JP2023102424A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine which enables a player to preferably play a game while suppressing excessive imparting of prize balls to the player.SOLUTION: A Pachinko game machine 1, under the control of a frame control microcomputer 151, calculates the maximum difference number of balls which is the number of game balls that changes on the basis of imparting of prize balls and stores the maximum difference number of balls in a difference number of balls storage unit 172. A game control microcomputer 61 shifts a game state to a game disabled state when the maximum difference number of balls reaches a predetermined reference number. When a high base state is completed and shifts to a low base state in a case where the maximum difference number of balls is less than the reference number and is equal to or more than an index number, the game control microcomputer 61 shifts the game state to the game disabled state when shifting to the low base state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 39

Description

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

As a gaming machine, for example, a pachinko gaming machine that plays a game using game balls (pachinko balls) is known. In this pachinko game machine, a game area is formed on the front side of a game board arranged inside the machine, and a plurality of types of ball entrances are scattered in the game area. Moreover, the pachinko game machine is configured to award a prize ball according to the type of the ball entrance when a game ball enters the ball entrance. In other words, in the game of the pachinko game machine, the number of prize balls that the player can obtain changes when the game ball guided to the game area according to the operation by the player enters one of a plurality of types of ball entrances in the process of flowing down the game area, or when the ball finishes flowing down the game area without entering any ball entrance, and the change causes joy and sorrow (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2016-5605 A

In the pachinko game machine, for example, a state such as a jackpot game state that is advantageous to the player is provided, and the player can relatively easily obtain a large number of prize balls during the jackpot game state. However, it is not preferable for the player's profit to increase excessively, because it will arouse the player's gambling spirit. Therefore, in recent years, it has been studied to set an upper limit on the profit per day obtained from the game, and to control the state in which the game cannot be played when the profit reaches the upper limit. However, when a pachinko game machine with such specifications is used in an actual game parlor, various problems may arise.
For example, when a consecutive game state (a state in which the jackpot game state continues) occurs and the profit increases to near the upper limit due to the game during that time, even if the player continues the game after the consecutive game state ends, it is impossible to record a new number of consecutive games until the profit reaches the upper limit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the conventional problems, and its object is to provide a gaming machine in which a player can preferably play a game while suppressing excessive profit supply to the player.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention is provided in a game area where a game ball can flow down and into which a game ball can enter; hit determination means for executing a hit determination triggered by a ball entering the trigger hole which is one type of the ball entrance; a second generating means for generating an advantageous gaming state that is advantageous to the player; and a prize ball award determining means for determining awarding of prize balls triggered by the entry of the ball into the ball entrance, the game machine comprising calculating means for calculating a specific number of balls that changes based on the awarding of the prize balls, storage means for storing the specific number of balls, and game disabling means for shifting to a non-playable state when the specific number of balls reaches a predetermined reference number. When the number of balls is less than the reference number and equal to or more than the index number, when the advantageous game state is shifted to the normal game state, the game disabling means shifts to the game disabled state with the shift to the normal game state as a trigger.

According to this, when the number of specific balls reaches the index number even if the number of specific balls does not reach the reference number at the end of the advantageous game state, the game is shifted to the unplayable state (that is, the game is ended at a good timing), so that the player can finish the game in the game machine without feeling distrustful.

According to the gaming machine according to the present invention having the above configuration, it is possible to allow the player to preferably play the game while preventing the excessive awarding of prize balls to the player.

1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a line graph showing an example of the relationship between the lapse of game time and the change in the number of difference balls. It is a schematic configuration diagram of a ball circulation mechanism of a pachinko game machine. It is an explanatory diagram showing, in blocks, the electrical configuration of the main control board and peripheral devices provided in the pachinko game machine. It is an explanatory diagram showing, in blocks, the electrical configuration of a sub-control board and peripheral devices provided in the pachinko game machine. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a probability setting table; It is explanatory drawing of a hit classification determination table. It is an explanatory diagram of a special figure variation pattern selection table. 6 is a flowchart of main-side main control processing; 10 is a flowchart of main-side timer interrupt processing; It is a flow chart of a design sensor detection process. 4 is a flowchart of normal operation processing; 4 is a flowchart of special action processing; It is a flowchart of a special symbol standby process. It is a flowchart of a special figure jackpot determination process. It is a flowchart of a special figure variation pattern selection process. FIG. 16 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 15; It is a flowchart of processing during special symbol fluctuation. It is a flowchart of special design decision processing. It is a flowchart of a game state management process. 9 is a flowchart of setting reset processing; It is a flowchart of special electric accessary product processing. It is a flowchart of a game state setting process. 4 is a flowchart of sub-side main control processing; 4 is a flowchart of reception interrupt processing; 10 is a flowchart of 1 ms timer interrupt processing; It is a flow chart of 10 ms timer interrupt processing. 8 is a flowchart of received command analysis processing; It is a flow chart of the fluctuation effect start processing. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram relating to a predetermined specific number of difference balls (index number, reference number) and details of determination using the same. (a) is an example of the mode from the start of the game impossibility notification to the elapse of a predetermined time, and the left side shows the screen display contents of the effect display device, and the right side shows the luminescent color and output sound mode according to the positions of the top lamp and speaker of the pachinko game machine. (b) is an example of a mode after a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the start of the game impossibility notification in the mode (a). (a) is a flow chart of the number-of-balls difference identification process executed by the frame control microcomputer, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of S502 in the number-of-balls difference identification process of (a). It is a flow chart of difference ball related processing executed by the game control microcomputer. It is a flow chart of the state return processing (from the game impossible state) executed by the game control microcomputer. It is a flow chart of differential ball information processing executed by the performance control microcomputer. (a) is an explanatory diagram of a losing suggestion effect selection table, and (b) is an explanatory view of a winning suggestion effect selection table. (a) is an example of the first suggesting effect (the left side is the first normal suggesting effect, and the right side is the first specific suggesting effect), (b) is an example of the second suggesting effect (the left side is the second normal suggesting effect, and the right side is the second specific suggesting effect), and (c) is an example of the third suggesting effect (the left side is the third normal suggesting effect, and the right side is the third specific suggesting effect). It should be noted that the third suggestive effect is shown by adding characters representing its aspect (luminescence color/sound) to the front view of the pachinko game machine. (a) is an explanatory diagram of the contents of the scenario production, (b) is an explanatory diagram of the timing of the scene change in the normal scenario production during the 10R jackpot, and (c) is an example of the continuous attack production mode in the special scenario production. It is a flowchart of a jackpot effect-related process executed by the effect control microcomputer. 10 is a flowchart of difference ball-related processing in Embodiment 2. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of difference ball-related processing in Embodiment 3. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of prefetch effect determination processing in Embodiment 3. FIG. It is an example of the aspect of how-to-notify in Embodiment 3. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a hitting method notification process in Embodiment 3. FIG. It is an example of a warning notification mode in the fourth embodiment, and (a) shows the display mode on the screen of the effect display device when an operation to reset the count of the specific number of difference balls is performed during business hours and in a playable state, and (b) when an operation to reset the count of the specific number of difference balls is performed during business hours and in a non-playable state. 14 is a flow chart of the number-of-balls identification process in Embodiment 4. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of state restoration processing in Embodiment 4. FIG. 14 is a flow chart of the number-of-balls identification process in Embodiment 5. FIG.

A gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, as a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, a pachinko gaming machine in which games are played using game balls (game media) will be taken as an example. When explaining the direction and positional relationship of each part of the pachinko machine, the "left", "right", "up" and "down" as seen from the player playing the game facing the pachinko machine are used as references. Also, the closer side (front side) to the player is defined as "front", and the far side (back side) is defined as "rear".

[Embodiment 1]
(Major Components of Pachinko Machines)
As shown in FIG. 1A, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a gaming machine frame. The game machine frame is configured to include at least an inner frame 16 (see FIG. 2) for holding a game board 2, which will be described later, and a door-shaped front frame 18 that covers the front surface of the inner frame 16, and is installed on an installation island (not shown) in the gaming arcade via a rectangular outer frame W. The front frame 18 includes a left side lamp 23a, a right side lamp 23b, and a top lamp 23c, and a window 18a is formed in the inner side surrounded by these. The window 18a is an opening that allows the game area 3 formed on the board surface (front surface) of the game board 2 to be visually recognized. Speakers 8 are provided as sound output means for outputting sounds such as music, sound effects, and notification sounds according to the content of the presentation, respectively, at the left and right upper ends of the front frame 18 (on the left and right sides sandwiching the top lamp 23c).

The front frame 18 is translucent on both sides forming the left side lamp 23a and the right side lamp 23b, and a plurality of LEDs are arranged inside the translucent portions. Each LED is capable of emitting light in a plurality of colors, lights up or blinks according to the content of the presentation, and further changes the color of the emitted light.
Further, the top lamp 23c constitutes a rotating lamp having an LED and a rotating reflector inside (not shown). The LED can emit light in a plurality of colors, illuminates or flashes according to the content of the presentation or the content of the notification, and further changes the color of the emitted light. The rotating reflector rotates around the LED in accordance with the drive of the movable body motor 23d (FIG. 4) to change the direction of reflection of light from the LED.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is a so-called "smart pachinko" (also referred to as "managed gaming machine" or "enclosed pachinko machine") in which game balls enclosed inside the machine are circulated and used by a ball circulation mechanism 30 (FIG. 2) described later. This type of gaming machine electromagnetically stores and manages the "number of balls held" by the player, and does not physically pay out game balls. In other words, when a player performs a ball lending operation, the pachinko gaming machine 1 adds the number of game balls to be lent to the player to the number of balls possessed on the data and stores it. When game balls are used (shot) in a game, the number of game balls corresponding to that amount is subtracted from the number of balls and stored. Also, when prize balls are provided in accordance with the game played by the player, the number of game balls corresponding to the prize balls is added to the number of held balls on the data and stored. When the count value (stored value) of the number of possessed balls is 0, it means that the player does not own the game balls used in the game, and the player cannot play the game. As described above, the pachinko game machine 1 does not have a ball receiving tray for storing the game balls so that the game balls can be put in and taken out because the player does not need to handle the game balls directly, and instead, the operation table 25 (FIG. 1A) is arranged so as to be positioned under the front frame 18.例文帳に追加

The operation table 25 has a shape projecting forward from the lower portion of the front frame 18, that is, is provided so as to approach the player side. The operation console 25 is provided with a handle 4, a performance button 5, a performance lever 6, a ball lending button 251, a return button 252, and a game ball number display 26. - 特許庁

The handle 4 is provided on the right side of the operation table 25 (bottom right of the front frame 18), that is, at a position where a player playing a game facing the pachinko gaming machine 1 can hold it with the right hand. The handle 4 includes a touch switch 92 (FIG. 3), a firing lever 4a, and a firing stop button 4b. The touch switch 92 outputs a signal indicating that the player has touched the handle 4, and is arranged at a portion touched by the right hand of the player holding the handle 4. As shown in FIG. The shooting lever 4a is for adjusting the shooting strength of the game ball by the shooting device 90 (striking hammer 90a), and is rotatably provided on the handle 4. As shown in FIG. The shooting stop button 4b is for stopping the shooting of the game ball when the game ball is being shot, and is provided at a position that can be operated by the thumb of the right hand holding the handle 4.例文帳に追加
A key insertion portion 262 for operating a locking device (not shown) for locking the inner frame 16 and the front frame 18 is provided above the handle 4 of the front frame 18 . When a predetermined key 263 is inserted into the key insertion portion 262 and turned in a predetermined direction, for example, rightward, the locked state of the locking device is released and only the front frame 18 is opened. On the other hand, if the key 263 is inserted into the key insertion portion 262 and turned in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction, for example, leftward, the locked state of the locking device is released and the inner frame 16 and the front frame 18 are opened integrally.

A ball lending button 251 and a returning button 252 are provided on the upper surface of the operation table 25 in the front frame 18 . In addition, in the game parlor, a vertically long lending unit 76 (FIG. 3) is arranged on the side (left side) of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and this lending unit 76 is electrically connected to the pachinko gaming machine 1. Although the specific structure is omitted from the drawing, the lending unit 76 is
It has an insertion slot for inserting banknotes and an insertion slot for readable storage media such as IC cards storing amount information, and outputs the amount information corresponding to the inserted banknotes or the amount information stored in the storage medium to the pachinko game machine 1 (more specifically, a frame control board 150 to be described later). Here, the pachinko game machine 1 inputs amount information managed by the lending unit 76, and accepts lending of game balls up to the number corresponding to the amount information. For example, if the amount information is 1,000 yen, the lending of game balls is permitted within the range of the number of game balls corresponding to 1,000 yen (for example, up to 250). For example, when the player operates the ball lending button 251 to request the lending of game balls worth 500 yen, the pachinko gaming machine 1 provides the number of gaming balls (for example, 125) corresponding to the amount of 500 yen as lending balls (data). Specifically, the number of rental balls (125) is added to the number of balls held by the player (data). On the other hand, when the player operates the return button 252, the pachinko gaming machine 1 outputs game end information to the lending unit 76 and resets the stored value of the number of balls (data) stored. A lending unit 76, to which the game end information is input from the pachinko game machine 1, releases the holding of the storage medium storing the amount information corresponding to the remaining amount at that point in the unit, and exposes a part of the storage medium from the insertion slot so that the storage medium can be taken out.

The effect button 5 is provided on the upper surface of the operation table 25. - 特許庁In other words, the effect button 5 is provided at a position where the player can press it with his or her right hand or left hand, and at a position where a player who operates the handle 4 with his right hand can press it with his left hand. A push-on type button switch, for example, can be adopted as the effect button 5 . The performance button 5 incorporates a performance button vibration motor 5b (Fig. 4) and a performance button lamp 5c (Fig. 4). The effect button vibration motor 5b vibrates the effect button 5, and vibrates at a predetermined timing during the period when the pressing operation of the effect button 5 is valid. In this embodiment, the effect button lamp 5c is an LED. The effect button lamp 5c lights up or blinks when the effect button 5 is pressed during a period in which the pressing operation of the effect button 5 is valid. The surface of the effect button 5 is formed of a translucent material, and is devised so that the player can visually recognize the light emitted from the effect button lamp 5c. The performance button 5 incorporates an elastic member (not shown) such as a spring for returning the pressed performance button 5 to the position before the pressing operation, and when the pressing operation state is released, the performance button 5 returns to the state before the pressing operation by the restoring force of the elastic member. When the player presses the performance button 5 during a period in which the pressing operation of the performance button 5 is valid, a specific performance is performed. Hereinafter, a specific effect triggered by the operation of the effect button 5 will be referred to as a button effect.

The production lever 6 is provided in the lower left part of the operation table 25, that is, near the left end of the lower side of the front frame 18. - 特許庁In other words, the effect lever 6 is provided at a position where the player who operates the handle 4 or the effect button 5 with the right hand can press it with the left hand. The performance lever 6 has a shape that can be held by the left hand, and can be tilted in four directions, up, down, left, and right, in addition to rotating rightwardly or leftwardly. Furthermore, a push button (lever button) is provided on the top surface of the effect lever 6 . Moreover, the production lever 6 is provided with a production lever vibration motor 6c (FIG. 4). The production lever vibrating motor 6c vibrates the production lever 6, and vibrates at a predetermined timing in a period when the operation of the production lever 6 is valid. When the player operates the performance lever 6 during a period when the operation of the performance lever 6 is valid, a specific performance is performed. Hereinafter, a specific effect triggered by the operation of the effect lever 6 will be referred to as a lever effect.

The game ball number display 26 is provided on the upper surface of the operation table 25 (on the right side of the effect button 5) so that the display surface is horizontal or has a slightly downward angle. In other words, the display surface of the number-of-game-balls display 26 faces the side where the face of the player is positioned, making it easier to see when the player lowers his or her line of sight. The game ball number display 26 displays the above-mentioned "number of balls" corresponding to the number of game balls owned by the player, and a plurality of types of game ball numbers (described later) relating to the "number of difference balls" corresponding to the number of game balls obtained by subtracting the number of balls consumed (positive number) from the number of balls acquired (positive number) by playing the pachinko game machine 1.例文帳に追加Of the number of game balls related to the "number of difference balls", the specific number of difference balls (described later) is also displayed on the screen of the effect display device 7 (the number of difference balls display area 7S, which will be described later).
The number of possessed balls is the number of lent balls, which is the number of game balls lent according to the ball lending operation, the number of acquired balls, which is the number of game balls given as prize balls according to the game, and the above-mentioned number of consumed balls. As described above, the number of balls in possession is reset when the player finishes the game, that is, when the return button 252 is operated. On the other hand, the difference number of balls is the number of balls calculated by the formula of “Number of acquired balls−Number of consumed balls” in relation to the total number of acquired balls and the total number of consumed balls in the game performed from the start of operation to the end of operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

Here, with reference to FIG. 1B (an example of change in the number of difference balls depending on the game), the above-mentioned "multiple types of number of game balls related to the number of difference balls" will be described. In this embodiment, as the number of game balls related to the number of difference balls, the "current number of difference balls" is the current number of difference balls, the "maximum number of difference balls" is the maximum fluctuation value in the upward direction (Y1 direction) based on the initial value (that is, 0), the "lowest number of difference balls" is the maximum fluctuation value in the downward direction (Y2 direction) based on the initial value (that is, 0), and the number of game balls obtained by subtracting the minimum number of difference balls (negative number) from the current number of difference balls (positive number to negative number). It calculates and stores the corresponding "specific ball number" and the "maximum number of ball difference" corresponding to the number of game balls (maximum difference in the number of difference balls) obtained by subtracting the minimum number of difference balls (negative number) from the maximum number of difference balls (positive number). A plurality of types of game ball numbers (current ball difference, maximum difference ball number, minimum difference ball number, specific difference ball number, maximum difference ball number) regarding these difference ball numbers are not reset when the player finishes the game (when the return button 252 is operated), but are reset based on a predetermined operation (state return operation) performed by the game clerk. In this embodiment, by operating a reset button 180 to be described later, each stored value of the number of game balls (current number of difference, maximum number of difference, minimum number of difference, specific number of difference and maximum number of difference) is configured to be reset.
Here, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that when the specific number of difference balls (as the maximum number of difference balls) has reached a predetermined "reference number" due to an increase in the number of obtained balls (assuming that the number of obtained balls>the number of consumed balls), the game is shifted to a non-playable state (a state in which the game for the day has ended) in which the player cannot play (this point will be described later in detail). As described above, since the day's game performed by the pachinko gaming machine 1 is terminated according to the specific number of difference balls (maximum number of difference balls) counted every business day (every operation) of the gaming parlor, when the game clerk resets each stored value of the number of game balls related to the above-described difference number of balls, the operation (state return operation) is normally performed after the end of business hours (operating time of the pachinko game machine 1).

(Configuration of ball circulation mechanism 30)
Next, the ball circulation mechanism 30 provided on the inner frame 16 will be described with reference to FIG. The ball circulation mechanism 30 is a structure for circulating game balls inside the machine, and includes a collecting portion 31, a recovery portion 32, a recovery sensor 33, a ball lifting portion 34, a storage tank 35, a ball feeding portion 36, and a shooting sensor 37. The ball circulation mechanism 30 is provided along the rear surface of the left side of the game board 2 as part of the inner frame 16 that holds the game board 2 .

A collecting portion 31 arranged below the rear surface of the game board 2 is formed in a concave groove shape opening upward so as to receive game balls falling from above (the rear surface of the game board 2). The bottom surface of the collective portion 31 is inclined downward from both left and right ends toward the center, and the center portion of the bottom surface, which is the downstream end, is open downward. The collecting portion 31 has a plurality of winning holes (first start hole 10a, second start hole 12a, big winning hole (special ball entry hole) 14a, and general winning hole 11) provided in the game area 3, and is discharged outside the game area 3 (rear side of the game board 2), and game balls discharged outside the game area 3 (rear side of the game board 2) through an out hole 19 (described later). They are collected at the top and dropped from the opening on the bottom surface to be guided to the recovery section 32 . In FIG. 2, illustration of a specific configuration of the board surface of the game board 2 is omitted.

The recovery section 32 has a rectilinear recovery passage R1 that slopes downward toward the lower left side. The recovery path R1 is a ball path through which game balls can flow down in a line. A collection sensor 33 is arranged in the middle of the collection passage R1, and the game balls passing through the collection passage R1 are detected one by one by the collection sensor 33.例文帳に追加In other words, the game balls flowing down the game area 3 gather at the gathering portion 31 and are eventually detected by the recovery sensor 33 regardless of whether they enter the winning opening or are discharged from the out opening 19 . When the game balls are normally circulated by the ball circulation mechanism 30, the number of shots of the game balls accompanying the operation of the handle 4 by the player (the number of shots, the number detected by the shot sensor 37, which will be described later) matches the number of game balls subsequently detected by the collection sensor 33. The downstream end of the collecting section 32 is connected to the lower portion of a vertically long box-shaped ball lifting section 34 . As a result, the game balls that have passed through the collection passage R1 flow into the lower part of the ball lifting section 34. As shown in FIG.

The ball lifting portion 34 has a vertically extending lifting passage R2 formed therein, and the lower end of the lifting passage R2 is connected to the recovery passage R1 of the recovery portion 32 described above. In addition, a columnar lifting shaft 34a extending vertically is rotatably accommodated in the ball lifting portion 34 along the lifting passage R2. The lifting shaft 34a has spiral ball holding pieces 34b formed on its outer peripheral surface, and is rotated by the rotation of a lifting motor 34c (see FIG. 3). That is, the game ball held by the ball holding piece 34b on the lower end side of the lifting shaft 34a moves upward along the lifting path R2 as the lifting motor 34c rotates. The upper end of the ball lifting section 34 is connected to the storage tank 35 , and the upper end of the lifting passage R<b>2 communicates with the storage tank 35 . In other words, the game balls that have moved upward in the lifting passage R2 due to the rotation of the lifting shaft 34a are guided into the storage tank 35 and stored therein.

The storage tank 35 forms a space inside which is large enough to store all of a predetermined number (for example, 100) of game balls to be circulated inside the pachinko gaming machine 1 . The bottom surface slopes downward from the left end to the right end, and the upstream side of the bottom surface opens downward, and the above-described lifting passage R2 is connected to this opening. An opening is also formed at the downstream end of the bottom surface of the storage tank 35, and the upstream end of the internal passage (not shown) of the ball feeder 36 is connected to this opening. The internal passage of the ball feeding portion 36 has a passage width through which game balls pass in a line, and a movable ball feeding piece (not shown) is provided at the downstream end thereof. In other words, the game balls stored in the storage tank 35 flow into the internal passage of the ball feeder 36 in a line from the opening at the downstream end of the bottom surface thereof, and are supplied one by one from the exit 36a of the internal passage to the stop position (shooting standby position) of the game balls to be hit by the shooting device 90 (hitting hammer 90a) by the regular operation of the ball feeding pieces accompanying the driving of the ball feeding solenoid 36b (see FIG. 3).

The shooting device 90 (hit hammer 90a) is configured to shoot game balls supplied one by one from the exit 36a of the internal passage to the shooting standby position toward the game area 3 by the shooting operation interlocked with the ball feeder 36. Here, the shooting device 90 is arranged in the upper left part of the game board 2 as shown in FIG. This is because the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment is a smart pachinko (management game machine), and there is no need to position the launcher 90 downstream of the ball receiving tray provided in a general pachinko game machine. However, for the purpose of stabilizing the shooting trajectory of the game ball, etc., it is also possible to dispose the shooting device 90 below the game board 2 as in the conventional art (ensure a sufficient movement distance of the game ball from launch to the game area 3).

A real-fire sensor 37 is arranged in the vicinity of the firing standby position. This shooting sensor 37 is provided to detect a game ball moving toward the game area 3 from the shooting standby position (that is, a game ball that is actually shot). Here, in the pachinko game machine 1, control is performed so as to determine that one detection by the actual shooting sensor 37 corresponds to the generation of one consumption ball. That is, when one detection by the actual shooting sensor 37 occurs, the count values (stored values) of the number of balls in possession and the number of current balls stored in the pachinko machine 1 (the frame control board 150, which will be described later) are subtracted by one, and based on the change in the number of current balls in this case, the specific number of difference balls is newly calculated, and the minimum number of difference balls and the maximum number of difference balls are newly calculated as necessary. In accordance with this, the number of game balls displayed on the game ball number display 26 and the difference ball number display area 7S, which will be described later, is updated.

(Structure of game board 2)
Returning to FIG. 1A, the structure of the game board 2 will be described. The game board 2 is arranged at a position substantially facing the player's face. The board surface (front surface) of the game board 2 is covered from the front with a transparent glass plate provided in the window 18a of the front frame 18, and can be seen through from the front of the glass plate. A performance display device 7 made up of a liquid crystal panel or the like is arranged on the rear side of the game board 2 , and the screen is exposed through an opening (not shown) provided substantially in the center of the game board 2 . As shown in FIG. 1A, an annular or frame-shaped center decoration 20 is positioned around the screen when the pachinko game machine 1 is viewed from the front (machine front), and a rail member 17 is positioned on the outer peripheral side. In addition, an out port 19 is provided at the bottom of the board surface.

The game board 2 includes a first prize winning device 10, a general prize winning port 11, a second prize winning device (ordinary electric accessory) 12, a gate 13, a big prize winning device (special electric accessory) 14, a rail member 17, a center decorative body 20 and displays 50. In the following description, a ball entry hole that gives a prize ball to a game ball entering the game ball may be referred to as a "winning hole", and a ball entering the winning hole may be expressed as a "winning prize".

The rail member 17 is arranged so as to go around the outer peripheral portion of the board surface of the game board 2 . The rail member 17 partitions the board surface of the game board 2 into a game area 3 in which game balls flow down (roll). A plurality of game nails (not shown) are driven in the range of the game area 3 on the board surface of the game board 2, and the game balls come into contact with the game nails in the process of flowing down the game area 3, and the behavior of the game balls is changed. In addition, the rail member 17 is provided so as to avoid the launching device 90 described above.
The out port 19 is opened at the lower end of the rail member 17, that is, at the center of the lower end of the game area 3, and discharges game balls that have flowed down the game area 3 to the lower end.

The center decorative body 20 is arranged so as to be positioned in a range from a substantially central portion to the vicinity of the upper end portion of the board surface (game area 3) of the game board 2. As shown in FIG. The center decorative body 20 has translucency, and is provided with a plurality of LEDs that light up and flash in accordance with the content of the presentation. The center decorative body 20 is positioned in front of the board surface of the game board 2 so as to surround the space in front of the screen, so that it functions to prevent the game balls flowing down the game area 3 from going to the screen side of the performance display device 7. - 特許庁The center decorative body 20 divides the game area 3 so as to branch to the left and right at the upper part thereof. That is, the game area 3 is an area including a left game area 3L, which is a path of game balls flowing down the left side of the center decoration 20, and a right game area 3R, which is a path of game balls flowing down the right side of the center decoration 20.

LEDs are provided at a plurality of locations on the game board 2, and in FIG. 4, these LEDs are collectively indicated as "board lamps 2a". Each LED constituting the board lamp 2a is capable of emitting light of a plurality of colors, lights up or blinks according to the content of the effect, and further changes the color of the emitted light.

The first prize winning device 10 is arranged in the left game area 3L and substantially in the center of the lower side of the game area 3. As shown in FIG. The first winning device 10 has a first starting port 10a that allows one game ball to win (enter a ball). The first starting port 10a is always open, and the probability that the game ball wins the first starting port 10a does not substantially change.

The general prize winning port 11 is located in the left game area 3L and to the left of the first prize winning device 10 .

The gate 13 is arranged in the right game area 3R, and is configured so that game balls flowing down the right game area 3R can pass through. In the example shown in FIG. 1A, the gate 13 is arranged downstream of the second prize winning device 12, but may be provided upstream of the second prize winning device 12. FIG.

The second winning device 12 is arranged above the gate 13 in the right game area 3R. The second prize winning device 12 has a normal opening/closing member 12b for opening/closing the second starting port 12a. The normal opening/closing member 12b is configured to be able to rotate (swing) to the left and right between a standing posture (FIG. 1A) and a tilted posture to the right with its lower end serving as a rotating shaft. Then, when the normal opening/closing member 12b is opened, the second starting port 12a is opened, and the game ball enters a state in which it is easy for the game ball to enter the second starting port 12a. Further, when the normal opening/closing member 12b is closed, the second starting port 12a is closed and the game ball cannot enter the second starting port 12a.

The big winning device 14 is arranged in the lower area of the right game area 3R. The big winning device 14 includes a special opening/closing member 14b for opening and closing a big winning opening (special ball entrance) 14a. The big winning opening 14a is wide in the left and right direction, and is formed in a size that allows a plurality of game balls to win a prize (entrance) at the same time. The special opening/closing member 14b is formed in the shape of a plate elongated in the left-right direction corresponding to the special prize opening 14a, and is configured to be capable of rotating (swinging) back and forth between a standing posture and a forward tilting posture (FIG. 1A) with the lower edge as a rotation axis. Then, when the special opening/closing member 14b is opened, the large winning opening 14a is opened, and the game ball is easily entered into the large winning opening 14a. Further, when the special opening/closing member 14b is closed, the large winning opening 14a is closed and the game ball cannot enter the large winning opening 14a.

As described above, in the pachinko game machine 1, by adjusting the shooting intensity of the handle 4, the shooting intensity of the game balls by the shooting device 90 (see FIG. 2) can be adjusted. Therefore, in the pachinko game machine 1, game balls can be separately hit so as to flow down the left game area 3L or the right game area 3R. When the game ball is shot toward the left game area 3L, the game ball can enter the first starting hole 10a and the general winning hole 11. - 特許庁On the other hand, when the game ball is launched toward the right game area 3R, the game ball can enter the second starting hole 12a and the big winning hole 14a, and can pass through the gate 13 (enter the ball). The first starting hole 10a, the second starting hole 12a, the big winning hole 14a, the gate 13 and the general winning hole 11 are examples of ball-entering holes into which game balls flowing down the game area can enter. Of these, the gate 13 is a ball entrance to which prize balls are not awarded for entering (passing) of game balls, and the other ball entrances are ball entrances (prize openings) to which prize balls are awarded for entering balls. In addition, the first starting port 10a and the second starting port 12a are examples of a trigger port in which entry of a game ball (winning a prize) can trigger a special figure hit determination.

The display devices 50 are provided outside and below the game area 3 of the game board 2 . As shown in FIG. 3, the display devices 50 include a first special symbol display device 51 that variably displays a first special symbol (also referred to as a first special symbol or a special symbol 1), a second special symbol (also referred to as a second special symbol or a special symbol 2). Furthermore, the display devices 50 are provided with a first special symbol pending display 51a that displays the number of stored operations pending of the first special symbol display 51, a second special symbol pending display 52a that displays the number of stored operations pending of the second special symbol display 52, and a general pattern pending display 53a that displays the number of stored operations pending of the normal symbol display 53. Hereinafter, when describing matters common to the first special symbol and the second special symbol, it is simply referred to as a special symbol. In addition, when describing items common to the first special symbol display device 51 and the second special symbol display device 52, they are simply referred to as special symbol display devices.

Each of the special symbol indicators 51 and 52 is composed of a plurality of LEDs. Each LED constituting each special pattern display device 51, 52 is lit in a predetermined lighting pattern, a combination of the lit LED and the extinguished LED represents the special symbol, and a state in which the combination of the lit LED and the extinguished LED is changed represents the variable display of the special symbol. Hereinafter, the variation pattern of the special symbol from when the special symbol starts the variable display until the special symbol is confirmed and displayed is called the special symbol variation pattern.

Also, the normal symbol display 53 is composed of two LEDs. Lighted LEDs and lighted LEDs represent normal symbols, and a state in which each LED is alternately lit represents a variable display of normal symbols. Further, when the game ball passes through the gate 13, a lottery for normal symbols is executed to determine whether or not the game ball wins, and the normal symbol display 53 variably displays the normal symbols. Then, the normal symbol display device 53 confirms and displays the normal symbol corresponding to the lottery result of the normal symbol after the lapse of a predetermined time from the start of the variable display of the normal symbol. When the normal symbol confirmed and displayed by the normal symbol display 53 is the normal symbol indicating winning, the second winning device 12 operates to open and close the normal opening/closing member 12b and the second starting port 12a.

When the game ball wins the first starting port 10a, special symbol winning determination (also called big winning lottery, special symbol winning determination or first special symbol winning determination) for determining whether or not the game is a big hit is executed, and a first special symbol display 51 variably displays the first special symbol (special symbol 1). Then, the first special symbol display device 51 confirms and displays the first special symbol corresponding to the result of the special symbol hit determination after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the variable display of the first special symbol. Here, when the first special pattern confirmed and displayed is a special pattern indicating a big win, a big win game state is generated (a big winning device 14 operates to open and close a special opening/closing member 14b and a big winning opening 14a opens and closes). When the game ball wins the first starting port 10a while the first special symbol display device 51 variably displays the first special symbol, the operation of the first special symbol display device 51 triggered by the winning is suspended, and the memory number indicating the number of suspension of the operation is displayed by the first special symbol suspension display device 51a. Hereinafter, the memory number of operation suspension of the first special symbol display device 51 is referred to as the first special symbol suspension number.

Also, when the game ball wins the second starting port 12a, a special symbol win determination (also called a jackpot lottery, a special symbol winning determination or a second special symbol winning determination) is executed, and a second special symbol display 52 variably displays the second special symbol (special symbol 2). Then, the second special symbol display device 52 confirms and displays the second special symbol corresponding to the result of the special symbol hitting determination after a predetermined time has passed since the variable display of the second special symbol is started. Here, when the second special pattern confirmed and displayed is a special pattern indicating a big win, a big win game state is generated (a big winning device 14 operates to open and close a special opening/closing member 14b, and a big winning opening 14a opens and closes). When the game ball wins the second starting port 12a while the second special pattern display device 52 variably displays the second special pattern, the operation of the second special pattern display device 52 triggered by the winning is suspended, and the memory number indicating the number of the operation suspension is displayed by the second special symbol suspension display device 52a. Hereinafter, the memory number of the operation suspension of the second special symbol display device 52 is referred to as the second special symbol suspension number. In addition, when describing the matter common to the first special figure reservation number and the second special figure reservation number, it is simply referred to as the special figure reservation number.

Hereinafter, the period from when the special symbol display device starts the variable display of the special symbols to when the special symbols are fixedly displayed is referred to as one variation of the special symbols. In addition, the fact that the special figure reservation number decreases by one each time the special symbol is changed once is called digestion of the special figure reservation number. In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1, the operation suspension of the special symbol display device is used for the variable display of the special symbols in chronological order of the occurrence timing, and the special symbol suspension number is consumed. However, digestion of the second special figure reservation number is executed with priority over digestion of the first special figure reservation number (variation display of the second special symbol is executed preferentially over variation display of the first special symbol).

Next, the effect display device 7 will be described.
The effect display device 7 displays moving images such as effect images, message images, demonstration images, and still images. A player plays a game while looking at those images from the front of the pachinko game machine 1.例文帳に追加A performance display device 7 variably displays a performance (decorative) pattern as a performance image in synchronization with the variable display of the special pattern. The production pattern is a pattern representing Arabic numerals (eg, 1 to 10). Note that the performance symbols may include symbols representing characters other than numbers, such as alphabets and special characters, and may be combined with symbols representing symbols other than numbers. As areas in which the effect display device 7 variably displays the effect symbols, a left effect symbol display area, a middle effect symbol display area, and a right effect symbol display area are set in order from the left. A left performance symbol 7L is variably displayed in the left performance symbol display area, a middle performance symbol 7C is variably displayed in the medium performance symbol display area, and a right performance symbol 7R is variably displayed in the right performance symbol display area. Hereinafter, when describing items common to the left effect symbol display area, the middle effect symbol display area and the right effect symbol display area, they are simply referred to as the effect symbol display area.

The main variation mode of each effect pattern is a variation pattern in which the numbers represented by the effect symbols move from the top to the bottom of the screen in ascending order, that is, a variation pattern in which the numbers are scrolled in the vertical direction. As a variation mode, it is possible to use a horizontal scroll method in which the effect symbols move from one to the other on the left or right of the screen, a method in which the effect symbols are displayed at the same display position in ascending numerical order, or the like. In addition, the effect display device 7 displays a background image as the effect image in the background of each effect symbol. For example, the background image is a moving image such as a TV drama or a movie, a moving image obtained by converting the moving image into an animation, an animation, or an original moving image of a pachinko machine manufacturer. The effect display device 7 is a liquid crystal display device. As the effect display device 7, an organic EL display device, a display device using a dot matrix LED, or the like can be used.

A performance display device 7 variably displays each performance pattern in synchronism with the variable display of the special pattern, confirms and displays each performance pattern at the same time when the special pattern is fixedly displayed, and displays the result of determination of winning the special pattern. Here, the fixed display means a stop display state in which the production pattern is completely stopped without fluctuating up and down or fluctuating again.

Hereinafter, the performance pattern of the combination that indicates that the result of the special-price determination is a big hit is called a big-hit performance pattern, and the combination of performance symbols that the result of the special-price determination is a loss is called a loss performance pattern. The jackpot production pattern is a state in which each production pattern is aligned with production patterns representing the same number, that is, a so-called zigzag state. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the confirmed displayed left effect symbol 7L, middle effect symbol 7C and right effect symbol 7R are all set to "7". In addition, the lost performance pattern is a state in which the performance symbols representing the same number are not aligned, that is, the pattern is not in a grid pattern. For example, the confirmed and displayed left effect symbol 7L is "7", the middle effect symbol 7C is "6", and the right effect symbol 7R is "7". Hereinafter, the variable display of the performance symbols performed by the performance display device 7 in synchronization with the special symbols will be referred to as a variable performance, and the image displayed in the background of the performance symbols in the variable performance will be referred to as a background image. A background image is a still image or a moving image.

The variable performance of performance symbols is performed in synchronism with the variable display of the special symbols, and when the suspension of the operation of the special symbol display device occurs, the operation of the performance display device 7 is also suspended. That is, the number of pending operations of the special symbol display and the number of pending operations of the effect display device 7 are the same. In addition, the operation pending number of the effect display device 7 corresponding to the first special figure pending number and the operation pending number of the effect display device 7 corresponding to the second special figure pending number are displayed on the effect display device 7 by the pending image. Hereinafter, the display area of the operation pending number of the effect display device 7 corresponding to the first special figure pending number is referred to as "first effect pending display area 7Ba", and the display area of the operation pending number of the effect display device 7 corresponding to the second special figure pending number is referred to as "second effect pending display area 7Bb". Therefore, the player can know the first special figure reserved number and the second special figure reserved number by counting the number of reserved images displayed in the first presentation reserved display area 7Ba and the second presentation reserved display area 7Bb of the presentation display device 7, and can know the operation reserved number of the presentation display device 7 caused by the first special figure reserved number and the second special figure reserved number. The number of pending operations of the effect display device 7 may be notified to the player by using a lamp or the like around the effect display device 7 without displaying it on the effect display device 7 .

Further, as shown in FIG. 1A, the screen of the performance display device 7 is provided with a differential pitch number display area 7S for displaying a specific differential pitch number. The specific number of difference balls is counted under the control of the frame control board 150, which will be described later, and the counted specific number of difference balls is transmitted to the sub control board 100 via the main control board 60 and displayed in the difference number display area 7S of the effect display device 7 based on the control of the sub control board 100. However, in the case of this embodiment, the specific number of difference balls is displayed in the difference number display area 7S only when the specific number of difference balls is equal to or more than the predetermined number of game balls (99360), and in other cases, the specific number of difference balls is not displayed in the difference number display area 7S. This is because even if the number of specific difference balls temporarily exceeds the predetermined number of game balls (99360), if the current number of difference balls is reduced after that, there is a margin until the number of specific difference balls reaches the 'reference number'. However, it is also possible to always display the specific number of difference pitches in the difference number display area 7S. In addition to the specific pitch difference display area 7S, the current pitch difference and the maximum difference pitch may be displayed.

(Main electrical configuration of a pachinko machine)
Next, the main electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG.
A plurality of control boards, devices, and the like are provided on the rear side (not shown) of the pachinko game machine 1 . The control boards include the main control board 60, power supply board 70, frame control board 150, firing control circuit 75, sound control board 78, lamp control board 79, sub control board 100, image control board 200, setting change board 260, and the like.

As described above, in the pachinko game machine 1, the inner frame 16 and the front frame 18 are opened integrally by inserting the key 263 into the key insertion portion 262 and turning it leftward. As a result, the various substrates 60, 70, 150, 75, 78, 79, 90, 100, 200, etc. arranged on the rear side of the front frame 18 can be inspected or repaired or replaced. Also, it becomes possible to operate the setting change board 260 . Note that the key 263 inserted into the key insertion portion 262 is stored and managed by the manager of the game hall (hereinafter referred to as manager, etc.), so it is difficult for the player to integrally open the inner frame 16 and the front frame 18 and operate the setting change board 260.

(Main control board 60)
As shown in FIG. 3, on the main control board 60, a game control one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a game control microcomputer) 61 is mounted. The game control microcomputer 61 includes a CPU 62 , a ROM 63 , a RAM 64 and an input/output circuit 65 . The game control microcomputer 61 generates random numbers used in various determinations (lottery), such as jackpot random numbers, jackpot type random numbers, reach random numbers, and fluctuation pattern random numbers. The CPU 62 executes, for example, detection of winning prizes, special figure hit determination, and updating of various random numbers. Various tables such as a computer program executed by the CPU 62, a special figure hit determination table TA1-1 to 1-6, a big hit type determination table TA2, a reach determination table, and a special figure variation pattern selection table TA3 are stored in the ROM63. The RAM 64 is used as a work memory or the like when the CPU 62 executes a computer program.

Further, the RAM 64 is provided with a first special figure reservation storage unit 64a, a second special figure reservation storage unit 64b, a normal figure reservation storage unit 64c, and a notification storage unit 64d.

The first special figure reservation storage unit 64a includes first to fourth storage areas. That is, the maximum number of first special figure reservations that can be stored is four. Each storage area stores a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a reach random number, a variation pattern random number, etc. (start winning information) acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball winning the first start hole 10a. When the game ball wins the first starting port 10a while the first special symbol display device 51 variably displays the first special symbol, the variable display of the first special symbol resulting from the winning is temporarily suspended (suspension of operation), and the jackpot random number or the like acquired due to the winning is stored in the first special symbol retention storage part 64a.
The second special figure reservation storage unit 64b includes first to fourth storage areas. That is, the maximum number of second special figure reservations that can be stored is four. Each storage area stores a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball winning the second starting hole 12a. When the game ball wins the second starting port 12a while the second special symbol display device 52 variably displays the second special symbol, the variable display of the second special symbol resulting from the winning is temporarily suspended (suspension of operation), and the big winning random number or the like acquired due to the winning is stored in the second special symbol retention storage part 64b.
Starting prize information such as a jackpot random number is stored in the order of occurrence of operation suspension, that is, the order of acquisition by the game control microcomputer 61 from the first storage area of the first special figure suspension storage unit 64a and the second special figure suspension storage unit 64b. Therefore, when the starting winning prize information is stored in the first to fourth storage areas, the starting winning prize information stored in the fourth storing area is the newest information in terms of time, and the starting winning prize information stored in the first storage area is the oldest information in terms of time. The start winning prize information stored in each storage area is shifted one by one to the storage area with the older storage order each time the variable display of the special symbols is completed. For example, the jackpot random numbers stored in the second storage area are shifted to the first storage area. Also, the determination (lottery) of the special symbol win determination based on the starting prize winning information stored in the first storage area is executed when the variable display of the special symbol by the special symbol display is completed and the start timing of the next variable display comes (when the starting condition of the variable display is established).

Incidentally, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, as described above, the consumption of the second special figure reservation number is executed with priority over the consumption of the first special figure reservation number. That is, when there are a plurality of both the first special figure reservation number and the second special figure reservation number, the second special figure reservation number is digested in order first, and then the first special figure reservation number is digested in order. For example, in a state in which the start winning prize information is stored in the first storage area of the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a and the first storage area of the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b, when the start timing of the variable display of the special figure comes, the start winning information stored in the first storage area of the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b is shifted to the execution area (execution target area), and the judgment such as the special figure hit determination based on this starting winning information is executed. On the other hand, at this time, in the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b, the starting winning prize information in the first storage area is not shifted, and after that, when the start timing of the variable display of the special figure in the state where the second special figure reservation number is 0 is reached, it is shifted to the execution area (execution target area), and the judgment such as the special figure winning judgment based on this starting winning prize information is executed.

The normal pattern holding storage unit 64c stores operation entry ball information such as normal winning random numbers (random numbers for determining (lottery) whether or not normal patterns are winning) acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball passing through the gate 13. When the game ball passes through the gate 13 while the normal pattern display device 53 variably displays the normal patterns, the operation of the normal pattern display device 53 caused by the passage is temporarily suspended (operation suspended), and the normal winning random number obtained due to the passage is stored in the normal pattern storage part 64c. The variable display of the normal symbols withheld is performed after the currently performed variable display of the normal symbols is finished. In the pachinko game machine 1, the normal pattern suspension storage unit 64c has a storage area for performing a total of four suspensions, and the number of operation suspensions stored in the normal symbol display device 53 is four at maximum. The operation entry information such as normal hit random numbers is stored in the order of occurrence of operation suspension, that is, in the order of acquisition by the game control microcomputer 61, from the first storage area of the normal pattern suspension storage unit 64c. Therefore, when the operational entry information is stored in the first to fourth storage areas, the operational entry information stored in the fourth storage area is temporally the newest information, and the operational entry information stored in the first storage area is the temporally oldest information. Hereinafter, the memory number of operation suspension of the normal symbol display 53 is referred to as the normal symbol suspension number.

In addition, the notification storage unit 64d is adapted to store a specific pitch difference notified from the frame control board 150 (a frame control microcomputer 151, which will be described later).

A RAM clear switch 66 is mounted on the main control board 60 . The RAM clear switch 66 can be pressed from the rear surface side of the pachinko game machine 1 in the same manner as the setting change board 260 . The pachinko game machine 1 initializes the RAM 64 and the RAM 120 of the sub-control board 100 when started with the RAM clear switch 66 pressed.

Also, the display devices 50 are electrically connected to the main control board 60 . Further, to the main control board 60, via a relay board 74, winning detection sensors (first starting hole sensor 10b, second starting hole sensor 12c, general winning hole sensor 11a, big winning hole sensor 14c), gate sensor 13a, big winning hole solenoid 14d, and second starting hole solenoid 12d are electrically connected via a relay board 74.

The first starting hole sensor 10b is provided directly under the first starting hole 10a and outputs a signal to the main control board 60 indicating that the game ball has entered the first starting hole 10a. The general winning hole sensor 11 a is provided directly under the general winning hole 11 and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the general winning hole 11 to the main control board 60 . The big winning hole sensor 14c is provided directly under the big winning hole 14a, and outputs to the main control board 60 a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the big winning hole 14a. The gate sensor 13 a is provided in a game ball passage area of the gate 13 and outputs a signal to the main control board 60 indicating that the game ball has passed through the gate 13 . The second starting hole sensor 12c is provided directly under the second starting hole 12a, and outputs a signal to the main control board 60 indicating that the game ball has entered the second starting hole 12a. When a game ball is detected by a sensor other than the gate sensor 13a among the sensors 10b, 11a, 12c, 13a, and 14c, conditions for awarding a predetermined number of prize balls to each sensor are established.

Also, the main control board 60 is electrically connected to the big winning opening solenoid 14d and the second starting opening solenoid 12d. The big winning opening solenoid 14d drives the special opening/closing member 14b of the big winning device 14 to open and close. The second starting solenoid 12d drives the normal opening/closing member 12b of the second winning device 12 to open and close.

(Emission control circuit 75)
Furthermore, the firing control circuit 75 (see FIG. 3) is electrically connected to the main control board 60 via the frame control board 150 . The main control board 60 outputs a launch permission signal to the launch control circuit 75 via the frame control board 150 when it is in a playable state in which it is possible to play a game. The ball feed solenoid 36b (ball feed section 36) and the launcher 90 are electrically connected to the firing control circuit 75. As shown in FIG. The shooting device 90 includes a shooting motor 91 for driving a hitting mallet 90a for hitting and shooting a game ball, a touch switch 92 for outputting a signal indicating that the player has touched the handle 4, and a shooting volume 93 for adjusting the intensity of hitting the game ball with the hitting mallet 90a according to the amount of displacement caused by the rotation of the shooting lever 4a. The shooting control circuit 75 receives a shooting permission signal and a signal from the touch switch 92 indicating the player's contact with the handle 4, controls the shooting motor 91 so as to drive the hammer 90a with a striking intensity corresponding to the amount of displacement of the shooting volume 93, and drives the ball feed solenoid 36b to supply the game balls one by one to the shooting standby position to periodically shoot the game balls (for example, at intervals of 0.6 seconds). On the other hand, the shooting control circuit 75 stops driving the shooting motor 91 and the ball feed solenoid 36b in a state in which the shooting permission signal is not input (game disabled state described later).

(Frame control board 150)
As shown in FIG. 3, the frame control board 150 is electrically connected to the setting change board 260, the lending unit 76, the ball lending button 251, the returning button 252, the lifting motor 34c, the recovery sensor 33, the shooting sensor 37, the game ball number display 26, etc., in addition to the above-described firing control circuit 75. A frame control one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a frame control microcomputer) 151 is mounted on the frame control board 150 . In addition, in this embodiment, a reset button 180 for resetting the stored values of the number of game balls (current number of balls, maximum number of balls, minimum number of balls, specific number of balls, maximum number of balls) is arranged on the frame control board 150, and the reset button 180 is electrically connected to the frame control microcomputer 151.

The frame control microcomputer 151 includes a CPU 152 , a ROM 160 , a RAM 170 and an input/output circuit 153 . The CPU 152 of the frame control microcomputer 151 executes input of setting values set by operations on the setting change board 260, transmission and reception of information (signal input/output) with the lending unit 76, display control of the game ball number display 26, drive control of the ball feed solenoid 36b, drive control of the lift motor 34c, and the like. Further, through the input/output circuit 153, detection signals from the recovery sensor 33 and the actual shooting sensor 37 are input.

In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, information is output from the frame control board 150 to the sub control board 100 via the main control board 60 . Here, the frame control board 150 is configured to be able to output to the sub-control board 100 (via the main control board 60) information on the number of balls held and the number of specific balls, information on set values (probabilities of big wins), information on the abnormal state of the ball circulation mechanism 30, and the like. However, such a configuration is not essential, and the frame control board 150 and the sub-control board 100 may be directly wired to output information from the frame control board 150 directly to the sub-control board 100.
Time information from a later-described RTC (real time clock) 124 mounted on the sub-control board 100 is also input to the frame control microcomputer 151 of the frame control board 150 . Alternatively, an RTC may be mounted on the frame control board 150 and time information may be input to the frame control microcomputer 151 from this RTC.

The ROM 160 stores a computer program executed by the CPU 152 and a value indicating a predetermined specific number of difference balls (reference number, index number) that serves as a reference for determination, which will be described later. RAM 170 is used as a work memory or the like when CPU 152 executes a computer program. The RAM 170 is also provided with a pitch number storage unit 171 for storing the number of pitches held and a pitch difference storage unit 172 for storing a specific number of pitches difference. The pitch difference storage unit 172 has a current pitch difference storage area 172a, a maximum pitch difference storage area 172b, a minimum pitch difference storage area 172c, a specific pitch difference storage area 172d, and a maximum difference number storage area 172e. The current ball difference storage area 172a is a storage area for storing a numerical value corresponding to the current ball difference (any of the game ball numbers from -99999 to 99999) calculated by adding the number of game balls each time a prize ball (acquired ball) is generated and subtracting the number of game balls each time a shot ball (consumed ball) is generated. The maximum difference number of balls storage area 172b is a storage area for storing a numerical value corresponding to the number of game balls calculated as the current number of game balls which is 0 or more and the largest current number of difference balls (any of the number of game balls from 0 to 99999). The minimum number of game balls storage area 172c is a storage area for storing a numerical value corresponding to the smallest number of game balls which is 0 or less (any number of game balls from -99999 to 0) among the number of game balls calculated as the current number of game balls. The specified number of difference balls storage area 172d is a storage area for storing a numerical value obtained by subtracting the lowest number of difference balls (negative number) from the current number of difference balls (positive number to negative number) (that is, a numerical value corresponding to the specific number of difference balls, which is an increase value from the lowest value of the difference number of balls, and any number of game balls from -99999 to 99999). The maximum difference number of balls storage area 172e is a storage area for storing a numerical value obtained by subtracting the lowest difference number of balls (negative number) from the highest difference number of balls (positive number) (that is, a numerical value corresponding to the maximum difference number of balls, which is the maximum value of the fluctuation range of the difference number of balls, and any number of game balls from 0 to 99999).
The RAM 170 also stores the number of remaining balls obtained by subtracting the number of detections by the recovery sensor 33 from the number of detections by the actual shooting sensor 37, and the like. Each stored value (current pitch difference, maximum pitch difference, minimum pitch difference, specific pitch difference, and maximum difference pitch number) in the pitch difference storage unit 172 is reset by inputting a state return signal to the frame control microcomputer 151 (CPU 152) accompanying the operation of pressing the reset button 180 on the frame control board 150 (state return operation).

The setting values changed by the setting change board 260 are detected by a detection circuit (not shown) and output from the detection circuit to the frame control microcomputer 151 . The setting change board 260 is provided with a setting key insertion portion (not shown) for inserting a setting key, and a switch (not shown) for changing the set value used to change the setting of the probability of a big win. The setting value is any value of 1 to 6, and each value is associated with a different jackpot probability (probability of winning in the special figure hitting determination executed by the game control microcomputer 61). Each set value is associated with a higher jackpot probability as the number is larger. That is, in the pachinko game machine 1, the jackpot probability can be set according to the set value so that the set value 1 has the lowest jackpot probability and the set value 6 has the highest jackpot probability. Note that the setting values 1 to 6 are examples, and the number of types of setting values may be 7 or more or 5 or less (only one type in some cases). In the pachinko game machine 1, setting values are displayed on a dedicated display (not shown) provided on the setting change board 260 when changing settings or confirming settings.

A lending unit 76 specifies the amount (balance) by identifying bills inserted into the slot or reading the storage medium inserted into the slot, and outputs the amount information to the pachinko game machine 1.例文帳に追加This money amount information is input to the frame control microcomputer 151 of the frame control board 150 . A frame control microcomputer 151 specifies the amount (balance) from the amount information from the lending unit 76, and controls the giving of lending balls (lending of game balls) according to the player's operation of the ball lending button 251 within the range of the number of game balls corresponding to the amount. In the case of lending balls, the frame control microcomputer 151 lends game balls to the player by adding the number of balls to the number of balls stored in the number-of-balls storage unit 171 . In addition, the frame control microcomputer 151 outputs game end information to the lending unit 76 and resets the stored value (number of balls) stored in the number-of-balls storage unit 171 in response to the operation of the return button 252 by the player.

The frame control microcomputer 151 subtracts the number of balls stored in the number of balls stored in the number of balls stored in the number of balls in possession storage unit 171 and subtracts the number of current balls stored in the current number of difference in balls storage area 172a of the number of difference in balls storage unit 172 in response to detection by the actual shooting sensor 37 (occurrence of the number of balls consumed). Further, when the current number of difference balls is updated to the maximum value, the number of highest difference balls stored in the highest number of difference balls storage area 172b is updated, and when the number of current difference balls is updated to the lowest value, the lowest number of difference balls stored in the lowest number of difference balls storage area 172c is updated. Furthermore, in accordance with the update of the current number of difference pitches, the specific number of difference pitches stored in the specific number of difference pitches storage area 172d is updated. Furthermore, when either one of the maximum number of difference balls and the number of minimum difference balls is updated, the specific number of difference balls stored in the specific number of difference balls storage area 172e is updated.
Then, according to the change in the number of game balls stored in the number-of-balls storage unit 171 and the number-of-difference-balls storage unit 172, the display contents of the number-of-games-balls display 26 (for example, the number of the number of balls, the number of current balls, the number of specific balls, and the maximum number of difference balls) are updated. Further, when the updated specific number of difference balls becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined number of game balls (first index number to be described later), the specific number of difference balls is notified to the game control microcomputer 61 of the main control board 60 each time the number of specific difference balls changes. In addition, the frame control microcomputer 151 specifies the current number of remaining balls in the game area 3 by subtracting the number of detections by the collection sensor 33 from the number of detections by the actual shooting sensor 37, and outputs information on the abnormal state of the ball circulation mechanism 30 to the game control microcomputer 61 when the specified number of remaining balls is out of the normal range. The determination of the predetermined number of specific balls (index number, reference number) by the frame control microcomputer 151 will be described later in detail with reference to FIGS. 29, 31 and the like.

(Power board 70)
The pachinko game machine 1 has a power board 70. - 特許庁The power board 70 supplies power to the main control board 60 and the frame control board 150 . Also, the power board 70 supplies power through the frame control board 150 to each device electrically connected to the frame control board 150 . The power supply board 70 also supplies power from the main control board 60 through the relay board 74 to each sensor and solenoid electrically connected to the relay board 74 . In addition, the power supply board 70 supplies power through the main control board 60 to the displays 50 electrically connected to the main control board 60 .

A backup power supply circuit 71 is provided on the power supply board 70 . The backup power supply circuit 71 supplies power necessary for holding information to the RAM 64 of the main control board 60, the RAM 170 of the frame control board 150, etc., when power is not supplied to the pachinko game machine 1 from the outside. The power supply board 70 is electrically connected to a power switch 72 for turning on/off a main power supply that supplies power to the power supply board 70 .

(Sub-control board 100)
The sub control board 100 ( FIG. 4 ) is electrically connected to the main control board 60 . However, the sub-control board 100 cannot send commands to the main control board 60 . In other words, communication between the sub-control board 100 and the main control board 60 is unidirectional communication in which only transmission from the main control board 60 to the sub-control board 100 is possible.

As shown in FIG. 4, the sub-control board 100 is mounted with a one-chip microcomputer for controlling effects (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer for controlling effects) 101 . The effect control microcomputer 101 includes a CPU 102 , a ROM 110 , a RAM 120 and an input/output circuit 103 . The CPU 102 controls an effect along with the game. The ROM 110 stores computer programs for the CPU 102 to control effects, as well as various tables. RAM 120 is used as a work memory when CPU 102 executes a computer program. In addition, the RAM 120 is provided with a first special figure reservation effect storage unit 121, a second special figure reservation effect storage unit 122, and a variation effect storage unit 123.

The first special figure reservation effect storage unit 121 has four storage areas consisting of first to fourth storage areas, and each storage area stores the start winning prize information (random value etc.) indicated by the first starting winning command output (transmitted) from the main control board 60. The first start winning command is a command including a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a variation pattern random number and a reach random number obtained by the game control microcomputer 61 when the game ball has entered the first start hole 10a.

On the other hand, the second special figure reservation effect storage unit 122 has four storage areas consisting of first to fourth storage areas, and each storage area stores the start winning prize information (random value etc.) indicated by the second starting winning command output (transmitted) from the main control board 60. The second start winning command is a command including a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a variation pattern random number and a reach random number obtained by the game control microcomputer 61 when the game ball has entered the second start port 12a.

The variable effect storage unit 123 stores start winning information (random number etc.) indicated by the first start winning command or the second starting winning command used for the change of the changing effect pattern. The input/output circuit 103 transmits data to or receives data from each board connected to the sub-control board 100 .

A real-time clock (RTC) 124 is mounted on the sub-control board 100 . The RTC 124 measures the current date and time (date and time). For example, when power is supplied from an external power supply to the pachinko game machine 1, the RTC 124 operates by the power, and when power is not supplied from the external power supply, the RTC 124 operates by power supplied from a backup power supply circuit 71 provided on the power supply board 70.例文帳に追加Therefore, the RTC 124 can measure the current date and time even when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is not powered on or when the contents stored in the RAM 120 are cleared. A backup power supply circuit for supplying power to the RTC 124 may be provided in the sub-control board 100 . In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, time information indicating time or date is input from the RTC 124 on the sub-control board 100 to the effect control microcomputer 101 provided on the same board 100 and the frame control microcomputer 151 provided on the frame control board 150 described above.

An image control board 200 is electrically connected to the sub-control board 100 . The image control board 200 includes a VDP 201 (Video Display Processor), an image control CPU 202, a control ROM 203, a control RAM 204, a CGROM (Character Generator Read Only Memory) 205, and a VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) 206. The image control CPU 202 controls the effect display device 7 to display effect images such as a variable effect pattern, a button effect image, and a notice image. The control ROM 203 stores a computer program for the image control CPU 202 to control the effect display device 7 . The control RAM 204 is used as a work memory when the image control CPU 202 executes computer programs. The CGROM 205 stores image data for the effect display device 7 to display effect images. The VDP 201 reads image data from the CGROM 205 according to the display list created by the image control CPU 202 and develops the read image data in the development area in the VRAM 206 . The VDP 201 synthesizes the image data developed in the VRAM 206 and stores the synthesized image data in the frame buffer in the VRAM 206 . The VDP 201 converts the image data stored in the frame buffer in the VRAM 206 into RGB signals and outputs them to the effect display device 7 . Thereby, the effect display device 7 displays the effect image.

The sub-control board 100 is electrically connected via the lamp control board 79 to the board lamp 2a, the effect button lamp 5c, the left side lamp 23a, the right side lamp 23b, the top lamp 23c, and the movable body motor 23d. The effect control microcomputer 101 uses data stored in the ROM 110 to create light emission pattern data that determines the light emission mode of each lamp, and transmits the light emission pattern data to the lamp control board 79 . Then, the lamp control board 79 performs light emission control of each lamp according to the received light emission pattern data. In addition, the effect control microcomputer 101 uses the data stored in the ROM 110 to create rotating operation pattern data that determines the operation mode of the rotating reflector in the top lamp 23c, and transmits the rotating operation pattern data to the lamp control board 79. Then, the lamp control board 79 performs drive control of the movable body motor 23d according to the received rotation operation pattern data.

Each speaker 8 is electrically connected to the sub-control board 100 via the audio control board 78 . The audio control board 78 is equipped with an audio control CPU (not shown), an audio data ROM (not shown), an audio synthesizing circuit (not shown), and an amplifier (not shown). The audio data ROM stores audio data for each speaker 8 to output sounds such as music and sound effects. The voice control CPU reads voice data from the voice data ROM based on the command received from the sub-control board 100, and outputs the read voice data to the voice synthesizing circuit. The speech synthesizing circuit synthesizes the input speech data, converts the synthesized synthesized speech data into an analog speech signal, and outputs the analog speech signal to the amplifier. The amplifier amplifies the input audio signal and outputs it to each speaker 8 . Each speaker 8 outputs a sound indicated by the input audio signal.

In addition, the sub-control board 100 is electrically connected with the production button detection switch 5a, the production lever push detection switch 6a, the production lever rotation detection switch 6b, the production button vibration motor 5b, and the production lever vibration motor 6c.

The performance button detection switch 5a outputs to the sub-control board 100 a signal indicating that the performance button 5 has been pressed. The production control microcomputer 101 executes the button production based on the signal input from the production button detection switch 5a. The production lever push detection switch 6a outputs to the sub-control board 100 a signal indicating that the production lever 6 has been pushed. The production control microcomputer 101 executes a lever production performed when the production lever 6 is pushed in based on a signal input from the production lever push detection switch 6a. The production lever rotation detection switch 6b outputs to the sub-control board 100 a signal indicating that the production lever 6 has been rotated. The production control microcomputer 101 executes a lever production performed when the production lever 6 is rotated based on a signal input from the production lever rotation detection switch 6b.

The performance button vibration motor 5b is a member for vibrating the performance button 5 and is accommodated inside the performance button 5. - 特許庁The production lever vibration motor 6c is a member that vibrates the production lever 6, and is provided in a portion in contact with the production lever 6 or inside the production lever 6. The ROM 110 stores operation pattern data for determining the operation pattern of the effect button vibration motor 5b and operation pattern data for determining the operation pattern of the effect lever vibration motor 6c. A performance control microcomputer 101 reads operation pattern data from a ROM 110 when the performance timing for vibrating the performance button 5 comes, and drives and controls a performance button vibration motor 5b based on the read operation pattern data. In addition, the performance control microcomputer 101 reads the operation pattern data from the ROM 110 when the performance timing for vibrating the performance lever 6 comes, and drives and controls the performance lever vibration motor 6c based on the read operation pattern data.

(Description of game state)
Next, the game state of the pachinko game machine 1 will be described.
The pachinko game machine 1 has a probability variation function and a variation time shortening function for displays (display of special symbols and normal symbols) on the special symbol displays 51, 52 and the normal symbol display 53, respectively. The state in which the probability variation function of the special symbol display devices 51 and 52 is activated is called "high probability state" or "high probability state (probability variable state)", and the state in which it is not activated is called "normal probability state (non-high probability state)" or "low probability state (non-probability variable state)". In the high probability state, the jackpot probability is higher than in the normal probability state. It should be noted that, when the judgment result hits in the special figure hit determination, a big hit gaming state is generated. After the end of this jackpot game state, it is determined by a lottery (jackpot type determination) at the time of jackpot whether to shift to the high probability state or the normal probability state. In the following description, the jackpot game state may be referred to as "hit game state" or "difference ball number increase game state".

When the special symbol variation time shortening function is activated, a shorter variation time is more likely to be selected as the special symbol variation time than when it is not activated. As a result, in a state in which the function of shortening the variable time of the special symbols is activated, the pace of digesting the special symbol reservation is quickened, and effective prize winning to the starting port (a prize that can be stored as a special symbol reservation) is likely to occur. Therefore, it is possible to aim for a jackpot winning under the smooth progress of the game.

When the normal pattern probability variation function operates, the probability that the normal pattern fixedly displayed on the normal pattern display device 53 becomes a normal winning pattern (a normal pattern indicating that the normal pattern is determined to be winning in the lottery of the normal patterns) becomes higher than when it does not operate. In addition, when the normal symbol variation time shortening function is activated, the normal symbol variation time is shortened compared to when it is not activated. For example, the variation time of normal symbols is 10 seconds when the variation time shortening function is not activated, but it is 1 second when the variation time shortening function is activated.

In the present embodiment, there are a game state in which neither the special symbol probability variation function nor the variation time shortening function operates (here, state 1), a game state in which both the special symbol probability variation function and the variation time shortening function operate simultaneously (here, state 2), and a game state in which only the variation time shortening function of the special symbol probability variation function and the variation time shortening function operates (here, state 3). Then, the probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the normal symbol operate in synchronization with the variation time shortening function of the special symbol. That is, in states 2 and 3 in which the special symbol variation time shortening function operates, the normal symbol probability variation function and variation time shortening function also operate. Therefore, the variation time of normal symbols in state 1 is 10 seconds, and the variation time of normal symbols in states 2 and 3 is 1 second.

In addition, the opening time extension function and the number of times of opening increase function of the second winning device 12 are activated in synchronization with the probability variation function and the variation time reduction function of the normal symbols. In the state (states 2 and 3) in which the opening time extension function and the opening frequency increasing function of the second prize winning device 12 are activated, the opening time of the second prize winning device 12 (second start port 12a) in the auxiliary game is longer and the number of times of opening is increased as compared with the case of non-activation (state 1). The auxiliary game is a game of opening and closing the second starting port 12a in an opening pattern according to the current game state when the confirmed and displayed normal symbol is a predetermined specific normal symbol. Under the condition that the probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the normal pattern display device 53 and the opening time extension function and the opening frequency increasing function of the second prize winning device 12 are operating, the second prize winning device 12 is opened more frequently than when these functions are not operated, and the game balls enter the second starting port 12a frequently. As a result, the ratio (base) of the number of prize balls to the number of shot balls increases, so the player can aim for a big win without significantly reducing the number of game balls in hand. Here, the control that supports the winning of the second starting port 12a by activating at least one of the opening time extension function and the opening number increasing function of the second prize winning device 12 is called "electric support control". In addition, in this embodiment, while operating the probability variation function and the variation time reduction function of the normal symbol display 53, the "power supply control" is executed. In the following description, the state in which the electric sapo control is performed (support state) is referred to as the "high base state (time saving state)", and the state in which the electric sapo control is not performed (non-support state) is referred to as the "low base state (non-time saving state)". The "high base state" of the present embodiment is generated by performing "electric support control" by the opening time extension function and the opening number increasing function of the second winning device 12 while operating the probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the normal symbol display 53. That is, the high base state is an advantageous gaming state (privilege gaming state) that is more advantageous to the player than the low base state.

Thus, there are three states 1 to 3 as game states other than the jackpot game state in the pachinko game machine 1, and states 2 and 3 (high base state) are more advantageous to the player than state 1 (low base state). In the following description, state 1 described above is described as "low-probability-low base state (normal game state)", state 2 as "high-probability-high base state", and state 3 as "low-probability-high base state". As another game state (state 4), a high-probability-low base state (a game state in which the special symbol probability variation function is activated and the special symbol variation time shortening function and the normal symbol probability variation function and variation time shortening function are not activated) may be generated. Among these game states, the low-probability-high base state, the high-probability-high base state, and the high-probability-low base state are game states (advantageous game state) more advantageous to the player than the low-probability-low base state (normal game state). As described above, the high base state (time saving state) is a game state that assists the winning of the second start port 12a by electric sapo control, and is generally a game state that makes it easy to win a game ball in the second start port 12a. Here, the expression ``easily allowing a game ball to enter the second starting port 12a'' refers to a state in which the opening time of the second starting port 12a within a unit time is maintained as long as possible by the operation of the above-described opening time extension function or opening frequency increasing function.

Here, the jackpot gaming state will be described. The jackpot game state includes one or more round games (hereinafter referred to as "rounds") in which the special opening/closing member 14b is operated by driving the big winning opening solenoid 14d to open the big winning opening 14a, and a plurality of game balls are allowed to enter the big winning opening 14a during the round. The jackpot game state is composed of a round period in which one or more rounds are performed, an opening period provided before the start of the round period, and an ending period provided after the end of the round period. In the case of including a plurality of rounds, an interval time (round interval) is provided between the rounds, and the special opening/closing member 14b is maintained in the closed state during the interval time. Each round is started with the end of the opening period or the elapse of the interval time (round start condition), and is set to end (round end condition) when the number of prizes awarded to the large prize pool 14a during the round reaches a prescribed maximum number of prizes (8 per 1R in this embodiment) or when the time for closing the large prize pool 14a (maximum round time, 30.0 seconds for each round in this embodiment) is reached.

In the present embodiment, the large winning opening solenoid 14d is driven and controlled so that the large winning opening 14a (special opening/closing member 14b) opens with the start of the round (satisfaction of the start condition), and the closing of the big winning opening 14a (special opening/closing member 14b) with the end of the round (satisfaction of the end condition). In other words, the condition for opening the big winning slot 14a is the same as the condition for starting the round, and the condition for closing the big winning slot 14a is the same as the ending condition for the round. On the other hand, the big winning opening 14a (special opening/closing member 14b) may be opened a plurality of times until the maximum round time in the round elapses. Also, the maximum round time of all rounds does not have to be the same. For example, the maximum round time of a specific number of rounds may be set to 1.0 seconds, and the maximum round time of other rounds may be set to 30.0 seconds.

(Special drawing per determination table TA1-1 to TA1-6)
The special figure hit determination tables TA1-1 to TA1-6 are tables that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when executing special figure hit determination as to whether or not the game control microcomputer 61 is a big hit. The special figure hit determination tables TA1-1 to TA1-6 are configured by associating the game state with the jackpot random number. The ROM 63 of the pachinko game machine 1 stores a table in which jackpot random numbers are associated so that the jackpot probability differs for each set value.
The jackpot random number is a predetermined random number selected from the jackpot random numbers generated by the jackpot random number counter. A computer program for operating the jackpot random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and the CPU 62 executes the computer program to operate the jackpot random number counter and generate a jackpot random number. The jackpot random number counter may use a random number generation circuit such as a counter IC.

FIG. 5 shows a probability setting table TA1 in which different special figure hit determination tables TA1-1 to TA1-6 are associated with each set value.
The probability setting table TA1 is stored in the ROM63. The probability setting table TA1 is composed of special figure hit determination tables TA1-1 to TA1-6 corresponding to set values 1 to 6. In each special figure per determination table TA1-1 to TA1-6, the jackpot probability in the normal probability state (hereinafter referred to as normal probability) and the jackpot probability in the high probability state (hereinafter referred to as high probability) are set respectively.

The special figure hit determination table TA1-1 corresponding to the set value 1 is associated with a jackpot random number such that the normal probability is 1/139.73 and the high probability is 1/45.95. The special figure hit determination table TA1-2 corresponding to the set value 2 is associated with a jackpot random number such that the normal probability is 1/133.20 and the high probability is 1/43.80. The special figure hit determination table TA1-3 corresponding to the set value 3 is associated with a jackpot random number such that the normal probability is 1/128.00 and the high probability is 1/42.09. The special figure hit determination table TA1-4 corresponding to the set value 4 is associated with a jackpot random number such that the normal probability is 1/109.04 and the high probability is 1/35.87. The special figure hit determination table TA1-5 corresponding to the set value 5 is associated with a jackpot random number such that the normal probability is 1/95.81 and the high probability is 1/31.50. The special figure hit determination table TA1-6 corresponding to the set value 6 is associated with a jackpot random number such that the normal probability is 1/91.27 and the high probability is 1/28.51. In addition, this set value is common in the special figure hit determination of the first special figure and the special figure hit determination of the second special figure.

(Jackpot type determination table TA2)
FIG. 6 shows a jackpot type determination table TA2 that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when executing jackpot type determination.
The jackpot type determination table TA2 is configured by associating the type of special figure hit determination (either the first special figure hit determination or the second special figure hit determination) with the jackpot type random number. The jackpot type random number is a predetermined random number selected from the jackpot type random numbers generated by the jackpot type random number counter. A computer program for operating the jackpot type random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and when the CPU 62 executes the computer program, the jackpot type random number counter operates and a jackpot type random number is generated. The jackpot type random number counter may use a random number generation circuit such as a counter IC. In the pachinko game machine 1, there are "2R non-probability variable jackpot", "2R probability variable jackpot", and "10R probability variable jackpot" as types of jackpots. “2R non-variable jackpot” and “2R variable jackpot” are jackpot gaming states (2R jackpot) in which two rounds occur during the round period, and “10R variable jackpot” is a jackpot gaming state (10R jackpot) in which 10 rounds occur during the round period.

In addition, the ``2R non-probability variable jackpot'' is a jackpot (non-probability variable jackpot) that shifts to a low-probability high base state with the longest period until the fluctuation display of the special figure (variation performance of the performance pattern) is performed a predetermined number of times (ST number, 100 times in this embodiment) after the end of the big win game state, and then to a low-probability low base state. On the other hand, "2R probability variable jackpot" and "10R probability variable jackpot" are jackpots (probability variable jackpots) that are in a high probability/high base state after the end of the jackpot game state and until the next fluctuation display of the special figure corresponding to the judgment result of the jackpot in the special prize judgment is completed.

Specifically, any one of the big winning patterns 1-1, 1-2 and 1-3 of the special figure 1 is determined as a big winning pattern when the first special figure winning determination is a big win, and one of the special figure 2 big winning patterns 2-1, 2-2 and 2-3 is determined as a big winning pattern when the second special figure winning determination is a big win. Of these jackpot patterns 1-1 to 1-3 and 2-1 to 2-3, the jackpot patterns 1-1 and 2-1 are jackpot patterns corresponding to generating a "2R non-probability variable jackpot", the jackpot patterns 1-2 and 2-2 are jackpot patterns corresponding to generating a "2R probability variable jackpot", and the jackpot patterns 1-3 and 2-3 are "10R probability variable jackpot".
It is a jackpot pattern corresponding to generating. When judging the first jackpot type, the jackpot type random number values ``0'' to ``49'' are associated with the jackpot pattern 1-1, the values ``50'' to ``89'' are associated with the jackpot pattern 1-2, and the values ``90'' to ``99'' are associated with the jackpot pattern 1-3. Further, when judging the second jackpot type, the jackpot type random number values ``0'' to ``49'' are associated with the jackpot pattern 2-1, the values ``50'' to ``59'' are associated with the jackpot pattern 2-2, and the values ``60'' to ``99'' are associated with the jackpot pattern 2-3. That is, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, the number of jackpot type random numbers associated with a specific jackpot type is made different depending on whether it is the first special prize hit determination or the second special prize hit determination. And, in the second special figure hit determination, it is easier to determine "10R probability variable jackpot" than the first special figure hit determination.

In this embodiment, as described above, the high base state after the variable probability big win continues until the next big win game state occurs, and the high base state after the non-variable big win ends with the maximum period until the fluctuation display of the special figure (variation performance of the production pattern) is performed 100 times, and then shifts to the low base condition. In the following description, the period from the occurrence of the big winning game state in the low base state to the return to the low base state is sometimes called "continuous game period", and the number of occurrences of the big winning game state during one continuous game period is sometimes called "number of consecutive games". That is, the consecutive game period ends at the timing when the high base state generated after the end of the 2R non-probable variable jackpot reaches the longest period (100 times of variable performance) without developing into a new jackpot game state and shifts to the low base state (normal game state). In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 61 or the performance control microcomputer 101 calculates and stores the number of consecutive games for each consecutive game period. Then, at the end of the consecutive residence period or the like, the effect display device 7 is configured to display the number of consecutive residences in the past predetermined times in the consecutive residence period.

(reach determination table)
The reach determination table (not shown) is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when determining whether or not to select a special figure variation pattern in which reach appears when the result of the special figure hit determination is a loss. Here, the ready-to-win means a state in which a plurality of performance symbols constituting a part of the combination of the big win performance symbols are stopped and displayed during the variable time for variably displaying the performance symbols on the performance display device 7, and the pattern row (symbol group) including the remaining performance symbols constituting the combination of the big win performance symbols is not stopped (variably displayed).

For example, when one of the combinations of the jackpot performance symbols is ``777'', ``7'' is stop-displayed as the left performance symbol 7L in the left performance symbol display area, ``7'' is stop-displayed as the right performance symbol 7R in the right performance symbol display area, and the middle performance symbol 7C is variably displayed in the middle performance symbol display area. The concept of reach includes a state in which the intermediate effect symbol 7C is scrolled, a state in which it is swaying, a state in which enlargement and reduction are repeated, and the like.

The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not to select the special figure variation pattern in which the reach appears when the result of the special figure per determination is a loss. The reach determination table is configured by associating game states with reach random numbers. The reach random number is a predetermined random number selected from the reach random numbers generated by the reach random number counter. A computer program for operating the reach random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and when the CPU 62 executes the computer program, the reach random number counter operates to generate reach random numbers. In the pachinko game machine 1, a reach random number is set when the game state is the low base state and a reach random number is set when the game state is the high base state.
The reach random number determined to have reach is set smaller in the high base state than in the low base state. As a result, the probability of being determined to have reach in the high base state is lower than in the low base state. That is, since the probability of being determined to be without reach increases, the probability of selecting a special figure variation pattern without reach increases accordingly when selecting a special figure variation pattern. For this reason, in the high base state, the pace of digestion of the number of reserved special figures becomes faster. The reach determination table in the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be the same or different between the lottery for the first special symbol and the lottery for the second special symbol.

(Special figure variation pattern selection table TA3)
The special figure variation pattern selection table TA3 (FIG. 7) is a table referred to when the game control microcomputer 61 determines the special figure variation pattern by lottery. The special figure variation pattern selection table TA3 is configured by associating the game state, the result of determination (special figure hit determination and reach determination), the number of special figure reservations, the variation pattern random number, the special figure variation pattern, the variation time, and the stop time. In addition, you may match about a jackpot classification. As the special figure variation patterns, there are variation patterns P1, P2, P7 and P8 for big hit variation and variation patterns P3 to P6, P9 and P10 for loss variation. In addition, the fluctuation patterns P3 to P6, P9, P10 for the loss fluctuation can be classified into the loss fluctuation pattern P3, P4, P9 with reach selected when it is judged that there is reach in the reach judgment, and the loss fluctuation pattern P5, P6, P10 without reach selected when it is judged that there is no reach in the reach judgment. In the present embodiment, regardless of the type of special symbol (whether it is special figure 1 or special figure 2), any one of the special figure variation patterns P1 to P6 is determined in the low base state, and one of the special figure variation patterns P7 to P10 is determined in the high base state.

Specifically, in the low base state, when the result of the special figure hit determination is a big hit, the special figure variation pattern P1 (variation time 70 seconds, stop time 0.5 seconds) is selected with a probability of 90%, and the special figure variation pattern P2 (variation time 70 seconds, stop time 0.5 seconds) is selected with a probability of the remaining 10%. On the other hand, when the result of the special figure hit determination is a loss and the determination by the reach random number indicates that there is a reach, the special figure variation pattern P3 (variation time 60 seconds, stop time 0.5 second) is selected with a probability of 10%, and the special figure variation pattern P4 (variation time 20 seconds, stop time 0.5 second) is selected with a probability of 90%. In addition, if the result of the special figure hit determination is a loss and the determination by the reach random number is no reach, if the number of pending operations is 0 to 2, the special figure fluctuation pattern P5 (variation time 13 seconds, stop time 0.5 seconds) is selected, and if the number of pending operations is 3 or more, the special figure fluctuation pattern P6 (variation time 8 seconds, stop time 0.5 seconds) is selected. The special figure fluctuation patterns P1 and P3 specify the SP ready-to-win performance as the performance contents during the variable performance, the special figure variation patterns P2 and P4 specify the normal ready-to-win performance as the performance contents during the variable performance, and the special figure variation patterns P5 and P6 specify the normal variable performance (non-reach performance) as the performance contents during the variable performance.

In addition, in the high base state, when the result of the special figure hit determination is a big hit, the special figure variation pattern P7 (variation time is 2 seconds and stop time is 0.5 seconds) is selected with a probability of 90%, and the special figure variation pattern P8 (variation time is 30 seconds and stop time is 0.5 seconds) is selected with a remaining 10% probability. On the other hand, if the result of the special figure hit determination is lost and the reach random number determines that there is a reach, the special figure variation pattern P9 (variation time 29 seconds, stop time 0.5 seconds) is selected with a probability of 100%. Also, if the result of the special figure hit determination is a loss and the determination by the reach random number is no reach, the special figure variation pattern P10 (variation time 5 seconds, stop time 0.5 seconds) is selected with a probability of 100%. A special figure variation pattern P7 specifies a full rotation performance (big win fixed variation performance) as the performance contents during the variable performance, special figure variation patterns P8 and P9 specify the SP reach performance as the performance contents during the variation performance, and a special figure variation pattern P10 specifies the normal variation performance (non-reach performance) as the performance contents during the variation performance.

(Description of board structure and game state)
As described with reference to FIG. 1A, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, game balls can be separately hit to the left game area 3L or the right game area 3R. A first starting opening 10a and a general winning opening 11 are arranged in the left gaming area 3L, and a big winning opening 14a, a gate 13 and a second starting opening 12a are arranged in the right gaming area 3R. Therefore, when a game ball is shot aiming at the first starting hole 10a, the game ball can win the first starting hole 10a, but cannot win the second starting hole 12a. Similarly, when a game ball is shot aiming at the second starting hole 12a, the game ball can win the second starting hole 12a, but cannot win the first starting hole 10a. Hereinafter, shooting a game ball aiming at the left game area 3L is called "left hitting", and shooting a game ball aiming at the right game area 3R is called "right hitting". In the "low base state (low probability low base state)", the player aims to win a prize to the first starting port 10a. Therefore, "left hitting" that guides the game ball to the left game area 3L is an advantageous game technique for the player. In the "high-base state (high-probability-high base state, low-probability-high base state)", you will aim to win a prize to the second start port 12a. Therefore, the "right hit" that guides the game ball to the right game area 3R is an advantageous game technique for the player. In addition, in the "jackpot game state", the player aims to win a prize to the big prize winning opening 14a. Therefore, the "right hit" that guides the game ball to the right game area 3R is an advantageous game technique for the player.

(Main processing of game control microcomputer 61)
Next, the main processing executed by the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 3) will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, the contents of the main side main control process executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.

When the power of the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, the game control microcomputer 61 reads and executes the computer program of the main side main control process shown in FIG. 8 from the ROM 63 . The game control microcomputer 61 first performs initial setting (step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 1). In this initial setting, for example, stack setting, constant setting, interrupt time setting, CPU 62 setting, SIO (System Input/Output), PIO (Parallel Input/Output), CTC (Counter/Timer Circuit: circuit for managing interrupt time) setting, resetting of various flags, counters, timers, etc. are performed.

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 performs setting value setting processing (S2). In the setting value setting process, the setting value data backed up in the RAM 64 or the setting value data indicating the setting values set by operating the setting change board 260 are stored in the RAM 64 .

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes interruption prohibition (S3), and executes a normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S4). In this normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process, the initial value of each random number counter that generates the aforementioned jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, reach random number and variation pattern random number is updated by adding "1" to each. When the count value of each random number counter reaches the upper limit, it returns to "0" and "1" is added again. The initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0", or may be changed randomly. Further, the count value of each random number counter may be updated by adding a numerical value of "2" or more. Also, each random number may be a so-called hardware random number generated using a known random number generating circuit such as a counter IC. If this hardware random number is used, the random number updating process (S4) by software is not required.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes interruption permission (S5). While the interrupt is enabled, the main side timer interrupt processing (S6) can be executed. The main-side timer interrupt processing (S6) is executed, for example, based on an interrupt pulse input to the CPU 62 at a 4 msec cycle. That is, it is executed at a 4 msec cycle. Then, after the main side timer interrupt processing (S6) is finished and before the next main side timer interrupt processing (S6) is started, the initial value update processing of various counters by normal symbol/special symbol main random number update processing (S4) is executed. If an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 62 in the interrupt disabled state, the main timer interrupt processing (S6) is not started immediately, but is started after the interrupt permission (S5) is executed.

Next, the contents of the main timer interrupt process (S6 in FIG. 8) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.

The game control microcomputer 61 executes output processing (S10). In this output process, the command set in the output buffer provided in the RAM 64 of the main control board 60, the information indicating the setting value changed by the setting change board 260, etc. in each process described below are output (transmitted) to the sub control board 100 (FIG. 4), the frame control board 150 (FIG. 3), and the like. The game control microcomputer 61 also outputs (transmits) a variation start command for normal patterns indicating that the normal patterns start to fluctuate when the normal patterns start to fluctuate, and a variation start command for special patterns indicating that the special patterns start to fluctuate when the special patterns start to fluctuate. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes input processing (S11). In this input process, each detection signal detected by various sensors (first start sensor 10b, general winning sensor 11a, big winning sensor 14c, gate sensor 13a, second sensor 12c, etc.) attached to the pachinko game machine 1 is read. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes timer update processing (S12). In this timer update process, a subtraction counter operating as a timer is updated (decremented). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes prize ball control processing (S13). In this prize ball control process, a prize ball command for awarding a prize ball corresponding to the type of the winning hole is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 based on the detection signals of the various sensors read in the input process (S11). This prize ball command is transmitted to the frame control board 150 in the above-described output process (S10). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S14). This normal design/special design main random number update process is the same as the normal design/special design main random number update process (S4) executed in the main side main control process of FIG. In other words, the process of updating the initial value of each random number counter is performed both during the execution period of the main timer interrupt process (S6) and during the other period (the period from the end of the main timer interrupt process (S6) to the start of the next main timer interrupt process (S6)).

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes symbol sensor detection processing (S15), normal action processing (S16), special action processing (S17), difference ball related processing (S18-1), state recovery processing (S18-2), and other processing (S19), which will be described later, and ends the main side timer interrupt processing (S6 in FIG. 8). Other processing (S19) includes security control processing for detecting and notifying fraudulent winning, magnetism detection processing for detecting and notifying fraudulent behavior using magnetism, door opening processing for detecting and notifying the opening of the front frame 18 and inner frame 16, fraudulent radio wave detection processing for detecting and notifying fraudulent behavior using radio waves, impact detection processing for detecting and notifying fraudulent behavior that vibrates the pachinko game machine 1, and the like. Then, until the next interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 62, the processing of S3 to S5 of the main side main control processing is repeatedly executed (FIG. 8), and when the interrupt pulse is input (after about 4 msec), the main side timer interrupt processing (S6 in FIG. 8) is executed again. In the output processing (S10) of the main-side timer interrupt processing that is executed again, the commands and the like set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 in the previous main-side timer interrupt processing (S6 in FIG. 8) are transmitted to a predetermined board.

Next, the details of the pattern sensor detection process (S15 in FIG. 9) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.

The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the gate 13 (FIG. 1A) (S20). The passage of the game ball through the gate 13 is detected by the gate sensor 13a. When determining that the game ball has passed through the gate 13 (S20: YES), the game control microcomputer 61 executes gate passage processing (S21). In this gate passage processing, it is determined whether or not the normal pattern reservation number is 4 or more, and if the normal pattern reservation number is not 4 or more, ``1'' is added to the normal pattern reservation number, and a winning random number etc. (operation entry ball information) for performing the lottery of the normal pattern is acquired and stored in the normal pattern reservation storage part 64c (FIG. 3).

After the end of S21, or when it is determined that the game ball has not passed through the gate 13 (S20: NO), the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the game ball has won the second start port 12a (S22). Here, when it is determined that the game ball has won the second starting hole 12a (S2
2: YES), it is determined whether or not the second special figure pending number U2 is equal to or greater than the upper limit value of "4" (S23). Here, when it is determined that the second special figure reservation number U2 is "4" or more (S23: YES), the process proceeds to S28, but when it is determined that the second special figure reservation number U2 is not "4" or more (S23: NO), 1 is added to the second special figure reservation number U2 (S24). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a second special figure related random value acquisition process (S25). In this second special figure-related random number acquisition process, the jackpot random number counted by the jackpot random number counter, the jackpot type random number counted by the hit type random number counter, the reach random number counted by the reach random number counter, and the variation pattern random number counted by the variation pattern random number counter are obtained, and each of the acquired random numbers (start winning prize information) is stored in a storage area corresponding to the current second special figure reservation number in the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b (Fig. 3). For example, if the current second special figure pending number is "3", each random number is stored in the fourth storage area.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a second start winning command specifying process (S26). In this second starting winning command specifying process, the second starting winning command is specified based on each random value group stored in the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b in S25. This second start winning command is composed of data indicating that the game ball has won the second start opening 12a, data indicating each random number stored in the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b in S25, and the like. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the second starting winning command created in S26 to the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S27). The set second start winning command is output to the sub control board 100 in the output process (S10 in FIG. 9), and the performance controlling microcomputer 101 executes the performance based on the starting winning information such as each random number included in the second starting winning command. In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 creates a second reservation designation command capable of specifying the number of second special figure reservations after updating, and sets the command in the output buffer of the RAM64.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the game ball has won the first starting hole 10a (S28). Here, when it is determined that the game ball has won the first start opening 10a (S28: YES), it is determined whether or not the first special figure reservation number U1 is equal to or greater than the upper limit value "4" (S29). Here, when it is determined that the first special figure reservation number U1 is "4" or more (S29: YES), this symbol sensor detection process is terminated, but when it is determined that the first special figure reservation number U1 is not "4" or more (S29: NO), 1 is added to the first special figure reservation number U1 (S30). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a first special figure-related random number acquisition process (S31). In this first special figure-related random number acquisition process, a jackpot random number, a hit type random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number are acquired, and each of the acquired random numbers (start winning information) is stored in a storage area corresponding to the current first special figure reservation number in the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a (FIG. 3). For example, if the current number of the first special figure pending is "3", each random number is stored in the fourth storage area.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a first start winning command specifying process (S32). In this first starting winning command specifying process, the first starting winning command is specified based on each random value group stored in the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a in S31. This first start winning command is composed of data indicating that the game ball has won the first start opening 10a, data indicating each random number stored in the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a in S31, and the like. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the first start winning command created in S32 to the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S33). The set first start winning command is output to the sub control board 100 in the output process (S10 in FIG. 9), and the performance controlling microcomputer 101 executes the performance based on the starting winning information such as each random number included in the first starting winning command. In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 creates a first reservation specification command capable of specifying the number of the first special figure reservation after updating, and sets the command in the output buffer of the RAM64.

Next, the content of the normal operation process (S16) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 in the above-described main side timer interrupt process (FIG. 9) will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the normal opening/closing member 12b of the second prize winning device 12 is in operation (normal electric accessory is in operation) (S50), and when it is determined that it is not in operation (S50: NO), it determines whether or not normal symbols are being stopped and displayed (S51). Here, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the normal symbols are not being stopped and displayed (S51: NO), it determines whether or not the normal symbols are being variably displayed (S52). Here, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the reserved number V of the normal symbols is "0" (S53: NO), the normal operation process ends.

Further, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S53 that the reserved number V of normal symbols is not "0" (S53: NO), it performs a hit determination process (S54). In this hit determination process (S54), the normal hit random value stored in the normal pattern reservation storage unit 64c (FIG. 3) is read out, and it is determined whether or not there is a hit based on the normal symbol hit determination table. Then, a normal pattern determination process is performed to set the normal pattern stop symbol data according to the result of the hit determination in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 64 (S55). That is, in the normal pattern determination process (S55), if it is "losing", the data corresponding to the "normal losing pattern" is set, and if it is "hitting", the data corresponding to the "normal winning pattern" is set.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 performs a normal pattern fluctuation time determination process (S56). In normal pattern fluctuation time determination processing (S56), a normal pattern fluctuation pattern selection table (not shown) is referred to, and if the game state is a high base state, a normal pattern fluctuation pattern in which the normal pattern fluctuation time is 1 second and the normal pattern stop time is 0.5 second is selected. On the other hand, if the game state is the low base state, a normal symbol variation pattern in which the normal symbol variation time is 10.0 seconds and the normal symbol stop time is 0.5 seconds is selected.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts 1 from the normal symbol reservation number V (S57), and shifts the storage location (storage area) of each normal pattern reservation in the normal pattern reservation storage unit 64c to the side to be read from the current position, and clears the storage area (storage area farthest from the side to be read) corresponding to the fourth reservation in the normal diagram reservation storage unit 64c (S58). In this way, it is made to be digested in the order in which the general map reservation was reserved. After that, the game control microcomputer 61 starts variable display of normal symbols in the normal symbol variation pattern selected in S56 (S59). Along with this, in order to inform the sub-control board 100 of the start of normal symbol variation, a normal symbol variation start command is set. This normal pattern variation start command includes the result of the hit determination in S54 and the normal pattern variation time determined in S56.

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S52 that the normal symbols are being varied and displayed (S52: YES), it determines whether or not the variation time of the normal symbols has ended (S60), and when it determines that it has not ended (S60: NO), it ends the normal operation processing. On the other hand, if it is determined to have ended (S60: YES), the variable display of the normal symbols is stopped with the display results (normal winning symbols or normal losing symbols) according to the determination result of the normal winning random number value (S61). Then, a normal symbol variation stop command for informing the sub-control board 100 of normal symbol variation stop is set (S62), a normal symbol stop time is set (S63), and the normal operation process is completed.

When the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the normal symbols are stopped and displayed in S51 (S51: YES), it determines whether or not the normal symbol stop time set in S63 has ended (S64), and when it determines that the normal symbols have not ended (S64: NO), it ends the normal operation processing. On the other hand, when it is determined that the game has ended (S64: YES), it is determined whether or not the normal pattern stop pattern data of the normal winning pattern is set, that is, whether it is a win or not (S65), and when it is determined that it is not a win (S65: NO), the normal operation processing is finished. On the other hand, if it is determined to be a hit (S65: YES), it is determined whether or not it is in the high base state (S66), and if it is determined to be in the high base state (S66: YES), the opening pattern OP1 of the normal opening/closing member 12b is set (S67-1), and the opening operation of the normal opening/closing member 12b (the second winning device 12, that is, the operation of the normal electric accessory) is started (S67-3). As a result, the normal opening/closing member 12b performs the opening operation for three seconds three times.

Further, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S66 that it is not in the high base state (it is in the low base state) (S66: NO), it sets the opening pattern OP2 of the normal opening/closing member 12b (S67-2), and starts the opening operation of the normal opening/closing member 12b (S67-3). As a result, the normal opening/closing member 12b performs one opening operation for 1.0 seconds.

Further, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S50 that the normal opening/closing member 12b is in operation (normal electric accessory is in operation) (S50: YES), it determines whether or not the normal opening/closing member 12b operation termination condition is satisfied (S68). Here, the operation end condition is an opening time end condition that the opening time for each opening pattern set in S67-1 or S67-2 has ended, or a specified winning number condition that the number of winnings to the second start port 12a has reached a specified winning number. In addition, the prescribed winning number condition is defined that the number of winnings to the second starting port 12a is ten.
When the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the operation end condition is not satisfied (S68: NO), the normal operation process is finished. On the other hand, if it is determined that the condition is satisfied (S68: YES), the operation of the normal opening/closing member 12b is terminated (S69).

Next, the contents of the special action process (S17) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 in the above-described main side timer interrupt process (FIG. 9) will be described with reference to FIG.
In this special action process, the process relating to the special symbol display and the big winning device 14 is divided into four stages, and "special action statuses 1, 2, 3 and 4" are assigned to each of these stages. The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the special action status is "1" (S70), and when it is determined to be "1" (S70: YES), executes a special symbol standby process (S71). When the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the special action status is not '1' (S70: NO), it determines whether or not the 'special action status' is '2' (S72), and when it is determined to be '2' (S72: YES), it executes a special symbol variation process (S73).

Further, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the special action status is not "2" (S72: NO), it determines whether or not the "special action status" is "3" (S74), and when it is determined to be "3" (S74: YES), it executes a special symbol determination process (S75). Further, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the special action status is not "3" (S74: NO), it determines whether or not the "special action status" is "4" (S76), and when it is determined to be "4" (S76: YES), it executes a special electric accessory process (S77). In addition, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the special action status is not "4" (S76: NO), the special action process ends. Note that the special action status is "1" by default.

Next, the contents of the special symbol standby process (S71) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 in the special action process (FIG. 12) will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the second special figure reservation number U2 is "0" (S80), and when it is determined that it is not "0" (S80: NO), the later-described special figure (special figure 2) special figure hit determination process (FIG. 14) is executed (S81). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61
A special figure (special figure 2) variation pattern selection process (FIGS. 15 and 16) to be described later is executed (S82). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts "1" from the second special figure reservation number U2 (S83), and each data stored in each storage area of the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b is shifted one by one to the storage area with the older storage order, that is, to the read side (S84). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a second special figure fluctuation start process (S85). That is, the second special symbol display device 52 performs the variable display of the second special symbol in the order in which the game control microcomputer 61 performs the win/loss determination based on the big hit random number value stored in the second special symbol reservation storage unit 64b. In addition, every time the second special symbol display device 52 performs the variable display of the second special symbol, each data stored in each storage area of the second special symbol reservation storage part 64b is shifted to a storage area with an earlier storage order. In this second special figure fluctuation start process, a fluctuation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 to start the fluctuation display of the second special symbol. The variation start command to be set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 includes the data of the special figure stop pattern set in the special figure (special figure 2) special figure hit determination process (FIG. 14) described later and the special figure variation pattern data set in the special figure (special figure 2) variation pattern selection process (FIGS. 15 and 16).

Further, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the second special figure reservation number U2 is "0" in S80 (S80: YES), it determines whether the first special figure reservation number U1 is "0" (S86), and when it is determined that it is not "0" (S86: NO), a special figure (special figure 2) special figure hit determination process (FIG. 14), which will be described later, is executed (S87). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a special figure (special figure 1) variation pattern selection process (FIGS. 15 and 16), which will be described later (S88). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts "1" from the first special figure reservation number U1 (S89), and shifts each data stored in each storage area of the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a one by one to the storage area with the earlier storage order, that is, to the read side (S90). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a first special figure fluctuation start process (S91). That is, the first special symbol display device 51 performs the variable display of the first special symbols in the order in which the game control microcomputer 61 performs the win/loss determination based on the big hit random number value stored in the first special symbol reservation storage unit 64a. In addition, every time the first special symbol display device 51 performs the variable display of the first special symbol, each data stored in each storage area of the first special symbol reservation storage part 64a is shifted to a storage area with an earlier storage order. In this first special figure variation start process, a variation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 to start the variation display of the first special symbol. The variation start command to be set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 includes the data of the special figure stop pattern set in the special figure (special figure 1) special figure hit determination process (FIG. 14) described later and the variation pattern data set in the special figure (special figure 1) variation pattern selection process (FIGS. 15 and 16).

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the special action status to 2 when executing the second special figure fluctuation start process (S85) or the first special figure fluctuation start process (S91) (S92).

Further, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S86 that the first special figure reservation number U1 is "0" (S86: YES), it determines whether or not the effect display device 7 displays a standby screen (a demo screen for waiting for customers) (S92). Here, when it is determined that the standby screen is displayed (S93: YES), this special symbol standby processing is terminated, and when it is determined that the standby screen is not displayed (S93: NO), standby screen setting processing is executed (S94). In this standby screen setting process, after a predetermined standby time has passed, a customer waiting standby command for displaying the standby screen is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 .
That is, in the present embodiment, the variable display of the first special symbol based on the first special figure reservation is performed only when the second special figure reservation number U2 is "0" (S80: YES). In other words, digestion of the second special figure reservation in this embodiment is executed with priority over digestion of the first special figure reservation.

Next, special figure jackpot determination processing (S81, S in FIG. 13) executed by the game control microcomputer 61
87) will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the special figure jackpot determination process for the first special figure and the special figure jackpot determination process for the second special figure are the same in process flow, so they will be collectively described. In addition, when describing matters common to the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a and the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b, they are simply referred to as special figure reservation storage units.

The game control microcomputer 61 reads the jackpot random number stored in the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage section of the RAM 64 (S100), and refers to the special figure hit determination tables TA1-1 to TA1-6 (S101). In S101, the game control microcomputer 61 specifies the setting value of the jackpot probability corresponding to the detection signal input from the setting change board 260 through the detection circuit, and specifies the special figure winning determination table TA1-1 to TA1-6 corresponding to the setting value from the probability setting table TA1. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the variable probability flag is ON, that is, whether or not the current game state is a high probability state (S102). The variable probability flag is turned ON when one of the variable probability jackpots is won, and is turned OFF when one of the normal jackpots is won. Here, when it is determined that the variable probability flag is not ON, that is, the normal probability state (S102: NO), the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the jackpot random numbers in the normal probability state among the special figure hit determination tables TA1-1 to TA1-6, and determines whether or not the same random number as the jackpot random number read in S100 exists, that is, whether or not the jackpot is hit (S103).

On the other hand, if the variable probability flag is ON in S102, that is, if it is determined that the current game state is a high probability state (S102: YES), the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the jackpot random numbers in the high probability state among the special figure hit determination tables TA1-1 to TA1-6, and determines whether there is the same random number as the jackpot random number read in S100, that is, whether or not it is a jackpot (S104).

If it is determined to be a jackpot in S103 (S103: YES) or if it is determined to be a jackpot in S104 (S104: YES), the game control microcomputer 61 reads the jackpot type random number stored in the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage unit, refers to the jackpot type determination table TA2 in which a plurality of jackpot types are set, and determines the jackpot type (S105). Depending on the type of jackpot, the jackpot pattern of the special figure, the stop pattern of the special figure, the distribution rate, the maximum number of rounds, the jackpot effect pattern, etc. are different. Here, the distribution rate is the probability that a predetermined jackpot is selected from among a plurality of types of jackpots set in the jackpot type determination table TA2. Also, the maximum number of rounds is the maximum number of rounds that can be executed in the jackpot game. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 turns on a big hit flag indicating that a big win has been determined in the special figure win determination (S106).

When it is not judged as a big hit in S103 or S104 (S103, S104: NO), or after S106 is completed, the game control microcomputer 61 proceeds to step S107. When it is determined as a big win, the game control microcomputer 61 sets special figure stop pattern data for confirming and displaying a special figure big win pattern corresponding to the kind of big win decided in S105 in a special figure buffer provided in a RAM 64, and ends the special figure big win decision processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined to be a loss, the game control microcomputer 61 sets special figure stop symbol data for confirming and displaying the special figure losing symbol in the special figure buffer, and ends the special figure big hit determination process.

Next, the contents of the special figure variation pattern selection process (S82, S88 in FIG. 13) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. In addition, special figure 1 fluctuation pattern selection processing and special figure 2 fluctuation pattern selection processing, because the flow of processing is the same, it explains collectively.
The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the game state is in the high base state (S110). Whether or not it is in the high base state (during the time saving state) can be determined by whether or not the time saving flag is ON. The time saving flag is turned ON when the high base state is controlled, and is turned OFF when the high base state ends.

When it is determined that the time saving flag is not ON, that is, it is not in the high base state (it is in the low base state) (S110: NO), the game control microcomputer 61 proceeds to step S111. On the other hand, if the time saving flag is ON, that is, if it is determined that the game is in the high base state (S110: YES), the game control microcomputer 61 proceeds to step S116. The game control microcomputer 61 that has moved to step S111 or step S116 determines whether or not the jackpot flag is ON (S111, S116). When determining that the jackpot flag is ON (S111, S116: YES), the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the special figure variation pattern selection table TA3 and selects a special figure variation pattern (S112, S117). For example, if it is in the low base state, the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the variation pattern random number that becomes a big hit in the low base state in the special figure variation pattern selection table TA3. Similarly, if it is in the high base state, the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the variation pattern random number that becomes a big hit in the high base state in the special figure variation pattern selection table TA3. Then, the game control microcomputer 61 acquires the variation pattern random number stored in the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage part, and selects the special figure variation pattern associated with the same variation pattern random number as the acquired variation pattern random number.

Also, in S111 or S116, the big hit flag is not ON, that is, when it is determined that the game is lost (S111, S116: NO), the game control microcomputer 61 acquires the reach random number stored in the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage unit, and determines whether the obtained reach random number is the reach establishment random number (S113, S118). If it is in the low base state, it is determined whether or not the reach random number obtained from the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage unit is the reach random number set in the low base state in the reach determination table. When the acquired reach random number exists in the reach random numbers in the low base state, the game control microcomputer 61 determines that it is the reach establishment random number (S113: YES). Similarly, in the case of the high base state, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the reach random number obtained from the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage unit is the reach random number set in the high base state in the reach determination table. When the acquired reach random number exists in the reach random numbers in the high base state, the game control microcomputer 61 determines that it is the reach establishment random number (S118: YES).

Thereafter, the game control microcomputer 61 selects a special figure variation pattern with reference to the special figure variation pattern selection table TA3 (S114, S119). For example, if it is a low base state, the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the variation pattern random number that becomes a loss with reach in a low base state in the special figure variation pattern selection table TA3. Similarly, if it is a high base state, the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the variation pattern random number that becomes a loss with reach in a high base state in the special figure variation pattern selection table TA3. Then, the game control microcomputer 61 acquires the variation pattern random number stored in the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage part, and selects the special figure variation pattern associated with the same variation pattern random number as the acquired variation pattern random number.

Also, when it is determined that the reach random number is not the reach establishment random number in S113 or S118 (S113, S118: NO), the game control microcomputer 61 selects a special figure fluctuation pattern with reference to the special figure fluctuation pattern selection table TA3 (S115, S120). For example, if it is a low base state, the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the variation pattern random number that becomes a loss without reach in a low base state in the special figure variation pattern selection table TA3. Similarly, if it is a high base state, the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the variation pattern random number that becomes a loss without reach in a high base state in the special figure variation pattern selection table TA3. Then, the game control microcomputer 61 acquires the variation pattern random number stored in the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage part, and selects the special figure variation pattern associated with the same variation pattern random number as the acquired variation pattern random number.

After completion of S112, S114, S115, S117, S119, S120, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the variation pattern data indicating the selected variation pattern in the special figure variation pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64 (S121), and ends the special figure variation pattern selection process.

Here, in the special symbol standby process of FIG. 13, the variation pattern data set in the special figure variation pattern buffer in the special symbol variation pattern selection process of S82 and S88 (more specifically, S121 of FIG. 15) is included in the special symbol variation start command set in S85 of the special symbol standby process, and output to the sub-control board 100 by the output process of the main side timer interrupt process (S10 of FIG. 9).

Next, the contents of the special symbol fluctuation process (S73) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 in the special action process (FIG. 12) will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the special symbol variation time (variation time determined according to the variation pattern selected in S82 or S88 of the special symbol standby process shown in FIG. 13) has ended (S160). Here, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the variable time has not ended (S160: NO), the process ends immediately. As a result, the variable display of the special symbols is continued. On the other hand, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S160 that the fluctuation time has ended (S160: YES), it sets a fluctuation stop command (S161) and sets the special action status to "3" (S162). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 performs other processing such as stopping the variable display of the special symbols with the symbols (big winning symbols or losing symbols) corresponding to the set special symbol stop symbol data (S163), and finishes this processing. That is, the game control microcomputer 61 controls the special symbol display device so as to derive the determined special symbol when the variation time set in the variation pattern has elapsed.

Next, the contents of the special symbol determination process (S75) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 in the special action process (FIG. 12) will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the special symbol stop time has ended (S170), and when it determines that it has not ended (S170: NO), immediately finishes this process. On the other hand, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the stop time has ended (S170: YES), it executes a game state management process (S171). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the big win flag is ON (S172), and when it is determined that the big win flag is ON (S172: YES), sets the special action status to "4" (S173). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes setting reset processing, which will be described later (S174).

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets an opening command indicating the start of execution of the jackpot game in order to start the jackpot game (S175), and starts the opening of the jackpot game (S176). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets an opening pattern according to the type of the winning jackpot symbol (S177). At this time, the value of a big winning opening opening counter for counting the number of opening times of the big winning opening 14a during the big winning game is set to a value corresponding to the type of the winning big winning pattern. Note that the setting of the release pattern (the set of data corresponding to the release pattern) may be performed for each round.

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the jackpot flag is not ON in S172 (S172: NO), the jackpot game is not started, so the special action status is set to "1" (S178).

After the end of S177 or S178, the game control microcomputer 61 sets a game state designation command including the set game state information (such as the type of jackpot game) (S179), and ends this process.

Next, the contents of the game state management process (S171) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 in the special symbol determination process (FIG. 18) will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the probability variation flag is OFF (S190). When it is determined that the variable probability flag is OFF in this S190 (S190: YES), the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the time saving flag is ON (S191). The variable probability flag is a flag indicating that the high probability state is being controlled. Moreover, a time saving flag is a flag which shows that it is controlled by the high base state (time saving state) as mentioned above. When the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the time saving flag is ON in S191 (S191: YES), the value of the time saving counter is subtracted by "1" (S192). The time-saving counter is for counting the number of fluctuations (total number of fluctuations) of special symbols from the point of transition to the high base state. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the value of the time saving counter is "0" (S193), and if it is determined to be "0" (S193: YES), it turns off the time saving flag (S194) to shift to a low base state (low probability low base state), sets a game state designation command (S195), and ends the game state management process.

In this embodiment, after the big winning game, the high probability high base state continues until the next big winning game state is started, while the low probability high base state is set to end when the number of fluctuations (total number of fluctuations) of the special symbol is performed 100 times. That is, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the variable probability flag is OFF at S190 and determines that the time saving flag is ON at S191 (S190: YES and S191: NO), it means that the control is performed to the low probability high base state.

When the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the variable probability flag is not OFF in S190 (S190: NO), and when it determines that the value of the time saving counter is not "0" in S193 (S193: NO), the process ends.

Next, the contents of the setting reset process (S174) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 in the special symbol determination process (FIG. 18) will be described with reference to FIG.
The setting reset process is a process of resetting various settings before starting a jackpot game. The game control microcomputer 61 turns off the variable probability flag (S210), then turns off the time saving flag (S211), resets the value of the time saving counter to "0" (S212), and finishes this process.

Next, the contents of the special electric accessary product process (S77) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 in the special action process (FIG. 12) will be described with reference to FIG.
The special electric accessory process (jackpot game) is a process for executing a jackpot game for opening the big winning opening 14a. The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the jackpot end flag is ON (S220). The jackpot end flag is a flag indicating that the big prize device (special electric accessory) 14 has been completely opened in the jackpot game. Here, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the jackpot end flag is not ON (S220: N
O), it is determined whether or not the big winning opening 14a is open (S221). Here, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the large winning opening is not open (S221: NO), it determines whether or not it is time to open the large winning opening (S222).

Here, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that it is not the time to open the big winning opening (S222: NO), the process ends. On the other hand, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that it is time to open the big winning gate (S222: YES), it executes the big winning gate opening process (S223). In this big winning hole opening process, the big winning hole 14a is opened according to the opening pattern corresponding to the kind of big win. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 performs round designation command transmission determination processing (S224). In round designation command transmission determination processing (S224), it is determined whether or not the opening of the big prize winning opening in S223 is the first opening during one round game, and if so, a round designation command including information on the number of rounds of the jackpot game being executed is set in an output buffer of a RAM 64.例文帳に追加

Further, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S221 that the large winning opening 14a is being opened (S221: YES), it determines whether or not the conditions for closing the large winning opening 14a are satisfied (S228). In this embodiment, the closing condition is that either the number of winnings to the big winning opening 14a in the round game reaches the specified maximum winning number (8 per 1R in this embodiment) or the time to close the big winning opening 14a (that is, the predetermined opening time after opening the big winning opening 14a is met. Here, the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the closing condition of the big winning opening 14a is not satisfied. If so (S228: NO), this process is terminated.On the other hand, if it is determined that the conditions for closing the big winning opening 14a are satisfied (S228: YES), the big winning opening 14a is closed (blocked) (S229).Then, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not one round will end (S230), and if it determines that it will end (S230: YES), the value of the round counter is changed to " 1” is subtracted (S231).

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the value of the round counter is "0" (S232), and when it determines that it is not "0" (S232: NO), the process is finished as it is to start the next round game. On the other hand, when it is determined to be "0" (S232: YES), a jackpot ending process for ending the jackpot game is executed (S233). In this jackpot end processing, a jackpot ending command is set and the jackpot ending is started. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets a jackpot end flag (S234), and finishes this process. In addition, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S230 that one round has not ended (S230: NO), this process ends.

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S220 that the jackpot end flag is ON (S220: YES), since the final round has ended, the game control microcomputer 61 decides whether or not the jackpot ending time has passed (S235), and when it decides that the ending time has not passed (S235: NO), ends this processing. On the other hand, when it is determined that the ending time has passed (S235: YES), the jackpot end flag is turned OFF (S236), and the later-described game state setting process is executed (S237). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 turns off the jackpot flag (S238), sets the special action status to "1" (S239), and ends this process.

Next, the contents of the game state setting process (S237) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 in the special electric accessory process (FIG. 21) will be described with reference to FIG.
In the pachinko game machine 1, when it is determined as a jackpot in the above-described special figure hit determination, the game state after the jackpot game ends is controlled based on the type of the jackpot. Therefore, the game control microcomputer 61 first confirms the type of jackpot game to end in the game state setting process, and sets the probability variation flag and the time saving flag accordingly (S240). If the type of the jackpot game confirmed at S240 is the probability variable jackpot (“2R probability variable jackpot” and “10R probability variable jackpot”), the probability variable flag and the time-saving flag are set to ON, and the high probability/high base state is controlled. On the other hand, when the type of jackpot game confirmed in S240 is non-probability variable jackpot ("2R non-probability variable jackpot"), the time-saving flag is set to ON and the probability variable flag is set to OFF to control to a low-probability-high base state.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the probability variation flag and the time reduction flag set in S240 are OFF and the time reduction flag is ON (S241). When it is determined that the probability variable flag is OFF and the time saving flag is ON in this S241 (S241: YES), it means that the low probability high base state is controlled, and the low probability high base state needs to end when the special figure fluctuation display is performed 100 times. The value of the time-saving counter is decremented by 1 each time the special symbol changes during the high base state in the game state management process (FIG. 19) described above, and is turned OFF when the value of the time-saving counter is determined to be "0".

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the game state designation command including the information of each flag in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S243), and ends the game state management process. The game state designation command set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 is output to the sub-control board 100 in the output process (S10 in FIG. 9) of the main side timer interrupt process.

(Main processing of production control microcomputer 101)
Next, the main processing executed by the effect control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 4) will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, the sub-side main control processing executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the effect control microcomputer 101 performs initial setting (S300). In this initial setting, for example, stack setting, constant setting, interrupt time setting, CPU 102 setting, SIO (System Input/Output), PIO (Parallel Input/Output), CTC (Counter/Timer
Circuit (circuit for managing interrupt time), resets various flags, counters, timers, etc. Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the power-off signal is ON and the contents of the RAM 120 are normal (S301). When a negative determination is made in S301, the effect control microcomputer 101 initializes the RAM 120 (S302), and proceeds to S303. Moreover, when S301 is affirmatively determined, the game control microcomputer 61 proceeds to S303 without initializing the RAM 120 . That is, when the power cutoff signal is not ON, or when the contents of the RAM 120 are not normal even when the power cutoff signal is ON (S301: NO), the effect control microcomputer 101 initializes the RAM 120. On the other hand, if the contents of the RAM 120 are maintained normally (S301: YES), the effect control microcomputer 101 proceeds to S303 without initializing the RAM 120, although the power-off signal is turned ON due to a power failure or the like. Note that when the RAM 120 is initialized, the values of various flags, counters, timers, etc. are reset. Also, these S300 to S302 are executed only once after the power is turned on, and are not executed thereafter.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 prohibits interruption (S303), and executes random number update processing (S304). In this random number update process, the initial values of various effect determination random number counters are updated. Incidentally, the random numbers for determining the effect include a variable effect pattern random number for determining a variable effect pattern, an advance notice effect random number for determining various advance notice effects, and the like. The method of updating the random number can be the same method as the random number updating process performed by the game control microcomputer 61 described above. Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes command transmission processing (S305). In this command transmission process, various commands stored in the output buffer in the RAM 120 of the effect control microcomputer 101 are transmitted to the image control board 200, the sound control board 78, the lamp control board 79 and the like. Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes interruption permission (S306). Thereafter, the effect control microcomputer 101 repeatedly executes S303 to S306. Further, while the interrupt is enabled, it is possible to execute the reception interrupt process (S307), the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S308) and the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S309).

Next, the reception interruption process (S307) executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 in the sub-side main control process (FIG. 23) will be described with reference to FIG.
The effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the signal level of a strobe signal (STB signal) given to an external INT (interrupt) input section of the effect control microcomputer 101 from the main control board 60 has changed, that is, whether or not it is time to receive a command (S310). Specifically, for example, it is determined whether or not the signal level of the strobe signal has changed from high level to low level. If it is determined that it is not time to receive (S310: NO), this reception interrupt process is terminated, and if it is determined that it is time to receive (S310: YES), various commands transmitted from the main control board 60 are received, and the received various commands are stored in the reception buffer of the RAM 120 (S311). This reception interrupt process is a process that is executed with priority over other interrupt processes (S308, S309).

Next, the 1 ms timer interrupt processing (S308) executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 in the sub-side main control processing (FIG. 23) will be described with reference to FIG.
The effect control microcomputer 101 executes this 1 ms timer interrupt process every time an interrupt pulse of 1 msec cycle is input to the sub-control board 100 . The effect control microcomputer 101 executes input processing (S320). In this input process, switch data (edge data and level data) indicating that the switch is turned on is created based on detection signals from the effect button detection switch 5a, the effect lever depression detection switch 6a, and the effect lever rotation detection switch 6b. Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes output processing (S321). In this output process, a variable effect start command set in the command buffer of the RAM 120 at S415 of the variable effect start process (FIG. 28) to be described later is output to the image control board 200. FIG.

In addition, in order to light the board lamp 2a, the left side lamp 23a, the right side lamp 23b, and the top lamp 23c at the timing matching the music, the lamp data created by the lamp processing in S333 of the 10 ms timer interrupt processing (FIG. 26) described later is output to the lamp control board 79. That is, the board lamp 2a, the left side lamp 23a, the right side lamp 23b, and the top lamp 23c are caused to emit light in a predetermined light emission mode according to the lamp data. Further, in order to drive the movable body motor 23d at a timing suitable for the performance, drive data (rotational operation pattern data) is created, and the created drive data is output. That is, the rotating reflector in the top lamp 23c is driven in a predetermined operation pattern according to the drive data.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a variable effect start command has been transmitted (S322). The variable effect start command is set in the command buffer of the RAM 120 at S415 of the variable effect start process (FIG. 28) to be described later, and is transmitted to the image control board 200 at S321. Here, when the performance control microcomputer 101 determines that the variable performance start command has not been transmitted (S322: NO), it finishes this process and when it determines that it has been transmitted (S322: YES), it starts measuring the variation time of the variable performance pattern (S323). Subsequently, watchdog timer processing for resetting the watchdog timer is performed (S324), and this processing ends.

Next, the 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S309) executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 in the sub-side main control processing (FIG. 23) will be described with reference to FIG.
The effect control microcomputer 101 executes this 10 ms timer interrupt process every time an interrupt pulse with a period of 10 msec is input to the sub-control board 100 . The effect control microcomputer 101 executes received command analysis processing (FIG. 27), which will be described later (S330), and executes switch state acquisition processing (S331). In this switch state acquisition process, the switch data created in the input process of the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S320 in FIG. 25) is stored in the RAM 120 as switch data for the 10 ms timer interrupt process. Subsequently, based on the switch data stored in the switch state acquisition process, a switch process for setting display contents such as button effects and lever effects displayed by the effect display device 7 is executed (S332). Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes lamp processing (S333). In this lamp processing, lamp data for controlling the light emission of each lamp (the board lamp 2a, the left side lamp 23a, the right side lamp 23b, etc.) is created as the music progresses, and the time management of the light emission effect is performed. As a result, each lamp performs a light emission effect that matches the progress of the music.
Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes a right-handed effect process for performing a right-handed effect that prompts the player to hit to the right (shoot a game ball toward the right game area 3R of the game area 3) (S334). In addition, the right hitting effect is performed corresponding to the jackpot game state and the high base state.

Furthermore, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes sound control processing (S335). In this audio control processing, the creation of audio control data (data for controlling the output of audio from each speaker 8), the output of the created audio control data to the audio control board 78, the time management of audio production, etc. are performed. As a result, sounds matching the effect to be executed are output from each speaker 8. - 特許庁Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes other processing (S336), and ends this processing.

Next, the received command analysis process (S330) executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 in the 10 ms timer interrupt process (FIG. 26) will be described with reference to FIG.
The effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a game state designation command is received from the main control board 60 (S340), and when it is determined to have been received (S340: YES), executes sub-side game state setting processing (S341). The game state specifying command includes information indicating the game state (regular probability state or high probability state, high base state or low base state). In this sub-side game state setting process, the received game state designation command is analyzed, and the game state flag is set based on the information included in the game state designation command. The game state flag is a flag indicating the currently set game state. When the information included in the game state specifying command indicates the low probability low base state, the game state flag "1" is set. Also, if the low probability high base state is shown, the game state flag "2" is set. Also, if the high-probability-high base state is indicated, the game state flag "3" is set. Also, when the effect control microcomputer 101 determines in S340 that the game state designation command has not been received (S340: NO), the process proceeds to S342.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a starting winning command (first starting winning command or second starting winning command) is received from the main control board 60 (S342), and when it is determined that it has been received (S342: YES), prefetching effect determination processing is executed (S343). In the look-ahead performance determination processing, it is determined whether or not the jackpot random number included in the starting prize information stored in the special figure reservation performance storage part (first special figure reservation performance storage part 121 or second special figure reservation performance storage part 122) is a jackpot random number determined as a big win in the special figure jackpot determination (S81, S87 in FIG. 13). That is, before the game control microcomputer 61 performs the special figure hit determination (preliminary determination), the special figure hit determination is performed. Whether or not to carry out a pre-reading performance is determined by a lottery according to whether or not it is determined as a big win, and when it is decided to carry out the pre-reading performance, the type of the pre-reading performance to be executed is determined, and the determined pre-reading performance is executed.
Also, in S342, when it is determined that the start winning command has not been received (S342: NO), the process proceeds to S344.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes ball difference information processing (S344), and when the ball difference information processing ends, executes big hit effect related processing (S345). Since these processes are related to the difference in the number of balls that are characteristic of this embodiment, they will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a variation start command is received from the main control board 60 (S346), and when it is determined that it has been received (S346: YES), the later-described variation effect start processing (FIG. 28) is executed (S347). In addition, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes the suggested effect selection process after executing the variable effect start process (S348). In the suggestive effect selection process, whether or not to execute the suggestive effect during the variable effect and the type of the suggestive effect to be executed are determined. Then, when it is determined to execute a predetermined kind of suggestive effect, a command instructing execution of the suggestive effect is set in the output buffer of the RAM 120.例文帳に追加It should be noted that the types of suggestive effects that can be determined to be executed in this suggestive effect selection process will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Moreover, the microcomputer 101 for production|presentation control progresses to S349, when it determines with not having received the fluctuation start command in S346 (S346:NO). Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a variation stop command has been received from the main control board 60 (S349), and if it determines that it has been received (S349: YES), executes a variation effect end process (S350). In this fluctuation production end processing, the production control microcomputer 101 sets a fluctuation production end command for ending the fluctuation production in the output buffer of the RAM 120 . When the set variable performance end command is transmitted to the image control board 200 by command transmission processing (S305 in FIG. 23), the image control board 200 confirms and displays the left performance pattern 9L, the middle performance pattern 9C and the right performance pattern 9R in the performance display device 7 through a predetermined stop pattern. If it is determined in S353 that the fluctuation stop command has not been received (S349: NO), the process proceeds to S351.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 performs other processing (S351) based on a received command other than the above command (for example, normal symbol variation stop command), and ends the received command analysis processing.

Next, the variation production start process (S347) executed by the production control microcomputer 101 in the received command analysis process (FIG. 27) will be described with reference to FIG.
The effect control microcomputer 101 analyzes the received variation start command (S410). The variation start command includes information on the special figure 2 variation pattern set in the special figure variation pattern selection process (FIGS. 15 and 16) by the game control microcomputer 61, or information on the special figure 1 variation pattern. Subsequently, when the variation start command analyzed in S410 is the special figure 1 variation start command, the performance control microcomputer 101 subtracts "1" from the value of the special figure 1 suspended performance counter, and if it is the special figure 2 variation start command, subtracts "1" from the value of the special figure 2 suspension performance counter (S411). Subsequently, the performance control microcomputer 101 shifts the start winning information (data such as random number) stored in the special figure reservation performance storage part (the first special figure reservation performance storage part 121 or the second special figure reservation performance storage part 122) to the old storage area (S412).

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes a variable effect pattern selection process (S414). Specifically, a variable performance pattern is selected using a variable performance pattern random number value and a variable performance pattern selection table. A variable performance pattern random number value is obtained from a variable performance pattern random number counter that generates a variable performance pattern random number value for selecting a variable performance pattern. In addition, the variation performance pattern selection table is configured by associating the type of the special figure variation pattern, the variation performance pattern random number value, and the variation performance pattern.
Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 sets a variable effect start command for causing the effect display device 7 to start displaying the variable effect pattern selected in S414 in the output buffer of the RAM 120 (S415).

(Details of control regarding the specific number of pitches (or maximum number of pitches))
Next, a description will be given of the specific ball number (or maximum number of difference balls) executed by the frame control microcomputer 151, the game control microcomputer 61, and the effect control microcomputer 101. FIG.

The pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment calculates and stores a specific number of difference balls according to the game during one business hour (operating time) of the game parlor, and when the specific number of difference balls reaches a predetermined number of game balls ("reference number") as the maximum number of difference balls, the pachinko game machine 1 (the control state of the game control microcomputer 61) is shifted to a state in which the player cannot play (game disabled state).
The purpose of such specifications is to limit the profit that the player can obtain in one day (to prevent excessive profit from being given to the player). Therefore, an upper limit (100,000) is set for the number of specific difference balls per day, and the game is disabled before the upper limit is reached so as not to exceed the upper limit. In this embodiment, a number (99,999) less than the upper limit of 100,000 specific difference balls is defined as a "reference number", and when the specific difference number of balls reaches this "reference number", the game control microcomputer 61 stops various controls related to the game (the "reference number" may be the same number as the upper limit, but the number of game balls is reduced by one to reduce the number of digits and make it easier to display).
Since the current number of difference balls and the specific number of difference balls are the number of game balls that decrease by one each time a game ball is fired (detected by the actual shooting sensor 37), it is basically impossible to reach the maximum number of difference balls by the end of the business day of the amusement arcade due to changes in the decreasing direction. That is, the number of specific difference balls is increased (the maximum number of difference balls is updated) by awarding prize balls according to the game, so that the specific number of difference balls reaches the "reference number".

In the present embodiment, even when the number of specific difference balls reaches the 'reference number' during the jackpot game state, when the 'reference number' is reached, the jackpot game state is interrupted and the game is shifted to a non-playable state. On the other hand, after the number of specific difference balls reaches the "standard number", the game may be shifted to the non-playable state after waiting until a good time (at the time of transition of the game state, etc.) (this point will be described as another embodiment).

(Regarding counting the number of specific difference balls)
The pachinko game machine 1 is provided with winning detection sensors (first starting hole sensor 10b, second starting hole sensor 12c, big winning hole sensor 14c, general winning hole sensor 11a) for detecting the winning of game balls into the winning holes (first starting hole 10a, second starting hole 12a, big winning hole 14a, general winning hole 11) provided in the game area 3. Then, the number of prize balls determined for each winning hole is awarded to the player. The number of prize balls for winning one game ball to the start hole is determined as, for example, "4", and the number of prize balls for winning one game ball to the big winning hole 14a and the general winning hole 11 is defined as "10", for example. Each winning detection sensor described above is electrically connected to the main control board 60 , and detection signals are input to the game control microcomputer 61 . The game control microcomputer 61 (CPU 62 ) specifies the number of prize balls to be given based on the detection by each prize detection sensor, and transmits a prize ball command indicating the specified number of prize balls to the frame control board 150 . On the other hand, the frame control microcomputer 151 (CPU 152) of the frame control board 150 specifies the number of prize balls according to the input of the prize ball command from the game control microcomputer 61, and adds the number of game balls corresponding to the specified number of prize balls to the number of possession balls stored in the number of possession balls storage unit 171 of the RAM 170 (updates the stored value).
Thus, a prize ball is given to the player. At this time, the frame control microcomputer 151 adds the number of game balls (the number of game balls corresponding to the number of winning balls) added to the possession balls to the current number of difference balls stored in the current difference number storage area 172a (a part of the difference number storage unit 172) of the RAM 170 (updates the stored value). That is, the current difference number of balls is added each time a prize ball is given (game ball is acquired). Further, the frame control microcomputer 151 (CPU 152) decrements the number of balls stored in the number-of-balls storage unit 171 of the RAM 170 by one each time the ball-circulating mechanism 30 (FIG. 2) detects a shot by the shot sensor 37 (each shot). At this time, the frame control microcomputer 151 (CPU 152) also decrements the current ball number stored in the ball difference storage unit 172 of the RAM 170 by one each time the actual shooting sensor 37 detects it (for each actual shooting). That is, the current number of balls is subtracted each time a game ball is shot (game ball is consumed).

Here, the frame control microcomputer 151 updates the maximum difference number stored in the maximum difference number storage area 172b (part of the difference number storage unit 172) of the RAM 170 when the current number difference is the maximum value. Also, if the current pitch difference that has changed in the decreasing direction is the lowest value, the lowest difference pitch number stored in the minimum difference pitch number storage area 172c (a part of the difference pitch number storage unit 172) of the RAM 170 is updated. Then, the minimum number of difference pitches is subtracted from the current number of difference pitches, and the specific number of difference pitches stored in the specific number of difference pitches storage area 172d (a part of the number of difference pitches storage section 172) of the RAM 170 is updated. Also, when updating either the maximum difference number or the minimum difference number, the minimum difference number is subtracted from the maximum difference number, and the maximum difference number stored in the maximum difference number storage area 172e (a part of the difference number storage unit 172) of the RAM 170 is updated.

(Regarding game disabling)
Here, in the ROM 160 of the frame control microcomputer 151, the number of game balls of 99999 is set as the "reference number" of the specific difference number of balls (FIG. 29). Then, the frame control microcomputer 151 (CPU 152) sets a game disabling command for instructing transition to a game disabled state and transmits it to the game control microcomputer 61 when the specific ball number stored in the specific ball number storage area 172d of the ball difference storage unit 172 reaches the "reference number". On the other hand, the game control microcomputer 61 (CPU 62) executes various controls for changing the control state to the game-disabled state in response to the reception of the game-disabled command. At this time, the game control microcomputer 61 transmits to the effect control microcomputer 101 a game impossibility notification command for executing notification regarding the game impossibility state. Therefore, the pachinko gaming machine 1 can make a notification (described later) regarding the game disabled state (described later).

A game control microcomputer 61 (CPU 62) disables detection of all of the above-described plurality of winning detection sensors when shifting to a game-disabled state, thereby making it impossible to detect winning of a game ball into a winning opening. In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 (CPU 62) prohibits or stops the driving of the drive means such as the big winning opening solenoid 14d and the second starting opening solenoid 12d when shifting to the game disabled state, thereby closing the big winning opening 14a and the second starting opening 12a to disable the winning of game balls. Further, the game control microcomputer 61 (CPU 62) prohibits the operation of the shooting device 90 (hitting hammer 90a) when the game is shifted to the non-playable state so that the game ball is not shot even if the player operates the handle 4.例文帳に追加Furthermore, the game control microcomputer 61 (CPU 62) turns off all the LEDs provided in the display devices 50 (that is, the LEDs constituting the special symbol indicators 51 and 52 and the normal symbol indicators 53, etc.) when shifting to the game disabled state. In this case, the fluctuation display of the special figure being executed and the fluctuation display of the normal figure being executed are not displayed, and at the same time, the measurement of the fluctuation time is also stopped. As for the stopped variable time, the time information indicating the stop point may be stored/saved in the RAM 64, or the time information may not be stored/saved.

In other words, the "unplayable state" in the present embodiment includes a disabled state of all winning detection sensors, a closed state of all openable and closable winning openings, a disabled firing state, a state where the symbol display is turned off, and a state in which measurement of the variation time of symbol variation is stopped. On the other hand, any one state can also be adopted as a non-playable state.

(Regarding notification of the number of specific balls from the frame control board to the main/sub control board)
The pachinko game machine 1 is configured to notify the specific number of difference balls from the frame control microcomputer 151 (frame control board 150) to the game control microcomputer 61 (main control board 60), and to similarly notify the specific number of difference balls from the game control microcomputer 61 (main control board 60) to the effect control microcomputer 101 (sub control board 100). Thus, not only the game ball number display 26 controlled by the frame control microcomputer 151 for calculating the specific ball difference number, but also the effect display device 7 (ball difference display area 7S) controlled by the effect control microcomputer 101 can display the specific ball difference number.

However, in this embodiment, the range of the specific number of difference pitches to be notified is defined, and if the specific number of difference pitches is small (does not increase to a range close to the "reference number"), the notification is omitted. For this reason, the ROM 160 of the frame control microcomputer 151 stores a differential ball range (hereinafter referred to as "notification target number") to be notified to the game control microcomputer 61 regarding the specific number of differential balls. Specifically, the "notification target number" is defined as each specific number of difference balls from 99359 to 99998. Note that the 99,999 specific number of difference balls (“reference number”) is notified from the frame control microcomputer 151 to the game control microcomputer 61 not as information of the specific number of difference balls, but as information instructing disabling the game.

Here, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment may perform control (judgment, etc.) based on the specific difference number of balls other than the above-described "reference number". For example, when the game control microcomputer 61 ends the jackpot game state (game state with increased number of difference balls) in a state where the number of specific difference balls reaches a predetermined number of game balls close to the 'reference number', the game control microcomputer 61 performs control to shift to a non-playable state especially at the stage when the number of specific difference balls does not reach the 'reference number'. This is because when the jackpot game state ends in a situation where the number of specific difference balls soon reaches the ``standard number'' and the player continues the game, the possibility of the jackpot game state occurring before the game is disabled is not high, and even if the next jackpot game state occurs, the game shifts to the game disabled state on the way, so that the player does not get a big profit and the game time is just wasted for the player.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29, three types of specific difference ball numbers (“index numbers”) of 99359, 99360 and 99872 out of the aforementioned “notification target number” are defined as the specific difference ball numbers used in the determination by the game control microcomputer 61 and the performance control microcomputer 101 side. For convenience, in the following description, 99,359 specific ball counts will be referred to as the "first index number," 99,360 specific ball counts will be referred to as the "second index number," and 99,872 specific ball counts will be referred to as the "third index number." In the present embodiment, the game control microcomputer 61 may make a determination using the third index number (determining whether or not the game is disabled when the jackpot game state ends), and the effect control microcomputer 101 may make a determination using the first to third index numbers with respect to effects and notifications.

The first index number and the second index number are the difference of one game ball, and the third index number is a specific difference ball number closer to the "reference number" than the first and second index numbers. Here, as shown in FIG. 29, the second index number is defined as the number of game balls that is the lower limit of the range of difference balls that is highly likely to reach the "reference number" by increasing the number of specific difference balls for one 10R jackpot, and the first index number is defined as the number of game balls that is one less than the second index number (the upper limit of the range of difference balls that is not highly likely to reach the "reference number" by increasing the number of specific difference balls for one 10R jackpot). Also, the third index number is defined as the number of game balls that is the lower limit of the range of difference balls that is highly likely to reach the "standard number" by increasing the number of specific difference balls for one 2R jackpot.

The number of game balls corresponding to the above-mentioned "increase in the number of specific difference balls for one 10R jackpot" and "increase in the number of specific difference balls for one 2R jackpot" can be, for example, the number of game balls ("estimated increase in number of difference balls") obtained by subtracting the "estimated number of consumed balls" during the jackpot game state from the "maximum number of awarded balls (maximum number of acquired balls)" in the jackpot game state. The "maximum number of awarded balls" is the number of game balls calculated by the formula "number of rounds x maximum number of winning balls during round x number of winning balls per winning", and "estimated number of consumed balls" can be set as appropriate according to the board design.
That is, the 10R jackpot of this embodiment is as follows.
"Maximum number of awarded balls" ... 10 x 8 x 10 = 800 "Estimated number of balls consumed" ... (10 x 8) x 2 = 160 "Estimated number of balls increased" ... 800-160 = 640 In addition, the 2R jackpot of this embodiment is as follows.
"Maximum number of awarded balls" ... 2 x 8 x 10 = 160 "Estimated number of balls consumed" ... (2 x 8) x 2 = 32 "Estimated increase in balls" ... 160 - 32 = 128

In other words, the second index number (99360) is the lower limit of the range (99360 to 99998) that is larger than the number of game balls (99359) obtained by subtracting the "estimated increase in the number of difference balls" (640) for the 10R jackpot from the "reference number" (99999), and the first index number is the specific difference number that is one less than the second index number. It is the upper limit of the range (0 to 99359) below the number of game balls (99359) obtained by subtracting the "estimated number of difference balls" (640) for the 10R jackpot from the "reference number". The lower limit of the range (99872 to 99998) is greater than the number of game balls (99871).

Note that the above-described calculation method for the predetermined specific number of balls (first to third index numbers) is merely an example. In this embodiment, as described above, the "estimated number of increased balls" may be the same number of game balls as the "maximum number of awarded balls", or may be the number of game balls obtained by subtracting the "minimum number of consumed balls" from the "maximum number of awarded balls". When "estimated difference ball increase number"="maximum award ball number", the number of first indicators can be 99199, the number of second indicators can be 99200, and the number of third indicators can be 99840. In addition, when "estimated difference ball increase number" = "maximum number of awarded balls" - "minimum number of consumed balls", the number of the first index is 99279, the number of the second index is 99280, and the number of the third index is 99856.
In any case, the second index number is at least in the range of the number of game balls larger (close to the "reference number") than the number of game balls obtained by subtracting the "maximum number of award balls" for the 10R jackpot from the "reference number", and the third index number is at least in the range of the number of game balls larger (close to the "reference number") than the number of game balls obtained by subtracting the "maximum number of award balls" for the 2R jackpot from the "reference number".

When the frame control microcomputer 151 (CPU 152) specifies that the specific ball difference number stored in the specific ball difference storage area 172d is one of the above-described "notification target number" (99359 to 99998), it sets a ball number notification command indicating the specific ball difference number at that time, and transmits it to the game control microcomputer 61. On the other hand, the game control microcomputer 61 (CPU 62) specifies the current specific number of difference balls (the number of game balls equal to or more than the first index number and less than the "reference number") according to the received number of balls notification command, and stores it in the notification storage section 64d provided in the RAM 64. Note that the notification of the specific pitch difference number from the frame control microcomputer 151 is executed each time when the specific pitch difference number increases or decreases and the specific pitch difference number after the change becomes equal to or more than the first index number and less than the "reference number". However, even if the specific number of difference pitches increases or decreases, if the specific number of difference pitches after the change is less than the first index number, no notification is given. Therefore, when the specific number of balls stored in the notification storage unit 64d is the initial value (0) or the first index number (99359), the actual number of specific balls (specific number of balls stored in the specific number of balls storage area 172d) is any number of game balls from 0 to 99359.

Here, when the game control microcomputer 61 (CPU 62) executes the above-described process of shifting to the non-playable state, the execution is basically determined according to the result of determination using the "reference number", but the execution may exceptionally be determined according to the result of determination using the third index number. Specifically, the game control microcomputer 61 confirms the number of game balls stored in the notification storage unit 64d of the RAM 64 at the end of the jackpot game state, and when the specific number of difference balls is equal to or more than the third index number and less than the "reference number" (99872 to 99998), the specific difference number of balls is in the state before reaching the "reference number", but exceptionally, it controls to shift to the game impossible state (Fig. 29). Here, the specific number of difference balls that is equal to or more than the third index number and less than the "reference number" is the number of game balls in a range in which the difference from the "reference number" is smaller than the number of game balls that can be increased by the 2R jackpot, which is a jackpot game state with a small profit ("estimated number of difference balls increase" or "maximum number of awarded prize balls"). That is, when the specific difference ball number at the time when the jackpot game state ends is close to the 'reference number' to such an extent that even if the 2R jackpot occurs in the subsequent game, the 2R jackpot cannot be played to the end (to the extent that the 'reference number' is reached in the middle), the player cannot obtain a large profit even if he/she continues the game. Even if a jackpot game state (2R jackpot or 10R jackpot) occurs, the interruption of the jackpot game state may cause the player to feel strong dissatisfaction or distrust. For this reason, the game is terminated precisely at the end of the jackpot game state.

In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 (CPU 62) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 transmits a command (game impossibility notification command) including information indicating transition to the game impossibility state toward the effect control microcomputer 101 when shifting to the game impossibility state as described above. As a result, the notification regarding the transition to the game disabled state (game disabled notification) is executed based on the control of the effect control microcomputer 101 . Further, when receiving the number of balls notification command, the game control microcomputer 61 transmits a command including information indicating the same specific difference number of balls as the received number of balls notification command (referred to as a number of balls notification command) to the performance control microcomputer 101.例文帳に追加As a result, the effect control microcomputer 101 uses the above-described first to third index numbers to specify that the specific difference number of balls has approached or reached the "reference number", and performs control such as notification and effect (the specific suggestion effect and scenario effect shown in FIG. 29 will be described later).

(Regarding returning to playable state)
The pachinko game machine 1 is configured such that the control state of the game by the game control microcomputer 61 (CPU 62) shifts from the above-described unplayable state to the playable state in response to the operation (state return operation) of pressing the reset button 180 (FIG. 3) provided on the frame control board 150. Specifically, when the reset button 180 is operated to return to a state (disabled game canceling operation, ball resetting operation, disabled game notification canceling operation), a state return signal from the reset button 180 is input to the frame control microcomputer 151 (CPU 152). The frame control microcomputer 151 transmits to the game control microcomputer 61 a game enabling command instructing transition from the game disabled state to the game enabled state in response to the input of the state return signal. On the other hand, the game control microcomputer 61 shifts the game-disabled state to the game-enabled state in response to the reception of the game-enabled command. In this case, the detection of the plurality of winning detection sensors are all enabled, the driving means such as the big winning opening solenoid 14d and the second starting opening solenoid 12d can be driven, and the game ball can be shot by the shooting device 90 (hit hammer 90a). In addition, all the LEDs of the indicators 50 (special symbol indicators 51, 52 and normal symbol indicators 53, etc.)
returns to the lighting state. Then, it returns to the state where the variable display of the special figure and the variable display of the normal figure being executed are possible.

In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is configured to reset the count value (stored value) of the number of specific difference balls in response to the state restoration operation of the reset button 180 . That is, the game control microcomputer 61 resets the count of the number of game balls (the specific number of difference balls, the number of notification objects) stored in the notification storage unit 64d of the RAM 64 in the game control microcomputer 61 in response to the transition to the playable state (receipt of the game enable command) (returns to 0, which is the initial value), and transmits a specific difference number reset command for requesting the reset of the count value of the specific difference number to the frame control microcomputer 151. On the other hand, the frame control microcomputer 151 resets the respective storage areas 172a and 172 of the difference pitch storage unit 172 in response to receiving the specific pitch difference reset command.
The stored values in b, 172c and 172d (the current number of pitches, the maximum number of pitches, the minimum number of pitches, the specific number of pitches and the maximum number of pitches) are reset. As a result, the specific number of difference balls counted in the pachinko game machine 1 returns to the initial value (0), and the execution of the game is allowed until the specific number of difference balls reaches the "reference number".

Furthermore, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is configured to end the notification of the game-impossible state (end the target period of the notification) in response to the state return operation of the reset button 180 .

(Notice of unplayable state)
As described above, the game control microcomputer 61 receives a game disabling command from the frame control microcomputer 151 (CPU 152), grasps that the storage value (specific number of difference balls) in the specific number of difference storage area 172d of the number of difference storage unit 172 has reached the "reference number", and shifts to the game disabled state. In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 exceptionally shifts to the non-playable state when grasping that the number of specific difference balls at the end of the jackpot game state is equal to or more than the third index number (99872 pieces) and less than the "reference number" based on the reception of the difference ball notification command from the frame control microcomputer 151.例文帳に追加As described above, the game control microcomputer 61 (CPU 62) transmits a game impossibility notification command as information indicating transition to the game impossibility state to the effect control microcomputer 101 (CPU 102) when determining and executing the transition to the game impossibility state based on the determination of the specific number of difference balls using the "reference number" or the third index number as described above. Then, the effect control microcomputer 101 controls predetermined notification execution means (in this embodiment, the effect display device 7, the top lamp 23c and the speaker 8) to execute the game impossibility notification based on the reception of the game impossibility notification command.

The pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment is configured to set the timing of the start and end of the period in which the game is disabled (report target period), and to continuously execute the game impossibility report during the report target period. If the power is turned off during the notification target period, the game impossibility notification is not performed during that period, but if the power is turned on again, the game impossibility notification is resumed.

The specific contents of this game impossibility notification will be described. As shown in FIG. 30(a), in the game impossibility notification, the entire screen of the effect display device 7 is used to display a notification image of character information such as "today's game is over". For a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) after the start of the game impossibility notification, the top lamp 23c emits red and green luminous colors, the movable body motor 23d is driven to rotate the rotating reflector in the top lamp 23c, and the notification sound "Win Win Win..." is output from the speaker 8.例文帳に追加After a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the start of the game impossibility notification, the top lamp 23c is turned off and sound output from the speaker 8 is stopped, as shown in FIG. 30(b). In addition, the display contents of the effect display device 7 are not changed (same until the game impossibility notification ends).

In this way, by performing the game impossibility notification in a predetermined manner, the content of the notification can be easily understood by the player or the like. In particular, in the present embodiment, the mode of game impossibility notification executed by light emission or sound changes midway (with the lapse of a predetermined time), and the mode of game impossibility notification by display is constant and does not change. That is, until a predetermined time elapses after the start of the game-impossible state, the notification is performed in a flashy manner using a notification sound or light emission, and after that, the notification is performed in a less flashy manner. By executing the game-impossible notification in such a notification mode, the game-impossible state is surely notified to the player, and the player is prevented from feeling uncomfortable when the flashy notification is given for a long time. It should be noted that the mode of game impossibility notification by display may be changed in the middle, or the mode of game impossibility notification by light emission or sound may be constant. Also, the aspect of each element (display, light emission, sound) of the game impossibility notification may all be changed in the middle, or conversely all may be fixed (not changed until the end).

(Flow of processing related to transition to unplayable state, etc.)
Here, among the control processes executed by the pachinko gaming machine 1, the flow of specific processes relating to the transition to the unplayable state (calculation, storage and resetting of the number of specific difference balls, start/end of the unplayable state, setting of the target period for the unplayable notification, etc.) will be described with reference to FIGS. 31 to 34. The processing relating to the specific number of difference balls is realized by cooperative control of the frame control microcomputer 151 (CPU 152), the game control microcomputer 61 (CPU 62), and the effect control microcomputer 101 (CPU 102). In addition to the processing related to the specific number of balls, the processing related to the number of balls actually held is also performed, but the explanation thereof will be omitted.

(Processing for specifying the number of difference balls by the frame control microcomputer 151)
As shown in FIG. 31, the frame control microcomputer 151 first confirms whether or not a winning ball command has been received from the game control microcomputer 61 (S500), and also confirms whether or not a detection signal of the actual shooting sensor 37 has been input (S501). Then, based on the results of S500 and S501, the number of difference balls (current number of difference balls) at that time is calculated, and further, the number of game balls of a plurality of kinds (highest difference number, lowest number of difference balls, specific number of difference balls, maximum number of difference balls) is calculated and stored in the difference number storage unit 172 (specifically, specific difference number storage area 172d) (S502).

Here, S502 mentioned above is demonstrated, referring FIG.31(b). If a prize ball command is received from the game control microcomputer 61 in S500, the frame control microcomputer 151 specifies the number of prize balls indicated by the received prize ball command, and adds the specified number of prize balls to the stored value (current number of difference balls) of the current ball number storage area 172a in the difference ball number storage unit 172 in S502. Also, if the detection signal of the actual shooting sensor 37 is input in S501, it means that one game ball is consumed by shooting the game ball (the number of consumed balls is one), so in S502, the stored value (current number of difference balls) of the current difference number storage area 172a in the difference number storage unit 172 is subtracted by one. If no prize command is received and no detection signal from the actual shooting sensor 37 is received in the confirmation performed in S500 and S501, in S502, the stored values of the current number of pitches, the highest number of pitches, the lowest number of pitches, the specific number of pitches, and the maximum number of pitches are maintained without being updated. When the frame control microcomputer 151 updates the stored value (current pitch difference) in the current pitch difference storage area 172a in S502, it compares the updated stored value in the current pitch difference storage area 172a with the stored value in the minimum difference storage area 172c. If it is determined in this comparison that the current number of pitches is small, the frame control microcomputer 151 updates the stored value (minimum number of pitches) in the minimum number of pitches difference storage area 172c to the same number as the current number of pitches. On the other hand, if it is determined in this comparison that the lowest pitch difference is small, the frame control microcomputer 151 next compares the stored value in the current pitch difference storage area 172a and the highest difference storage area 172b without updating the stored value (minimum pitch difference) in the lowest pitch difference storage area 172c. If it is determined in this comparison that the current number of pitches is large, the frame control microcomputer 151 updates the stored value (the number of highest pitches) in the highest number of pitches difference storage area 172b to the same number as the current number of difference pitches. On the other hand, if it is determined in this comparison that the number of highest pitches is large, the frame control microcomputer 151 does not update the stored value (number of highest number of pitches) in the highest number of pitches difference storage area 172b. Then, the frame control microcomputer 151 subtracts the lowest pitch number (negative number) from the highest pitch number (positive number) when either the stored value (highest pitch difference) in the highest pitch difference storage area 172b or the stored value (lowest pitch difference) in the lowest pitch difference storage area 172c is updated, and based on the result, updates the stored value (specified pitch difference) in the maximum difference number storage area 172e. Next, the frame control microcomputer 151 subtracts the minimum number of difference balls (negative number) from the current number of difference balls (positive number to negative number), and updates the stored value (specific number of difference balls) of the specific number of difference balls storage area 172d based on the result.

Returning to FIG. 31(a), the frame control microcomputer 151 determines whether or not the specific pitch difference stored in the specific pitch difference storage area 172d of the pitch difference storage unit 172 is within the range of the "notification target number" (99359 or more and less than 99999) (S503). When the frame control microcomputer 151 determines in S503 that the specific number of difference balls is the "notification target number", it sets a number of balls notification command for notifying the specific number of difference balls at that time to the game control microcomputer 61 (S504), and transmits it in the output process. On the other hand, on the side of the game control microcomputer 61 that receives the notification, it is possible to specify a specific specific number of difference balls (any one from 99359 to 99998) from the number of balls notification command.

On the other hand, when the frame control microcomputer 151 determines in S503 that the specific number of difference balls is not the "notification target number", the process proceeds to S505. In S505, the frame control microcomputer 151 determines whether or not the number of specific difference balls has reached the "reference number" (that is, 99999). When it is determined that the number of specific difference balls has reached the "reference number" (that is, 99999) (S505: YES), a game disabling command for instructing the game control microcomputer 61 to shift to the game disabling state is set (S506) and transmitted in the output process.
Then, when the process of S504 or S506 described above is finished, or when the process of S505 described above makes a negative determination, the process proceeds to S507.

The frame control microcomputer 151 on the frame control board 150 is configured to input a state return signal when the reset button 180 also provided on the frame control board 150 is pressed. In S507, the frame control microcomputer 151 determines whether a state return signal has been input, that is, whether the reset button 180 has been operated. Then, if it is determined that the reset button 180 has not been operated (the state return signal has not been input) (S507: NO), the differential pitch identification process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the reset button 180 has been operated (the state return signal has been input) (S507: YES), in the following S508, the count values of the number of difference balls storage unit 172 (current number of difference balls, maximum number of difference balls, minimum number of difference balls, specific number of difference balls, maximum number of difference balls) are reset (S508), and next, a game enabling command for instructing the game control microcomputer 61 to shift to the game control state is set. (S509), the processing for determining the number of difference pitches is terminated.

(Different ball-related processing by game control microcomputer 61)
As shown in FIG. 32, the game control microcomputer 61 first determines whether or not the specific number of difference balls has reached the "reference number" in the difference ball related process (S510). In this case, the game control microcomputer 61 confirms whether or not a game disabling command has been received from the frame control microcomputer 151, and if so, determines that the specific number of difference balls has reached the "reference number" (S510: YES). On the other hand, if there is no reception, it is determined that the number of specific pitches has not reached the "reference number" (S510: NO).

When the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S510 that the number of specific balls has reached the "reference number" (S510: YES), it executes processing for shifting from the playable state to the unplayable state. Specifically, first, a game stop process is executed (S511). In this game stop processing, detection of all winning detection sensors for detecting winning to each winning port of the game board 2 is invalidated, and S11, S15, S16, S11, S15, S16, S11, S15, S16, S11, S15, S16, S11, S15, S16, S11, S15, S16, S11, S15, S16 in the main side timer interrupt processing (FIG. 9) described above are disabled.
Execution of the processing such as S17 is stopped. As a result, the winning detection of each winning opening becomes impossible, the big winning opening 14a and the second start opening 12a are kept closed, the LEDs of the display devices 50 (special symbol indicators 51, 52, normal symbol indicator 53, etc.) are extinguished (variation display of special symbols and general symbols is not displayed), and measurement of variation time is stopped (or interrupted) for the variable display of special symbols and general symbols being executed. When this game stop processing (S511) ends, the game control microcomputer 61 next executes firing stop processing (S512). In this firing stop process, the firing permission signal that is always output in the normal state (game-enabled state) is stopped. As a result, the drive control of the shooting device 90 by the shooting control circuit 75 is stopped, and the game ball shooting operation becomes impossible. In this manner, the game stop processing (S511) and the firing stop processing (S512) are executed by the game control microcomputer 61, thereby shifting from the play-enabled state to the play-disabled state. It should be noted that the transition to the non-playable state may be executed by only one of the game stop processing and the firing stop processing.

After completing S512, the game control microcomputer 61 sets a game impossibility notification command for executing notification regarding the game impossibility state under the control of the effect control microcomputer 101 (S513). This game impossibility notification command is transmitted to the sub-control board 100 (effect control microcomputer 101) in the output process (S10) of the main side timer interrupt process (FIG. 9) described above.

When the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S510 that the specific number of difference balls has not reached the "reference number" (S510: NO), the game control microcomputer 61 proceeds to S514 and determines whether there is a notification of the specific number of difference balls from the frame control microcomputer 151 (whether the specific number of difference balls has changed). In this case, the game control microcomputer 61 confirms whether or not the command for notifying the number of balls is received, and if it is received, it determines that there has been a notification of the specific number of difference balls after the change (S514: YES), and if it is not received, it is determined that there is no notification because the number of specific difference balls has not changed (S514: NO). When the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S514 that the specific number of difference balls has been notified (S514: YES), the game control microcomputer 61 proceeds to S515 and executes notification target number storage processing. In this notification target number storage process (S515), the specific number of difference pitches (notification target number) indicated by the received pitch number notification command is stored in the notification storage unit 64d of the RAM 64 (the count value is updated) (S515). After the notification target number storage processing (S515) is completed, the process proceeds to S516, and a command (referred to as a pitch number notification command) similar to the pitch number notification command received from the frame control microcomputer 151 is set. This ball number notification command is transmitted to the sub-control board 100 (production control microcomputer 101) in the output process (S10) of the main side timer interrupt process (FIG. 9) described above.

After completing the process of S516, the game control microcomputer 61 proceeds to S517. Also, if it is determined in S514 that there is no notification of the specific number of difference balls from the frame control microcomputer 151 (S514: NO), the process proceeds to S517 without going through S515 and S516.

In S517, the game control microcomputer 61 confirms the number of specific difference balls stored in the notification storage section 64d of the RAM 64, and determines whether the specific number of difference balls is equal to or greater than the third index number (99872). Since the specific number of balls to be notified by the number-of-balls notification command is any one of the numbers of game balls from 99359 to 99998, the notification storage unit 64d stores either of these numbers of game balls or an initial value (0). When 99872 (the third index number) or more of the specific number of difference balls are stored in the notification storage unit 64d, it is possible to grasp that the number of specific difference balls has increased to the number of game balls that is very close to the "reference number" (the number of game balls that is highly likely to reach the "reference number" by one 2R jackpot). If it is determined in S517 that the number of specific balls is 99872 or more (and less than the "reference number"), the process proceeds to S518.

In S518, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether it is time to end the jackpot game state. In this case, whether or not it is time to end the jackpot game state can be determined based on information such as whether or not the jackpot end flag is turned off from ON in the above-described special electric auditors processing (S236 in FIG. 21).

Here, if the determination in S518 is affirmative, that is, if the jackpot game state ends with the number of specific difference balls equal to or greater than the third index number and less than the "reference number", the game control microcomputer 61 executes the above-described S511 (game stop processing) and S512 (fire stop processing) to shift to the game-disabled state, and then executes S513 (game-disabled notification command set) to end the difference-ball related processing. That is, when the number of specific difference balls is close to the 'reference number' at the time when the jackpot game state ends, even if the player continues the game after that, the game immediately shifts to the unplayable state, and a large profit cannot be obtained. Therefore, the game control microcomputer 61 exceptionally shifts the state from the playable state to the non-playable state. Then, the game impossibility notification command set in S512 is received by the effect control microcomputer 101, and the game impossibility notification is started.

(State return processing from game disabled state by game control microcomputer 61)
As shown in FIG. 33, the game control microcomputer 61 first determines whether a state return operation for shifting (returning) from the unplayable state to the playable state has been performed in the state return processing (S520). Note that the reset button 180 that is the target of the state restoration operation is arranged on the frame control board 150 . As described above, when the frame control microcomputer 151 inputs the state return signal in response to the depression of the reset button 180, it sets the game enabling command accordingly and transmits it to the game control microcomputer 61 (S509 in FIG. 31). Therefore, in S520, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the state return operation has been performed by determining whether or not the game enabling command has been received from the frame control microcomputer 151 .

When the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the state return operation has not been performed in S520 described above (S520: NO), it ends the state return process. On the other hand, if it is determined in S520 that the state return operation has been performed (S520: YES), processing (S521 to S524) relating to state return from the unplayable state is executed.

Specifically, in S521, the game control microcomputer 61 enables the detection of all winning detection sensors that were disabled at the time of transition to the game-disabled state.
7 and the like can be executed. Further, in S522, the game control microcomputer 61 restarts the output of the firing permission signal that was stopped when the game was shifted to the game disabled state. By the processing of these S521 and S522, the game is shifted from the unplayable state to the playable state.

When S522 ends, the game control microcomputer 61 resets the count value of the specific number of difference balls (the number of notification objects) stored in the notification storage section 64d of the RAM 64 to the initial value (0) in S523. At this time, the storage area 172a,1 on the side of the frame control microcomputer 151
The current number of pitches difference, maximum number of pitches difference, minimum number of pitches difference, specific number of pitches difference and maximum number of difference pitches stored in 72b, 172c, 172d and 172e have already been reset (S508 in FIG. 31).

In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 sets a game impossibility notification cancellation command in S524 after the end of S523. This game impossibility notification command is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 101 in the output process (S10) of the main side timer interrupt process (FIG. 9) described above. On the other hand, the effect control microcomputer 101 terminates the execution of the game impossibility notification (terminates the target period of the game impossibility notification) in response to the reception of the game impossibility notification cancellation command from the game control microcomputer 61 .

In this way, the pachinko gaming machine 1 transitions to a playable state when the reset button 180 on the frame control board 150 is operated (state return operation is performed). Also, in this case, the count of the number of specific difference balls is started from the initial value (0). In addition, the notification that has been performed in the game disabled state (game disabled notification) is terminated.

(Difference ball information processing for performance and notification by performance control microcomputer 101)
Next, the difference ball information processing executed at S344 in the reception command analysis processing (FIG. 27) described above by the effect control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 34, the effect control microcomputer 101 first determines whether or not a game impossibility notification command is received from the game control microcomputer 61 in the differential ball information processing (S531). In addition, in the effect control microcomputer 101RAM120, first to third difference number flags are provided as storage means used to indicate the attainment level of the specific number of difference balls (how close to the "reference number") (described later). Of these, the third difference ball number flag is set to ON when the specific number of difference balls is 99999, that is, when the specific number of difference balls (maximum number of difference balls in this case) reaches the "reference number", and is set to OFF otherwise. The first and second ball count flags can be set ON when the specific ball count is 99998 or less, but are set OFF when the specific ball count is 99999 (“reference number”). Here, receiving the unplayable notification command indicates that the specific number of difference balls has reached the "reference number" (that is, the maximum number of difference balls has reached the "reference number"). Therefore, when it is determined that there is reception in S531 (S531: YES), in the following S532, the third pitch difference flag is set to ON, and the first difference pitch flag and the second difference pitch flag are set to OFF. Then, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes and controls the above-described game impossibility notification during the period when the third difference ball number flag is ON (the notification target period). Note that the game impossibility notification is executed by predetermined notification execution means (in this embodiment, the effect display device 7, the top lamp 23c and the speaker 8).

When it determines with the microcomputer 101 for production|presentation control that there is no reception in S531 (S531:NO), it progresses to S533. In S533, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a game impossibility notification release command from the game control microcomputer 61 is received. Then, when it is determined that there is reception in S533 (S533: YES), the process proceeds to S534, and the third ball count flag is set to OFF. In this way, the effect control microcomputer 101 returns the third difference ball number flag, which has been turned ON in response to reception of the game impossibility notification command, to OFF in response to reception of the game impossibility notification cancellation command. It should be noted that the determination of S533 may be made not only when the aforementioned S531 is a negative determination, but also when the affirmative determination is made (however, the game-impossible notification command and the game-impossible notification cancellation command are basically not received at the same time).

When the performance control microcomputer 101 determines in the above-described S533 that the game impossibility notification release command is not received (S533: NO), it proceeds to S535 and determines whether or not the number of balls notification command is received from the game control microcomputer 61 (frame control microcomputer 151). When it determines with reception in this S535 (S535:YES), the microcomputer 101 for production|presentation control progresses to S536. It should be noted that the determination of S535 may be performed not only when the above-mentioned S533 is a negative determination, but also when the affirmative determination is made (however, the game impossibility notification cancellation command and the number of balls notification command are basically not received at the same time).

In S536, the effect control microcomputer 101 specifies the specific difference number of balls (the number of notification objects) indicated by the received number of balls notification command, and stores it in the RAM120. Then, by executing the subsequent processes (S537 to S539), the current specific number of balls less than the "reference number" is classified into three ranges and stored. Incidentally, the effect control microcomputer 101 can specify the actual specific number of game balls only for the specific number of difference balls of 99360 or more, which is the second index number. When the number of specific difference balls is the first index number (99359), there is notification of the number of specific difference balls (receipt of the command for notifying the number of balls), but there is no notification of the number of specific difference balls smaller than that, so that the number of game balls with the specific number of difference balls being 99359 or less (range from 0 to 99359) is specified.

The RAM 120 is provided with the first to third ball number flags as described above. When the specific number of difference balls specified in S536 described above is the first index number (99359 pieces) or the initial value (0 pieces), the effect control microcomputer 101 proceeds to S537, and the first to third difference number flags are kept OFF. Further, when the specific number of difference balls specified in S536 described above is equal to or more than the second index number (99360 pieces) and less than the third index number (99872 pieces), the effect control microcomputer 101 proceeds to S538, sets the first difference number flag to ON, and sets the second and third difference number flags to OFF. Further, when the specific number of difference balls specified in S536 described above is equal to or more than the third index number (99872 pieces) and less than the "reference number" (99999 pieces), the effect control microcomputer 101 proceeds to S539, sets the first and third difference number flags to OFF, and sets the second difference number flag to ON. In addition, when the specific number of difference balls reaches the "reference number", the reception of the game impossibility notification command is confirmed in S531, the third difference number flag is turned ON, and the first and second difference number flags are turned OFF.

In this way, the effect control microcomputer 101 stores a specific specific number of difference balls in response to the number-of-balls notification command from the microcomputer 61 for game control, and also uses the first to third number-of-difference flags to store the degree of increase in the number of specific difference balls. If the first to third ball difference flags are all OFF, the specific ball difference number is different from the "reference number" by an increase in the specific ball difference number of one per 10R jackpot (not close to the "reference number"). When the second ball difference flag is ON, the specific ball difference number is not far from the "reference number" by the specific ball difference increase of one 2R jackpot (extremely close to the "reference number"), and when the third ball difference flag is ON, the specific ball difference number (maximum difference ball number) has reached the "reference number". The effect control microcomputer 101 executes notification and effect control regarding the specific number of difference balls (or the maximum number of difference balls) based on the states of the first to third difference number flags. As an example, the control of suggestive effect and hitting method notification regarding the specific number of difference pitches will be described.

(Suggestion production (normal suggestion production and specific suggestion production))
First, the suggestive effect will be described. In this embodiment, when the specific number of difference balls increases and approaches the 'reference number', the suggestive performance executed during the variable performance of the performance pattern is changed, thereby suggesting that the specific number of difference balls is close to the 'reference number'. It should be noted that the suggestive effect described below is selected and executed based on tables (suggestive effect selection tables TA4-1 and TA4-2 shown in FIG. 35) commonly referred to in the low base state and the high base state.
The table in FIG. 35 may be referenced only for the high base state or may be referenced only for the low base state.
The performance control microcomputer 101 (CPU 102) determines the type of suggestive performance to be executed during the variable performance of the performance symbols in the suggestive performance selection processing (S348) of the received command analysis processing (FIG. 27) described above, along with the start of the variable performance. Specifically, only when either the first ball difference flag or the second ball difference flag is ON (the second index number (99360) or more and less than the "reference number" (99999)), it is possible to select (execute) a suggestion effect (specific suggestion effect) for indicating that the specific difference ball number is approaching the "reference number". In addition, the probability of selection of the suggestion effect (specific suggestion effect) for indicating that the specific number of difference pitches is approaching the "reference number" is higher when the first difference number flag is ON (the specific number of difference pitches is equal to or more than the second index number and less than the third index number) than when both the first difference number flag and the second difference number flag are OFF (when the specific number of difference pitches is equal to or less than the first index number), and the first difference number flag is ON.
is set to be higher when the second pitch difference flag is ON (when the specific pitch difference number is greater than or equal to the third index number and less than the "reference number") than when . In other words, the player can obtain information (information on the specific number of difference balls) that the number of specific difference balls is approaching the "reference number" by performing the above-mentioned specific suggesting performance or by increasing the frequency of execution.

The ROM 110 of the effect control microcomputer 101 stores suggestive effect selection tables (losing suggestive effect selection table TA4-1 and hit suggestive effect selection table TA4-2) having contents shown in FIG. 35, for example. A performance control microcomputer 101 (CPU 102) changes suggestive performance selection tables TA4-1 and TA4-2 to be referred to depending on whether or not the big hit random number included in the start winning information corresponding to the variable performance is a big win in the suggestive performance selection process (S348 in FIG. 27) executed with the start of the variable performance of performance symbols. In this case, if the big win random number value is a loss value, a suggestion performance is determined by referring to a loss suggestion performance selection table TA4-1, and if the big win random number value is a big win value, a suggestion performance is determined by referring to a win suggestion performance selection table TA4-2. That is, the suggestive effect (including the specific suggestive effect) in the present embodiment has a function of suggesting the degree of expectation as to whether or not the variation effect of the effect symbols will result in a big win (whether or not the big win gaming state will occur).

A total of six types of suggestive effects (that is, executable suggestive effects) are set as options in the suggestive effect selection tables TA4-1 and TA4-2. First, referring to FIG. 36, the content of each suggestive effect will be described.

The first suggestive effects SEa1 and SEb1 are suggestive effects executed on the screen of the effect display device 7, and include display contents representing a state in which a tape (band) written as ``KEEP OUT'' (no entry) is stretched over the screen as shown in FIG. 36(a). However, of the two types of first suggestive effects SEa1 and SEb1, the left first suggestive effect SEa in FIG.
1, only the characters ``KEEP OUT'' are written on the tape displayed in the forefront (closest to the player side) of the screen, whereas in the first suggestion performance SEb1 on the right side, the characters ``REAL'' are added above the characters ``KEEP OUT'' written on the tape displayed in the forefront (closest to the player side).

The second suggestive effects SEa2 and SEb2 are suggestive effects executed on the screen of the effect display device 7, and as shown in FIG. 36(b), include display contents representing a state in which a single amplitude line extending in the left-right direction (as a type of effect, for example, indicates the magnitude of the influence of an external force such as noise in terms of vertical amplitude) positioned in front of the monochromatic background. However, two types of second suggestive effects SEa2,S
Among Eb2, the second suggestive effect SEa2 on the left side in FIG. 36(b) is displayed in a state where the amplitude of the amplitude line is small, whereas the second suggestive effect SEb2 on the right side is displayed in a state where the amplitude of the amplitude line is large (that is, a state in which the influence of the external force is large).

The third suggestive effects SEa3 and SEb3 are the top lamp 23c (FIG. 1A) and the speaker 8.
(Fig. 1A) (see Fig. 36(c)). However, of the two types of third suggestive effects SEa3 and SEb3, the third suggestive effect SEa3 shown on the left side in FIG.
While the top lamp 23c emits red (single color) light, the rotating reflector rotates, and the sound "fan fan fan..." is output from the speaker 8, the third suggestive effect SEb3 shown on the right side is set so that the top lamp 23c emits red and green light, the rotating reflector rotates, and the sound "win-win-win..." different).

In this way, the two types of first suggestive effects SEa1 and SEb having similar aspects shown in FIG.
1, most of the presentation contents are common to each other, and only a part (presence or absence of characters of "REAL") is different. In addition, two types of second suggestive effects SEa2 and S having similar aspects shown in FIG.
In Eb2, most of the performance contents are common to each other, and only a part thereof (magnitude of amplitude of the amplitude line) is different. Furthermore, two types of third suggestive effects SEa3, S having similar modes shown in FIG.
Eb3 has a part of the effect contents in common, but a part (green light emission and sound) is different. In other words, different suggestive effects SEb1, SEb2, SEb3 are executed in a manner in which a part of the effect contents of predetermined suggestive effects SEa1, SEa2, SEa3 are replaced with different effect contents.
In the following description, the first to third suggestive effects SEa1, SEa2, SEa3 shown on the left side of FIGS. 36(a) to 36(c) are referred to as "first to third normal suggested effects", and the first to third suggested effects SEb1, SEb2, SEb3 shown on the right side are referred to as "first to third specific suggested effects".

Returning to FIG. 35, the selection probability of each suggestive effect will be described. The suggestion performance selection tables TA4-1 and TA4-2 are set so that the selection probability of the specific suggestion performance differs depending on the difference in the states of the first and second difference ball number flags (the difference in the specific number of difference balls) (the probability of selection of the specific suggestion performance gradually increases as the number of specific difference balls approaches the "reference number"). In addition, each specific suggestive effect is set so that the selection probability differs according to the result of the special figure hit determination.

Specifically, in the losing suggestion performance selection table TA4-1, the selection probabilities of the first to third normal suggestion performances SEa1, SEa2 and SEa3 are set to 10%, 5% and 5% in order regardless of the states of the first ball difference flag and the second ball difference flag. On the other hand, the selection probabilities of the first to third specific suggestive effects SEb1, SEb2, and SEb3 are set to 0% when both the first ball difference flag and the second ball difference flag are OFF (the specific ball difference number is equal to or less than the first index number), and when the first difference ball number flag is ON and the second difference ball number flag is OFF (the specific difference ball number is equal to or more than the second index number and less than the third index number), the first to third selection probabilities are set. The third specific suggestive effects SEb1, SEb2 and SEb3 are set to 15%, 10% and 5% in this order, and when the first difference ball number flag is OFF and the second difference ball number flag is ON (the specific difference number of balls is greater than or equal to the third index number and less than the "reference number"), the first to third specific suggestive effects SEb1, SEb2 and SEb3 are set to 40%, 30% and 10% in this order.

In addition, the hit suggestion effect selection table TA4-2 includes first to third normal suggestion effect SEa1,
The selection probabilities of SEa2 and SEa3 are set to 10%, 20%, and 20%, respectively, regardless of the states of the first difference flag and the second difference flag. On the other hand, the selection probabilities of the first to third specific suggestive effects SEb1, SEb2, and SEb3 are set to 0% when both the first ball difference flag and the second ball difference flag are OFF (the specific ball difference number is equal to or less than the first index number), and when the first difference ball number flag is ON and the second difference ball number flag is OFF (the specific difference ball number is equal to or more than the second index number and less than the third index number), the first to third selection probabilities are set. The third specific suggesting effects SEb1, SEb2 and SEb3 are set to 10%, 15% and 15% in this order, and when the first difference ball number flag is OFF and the second difference ball number flag is ON (the specific difference number is equal to or more than the third index number and less than the "reference number"), the first to third specific suggestive effects SEb1, SEb2 and SEb3 are set to 20%, 15% and 15% in this order.

In this way, as suggestive effects executable by the pachinko gaming machine 1, normal suggestive effects SEa1,
There are SEa2, SEa3 and specific suggestive performances SEb1, SEb2, SEb3. Of these, the specific suggestive performances SEb1, SEb2, SEb3 are not executed when the specific number of pitches difference is equal to or less than the first index number (less than the second index number), but can be executed when the specific number of difference pitches is equal to or more than the second index number. In addition, the specific suggestion effect SEb1,S when the number of specific difference balls is equal to or more than the second index number and less than the third index number (99360 to 99871) is greater than or equal to the third index number and less than the "reference number" (99872 to 99998).
Eb2 and SEb3 are easier to perform. That is, specific suggestive effects SEb1, SEb2,
The selection probability of SEb3 is set to gradually increase as the number of specific difference balls approaches the "reference number".

(About scenario production (scenario correction by increasing the number of specific difference balls))
Next, a description will be given of the jackpot effect executed corresponding to the jackpot game state (10R jackpot) in the present embodiment. The jackpot performance performed in the present embodiment is a performance performed corresponding to the period from the start to the end of the jackpot game state, and the display contents on the screen of the performance display device 7 are a series of stories (scenario performance having a flow to the end), and sound output by the speaker 8 and light emission by the various lamps 2a, 23a, 23b, 23c are performed according to the display change (development of the story). A performance control microcomputer 101 is constituted so as to be able to execute and control, as jackpot performances, a normal scenario performance leading to the end by changing the performance contents according to the progress of the 10R big win, and a special scenario performance leading to the end by changing the performance contents according to the increase in the number of specific differential balls during the 10R big win.

In the present embodiment, a big hit presentation (scenario presentation) is performed based on a world view in which the main character MC challenges an enemy character EC who rules A, B, and C countries and recaptures the three countries in order. For this reason, three types of normal scenario effects are provided: ``first story, country A'' (hereinafter referred to as ``normal scenario effect A''), ``second episode, country B'' (hereinafter referred to as ``normal scenario effect B''), and ``last episode, country C'' (hereinafter referred to as ``normal scenario effect C''). Each normal scenario performance A, B, C is a jackpot performance corresponding to the 10R jackpot, and each leads to the end of the story (performance contents) when the 10R jackpot ends. However, as the story continues in the order of the first, second, and final episodes, there is a large story flow that completes all three episodes, and if multiple 10R jackpots occur during one consecutive game period, the normal scenario production A is executed for the first 10R jackpot, the normal scenario production B is executed for the second 10R jackpot, and the normal scenario production C is executed for the third 10R jackpot. Every time it happens, you can see the continuation of the scenario production that was performed in the previous 10R jackpot. As for the 10R jackpot after the fourth time during the period of consecutive houses, a jackpot performance completely unrelated to the contents of the normal scenario performances A, B and C may be performed, or the normal scenario performances A, B and C may be performed again in order.

Since the time of the jackpot game state (10R jackpot) is indeterminate, each normal scenario performance A, B, and C is divided into a plurality of scenes, and each scene is divided into an opening period, a round period (and an interval period) and an ending period, so that the flow of the scenario performance is always maintained by sequentially executing up to the last scene. That is, the normal scenario effects A, B, and C are composed of an opening effect, a round effect, and an ending effect. Since the round effect is assigned to a variable round period, it is a repetitive effect that can be interrupted at any time without any sense of incongruity.

The normal scenario production A is a story in which a main character MC living in country A adventures in country A (city A, forest A, wilderness A, enemy land A) and defeats enemy character EC (ruling countries A to C). As shown in FIG. 37(a), the main character MC first appears (scene 1), runs out of town A (scene 2), crosses forest A (scene 3), further crosses wilderness A (scene 4), and finally reaches enemy land A (scene 5). Then, as shown in FIG. 37(b), scene 1 is assigned to the opening period, scene 2 is assigned to the round period of 1-2 rounds, scene 3 is assigned to the round period of 3-4 rounds, scene 4 is assigned to the round period of 5-7 rounds, scene 5 is assigned to the round period of 8-10 rounds, and scene 6 is assigned to the ending period.

The normal scenario production B is a story in which the main character MC, who has moved from country A to country B, adventures in country B (city B, forest B, wilderness B, enemy land B) and defeats enemy character EC (ruling countries B and C). As shown in FIG. 37(a), the main character MC first appears (scene 7), runs out of town B (scene 8), crosses forest B (scene 9), further crosses wilderness B (scene 10), and finally reaches enemy land B (scene 11). Then, as shown in FIG. 37(b), scene 7 is assigned to the opening period, scene 8 is assigned to the round period of 1-2 rounds, scene 9 is assigned to the round period of 3-4 rounds, scene 10 is assigned to the round period of 5-7 rounds, scene 11 is assigned to the round period of 8-10 rounds, and scene 12 is assigned to the ending period.

The normal scenario production C is a story in which the main character MC, who moved from country B to country C, adventures in country C (city C, forest C, wilderness C, enemy land C) and defeats enemy character EC (ruling country C). As shown in FIG. 37(a), the main character MC first appears (scene 13), runs out of the city C (scene 14), crosses the forest C (scene 15), crosses the wilderness C (scene 16), finally reaches the enemy land C (scene 17), fights against the enemy character EC, and finally wins (end, scene 18). Then, as shown in FIG. 37(b), scene 13 is assigned to the opening period, scene 14 is assigned to the round period of 1-2 rounds, scene 15 is assigned to the round period of 3-4 rounds, scene 16 is assigned to the round period of 5-7 rounds, scene 17 is assigned to the round period of 8-10 rounds, and scene 18 is assigned to the ending period.

In this way, scene 1 to scene 18 are performed in order by three 10R jackpots occurring during the same consecutive period, and the battle between the main character MC and the enemy character EC over three countries, A, B and C, ends.

Here, as described above, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment shifts to a non-playable state when the number of specific difference balls reaches the "standard number" even during the jackpot gaming state. When the 10R jackpot is in progress when the number of specific difference balls reaches the 'reference number', when the 10R jackpot is interrupted and the game is shifted to a game-impossible state, the normal scenario performance that has been executed until then is terminated without reaching the end (the game impossibility is reported), resulting in the dissatisfaction and distrust of the player enjoying the normal scenario performance. In order to prevent such a situation, it is possible to execute a special scenario effect in which the content of the effect progresses according to the increase in the number of specific difference balls.

The performance control microcomputer 101 determines which of the normal scenario performance and the special scenario performance is performed as the jackpot performance at the start of the 10R jackpot (when receiving the opening command from the game control microcomputer 61). In this case, if the number of specific difference balls is not increased (below the number of the first index), one of the normal scenario performances A, B, and C is selected based on the number of occurrences of the 10R jackpot during the period of consecutive residences, and its execution is determined. On the other hand, when the specific number of difference balls at the start of the 10R jackpot is close to the "reference number" and it is assumed that the specific number of difference balls will reach the "reference number" when the specific number of difference balls increases by one 10R jackpot or less (situation where the specific number of difference balls is equal to or greater than the second index number), a special scenario effect is selected and execution is decided.

In the special scenario presentation, the main character MC and the enemy character EC common to the normal scenario presentations A, B, and C appear. Specifically, first, the game starts with a close-up of the face of the main character MC (when the enemy character EC is discovered), and then battles with the enemy character EC. In this case, the battle is a continuous attack by the main character MC, and the continuous attack is performed in accordance with the increase in the number of specific difference balls. When the special scenario performance is performed in the first 10R jackpot during the period of consecutive houses, it is performed with the same background image HG (for example, town A) as the normal scenario performance A, in the case of the second 10R jackpot, it is performed with the same background image HG (for example, town B) as the normal scenario performance B, and in the case of the third 10R jackpot, it is performed with the same background image HG (for example, town C) as the normal scenario performance C.例文帳に追加Therefore, it is possible to execute the special scenario production with the production contents along the flow from the normal scenario production performed in the previous 10R jackpot during the same consecutive game period.

As shown in FIG. 37(c), during the continuous attack in the special scenario effect, numerical values are displayed according to the increase in the specific number of difference balls (the specific number of difference balls is displayed as it is, or the number of remaining balls up to the "reference number" is displayed). In other words, as the number of specific difference balls increases, the total number of attacks on the enemy character EC increases, and victory approaches. The specific number of balls can be recognized as a numerical value indicating the damage dealt to the enemy character EC, the number of remaining attacks, or the like.

When the performance control microcomputer 101 grasps the start of the 10R jackpot (the start of the opening period) by receiving the opening command (for the 10R jackpot) from the game control microcomputer 61, it specifies the range of the specific number of difference balls from the values of the first to third difference number flags stored in the RAM 120.例文帳に追加If the specific number of difference balls is equal to or more than the second index number (99360 pieces), it is assumed that the number of specific difference balls will reach the 'reference number' during the 10R big win, so the execution of the special scenario performance leading to the end by changing the content of the performance according to the increase of the specific number of difference balls is determined and started. In the special scenario presentation, the main character MC attacks the enemy character EC repeatedly. As described above, the effect control microcomputer 101 stores a specific specific number of difference balls (notification target number) in the RAM 120 each time it receives the number of balls notification command from the game control microcomputer 61 . Therefore, every time this specific specific number of difference balls changes, the display of the specific number of difference balls displayed in the production of repeated attacks is updated. As a result of the repeated attack, the main character MC wins, for example, the enemy character EC falls down. In addition, in the case of performing an effect to celebrate the victory from the time of winning, the timing of the effect may be adjusted so that the timing of winning is slightly hastened so that the specific number of difference balls reaches, for example, 99980, which is smaller than the "reference number". By doing so, the game is shifted to the non-playable state at the timing when the special scenario effect ends.

Also, even during the execution of the normal scenario productions A, B, and C (that is, during the 10R jackpot), when many prizes are won in the general prize-winning opening 11 or the starting opening, etc., more prize balls are awarded, so even if the specific number of difference balls does not reach the second index number at the start of the 10R jackpot, the number of specific difference balls (maximum number of difference balls) may reach the 'reference number' by the end of the 10R jackpot. In such a case, the normal scenario effects A, B, and C are switched to the special scenario effects. Specifically, in a situation where one of the normal scenario performances A, B, and C has already started (during the 10R jackpot), when the number of specific difference balls reaches a predetermined number (for example, the third index number) closer to the 'reference number' than the second index number, the normal scenario performances A, B, and C are interrupted and the special scenario performance is started. In the special scenario production, the characters (main character MC, enemy character EC) common to the normal scenario productions A, B, C are used, and the background image HG (background at the time of interruption (any of town A to C, forest A to C, wilderness A to C, enemy land A to C)) matching the interrupted normal scenario productions A, B, C is used, so that the normal scenario productions A, B, C can be shifted to the special scenario production without discomfort. In this special scenario presentation, the contents of presentation are changed according to the increase in the number of specific difference balls, and the contents of presentation reach the end (the content of winning the enemy character EC in the country corresponding to the interrupted normal scenario presentations A, B, and C) in accordance with the timing when the number of specific difference balls (maximum number of difference balls) reaches the 'reference number'.

The effect control microcomputer 101 specifies the specific number of difference balls at the start of the 10R jackpot (start of the opening period) as described above.
Either B or C is determined, and the first scene (appearance of main character MC, scene 1, 7 or 13) of the determined normal scenario presentation is started. From the start of the 1st round to the end of the interval period after the 2nd round, either scene 2, 8, or 14 (leaving town); from the start of the 3rd round to the end of the interval period after the 4th round, any of scenes 3, 9, or 15 (walking through the forest); (a scene of entering enemy territory), and during the ending period, one of scenes 6, 12, and 18 (a scene of winning) is produced in order.

Here, if the number of specific balls reaches the third index number (99872) during any of the normal scenario productions A, B, and C (for example, during the normal scenario B), for example, in the middle of the 9th round, the production is interrupted in the middle of the scene 11 in which the main character MC enters and moves to the enemy land B, and the special scenario production is performed. , there is no sense of incongruity. Then, the display of the specific number of differential balls is updated in accordance with the repeated attack, and just before the specific number of differential balls reaches the 'reference number' (immediately before shifting to the game disabled state), the game ends with the victory of the main character MC and shifts to the game disabled state at that timing.

As described above, in this embodiment, the normal scenario effect A is performed for the first 10R jackpot, the normal scenario effect B is performed for the second 10R jackpot, and the normal scenario effect C is performed for the third 10R jackpot.
B and C (scenes 1 to 18) are all connected to form one story. again,
Each of the normal scenario productions A, B, and C also constitutes one story. A specific number of difference balls is confirmed at the start of the 10R jackpot, and when the specific number of difference balls (maximum number of difference balls) reaches the 'reference number' during the 10R jackpot, if the normal scenario production is executed with the 10R jackpot, it will end in the middle. The special scenario production is performed with the background image HG (town A) of the country A for the first 10R jackpot during the period of consecutive resorts, with the background image HG (town B) of the country B for the second time, and with the background image HG (town C) of the country C at the third time, so that the special scenario production can be performed with the contents of the production following the flow of the previous normal scenario production during the period of the consecutive resorts. When the special scenario performance is performed in the middle of the 10R jackpot (in the middle of the normal scenario performances A, B, and C), the background image HG of the interrupted normal scenario performances A, B, and C is used, so that the special scenario performance can be performed with the performance contents following the flow before the suspension of the normal scenario performance.

In addition, if the specific difference number (maximum number of balls) reaches the "standard" by the end of the third 10R jackpot during the consecutive villa period, even if the specific difference number (maximum number of balls) reaches the "standard" at any point, the final ending with the normal scenario production A, B, and C will play. If you want to show it to an engineer, you can use a special scenario to be the final battle in Country C (background image HG is an enemy C). In other words, in this way, the end of the special scenario performance can be made close to the final end (scene 18) of the normal scenario performances A, B, and C, and it is possible to shift to the unplayable state in that flow.

(Jackpot production related processing)
Next, a description will be given of the jackpot effect-related processing that the effect control microcomputer 101 executes at S345 in the received command analysis process (FIG. 27) described above with reference to FIG. In addition, in FIG. 38, the processing corresponding to the command reception regarding the 10R jackpot is described, and the processing corresponding to the command reception regarding the 2R jackpot is omitted. In addition, in FIG. 38, selection processing of the normal scenario effects A, B, and C is omitted (the types of A to C are also omitted), but one of the normal scenario effects A, B, and C is selected according to the number of occurrences during the 10R jackpot during the consecutive house period. Also, the special scenario effects are executed with the contents (background image HG) that match the normal scenario effects A, B, and C that were originally scheduled to be executed.

As shown in FIG. 38, the effect control microcomputer 101 first determines whether or not an opening command (for 10R big win) is received from the game control microcomputer 61 in the jackpot effect-related processing (S540). If it is determined in S540 that the opening command has not been received (S540: NO), the process proceeds to S542, which will be described later. On the other hand, if it is determined in S540 that the opening command has been received (S540: YES), the first ball difference flag and the second ball difference flag are checked, and it is determined whether any of them is ON (the specific number of difference balls is 99360 or more and 99998) (S5401). If it is determined in S5401 that either the first ball difference flag or the second ball difference flag is ON (S5401: YES), the process proceeds to S5402. On the other hand, if it is determined in S5401 that both the first ball difference flag and the second ball difference flag are OFF (S5401: NO), the process proceeds to S541.

When the effect control microcomputer 101 proceeds to the process of S541, it is a case where the number of specific difference balls is equal to or less than the first index number (99359 pieces) at the start of the 10R jackpot. In such a case, it can be determined that there is a low possibility that the specific number of difference balls will reach the "standard number" due to the increase in the number of specific difference balls during the 10R jackpot. Therefore, the effect control microcomputer 101 starts scene 1 (opening effect) of the normal scenario effect in S541.

On the other hand, when the effect control microcomputer 101 proceeds to the processing of S5402, the number of specific difference balls is the second index number (99360 pieces) or more and less than the "reference number" (99999 pieces) at the start of the 10R jackpot. In such a case, it is determined that there is a high possibility that the specific number of difference balls will reach the "reference number" due to the increase in the number of specific difference balls during the 10R jackpot. In this case, the effect control microcomputer 101 first turns on the scenario switching flag (S5402), and then starts the special scenario effect (S5403). Note that the background image HG for the special scenario rendering in this case is, for example, enemy territory. Further, the above-described scenario switching flag is a flag that is provided in the RAM 120 and is turned ON corresponding to the execution state of the special scenario effect.

When the effect control microcomputer 101 determines that the opening command has not been received in S540 described above (S540: NO), or after the process of S541 or the process of S5403 ends, the process proceeds to S542. In this S542, it is determined whether or not a round designation command (for the 10R jackpot) has been received from the game control microcomputer 61. If it is determined in S542 that the round designation command has not been received (S542: NO), the process proceeds to S544, which will be described later. On the other hand, if it is determined at S542 that the round designation command has been received (S542: YES), the scenario switching flag is checked, and it is determined whether the scenario switching flag is OFF (whether the special scenario presentation is not being executed) (S5421). If it is determined in S5421 that the scenario switching flag is not OFF (it is ON) (S5421: NO), the special scenario effect is already being executed, so S5422 to S54
24, and proceeds to S544. On the other hand, if it is determined at S5421 that the scenario switching flag is OFF (S5421: YES), the special scenario effect is not being executed (the normal scenario effect is being executed). In this case, the process proceeds to S5422.

In S5422, the effect control microcomputer 101 confirms the second ball difference flag, and determines whether the second ball difference flag is ON, that is, whether the specific ball difference number is equal to or greater than the third index number (99872) and less than the "reference number" (99999) (S5422). If it is determined in S5422 that the second ball count flag is OFF (S5422: NO), an effect corresponding to the received round designation command is executed among the effects from scene 2 to scene 5 of the normal scenario effect. For example, when a round designation command corresponding to the 3rd round is received, the performance is switched from the scene 2 to the scene 3, and when the round designation command corresponding to the 4th round is received, the performance of the scene 3 is continued.

On the other hand, if it is determined at S5422 that the second pitch difference flag is ON (S5422: YES), the normal scenario effect is being executed, but the specific pitch difference is close to the "reference number". In this case, processing (S5423 and S5424) is performed to interrupt the normal scenario presentation being executed and switch to the special scenario presentation. In S5423, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines the background image HG for the special scenario effect (at the time of the repeated attack). In this case, it is matched with the scene of the interrupted normal scenario presentation. For example, when switching to a special scenario presentation in the middle of any of the scenes 5, 11 and 17 in the normal scenario presentation, the background image HG showing the enemy land corresponding to any of the interrupted scenes 5, 11 and 17 is determined, and when switching to the special scenario presentation in the middle of any of the scenes 4, 10 and 16, the background image HG showing the wilderness corresponding to any of the interrupted scenes 4, 10 and 16 is determined. Then, the effect control microcomputer 101 starts the special scenario effect in the following S5424.

When the performance control microcomputer 101 determines in S542 that the round designation command has not been received (S542: NO), and determines that the scenario switching flag is ON in S5421 (S5421: NO), and after the processing of S543 or S5424 ends, the process proceeds to S544. At S544, it is determined whether or not an ending command has been received from the game control microcomputer 61. If it is determined that an ending command has been received (S544: YES), scene 6 of normal scenario presentation is started (S545). After the end of S545, or when it is determined that the ending command has not been received in S544 (S544: NO), the jackpot effect-related processing is ended.

(Effect of Embodiment 1)
According to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the embodiment described above, the following effects are achieved.
(1-1)
The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a plurality of types of winning openings (ball openings) 10a, 12a, 14a, and 11 in which a game ball can enter a prize (entrance) in a game area 3 where a game ball can flow down. When the special prize winning determination results in winning determination, a big winning game state (winning game state) is generated in which a game ball can enter a big winning hole 14a (special ball winning hole) of the winning holes. In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 (prize ball provision determining means) determines the provision of prize balls upon winning a prize in the winning hole. The frame control microcomputer 151 (calculating means) calculates a specific differential number of balls (specific number of balls), which is the number of game balls that changes based on awarding of prize balls. A specific pitch difference storage area 172d in the pitch difference storage unit 172 (a pitch difference storage means) stores the calculated specific pitch difference. On the other hand, the game control microcomputer 61 (game disabling means) shifts to the game disabled state when the specific number of difference balls (as the maximum number of difference balls) reaches the "standard number" due to the increase in the number of prize balls. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from being given excessive prize balls while allowing the player to play the game in a favorable manner.
Then, in the pachinko game machine 1, when the jackpot game state ends when the number of specific difference balls is less than the "reference number" and is equal to or greater than the third index number (index number), a game control microcomputer 61 (game disabling means) shifts to the game disable state with the termination of the jackpot game state as a trigger.
That is, even if the number of specific difference balls does not reach the ``reference number (99999)'', if it reaches 99872, the player can finish the game in the pachinko game machine 1 without feeling distrust by shifting to the unplayable state in accordance with the end of the jackpot game state (that is, ending the game at a good timing).
(1-2)
Further, the third index number (99872) in the specific number of differential balls is set so that the difference (127) from the "reference number (99999)" is smaller than the specific number of differential balls (estimated increase in differential balls or maximum number of given prize balls) that can increase depending on the jackpot gaming state (for example, 2R jackpot).
Therefore, compared with the case where the game is not disabled until the specified number of difference balls (maximum number of difference balls) reaches the 'reference number' after the end of the big win game state, the player is unlikely to lose confidence in the fact that a plurality of big win game states cannot be obtained.
(1-3)
In addition, a game control microcomputer 61 (game disabling means) interrupts the jackpot game state and shifts to the game disabled state or waits for the end of the jackpot game state and shifts to the game disabled state when the specific difference ball number (maximum difference ball number) reaches the 'reference number' during the jackpot game state (2R jackpot or 10R jackpot). That is, when the jackpot game state ends when the number of specific difference balls is less than the 'reference number' and equal to or greater than the third index number (index number), even if the player continues the game after that, he cannot obtain a large profit. Therefore, by ending the game at a precise timing, the player can save wasted playing time. In this embodiment, when the specific number of difference balls (maximum number of difference balls) reaches the "standard number" during the big win game state, the big win game state is interrupted and the game is shifted to the unplayable state. Therefore, if the remaining period until the number of specific difference balls reaches the 'reference number' is short, even if the game is played during the remaining period and a big win game state occurs, the game is interrupted and the game is disabled, causing dissatisfaction and distrust of the player. With such a specification, it is possible to exhibit the effect of ending the game at a good timing, such as when the jackpot game state ends.
(1-4)
In the pachinko game machine 1, a production control microcomputer (production control means) 101 controls the execution of production (suggestion production, etc.) related to the result of the special figure hit determination (hit determination). This production control microcomputer 101 provides a specific suggestion production (suggestion production SEb1,
SEb2, SEb3) can be executed in a manner similar to the predetermined suggestive effects (suggestive effects SEa1, SEa2, SEa3).
That is, when the specific number of difference balls (maximum number of difference balls) reaches the 'reference number' as the player plays the game, and a game-impossible state or a game-impossible notification is suddenly made due to this, the player will recognize the end of the game at an unexpected timing, and the player may feel dissatisfied. On the other hand, by executing a specific suggestive performance regarding the specific number of differential balls reaching or approaching the 'reference number' in a manner similar to a prescribed suggestive performance relating to the game result, it is possible to give the player an interest in guessing whether it is the prescribed suggestive performance or the specific suggestive performance, and at the same time make the player aware that the specific number of differential balls has reached or is approaching the 'standard number'. In other words, it is possible to shift to the unplayable state in a flow that does not arouse the dissatisfaction of the player. As a result, the negative image of the number of specific difference balls reaching the "standard number" can be dispelled.
(1-5)
Further, the specific suggestive performances (suggestive performances SEb1, SEb2, SEb3) are executed in a mode in which a part of the performance contents of the predetermined suggestive performances (suggestive performances SEa1, SEa2, SEa3) is replaced with another performance content.
In this way, the specific suggestive performance relating to the specific number of difference balls is executed in a mode in which the common performance contents are used as a basis and a part thereof is replaced with another performance content for the prescribed suggestive performance relating to the game result, thereby making the player pay attention to the difference in the performance contents between the specific suggestive performance and the prescribed suggestive performance and to make the player feel amusement by discriminating each performance based on the difference. (1-6)
Furthermore, as the number of specific difference balls approaches the "reference number", a specific suggestion effect (suggestion effect SEb1, S
Eb2, SEb3) are set so that the frequency of execution increases gradually.
Therefore, it is possible for the player to easily grasp the relationship between the improvement in the execution probability of the specific suggestive effect and the increase in the number of specific difference balls (approaching the reference number).
(1-7)
In addition, the production control microcomputer (production control means) 101 executes specific suggestion production (suggestion production SEb1, SEb1, SE
b2, SEb3) can be determined.
Therefore, the specific suggesting performance can be made to function as a suggesting performance related to the result of the special prize winning determination, and even in a state where the number of specific difference balls is close to the 'reference number', the occurrence of a big winning game state can be expected, and as a result, the negative image of the specific number of difference balls reaching the 'reference number' can be wiped out.
(1-8)
In the pachinko game machine 1, a production control microcomputer (production control means) 101 controls execution of production (for example, jackpot production) related to the result of the special figure hit determination (hit determination). This performance control microcomputer 101 executes and controls a normal scenario performance in which the performance contents reach the end in accordance with the progress of the game as a scenario performance having a flow to the end in the performance contents, for example, as a jackpot performance, and a special scenario performance in which the performance contents reach the end in accordance with the timing when the specific number of differential balls reaches the 'reference number'.
When the scenario performance (ordinary scenario performance) ends in the middle due to the reaching of the "reference number" of the specific number of difference balls, the player cannot experience the end of the performance and feels dissatisfied and distrustful. On the other hand, by executing the scenario performance (special scenario performance) leading to the end in accordance with the timing when the specific number of difference balls reaches the "standard number", the end of the scenario performance (special scenario performance) can be felt even when the number of specific difference balls reaches the "standard number", and the decrease in interest in the game by the player can be suppressed.
(1-9)
In addition, the production control microcomputer 101 (production control means) judges whether or not the number of specific difference balls reaches the "reference number" during the period of the jackpot game state (the execution target period of the scenario production) at the start of the period of the jackpot game state (before the start timing), and when the result of the judgment is that the "reference number" is not reached, the normal scenario production is started at the start time, and when the "reference number" is reached in the judgment, the special scenario production is started at the start. let it start.
That is, it is determined in advance whether or not the specific difference number of balls reaches the 'reference number' during the execution target period of the scenario presentation, and the scenario presentation (ordinary scenario presentation/special scenario presentation) to be executed is differentiated according to the determination result, so that the scenario presentation can be executed to the end without a sense of incongruity.
(1-10)
In addition, a performance control microcomputer 101 (performance control means) interrupts the normal scenario performance based on the fact that the number of specific difference balls reaches a second index number (index number) less than the 'reference number' during execution of the normal scenario performance, and executes the special scenario performance with the background image HG (performance content) and the situation (performance content) along the flow from before the interruption time until the specific number of difference balls reaches the 'reference number' from the time of interruption.
That is, by changing the normal scenario presentation to the special scenario presentation based on the fact that the number of specified difference balls reaches the second index number less than the 'reference number' before the number of specified difference balls reaches the 'reference number', the timing when the special scenario presentation reaches the end can be matched with the timing when the number of specified difference balls reaches the 'reference number'. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from losing interest in the game.
(1-11)
The normal scenario performance is a scenario performance in which the performance content reaches the end in accordance with the progress of the game in the jackpot game state (10R jackpot), and the special scenario performance is a scenario performance in which the performance content reaches the 'reference number' in accordance with the timing when the specific difference ball number reaches the 'reference number' during the jackpot game state (10R jackpot).
Since the scenario performance is carried out in the big win game state which is the game state advantageous to the player, the player can be made interested in the scenario performance. Since this scenario effect is performed to the end regardless of the specific number of difference balls, the player is not dissatisfied or distrusted.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. In addition, in relation to the pachinko game machine 1 of the first embodiment described above, different configurations will be basically described, and the same names and symbols will be used for common configurations, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
In the first embodiment described above, in addition to shifting to the game-disabled state when the counted specific number of difference balls reaches the "reference number", the game is also shifted to the game-disabled state when the specific number of difference balls at the end of the jackpot game state has reached the third index number (the game is terminated sharply at the end of the jackpot game state). On the other hand, in Embodiment 2 described below, when the high base state (advantageous game state, support state) of the number cut (100 times of variable performance) awarded after the non-probable variable jackpot ends and shifts to the low base state (the above-described consecutive game period ends), when the number of specific difference balls reaches the second index number close to the "reference number", it is possible to end the game sharply (shift to a non-playable state) in accordance with the end of the consecutive game period. It should be noted that, as in the first embodiment described above, the jackpot game state is interrupted and the game is shifted to the unplayable state when the specific number of difference balls reaches the "reference number" during the jackpot game state.

In other words, the jackpot game state that occurs after the end of the consecutive game period (transition to the low base state) becomes the first jackpot game state in the new consecutive game period, so the number of consecutive game games for the already ended consecutive game period is not increased, but is included in the number of consecutive game games in the new consecutive game period. If the specific number of difference balls is close to the 'reference number' at the end of the high base state, even if the player continues playing after that, it is impossible to extend the record of the number of consecutive games in a new consecutive game period until the specific number of difference balls reaches the 'reference number'. In this case, data such as the average number of consecutive games calculated in the pachinko gaming machine 1 or the hall computer of the gaming parlor is affected. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the number of specific difference balls is close to the "reference number" at the end of the high base state of 100 times of variable performance after the non-probability variable jackpot, the game is terminated at that point. A configuration for realizing such specifications will be described below.

The game control microcomputer 61 (CPU 62) checks the number of game balls stored in the notification storage unit 64d of the RAM 64 at the point in time when the high base state (100 variable performances) after the non-probability variable jackpot ends without becoming a jackpot, and if the specific number of difference balls is equal to or more than the second index number (99360) and is less than the "reference number", exceptionally, before the specific number of difference balls reaches the "reference number", the above-mentioned unplayable state is exceptionally performed. control so as to shift to

Here, in this embodiment, as described above, it is determined whether or not the game is in a non-playable state based on whether or not the number of specific difference balls at the end of the high base state after the non-variable big hit is in the range of the second index number or more and less than the "reference number". However, from the viewpoint of determining that the remaining period is such that the number of consecutive games cannot be extended (for example, the average value of the number of consecutive games is lowered) and moving to a non-playable state, it is also possible to set the difference from the "reference number" to a range (for example, a range of 97600 to 99998) in which the difference from the "reference number" is an increase in the number of specific difference balls equivalent to two or three 10R jackpots.

Specifically, the game control microcomputer 61 controls the contents of S517 and S518 of the difference ball related processing (FIG. 32) of the first embodiment described above with the contents changed as shown in FIG. 39 (S5171 and S5181). It should be noted that S510 to S516 are the same as in the first embodiment (FIG. 32), so description thereof will be omitted.

In S5171, the game control microcomputer 61 confirms the number of specific difference balls stored in the notification storage unit 64d of the RAM 64, and determines whether the specific number of difference balls is 99360 (second index number) or more and less than the "reference number". And in this S5171, if it is determined that the number of game balls is 99360 or more and less than the "reference number", the process proceeds to S5181, and it is determined whether it is time to end the measurement of the number of fluctuations (remaining in the high base state) by the time reduction counter (in this embodiment, only the high base state after the end of the non-variable jackpot is counted by the time reduction counter). In this case, it is determined whether or not the value of the time saving counter is changed to 0 in the game state management process (FIG. 19) described above. Then, when it is determined that the value of the time saving counter is changed to 0 in S5181 (S5181: YES), it means that the high base state of 100 times has ended without shifting to the jackpot game state, so the process proceeds to S511 described above. Then, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the above-described S511 (game stop processing) and S512 (fire stop processing) to shift to the game disabled state, and sets a game disabled notification command directed to the effect control microcomputer 101 (S513).

On the other hand, if it is determined in S5181 that the value of the time saving counter is not changed to 0 (S5181: NO), it means that it is not the end timing of the high base state (100 variable effects), so the difference ball related processing is ended.

(Effect of Embodiment 2)
According to the pachinko game machine 1 of Embodiment 2 described above, the following effects are achieved.
(2-1)
The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a plurality of types of winning openings (ball openings) 10a, 14a, 12a, and 11 in which a game ball can enter a prize (entrance) in a game area 3 where a game ball can flow down. ) is executed, and when the special prize winning determination results in winning determination, a big winning game state (hitting game state) is generated in which a game ball can enter a big winning hole 14a (special ball winning hole) of the winning holes. Also, the game control microcomputer 61 (second generating means) generates a high base state (advantageous game state) that is more advantageous to the player than a low base state (normal game state). Further, the game control microcomputer 61 (prize ball provision determination means) determines the provision of prize balls upon winning a prize in the winning hole. The frame control microcomputer 151 (calculating means) calculates a specific differential number of balls (specific number of balls), which is the number of game balls that changes based on awarding of prize balls. A specific pitch difference storage area 172d in the pitch difference storage unit 172 (a pitch difference storage means) stores the calculated specific pitch difference. On the other hand, the game control microcomputer 61 (game disabling means) shifts to the game disabling state when the number of specific difference balls reaches the "standard number" due to the increase in the number of prize balls. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from being given excessive prize balls while allowing the player to play the game in a favorable manner.
In the pachinko game machine 1, when the specific number of difference balls is less than the 'reference number' and is equal to or more than the second index number, when the high base state (advantageous game state) ends without shifting to the jackpot game state, the game control microcomputer 61 (game disabling means) shifts to the non-playable state with the end of the high base state as a trigger.
That is, when the number of specific difference balls increases to near the 'reference number' at the time when the high base state ends without entering the jackpot game state, even if the player continues the game after that, it is impossible to record the number of consecutive games in the jackpot game state until the 'reference number' is reached. On the other hand, at the end of the high base state, even if the number of specific difference balls does not reach the 'reference number', if the second index number (99360) is reached, the game is shifted to the unplayable state (that is, the game is ended at a good timing), so that the player can finish the game in the pachinko game machine 1 without feeling distrustful.
(2-2)
In addition, the second index number in the specific number of differential balls is set so that the difference (639) from the "reference number (99999)" is smaller than the specific number of differential balls (maximum number of awarded balls or estimated increase in number of differential balls) that can increase depending on the jackpot gaming state (for example, 10R jackpot).
Therefore, compared to the case where the game is not rendered unplayable until the number of specific difference balls reaches the 'reference number' after the end of the high base state (support state), it is possible to obtain the continuous game state by the big win game state (10R big win) twice or more, and the player is less likely to feel distrust.
(2-3)
In addition, when the number of specific difference balls reaches the 'reference number' during the big win game state (2R big win or 10R big win), the game control microcomputer 61 (game disabling means) interrupts the big win game state to shift to the game disabled state or waits for the end of the big win game state to shift to the game disabled state. That is, when the jackpot game state ends when the number of specific difference balls is less than the 'reference number' and equal to or greater than the third index number (index number), even if the player continues the game after that, he cannot obtain a large profit. Therefore, by ending the game at a precise timing, the player can save wasted playing time.

[Embodiment 3]
Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. In relation to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the first and second embodiments described above, different configurations will be basically described, and the same names and symbols will be used for common configurations, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, in addition to shifting to the non-playable state when the counted specific number of difference balls reaches the 'reference number', the game is also shifted to the non-playable state when the specific number of difference balls reaches the 'index number' close to the 'reference number' at the end of the jackpot game state or the high base state. On the other hand, in a third embodiment described below, even if the number of specific difference balls reaches the 'index number' at the end of the jackpot game state or the high base state, the game is not shifted to the non-playable state until the specific number of difference balls reaches the 'reference number'.

Further, in the above-described first and second embodiments, when the difference balls reach the "reference number" during the big win game state, the big win game state is interrupted at that point and the game is shifted to the non-playable state. On the other hand, in the third embodiment described below, when the specific number of difference balls reaches the 'reference number' during the big winning game state, the transition to the game impossible state is delayed until the end of the big winning game state (even if the specific number of difference balls exceeds the 'reference number', the game is allowed to play according to the situation). That is, it is advantageous for the player that the number of specific difference balls reaches the "reference number" during the jackpot game state. For this reason, in the third embodiment, by controlling the effect control microcomputer 101, it is grasped in advance (during the variable effect) that the specific number of difference balls reaches the "reference number" during the big win game state, and a pre-reading effect is performed regarding whether or not a big win game state in which the specific number of difference balls reaches the "reference number" will occur, or a game method in which the specific number of difference balls does not reach the "reference number" until the occurrence of the big win game state is notified (see FIGS. 41 and 42). and later).

First, the control of the game control microcomputer 61 will be described. As shown in FIG. 40, S514 to S518 are omitted from the difference ball-related processing (FIG. 32) of the first embodiment described above, and conditions for shifting from S510 to S511, S512, and S513 are added (S5101, S5102). It should be noted that S510 and S511 to S513 are the same as in the first and second embodiments (FIGS. 32 and 39), so description thereof will be omitted.

The game control microcomputer 61 confirms whether or not a game disabling command has been received from the frame control microcomputer 151 in S510 of the difference ball-related processing (FIG. 40), and if received, determines that the specific number of difference balls has reached the "reference number" (S510: YES). On the other hand, if there is no reception, it is determined that the number of specific pitches has not reached the "standard number" (S510: NO), and the processing related to pitches is terminated.

When the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S510 that the specific number of difference balls (maximum number of difference balls) has reached the "reference number" (S510: YES), it determines whether the jackpot game state is in progress (S5101). In this case, the game control microcomputer 61, for example, determines based on a predetermined flag provided in the RAM 64, command reception history, etc. (for example, whether or not the jackpot flag is ON and the opening command has been received). When it is determined that the game is not in the jackpot game state (S5101: NO), the processing of S511 and S512 for shifting to the game impossible state is executed immediately thereafter, and then the game impossibility notification command is set in the processing of S513 to end the difference ball related processing.

When the game control microcomputer 61 determines that it is in the jackpot game state in S5101 (S5101: YES), it determines whether it is time to end the jackpot game state (S5102). When it is determined in S5102 that it is time to end the jackpot game state (S5102: YES), the processing of S511 and S512 for shifting to the unplayable state is executed immediately after that, and a game impossibility notification command is set in the processing of S513 to end the difference ball related processing. On the other hand, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S5102 that it is not the end timing of the jackpot game state (S5102: NO), it ends the difference ball-related processing without going through the processing of S511 to S513, thereby delaying execution of the processing of S511 to S513 until the end of the jackpot game state.

(Look-ahead effect (suggestion of jackpot game state that leads to game disabling))
Next, the look-ahead effect will be described. In this embodiment, as described above, when the specific number of difference balls (maximum number of difference balls) reaches the "reference number" in the middle of the jackpot game state, disabling the game is delayed until the jackpot game state ends, so that the specific number of difference balls (maximum number of difference balls) exceeds the "reference number", which is advantageous to the player. Therefore, the fact that the number of specific difference balls (maximum number of difference balls) reaches the 'reference number' during the occurrence of the big win game state is grasped by prior determination performed before the start of the big win game state, and the performance (prefetching performance) is performed. In addition, the effect control microcomputer 101 (CPU 102) performs suspension notice using suspension images (indicating the number of operation suspensions) displayed in the effect suspension display areas 7Ba and 7Bb (FIG. 1A) provided in the effect display device 7 as a prefetch effect.

In the suspension notice as a look-ahead performance, the color of the suspension image normally displayed in white in the performance suspension display areas 7Ba, 7Bb is changed to red (whole red) or red/green (for example, peripheral edge is green and center is red). When the reserved image is red, it indicates that the result of the variable performance of the performance symbol corresponding to the reserved image (the variable display of the special symbol) results in a big win, and the big win gaming state is generated. In addition, when the reserved image is red or green, the result of the variable performance of the performance pattern corresponding to the reserved image (the variable display of the special pattern) results in a big hit, the big win game state is generated, and the specific number of difference balls (maximum number of difference balls) reaches the 'reference number' during the generated big win game state. In other words, in this case, when the specific number of difference balls at the time of preliminary determination is subtracted from the "reference number", the difference is the number of game balls that is smaller than the increase in the number of specific difference balls that is estimated for the jackpot game state that will occur thereafter. In such a situation, by setting the pending image to red and green, it not only suggests the occurrence of a big win game state, but also suggests that a big win game state that leads to game disabling occurs (as a result, the specific number of difference balls (maximum number of difference balls) exceeds the "reference number").

A performance control microcomputer 101 (CPU 102) confirms start winning information (random number etc.) stored in special figure holding performance storage units 121, 122 of a RAM 120 corresponding to the starting winning command in advance determination executed when a starting winning command is input from a game controlling microcomputer 61, and determines whether or not a jackpot is achieved (whether or not a jackpot game state is generated). Then, when there is starting prize winning information indicating a big win (generating a big win game state), a different ball number flag is confirmed depending on whether the big win game state to be caused is a 10R big win or a 2R big win. For example, if it is determined in advance that a 10R jackpot will occur, it is determined whether the specific ball count at that time is equal to or greater than the second index number (99360) and less than the "reference number" in order to determine whether the increase in the specific ball count due to the 10R jackpot reaches the "reference number". On the other hand, if it is determined in advance that a 2R jackpot will occur, it is determined whether the specific ball count at that time is equal to or greater than the third index number (99872) and less than the "reference number" in order to determine whether the increase in the specific ball count due to the 2R jackpot reaches the "reference number".

Next, regarding the prefetch effect described above, the effect control microcomputer 101 according to the third embodiment will describe the prefetch effect determination process executed at S343 in the received command analysis process (FIG. 27) with reference to FIG.

The effect control microcomputer 101 first determines in the look-ahead effect determination process whether it is in a jackpot game state (that is, whether it is in a low base state or a high base state) (S560). Then, when it is determined in S560 that it is in the jackpot gaming state (S560: NO), the look-ahead effect determination process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined in S560 that it is not in the jackpot gaming state (S560: YES), the process proceeds to S561, and preliminary determination (prefetch determination) is executed.

A performance control microcomputer 101 confirms a jackpot random value and a jackpot type random value included in starting winning prize information of a starting winning command (starting prize information newly stored in special figure holding performance storage units 121 and 122) in advance determination (S561). When it is determined that the jackpot random number value does not indicate a jackpot (S562: NO) in the determination of whether or not the jackpot random number value indicates a jackpot (S562), the look-ahead effect determination process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value indicates a big hit (S562: YES), the process proceeds to S563 to determine whether the jackpot type random number value indicates a 10R jackpot. If the jackpot type random number value indicates a 10R jackpot (S563: YES), the process proceeds to S564, and if the jackpot type random number value does not indicate a 10R jackpot (S563: NO), the process proceeds to S565.

When the above-mentioned S563 is affirmative, that is, when it is determined in advance that a 10R jackpot will occur, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether any of the first ball difference flag and the second ball difference flag is ON (whether the specific number of difference balls is equal to or more than the second index number and less than the "reference number") (S564). Then, when it is determined that both the first difference ball number flag and the second difference ball number flag are OFF (S564: NO), as a result of the judgment by S561 to S564, it is found that a 10R big win occurs, but the specific difference ball number does not reach the "reference number" during the 10R big win, so the process proceeds to S566 to execute the big win suggestion prefetch effect selection process. As a result, the most recently suspended image displayed in the effect pending display areas 7Ba and 7Bb of the effect display device 7 becomes red (a color that foretells the occurrence of the jackpot gaming state).

Also, when it is determined in S564 that either the first difference ball number flag or the second difference ball number flag is ON (S564: YES), as a result of the judgment in S561 to S564, it is found that a 10R jackpot occurs and the specific number of difference balls reaches the "reference number" during the 10R jackpot. As a result, the most recently reserved images displayed in the effect reserved display areas 7Ba and 7Bb of the effect display device 7 become red and green (colors for notifying the occurrence of a big win game state and the reaching of the 'standard number' of the specific number of difference balls during the occurrence).

If the above-mentioned S563 is a negative determination, that is, if it is determined in the preliminary determination that the 2R jackpot will occur, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether the second ball difference flag is ON (the specific number of difference balls is equal to or more than the third index number and less than the "reference number") (S565). Then, when it is determined that the second difference ball number flag is OFF (S565: NO), as a result of the determination by S561 to S563 and S565, a 2R big hit occurs, but it is found that the specific difference number of balls does not reach the "reference number" during the 2R big win. Since the occurrence of the 2R jackpot is not suggested except when the number of specific difference balls reaches the "reference number", in this case, the look-ahead effect determination process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the second ball difference flag is ON (S565: YES), as a result of the determinations in S561 to S563 and S565, it is found that a 2R jackpot will occur and the specific ball count will reach the "reference number" during the 2R jackpot, so the process proceeds to S567 to execute a prediction effect selection process for suggesting a ball difference. As a result, the most recently reserved images displayed in the effect reserved display areas 7Ba and 7Bb of the effect display device 7 become red and green (colors for notifying the occurrence of a big win game state and the reaching of the 'standard number' of the specific number of difference balls during the occurrence).

Then, after the process of S566 or S567 is finished, the pre-reading effect determination process is finished.

(Notice how to hit)
Next, the notification of how to hit will be described. As described above, in the present embodiment, when the probability variable jackpot is won, the high base state (high probability high base state) provided after the probability variable jackpot ends is continued until the next jackpot gaming state. In the high base state, ``electric support control'' for supporting the winning of the second starting port 12a is performed, so that the high frequency of winning the second starting port 12a prevents a large decrease in the number of balls possessed by the player. In addition, when the specific number of difference balls reaches the 'standard number' during a jackpot game state (game state with increased number of difference balls), the shift to the non-playable state is delayed until the end of the jackpot game state, and in this case, the number of specific difference balls can exceed the 'reference number', which is advantageous to the player. However, on the other hand, whether or not the number of prize balls for one big win game state can be obtained differs depending on whether or not the game is continued after the end of the variable probability big win. That is, when the number of specific difference balls reaches the 'reference number' during the probability variable jackpot, the next jackpot game state to be generated after that shifts to the unplayable state without causing the whole game, and the player ends the game. In this case, the dissatisfaction of the player increases, and there is a possibility that the desire to play is lost.
Therefore, when the specific number of difference balls is close to the 'reference number' during the probability variable jackpot (for example, a situation in which the 'reference number' is reached by one increment of 2R jackpot), the game method for preventing the specific number of difference balls from reaching the 'reference number' is notified (hitting method notification) until the probability variable jackpot ends. In addition, the effect control microcomputer 101 (CPU 102) performs a display for reducing the number of shots of game balls on the effect display device 7 as the hitting method notification.

Specifically, the performance control microcomputer 101 (CPU 102) makes the performance display device 7 execute the hitting method notification during a predetermined period when the probability variable jackpot is in progress and the number of specific difference balls is equal to or more than the third index number (99872 pieces) and less than the 'reference number'. The hitting method notification is for preventing the number of specific difference balls from increasing to reach the "reference number" until the next big win game state is generated after the variable probability big win is completed. This hitting method notification can be performed by a display, sound, or the like prompting the interruption of shooting the game ball. In the case of display, for example, as shown in FIG. 42(a), the characters "Please stop shooting the ball" are displayed. In addition, by displaying the specific number of difference balls (maximum number of difference balls) in the same screen display as the character display until it reaches the 'reference number', the player can more accurately understand the reason for stopping the shooting of the game balls. When a player plays a game according to such a hitting method notification, it is possible to prevent or limit an increase in the number of specific difference balls during the notification of the hitting method (predetermined period after the specific number of difference balls reaches the third index number during the probability variable jackpot). For this reason, after completion of the probability variable jackpot where the hitting method is notified, the specific ball difference number is kept below the 'reference number' until the next jackpot game state occurs, and the specific ball difference number (maximum difference ball number) reaches the 'reference number' during the next jackpot game state, and thereafter the disabling of the game is delayed until the jackpot game state is finished. As a result, the specific number of difference balls (maximum number of difference balls) increases beyond the "reference number", which is advantageous to the player and thus increases the interest in the game.

The effect control microcomputer 101 of the third embodiment performs the hitting method notification process of FIG. 43 in addition to or instead of the "right hitting effect process (S334)" executed in the 10 ms timer interrupt process (FIG. 26) described above with respect to the first embodiment. The hitting method notification processing will be described below.

The effect control microcomputer 101 first confirms the states of the big hit flag and the probability variable flag in the hitting method notification process, and determines whether the probability variable big hit is in progress (S571). When it is determined that the probability variable jackpot is not in progress (S571: NO), the hitting method notification process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the probability variable jackpot is in progress (S571: YES), it is determined whether or not the hitting method is being notified at that time (S572).

When it is determined in S572 that the hitting method notification is not performed (S572: NO), the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not to start the hitting method notification in the following S573. That is, in S573, it is determined whether or not the specific number of difference pitches is approaching the "reference number" (is equal to or greater than the third index number and less than the "reference number") depending on whether or not the second difference number flag is ON. Then, when it is determined that the second pitch difference flag is OFF (S573: NO), the hitting method notification process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the second ball difference flag is ON (the specific ball difference number is equal to or more than the third index number and less than the "reference number") (S573: YES), the specific ball difference number is close to the "reference number", and the specific difference ball number can reach the "reference number" during the current probability variable jackpot, so a hitting method notification capable of suppressing an increase in the specific difference ball number is started (S574). After the end of S574, the hitting method notification process is ended.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S572 that the hitting method has been notified (S572: YES), the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether it is time to end the variable probability jackpot (or its final round) (S575). Then, if it is determined in S575 that it is not the end timing (S575: NO), the hitting method notification process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined in S575 that it is time to end the variable probability jackpot (S575: YES), the hitting method notification being executed is ended (S576). Then, after S576 is finished, the hitting method notification process is finished. Note that the notification of how to play may be continued until after the end of the variable probability jackpot (for example, until the next jackpot gaming state occurs). In this case, if S571 is a negative determination (S571: NO), it is determined whether or not to shift from the high-probability-high base state to the jackpot game state, and if the determination is affirmative, the hitting method notification may be terminated.

(Effect of Embodiment 3)
According to the pachinko game machine 1 of Embodiment 3 described above, the following effects are achieved.
(3-1)
The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a plurality of types of winning openings (ball openings) 10a, 14a, 12a, and 11 in which a game ball can enter a prize (entrance) in a game area 3 where a game ball can flow down. Along with execution, when this special figure winning determination results in a winning determination result, a big winning game state is generated in which a game ball can enter a big winning opening 14a (special winning opening) of the winning openings. In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 (prize ball provision determining means) determines the provision of prize balls upon winning a prize in the winning hole. The frame control microcomputer 151 (calculating means) calculates a specific number of differential balls (specific number of balls) that changes based on the awarded balls. A difference pitch number storage unit (difference pitch number storage means) 172 of the RAM 170 stores the calculated specific pitch difference number. On the other hand, the game control microcomputer 61 (game disabling means) shifts to the game disabling state when the number of specific difference balls reaches the "standard number" due to the increase in the number of prize balls. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from being given excessive prize balls while allowing the player to play the game in a favorable manner.
The game control microcomputer 61 (entering ball information acquisition means) acquires start winning information (entering ball information) with the winning of the start openings (opportunity openings) 10a and 12a as a trigger. Then, a game control microcomputer 61 (information output means) transmits (outputs) a start winning command indicating the acquired starting winning information at the winning timing (the timing at which the starting winning information is acquired), and based on the information of the starting winning command, the performance control microcomputer 101 (performance control means) executes control related to the performance. Effect control microcomputer 101 (effect control means, look-ahead determination means) executes a preliminary determination (look-ahead determination) based on the start winning information stored in special figure reservation effect storage units 121 and 122 of RAM 120 . Then, a performance control microcomputer 101 (performance control means) controls the execution of a look-ahead performance (predetermined performance) when the preliminary determination results in a determination result of generating a big win game state and the number of specific difference balls at that time increases to the number of game balls that can reach a ``standard number'' by one time of the big win game state.
For example, when the number of specific difference balls reaches the 'reference number' during the jackpot game state, and the transition to the game-impossible state or notification is suddenly performed, the player recognizes the end of the game at an unexpected timing, resulting in dissatisfaction and distrust of the player. On the other hand, the occurrence of a big win game state is grasped in advance by prior determination (read-ahead determination), and when the number of specific difference balls increases to the number of game balls capable of reaching a ``reference number'' during the big win game state, a look-ahead performance (predetermined performance) is executed, so that the player can be notified of the near end of the game at the same time as the information preferable for the player (occurrence of the winning game state). Therefore, it is possible to shift to the unplayable state in a flow that does not arouse the dissatisfaction of the player.
(3-2)
A game control microcomputer 61 (game disabling means) delays transition to a game disabling state until the end of the jackpot game state when the number of specific difference balls reaches the "reference number" during the jackpot game state.
That is, when the ``specific difference number of balls'' reaches the reference number during the jackpot game state, the transition to the game impossible state is delayed until the jackpot game state ends, so that the player's expectation can be heightened by the look-ahead performance (predetermined performance).
(3-3)
A microcomputer 101 for performance control (performance control means) determines whether or not the specific number of difference balls reaches a 'reference number' during the big win game state, based on the relationship between the current specific number of difference balls stored in a difference number storage part 172 (difference number storage means) and the 'estimated number of increase in difference balls' due to the game during the big win game state, when the preliminary determination results in the judgment result of causing the big win game state.
That is, the occurrence of a big win gaming state is grasped in advance by prior determination, and a judgment is made based on the relationship between the increase in the number of difference balls (estimated increase in difference balls, 640 in the case of a 10R jackpot) and the current specific number of difference balls (for example, whether or not the number of balls obtained by adding the estimated increase in difference balls to the current specific number of difference balls is greater than the reference number of specific difference balls). reaches the “reference number” in advance.
(3-4)
In addition, the performance control microcomputer 101 in the pachinko game machine 1 delays the disabling of the game until the jackpot game state ends when the specific difference ball number reaches the "reference number" during the jackpot game state. During the probability variable jackpot (predetermined period when it is decided that the state in which the decrease in the number of balls held by the player can be suppressed or avoided can be continued until the start of the next winning game state), after the specific number of difference balls becomes equal to or more than the third index number and less than the 'reference number', the execution of the notification of the hitting method for prompting the game method capable of suppressing the increase in the number of specific difference balls is controlled.
In other words, a player can play a game so that the specific number of difference balls reaches the reference number after the start of the next big win game state by performing a notification to prompt a method of playing a game to suppress the increase of the specific number of difference balls so that the timing when the specific number of difference balls reaches the 'reference number' is after the occurrence of the next big win game state. As a result, the possibility of obtaining many game balls can be increased.
(3-5)
In addition, the above-described hitting method notification includes at least the content of prompting the interruption of the operation for shooting the game ball toward the game area 3 .
In this way, by prompting the interruption of the operation of shooting the game ball by the above-described hitting method notification, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of specific difference balls. As a result, the specific difference number of balls can reach the "reference number" after the start of the next big win gaming state.
(3-6)
The performance control microcomputer 101 determines execution of the hitting method notification based on the fact that the number of specific difference balls reaches the third index number less than the "reference number" during the probability variable jackpot. Also, the third index number used in this case is set so that the difference from the "reference number" is less than the maximum awarded number of prize balls (or the estimated number of difference balls increased) in the game during the jackpot game state.
In this way, the number of balls corresponding to the difference from the "standard number" is reduced from the maximum amount of awarded balls due to the gaming in the jackpot, as the third indicator number, and the number of balls in the third indicator reaches a high base when the number of balls reaches a high -base state, so that the jackpot games that occur after the start of the news are certain. The number of specific differences is reached to the "standard number", and the reliability of how to hit it can be increased.

[Embodiment 4]
Next, Embodiment 4 will be described. In relation to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of Embodiments 1 to 3 described above, different configurations will be basically described, and the same names and symbols will be used for common configurations, and detailed description will be omitted.

In the first to third embodiments described above, when the state return signal is input to the frame control microcomputer 151 in response to pressing of the reset button 180 provided on the frame control board 150 (state return operation), the frame control microcomputer 151 resets the count value (the specific number of difference balls) of the differential ball number storage unit 172, and instructs the game control microcomputer 61 to enable play (transition from the unplayable state to the playable state) (issue a play enable command). set/send). However, even if the input timing of the state return signal is during business hours, the frame control microcomputer 151 resets the specific number of difference balls and instructs game enablement in the same way as outside business hours. Therefore, there is a possibility that the count of the specific number of difference balls is intentionally reset during the business hours, and the unplayable state is released.
Therefore, in the fourth embodiment described below, the frame control microcomputer 151 uses the time information input from the RTC 124 on the sub-control board 100 to determine whether the input timing of the state return signal to the frame control microcomputer 151 is before or after the non-business hours. If the input timing of the information return signal is before non-business hours (during business hours), the action of trying to reset the specific number of difference balls during business hours is notified (to make known that the operation was performed at an illegal timing, to warn that such an operation is invalid or must not be performed, etc.).

On the frame control board 150 of the present embodiment, a business hours setting operation section (not shown) is provided for setting information on the business hours of the amusement arcade. This business hours setting operation unit is electrically connected to the frame control microcomputer 151, and is adapted to input setting information of the business hours to the frame control microcomputer 151. FIG. In the amusement arcade, information on the start time and end time of business hours is input to the slot control microcomputer 151 in advance by operating the business hours setting operation unit. For example, if the business hours are from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, enter "10:00" as the business start time and "22:00" as the business end time. In response to inputting the business hours in this manner, the frame control microcomputer 151 stores the business hours of the amusement arcade.

Here, the slot control microcomputer 151 automatically sets a non-business time, which is a specific time after business hours, in response to the input of business hours information. In this case, for example, the time "22:05" five minutes after the closing time is set as the non-business time. Based on this non-business time, it is determined whether or not it is business hours at the time when the above-described state restoration operation (pressing of the reset button 180) is performed. Specifically, the frame control microcomputer 151 confirms whether it is before or after the above-mentioned non-business time is measured based on the time information input from the RTC 124 in the period from when the power is turned on until it is turned off, and stores it in the RAM 170 with a flag or the like. When the state restoration operation is performed before the non-business hours are measured during the power ON period, it is determined that the state restoration operation is during business hours, and the warning notification is executed and controlled.

In this way, the pachinko game machine 1 can set the non-business hours in accordance with the business hours of the game parlor, and can also be configured to change the non-business hours once set. Since the business hours may differ for each game parlor, it is possible to set the non-business time according to the circumstances of each game parlor, and to determine the timing of the state return operation based on the set non-business time. In addition, when the business hours of the amusement arcade straddle the date change point (midnight) (for example, when the business hours are from 1:00 pm to 1:00 am), it can be handled by setting a late time (1:05 am) as the non-business time according to the business hours. In addition to this, for example, in the case of all-night business (24-hour business), it is possible to set the date change time (midnight) as non-business time, and set the business hours before and after the date change time as business hours on different business days.

Any form of warning notification can be used as long as it can effectively warn against the act of resetting the specific number of difference pitches stored in the number of difference pitches storage unit 172 during business hours. In the example shown in FIGS. 44(a) and 44(b), the fact that the operation to clear the count of the specific number of pitches during the game is performed is displayed as a type of error ("reset pitches during the game" error) on the screen of the effect display device 7, thereby giving a warning. In addition to or instead of such a screen display, the warning may be notified by sound output from the speaker 8 or light emission from the top lamp 23c or the like.

In addition, in this embodiment, not only is a warning notification given to a state return operation during business hours, but the state return operation is judged as an invalid operation, and the resetting of the specific number of difference balls, the game enablement, and the termination of the game impossibility notification are not performed.
For this reason, for example, when the state recovery operation is performed during business hours and in a playable state (before the number of specific difference balls reaches the "reference number"), as shown in FIG. In addition, in the differential pitch number display area 7S, if the specific differential pitch number is equal to or less than the first index number, the specific differential pitch number is not displayed, and if it is equal to or greater than the second index number, the specific differential pitch number is displayed.
On the other hand, if the state return operation is performed during business hours and in a non-playable state (after the specific number of difference balls has reached the "reference number"), as shown in FIG. That is, the start of the warning notification and the continuation of the game impossibility notification reliably notify the surroundings that the state recovery operation has been performed during business hours. In addition, 99999 are displayed as the specific number of difference balls in the difference number display area 7S, and it is notified that the "standard number" has been reached. In this case, the state return operation during business hours may be notified only by continuing the game impossibility notification without performing the warning notification.

It should be noted that the business hours of the game parlor may be displayed on a part of the effect display device 7 or the like. In this case, the setting information of the business hours of the game parlor is transmitted from the frame control microcomputer 151 to the performance control microcomputer 151 via the main control microcomputer 61, so that characters such as "business hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM" are displayed on the screen of the performance display device 7. As described above, the non-business time, which is the reference for determining the timing of the state return operation, is set according to the business hours set by the amusement arcade. Therefore, displaying the business hours has a certain effect of preventing an erroneous time (time within the business hours) from being set as the non-business hours.

Hereinafter, processing executed by the frame control microcomputer 151 and the game control microcomputer 61 in Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the number-of-balls identification process (FIG. 45) executed by the frame control microcomputer 151 of the fourth embodiment will be described. The difference pitch number specifying process is the same as the difference pitch number specifying process (FIG. 31) executed in the above-described Embodiments 1 to 3, but the individual processes from S500 to S509 are common, but new processes (S5071, S5072) are added between S507 and S508.

The frame control microcomputer 151 in the fourth embodiment determines whether or not a state return signal is input by pressing the reset button 180 on the frame control board 150 (state return operation) after the processing of S500 to S506 is completed in the number of difference balls identification process (S507). Then, if it is determined in S507 that the state return signal has not been input (S507: NO), the differential number of pitches specifying process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in S507 that there is an input of the state recovery signal (S507: YES), the time information from the RTC 124 is checked, and it is determined whether or not the point in time has passed the non-business time (for example, 10:05:00), which is a specific time after business hours (S5071).

If the frame control microcomputer 151 determines in S5071 that it is after the non-business hours (the state return signal has been input) (S5071: YES), it resets the specific number of difference balls stored in the difference number storage unit 172 in S508, sets a game enabling command directed to the game control microcomputer 61 in S509, and ends the difference number identification process.
On the other hand, in S5071, when it is determined that the non-business hours have not passed (there is an input of the state return signal) (S5071: NO), the processes of S508 and S509 are not performed, and the difference ball reset error designation command directed to the game control microcomputer 61 is set, and the difference ball number specifying process is terminated. Note that the difference ball reset error designation command is a command indicating that the state restoration operation of the reset button 180 has been performed during business hours.

Next, the state return processing (FIG. 46) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 of Embodiment 4 will be described. The state restoration process has the individual processes from S520 to S524 in common with the state restoration process (FIG. 33) executed in the first to third embodiments described above, but new processes (S5201, S5202) are added as processing when a negative determination is made at S520.

The game control microcomputer 61 in the fourth embodiment first determines whether or not a game enabling command has been received from the frame control microcomputer 151 in the state return process (S520). If it is determined at S520 that the game enabling command has been received (S520: YES), it means that the state return operation (operation of the reset button 180) has been performed after the non-business hours, so the processing from S521 to S524 described above is ended, and then the state return processing is ended.

When the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S520 that the game enabling command has not been received (S520: NO), the process proceeds to S5201. In S5201, it is determined whether or not a difference pitch reset error designation command has been received from the microcomputer 151 for frame control. If it is determined in this S5201 that the differential pitch reset error designation command has not been received (S5201: NO), the state return processing is terminated.
On the other hand, if it is determined in S5201 that the difference ball reset error designation command has been received (S5201: YES), it means that the state return operation (operation of the reset button 180) has been performed before the non-business hours (during business hours), so a warning notification command for starting the warning notification to the performance control microcomputer 101 is set (S5202). After the end of S5202, the state return processing ends.

In addition, the effect control microcomputer 101, which receives the warning notification command from the game control microcomputer 61, displays (executes warning notification) the character information "error: difference ball reset operation during business" on the screen of the effect display device 7 (Fig. 44(a) or Fig. 44(b)). Although not shown, it is possible to set the condition for ending the period for which the warning notification is to be executed, for example, to turn off the power supply.

(Effect of Embodiment 4)
According to the pachinko game machine 1 of Embodiment 4 described above, the following effects are achieved.
(4-1)
The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a plurality of types of winning openings (ball openings) 10a, 12a, 14a, and 11 in which a game ball can enter a prize (entrance) in a game area 3 where a game ball can flow down. When the special prize winning determination results in winning determination, a big winning game state (winning game state) is generated in which a game ball can enter a big winning hole 14a (special ball winning hole) of the winning holes. In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 (prize ball provision determining means) determines the provision of prize balls upon winning a prize in the winning hole. The frame control microcomputer 151 (calculating means) calculates the specific number of difference balls, which is the number of game balls that changes based on the award of prize balls, more specifically, the number of game balls corresponding to the maximum value of the fluctuation range of the number of difference balls. A specific pitch difference storage area 172d in the pitch difference storage unit 172 (a pitch difference storage means) stores the calculated specific pitch difference. On the other hand, the game control microcomputer 61 (game disabling means) shifts to the game disabling state when the number of specific difference balls reaches the "standard number" due to the increase in the number of prize balls. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from being given excessive prize balls while allowing the player to play the game in a favorable manner.
Here, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided with a reset button 180 (reset operation means) that is subject to an operation (state return operation) for resetting the count value of the specific number of balls by the number of difference balls storage unit 172 (number of difference balls storage means). Then, during the business hours of the game parlor (for example, from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm) and after the reset button 180 (reset operation means) is operated (that is, the period from the time of the state return operation during business hours to the end of the business hours), the above-mentioned notification (game impossibility notification or warning notification) is executed on the screen of the effect display device 7 (notification execution means).
When a reset button 180 is operated during business hours in a game parlor to reset the specific number of difference balls in a difference number storage part 172, the number of specific difference balls allowed during the business hours increases, causing unfairness. On the other hand, when the reset button 180 is operated (state return operation) during business hours, the performance display device 7 executes a warning notification or the like regarding the number of specific difference balls, thereby preventing the execution of the game after the state return operation during business hours.
(4-2)
The pachinko game machine 1 is equipped with an RTC 124 (clocking means) for measuring time, and when a state restoration operation is performed during a period until the RTC 124 measures a predetermined non-business time (for example, 10:05 pm), a warning is issued.
In this way, since a warning is issued to the state restoration operation performed before the non-business hours, it is possible to prevent the action of resetting the specific number of difference balls during the business hours.
(4-3)
In addition, the pachinko game machine 1 is provided with an RTC 124 (clocking means) for measuring the time, and when the state restoration operation is performed during the period until the RTC 124 measures a predetermined non-business time (for example, 10:05 pm), the game impossibility notification (notification started when the number of specific difference balls reaches the "reference number") is continued.
In this way, the action of resetting the specific number of difference balls during business hours can be suppressed by not ending the game impossibility notification in response to the fact that the number of specific difference balls has reached the 'reference number' even if the state restoration operation is performed before the non-business hours.
(4-4)
In addition, the pachinko game machine 1 can be operated to change the non-business hours.
Therefore, the non-business hours can be freely set according to the circumstances of each game parlor. For example, when the business hours of a game parlor end before the date change time (0:00 am), the execution period of the notification can be continued until after the business hours by setting the time after the business end time to be the non-business time. If the business hours straddle the date change point (for example, when the business hours are from 1:00 pm to 1:00 am), it can be handled by setting a later time (1:05 am) as the non-business time according to the business hours. In this case, it is also possible to set the date change point (midnight) as non-business time, and count the number of specific difference balls by setting the business hours up to this non-business time and the business hours after that as business hours of different business days.

[Embodiment 5]
Next, Embodiment 5 will be described. In relation to the pachinko game machines 1 of Embodiments 1 to 4 described above, different configurations will be basically described, and detailed descriptions of common configurations will be omitted by using the same names and symbols.

In the above-described first to fourth embodiments, when the state return signal is input to the frame control microcomputer 151 in response to pressing of the reset button 180 provided on the frame control board 150 (state return operation), the frame control microcomputer 151 resets the stored value (the count value of the specific number of difference balls) of the difference ball number storage unit 172, and instructs the game control microcomputer 61 to enable play (to shift from the unplayable state to the playable state). set and send commands). However, in this configuration, even when the business hours are over without the specific number of difference balls reaching the 'reference number' (without shifting to a game-impossible state), the game clerk needs to press the reset button 180 (state return operation) to reset the stored value of the difference-ball number storage unit 172, but the operation is likely to be forgotten because the game impossibility is not reported. However, if this operation is neglected, the count of the specific number of difference balls will remain until the next business day, and the game of the player on the next business day will be unfairly restricted. On the other hand, if the specific number of difference balls is automatically reset by turning the power off and on, the count of the specific number of difference balls will not remain until the next business day, but in this case there is a problem because the count of the specific number of difference balls is reset even if the power is turned off and on for other purposes.
Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, the count of the number of specific difference balls generated during business hours is reset on the condition that the shift to non-business hours is made, triggered by the subsequent power ON (power return) operation.

Specifically, the frame control microcomputer 151 is configured to measure the time from when the power of the pachinko game machine 1 is turned off to when it is turned on again (the duration of the power off state) based on the time information of the RTC 124 (clocking means), and store it in the RAM 170. In general, the pachinko game machine 1 is not in a power-off state for several hours during business hours of the game parlor. Utilizing this fact, in the present embodiment, when the power ON (return of power) operation is performed after the power OFF state has continued for a predetermined time, it is determined that the power ON operation is performed after the shift to non-business hours, and the storage value (count value) of the specific number of difference balls stored in the difference number storage unit 172 (difference number storage means) is reset when the power is turned on. Of the non-business hours from the end of business to the start of business in amusement arcades, there is a possibility that the power will be turned on for inspection etc. for 1 to 2 hours after the end of business and 1 to 2 hours until the start of business. Taking such time into consideration, the frame control microcomputer 151 can set a predetermined time, which is a reference for determining the duration of the power OFF state, to be shorter than the entire non-business hours, such as "6 hours". It should be noted that the predetermined time in this case may be appropriately set within a range that is, for example, a half or more of the non-business hours (12 hours), which is the time from the end of business hours to the start of the next business hours, and less than the non-business hours.

In addition, in the fifth embodiment, in order to further improve the operability, in response to an operation similar to the resetting of the specific number of balls (power ON operation after shifting to non-business hours), not only resetting of the number of specific balls, but also cancellation of the game impossible state and termination of the game impossible notification are performed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the reset button 180 provided on the frame control board 150 in other embodiments is unnecessary. It should be noted that the cancellation of the game-impossible state and the termination of the game-impossible notification may be separately performed according to the operation of the reset button 180 (state return operation).

Here, the difference pitch number identification process (FIG. 47) executed by the frame control microcomputer 151 of the fifth embodiment will be described. The differential pitch number specifying process is different from the differential pitch number specifying process (FIG. 31) executed in Embodiments 1 to 4 described above, except for the processes from S500 to S506 and S508 and S509.
are common, but new processes (S5073, S5074) are added instead of S507.

The frame control microcomputer 151 in the fourth embodiment determines whether or not it is the timing when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is switched from OFF to ON after the processes of S501 to S506 are completed in the number-of-balls specifying process (S5073). Then, when it is determined in S5073 that it is not the time to switch from OFF to ON (S5073: NO), the process for specifying the number of difference balls ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S5073 that it is time to switch from power OFF to ON (S5073: YES), the time information from the RTC 124 is checked, and the duration of the power OFF state up to immediately before that time is specified. Then, it is determined whether or not the duration is longer than or equal to a predetermined time (6 hours) (S5074).

When the frame control microcomputer 151 determines in S5074 that the power OFF state has continued for a predetermined time (6 hours) or more (S5074: YES), it resets the specific number of difference balls stored in the difference number storage unit 172 in S508, sets a game enabling command to the game control microcomputer 61 in S509, and ends the difference number identification process.
On the other hand, if it is determined in S5071 that the power OFF state has not continued for a predetermined period of time (6 hours or more) (S5074: NO), the processing of S508 and S509 is not performed, and the number of difference pitch identification processing ends.

(Effect of Embodiment 5)
According to the pachinko game machine 1 of the fifth embodiment described above, the following effects are achieved.
(5-1)
The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a plurality of types of winning openings (ball openings) 10a, 14a, 12a, and 11 in which a game ball can enter a prize (entrance) in a game area 3 where a game ball can flow down. When the special prize winning determination results in winning determination, a big winning game state (winning game state) is generated in which a game ball can enter a big winning hole 14a (special ball winning hole) of the winning holes. In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 (prize ball provision determining means) determines the provision of prize balls upon winning a prize in the winning hole. The frame control microcomputer 151 (calculating means) calculates the specific number of difference balls, which is the number of game balls that changes based on the award of prize balls, more specifically, the number of game balls corresponding to the maximum value of the fluctuation range of the number of difference balls. A specific pitch difference storage area 172d in the pitch difference storage unit 172 (a pitch difference storage means) stores the calculated specific pitch difference. On the other hand, the game control microcomputer 61 (game disabling means) shifts to the game disabling state when the number of specific difference balls reaches the "reference number". Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from being given excessive prize balls while allowing the player to play the game in a favorable manner.
In addition, the pachinko game machine 1 can reset the count value of the specific number of difference balls stored in the number of difference balls storage unit 172 during the business hours of the game parlor on the condition that the game parlor shifts to non-business hours.
That is, by making it possible to reset the count value of the specific number of difference pitches on the condition that business hours shift to non-business hours, it is possible to solve the problem that the count value of the specific number of difference pitches may remain until the next business day.
(5-2)
The frame control microcomputer 151 (clock means) measures the duration of the power off state based on the time information from the RTC 124 . Then, based on whether or not this power-off state has continued for a predetermined time (6 hours) or longer, it is determined whether or not business hours have shifted to non-business hours.
Determination based on the duration of the power-off state makes it possible to identify whether or not the shift has occurred to non-business hours, and solves the problem that the count value of the number of specific difference balls may remain until the next business day.
(5-3)
Here, in the pachinko game machine 1, it is determined whether or not the duration of the power OFF state is a predetermined time (6 hours) or more, along with the power ON operation (return operation to power ON). Then, when the result of the determination is that the predetermined time (6 hours) or longer is obtained, the count value of the number of specific difference balls is reset.
That is, if the power OFF state continues for a predetermined period of time or more and then the operation to return to the power ON state is performed, the count value of the number of specific difference balls is reset without performing other operations. As a result, the count value of the specific number of difference balls is reliably reset, and will not remain until the next business day.
(5-4)
The predetermined time, which is a reference for judging the duration of the power-off state, is set to be at least half the time (non-business hours) from the end of business hours to the start of business hours of the amusement arcade, and less than this non-business hours.
In this manner, by using the predetermined time that takes into consideration the time during which the power supply is turned off during the non-business hours of the amusement arcade, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the non-business hours have started.

[Other embodiments]
In the above-described Embodiments 1 to 5, as the specific number of balls that changes based on the award of prize balls, the specific number of difference balls (the number of game balls stored in the specific number of difference balls storage area) corresponding to the maximum value of the fluctuation range of the number of difference balls due to the game is used.
In the above-described first to fifth embodiments, a configuration example of a smart pachinko (managed game machine, enclosed game machine) equipped with a ball circulation mechanism that circulates game balls inside the machine has been described as the pachinko machine 1, but the present invention may be applied to a pachinko machine equipped with a ball payout mechanism that pays out game balls (prize balls) to the ball tray on the front of the machine.
The specific number of game balls (99359, 99360, 99872, 99999) defined as the first to third index numbers and reference numbers in the above-described Embodiments 1 to 5 are examples, and can be changed and set as appropriate.
In the above-described first to fifth embodiments, the specific difference number of balls (specific number of balls) is counted and managed under the control of the frame control microcomputer of the frame control board. On the other hand, other control boards, for example, the game control microcomputer (control means for executing game disabling) of the main control board, or the effect control microcomputer (control means for executing game disabling notification) of the sub control board may be configured to count and manage the number of specific difference balls.
In the above-described Embodiments 1 to 5, the difference number of balls storage unit of the frame control microcomputer and the notification storage unit of the game control microcomputer are configured to store different specific number of difference balls, but it is also possible to configure such that the same specific number of difference balls is always stored. In this case, the frame control microcomputer may always notify the game control microcomputer of the specific number of difference balls, not only when the specific number of difference balls exceeds a certain value.
In the first embodiment described above, when the jackpot game state (specific ball count game state) ends when the specific ball count is less than the reference number and is equal to or greater than the third index number (index number), the termination of the jackpot game state is used as a trigger to shift to the unplayable state. On the other hand, in a gaming machine that can generate a small winning game state according to the result of the special figure winning determination (small winning determination), the following can be done.
That is, if the small winning rush game state (specific ball difference game state) ends when the specific number of difference balls is less than the reference number and is equal to or greater than the third index number (index number), the termination of the small winning rush state may be used as a trigger to shift to a non-playable state.
In addition, the small winning game state is a game state that is generated when a specific judgment result (small winning result) that does not correspond to a big win is obtained in the winning judgment (big winning judgment, small winning judgment), but the special ball entrance (large winning opening) is opened within a predetermined time (shorter time than the round of the big winning gaming state), and does not trigger the end of the high base state or low base state.
Further, the small hit rush state is, for example, a game state in which the small hit game state can occur at a shorter time interval than the normal game state (low probability state) in a configuration where the small hit determination means (game control microcomputer) can cause a small hit game state to open the special ball entrance (large winning opening) when the small hit determination (special hit determination) executed by the small hit determination means (game control microcomputer) triggered by the entry of the ball into the opportunity opening (start opening). Or, it is a game state in which the small winning game state is a state in which it is possible (easy) to enter the special ball entrance.
・ In the first and second embodiments described above, regarding the suggestion effect that suggests the result of the special figure hit determination,
A normal suggestion performance in which the selection probability does not change according to an increase in the number of specific difference balls and a specific suggestion performance in which the selection probability increases according to an increase in the number of specific difference balls are provided. On the other hand, for one of the normal suggestive effect and the specific suggestive effect, the selection probability may be set to decrease as the number of specific difference balls increases.
The suggestive effect selection table (Fig. 35) for the suggestive effect (normal suggestive effect/specific suggestive effect) has been described as a table commonly referred to in the high base state and the low base state or as a table referred to in the high base state. However, it is also conceivable to refer to this table at least for selecting the suggestive effect in the low base state (performing the specific suggestive effect in the low base state). For example, when the low base state is the above-described small winning rush state, the probability that the number of specific difference balls reaches the reference number increases even in the low base state, and the interest can be improved by the specific suggestive effect.
In the above-described first and second embodiments, the suggestive effect (normal suggestive effect, specific suggestive effect) that suggests the result of the special hit determination is selected regardless of whether or not the reach is reached and the type of reach. For example, it can be set so that the probability of selecting the specific suggesting performance increases as the specific number of difference balls increases, and when this specific suggesting performance is executed, it can be set so that it always develops into a highly expected reach (SP reach, etc.), or when the specific suggesting performance is executed when the specific number of differential balls is equal to or more than a predetermined number of game balls (for example, a third index number or more), it can be set so that it always develops to a highly expected reach (SP reach, etc.).
In the above-described first and second embodiments, the timing at which the normal scenario performance as the jackpot performance executed during the jackpot game state is changed to the special scenario performance according to the increase in the number of specific difference balls is the start of the round, but it may be changed to the special scenario performance according to the timing at which the number of specific difference balls increases.
In the above-described third embodiment, when the specific number of difference balls (maximum number of difference balls) reaches the reference number during the big win game state, the game is shifted to the non-playable state after waiting until the end of the big win game state. That is, it guarantees the game balls acquired in the jackpot game state being executed when the specific number of difference balls reaches the reference number. On the other hand, when the specific number of difference balls reaches the standard number during the consecutive period, the game may be shifted to a non-playable state after waiting until the end of the consecutive period (that is, the game balls obtained in the consecutive period of stay when the specific number of difference balls reaches the standard number may be guaranteed).
In the above-described second embodiment, when the specific number of balls is less than the reference number and is equal to or greater than the third index number (index number), when the high base state (advantageous game state advantageous to the player) shifts to the normal game state (low base state), the game disabling means (game control microcomputer) shifts to the game disabling state with the transition to the normal game state as a trigger. On the other hand, in a gaming machine that can generate a small winning game state according to the result of the special figure winning determination (small winning determination), the following can be done.
That is, when shifting from the above-described small winning rush state (advantageous game state advantageous to the player) to the normal game state (low base state), the game disabling means (game control microcomputer) may shift to the game disabled state with the shift to the normal game state as a trigger.

In the above-described third embodiment, when the specific number of difference balls reaches the reference number during the jackpot game state, it waits until the end of the jackpot game state before shifting to the unplayable state. I made it to execute the reading performance. On the other hand, in a gaming machine that can generate a small winning game state according to the result of the special figure winning determination (small winning determination), the following can be done.
In other words, when the preliminary determination results in the occurrence of the above-described small winning rush state (game state with increased number of difference balls) and the specific number of difference balls at that time has increased to the number of game balls that can reach the reference number during the small winning rush state to be generated later, the look-ahead performance may be executed.
In the above-described third embodiment, a case where an effect of changing the color of the pending image displayed on the screen of the effect display device is adopted as the look-ahead effect has been described. However, the look-ahead effect is not limited to this, and a pending effect of changing the shape of the pending image may be employed, or an effect of changing the effect pattern of the screen or the background image may be employed.
In the above-described third embodiment, the hitting method notification that prompts a game method that can suppress the increase in the number of specific difference balls is configured to be executed during the winning game state (probability variable jackpot) when it is decided to perform control to suppress or avoid the decrease in the number of balls held by the player until the start of the next big win game state. During the period in which the state is determined and the state is occurring, the hitting method notification may be executed.
In the above-described third embodiment, the hitting method notification is interrupted when the specific number of difference balls decreases during execution of the hitting method notification, and the hitting method notification is resumed when the specific difference number of balls increases again. On the other hand, it may be constructed such that, once the hitting method notification is started, the hitting method notification is not ended until the jackpot game state is generated after that.
In the above-described third embodiment, in the hitting method notification, the shooting of game balls is interrupted according to the number of operation suspensions. However, the hitting method notification may indicate a game method that can limit the excessive increase in the specific number of difference balls.
In the above-described fourth embodiment, when an operation to reset the count value of the specific number of difference balls is performed during the business hours of the amusement arcade, the warning notification is started without resetting the count value of the specific number of difference balls, but the warning notification may be started while resetting the count value of the specific number of difference balls.
In the above-described fourth embodiment, when an operation is performed to shift from the unplayable state to the playable state during the business hours of the game parlor, the warning notification is started without canceling the unplayable state, but the warning notification may be started while canceling the unplayable state.
In the above-described fourth embodiment, when an operation to terminate the game impossibility notification is performed during the business hours of the game parlor, the warning notification is started without terminating the game impossibility notification, but the warning notification may be started while terminating the game impossibility notification.
In the fifth embodiment described above, when the power is turned on, if the duration of the power off state immediately before that is a predetermined time (6 hours) or more, the count value of the specific number of difference balls is reset. On the other hand, if a predetermined non-business time (for example, 0:00 a.m.) has passed while the power is off until immediately before the power is turned on, the count value of the number of specific difference balls may be reset.
In the fifth embodiment described above, if the duration of the power OFF state until just before the power is turned ON is longer than a predetermined time (6 hours), the count value of the number of specific difference balls is reset, the game is shifted from the game impossible state to the game possible state, and the game impossible notification is terminated. On the other hand, one or both of the transition from the unplayable state to the unplayable state and the end of the unplayable state may be performed based on a predetermined operation, in addition to resetting the count value of the specific number of difference balls.

· In the above-described Embodiments 1 to 5, whether or not to enter the jackpot game state is determined based on the result of the special figure hit determination by the jackpot random number obtained with the winning of the starting port as a trigger. On the other hand, it may be configured such that whether or not to enter the big winning game state is determined when the game ball enters (passes through) a specific area provided inside the big winning opening.
In the above-described Embodiments 1 to 5, the type of the jackpot game state (for example, whether or not to generate a high probability state after the jackpot game state ends) is configured to be determined based on the result of the jackpot type determination by the jackpot type random number obtained when the start gate is won. On the other hand, the type of the big win game state (for example, whether or not to generate a high probability state after the big win game state is ended) may be determined by the entry (passage) of the game ball into the specific area provided inside the big win opening.
· In the above-described first to fifth embodiments, a configuration example that adopts a control process (so-called special 2 priority fluctuation) that digests the second special figure reservation with priority over the digestion of the first special figure reservation was described. On the other hand, the priority order is not set for the digestion of the first special figure reservation and the digestion of the second special figure reservation, and the first special figure reservation and the second special figure reservation may be executed in order from the oldest one (so-called winning order (storage order) fluctuation). Alternatively, a control process (so-called simultaneous variation) that digests the first special figure reservation and the second special figure reservation at the same time may be adopted. In the case of simultaneous fluctuation, the special figure 2 is configured to win regardless of the game state, and the special figure 2 fluctuation time in the first game state (low probability state) is set to a long time (for example, 30 minutes, etc.) with respect to the time (for example, 5 seconds to 30 seconds) in the second game state (high probability state). When the fluctuation display of is ended with the result of a big hit or a small hit, the fluctuation display of the special figure 2 may be stopped and ended with the result of losing. In this way, it is possible to prevent the player from playing the game in the first game state with the aim of winning the prize at the second starting port, and to prevent the situation that the long variable display of the special figure 2 in the first game state ends after the player finishes the game, and the big win or the small win occurs in the game machine in which the player is absent.
In the above-described Embodiments 1 to 5, as a game state (advantageous game state) more advantageous to the player than the normal game state (low-probability-low base state), the high-probability-high base state and the low-probability-high base state (support state) are generated. On the other hand, as an advantageous game state, a high-probability-low base state may be generated. In addition, the high-probability-low base state may be the above-described small hit rush state.
- In the above-described first to fifth embodiments, a configuration example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko game machine in which games are played using game balls as game media has been described. On the other hand, it is also possible to apply the present invention to a reel-type gaming machine (slot machine) in which games are played using game medals or the like as game media, and game medals or the like are awarded (paid out) to the player according to the game.
That is, the game machine includes start operation means (start lever) to be operated to start the display reels and stop operation means (stop button) to be operated to stop the display reels, performs a lottery based on the operation of the start operation means, and can stop the pattern based on the lottery result at the stop position when stopping the display reels at a timing corresponding to the operation of the stop operation means, wherein the number of difference media is calculated by calculating the number of difference media, which is the difference between the number of acquired media and the number of consumed media, and the number of difference media is calculated. It is configured so as to include storage means for the number of difference media to be stored, and game disabling means for shifting from a playable state to a non-playable state when the number of difference media reaches a reference number due to an increase in the number of acquired media, and the number of game balls (specific number of difference balls, reference number, index number) can be replaced with the number of game medals in the various configurations described in the first to fifth embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 3 Game area 10a First starting gate (ball entrance, opportunity opening) 11 General prize winning opening (ball entrance) 12a Second starting opening (ball entrance, trigger opening) 13 Gate (ball entrance) 14a Big winning opening (ball entrance, special ball entrance) 61 Game control microcomputer (hit determination means, award determination means, first generation means, second Occurrence means, game disabling means), 151... Microcomputer for frame control (calculation means), 172... Difference pitch storage section (storage means).

Claims (3)

A plurality of types of ball entrances provided in a game area where game balls can flow down and into which game balls can enter; hit determination means for executing hit determination when a ball enters one of the ball entrance openings as a trigger; first generating means for generating a winning game state in which a ball can be entered into a special ball entrance, which is a type of ball entrance, when the hit determination results in a win determination result; A gaming machine comprising: a second generation means; and a prize ball awarding determination means for determining awarding of a prize ball upon entry of a ball into the ball entrance,
a calculation means for calculating a specific number of balls that changes based on the award of the prize balls;
storage means for storing the specific number of balls;
game disabling means for shifting to a game disabling state when the specific number of balls reaches a predetermined reference number;
When the specific number of balls is less than the reference number and equal to or more than the index number, when the advantageous game state is shifted to the normal game state, the game disabling means shifts to the game disabled state with the transition to the normal game state as a trigger. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said index number is set such that a difference from said reference number is smaller than said specific number of balls that can be increased depending on said winning game state. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein, when the number of specific balls reaches the reference number during the winning game state, the game disabling means interrupts the winning game state to shift to the game disabled state, or waits for the end of the winning game state to shift to the game disabled state.

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