine PY1 moves the operation method instruction image G53 (text image of "One Strike") that was displayed above the normal button image G4 at a distance that does not overlap with the normal button image G4 downward to a close position that overlaps with the normal button image G4. At this time, in response to the movement of the operation method instruction image G52, the normal button image G4 in the non-pressed state is changed to a pressed state. The normal button image G4 in the pressed state is displayed in a specific color (e.g., blue).

The display of the operation method instruction image G53 in the close position and the display of the normal button image G4 in the pressed state shown in FIG. 35(B) lasts for a short time (0.5 seconds in this embodiment, about 1/16 of the effective operation time of 8 seconds), and the performance control microcomputer 121 immediately returns the operation method instruction image G53 to the separated position and returns the normal button image G4 to the non-pressed state as shown in FIG. 35(C). These moving images (FIGS. 35(A)-(C)) express the appearance of the word "One Strike" pressing the normal button with the operation method of a single press. Note that when the operation method instruction image G53 (text image of "One Strike") is in the close position, its lower part is displayed superimposed in front of the normal button image G4.

After that, the performance control microcomputer 121 moves and displays the operation method instruction image G53 to the close position again as shown in FIG. 35 (D), changes the normal button image G4 to the pressed state, and immediately returns the operation method instruction image G53 to the separated position as shown in FIG. 35 (E), and returns the normal button image G4 to the non-pressed state. In other words, the single press action shown in FIG. 35 (B) (C) is repeated. This continues until the operation valid period ends. In other words, the action of the "one hit" character image pressing the normal button with the single press operation method is repeated until the operation valid period ends. Thus, in this embodiment, when the operation method of the normal button 40 is "single press" and there is no output of the operation method instruction sound for "single press", the operation method instruction image G53 instructing the operation method of "single press" is displayed in an action mode as if the normal button is being pressed once. This makes it possible to clearly indicate to the player that the operation method is a "single press" just by the motion of the characters "One Strike" even without the audio instruction on the operation method of "One Strike." Also, the character "One Strike" itself is personified as a long press of a normal button, which can increase the interest of the operation presentation.

When the performance control microcomputer 121 executes an operation performance with an operation method instruction sound, it outputs the operation method instruction sound from the speaker 52 and executes the operation method instruction performance shown in Fig. 36. That is, in response to the start of the effective operation period, the performance control microcomputer 121 outputs the sound "one hit" from the speaker 52 as shown in Fig. 36 (A) and displays a valid period image G3 indicating the effective operation period of the normal button 40, a normal button image G4 representing the normal button 40, and an operation method instruction image G53 (text image of "one hit") indicating in text that the operation method is a single press.

In a single-press operation presentation with an operation method instruction sound, the presentation control microcomputer 121 displays the operation method instruction image G53 as a still image on the display unit 50a during the operation valid period (see Figs. 36 (A) to (C)). That is, the operation method instruction image G53 is not moved and is displayed in a separate position away from the normal button image G4. The presentation control microcomputer 121 also displays the normal button image G4 in a non-pressed state. In this manner, in the case where a sound instructing the operation method is output from the speaker 52 in the operation presentation, the player can fully understand the operation method from this sound, so that the operation method instruction presentation in which the operation method instruction image G53 moves toward the normal button image G4 is not performed, and the operation method instruction presentation is simply displayed as a still image. This prevents the display presentation on the display unit 50a from becoming complicated.

When the operation instruction sound is output in the operation presentation and the operation instruction image G53 is displayed as a still image, the size and color (i.e., display mode) of the operation instruction image G53 (text image of "One hit") may be made different from that of the operation instruction image G53 when the operation instruction sound is not output, so that the operation instruction image G53 stands out. Also, the operation instruction image G53 alone may be displayed as a still image, and the normal button image G4 may be configured to perform an action representing a single press at a constant cycle, changing from a non-pressed state to a pressed state and then back to a non-pressed state. Also, the output timing of the operation instruction sound can be changed as appropriate within a range that is not inappropriate as an operation instruction to the player, such as before the start of the effective operation period (for example, immediately before the start).

The various effects for instructing the operation method of the normal button 40 described above are summarized in FIG. 37 and FIG. 38. As shown in FIG. 37, when the pachinko game machine PY1 does not output an operation method instruction sound in the operation performance, it operates the operation method instruction image (operation method instruction image G51, which is a character image of "continuous hit", operation method instruction image G52, which is a character image of "long press", operation method instruction image G53, which is a character image of "one hit") that instructs the operation method in an operation mode corresponding to the operation method. Specifically, in the operation performance when the operation method is "continuous hit", as shown in FIG. 37 (A), (B), and (E), the operation method instruction sound is not output, and during the operation effective period, the character image G6 of "continuous" in the operation method instruction image G51, which is a character image of "continuous hit", is enlarged from the normal mode and returned to the normal mode, and then the character image G7 of "hit" is enlarged from the normal mode and returned to the normal mode, and a series of operations are repeated at high speed. In this way, the character of "continuous hit" expresses the appearance of repeatedly hitting the normal button. In this embodiment, the time t1 during which the character image G6 of "CONTINUOUS" is enlarged (the time during which the character image G6 of "DAI" is enlarged) is approximately 0.2 seconds.

In addition, in the operation presentation when the operation method is "long press", as shown in Fig. 37 (A), (C), and (E), no operation method instruction sound is output, and during the operation valid period, an operation method instruction image G52, which is a text image of "long press", is moved and displayed from a distant position away from the normal button image G4 to a close position where it overlaps with the normal button image G4, and after continuing to be displayed in the close position for a certain period of time t2 (corresponding to the second close position time), it is returned to the distant position. Then, this type of operation display is repeated during the valid period. In this way, the text "long press" expresses the appearance of pressing the normal button for a long time. Note that in this embodiment, the time t2 during which the operation method instruction image G52 (text image of "long press") is maintained in the close position is about 2.5 seconds.

In addition, in the operation presentation when the operation method is "single press", as shown in Fig. 37 (A), (D), and (E), no operation method instruction sound is output, and during the operation valid period, the operation method instruction image G53, which is a text image of "one hit", is moved and displayed from a distant position away from the normal button image G4 to a close position overlapping the normal button image G4, and is immediately returned to the distant position after a certain time t3 (corresponding to the first close time). Then, this type of operation display is repeated during the valid period. This expresses the appearance of the text "one hit" operating the normal button with a single press. Note that in this embodiment, the time t3 during which the operation method instruction image G53 (text image of "one hit") is displayed in the close position is about 0.5 seconds.

As shown in FIG. 38, when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 outputs an operation method instruction sound in the operation presentation, it displays an operation method instruction image (operation method instruction image G53, which is a text image of "One Strike") instructing the operation method as a still image without moving it. In other words, as shown in FIG. 38(A), (B), and (C), in response to the start of the effective operation period, the operation method instruction sound of "One Strike" is output, and during the effective operation period, the operation method instruction image G53 (text image of "One Strike") instructing "Single Press" is displayed at a position separated from the normal button image G4 until the player operates the normal button 40. With this type of operation presentation, it is possible to keep the display content of the display unit 50a simple while making the player recognize that the operation method is a single press by outputting the operation method instruction sound.

8. Effects of the embodiment As described above in detail, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, it is possible to convey to the player the operation method of the normal button 40 by the operation mode (for example, the operation mode representing a long press, see FIG. 33 ) of the operation instruction image (operation method instruction image G51, operation method instruction image G52, operation method instruction image G53) that instructs the operation of the normal button 40, and it is possible to improve the interest of the operation presentation.

In addition, with the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, it is possible to inform the player which of a number of operation methods (repeated taps, long press, single press) to use by the operation mode (see Figures 32, 33, and 35) of the operation instruction images (operation method instruction image G51, operation method instruction image G52, and operation method instruction image G53), thereby making the operation presentation more interesting.

In addition, according to the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, the normal button image G4 representing the normal button 40 is displayed with operation instruction images (operation method instruction image G51, operation method instruction image G52, operation method instruction image G53) in a predetermined operating mode (see Figures 32, 33, and 35), which indicates which of a number of operation methods (repeated taps, long press, single press) should be used to operate the normal button, making it easy for the player to visually and intuitively grasp how to operate the normal button 40.

Furthermore, according to this form of pachinko gaming machine PY1, the operational mode (Figure 35) instructing a single press includes an action in which the operation method instruction image G53 moves from a distant position away from the normal button image G4 to a close position close to the normal button image G4 and then returns to the distant position after a first close time (time t3 shown in Figure 37 (D)), so that it is possible to make it appear as if the operation method instruction image G53 has pressed the normal button 40 once, making it easy for the player to understand how to operate the normal button 40. Furthermore, according to this embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, the operation mode instructing a long press (FIG. 33) includes an action in which the operation method instruction image G52 moves from a distant position away from the normal button image G4 to a close position close to the normal button image G4, and then returns to the distant position after a second proximity time (time t2 shown in FIG. 37(C)) that is longer than the first proximity time in the operation mode instructing a single press, so that it is possible to make it appear as if the operation method instruction image G52 is pressing and holding the normal button 40, making it easier for the player to understand how to operate the normal button 40.

In addition, according to the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, the display state of the normal button image G4 changes from a non-pressed state to a pressed state in response to the operation instruction images (operation method instruction image G51, operation method instruction image G52, operation method instruction image G53) being located in close proximity to the normal button image G4 (see Figures 32, 33, and 35), emphasizing the feeling that the operation instruction images (operation method instruction image G51, operation method instruction image G52, operation method instruction image G53) are operating the normal button 40. This makes it easier for the player to understand the meaning of the effect that the operation instruction images (operation method instruction image G51, operation method instruction image G52, operation method instruction image G53) are operating the normal button 40, making it even easier for the player to grasp how to operate the normal button 40.

In this embodiment of the pachinko game machine PY1, the images acting on the normal button image G4 are text images such as "repeated hits," "long press," and "one hit" (operation method instruction image G51, operation method instruction image G52, operation method instruction image G53), and no arrow images (such as an image of a downward arrow indicating the direction in which to press the button) are displayed. This type of configuration (a configuration in which the "text image" moves and the button image changes to a pressed state) provides an entertainment value not found in a configuration in which the "arrow image" moves and the button image changes to a pressed state, that is, an entertainment value in which the text acts on the button and the text is personified. Also, in this embodiment, the operating direction of the normal button 40 can be conveyed to the player by the movement direction of the "text image."

In addition, according to this embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, when an operation method instruction sound instructing how to operate the normal button 40 is not output, the operation method of the normal button 40 is shown by the behavior of the operation method instruction image G53 instructing how to operate the normal button 40 (see FIG. 35), so even if an operation method instruction sound is not output, it is possible to convey the operation method to the player in an easy-to-understand manner. And such easy-to-understand operation method instructions are expected to increase the player's interest in the game.

In addition, with this form of pachinko game machine PY1, when an operation method instruction sound is output instructing how to operate the normal button 40, the operation method is conveyed to the player in an easy-to-understand manner by the sound (see FIG. 36), so by making the operation method instruction image G53 a still image, it is possible to prevent the display content from becoming cumbersome.

9. Modifications The following describes modifications (including the second embodiment) of the pachinko game machine PY1. Of course, the configurations of the modifications may be combined as appropriate. In addition, technical features in the above embodiments and the following modifications may be deleted as appropriate unless they are described as essential in this specification.

<Second Form>
The second form of the pachinko game machine can execute a meter charge effect as an operation effect that causes the player to operate the normal button 40, as with the first form of the pachinko game machine PY1, and can execute an operation effect called a mini character operation notice (one of the notice effects) shown in FIG. 39. In addition, in the second form of the pachinko game machine, the operation effect is not executed at the winning/losing branch of the SP reach. Incidentally, when the effect control microcomputer 121 determines in the received command analysis process (S4201) that it has received a special chart fluctuation start command, it executes a fluctuation start command reception time process. In this fluctuation start command reception time process, first, a fluctuation performance pattern selection process is executed, and then a notice performance selection process is executed. In the fluctuation performance pattern selection process, a performance pattern (sub-fluctuation pattern) of the fluctuation performance is selected based on the special chart fluctuation pattern indicated by the received special chart fluctuation start command. And in the notice performance selection process, a notice performance to be performed with the fluctuation performance is selected based on the special chart fluctuation pattern indicated by the received special chart fluctuation start command. The information on the preview performance selected in the preview performance selection process is stored in a specified memory area of the performance RAM 124, and is included in a preview performance start command and transmitted to the image control board 140. The image control board 140, which has received the preview performance start command, displays an image of the designated preview performance on the display unit 50a. The performance control microcomputer 121 also appropriately controls the performance means (speaker 52, frame lamp 53, board lamp 54, movable device, input device, etc.) related to the preview performance based on the information on the preview performance stored in the performance RAM 124.

The mini character operation notice is an effect that is performed when the display of the EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 symbols starts to change (see Figures 39 (A) and (B)), and is an effect that suggests the likelihood that the EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 symbols will become a reach (reach expectation likelihood) in the change for which the mini character operation notice is performed. In the mini character operation notice, as shown in Figure 39 (B), a mini character is first displayed, and a text image of the mini character saying "I wonder?" is displayed as the mini character's line, which raises expectations for the development of the performance. In addition to the mini character and the line, a normal button image G4 and a valid period image G3 are displayed below the line. The normal button image G4 and the valid period image G3 are the same as those displayed in the meter charge performance and the operation performance at the win/lose branch of the SP reach described above, but the display size is smaller than in these performances.

In the mini character operation preview, the operation method for the normal button 40 is a "single press," but no operation instruction images such as "one hit" or "press" are displayed in the mini character operation preview. Only the normal button image G4 and valid period image G3 are displayed. This is because "single press" is the most basic operation method (basic operation) for operating the normal button 40, and so even if an operation instruction image is not displayed, it is assumed that the player will recognize that they can operate the normal button 40 with a single press by displaying the normal button image G4 and valid period image G3.

In this mini-character operation preview, the normal button image G4 continues to be displayed in a non-pressed state during the valid operation period until the normal button 40 is operated (see FIG. 39 (C)). Note that although an operation instruction image such as "One hit" or "Press" is not displayed, the operation of the normal button image G4 changing from a non-pressed state to a pressed state and then back to a non-pressed state (the operation of the normal button image G4 in the single-press operation presentation shown in FIG. 35 above) may be performed at regular intervals. This is because it is possible to more clearly convey that the operation method is a single press, even without displaying an operation instruction image.

When the normal button 40 is operated during such a mini character operation notice, an image that suggests the likelihood of a reach, such as "Chance!" or "..." is displayed as the mini character's line (see Fig. 39 (D) (E)). Note that the effect of displaying an image such as "Chance!" or "..." is an example of an effect that suggests the likelihood of a reach (reach notice effect). If the effect patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are in a reach, then after the effect of displaying an image such as "Chance!" or "..." (see Fig. 39 (D) (E)), the effect patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 will be in a reach. On the other hand, if the effect patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are not in a reach, then after the effect of displaying an image such as "Chance!" or "..." (see Fig. 39 (D) (E)), the effect patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 will be stopped and displayed as a losing number (a scattered number).

The selection of the mini character operation notice is performed based on the selection table shown in Figure 40. As shown in Figure 40, when the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart 1 change start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "SP jackpot change" (THP002), the performance control microcomputer 121 selects the mini character operation notice in which the line displayed in response to the operation of the normal button 40 is "Chance!" 88% of the time, and selects the mini character operation notice in which the line is "..." 2% of the time. When these special chart change patterns are present, the probability that the mini character operation notice will not be executed is 10%.

In addition, when the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart 1 change start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "N jackpot change" (THP003), the performance control microcomputer 121 selects the mini character operation notice in which the line displayed in response to the operation of the normal button 40 is "Chance!" 75% of the time, and selects the mini character operation notice in which the line is "..." 5% of the time. When this special chart change pattern is present, the probability that the mini character operation notice will not be executed is 20%.

In addition, when the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart 1 change start command received from the game control microcontroller 101 is "SP Miss Change" (THP032), the performance control microcontroller 121 selects the mini character operation notice in which the line displayed in response to the operation of the normal button 40 is "Chance!" 85% of the time, and selects the mini character operation notice in which the line is "..." 5% of the time. In these special chart change patterns, the probability that the mini character operation notice will not be executed is 10%.

In addition, when the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart 1 change start command received from the game control microcontroller 101 is "N Miss Change" (THP033), the performance control microcontroller 121 selects the mini character operation notice in which the line displayed in response to the operation of the normal button 40 is "Chance!" 70% of the time, and selects the mini character operation notice in which the line is "...." 10% of the time. Note that when this special chart change pattern is present, the probability that the mini character operation notice will not be executed is 20%.

In addition, when the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart 1 change start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "normal A miss change" (THP041), the presentation control microcomputer 121 selects a mini character operation notice in which the line displayed in response to the operation of the normal button 40 is "Chance!" at a rate of 3% and selects a mini character operation notice in which the line is "..." at a rate of 47%. Note that when this special chart change pattern is present, the rate at which the mini character operation notice is not executed is 50%.

In this manner, in this embodiment, in a variation in which a reach is achieved, a mini character operation notice in which "Chance!" is displayed in response to operation of the normal button 40 is more likely to be selected, and a mini character operation notice in which "...." is displayed is less likely to be selected. Conversely, in a variation in which a reach is not achieved (normal A miss variation), a mini character operation notice in which "Chance!" is displayed is less likely to be selected, and a mini character operation notice in which "...." is displayed is more likely to be selected. Therefore, a mini character operation notice in which "Chance!" is displayed functions as an effect that has a higher expectation of a reach than a mini character operation notice in which "...." is displayed.

In addition, in this form, the mini character operation notice is more likely to be executed in a variation where a reach is achieved than in a variation where a reach is not achieved. Therefore, the mini character operation notice is a presentation that creates anticipation that a reach will be achieved.

In addition, in this embodiment, in each of the fluctuations in which an SP reach occurs and the fluctuations in which an N reach occurs, the "Chance!" mini character operation notice is more likely to be selected in the case of a jackpot fluctuation than a miss fluctuation. For this reason, the "Chance!" mini character operation notice functions as a presentation with a higher probability of a jackpot than the "..." mini character operation notice. The mini character operation notice also functions as a presentation that suggests the probability of a jackpot.

The mini character operation announcement is also executed with a certain degree of probability in "Normal A Miss Fluctuation" and "N Miss Fluctuation", making it an extremely easy effect to execute compared to non-basic meter charge effects such as "repeated taps" or "long press" that are only executed in "Meter SP Big Hit Fluctuation" and "Meter SP Miss Fluctuation" (see Figures 29 and 40).

As explained above, according to the second type of pachinko gaming machine, in the operation presentation (mini character operation announcement) of a single press (basic operation), a clean display is maintained by not displaying too many images unnecessarily, and in the operation presentation (meter charge presentation) of continuous presses and long presses (non-basic operations), it is possible to make the player aware of the correct operation method by displaying operation method instruction images (operation method instruction image G51, operation method instruction image G52). And by displaying such appropriate operation methods, it is expected that interest in the game will increase.

In addition, with the second type of pachinko gaming machine, in the operation presentation (meter charge presentation) of non-basic operations such as "repeated taps" and "long press", it is possible to clearly convey to the player how to operate the normal button 40 by the operation mode of the operation method instruction images (operation method instruction image G51, operation method instruction image G52) that instruct how to operate the normal button 40, thereby increasing the interest of the operation presentation.

In addition, with the second type of pachinko game machine, even if there are multiple non-basic operation presentations such as rapid tapping and long presses, it is possible for the player to correctly recognize the operation method based on the behavior of the operation method instruction image (operation method instruction image G51, operation method instruction image G52) for each non-basic operation.

In addition, in the second form of pachinko machine, the execution probability (frequency of occurrence) of the single-press (basic operation) operation presentation (mini-character operation announcement) during a specified presentation period (the period from when the presentation symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 start to change until a reach is reached) is relatively higher than the operation presentation (meter charge presentation) of rapid-fire or long-press (non-basic operations), so if an operation instruction image (for example, a text image such as "One hit" or "Push") is displayed every time a single-press operation presentation (mini-character operation announcement) occurs, the image display may become cumbersome, causing the player to feel annoyed. However, in the second form, no operation instruction image is displayed for the single-press operation presentation (mini-character operation announcement), which occurs frequently, so it is possible to prevent the player from feeling annoyed by the cumbersome image display.

In the second form, no operational effects are performed at the winning/losing branch of the SP reach, but similar to the first form, the configuration may be such that operational effects are performed at the winning/losing branch of the SP reach.

In addition, in the second form, the specified presentation period in which the operation presentation of a single press (basic operation) is more likely to be executed than the operation presentation of rapid succession or long presses (non-basic operations) is the period from the start of the change in the presentation patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 to the establishment of a reach, but the configuration may also be such that the operation presentation of a single press (basic operation) is more likely to be executed than the operation presentation of rapid succession or long presses (non-basic operations) during the period from the establishment of a reach to the end of the change presentation, or during the period during which a jackpot game is being played.

<Other changes>
In the above embodiment, as the operation performance in which the operation instruction sound is output from the speaker 52, only the operation performance of the operation method "single press" (FIG. 36) can be executed, but as the operation performance of other operation methods such as "continuous press" and "long press", the operation instruction sound may be output from the speaker 52. Specifically, for example, the operation performance as shown in FIG. 41 may be executed as the operation performance in the win/lose branch of the SP reach. In the operation performance shown in FIG. 41, the operation instruction sound of "continuous press" is output from the speaker 52 in response to the start of the operation effective period, and the effective period image G3, the normal button image G4, and the operation instruction image G51 which is a text image of "continuous press" are displayed on the display unit 50a (see FIG. 41(A)). The operation instruction image G51 (text image of "continuous press") continues to be displayed as a still image during the operation effective period (see FIG. 41(A) to (C)). If such a "repeated hit" operation presentation and the "repeated hit" operation presentation shown in Figure 32 are configured to be executable, when the operation presentation shown in Figure 32 is executed, the player can be made aware of the operation method by the operating mode of the operation method instruction image G51, while when the operation presentation shown in Figure 41 is executed, the player can be made aware of the operation method by the output of an operation method instruction sound, while preventing the display content from becoming cluttered by the operation method instruction image G51 (the text image of "repeated hits") being a still image.

For example, an operation presentation as shown in Fig. 42 may be configured to be executable as an operation presentation at the winning/losing branch of an SP reach. In the operation presentation shown in Fig. 42, in response to the start of the valid operation period, an operation method instruction sound of "long press" is output from the speaker 52, and a valid period image G3, a normal button image G4, and an operation method instruction image G52, which is a text image of "long press", are displayed on the display unit 50a (see Fig. 42 (A)). The operation method instruction image G52 (text image of "long press") continues to be displayed as a still image during the valid operation period (see Figs. 42 (A) to (C)). If such a "long press" operation presentation and the "long press" operation presentation shown in FIG. 33 are configured to be executable, when the operation presentation shown in FIG. 33 is executed, the player can be made aware of the operation method by the behavior of the operation method instruction image G52, while when the operation presentation shown in FIG. 42 is executed, the player can be made aware of the operation method by the output of the operation method instruction sound, while preventing the display content from becoming cluttered by the operation method instruction image G52 (text image of "long press") being a still image.

In the above-described form, in the operation presentation in which the operation method is "repeated taps" (Figure 32), an operation method instruction presentation is executed in which an operation method instruction image G51 (text image of "repeated taps") instructing the operation method of "repeated taps" acts on the normal button image G4 in an operation mode representing "repeated taps", in the operation presentation in which the operation method is "long press" (Figure 33), an operation method instruction presentation is executed in which an operation method instruction image G52 (text image of "long press") instructing the operation method of "long press" acts on the normal button image G4 in an operation mode representing "long press", and in the operation presentation in which the operation method is "single press" (Figure 35), an operation method instruction presentation is executed in which an operation method instruction image G53 (text image of "one hit") instructing the operation method of "single press" acts on the normal button image G4 in an operation mode representing "single press". In contrast to this, whether the operation method is "repeated taps," "long press," or "single press," an operation instruction image G55 that is a text image of "press" may be displayed as an operation instruction image instructing the player to operate the normal button 40, and this operation instruction image G55 may be displayed in an action mode that indicates the operation method, thereby instructing the player on how to operate the normal button 40 (see Figures 43, 44, and 45).

Specifically, in the operation method instruction presentation for the "repeated tap" operation presentation, as shown in Fig. 43, the presentation control microcomputer 121 first displays a valid period image G3, a normal button image G4, and an operation instruction image G55 which is a text image of "press" in response to the start of the valid operation period (see Fig. 43 (A)). Then, in the operation instruction image G55 which is the text image of "press", the text image G61 of "press" is moved from a distant position away from the normal button image G4 to a close position close to the normal button image G4, and the normal button image G4 is changed from a non-pressed state to a pressed state (Figs. 43 (A) (B)). Then, the character image G61 of "Oshi" is returned to the distant position, and the normal button image G4 is returned to the non-pressed state, and then the character image G71 of "Se" in the operation instruction image G55, which is the character image of "Oshi", is moved from a distant position away from the normal button image G4 to a close position close to the normal button image G4, and the normal button image G4 is changed from the non-pressed state to the pressed state (FIG. 43(C)). Then, the character image G61 of "Se" is returned to the distant position, and the normal button image G4 is returned to the non-pressed state. This series of displays is repeated until the operation valid period ends (see FIG. 43(D)(E)). In the performance shown in FIG. 43, the character of "Oshi" and the character of "Se" are alternately pressing the normal button, that is, they are repeatedly pressed. Therefore, according to the presentation shown in FIG. 43, the operation instruction image G55, which is a text image of "press", indicates to the player that it is time to press the normal button 40, and the operation mode of the operation instruction image G55 (the mode in which the text "press" and the text "press" alternately press the normal button) indicates to the player that the method of operation of the normal button 40 is to "repeatedly press" it.

In addition, in the operation method instruction performance in the "long press" operation performance, as shown in FIG. 44, the performance control microcomputer 121 first displays the effective period image G3, the normal button image G4, and the operation instruction image G55, which is a text image of "press", in response to the start of the operation effective period (see FIG. 44 (A)). Then, the operation instruction image G55, which is a text image of "press", is moved from a distant position away from the normal button image G4 to a close position close to the normal button image G4, and the normal button image G4 is changed from a non-pressed state to a pressed state (see FIG. 44 (B)). Then, until the operation effective period ends, the operation instruction image G55 (text image of "press") continues to be positioned at the close position, and the normal button image G4 continues to be displayed in the non-pressed state (FIG. 45 (C)). Note that, as in the "long press" operation performance (FIG. 33) in the above form, the operation instruction image G55 may be configured to be displayed at the close position for a certain period of time, then temporarily returned to the distant position, and then displayed at the close position again for a certain period of time. In the presentation shown in FIG. 44, the word "press" appears to be continuously pressing the normal button, i.e., a long press is being performed. Therefore, according to the presentation shown in FIG. 44, the operation instruction image G55, which is an image of the word "press", indicates to the player that it is time to operate the normal button 40, and the operating mode of the operation instruction image G55 (the mode in which the word "press" appears to be continuously pressing the normal button) indicates to the player that the method of operating the normal button 40 is a "long press."

In addition, in the operation method instruction performance in the "single press" operation performance, as shown in FIG. 45, the performance control microcomputer 121 first displays the effective period image G3, the normal button image G4, and the operation instruction image G55, which is a text image of "press", in response to the start of the operation effective period (see FIG. 45 (A)). Then, the operation instruction image G55, which is a text image of "press", is moved from a distant position away from the normal button image G4 to a close position close to the normal button image G4, and the normal button image G4 is changed from a non-pressed state to a pressed state (see FIG. 45 (B)). Then, the operation instruction image G55 is immediately returned to the distant position and the normal button image G4 is returned to a non-pressed state (see FIG. 45 (C)). The "single press" is expressed by such an operation display of the operation instruction image G55 for the normal button image G4. This series of operation displays is performed several times at regular intervals until the operation effective period ends (see FIG. 45 (D) (E)). According to the presentation shown in FIG. 45, the operation instruction image G55, which is a text image of "press", indicates to the player that it is time to press the normal button 40, and the operation mode of the operation instruction image G55 (the mode in which the text "press" is pressing the normal button once) indicates to the player that the method of operation of the normal button 40 is a "single press."

The "single press" operation effect shown in FIG. 45 is executed as one type of meter charge effect. In other words, the meter charge effect may be configured to be executable with the operation methods of "repeated taps", "long press", and "single press". In this case, the jackpot expectation of each effect can be set appropriately. The "single press" operation effect in which the operation instruction image G55, which is a text image of "press", acts on the normal button image G4 may be executed as an operation effect in the win/lose branch of the SP reach. In this case, the operation effect (FIG. 36) accompanied by the output of the operation method instruction sound for "one hit" may also be configured to display the text image of "press" (operation instruction image G55) as a still image, rather than the text image of "one hit" (operation method instruction image G53). By configuring it in this way, the operation instruction image is unified with the "push" text image in all operation presentations, and when an operation instruction sound is output, the "push" text image is made a still image to prevent the display content from becoming cluttered, and when an operation instruction sound is not output, the movement mode of the "push" text image allows the player to recognize the operation method in an interesting way.

In the above embodiment, the operation method of the normal button 40 is expressed by the operation modes of various operation instruction images (operation method instruction image G51, operation method instruction image G52, operation method instruction image G53, operation instruction image G55), but the operation method indicated by the operation modes of the operation instruction images that instruct the operation may be an operation method for an operation part other than the normal button 40.

In the above embodiment, the operation method of the operation unit (normal button 40) in various operation presentations is configured to have three types: repeated taps, long press, and single press. However, it may be configured to have only one type (e.g., "long press"). Furthermore, operation methods other than repeated taps, long press, and single press may be provided, and the operation method may be expressed by the motion mode of the operation instruction image.

In the above embodiment, operation instruction images (operation method instruction image G51, operation method instruction image G52, operation method instruction image G53) containing characters indicating how to operate the operation unit (normal button 40) are used as operation instruction images for instructing the operation of the operation unit (normal button 40), but images indicating what operation should be performed but not how to operate it may also be used. Examples of images indicating what operation should be performed but not how to operate include the text image of "press" in the above-mentioned modified example (see Figures 43 to 45), operation instruction images containing characters such as "press" and "operate", operation instruction images showing a "hand" operating the normal button 40, and operation instruction images consisting of icons such as various marks and characters, such as stars.

In the above embodiment, the normal button image G4 is an image with a design that imitates the design of the normal button 40. Therefore, it is desirable that the pattern and color of the normal button 40 are also reproduced in the normal button image G4. Specifically, for example, if the surface of the normal button 40 is decorated with a character decoration such as "PUSH", it is advisable to include a character image of "PUSH" in the normal button image G4. In this case, the character image of "PUSH" is included in the normal button image G4, but is not included in the operation instruction image or the operation method instruction image. This is because the operation instruction image in this application is an image that indicates that the operation unit of the normal button 40 should be operated, separate from the design of the operation unit of the normal button 40, etc., and the operation method instruction image in this application is an image that expresses in characters how to operate the operation unit of the normal button 40, etc., separate from the design of the operation unit of the normal button 40, etc.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the display modes of the operation instruction images (operation method instruction image G51, operation method instruction image G52, operation method instruction image G53, operation instruction image G55) in various operation presentations may be a normal display mode and a special display mode that suggests a higher probability of winning. Specifically, for example, when text images such as "repeated hits," "long press," "one hit," and "press" are displayed as the normal display mode, text images such as "super hot repeated hits," "super hot long press," "super hot one hit," and "super hot press" may be displayed as special display modes. The operation instruction images in the special display modes may then be displayed in an action mode that indicates the operation method.

In addition, in this specification, various operation effects including operation method instruction effects instructing each of the operation methods of "repeated taps," "long press," or "single press" are executed as meter charge effects before the formation of a reach, or at the win/loss branch of an SP reach, but it is possible to execute operation effects of various operation methods at various times in a gaming machine, and operation method instruction effects that indicate an operation method by the behavior of an operation instruction image can be applied to operation effects executed at any time. Furthermore, the content of the operation effects can be set as appropriate.

In the above embodiment, the operation mode of the operation method instruction image G52 is a mode that expresses the operation method (long press), such as when the operation method instruction image G52 (text image of "long press") in the "long press" operation performance (FIG. 33) performs an operation method instruction performance of an operation mode of long pressing of a normal button. In contrast, if an operation mode that instructs a certain operation method is different from an operation mode that instructs another operation method, it does not have to be an operation mode that expresses the operation method itself. For example, as an operation mode instructing a long press, the operation method instruction image G52 may be displayed as vibrating at a position away from the normal button image G4, as an operation mode instructing a single press, the operation method instruction image G53 may be displayed as rotating at a position away from the normal button image G4, and as an operation mode instructing a repeated hit, the operation method instruction image G51 may be displayed as repeatedly shrinking and restoring at a position away from the normal button image G4.

In the above embodiment, the display mode of the normal button image G4 is also changed (changes between a non-pressed state and a pressed state) in accordance with the movement of the operation instruction images (operation method instruction image G51, operation method instruction image G52, operation method instruction image G53), but if it is acceptable to slightly reduce the effect of improving the interest of the presentation, the display mode of the normal button image G4 may not be changed.

In the above embodiment, the proximity positions of the operation instruction images (operation instruction image G51, operation instruction image G52, operation instruction image G53) in the operation instruction performance are positions overlapping with the normal button image G4 (see Figures 32, 33, and 35), but they may be positions that do not overlap with the normal button image G4 as long as they are closer to the normal button image G4 than the distant positions.

In the above embodiment, when an operation method instruction sound is output, the operation instruction image (operation method instruction image G53) is displayed as a still image without moving (see FIG. 36). However, if it is acceptable for the display content of the display unit 50a to be somewhat complicated, the operation instruction image (operation method instruction image G53) may be configured to move in an operating mode that instructs an operation method even when an operation method instruction sound is output.

In the above embodiment, a first starting hole 11 (fixed starting hole) in which the ease of entry of the game ball does not change, and a second starting hole 12 (variable starting hole, starting hole related to the electric chute 12D) in which the ease of entry of the game ball can change are provided, but only one of them may be provided.

In the above embodiment, the special chart 2 determination process is performed with priority over the special chart 1 determination process (the change display of special chart 2 is performed with priority over the change display of special chart 1), but the special chart 1 determination process may be performed with priority over the special chart 2 determination process (the change display of special chart 1 is performed with priority over the change display of special chart 2). In this case, it is preferable to make the special chart 1 lottery a lottery that is more likely to win a jackpot than the special chart 2 lottery.

In the above embodiment, the gaming machine is configured so that the transition to a high probability state is determined based on the type of winning jackpot pattern, but it may also be a so-called V-guaranteed machine (a gaming machine that controls to a high probability state based on the passage of a specific area (V area) in the big prize winning port). In the above embodiment, the gaming machine is configured so that once it is controlled to a high probability state, it continues to be controlled to the high probability state until the start of the next jackpot game (a so-called guaranteed loop type gaming machine), but it may also be configured as a so-called ST machine (a guaranteed loop type gaming machine with a limited number of times). It may also be configured as a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed machine or a swing type gaming machine. In other words, the invention shown in this specification can be suitably adopted for gaming machines with various game characteristics, regardless of the game characteristics of the gaming machine.

In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a pachinko game machine, but it can also be applied to other pinball game machines such as arrange ball machines and mahjong ball game machines.

In the above embodiment, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are displayed in a variable manner in approximately sync with the variable display of the special symbols. However, instead of being composed of three symbols like the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3, they may be composed of two symbols other than three. For example, two symbols may be provided, one for special symbol 1 and one for special symbol 2. Also, one symbol common to special symbol 1 and special symbol 2 may be provided. In these cases, the display may be displayed on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50, and the sub-control board 120 may control it. Also, an LED device that displays the symbols may be provided in an area other than the play area 6 of the game board 1. In this case, the LED device may be controlled by the main control board 100 or the sub-control board 120.

In the above embodiment, the main control board 100 performs basic control over the progress of the game, and the sub-control board 120 performs basic control over the progress of the presentation according to the progress of the game (game control), so that game control and presentation control are performed on different boards, but they may also be configured to be performed on a single board. In this case, the image control board 140 may be included in that single board, or may be provided separately from that single board.

In addition, all jackpot game states do not have to be configured to correspond to "advantageous game states advantageous to the player (special game states advantageous to the player)". For example, a jackpot game state that is scheduled to be controlled to a high probability state afterwards may be configured to correspond to "advantageous game states advantageous to the player", or a jackpot game state in which a relatively large number of prize balls can be obtained, such as 16R, may be configured to correspond to "advantageous game states advantageous to the player". In addition, "advantageous game states advantageous to the player" may not refer to jackpot game states, but may refer to high probability states or high base states (time-saving states). When "advantageous game states advantageous to the player" refer to high probability states or high base states (time-saving states), various effects that give the player hope for an advantageous game state (special game state) may not be limited to effects during the variable display of special symbols, but may be effects performed at other times, such as effects during jackpot games.

10. Inventions Disclosed in This Specification The following inventions have been disclosed up to the preceding paragraph in this [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]. In the following description, the names and expressions of corresponding configurations in the embodiments and the symbols used in the drawings are added in parentheses for reference. However, the components of each invention are not limited to these additions. Note that invention A is a general term for inventions A1 to A5 below. Invention B is a general term for inventions B1 to B2 below. Invention C is a general term for inventions C1 to C5 below.

Invention A1:
An operation unit (normal button 40) that can be operated by a player;
A performance execution means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of executing an operation performance for operating the operation unit,
The operation performance includes an operation method instruction performance (see FIG. 33 ) that instructs an operation method (e.g., long press) of the operation unit,
The gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) is characterized in that, in the operation method instruction performance, the performance execution means is capable of displaying an operation instruction image (operation method instruction image G52 which is a text image of "long press") instructing the operation of the operation unit in an operating mode (see Figures 33 (A) and (B)) which represents the operation method of the operation unit.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, it is possible to convey to the player how to operate the operation unit through the behavior of the operation instruction image that instructs the player to operate the operation unit, thereby making the operation presentation more interesting.

Invention A2:
The gaming machine according to the invention A1,
There are a plurality of methods for operating the operation unit in the operation performance (repeated taps, long presses, single presses),
A gaming machine characterized in that the behavior of the operation instruction image in the operation method instruction presentation differs depending on the operation method of the operation unit (see Figures 32, 33, and 35).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, it is possible to inform the player which of multiple operation methods to use by the behavior of the operation instruction image, which can increase the interest of the operation presentation.

Invention A3:
The gaming machine according to the invention A2,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the operation method instruction presentation is a presentation in which the operation instruction image (operation method instruction image G51, operation method instruction image G52, operation method instruction image G53) is applied to an operation unit image (normal button image G4) representing the operation unit in an operating mode (see Figures 32, 33, 35, and 37) that represents the operation method of the operation unit.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the operation instruction image is made to act in a predetermined manner on the operation unit image that represents the operation unit, thereby showing which of multiple operation methods should be used, making it easy for the player to visually and intuitively grasp how to operate the operation unit.

Invention A4:
A gaming machine according to the invention A3,
The operation method of the operation unit includes a single operation (single press) in which the operation unit is operated once within a valid operation period, and a continuous operation (long press) in which the operation unit is continuously operated during the valid operation period,
The operation mode of instructing the single operation in the operation method instruction performance includes an operation of moving the operation instruction image (operation method instruction image G53) from a distant position (position in FIG. 35(A)) away from the operation unit image (normal button image G4) to a close position (position in FIG. 35(B)) close to the operation unit image, and returning it to the close position after a first close time (t3, see FIG. 37(D)).
A gaming machine characterized in that the operational mode of instructing the continued operation in the operation method instruction presentation includes an operation of moving the operation instruction image (operation method instruction image G52) from a distant position away from the operation unit image (position in Figure 33 (A)) to a close position close to the operation unit image (position in Figure 33 (B)), and then returning it to the close position after a second close position time (t2, see Figure 37 (C)) longer than the first close position time.

According to a gaming machine with this configuration, the operation mode instructing a single operation includes an operation in which the operation instruction image moves from a distant position away from the operation unit image to a close position close to the operation unit image and returns to the close position after a first close time, so that it is possible to make it look as if the operation instruction image has performed a single operation on the operation unit, and it is easy for the player to understand how to operate the operation unit. Also, according to a gaming machine with this configuration, the operation mode instructing a continuous operation includes an operation in which the operation instruction image moves from a distant position away from the operation unit image to a close position close to the operation unit image and returns to the close position after a second close time that is longer than the close time in the operation mode instructing a single operation, so that it is possible to make it look as if the operation instruction image is continuously operating the operation unit, and it is easy for the player to understand how to operate the operation unit.

Invention A5:
The gaming machine according to the invention A4,
The gaming machine is characterized in that, in the operation method instruction performance, the performance execution means changes the display state of the operation unit image (normal button image G4) in accordance with the operation instruction image (operation method instruction image G52, operation method instruction image G53) being located in a proximity position (changing from a non-pressed state representing the normal button 40 before it is operated to a pressed state representing the normal button 40 being operated, see Figures 33 (A) (B), 35 (A) (B)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the display mode of the operation unit image changes depending on whether the operation instruction image is located in close proximity to the operation unit image, emphasizing the feeling that the operation instruction image is operating the operation unit. This makes it easier for the player to understand the meaning of the effect that the operation instruction image is operating the operation unit, making it even easier for the player to grasp how to operate the operation unit.

Invention B1:
An operation unit (normal button 40) that can be operated by a player;
A performance execution means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of executing an operation performance for operating the operation unit,
The operation performance includes an operation method instruction performance (see FIG. 35 ) that instructs an operation method (e.g., a single press) of the operation unit,
The performance execution means includes:
In the operation method instruction performance, an operation instruction image (an operation method instruction image G53 which is a text image of “one blow”) instructing the operation of the operation unit can be displayed in an operation mode (see FIGS. 35(A) to (C)) which shows the operation method of the operation unit.
In the operation performance, a sound instructing the operation method of the operation unit (a sound instructing the operation method of "one blow") is outputted at times and not outputted at other times (see FIG. 30, FIG. 35, FIG. 36).
This gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) is characterized in that when no sound is output instructing the operation method of the operation section in the operation presentation, the operation instruction image can be displayed in the above-mentioned operating mode (see Figure 35).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, when no sound is output instructing how to operate the operation unit, the operation method is shown by the motion of the operation instruction image that instructs how to operate the operation unit, so even if no sound is output instructing how to operate, it is possible to clearly communicate the operation method to the player. And such easy-to-understand instructions on how to operate the operation unit are expected to increase the player's interest in the game.

Invention B2:
A gaming machine according to the invention B1,
A gaming machine characterized in that the performance execution means is capable of displaying the operation instruction image as a still image when outputting sound instructing how to operate the operation section in the operation performance (see Figure 36).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, when a sound is output instructing the player on how to operate the operation unit, the sound clearly conveys the operation method to the player, so by making the operation instruction image a still image, it is possible to prevent the display content from becoming too cluttered.

Invention C1:
An operation unit (normal button 40) that can be operated by a player;
A performance execution means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of executing an operation performance (see FIG. 32, FIG. 33, FIG. 39) for operating the operation unit,
The operation method of the operation unit in the operation performance includes a basic operation (single press) and a non-basic operation (repeated press, long press) different from the basic operation,
The performance execution means includes:
In the operation performance, an operation method instruction image (an operation method instruction image G51 which is a text image of “repeated taps” and an operation method instruction image G52 which is a text image of “long press”) that instructs the operation method of the operation unit may be displayed,
A gaming machine (a pachinko gaming machine of a second type) characterized in that when the operation unit is operated using the basic operation, the operation method instruction image is not displayed (see Figure 39), and when the operation unit is operated using the non-basic operation, the operation method instruction image is displayed (see Figures 32 and 33).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, if the operation is basic, no unnecessary images are displayed, keeping the display clear, and if the operation is not basic, an image showing the operation method is displayed, allowing the player to understand the correct operation method. By displaying such appropriate operation methods, it is expected that interest in the game will increase.

Invention C2:
A gaming machine according to invention C1,
The gaming machine is characterized in that, when the performance execution means displays the operation method instruction image (operation method instruction image G51 which is a text image of "repeated taps", and operation method instruction image G52 which is a text image of "long press"), the performance execution means displays the operation method instruction image in an operating mode (see Figures 32 and 33) which represents the operation method of the operation unit.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, it is possible to convey to the player how to operate the operation unit through the operation mode of the operation method instruction image that instructs the player how to operate the operation unit, thereby increasing the interest of the operation presentation.

Invention C3:
A gaming machine according to claim C2,
The non-basic operations include a first non-basic operation (repeated tap) and a second non-basic operation (long press),
A gaming machine characterized in that the operation manner of the operation method instruction image differs between the first non-basic operation and the second non-basic operation (see Figures 32 and 33).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, even if there are multiple non-basic operations, the player can correctly recognize the operation method based on the behavior of the operation method instruction image.

Invention C4:
A gaming machine according to any one of Inventions C1 to C3,
A gaming machine characterized in that during a specified presentation period (the period from the start of the change in presentation patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 to the establishment of a reach), the operation presentation of the basic operations appears more frequently than the operation presentation of the non-basic operations (see Figures 29 and 40).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the operation presentation of basic operations has a relatively high frequency of appearance (probability of execution) during a specified presentation period, so if an operation instruction image were to be displayed for each basic operation, the image display would become cumbersome and may be annoyed to the player. However, since operation instruction images are not displayed for basic operations that appear frequently, it is possible to prevent the player from feeling annoyed by the cluttered image display.

Invention C5:
A gaming machine according to claim C4,
The predetermined presentation period is the period from the start of the change in presentation symbols to the establishment of a reach.

A gaming machine with this configuration can prevent image display from becoming cluttered during the period from when the performance symbols start to change until a reach is achieved.

Meanwhile, as described in Patent No. 6843399, for example, a pachinko gaming machine, which is an example of a gaming machine, is known that can perform an effect in which the gauge display state is changed by repeatedly pressing a normal button (operation unit) or an effect in which the gauge display state is changed by pressing and holding a normal button. However, in the gaming machine described in Patent No. 6843399, the instructions for each operation method of the normal button (operation unit) are simply displayed as still images, such as the text "repeatedly pressed" or the text "long press," and there is room for improvement in this regard in order to increase the interest of the game.

The above-mentioned invention A differs from the gaming machine described in Patent No. 6843399 in that "the performance execution means is capable of displaying an operation instruction image instructing the operation of the operation unit in an operation method instruction performance that instructs the operation method of the operation unit in an operation mode that represents the operation method of the operation unit." Also, the above-mentioned invention B differs from the gaming machine described in Patent No. 6843399 in that "the performance execution means is capable of displaying an operation instruction image instructing the operation of the operation unit in an operation method instruction performance that instructs the operation method of the operation unit in an operation method instruction performance that instructs the operation method of the operation unit, and in the operation performance, sound instructing the operation method of the operation unit is sometimes output and sometimes not output, and when sound instructing the operation method of the operation unit is not output in the operation performance, the operation instruction image can be displayed in the above operation mode." Furthermore, the above-mentioned invention C differs from the gaming machine described in Patent No. 6843399 in that "the presentation execution means may display an operation method instruction image instructing how to operate the operation unit in the operation presentation, and when the operation unit is operated with a basic operation, the operation method instruction image instructing how to operate the operation unit is not displayed, and when the operation unit is operated with a non-basic operation different from the basic operation, the operation method instruction image is displayed." As a result, each of the inventions A to C can solve the problem of "improving the interest of the game through presentation" (achieve the effect of doing so).

PY1... Pachinko game machine 40... Normal button (operation unit)
50a: Display unit 50: Image display device 52: Speaker 121: Performance control microcomputer G4: Normal button image (operation unit image)
G51...Operation method instruction image (operation instruction image)
G52...Operation method instruction image (operation instruction image)
G53...Operation method instruction image (operation instruction image)

Claims (1)

an operation unit operable by a player;
A performance execution means capable of executing an operation performance for operating the operation unit,
The operation performance includes an operation method instruction performance that instructs an operation method of the operation unit,
The performance execution means includes:
In the operation method instruction performance, an operation instruction image for instructing an operation of the operation unit is displayed in a motion state representing the operation method of the operation unit and is displayed as a still image.
In the operation performance, a sound instructing an operation method of the operation unit is outputted or not outputted,
The operation performance includes:
a first operation presentation for outputting a voice instructing an operation method of the operation unit and displaying the operation instruction image as a still image;
a second operation performance in which the operation instruction image is displayed in the operation mode without outputting a sound instructing an operation method of the operation unit;
A gaming machine characterized in that the degree of expectation of being controlled to a gaming state advantageous to a player differs between when the first operation presentation is executed and when the second operation presentation is executed .

Images