JP7466934B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

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

A known example of a gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine in which gaming balls (pachinko balls) are used to play. In this pachinko gaming machine, a gaming area is formed on the front side of a gaming board arranged inside the machine, and multiple types of ball entrances are scattered throughout the gaming area. Furthermore, the pachinko gaming machine is configured so that when a gaming ball enters an entrance, a prize ball corresponding to the type of entrance is awarded. In other words, when playing with a pachinko gaming machine, the number of prize balls that the player can win changes depending on whether the gaming ball that is guided to the gaming area in response to the player's operation enters one of multiple types of ball entrances as it flows down the gaming area, or whether it finishes flowing down the gaming area without entering any of the ball entrances, and this change makes the player happy or sad (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2016-5605 A

For example, in a pachinko machine, a state advantageous to the player, such as a jackpot game state, is provided, and during the jackpot game state, the player can relatively easily obtain a large number of prize balls. However, it is not desirable for the player to have an excessively large profit, as this stimulates the player's gambling spirit. In recent years, therefore, it has been considered to set an upper limit on the profit that can be obtained per day by playing, and to control the state so that playing is disabled when the profit reaches the upper limit. However, various problems may arise when adopting a pachinko machine with such specifications in an actual gaming parlor.
For example, if the profit reaches an upper limit during a jackpot game state, and a transition to a state in which play is no longer possible occurs or a notification is suddenly made, the player will become aware of the end of the game at an unexpected time, resulting in the player feeling dissatisfied and distrustful.

The present invention was made to solve the problems that existed in the past, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that prevents excessive profits from being provided to players, while allowing them to play in a convenient manner.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention comprises a plurality of types of ball entry ports which are provided in a gaming area through which game balls can flow down and through which game balls can enter, ball entry information acquisition means for acquiring ball entry information when a ball enters a trigger port which is one type of ball entry port, hit determination means for executing a hit determination based on the ball entry information, a generating means for generating a winning gaming state in which a ball can enter a special ball entry port which is one type of ball entry port when the hit determination results in a hit determination, and a prize ball awarding determination means for determining the awarding of prize balls when a ball enters the ball entry port, and further comprises information output means for outputting the ball entry information acquired by the ball entry information acquisition means at the timing associated with its acquisition, and a presentation control means for executing control relating to presentation based on the information output by the information output means, The gaming machine has a reserve memory means capable of retaining and storing information up to a maximum reserved number in accordance with the order in which it is input, and a look-ahead judgment means for executing a pre-judgment based on the winning ball information stored in the reserve memory means, and is equipped with a calculation means for calculating a specific number of balls that changes based on the awarding of prize balls, a memory means for storing the specific number of balls, and a game disablement means for transitioning to an unplayable state when the specific number of balls reaches a predetermined reference number, and is characterized in that the presentation control means controls the execution of a predetermined presentation when the pre-judgment results in a judgment that causes the winning game state, and when the specific number of balls stored in the memory means at that time is within a range of game balls that is greater than the number obtained by subtracting an estimated ball difference increase number, which is the number of game balls that can be obtained in the winning game state caused by the pre-judgment, from the reference number .

By this, the occurrence of a winning game state is known in advance by a pre-determination, and if the specific number of balls is likely to reach the reference number during that winning game state, a predetermined effect is executed, so that the player can be informed that the end of the game is near at the same time as receiving information that is favorable to the player (the occurrence of a winning game state). Therefore, it is possible to transition to an unplayable state without unnecessarily inciting the player's dissatisfaction.

The gaming machine of the present invention having the above configuration can prevent excessive awarding of prize balls to players while allowing them to play in a convenient manner.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. 13 is a line graph showing an example of the relationship between the passage of game time and the change in the difference in ball count. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a ball circulation mechanism of a pachinko game machine. An explanatory diagram showing in blocks the electrical configuration of the main control board and peripheral devices installed in a pachinko gaming machine. An explanatory diagram showing in blocks the electrical configuration of a sub-control board and peripheral devices provided in a pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a probability setting table. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a hit type determination table. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a special chart variation pattern selection table. 4 is a flowchart of a main-side main control process. 13 is a flowchart of a main-side timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a pattern sensor detection process. 13 is a flowchart of a normal operation process. 13 is a flowchart of a special action process. 13 is a flowchart of a special symbol waiting process. This is a flowchart of the special chart jackpot determination process. 13 is a flowchart of a special chart variation pattern selection process. 16 is a continuation of the flowchart in FIG. 15 . This is a flowchart of processing during special pattern change. 13 is a flowchart of a special symbol determination process. 13 is a flowchart of a game status management process. 13 is a flowchart of a setting reset process. 13 is a flowchart of special electric device processing. 13 is a flowchart of a game status setting process. 13 is a flowchart of a sub-side main control process. 13 is a flowchart of a reception interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a 1 ms timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a 10 ms timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a received command analysis process. 13 is a flowchart of the variable performance start processing. An explanatory diagram regarding a predetermined specific ball difference number (index number, standard number) and the content of the judgment using it. (a) is an example of the state from the start of the game-unplayable notification until a predetermined time has elapsed, and the left side shows the screen display content of the performance display device, while the right side shows the light emission color and the sound output form in text according to the position of the top lamp and speaker of the pachinko game machine. (b) is an example of the state after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the game-unplayable notification in the state of (a). 13A is a flowchart of the ball difference number determination process executed by the frame control microcomputer, and FIG. 13B is an explanatory diagram relating to S502 in the ball difference number determination process of FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a difference ball related process executed by a game control microcomputer. 13 is a flowchart of a state recovery process (from a non-playable state) executed by a game control microcomputer. 13 is a flowchart of the difference ball information processing executed by the performance control microcomputer. 1A is an explanatory diagram of a loss indication effect selection table, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram of a win indication effect selection table. (a) is an example of the first suggestion effect (the left side is the first normal suggestion effect, and the right side is the first specific suggestion effect), (b) is an example of the second suggestion effect (the left side is the second normal suggestion effect, and the right side is the second specific suggestion effect), and (c) is an example of the third suggestion effect (the left side is the third normal suggestion effect, and the right side is the third specific suggestion effect). The third suggestion effect is indicated by adding characters indicating its form (light emission color and sound) to the front view of the pachinko game machine. (a) is an explanatory diagram regarding the presentation content of a scenario presentation, (b) is an explanatory diagram regarding the timing of scene changes in a normal scenario presentation during a 10R jackpot, and (c) is an example of the presentation form of a rapid-fire attack in a special scenario presentation. 13 is a flowchart of the jackpot performance-related processing executed by the performance control microcomputer. 13 is a flowchart of a difference ball related process in embodiment 2. 13 is a flowchart of a difference ball related process in embodiment 3. 13 is a flowchart of a pre-reading performance determination process in embodiment 3. 13 is an example of a form of hitting style notification in embodiment 3. 13 is a flowchart of a hitting style notification process in embodiment 3. This is an example of a warning notification mode in embodiment 4, where (a) shows the display mode on the screen of the performance display device when an operation to reset the count of a specific ball difference is performed during business hours and in a playable state, and (b) shows the display mode when an operation to reset the count of a specific ball difference is performed during business hours and in a playable state. 13 is a flowchart of a ball difference determination process in embodiment 4. 13 is a flowchart of a state restoration process in the fourth embodiment. 13 is a flowchart of a ball difference determination process in embodiment 5.

A gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a pachinko gaming machine in which a game is played using a gaming ball (gaming medium) will be used as an example of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. When describing the directions and relative positions of each part of a pachinko gaming machine, "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" will be used as references when viewed from the perspective of a player playing opposite the pachinko gaming machine. Additionally, the side closer to the player (the near side) will be referred to as "front," and the side furthest away (the far side) will be referred to as "rear."

[Embodiment 1]
(Main components of a pachinko machine)
As shown in FIG. 1A, the pachinko game machine 1 includes a game machine frame. The game machine frame is configured to include at least an inner frame 16 (see FIG. 2) that holds a game board 2 described later, and a door-shaped front frame 18 that covers the front of the inner frame 16, and is installed on an installation island (not shown) in a game parlor 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 inside the frame surrounded by these. This window 18a is an opening that allows the game area 3 formed on the board surface (front) of the game board 2 to be viewed, and a glass plate is provided to cover this window 18a, but is omitted in FIG. 1. In addition, speakers 8 are provided at the left and right upper ends of the front frame 18 (both left and right sides sandwiching the top lamp 23c) as sound output means that output sounds such as music, sound effects, and notification sounds according to the performance content.

Both sides of the front frame 18 that constitute the left side lamp 23a and the right side lamp 23b are translucent, and multiple LEDs are arranged inside the translucent parts. Each LED can emit multiple colors, and lights up or blinks depending on the performance content, and also changes the emitted color.
The top lamp 23c is a rotating light having an LED and a rotating reflector inside (not shown). The LED can emit light of multiple colors, and lights up or blinks depending on the performance content or the notification content, and further changes the emitted color. The rotating reflector rotates around the LED in response to the drive of the movable body motor 23d (FIG. 4), and changes the reflection direction of the LED light.

The pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment is a so-called "smart pachinko" (also called a "managed game machine" or "enclosed pachinko machine") in which game balls enclosed inside the machine are circulated by a ball circulation mechanism 30 (FIG. 2) described later. In this type of game machine, the "number of balls owned" by the player is electromagnetically stored and managed, and game balls are not physically dispensed. In other words, when a player performs a ball lending operation, the pachinko game machine 1 adds the number of game balls to be lent to the player to the number of balls owned in the data and stores it. When a game ball is used (fired) in a game, the number of game balls is subtracted from the number of balls owned and stored. Similarly, when prize balls are awarded in conjunction with a game by a player, the number of game balls equivalent to the prize balls is added to the number of balls owned in the data and stored. When the ball count (stored value) is 0, the player does not own any game balls to use in the game, and the player cannot play. Because the player does not need to directly handle game balls, the pachinko game machine 1 does not have a ball tray to store game balls so that they can be inserted and removed; instead, the operation console 25 (Figure 1A) is positioned below the front frame 18.

The operation console 25 is arranged to protrude forward from the lower part of the front frame 18, that is, to be close to the player. The operation console 25 is provided with a handle 4, a performance button 5, a performance lever 6, a ball loan button 251, a return button 252, and a game ball count display 26.

The handle 4 is provided on the right side of the operation console 25 (the lower right side of the front frame 18), that is, in a position where a player facing the pachinko game machine 1 can hold it with his/her right hand. The handle 4 is equipped with 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 located in a position where the right hand of the player holding the handle 4 can touch it. The firing lever 4a is for adjusting the strength of the firing of the game balls by the firing device 90 (striking hammer 90a), and is provided rotatably on the handle 4. The firing stop button 4b is for stopping the firing of the game balls when they are being fired, and is provided in a position where it can be operated by the thumb of the right hand holding the handle 4.
A key insertion section 262 is provided above the handle 4 of the front frame 18 for operating a locking device (not shown) that locks the inner frame 16 and the front frame 18. When a predetermined key 263 is inserted into the key insertion section 262 and turned in a predetermined direction, for example, to the right, the locking device is unlocked and only the front frame 18 opens. On the other hand, when the key 263 is inserted into the key insertion section 262 and turned in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction, for example, to the left, the locking device is unlocked and the inner frame 16 and the front frame 18 open together.

The ball loan button 251 and the return button 252 are provided on the upper surface of the operation console 25 of the front frame 18. In the game arcade, a vertically long loan unit 76 (FIG. 3) is arranged on the side (left side) of the pachinko game machine 1, and this loan unit 76 is electrically connected to the pachinko game machine 1. Although the specific structure is not shown, the loan unit 76 has an insertion port for inserting bills and an insertion port for inserting a storage medium such as an IC card that stores amount information so that it can be read, and outputs amount information corresponding to the inserted bills or amount information stored in the storage medium to the pachinko game machine 1 (more specifically, the frame control board 150 described later). Here, the pachinko game machine 1 inputs amount information managed by the loan unit 76 and accepts the loan of game balls up to the number corresponding to the amount information. For example, if the amount information is 1000 yen, the loan of game balls is permitted within the range of the number of game balls corresponding to that 1000 yen (for example, up to 250 balls). For example, when a player operates the ball loan button 251 to request the loan of game balls worth 500 yen, the pachinko game machine 1 grants the number of game balls equivalent to that 500 yen (for example, 125 balls) as loan balls (data). Specifically, the number of loaned balls (125 balls) is added to the number of balls (data) held by the player. On the other hand, when the player operates the return button 252, the pachinko game machine 1 outputs game end information to the loan unit 76 and resets the stored value of the number of balls (data) held. The loan unit 76, which has received the game end information from the pachinko game machine 1, releases the storage medium in which the amount information corresponding to the remaining amount at that time is stored from the unit, and exposes part of the storage medium from the insertion port to make it possible to take it out.

The effect button 5 is provided on the upper surface of the operation table 25. In other words, the effect button 5 is provided in a position where the player can press it with the right or left hand, and where the player who is operating the handle 4 with his right hand can press it with his left hand. The effect button 5 can be, for example, a push-on button switch. The effect button 5 has a built-in effect button vibration motor 5b (FIG. 4) and an effect 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 effect button 5 is pressed. In this embodiment, the effect button lamp 5c is an LED. The effect button lamp 5c lights up or flashes when the effect button 5 is pressed during the period when the effect button 5 is pressed. The surface of the effect button 5 is formed of a translucent material, and is designed so that the player can see the light emitted by the effect button lamp 5c. The effect button 5 has an elastic member (not shown) such as a spring built in to return the effect button 5, when pressed, to the position it was in before it was pressed; when the pressed state is released, the effect button 5 returns to the state it was in before it was pressed due to the restoring force of the elastic member. When a player presses the effect button 5 while the pressing of the effect button 5 is valid, a specific effect is performed. Hereinafter, a specific effect that is performed as a result of the operation of the effect button 5 is referred to as a button effect.

The effect lever 6 is provided at the lower left of the operation table 25, that is, near the lower left end of the front frame 18. In other words, the effect lever 6 is provided at a position where a player who is operating the handle 4 or the effect button 5 with his right hand can press it with his left hand. The effect lever 6 is shaped so that it can be held with the left hand, and can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, as well as tilted in four directions, up, down, left and right. Furthermore, a push button (lever button) is provided on the top surface of the effect lever 6. The effect lever 6 is also provided with an effect lever vibration motor 6c (Figure 4). The effect lever vibration motor 6c vibrates the effect lever 6, and vibrates at a predetermined timing during the period when the operation of the effect lever 6 is valid. When a player operates the effect lever 6 during the period when the operation of the effect lever 6 is valid, a specific effect is performed. Hereinafter, a specific effect that is triggered by the operation of the effect lever 6 is called a lever effect.

The game ball number display 26 is provided on the upper surface of the operation console 25 (to the right of the performance button 5) so that the display surface is horizontal or at a slightly downward angle. In other words, the display surface of the game ball number display 26 faces the side where the player's face is located, and is easy to see when the player lowers his/her gaze. This game ball number display 26 displays the above-mentioned "number of balls in possession" corresponding to the number of game balls owned by the player, and multiple types of game ball numbers (described later) related to the "number of balls difference" 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. Note that, among the game ball numbers related to the "number of balls difference", a specific number of balls difference (described later) is also displayed on the screen of the performance display device 7 (in the difference ball number display area 7S described later).
The number of balls held is calculated by the formula "number of balls held + number of balls held - number of balls held" in relation to the number of balls held, which is the number of game balls lent in response to the ball lending operation, the number of game balls acquired, which is the number of game balls granted as prize balls in response to the game, and the number of balls consumed as described above. As described above, the number of balls held is reset when the player finishes playing, that is, when the return button 252 is operated. On the other hand, the difference in the number of balls held is calculated by the formula "number of balls acquired - number of balls consumed" in relation to the total number of balls acquired and the total number of balls consumed in the game performed from the start to the end of operation of the pachinko game machine 1.

Here, referring to Fig. 1B (one example of change in the number of difference balls according to the game), the above-mentioned "multiple types of game ball numbers related to the number of difference balls" will be described. In this embodiment, as game ball numbers related to the number of difference balls, the "current number of difference balls" which is the current number of difference balls, the "maximum number of difference balls" which is the maximum fluctuation value in the upward direction (Y1 direction) based on the initial value (i.e., 0 balls), the "minimum number of difference balls" which is the maximum fluctuation value in the downward direction (Y2 direction) based on the initial value (i.e., 0 balls), the "specific number of difference balls" which corresponds to 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), and the "maximum number of difference balls" which corresponds to the number of game balls obtained by subtracting the minimum number of difference balls (negative number) from the maximum number of difference balls (positive number) (maximum value of the difference in the number of difference balls). Unlike the number of balls in possession described above, the multiple types of game ball numbers related to the number of ball differences (current number of ball differences, highest number of ball differences, lowest number of ball differences, specific number of ball differences, and maximum number of ball differences) are not reset when the player finishes playing (when the return button 252 is operated), but are reset based on a predetermined operation (state restoration operation) performed by a game store attendant. In this embodiment, the configuration is such that each stored value of the game ball numbers related to the number of ball differences described above (current number of ball differences, highest number of ball differences, lowest number of ball differences, specific number of ball differences, and maximum number of ball differences) is reset by operating the reset button 180 described later.
Here, the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment is configured to transition to a non-playable state (a state in which the game for that day is over) in which the player cannot play when the specific number of difference balls (as the maximum number of difference balls) reaches a predetermined "reference number" (assuming that the number of acquired balls is greater than the number of consumed balls) due to an increase in the number of acquired balls (this will be described in detail later). In this way, since the game for that day played on the pachinko game machine 1 is ended according to the specific number of difference balls (maximum number of difference balls) counted for each business day (each operation) of the game parlor, when the game parlor staff resets each stored value of the number of game balls related to the difference balls described above, the operation (state restoration operation) is usually performed after the end of business hours (operation time of the pachinko game machine 1).

(Configuration of ball circulation mechanism 30)
Next, the ball circulation mechanism 30 provided in the inner frame 16 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The ball circulation mechanism 30 is a structure for circulating game balls inside the machine, and includes a collection section 31, a collection section 32, a collection sensor 33, a ball lifting section 34, a storage tank 35, a ball sending section 36, and an actual shot 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.

The collecting section 31, which is disposed below the rear surface of the game board 2, is formed in a groove shape that opens upward so as to receive game balls that fall from above (the rear surface of the game board 2). The bottom surface of the collecting section 31 is inclined downward from both ends in the left and right direction toward the center, and the center of the bottom surface, which is the downstream end, opens downward. The collecting section 31 collects game balls that have won at any of the multiple winning holes (first starting hole 10a, second starting hole 12a, large winning hole (special ball winning hole) 14a, and general winning hole 11 described later) provided in the game area 3 and have been discharged outside the game area 3 (the rear surface side of the game board 2), and game balls that have been discharged outside the game area 3 (the rear surface side of the game board 2) through the outlet hole 19 (described later), on the bottom surface, and drops them from the opening of the bottom surface, leading them to the collecting section 32. Note that in FIG. 2, the specific configuration of the game board 2 on its surface is omitted.

The recovery section 32 forms a linear recovery passage R1 that slopes downward toward the lower left side, and the upstream end of this recovery passage R1 is connected to the opening on the bottom of the collecting section 31 described above. The recovery passage R1 is a ball passage through which game balls can flow down in a line. A recovery sensor 33 is arranged in the middle of the recovery passage R1, and the game balls passing through the recovery passage R1 are detected one by one by the recovery sensor 33. In other words, game balls flowing down the game area 3 are collected in the collecting section 31 and are eventually detected by the recovery sensor 33, regardless of whether they win in the winning port or are discharged from the out port 19. When the game balls are circulated normally by the ball circulation mechanism 30, the number of game balls fired (the number of actual shots, the number detected by the actual shot sensor 37 described later) accompanying the operation of the handle 4 by the player will match the number of game balls detected by the recovery sensor 33 afterwards. The downstream end of this recovery section 32 is connected to the bottom of the vertically long box-shaped ball lifting section 34. As a result, the game balls that pass through the recovery passage R1 flow into the lower part of the ball lift section 34.

The ball lifting section 34 has a vertically extending lifting passage R2 formed therein, and the lower end of this lifting passage R2 is connected to the recovery passage R1 of the recovery section 32 described above. In addition, the ball lifting section 34 rotatably accommodates a cylindrical lifting shaft 34a extending vertically along the lifting passage R2. The lifting shaft 34a has a spiral ball holding piece 34b formed on its outer periphery, and rotates due to the rotation of the lifting motor 34c (see FIG. 3). In other words, as the lifting motor 34c rotates, the game balls held by the ball holding piece 34b at the lower end side of the lifting shaft 34a move upward through the lifting passage R2. The upper end of this ball lifting section 34 is connected to the storage tank 35, and the upper end of the lifting passage R2 is connected to the inside of the storage tank 35. In other words, the game balls that move upward through the lift passage R2 due to the rotation of the lift shaft 34a are guided to the inside of the storage tank 35 and stored there.

The storage tank 35 forms a space inside large enough to store all of the predetermined number (e.g., 100) of game balls to be circulated inside the pachinko game 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, to which the aforementioned lifting passage R2 is connected. In addition, 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 sending section 36 is connected to this opening. The internal passage of the ball sending section 36 has a passage width that allows the game balls to pass through in a single file, and a movable ball sending piece (not shown) is provided at its downstream end. In other words, the game balls stored in the storage tank 35 flow in a line from the opening at the downstream end of the bottom surface into the internal passage of the ball sending section 36, and through the periodic operation of the ball sending piece in conjunction with the drive of the ball sending solenoid 36b (see Figure 3), they are supplied one by one from the outlet 36a of the internal passage to the stopping position (launch waiting position) of the game ball to be struck by the launching device 90 (striking hammer 90a).

The launching device 90 (striking hammer 90a) is configured to launch the game balls supplied one by one from the exit 36a of the internal passage to the launch waiting position toward the game area 3 by a launching operation linked with the ball sending section 36. Here, the launching device 90 is arranged at the upper left of the game board 2 as shown in FIG. 2, and the ball path from the launch waiting position to the game area 3 is shortened. This is because the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment is a smart pachinko (managed game machine), and it is not necessary to position the launching device 90 downstream of the ball tray provided in a general pachinko game machine. However, for the purpose of stabilizing the launch trajectory of the game ball, it is also possible to arrange the launching device 90 below the game board 2 as in the past (ensuring a sufficient travel distance of the game ball from launch to the game area 3).

A live shot sensor 37 is disposed near the firing standby position. This live shot sensor 37 is provided to detect game balls moving from the firing standby position toward the game area 3 (i.e., game balls that have actually been fired). Here, the pachinko game machine 1 performs control so that one detection by the live shot sensor 37 is judged to correspond to the occurrence of one consumed ball. In other words, when one detection occurs by the live shot sensor 37, the count values (stored values) of the number of balls held and the current difference number of balls stored in the pachinko game machine 1 (frame control board 150 described later) are each subtracted by one, and in this case, the specific difference number of balls is newly calculated based on the change in the current difference number of balls, and the minimum difference number of balls and the maximum difference number of balls are newly calculated as necessary. In addition, the number of game balls displayed on the game ball number display 26 and the difference number of balls display area 7S described later are updated accordingly.

(Configuration of game board 2)
Returning to FIG. 1A, the structure of the game board 2 will be described. The game board 2 is positioned in a position that is almost directly opposite the face of the player. The face (front) of the game board 2 is covered from the front by a transparent glass plate provided in the window 18a of the front frame 18, and can be seen through the front of this glass plate. A performance display device 7 consisting of a liquid crystal panel or the like is provided on the rear side of the game board 2, and the screen is exposed through an opening (not shown) provided in the approximate center of the game board 2. As shown in FIG. 1A, when the pachinko game machine 1 is viewed from the front (the front of the machine), a ring-shaped or frame-shaped center decoration body 20 is located around the screen, and a rail member 17 is located on the outer periphery. In addition, an outlet 19 is provided at the bottom of the board.

The game board 2 includes a first winning device 10, a general winning opening 11, a second winning device (normal electric device) 12, a gate 13, a big winning device (special electric device) 14, a rail member 17, a center decorative body 20, and indicators 50. In the following explanation, the ball entry opening that awards prize balls for balls that enter the opening is referred to as a "winning opening," and a ball entering the winning opening may be referred to as a "winning ball."

The rail member 17 is arranged so as to go around the outer periphery of the surface of the game board 2. The rail member 17 defines a game area 3 on the surface of the game board 2, where game balls flow down (roll). A plurality of game nails (not shown) are driven into the surface of the game board 2 within the range of the game area 3, and the game balls come into contact with the game nails as they flow down the game area 3, causing the behavior of the game balls to change. The rail member 17 is arranged so as to avoid the launching device 90 described above.
The outlet 19 opens at the lower end of the rail member 17, i.e., at the center of the lower end of the play area 3, and is designed to discharge game balls that have flowed down the play area 3 to the lower end.

The center decorative body 20 is positioned so as to be located in the range from approximately the center to near the upper end of the surface (play area 3) of the game board 2. The center decorative body 20 is translucent, and inside it are provided with multiple LEDs that light up or flash depending on the performance content. This center decorative body 20 is positioned in front of the surface of the game board 2 so as to surround the space in front of the screen, so it functions to prevent game balls flowing down the game area 3 from heading toward the screen side of the performance display device 7. This center decorative body 20 also divides the game area 3 so that it branches into left and right at its upper part. In other words, the game area 3 is an area that includes the left game area 3L, which is the path of the game balls flowing down the left side of the center decorative body 20, and the right game area 3R, which is the path of the game balls flowing down the right side of the center decorative body 20.

LEDs are provided in multiple locations on the game board 2, and in FIG. 4, these LEDs are collectively referred to as "board lamps 2a." Each LED that makes up the board lamp 2a can emit multiple colors, and lights up or blinks depending on the performance content, and also changes the emitted color.

The first winning device 10 is located in the left game area 3L, approximately in the center of the lower side of the game area 3. The first winning device 10 has a first starting hole 10a through which one game ball can enter (enter) at a time. The first starting hole 10a is always open, and the probability that a game ball will enter the first starting hole 10a does not change much.

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

The gate 13 is located in the right game area 3R and is configured to allow game balls flowing down the right game area 3R to pass through. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 1A, the gate 13 is located downstream of the second winning device 12, but it may be located upstream of the second winning device 12.

The second winning device 12 is located above the gate 13 in the right game area 3R. The second winning device 12 is equipped with a normal opening/closing member 12b that opens and closes the second starting hole 12a. The normal opening/closing member 12b is configured to be able to rotate (swing) left and right between an upright position (Figure 1A) and a tilted position to the right, with its lower end as a pivot. When the normal opening/closing member 12b is opened, the second starting hole 12a is opened, making it easier for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 12a. When the normal opening/closing member 12b is closed, the second starting hole 12a is closed, making it impossible for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 12a.

The big prize device 14 is disposed in the lower area of the right game area 3R. The big prize device 14 is equipped with a special opening/closing member 14b that opens and closes the big prize opening (special ball opening) 14a. The big prize opening 14a is wide from side to side and is formed to a size that allows multiple game balls to enter (enter) at the same time. The special opening/closing member 14b is formed in a plate shape that is long in the left-right direction corresponding to the big prize opening 14a, and is configured to be able to rotate (swing) back and forth between an upright position and a tilted position to the front (FIG. 1A) with the lower edge as the rotation axis. Then, when the special opening/closing member 14b is opened, the big prize opening 14a is opened, and the game ball is easily able to enter the big prize opening 14a. Also, when the special opening/closing member 14b is closed, the big prize opening 14a is closed, and the game ball cannot enter the big prize opening 14a.

As described above, in the pachinko game machine 1, the strength of the launch of the game ball by the launching device 90 (see FIG. 2) can be adjusted by adjusting the launch strength of the handle 4. Therefore, in the pachinko game machine 1, the game ball can be hit so that it flows down the left game area 3L or the right game area 3R. When the game ball is launched toward the left game area 3L, the game ball can win the first start opening 10a and the general winning opening 11. On the other hand, when the game ball is launched toward the right game area 3R, the game ball can win the second start opening 12a and the big winning opening 14a, and can pass through (enter) the gate 13. The first start opening 10a, the second start opening 12a, the big winning opening 14a, the gate 13, and the general winning opening 11 are examples of ball entry openings into which the game ball flowing down the game area can enter. Of these, gate 13 is an entry port where no prize balls are awarded for the game balls that enter (pass through), and the other entry ports are entry ports (winning ports) where prize balls are awarded for entering. Also, first starting port 10a and second starting port 12a are examples of trigger ports where the entry (winning) of a game ball can be the trigger for determining whether a special chart has been won.

The display devices 50 are provided on the game board 2 outside and below the play area 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the display devices 50 include a first special pattern display device 51 that variably displays the first special pattern (also called the first special pattern or special pattern 1), a second special pattern display device 52 that variably displays the second special pattern (also called the second special pattern or special pattern 2), and a normal pattern display device 53 that variably displays the normal pattern (also called the normal pattern). Furthermore, the display devices 50 include a first special pattern reserve display device 51a that displays the number of reserved activations of the first special pattern display device 51, a second special pattern reserve display device 52a that displays the number of reserved activations of the second special pattern display device 52, and a normal pattern reserve display device 53a that displays the number of reserved activations of the normal pattern display device 53. Hereinafter, when matters common to the first special pattern and the second special pattern are described, they are simply referred to as special patterns. In addition, when explaining matters common to the first special pattern display device 51 and the second special pattern display device 52, they will simply be referred to as the special pattern display device.

Each of the special pattern displays 51, 52 is composed of multiple LEDs. Each of the LEDs constituting each of the special pattern displays 51, 52 lights up in a predetermined lighting pattern, and the combination of lit and unlit LEDs represents a special pattern, and the changing state of the combination of lit and unlit LEDs represents the changing display of the special pattern. Hereinafter, the changing pattern of the special pattern from when the special pattern starts to change and is displayed until the special pattern is confirmed is referred to as the special pattern changing pattern.

The normal symbol display 53 is composed of two LEDs. The lit and unlit LEDs represent normal symbols, and the alternating lit states of the LEDs represent the variable display of the normal symbols. When the game ball passes through the gate 13, a lottery is held for the normal symbols to determine whether or not a win has been won, and the normal symbol display 53 displays the normal symbols in a variable manner. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the normal symbol display 53 started to display the variable normal symbols, the normal symbol display 53 displays the normal symbol corresponding to the result of the lottery. If the normal symbol displayed by the normal symbol display 53 is a normal symbol indicating a win, the second winning device 12 is activated to open and close the normal opening and closing member 12b, and the second starting port 12a is opened and closed.

When the game ball enters the first starting hole 10a, a special symbol hit judgment (also called a jackpot lottery, special symbol hit judgment, or first special symbol hit judgment) is executed to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won, and the first special symbol display 51 displays the first special symbol (special symbol 1) in a variable manner. Then, the first special symbol display 51 displays the first special symbol corresponding to the result of the special symbol hit judgment after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first special symbol display started to display the variable manner of the first special symbol. Here, if the first special symbol displayed in a fixed manner is a special symbol indicating a jackpot, a jackpot game state occurs (the big prize device 14 is activated, the special opening and closing member 14b is opened and closed, and the big prize hole 14a is opened and closed). When the game ball enters the first starting hole 10a while the first special symbol display 51 is displaying the first special symbol in a variable manner, the operation of the first special symbol display 51 triggered by the winning is reserved, and the memory number indicating the number of reserved operations is displayed by the first special symbol reserved display 51a. Hereinafter, the number of reserved activations of the first special symbol display 51 will be referred to as the first special symbol reserved number.

In addition, when the game ball enters the second starting hole 12a, a special symbol hit judgment (also called a big win lottery, a special symbol hit judgment, or a second special symbol hit judgment) is executed, and the second special symbol display 52 displays the second special symbol (special symbol 2) in a variable manner. Then, the second special symbol display 52 displays the second special symbol corresponding to the result of the special symbol hit judgment after a predetermined time has elapsed since the second special symbol display started to display the variable manner. Here, if the second special symbol displayed in a fixed manner is a special symbol indicating a big win, a big win game state occurs (the big win device 14 is activated, the special opening and closing member 14b is opened and closed, and the big win hole 14a is opened and closed). When the game ball enters the second starting hole 12a while the second special symbol display 52 is displaying the variable manner of the second special symbol, the operation of the second special symbol display 52 triggered by the winning is reserved, and the memory number indicating the number of reserved operations is displayed by the second special symbol reserved display 52a. Hereinafter, the number of reserved activations of the second special symbol display 52 will be referred to as the second reserved special symbol number. Also, when explaining matters common to the first and second reserved special symbol numbers, it will simply be referred to as the reserved special symbol number.

Hereinafter, one change of the special symbol is defined as the period from when the special symbol display starts to display the change of the special symbol to when the special symbol is finally displayed. Also, the reduction of the reserved special symbol number by one each time the special symbol changes is defined as the consumption of the reserved special symbol number. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, the reserved operation of the special symbol display is used to display the change of the special symbol in the chronological order of the timing of occurrence, and the reserved special symbol number is consumed. However, the consumption of the reserved second special symbol number is executed in priority over the consumption of the reserved first special symbol number (the display of the change of the second special symbol is executed in priority over the display of the change of the first special symbol).

Next, the performance display device 7 will be described.
The performance display device 7 displays moving images and still images such as performance images, message images, and demonstration images. The player plays the game while watching these images from the front of the pachinko game machine 1. The performance display device 7 displays performance (decorative) symbols as performance images in a variable manner in synchronization with the variable display of special symbols. The performance symbols are symbols representing Arabic numerals (e.g., 1 to 10). The performance symbols may include symbols representing characters other than numbers, such as alphabets and special characters, or may be combined with symbols representing characters other than numbers. The left performance symbol display region, the middle performance symbol display region, and the right performance symbol display region are set as regions in which the performance display device 7 displays the performance symbols in a variable manner, from the left. The left performance symbol display region displays the left performance symbol 7L, the middle performance symbol display region displays the middle performance symbol 7C, and the right performance symbol display region displays the right performance symbol 7R. In the following, when describing matters common to the left performance pattern display area, the middle performance pattern display area, and the right performance pattern display area, they will simply be referred to as the performance pattern display area.

The main variation pattern of each performance symbol is a variation pattern in which the numbers represented by the performance symbol move from the top to the bottom of the screen in ascending order, that is, a variation pattern in which the symbols scroll vertically. Note that other variation patterns may also be used, such as a horizontal scrolling method in which the performance symbol moves from one side of the screen to the other, or a method in which the performance symbols are displayed in ascending order of numbers at the same display position. The performance display device 7 also displays a background image as the performance image behind each performance symbol. For example, the background image may be a moving image from a television drama or movie, an animated moving image of that moving image, animation, or an original moving image created by the pachinko game machine manufacturer. The performance display device 7 is a liquid crystal display device. Note that an organic EL display device, a display device using a dot matrix LED, or the like may also be used as the performance display device 7.

The effect display device 7 changes and displays each effect pattern in synchronization with the changing display of the special pattern, and at the same time as the special pattern is displayed as a confirmed display, each effect pattern is displayed as a confirmed display, and the special pattern hit determination result is displayed. Here, a confirmed display refers to a stopped display state in which the effect pattern is completely stopped without fluctuating up and down or changing again.

Hereinafter, the combination of performance symbols that indicates that the result of the special chart hit judgment is a big win is referred to as a big win performance symbol, and the combination of performance symbols that indicates that the result of the special chart hit judgment is a miss is referred to as a miss performance symbol. A big win performance symbol is a state in which each performance symbol is aligned with a performance symbol that represents the same number, that is, a state of a repeat number. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the left performance symbol 7L, the middle performance symbol 7C, and the right performance symbol 7R are all aligned with "7". A miss performance symbol is a state in which each performance symbol is not aligned with a performance symbol that represents the same number, that is, a state in which it is not a repeat number. For example, the left performance symbol 7L is "7", the middle performance symbol 7C is "6", and the right performance symbol 7R is "7". Hereinafter, the change display of the performance symbol that the performance display device 7 performs in synchronization with the special symbol is referred to as a change performance, and the image displayed on the background of the performance symbol in the change performance is referred to as a background image. The background image can be a still image or a moving image.

The performance pattern change performance is performed in synchronization with the display of the special pattern change, and when the operation of the special pattern display device is suspended, the operation of the performance display device 7 is also suspended. In other words, the number of operations suspended for the special pattern display device and the number of operations suspended for the performance display device 7 match. The number of operations suspended for the performance display device 7 corresponding to the first special pattern reserved number and the number of operations suspended for the performance display device 7 corresponding to the second special pattern reserved number are displayed on the performance display device 7 by reserved images. Hereinafter, the display area of the number of operations suspended for the performance display device 7 corresponding to the first special pattern reserved number is referred to as the "first performance reserved display area 7Ba", and the display area of the number of operations suspended for the performance display device 7 corresponding to the second special pattern reserved number is referred to as the "second performance reserved display area 7Bb". Therefore, by counting the number of reserved images displayed in the first performance reserved display area 7Ba and the second performance reserved display area 7Bb of the performance display device 7, the player can know the number of reserved first special pattern and the number of reserved second special pattern, and can know the number of operations suspended for the performance display device 7 caused by the number of reserved first special pattern and the number of reserved second special pattern. In addition, the number of pending operations on the performance display device 7 may not be displayed on the performance display device 7, but may be notified to the player using a lamp or the like located near the performance display device 7.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the screen of the performance display device 7 is provided with a ball difference display area 7S for displaying the specific ball difference. The specific ball difference is counted under the control of the frame control board 150 described later, and the counted specific ball difference is transmitted to the sub-control board 100 via the main control board 60, and is displayed in the ball difference display area 7S of the performance display device 7 based on the control of the sub-control board 100. However, in the case of this embodiment, the specific ball difference is displayed in the ball difference display area 7S only when the specific ball difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of game balls (99,360 balls), and the specific ball difference is not displayed in the ball difference display area 7S in other cases. This is because even if the specific ball difference temporarily exceeds the predetermined number of game balls (99,360 balls), if the current ball difference decreases after that, there is a margin before the specific ball difference reaches the "reference number". However, it is also possible to always display the specific ball difference in the ball difference display area 7S. In addition to the specific difference in pitches, the difference in pitches display area 7S may also display the current difference in pitches and the maximum difference in pitches.

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

As mentioned above, in the pachinko game machine 1, the inner frame 16 and the front frame 18 are opened together by inserting the key 263 into the key insertion section 262 and turning it counterclockwise. This allows inspection, repair, and replacement of the various boards 60, 70, 150, 75, 78, 79, 90, 100, 200, etc., arranged on the back side of the front frame 18. It also makes it possible to operate the setting change board 260. Note that the key 263 inserted into the key insertion section 262 is stored and managed by the manager of the game hall (hereinafter referred to as the manager, etc.), so it is difficult for a player to open the inner frame 16 and the front frame 18 together and to operate the setting change board 260.

(Main control board 60)
As shown in FIG. 3, a one-chip microcomputer for game control (hereinafter, referred to as a game control microcomputer) 61 is mounted on the main control board 60. 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 judgments (lotteries), such as a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number. The CPU 62 executes the detection of winning, the judgment of a special chart, and the updating of various random numbers. The ROM 63 stores various tables, such as a computer program executed by the CPU 62, special chart winning judgment tables TA1-1 to TA1-6, a jackpot type judgment table TA2, a reach judgment table, and a special chart variation pattern selection table TA3. The RAM 64 is used as a work memory, etc., when the CPU 62 executes the computer program.

The RAM 64 also includes a first special chart reserved memory unit 64a, a second special chart reserved memory unit 64b, a general chart reserved memory unit 64c, and a notification memory unit 64d.

The first special symbol reservation memory unit 64a has first to fourth memory areas. That is, the maximum number of first special symbol reservations that can be stored is four. In each memory area, the jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, reach random number, and variable pattern random number (start winning information) acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball winning the first start hole 10a are stored. When the game ball wins the first start hole 10a while the first special symbol display device 51 is displaying the first special symbol, the display of the first special symbol caused by the winning is temporarily reserved (operation reserved), and the jackpot random number acquired due to the winning is stored in the first special symbol reservation memory unit 64a.
The second special symbol reservation memory section 64b has first to fourth memory areas. That is, the maximum number of second special symbol reservations that can be stored is four. In each memory area, the jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, reach random number, and change pattern random number acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball winning the second start hole 12a are stored. When the game ball wins the second start hole 12a while the second special symbol display device 52 is displaying the second special symbol, the display of the second special symbol caused by the winning is temporarily reserved (activation reserved), and the jackpot random number, etc. acquired due to the winning are stored in the second special symbol reservation memory section 64b.
The start winning information such as the jackpot random number is stored in the order of occurrence of the operation reservation, that is, in the order of acquisition by the game control microcomputer 61, from each of the first storage areas of the first special symbol reservation storage unit 64a and the second special symbol reservation storage unit 64b. Therefore, when the start winning information is stored in the first to fourth storage areas, the start winning information stored in the fourth storage area is the newest information in terms of time, and the start winning information stored in the first storage area is the oldest information in terms of time. The start winning information stored in each storage area is shifted one by one to the storage area with the oldest storage order every time the variable display of the special symbol is completed. For example, the jackpot random number stored in the second storage area is shifted to the first storage area. In addition, the judgment (lottery) of the special symbol winning judgment based on the start winning information stored in the first storage area is executed when the variable display of the special symbol by the special symbol display device is completed and the start timing of the next variable display arrives (when the variable display start condition is established).

In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1, as described above, the consumption of the second special chart reserved number is executed in priority to the consumption of the first special chart reserved number. In other words, if there are multiple first special chart reserved numbers and multiple second special chart reserved numbers, the second special chart reserved numbers are consumed in order first, and then the first special chart reserved numbers are consumed in order. For example, when the start winning information is stored in the first storage area of the first special chart reserved storage unit 64a and the first storage area of the second special chart reserved storage unit 64b, when the timing to start the variable display of the special chart arrives, the start winning information stored in the first storage area of the second special chart reserved storage unit 64b is shifted to the execution area (execution target area), and a judgment such as a special chart hit judgment based on this start winning information is executed. On the other hand, at this time, the start winning information in the first memory area is not shifted in the second special chart reserved memory section 64b, and then when the timing to start the variable display of the special chart arrives with the number of reserved second special charts at 0, it is shifted to the execution area (execution target area), and a judgment such as a special chart hit judgment based on this start winning information is executed.

The regular symbol reservation memory unit 64c stores operational ball entry information such as a regular winning random number (a random number for determining (lottery) whether a regular symbol is a winning symbol or not) acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball passing through the gate 13. When the regular symbol display 53 is displaying a regular symbol in a variable manner and the game ball passes through the gate 13, the operation of the regular symbol display 53 due to the passing is temporarily reserved (operation reservation), and the regular winning random number acquired due to the passing is stored in the regular symbol reservation memory unit 64c. The reserved variable display of the regular symbol is performed next after the current variable display of the regular symbol is completed. In the pachinko game machine 1, the regular symbol reservation memory unit 64c has a memory area for a total of four reservations, and the number of reserved operations of the regular symbol display 53 is a maximum of four. The operational ball entry information such as a regular winning random number is stored in order from the first memory area of the regular symbol reservation memory unit 64c in the order of occurrence of the reserved operation, that is, in the order of acquisition by the game control microcomputer 61. Therefore, when the active ball-scoring information is stored in the first through fourth memory areas, the active ball-scoring information stored in the fourth memory area is the newest information in terms of time, and the active ball-scoring information stored in the first memory area is the oldest information in terms of time. Hereinafter, the number of active ball-scoring information stored in the normal symbol display 53 is referred to as the normal symbol number.

In addition, the notification memory unit 64d is configured to store the specific ball difference number notified by the frame control board 150 (the frame control microcomputer 151 described later).

The main control board 60 is also equipped with a RAM clear switch 66. Like the setting change board 260, the RAM clear switch 66 can be pressed from the rear side of the pachinko gaming machine 1. When the pachinko gaming machine 1 starts up with the RAM clear switch 66 pressed, it initializes the RAM 64 and the RAM 120 of the sub-control board 100.

The main control board 60 is electrically connected to the displays 50. The main control board 60 is further electrically connected, via the relay board 74, to the winning detection sensors (first winning hole sensor 10b, second winning hole sensor 12c, general winning hole sensor 11a, and large winning hole sensor 14c) that detect the winning of game balls into the winning holes, the gate sensor 13a, the large winning hole solenoid 14d, and the second starting hole solenoid 12d.

The first start opening sensor 10b is provided directly below the first start opening 10a and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the first start opening 10a to the main control board 60. The general winning opening sensor 11a is provided directly below the general winning opening 11 and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the general winning opening 11 to the main control board 60. The large winning opening sensor 14c is provided directly below the large winning opening 14a and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the large winning opening 14a to the main control board 60. The gate sensor 13a is provided in the passing area of the game ball in the gate 13 and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has passed through the gate 13 to the main control board 60. The second start opening sensor 12c is provided directly below the second start opening 12a and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the second start opening 12a to the main control board 60. When a game ball is detected by any of the aforementioned sensors 10b, 11a, 12c, 13a, and 14c other than the gate sensor 13a, the conditions for awarding a predetermined number of prize balls for each sensor are met.

The main control board 60 is also electrically connected to the large prize opening solenoid 14d and the second start opening solenoid 12d. The large prize opening solenoid 14d drives the special opening/closing member 14b of the large prize device 14 to open and close. The second start opening solenoid 12d drives the normal opening/closing member 12b of the second prize device 12 to open and close.

(Fire control circuit 75)
Furthermore, the main control board 60 is electrically connected to the launch control circuit 75 (see FIG. 3) via the frame control board 150. When the main control board 60 is in a playable state in which a game can be played, it outputs a launch permission signal to the launch control circuit 75 via the frame control board 150. The launch control circuit 75 is electrically connected to the ball feed solenoid 36b (ball feed section 36) and the launch device 90. The launch device 90 includes a launch motor 91 that drives a striking hammer 90a that strikes and launches a game ball, a touch switch 92 that outputs a signal indicating that the player has touched the handle 4, and a launch volume 93 that adjusts the strength with which the striking hammer 90a strikes the game ball according to the amount of displacement accompanying the rotation of the launch lever 4a. The launch control circuit 75, when receiving a launch permission signal and a signal from a touch switch 92 indicating the player's contact with the handle 4, controls the launch motor 91 to drive the striking hammer 90a with a striking strength corresponding to the displacement of the launch volume 93, and drives the ball feed solenoid 36b to supply game balls one by one to the launch standby position, thereby launching the game balls periodically (for example, at 0.6 second intervals). On the other hand, when the launch permission signal is not received (a non-playable state described later), the launch control circuit 75 stops driving the launch motor 91 and the ball feed solenoid 36b.

(Frame control board 150)
As shown in FIG. 3, the frame control board 150 is electrically connected to the setting change board 260, the loan unit 76, the ball loan button 251, the return button 252, the lifting motor 34c, the recovery sensor 33, the actual shot sensor 37, the game ball number display 26, etc., in addition to the above-mentioned launch control circuit 75. The frame control board 150 is equipped with a frame control one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as the frame control microcomputer) 151. In addition, in this embodiment, a reset button 180 for resetting the stored values of the game ball number related to the difference ball number (current difference ball number, maximum difference ball number, minimum difference ball number, specific difference ball number, maximum difference ball number) 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, sending and receiving information with the lending unit 76 (signal input/output), display control of the game ball count display 26, drive control of the ball feed solenoid 36b, drive control of the lifting motor 34c, etc. Also, detection signals from the recovery sensor 33 and the actual shot sensor 37 are input via the input/output circuit 153.

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

The ROM 160 stores a computer program executed by the CPU 152 and a value indicating a predetermined specific number of balls difference (reference number, index number) that is the basis for a judgment described later. The RAM 170 is used as a work memory or the like when the CPU 152 executes the computer program. The RAM 170 also includes a ball number storage section 171 for storing the number of balls held, and a ball difference number storage section 172 for storing the specific number of balls difference. The ball difference number storage section 172 has a current ball difference number storage area 172a, a maximum ball difference number storage area 172b, a minimum ball difference number storage area 172c, a specific ball difference number storage area 172d, and a maximum ball 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 number of game balls 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 ball difference storage area 172b is a storage area for storing a numerical value corresponding to the current ball difference that is 0 or more and the largest (any number of game balls from 0 to 99999) among the game ball numbers calculated as the current ball difference. The minimum ball difference storage area 172c is a storage area for storing a numerical value corresponding to the current ball difference that is 0 or less and the smallest (any number of game balls from -99999 to 0) among the game ball numbers calculated as the current ball difference. The specific ball difference memory area 172d is a memory area for storing a numerical value obtained by subtracting the minimum ball difference (negative number) from the current ball difference (positive number to negative number) (i.e., a numerical value equivalent to the specific ball difference, which is an increase from the minimum ball difference, and any number of game balls from -99999 to 99999).The maximum ball difference memory area 172e is a memory area for storing a numerical value obtained by subtracting the minimum ball difference (negative number) from the maximum ball difference (positive number) (i.e., a numerical value equivalent to the maximum ball difference, which is the maximum value of the fluctuation range of the ball difference, and any number of game balls from 0 to 99999).
In addition, 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 shot sensor 37. Each stored value in the ball difference memory unit 172 (current ball difference, highest ball difference, lowest ball difference, specific ball difference, and maximum ball difference) is reset by inputting a state return signal to the frame control microcomputer 151 (CPU 152) in response to an operation of pressing the reset button 180 on the frame control board 150 (state return operation).

The setting value changed by the setting change board 260 is 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 section (not shown) for inserting a setting key and a switch (not shown) for changing the setting value used to change the setting of the jackpot probability. The setting value is any value from 1 to 6, and each value is associated with a different jackpot probability (the probability of winning in the special chart winning judgment performed by the game control microcomputer 61). Note that each setting value is associated with a higher jackpot probability as the number increases. In other words, in the pachinko game machine 1, the jackpot probability can be set by the setting value so that the jackpot probability is lowest for a setting value of 1 and highest for a setting value of 6. Note that the setting values 1 to 6 are just an example, and the number of setting values may be seven or more, or five or less (sometimes only one). In pachinko gaming machine 1, when changing or checking settings, the setting value is displayed on a dedicated display (not shown) provided on the setting change board 260.

The lending unit 76 identifies the amount (balance) by identifying the bill inserted into the slot or by reading the storage medium inserted into the slot, and outputs the amount information to the pachinko game machine 1. This amount information is input to the frame control microcomputer 151 of the frame control board 150. The frame control microcomputer 151 identifies the amount (balance) from the amount information from the lending unit 76, and controls the granting of loaned balls (loan of game balls) in response to the player's operation of the ball loan button 251 within the range of the number of game balls corresponding to that amount. When granting loaned balls, the frame control microcomputer 151 lends game balls to the player by adding the number of loaned balls to the number of balls held stored in the number of balls held memory unit 171. In addition, the frame control microcomputer 151 outputs game end information to the lending unit 76 in response to the player's operation of the return button 252, and resets the stored value (number of balls held) in the ball count memory unit 171.

The frame control microcomputer 151 subtracts the number of balls held stored in the number of balls held storage unit 171 in response to detection by the actual shot sensor 37 (occurrence of the number of consumed balls), and subtracts the current number of balls difference stored in the current number of balls difference storage area 172a of the number of balls difference storage unit 172. In addition, when the current number of balls difference is updated to the highest value, the highest number of balls difference stored in the highest number of balls difference storage area 172b is updated, and when the current number of balls difference is updated to the lowest value, the lowest number of balls difference stored in the lowest number of balls difference storage area 172c is updated. Furthermore, in response to the current number of balls difference being updated, the specific number of balls difference stored in the specific number of balls difference storage area 172d is updated. Furthermore, in response to the update of either the highest number of balls difference or the lowest number of balls difference, the specific number of balls difference stored in the specific number of balls difference storage area 172e is updated.
Then, the display contents of the game ball number display 26 (for example, the number of balls held, the current number of difference balls, the specific number of difference balls, and the maximum number of difference balls) are updated according to the change in the number of game balls stored in the number of balls held storage unit 171 and the number of difference balls storage unit 172. In addition, when the specific number of difference balls after the update becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined number of game balls (a first index number described later), the specific number of difference balls is notified to the game control microcomputer 61 of the main control board 60 for each change in the specific number of difference balls. 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 recovery sensor 33 from the number of detections by the actual shot sensor 37, and when the specified number of remaining balls is not within the normal range, it outputs information regarding the abnormal state of the ball circulation mechanism 30 to the game control microcomputer 61. The determination of the predetermined specific number of difference balls (index number, reference number) by the frame control microcomputer 151 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 29, FIG. 31, etc.

(Power supply board 70)
The pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a power supply board 70. The power supply board 70 supplies power to the main control board 60 and the frame control board 150. The power supply board 70 also supplies power to each device electrically connected to the frame control board 150 via the frame control board 150. The power supply board 70 also supplies power from the main control board 60 via the relay board 74 to each sensor and solenoid electrically connected to the relay board 74. The power supply board 70 also supplies power via the main control board 60 to the displays 50 electrically connected to the main control board 60.

The power supply board 70 is provided with a backup power supply circuit 71. When power is not being supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 1 from the outside, the backup power supply circuit 71 supplies the power necessary to retain information to the RAM 64 of the main control board 60, the RAM 170 of the frame control board 150, etc. A power switch 72 for turning on and off the main power supply that supplies power to the power supply board 70 is electrically connected 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 transmit commands to the main control board 60. In other words, communication between the sub-control board 100 and the main control board 60 is one-way communication in which only transmission from the main control board 60 to the sub-control board 100 is possible.

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

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

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

The variable performance memory unit 123 stores the start winning information (random number value, etc.) indicated by the first start winning command or the second start winning command used for the variable performance pattern. The input/output circuit 103 transmits and receives data between each board, etc. connected to the sub-control board 100.

The sub-control board 100 also includes a real-time clock (RTC) 124. The RTC 124 measures the current (present) date and time (date and time). For example, when power is supplied to the pachinko game machine 1 from an external power supply device, the RTC 124 operates on the power, and when power is not supplied from the external power supply device, the RTC 124 operates on power supplied from the backup power circuit 71 provided in the power supply board 70. Therefore, the RTC 124 can measure the current date and time even when the power of the pachinko game machine 1 is not turned on or when the memory contents of the RAM 120 are cleared. A backup power circuit that supplies 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 the time or date is input from the RTC 124 on the sub-control board 100 to the performance control microcomputer 101 provided on the same board 100 and to the frame control microcomputer 151 provided on the frame control board 150 described above.

The image control board 200 is electrically connected to the sub-control board 100. The image control board 200 is equipped with 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 performance display device 7 to display performance images such as variable performance patterns, button performance images, and preview images. The control ROM 203 stores a computer program for the image control CPU 202 to control the performance display device 7. The control RAM 204 is used as a work memory when the image control CPU 202 executes the computer program. The CGROM 205 stores image data for the performance display device 7 to display performance images. The VDP 201 reads image data from the CGROM 205 according to a display list created by the image control CPU 202, and loads the read image data in a load area in the VRAM 206. The VDP 201 then composites the image data loaded in the VRAM 206, and stores the composite image data in a frame buffer in the VRAM 206. The VDP 201 then converts the image data stored in the frame buffer in the VRAM 206 into an RGB signal, and outputs it to the performance display device 7. As a result, the performance display device 7 displays a performance image.

The sub-control board 100 is electrically connected to the board lamp 2a, the performance button lamp 5c, the left side lamp 23a, the right side lamp 23b, the top lamp 23c, and the movable body motor 23d via the lamp control board 79. The performance control microcomputer 101 uses the 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. The lamp control board 79 then controls the light emission of each lamp according to the received light emission pattern data. The performance control microcomputer 101 also uses the data stored in the ROM 110 to create rotation operation pattern data that determines the operation mode of the rotating reflector in the top lamp 23c, and transmits the rotation operation pattern data to the lamp control board 79. The lamp control board 79 then controls the drive 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 synthesis 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 audio control CPU reads audio data from the audio data ROM based on a command received from the sub-control board 100, and outputs the read audio data to the audio synthesis circuit. The audio synthesis circuit synthesizes the input audio data and converts the synthesized synthetic audio data into an analog audio signal and outputs it to the amplifier. The amplifier amplifies the input audio signal and outputs it to each speaker 8. Then, each speaker 8 outputs a sound indicated by the input audio signal.

The sub-control board 100 is also electrically connected to a performance button detection switch 5a, a performance lever push detection switch 6a, a performance lever rotation detection switch 6b, a performance button vibration motor 5b, and a performance lever vibration motor 6c.

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

The performance button vibration motor 5b is a member that vibrates the performance button 5 and is housed inside the performance button 5. The performance lever vibration motor 6c is a member that vibrates the performance lever 6 and is provided in the part that contacts the performance lever 6 or inside the performance lever 6. The ROM 110 stores operation pattern data that determines the operation pattern of the performance button vibration motor 5b and operation pattern data that determines the operation pattern of the performance lever vibration motor 6c. The performance control microcomputer 101 reads the operation pattern data from the ROM 110 when it is time to vibrate the performance button 5, and drives and controls the 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 it is time to vibrate the performance lever 6, and drives and controls the performance lever vibration motor 6c based on the read operation pattern data.

(Explanation of game state)
Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described.
The pachinko game machine 1 is provided with a probability variation function and a variation time shortening function for the display (display of special and normal symbols) on the special symbol display 51, 52 and the normal symbol display 53. The state in which the probability variation function of the special symbol display 51, 52 is activated is called a "high probability state" or a "high probability state (variable probability state)", and the state in which it is not activated is called a "normal probability state (non-high probability state)" or a "low probability state (non-variable probability state)". In the high probability state, the probability of a jackpot is higher than that in the normal probability state. When the special symbol hit determination is a hit, a jackpot game state is generated. After the end of this jackpot game state, whether to move to a high probability state or a normal probability state is determined by a lottery (jackpot type determination) at the time of the jackpot. In the following description, the jackpot game state may be called a "win game state" or a "game state with an increased number of balls difference".

When the special symbol change time shortening function is activated, a shorter change time is more likely to be selected as the special symbol change time compared to when it is not activated. As a result, when the special symbol change time shortening function is activated, the pace of consumption of reserved special symbols is accelerated, making it easier for a valid win at the start hole (a win that can be stored as a reserved special symbol) to occur. Therefore, you can aim for a jackpot win while playing smoothly.

When the probability fluctuation function for normal symbols is activated, the probability that the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 53 will be a normal winning symbol (a normal symbol that is determined to be a winning symbol in the normal symbol lottery) is higher than when it is not activated. Also, when the fluctuation time reduction function for normal symbols is activated, the fluctuation time of normal symbols is shorter than when it is not activated. For example, the fluctuation time of normal symbols is 10 seconds when the fluctuation time reduction function is not activated, but is 1 second when the fluctuation time reduction function is activated.

In this embodiment, there are three game states (here, state 1) in which neither the probability fluctuation function nor the fluctuation time shortening function of the special symbol is activated, a game state (here, state 2) in which both the probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time shortening function of the special symbol are activated simultaneously, and a game state (here, state 3) in which only the fluctuation time shortening function of the probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time shortening function of the special symbol is activated. The probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time shortening function of the normal symbol are activated in synchronization with the fluctuation time shortening function of the special symbol. In other words, in states 2 and 3 in which the fluctuation time shortening function of the special symbol is activated, the probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time shortening function of the normal symbol are also activated. Therefore, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol in state 1 is 10 seconds, and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol in states 2 and 3 is 1 second.

In addition, the opening time extension function and opening count increase function of the second winning device 12 are activated in synchronization with the probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time reduction function of the normal pattern. In the state where the opening time extension function and the opening count increase function of the second winning device 12 are activated (states 2 and 3), the opening time of the second winning device 12 (second starting hole 12a) in the auxiliary game becomes longer and the opening count increases compared to when they are not activated (state 1). In addition, the auxiliary game is a game in which the second starting hole 12a is opened and closed in an opening pattern according to the current game state when the confirmed and displayed normal pattern is a specific normal pattern that has been determined in advance. In a situation where the probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time reduction function of the normal pattern display 53 and the opening time extension function and the opening count increase function of the second winning device 12 are activated, the second winning device 12 is opened more frequently and game balls enter the second starting hole 12a more frequently than when these functions are not activated. As a result, the ratio (base) of the number of winning balls to the number of shot balls becomes higher, so that the player can aim for a big win without significantly reducing the number of game balls in hand. Here, the control that supports winning into the second starting hole 12a by activating at least one of the opening time extension function and the opening count increase function of the second winning device 12 is called "electric support control". In this embodiment, the "electric support control" is executed while the probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time reduction function of the normal pattern display 53 are activated. In the following description, the state in which the electric support control is performed (support state) is called "high base state (time reduction state)", and the state in which the electric support control is not performed (non-support state) is called "low base state (non-time reduction state)". The "high base state" in this embodiment is generated by performing "electric support control" by the opening time extension function and the opening count increase function of the second winning device 12 while activating the probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time reduction function of the normal pattern display 53. In other words, the high base state is a favorable gaming state (privilege gaming state) that is more advantageous to the player than the low base state.

In this way, there are three game states other than the jackpot game state in the pachinko game machine 1, the above-mentioned states 1 to 3, and states 2 and 3 (high base state) are more advantageous to the player than state 1 (low base state). In the following explanation, state 1 will be described as the "low probability low base state (normal game state)", state 2 as the "high probability high base state", and state 3 as the "low probability high base state". Note that as another game state (state 4), it may be possible to generate a high probability low base state (a game state in which the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol is activated, and the fluctuation time shortening function of the special symbol and the probability fluctuation function and fluctuation time shortening function of the normal symbol are not activated). Of these game states, the low probability high base state, high probability high base state, and high probability low base state are game states (advantageous game states) that are more advantageous to the player than the low probability low base state (normal game state). As mentioned above, the high base state (time-saving state) is a game state that supports winning through the second starting hole 12a by electric support control, and is generally a game state in which it is easy to get a game ball to win through the second starting hole 12a. Here, "it is easy to get a game ball to win through the second starting hole 12a" refers to a state in which the opening time of the second starting hole 12a within a unit time is maintained as long as possible by operating the opening time extension function or opening count increase function described above.

Here, the jackpot game state will be explained. 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 jackpot solenoid 14d to open the jackpot 14a, and is a game state in which multiple game balls are allowed to enter the jackpot 14a during this round. The jackpot game state is composed of a round period in which one or more rounds are played, an opening period provided before the start of the round period, and an ending period provided after the end of the round period. Note that when multiple rounds are included, an interval time (round interval) is provided between the rounds, and the special opening/closing member 14b is maintained in a closed state during the interval time. Each round is set to start when the opening period ends or the interval time elapses (round start condition) and to end when the number of prizes won into the large prize opening 14a during that round reaches the specified maximum number of prizes (8 prizes per round in this embodiment) or when the time required for closing the large prize opening 14a is reached (maximum round time, 30.0 seconds per round in this embodiment).

In this embodiment, the large prize opening solenoid 14d is controlled so that the large prize opening 14a (special opening/closing member 14b) opens when the round starts (when the start condition is met) and closes when the round ends (when the end condition is met). In other words, the opening condition of the large prize opening 14a is the same as the start condition of the round, and the closing condition of the large prize opening 14a is the same as the end condition of the round. In contrast, the large prize opening 14a (special opening/closing member 14b) may be set to open multiple times before the maximum round time during the round has elapsed. In addition, the maximum round time does not have to be the same for all rounds. For example, it is possible to set the maximum round time of a specific round to 1.0 seconds and the maximum round time of other rounds to 30.0 seconds.

(Special chart hit determination table TA1-1 to TA1-6)
The special winning judgment tables TA1-1 to TA1-6 are tables that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when executing a special winning judgment to determine whether or not a winning has occurred. The special winning judgment tables TA1-1 to TA1-6 are configured by associating a game state with a winning random number. The ROM 63 of the pachinko game machine 1 stores a table in which a winning random number is associated with a winning probability that varies for each setting 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 jackpot random number counter operates and generates a jackpot random number by executing the computer program by the CPU 62. The jackpot random number counter may be one that utilizes a random number generating circuit such as a counter IC.

FIG. 5 shows a probability setting table TA1 in which different special winning determination tables TA1-1 to TA1-6 are associated with each setting value.
The probability setting table TA1 is stored in the ROM 63. The probability setting table TA1 is composed of special winning determination tables TA1-1 to TA1-6 corresponding to the setting values 1 to 6. In each of the special winning determination tables TA1-1 to TA1-6, a jackpot probability in a normal probability state (hereinafter referred to as a normal probability) and a jackpot probability in a high probability state (hereinafter referred to as a high probability) are set.

The special chart 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 chart 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 chart 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 chart 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 chart 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 chart hit determination table TA1-6 corresponding to the set value 6 is associated with a jackpot random number so that the normal probability is 1/91.27 and the high probability is 1/28.51. This set value is common to the special chart hit determination for the first special chart and the special chart hit determination for the second special chart.

(Big Win Type Determination Table TA2)
FIG. 6 shows a jackpot type determination table TA2 which the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when determining the type of jackpot.
The jackpot type determination table TA2 is configured to correspond to the type of special chart hit determination (first special chart hit determination or second special chart hit determination) and 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 the jackpot type random number counter operates and generates a jackpot type random number by executing the computer program by the CPU 62. The jackpot type random number counter may be one that utilizes a random number generating circuit such as a counter IC. In the pachinko game machine 1, there are a "2R non-variable jackpot", a "2R variable jackpot", and a "10R variable jackpot" as types of jackpots. A "2R non-probable jackpot" and a "2R probable jackpot" are jackpot game states (2R jackpot) in which two rounds occur during the round period, and a "10R probable jackpot" is a jackpot game state (10R jackpot) in which ten rounds occur during the round period.

In addition, a "2R non-variable jackpot" is a jackpot (non-variable jackpot) that transitions to a low-probability, high-base state for the longest period after the jackpot game state ends, until the special chart's variable display (variable display of the performance pattern) is performed a predetermined number of times (ST number, 100 times in this embodiment), and then transitions to a low-probability, low-base state. On the other hand, a "2R variable jackpot" and a "10R variable jackpot" are jackpots (variable jackpots) that transition to a high-probability, high-base state after the jackpot game state ends, until the special chart's variable display corresponding to the jackpot determination result in the next special chart hit determination ends.

Specifically, when the first special chart hit judgment is a hit, one of the jackpot patterns 1-1, 1-2, or 1-3 on special chart 1 is determined as the jackpot pattern, and when the second special chart hit judgment is a hit, one of the jackpot patterns 2-1, 2-2, or 2-3 on special chart 2 is determined as the jackpot pattern. Of these jackpot patterns 1-1 to 1-3, 2-1 to 2-3, jackpot patterns 1-1 and 2-1 are jackpot patterns that correspond to the occurrence of a "2R non-variable jackpot", jackpot patterns 1-2 and 2-2 are jackpot patterns that correspond to the occurrence of a "2R variable jackpot", and jackpot patterns 1-3 and 2-3 are jackpot patterns that correspond to the occurrence of a "10R variable jackpot". In the first jackpot type determination, the jackpot type random number values "0" to "49" correspond to the jackpot symbol 1-1, the values "50" to "89" correspond to the jackpot symbol 1-2, and the values "90" to "99" correspond to the jackpot symbol 1-3. In addition, in the second jackpot type determination, the jackpot type random number values "0" to "49" correspond to the jackpot symbol 2-1, the values "50" to "59" correspond to the jackpot symbol 2-2, and the values "60" to "99" correspond to the jackpot symbol 2-3. In other words, in the pachinko game machine 1, the number of jackpot type random numbers associated with a specific jackpot type is different depending on whether it is the first special chart hit determination or the second special chart hit determination. In addition, in the second special chart hit determination, it is easier to determine a "10R special jackpot" than in the first special chart hit determination.

As described above, in this embodiment, the high base state after a jackpot probability jackpot continues until the next jackpot game state occurs, and the high base state after a non-jackpot probability jackpot ends with the longest period until the special chart variable display (variable performance of the performance pattern) is performed 100 times, and then transitions to a low base state. In the following description, the period from when a jackpot game state occurs in a low base state to when the game returns to a low base state again is referred to as a "consecutive period," and the number of times that a jackpot game state occurs during one consecutive period is sometimes referred to as the "number of consecutive periods." In other words, the consecutive period ends when the high base state that occurs after the end of a 2R non-consecutive probability jackpot reaches the longest period (variable performance 100 times) without developing into a new jackpot game state and transitions to a low base state (normal game state). In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, the number of consecutive periods is calculated and stored under the control of the game control microcomputer 61 or the performance control microcomputer 101. Then, at the end of the consecutive winning period, the number of consecutive winnings during the past predetermined consecutive winning periods is displayed on the performance display device 7.

(Reach Judgment Table)
The reach judgment table (not shown) is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when judging whether or not to select a special pattern variation pattern in which a reach appears when the result of the special pattern hit judgment is a miss. Here, the reach refers to a state in which a plurality of performance patterns constituting a part of the combination of the big win performance patterns are displayed in a stopped state during the change time in which the performance patterns are displayed in a changing state on the performance display device 7, and the pattern string (pattern group) including the remaining performance patterns constituting the combination of the big win performance patterns is not displayed in a stopped state (displayed in a changing state).

For example, when one of the combinations of jackpot effect symbols is "777", a "7" is displayed as a stopped left effect symbol 7L in the left effect symbol display area, a "7" is displayed as a stopped right effect symbol 7R in the right effect symbol display area, and the middle effect symbol 7C is displayed in a variable manner in the middle effect symbol display area. Note that the concept of reach includes a state in which the middle effect symbol 7C is scrolling, as well as a state in which it is shaking, or repeatedly expanding and contracting.

The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not to select a special chart variation pattern in which a reach appears when the result of the special chart hit determination is a miss. The reach determination table is configured by associating a game state with a reach random number. 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 the reach random number counter operates and generates a reach random number by the CPU 62 executing the computer program. In the pachinko game machine 1, a reach random number when the game state is in a low base state and a reach random number when the game state is in a high base state are set.
The reach random number that is determined to be in reach is set lower in the high base state than in the low base state. As a result, the probability of being determined to be in reach in the high base state is lower than in the low base state. In other words, since the probability of being determined to be not in reach is higher, the probability of selecting a special chart variation pattern that is not in reach is higher when selecting a special chart variation pattern. Therefore, in the high base state, the pace of consumption of the reserved number of special charts is faster. Note that the reach determination table in the pachinko game machine 1 may be the same for the drawing of the first special chart and the drawing of the second special chart, or may be different.

(Special chart variation pattern selection table TA3)
The special chart variation pattern selection table TA3 (FIG. 7) is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when determining the special chart variation pattern by lottery. The special chart variation pattern selection table TA3 is configured by associating the game state, the judgment (special chart hit judgment and reach judgment) result, the number of reserved special charts, the variation pattern random number, the special chart variation pattern, the variation time, and the stop time. It may also be associated with the type of big win. As the special chart variation patterns, there are the variation patterns P1, P2, P7, and P8 for big win variation, and the variation patterns P3 to P6, P9, and P10 for miss variation. In addition, the variation patterns P3 to P6, P9, and P10 for miss variation can be classified into the reach-with miss variation patterns P3, P4, and P9 that are selected when the reach judgment determines that there is a reach, and the reach-without miss variation patterns P5, P6, and P10 that are selected when the reach judgment determines that there is no reach. In this embodiment, regardless of the type of special pattern (whether it is special pattern 1 or special pattern 2), in a low base state, one of the special pattern variation patterns P1 to P6 is determined, and in a high base state, one of the special pattern variation patterns P7 to P10 is determined.

Specifically, in the low base state, if the result of the special chart hit judgment is a big hit, there is a 90% probability that special chart fluctuation pattern P1 (fluctuation time 70 seconds, stop time 0.5 seconds) is selected, and there is a 10% probability that special chart fluctuation pattern P2 (fluctuation time 70 seconds, stop time 0.5 seconds) is selected. On the other hand, if the result of the special chart hit judgment is a miss and the reach random number judges that there is a reach, there is a 10% probability that special chart fluctuation pattern P3 (fluctuation time 60 seconds, stop time 0.5 seconds) is selected, and there is a 90% probability that special chart fluctuation pattern P4 (fluctuation time 20 seconds, stop time 0.5 seconds) is selected. Also, if the result of the special chart hit judgment is a miss and the reach random number judges that there is no reach, if the number of activations reserved is 0 to 2, then special chart fluctuation pattern P5 (fluctuation time 13 seconds, stop time 0.5 seconds) is selected, and if the number of activations reserved is 3 or more, then special chart fluctuation pattern P6 (fluctuation time 8 seconds, stop time 0.5 seconds) is selected. Special chart fluctuation patterns P1 and P3 specify SP reach performance as the performance content during the fluctuation performance, special chart fluctuation patterns P2 and P4 specify normal reach performance as the performance content during the fluctuation performance, and special chart fluctuation patterns P5 and P6 specify normal fluctuation performance (non-reach performance) as the performance content during the fluctuation performance.

In addition, in the high base state, if the result of the special chart hit judgment is a jackpot, there is a 90 percent probability that special chart fluctuation pattern P7 (fluctuation time 2 seconds, stop time 0.5 seconds) will be selected, and there is a 10 percent probability that special chart fluctuation pattern P8 (fluctuation time 30 seconds, stop time 0.5 seconds) will be selected. On the other hand, if the result of the special chart hit judgment is a miss and the reach random number judges that there is a reach, there is a 100 percent probability that special chart fluctuation pattern P9 (fluctuation time 29 seconds, stop time 0.5 seconds) will be selected. Also, if the result of the special chart hit judgment is a miss and the reach random number judges that there is no reach, there is a 100 percent probability that special chart fluctuation pattern P10 (fluctuation time 5 seconds, stop time 0.5 seconds) will be selected. Special chart fluctuation pattern P7 specifies a full rotation effect (jackpot guaranteed fluctuation effect) as the effect content during the fluctuation effect, special chart fluctuation patterns P8 and P9 specify an SP reach effect as the effect content during the fluctuation effect, and special chart fluctuation pattern P10 specifies a normal fluctuation effect (non-reach effect) as the effect content during the fluctuation effect.

(Explanation of the board configuration and game state)
As described in FIG. 1A, in the pachinko game machine 1, the game ball can be shot into the left game area 3L or the right game area 3R. The first start hole 10a and the general winning hole 11 are arranged in the left game area 3L, and the big winning hole 14a, the gate 13, and the second start hole 12a are arranged in the right game area 3R. Therefore, when a game ball is shot aiming at the first start hole 10a, the game ball can enter the first start hole 10a, but cannot enter the second start hole 12a. Similarly, when a game ball is shot aiming at the second start hole 12a, the game ball can enter the second start hole 12a, but cannot enter the first start hole 10a. Hereinafter, shooting a game ball aiming at the left game area 3L is referred to as "left shot", and shooting a game ball aiming at the right game area 3R is referred to as "right shot". In the "low base state (low probability low base state)," the player aims to win the first starting hole 10a. Therefore, "left hit" that guides the game ball to the left game area 3L is a game method that is advantageous to the player. In the "high base state (high probability high base state, low probability high base state)," the player aims to win the second starting hole 12a. Therefore, "right hit" that guides the game ball to the right game area 3R is a game method that is advantageous to the player. Also, in the "jackpot game state," the player aims to win the big winning hole 14a. Therefore, "right hit" that guides the game ball to the right game area 3R is a game method that is advantageous to the player.

(Main processing of the 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 main control process executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be explained with reference to FIG. 8.

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

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 performs a setting value setting process (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 value set by operating the setting change board 260 is stored in the RAM 64.

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 executes interrupt prohibition (S3) and executes normal and special symbol main random number update processing (S4). In this normal and special symbol main random number update processing, the initial value of each random number counter that generates the aforementioned jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, reach random number, and variable pattern random number is updated by adding "1" to each. When the count value of each random number counter reaches the upper limit value, it returns to "0" and is added "1" again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0" and may be changed randomly. Also, each random number counter may be updated by adding a value of "2" or more to the count value. Also, each random number may be a so-called hardware random number generated by a known random number generating circuit made of a counter IC or the like. When this hardware random number is used, the random number update processing by software (S4) is not necessary.

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 executes interrupt permission (S5). During interrupt permission, the main timer interrupt process (S6) can be executed. The main timer interrupt process (S6) is executed based on an interrupt pulse input to the CPU 62 at, for example, a 4 msec cycle. In other words, it is executed at a 4 msec cycle. Then, after the main timer interrupt process (S6) ends and before the next main timer interrupt process (S6) starts, the initial value update process of various counters is executed by the normal pattern/special pattern main random number update process (S4). Note that if an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 62 when the interrupt is prohibited, the main timer interrupt process (S6) does not start immediately, but starts 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 explained with reference to FIG. 9.

The game control microcomputer 61 executes an output process (S10). In this output process, the commands set in the output buffer provided in the RAM 64 of the main control board 60 in each process described below, information indicating the setting value changed by the setting change board 260, etc. are output (transmitted) to the sub-control board 100 (Fig. 4) or the frame control board 150 (Fig. 3), etc. The game control microcomputer 61 also outputs (transmits) a change start command for a normal pattern indicating that a normal pattern has started to change when the normal pattern has started to change, and a change start command for a special pattern indicating that a special pattern has started to change when the special pattern has started to change. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes an input process (S11). In this input process, each detection signal detected by various sensors (first start hole sensor 10b, normal winning hole sensor 11a, large winning hole sensor 14c, gate sensor 13a, second start hole sensor 12c, etc.) mainly attached to the pachinko game machine 1 is read. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a timer update process (S12). In this timer update process, the subtraction counter operating as a timer is updated (decremented). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a prize ball control process (S13). In this prize ball control process, a prize ball command for awarding prize balls according to the type of winning port is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 based on the detection signals of various sensors read in the input process (S11). This prize ball command is transmitted to the frame control board 150 in the output process (S10) described above. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S14). This normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process is the same as the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S4) executed in the main side main control process of FIG. 8. 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 other periods (the period from the end of the main timer interrupt process (S6) until the start of the next main timer interrupt process (S6)).

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the symbol sensor detection process (S15), normal operation process (S16), special operation process (S17), ball difference related process (S18-1), state return process (S18-2), and other processes (S19) described later, and ends the main timer interrupt process (S6 in FIG. 8). The other processes (S19) are a security control process that detects and notifies of illegal winning, a magnetic detection process that detects and notifies of illegal acts using magnetism, a door opening process that detects and notifies of the opening of the front frame 18 or the inner frame 16, an illegal radio wave detection process that detects and notifies of illegal acts using radio waves, and an impact detection process that detects and notifies of illegal acts that vibrate the pachinko game machine 1. Then, the processes S3 to S5 of the main control process are repeatedly executed (FIG. 8) until the next interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 62, and when the interrupt pulse is input (after about 4 msec), the main timer interrupt process (S6 in FIG. 8) is executed again. In the output process (S10) of the main timer interrupt process that is executed again, the commands etc. that were set in the output buffer of RAM 64 in the previous main timer interrupt process (S6 in FIG. 8) are sent to the specified board.

Next, the contents of the symbol sensor detection process (S15 in FIG. 9) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be explained with reference to FIG. 10.

The game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the game ball has passed through the gate 13 (Fig. 1A) (S20). The gate sensor 13a detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 13. If it is judged that the game ball has passed through the gate 13 (S20: YES), the game control microcomputer 61 executes a gate passing process (S21). In this gate passing process, it judges whether the number of reserved regular symbols is 4 or more, and if the number of reserved regular symbols is not 4 or more, it adds "1" to the number of reserved regular symbols, and performs a process of acquiring a winning random number (operational ball entry information) for drawing a regular symbol and storing it in the reserved regular symbol memory unit 64c (Fig. 3).

After S21 is completed, or if it is determined that the game ball has not passed through the gate 13 (S20: NO), the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the game ball has entered the second start hole 12a (S22). If it is determined that the game ball has entered the second start hole 12a (S22: YES), it determines whether the second special chart reserved number U2 is equal to or greater than the upper limit of "4" (S23). If it is determined that the second special chart reserved number U2 is equal to or greater than "4" (S23: YES), the process proceeds to S28, but if it is determined that the second special chart reserved number U2 is not equal to or greater than "4" (S23: NO), 1 is added to the second special chart reserved number U2 (S24). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a second special chart related random number value acquisition process (S25). In this second special chart related random number acquisition process, the jackpot random number value counted by the jackpot random number counter, the jackpot type random number value counted by the win type random number counter, the reach random number value counted by the reach random number counter, and the fluctuation pattern random number value counted by the fluctuation pattern random number counter are acquired, and each of these acquired random number values (start winning information) is stored in a memory area of the second special chart reserved memory unit 64b (Figure 3) that corresponds to the current number of second special charts reserved. For example, if the current number of second special charts reserved is "3", each random number value is stored in the fourth memory area.

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a second start winning command specification process (S26). In this second start winning command specification process, the second start winning command is specified based on each random number group stored in the second special chart reservation memory unit 64b in S25. This second start winning command is composed of data indicating that the game ball has entered the second start hole 12a, data indicating each random number value stored in the second special chart reservation memory unit 64b in S25, and the like. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the second start winning command created in S26 in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S27). This set second start winning command is output to the sub-control board 100 in the output process (S10 in FIG. 9), and the performance control microcomputer 101 executes the performance based on the start winning information such as each random number value included in the second start winning command. In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 creates a second reservation designation command that can specify the updated number of second special charts reserved, and sets the command in the output buffer of the RAM 64.

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the game ball has entered the first starting hole 10a (S28). If it is judged that the game ball has entered the first starting hole 10a (S28: YES), it judges whether the first special symbol reserved number U1 is equal to or greater than the upper limit of "4" (S29). If it is judged that the first special symbol reserved number U1 is equal to or greater than "4" (S29: YES), the pattern sensor detection process is terminated, but if it is judged that the first special symbol reserved number U1 is not equal to or greater than "4" (S29: NO), 1 is added to the first special symbol reserved number U1 (S30). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the first special symbol related random number value acquisition process (S31). In this first special chart related random number acquisition process, a jackpot random number, a win type random number, a reach random number, and a change pattern random number are acquired, and each of these acquired random number values (start winning information) is stored in a memory area of the first special chart reserved memory unit 64a (FIG. 3) according to the current number of first special charts reserved. For example, if the current number of first special charts reserved is "3", each random number value is stored in the fourth memory area.

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a first start winning command specification process (S32). In this first start winning command specification process, the first start winning command is specified based on each random number group stored in the first special chart reservation memory unit 64a in S31. This first start winning command is composed of data indicating that the game ball has entered the first start hole 10a, data indicating each random number value stored in the first special chart reservation memory unit 64a in S31, and the like. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the first start winning command created in S32 in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S33). This set first start winning command is output to the sub-control board 100 in the output process (S10 in FIG. 9), and the performance control microcomputer 101 executes a performance based on the start winning information such as each random number value included in the first start winning command. In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 creates a first reservation designation command that can specify the number of first special charts reserved after the update, and sets the command in the output buffer of the RAM 64.

Next, the contents of the normal operation process (S16) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 in the above-mentioned main side timer interrupt process (FIG. 9) will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the normal opening/closing member 12b of the second winning device 12 is in operation (the normal electric role is in operation) (S50), and if it is judged not to be in operation (S50: NO), judges whether the normal pattern is being displayed in a stopped state (S51). Here, if the game control microcomputer 61 judges that the normal pattern is not being displayed in a stopped state (S51: NO), it judges whether the normal pattern is being displayed in a variable state (S52), and if it is judged that the normal pattern is not being displayed in a variable state (S52: NO), it judges whether the reserved number V of the normal pattern is "0" (S53). Here, if the game control microcomputer 61 judges that the reserved number V of the normal pattern is "0" (S53: NO), it ends the normal operation process.

In addition, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S53 that the reserved number V of normal symbols is not "0" (S53: NO), it performs a win determination process (S54). In this win determination process (S54), it reads out the normal win random number value stored in the normal symbol reserved memory unit 64c (Figure 3) and determines whether or not there is a win based on the normal symbol win determination table. Then, it performs a normal symbol determination process (S55) in which normal symbol stop symbol data corresponding to the result of the win determination is set in a specified memory area of the RAM 64. In other words, in the normal symbol determination process (S55), if it is a "miss", data corresponding to a "normal miss symbol" is set, and if it is a "win", data corresponding to a "normal win symbol" is set.

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

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts 1 from the number of reserved normal symbols V (S57), shifts the storage location (memory area) of each reserved normal symbol in the reserved normal symbol memory unit 64c from the current position to the side from which it is read, and clears the memory area corresponding to the fourth reserved symbol in the reserved normal symbol memory unit 64c (the memory area farthest from the side from which it is read) (S58). In this way, the reserved normal symbols are consumed in the order in which they were reserved. After that, the game control microcomputer 61 starts displaying the changes in the normal symbol in the normal symbol change pattern selected in S56 (S59). In addition, in conjunction with this, a normal symbol change start command is set to notify the sub-control board 100 that the normal symbol change has started. This normal symbol change start command includes the result of the hit determination in S54 and the normal symbol change time determined in S56.

In addition, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S52 that the normal symbol variation display is in progress (S52: YES), it determines whether the normal symbol variation time has ended (S60), and if it determines that it has not ended (S60: NO), it ends the normal operation processing. On the other hand, if it determines that it has ended (S60: YES), it stops the normal symbol variation display with the display result (normal winning symbol or normal losing symbol) according to the determination result of the normal winning random number value (S61). Then, it sets a normal symbol variation stop command to notify the sub-control board 100 that the normal symbol variation has stopped (S62), sets the normal symbol stop time (S63), and ends the normal operation processing.

In addition, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S51 that the normal symbol is being displayed in a stopped state (S51: YES), it determines whether the stop time of the normal symbol set in S63 has ended (S64), and if it determines that it has not ended (S64: NO), it ends the normal operation process. On the other hand, if it determines that it has ended (S64: YES), it determines whether the normal symbol stop symbol data of the normal winning symbol has been set, that is, whether there is a win or not (S65), and if it determines that there is no win (S65: NO), it ends the normal operation process. On the other hand, if it determines that there is a win (S65: YES), it determines whether there is a high base state (S66), and if it determines that there is a high base state (S66: YES), it sets the opening pattern OP1 of the normal opening/closing member 12b (S67-1) and starts the opening operation of the normal opening/closing member 12b (the operation of the second winning device 12, i.e., the normal electric role) (S67-3). This causes the normal opening and closing member 12b to perform an opening operation three times over a three-second period.

In addition, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S66 that the base state is not high (the base state is low) (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 second.

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S50 that the normal opening/closing member 12b is in operation (the normal electric role is in operation) (S50: YES), it determines whether or not the operation end condition of the normal opening/closing member 12b 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 prescribed number of winning conditions that the number of winnings into the second starting hole 12a has reached a prescribed number of winnings. In addition, the prescribed number of winning conditions is set to 10 winnings into the second starting hole 12a.
When the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the operation end condition is not satisfied (S68: NO), it ends the normal operation process. On the other hand, when it determines that the operation end condition is satisfied (S68: YES), it ends the operation of the normal opening/closing member 12b (S69).

Next, the contents of the special operation process (S17) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 in the above-mentioned main side timer interrupt process (FIG. 9) will be described with reference to FIG.
In this special operation process, the process related to the special symbol display and the big prize device 14 is divided into four stages, and "special operation status 1, 2, 3, 4" is assigned to each stage. The game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the special operation status is "1" or not (S70), and if it is judged to be "1" (S70: YES), executes special symbol waiting process (S71). In addition, if it is judged that the special operation status is not "1" (S70: NO), the game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the "special operation status" is "2" or not (S72), and if it is judged to be "2" (S72: YES), executes special symbol changing process (S73).

If the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the special operation status is not "2" (S72: NO), it determines whether the "special operation status" is "3" (S74), and if it determines that the "special operation status" is "3" (S74: YES), it executes the special symbol determination process (S75). If the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the special operation status is not "3" (S74: NO), it determines whether the "special operation status" is "4" (S76), and if it determines that the "special operation status" is "4" (S76: YES), it executes the special electric device process (S77). If the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the special operation status is not "4" (S76: NO), it ends the special operation process. The special operation status is initially set to "1".

Next, the contents of the special symbol waiting process (S71) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 in the special operation process (FIG. 12) will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the second special chart reserved number U2 is "0" or not (S80), and if it is judged not to be "0" (S80: NO), executes the special chart (special chart 2) special chart hit judgment process (Fig. 14) described later (S81). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the special chart (special chart 2) variation pattern selection process (Figs. 15, 16) described later (S82). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts "1" from the second special chart reserved number U2 (S83), and shifts each data stored in each memory area of the second special chart reserved memory unit 64b to the memory area with the oldest storage order, that is, the side to be read, one by one (S84). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the second special chart variation start process (S85). That is, the second special symbol display 52 performs the variable display of the second special symbol in the order that the game control microcomputer 61 executes the hit/miss judgment based on the jackpot random number value stored in the second special symbol reservation memory 64b. Also, each time the second special symbol display 52 performs the variable display of the second special symbol, each data stored in each memory area of the second special symbol reservation memory 64b is shifted to the memory area with the oldest memory order. In this second special symbol variable start process, a variable start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 to start the variable display of the second special symbol. The variable start command set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 includes the data of the special symbol stop pattern set in the special symbol (special symbol 2) hit judgment process (FIG. 14) described later and the data of the special symbol variable pattern set in the special symbol (special symbol 2) variable pattern selection process (FIGS. 15 and 16).

In addition, in S80, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the second special chart reservation number U2 is "0" (S80: YES), it determines whether the first special chart reservation number U1 is "0" or not (S86), and if it determines that it is not "0" (S86: NO), it executes the special chart (special chart 2) special chart hit determination process (Fig. 14) described later (S87). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the special chart (special chart 1) variation pattern selection process (Figs. 15, 16) described later (S88). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts "1" from the first special chart reservation number U1 (S89), and shifts each data stored in each memory area of the first special chart reservation memory unit 64a one by one to the memory area with the oldest storage order, that is, to the side to be read (S90). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the first special chart variation start process (S91). That is, the first special symbol display 51 performs the variation display of the first special symbol in the order that the game control microcomputer 61 performs the hit/miss judgment based on the jackpot random number value stored in the first special symbol reservation memory 64a. Also, each time the first special symbol display 51 performs the variation display of the first special symbol, each data stored in each memory area of the first special symbol reservation memory 64a is shifted to the memory area with the oldest memory order. In this first special symbol 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 set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 includes the data of the special symbol stop pattern set in the special symbol (special symbol 1) special symbol hit judgment process (FIG. 14) described later and the data of the variation pattern set in the special symbol (special symbol 1) variation pattern selection process (FIGS. 15 and 16).

Then, when the game control microcomputer 61 executes the second special chart change start process (S85) or the first special chart change start process (S91), it sets the special operation status to 2 (S92).

In addition, in S86, if the game control microcomputer 61 judges that the first special symbol reserved number U1 is "0" (S86: YES), it judges whether the performance display device 7 is displaying a standby screen (a demo screen for waiting for customers) (S92). If it judges that the standby screen is displayed (S93: YES), it ends this special symbol standby process, and if it judges that the standby screen is not displayed (S93: NO), it executes a standby screen setting process (S94). In this standby screen setting process, it waits for a predetermined standby time to elapse, and sets a customer standby command to display the standby screen in the output buffer of the RAM 64.
That is, in this embodiment, the variable display of the first special pattern based on the first special pattern reservation is performed only when the second special pattern reservation number U2 is "0" (S80: YES). In other words, the consumption of the second special pattern reservation in this embodiment is executed in priority to the consumption of the first special pattern reservation.

Next, the contents of the special chart big win determination process (S81, S87 in FIG. 13) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be explained with reference to FIG. 14. Note that the special chart big win determination process for the first special chart and the special chart big win determination process for the second special chart will be explained together since they have the same process flow. Also, when explaining matters common to the first special chart reserve memory unit 64a and the second special chart reserve memory unit 64b, they will simply be referred to as the special chart reserve memory unit.

The game control microcomputer 61 reads the jackpot random number stored in the first memory area of the special symbol reservation memory section of the RAM 64 (S100) and refers to the special symbol hit determination tables TA1-1 to TA1-6 (S101). In S101, the game control microcomputer 61 identifies the set value of the jackpot probability corresponding to the detection signal input from the setting change board 260 via the detection circuit, and identifies the special symbol hit determination tables TA1-1 to TA1-6 corresponding to the set value from the probability setting table TA1. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the probability hit flag is ON, that is, whether the current game state is a high probability state (S102). The probability hit flag is ON when any of the probability hits is won, and is OFF when any of the normal hits is won. Here, if it is determined that the special probability flag is not ON, that is, that the normal probability state is in effect (S102: NO), the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the jackpot random number for the normal probability state in the special chart hit determination tables TA1-1 to TA1-6, and determines whether or not there is a random number that is the same as the jackpot random number read out in S100, that is, whether or not there is a jackpot (S103).

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

If S103 determines that a jackpot has been reached (S103: YES) or if S104 determines that a jackpot has been reached (S104: YES), the game control microcomputer 61 reads out the jackpot type random number stored in the first storage area of the special symbol reserve storage unit, and determines the type of jackpot by referring to the jackpot type determination table TA2 in which multiple types of jackpots are set (S105). The jackpot pattern of the special symbol, the stop pattern of the special symbol, the distribution rate, the maximum number of rounds, and the jackpot performance pattern are different depending on the type of jackpot. Here, the distribution rate refers to the probability that a specific jackpot is selected from the multiple types of jackpots set in the jackpot type determination table TA2. Also, the maximum number of rounds refers to the maximum number of rounds that can be executed in a jackpot game. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 turns on the jackpot flag indicating that a jackpot has been reached in the special symbol hit determination (S106).

If no jackpot is determined in S103 or S104 (S103, S104: NO), or after S106 ends, the game control microcomputer 61 proceeds to step S107. If a jackpot is determined, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the special symbol stop pattern data for confirming and displaying the jackpot pattern of the special symbol according to the type of jackpot determined in S105 in the special symbol buffer provided in the RAM 64, and ends the special symbol jackpot determination process.

On the other hand, if it is determined to be a miss, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the special chart stop pattern data for confirming and displaying the missing pattern of the special chart in the special chart buffer, and ends the special chart jackpot determination process.

Next, the contents of the special pattern variation pattern selection process (S82, S88 in FIG. 13) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16. Note that the special pattern 1 variation pattern selection process and the special pattern 2 variation pattern selection process have the same process flow, so they will be described together.
The game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the game state is in a high base state or not (S110). Whether the game state is in a high base state (time-saving state) can be judged by whether a time-saving flag is ON or not. The time-saving flag is ON when the game is controlled to the high base state, and is OFF when the high base state ends.

If it is determined that the time-saving flag is not ON, that is, that the game is not in a high base state (it is in a low base state) (S110: NO), the game control microcomputer 61 proceeds to step S111. On the other hand, if it is determined that the time-saving flag is ON, that is, that the game is in a high base state (S110: YES), the game control microcomputer 61 proceeds to step S116. The game control microcomputer 61 that proceeds to step S111 or step S116 determines whether the jackpot flag is ON (S111, S116). If it is determined that the jackpot flag is ON (S111, S116: YES), the game control microcomputer 61 selects a special chart fluctuation pattern by referring to the special chart fluctuation pattern selection table TA3 (S112, S117). For example, if it is in a low base state, the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the fluctuation pattern random number that becomes a jackpot in a low base state in the special chart fluctuation pattern selection table TA3. Similarly, if the game is in a high base state, the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the special chart variation pattern selection table TA3 for a variation pattern random number that results in a jackpot in a high base state. The game control microcomputer 61 then acquires the variation pattern random number stored in the first storage area of the special chart reserve storage unit, and selects the special chart variation pattern associated with the same variation pattern random number as the acquired variation pattern random number.

Also, in S111 or S116, if the jackpot flag is not ON, that is, if it is determined to be a miss (S111, S116: NO), the game control microcomputer 61 acquires the reach random number stored in the first storage area of the special chart reservation storage unit, and determines whether the acquired reach random number is a reach establishment random number (S113, S118). In the case of a low base state, it is determined whether the reach random number acquired from the first storage area of the special chart reservation storage unit is a reach random number set in the low base state in the reach judgment table. If the acquired reach random number is among the reach random numbers in the low base state, the game control microcomputer 61 determines that it is a reach establishment random number (S113: YES). Similarly, in the case of a high base state, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the reach random number acquired from the first storage area of the special chart reservation storage unit is a reach random number set in the high base state in the reach judgment table. If the acquired reach random number is among the reach random numbers during a high base state, the game control microcomputer 61 determines that it is a reach establishment random number (S118: YES).

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the special chart variation pattern selection table TA3 to select a special chart variation pattern (S114, S119). For example, if the base state is low, the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the variation pattern random number in the special chart variation pattern selection table TA3 that is in reach and miss in the low base state. Similarly, if the base state is high, the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the variation pattern random number in the special chart variation pattern selection table TA3 that is in reach and miss in the high base state. Then, the game control microcomputer 61 acquires the variation pattern random number stored in the first storage area of the special chart reserve storage unit, and selects the special chart variation pattern that is associated with the same variation pattern random number as the acquired variation pattern random number.

Also, if it is determined in S113 or S118 that the reach random number is not a reach establishment random number (S113, S118: NO), the game control microcomputer 61 selects a special chart variation pattern by referring to the special chart variation pattern selection table TA3 (S115, S120). For example, in a low base state, the game control microcomputer 61 refers to a variation pattern random number in the special chart variation pattern selection table TA3 that results in a no-reach miss in a low base state. Similarly, in a high base state, the game control microcomputer 61 refers to a variation pattern random number in the special chart variation pattern selection table TA3 that results in a no-reach miss in a high base state. Then, the game control microcomputer 61 acquires the variation pattern random number stored in the first storage area of the special chart reserve storage unit, and selects the special chart variation pattern associated with the same variation pattern random number as the acquired variation pattern random number.

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

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

Next, the contents of the special symbol variation process (S73) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 in the special operation process (FIG. 12) will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the variable time of the special symbol (variable time determined according to the variable pattern selected in S82 or S88 of the special symbol waiting process shown in FIG. 13) has ended (S160). Here, if the game control microcomputer 61 judges that the variable time has not ended (S160: NO), it immediately ends this process. This allows the variable display of the special symbol to continue. On the other hand, if the game control microcomputer 61 judges that the variable time has ended in S160 (S160: YES), it sets a variable stop command (S161) and sets the special operation status to "3" (S162). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 performs other processes such as stopping the variable display of the special symbol at a symbol (a big win symbol or a losing symbol) according to the set special symbol stop symbol data (S163), and ends this process. In other words, the game control microcomputer 61 controls the special symbol display device to derive the determined special symbol when the change time set in the change 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 judges whether the stop time of the special symbol has ended (S170), and if it judges that it has not ended (S170: NO), it immediately ends this process. On the other hand, if the game control microcomputer 61 judges that the stop time has ended (S170: YES), it executes a game status management process (S171) to be described later. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the big win flag is ON (S172), and if it judges that the big win flag is ON (S172: YES), it sets the special operation status to "4" (S173). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a setting reset process (S174) to be described later.

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets an opening command indicating the start of the jackpot game (S175) to start the jackpot game, and starts the opening of the jackpot game (S176). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets an opening pattern according to the type of the jackpot symbol that was won (S177). At this time, the value of the jackpot opening counter that counts the number of times the jackpot opening 14a is opened during the jackpot game is set to a value according to the type of the jackpot symbol that was won. The opening pattern may be set (data according to the opening pattern) for each round.

In addition, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S172 that the jackpot flag is not ON (S172: NO), it sets the special operation status to "1" (S178) to not start the jackpot game.

After S177 or S178 ends, the game control microcomputer 61 sets a game state designation command including information on the set game state (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 judges whether the probability variable flag is OFF (S190). When the probability variable flag is OFF in S190 (S190: YES), the game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the time-saving flag is ON (S191). The probability variable flag is a flag indicating that the game is controlled to a high probability state. The time-saving flag is a flag indicating that the game is controlled to a high base state (time-saving state) as described above. When the game control microcomputer 61 judges that the time-saving flag is ON in S191 (S191: YES), the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts "1" from the value of the time-saving counter (S192). The time-saving counter is for counting the number of times the special symbol changes (total number of times the special symbol changes) from the time of transition to the high base state. Next, the game control microcontroller 61 determines whether the value of the time-saving counter is "0" or not (S193), and if it determines that it is "0" (S193: YES), it turns off the time-saving flag (S194) to transition 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 a jackpot game, the high probability high base state continues until the next jackpot game state starts, while the low probability high base state is set to end when the number of times the special symbol changes (total number of times it changes) has been 100. In other words, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S190 that the probability change flag is OFF and in S191 that the time-saving flag is ON (S190: YES and S191: NO), it is controlled to the low probability high base state.

If the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S190 that the special bonus flag is not OFF (S190: NO), and if it determines in S193 that the time-saving counter value is not "0" (S193: NO), it ends this process.

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 for resetting various settings before starting a big win game. The game control microcomputer 61 turns off the probability change flag (S210), then turns off the time-saving flag (S211), resets the value of the time-saving counter to "0" (S212), and ends this process.

Next, the contents of the special electric device process (S77) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 in the special operation process (FIG. 12) will be described with reference to FIG.
The special electric device process (jackpot game) is a process for executing a jackpot game that opens the jackpot opening 14a. The game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the jackpot end flag is ON or not (S220). The jackpot end flag is a flag that indicates that all openings of the jackpot device (special electric device) 14 in the jackpot game have been completed. Here, if the game control microcomputer 61 judges that the jackpot end flag is not ON (S220: NO), it judges whether the jackpot opening 14a is being opened or not (S221). Here, if the game control microcomputer 61 judges that the jackpot opening is not being opened (S221: NO), it judges whether it is the time for the jackpot opening to be opened or not (S222).

Here, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines that it is not the time to open the large prize opening (S222: NO), it ends this process. On the other hand, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines that it is the time to open the large prize opening (S222: YES), it executes the large prize opening opening process (S223). In this large prize opening opening process, the large prize opening 14a is opened according to an opening pattern according to the type of large prize. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the round designation command transmission determination process (S224). In the round designation command transmission determination process (S224), it is determined whether the opening of the large prize opening in S223 is the first opening during one round of play, and if so, a round designation command including information on the number of rounds of the large prize game being played is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64.

In addition, if the game control microcontroller 61 determines in S221 that the large prize opening 14a is open (S221: YES), it determines whether the closing condition for the large prize opening 14a is met (S228). In this embodiment, the closing condition is that the number of winnings in the large prize opening 14a in that round of play reaches the specified maximum number of winnings (8 winnings per round in this embodiment), or that the time to close the large prize opening 14a has arrived (that is, either a specified opening time has been met since the large prize opening 14a was opened). Here, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the closing condition for the large prize opening 14a has not been met (S228: NO), it ends this process. On the other hand, if it determines that the closing condition for the large prize opening 14a has been met (S228: YES), it closes (blocks) the large prize opening 14a (S229). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether one round has ended (S230), and if it determines that it has ended (S230: YES), it subtracts "1" from the value of the round counter (S231).

The game control microcomputer 61 then determines whether the round counter value is "0" (S232), and if it is not "0" (S232: NO), ends the process to start the next round of play. On the other hand, if it is "0" (S232: YES), it executes a jackpot end process to end the jackpot game (S233). In this jackpot end process, a jackpot ending command is set and the jackpot ending is started. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets a jackpot end flag (S234) and ends this process. Also, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S230 that one round has not ended (S230: NO), it ends this process.

In addition, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S220 that the jackpot end flag is ON (S220: YES), the final round has ended, so it determines whether the jackpot ending time has elapsed (S235), and if it determines that the ending time has not elapsed (S235: NO), it ends this process. On the other hand, if it determines that the ending time has elapsed (S235: YES), it turns off the jackpot end flag (S236) and executes the game status setting process described below (S237). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 turns off the jackpot flag (S238), sets the special operation 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 device process (FIG. 21) will be described with reference to FIG.
In the pachinko game machine 1, when a jackpot is determined to be a jackpot in the special chart hit determination, the game state after the jackpot game ends is controlled based on the type of jackpot. Therefore, the game control microcomputer 61 first checks the type of jackpot game to be ended in the game state setting process, and sets the probability variable flag and the time-saving flag accordingly (S240). If the type of jackpot game confirmed in S240 is a 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 game is controlled to a high probability high base state. On the other hand, if the type of jackpot game confirmed in S240 is a 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, and the game is controlled to a low probability high base state.

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the probability variable flag and time-saving flag set in S240 are OFF and the time-saving flag is ON (S241). If it is judged in S241 that the probability variable flag is OFF and the time-saving flag is ON (S241: YES), it means that the game will be controlled to a low probability high base state. Since the low probability high base state must end when the special symbol fluctuation display has been performed 100 times, in the following S242, the value of the time-saving counter, which counts by a subtraction method, is set to "100". Note that the value of the time-saving counter is subtracted by 1 each time the special symbol fluctuation occurs during the high base state in the game state management process described above (FIG. 19), and is set to OFF when it is judged that the value of the time-saving counter is "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 of the main timer interrupt process (S10 in FIG. 9).

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

First, the sub-side main control processing executed by the performance control microcomputer 101 will be explained with reference to FIG.
First, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes an initial setting (S300). In this initial setting, for example, stack setting, constant setting, interruption time setting, CPU 102 setting, SIO (System Input/Output), PIO (Parallel Input/Output), CTC (Counter/Timer Circuit: a circuit for managing interruption time), resetting of various flags, counters, timers, etc. are performed. Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 judges whether the power off signal is ON and whether the contents of the RAM 120 are normal (S301). If the judgment in S301 is negative, the performance control microcomputer 101 initializes the RAM 120 (S302) and proceeds to S303. If the judgment in S301 is positive, the game control microcomputer 61 proceeds to S303 without initializing the RAM 120. In other words, if the power-off signal is not ON, or if the power-off signal is ON but the contents of the RAM 120 are not normal (S301: NO), the performance control microcomputer 101 initializes the RAM 120. On the other hand, if the power-off signal is ON due to a power outage or the like but the contents of the RAM 120 are kept normal (S301: YES), the performance control microcomputer 101 proceeds to S303 without initializing the RAM 120. Note that if the RAM 120 is initialized, the values of various flags, counters, timers, etc. are reset. Also, S300 to S302 are executed only once after the power is turned on, and are not executed thereafter.

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

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

Next, the 1 ms timer interrupt processing (S308) executed by the performance control microcontroller 101 in the sub-side main control processing (Figure 23) will be explained with reference to Figure 25.
The performance control microcomputer 101 executes this 1 ms timer interrupt processing every time an interrupt pulse with a 1 msec period is input to the sub-control board 100. The performance control microcomputer 101 executes input processing (S320). In this input processing, based on the detection signals from the performance button detection switch 5a, the performance lever push detection switch 6a, and the performance lever rotation detection switch 6b, switch data (edge data and level data) indicating that the switch is ON is created. Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes output processing (S321). In this output processing, the variable performance start command set in the command buffer of the RAM 120 in S415 of the variable performance start processing (FIG. 28) described later is output to the image control board 200.

In addition, in order to illuminate the board lamp 2a, left side lamp 23a, right side lamp 23b, and top lamp 23c at a timing that matches the music, lamp data created by 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, left side lamp 23a, right side lamp 23b, and top lamp 23c are illuminated in a predetermined illumination mode according to the lamp data. In addition, in order to drive the movable body motor 23d at a timing that matches 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.

Then, the performance control microcomputer 101 judges whether or not a variable performance start command has been sent (S322). The variable performance start command is set in the command buffer of the RAM 120 in S415 of the variable performance start process (FIG. 28) described below, and is sent to the image control board 200 in S321. If the performance control microcomputer 101 judges that the variable performance start command has not been sent (S322: NO), it ends this process, and if it judges that it has been sent (S322: YES), it starts measuring the variable time of the variable performance pattern (S323). Next, it performs watchdog timer processing to reset the watchdog timer (S324), and ends this process.

Next, the 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S309) executed by the performance control microcontroller 101 in the sub-side main control processing (Figure 23) will be explained with reference to Figure 26.
The performance control microcomputer 101 executes this 10 ms timer interrupt processing every time an interrupt pulse with a 10 msec period is input to the sub-control board 100. The performance control microcomputer 101 executes a received command analysis process (FIG. 27) described later (S330) and executes a switch state acquisition process (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. Next, based on the switch data stored in the switch state acquisition process, a switch process is executed to set the display contents of the button performance and lever performance displayed by the performance display device 7 (S332). Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes a lamp process (S333). In this lamp process, lamp data is created to control the emission of each lamp (such as the board lamp 2a, the left side lamp 23a, and the right side lamp 23b) as the music progresses, and the time management of the emission performance is performed. This allows each lamp to emit light in accordance with the progression of the music.
Next, the microcomputer 101 for effect control executes a right-hit effect process for performing a right-hit effect that encourages the player to hit the ball to the right (to launch the ball toward the right play area 3R of the play area 3) (S334). The right-hit effect is performed in response to the big win game state and the high base state.

Furthermore, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes audio control processing (S335). In this audio control processing, it creates audio control data (data for controlling the audio output from each speaker 8), outputs the created audio control data to the audio control board 78, and manages the time of the audio performance. As a result, audio suited to the performance being executed is output from each speaker 8. Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes other processing (S336) and ends this processing.

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

Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 judges whether or not a start winning command (first start winning command or second start winning command) has been received from the main control board 60 (S342), and if it is judged that it has been received (S342: YES), executes a pre-reading performance judgment process (S343). In the pre-reading performance judgment process, it is judged whether or not the jackpot random number included in the start winning information stored in the special chart reserved performance storage unit (first special chart reserved performance storage unit 121 or second special chart reserved performance storage unit 122) is a jackpot random number judged as a jackpot in the special chart jackpot judgment (S81, S87 in FIG. 13). In other words, the game control microcomputer 61 performs a special chart hit judgment (pre-judgment) before performing the special chart hit judgment. Then, depending on whether or not it is judged as a jackpot, it decides by lottery whether or not to perform a pre-reading performance, and if it is decided to perform a pre-reading performance, it decides the type of pre-reading performance to be executed, and executes the determined pre-reading performance.
Also, in S342, if it is determined that the start winning command has not been received (S342: NO), proceed to S344.

Next, the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance executes a ball difference information process (S344), and when this ball difference information process ends, executes a process related to the big win performance (S345). These processes are processes related to the number of ball differences that are characteristic of this embodiment, and will be described in detail later with reference to Figures 34 and 38.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 judges whether or not a fluctuation start command has been received from the main control board 60 (S346), and if it is judged that it has been received (S346: YES), executes the fluctuation performance start process (FIG. 28) described later (S347). After executing the fluctuation performance start process, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes the suggestion performance selection process (S348). In the suggestion performance selection process, it determines whether or not to execute a suggestion performance during the fluctuation performance and the type of suggestion performance to be executed. Then, if it is decided to execute a predetermined type of suggestion performance, a command instructing the execution of the suggestion performance is set in the output buffer of the RAM 120. Note that the type of suggestion performance that can be determined to be executed in this suggestion performance selection process changes in relation to the number of balls difference, so it will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 35 and FIG. 36. In addition, if the performance control microcomputer 101 judges that the fluctuation start command has not been received in S346 (S346: NO), it proceeds to S349. Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 judges whether or not a fluctuation stop command has been received from the main control board 60 (S349), and if it is judged that it has been received (S349: YES), executes a fluctuation performance end process (S350). In this fluctuation performance end process, the performance control microcomputer 101 sets a fluctuation performance end command to end the fluctuation performance in the output buffer of the RAM 120. When the set fluctuation performance end command is sent to the image control board 200 by the command sending process (S305 in FIG. 23), the image control board 200 displays the left performance pattern 9L, the center performance pattern 9C, and the right performance pattern 9R on the performance display device 7 after passing through a predetermined stop pattern. Also, if it is judged in S353 that the fluctuation stop command has not been received (S349: NO), proceed to S351.

Then, as other processing (S351), the performance control microcontroller 101 performs processing based on a received command other than the above commands (for example, a normal pattern change stop command), and ends the received command analysis processing.

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

Next, the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance executes a variable performance pattern selection process (S414). In detail, the variable performance pattern is selected using the variable performance pattern random number value and the variable performance pattern selection table. The 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. The variable performance pattern selection table is configured by associating the type of special chart variable pattern, the variable performance pattern random number value, and the variable performance pattern.
Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 sets a variable performance start command in the output buffer of the RAM 120 to cause the performance display device 7 to start displaying the variable performance pattern selected in S414 (S415).

(Control content regarding specific ball difference (or maximum ball difference))
Next, the control contents regarding the specific ball difference number (or maximum ball difference number) executed by the frame control microcomputer 151, the game control microcomputer 61 and the presentation control microcomputer 101 will be explained.

The pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment calculates and stores a specific number of ball differences according to the play within one business hour (operating time) of the gaming establishment, and when that specific number of ball differences reaches a number of play balls (the "reference number") that is predetermined as the maximum number of ball differences, transitions the pachinko game machine 1 (the control state of the game control microcomputer 61) to a state in which the player is unable to play (unplayable state).
The purpose of this specification is to limit the profits that a player can earn in a day (to prevent excessive profits from being awarded to a player). For this reason, an upper limit (100,000 balls) is set for the number of specific difference balls per day, and the game is disabled before the upper limit is reached so that the upper limit is not exceeded. In this embodiment, a number (99,999 balls) less than the upper limit of the specific difference balls, 100,000 balls, is set as the "reference number," and when the specific difference ball number reaches this "reference number," various controls related to the game by the game control microcomputer 61 are stopped (the "reference number" may be the same as the upper limit, but by setting it to the number of game balls one less, the number of digits is reduced, making it easier to display).
In addition, since the current number of balls difference and the specific number of balls difference are numbers of game balls that decrease by one each time a game ball is shot (detected by the actual shot sensor 37), it is basically impossible for the maximum number of balls difference to be reached by a decrease in the number of balls difference by the end of the business day of the gaming establishment. In other words, the specific number of balls difference increases (updates the maximum number of balls difference) by the awarding of prize balls according to the game, and the specific number of balls difference reaches the "reference number".

In this embodiment, even if the specific number of ball difference reaches the "reference number" during a jackpot game state, the jackpot game state is interrupted and a transition to an unplayable state occurs when the "reference number" is reached. In contrast, the transition to an unplayable state may be made by waiting until a convenient point (such as the transition of the game state) after the specific number of ball difference reaches the "reference number" (this point will be explained in another embodiment).

(Regarding counting specific ball differences)
The pachinko game machine 1 is equipped with winning detection sensors (first starting hole sensor 10b, second starting hole sensor 12c, large winning hole sensor 14c, general winning hole sensor 11a) that detect the winning of game balls (winning balls) into the winning holes (first starting hole 10a, second starting hole 12a, large winning hole 14a, general winning hole 11) provided in the game area 3, and according to the detection by these winning detection sensors, a predetermined number of prize balls are given to the player for each winning hole. The number of prize balls for the winning of one game ball into the starting hole is set to, for example, "4 balls," and the number of prize balls for the winning of one game ball into the large winning hole 14a and the general winning hole 11 is set to, for example, "10 balls." Each of the winning detection sensors is electrically connected to the main control board 60, and a detection signal is input to the game control microcomputer 61. The game control microcomputer 61 (CPU 62) specifies the number of prize balls to be awarded based on the detection by each winning detection sensor, and transmits a prize ball command indicating the specified number of prize balls to the frame control board 150. In response to this, the frame control microcomputer 151 (CPU 152) of the frame control board 150 specifies the number of prize balls in response to the input of the prize ball command from the game control microcomputer 61, and adds the number of game balls equivalent to the specified number of prize balls to the number of balls held stored in the number of balls held memory unit 171 of the RAM 170 (updates the stored value), thereby awarding prize balls to the player. At this time, the frame control microcomputer 151 also adds the number of game balls added to the number of balls held (the number of game balls equivalent to the number of prize balls) to the current number of balls difference stored in the current number of balls difference memory area 172a (part of the number of balls difference memory unit 172) of the RAM 170 (updates the stored value). That is, the current number of balls difference is added each time a prize ball is awarded (a game ball is acquired). Furthermore, the frame control microcomputer 151 (CPU 152) subtracts one from the number of balls held stored in the number of balls held memory unit 171 of the RAM 170 each time the actual shot sensor 37 of the ball circulation mechanism 30 (FIG. 2) detects (each shot is taken). At this time, the frame control microcomputer 151 (CPU 152) also subtracts one from the current number of balls difference stored in the number of balls difference memory unit 172 of the RAM 170 each time the actual shot sensor 37 detects (each shot is taken). In other words, the current number of balls difference is subtracted each time a game ball is released (a game ball is consumed).

Here, if the current difference in balls that has changed in the increasing direction is the highest value, the frame control microcomputer 151 updates the highest difference in balls stored in the highest difference in balls storage area 172b (part of the difference in balls storage unit 172) of the RAM 170. Also, if the current difference in balls that has changed in the decreasing direction is the lowest value, the frame control microcomputer 151 updates the lowest difference in balls stored in the lowest difference in balls storage area 172c (part of the difference in balls storage unit 172) of the RAM 170. Then, the frame control microcomputer 151 subtracts the lowest difference in balls from the current difference in balls and updates the specific difference in balls stored in the specific difference in balls storage area 172d (part of the difference in balls storage unit 172) of the RAM 170. Also, if either the highest difference in balls or the lowest difference in balls is updated, the frame control microcomputer 151 subtracts the lowest difference in balls from the highest difference in balls and updates the maximum difference in balls stored in the maximum difference in balls storage area 172e (part of the difference in balls storage unit 172) of the RAM 170.

(Regarding game inoperability)
Here, the ROM 160 of the frame control microcomputer 151 is set with a number of game balls of 99999 as the "reference number" of the specific difference number of balls (FIG. 29). Then, when the specific difference number of balls stored in the specific difference number storage area 172d of the difference number storage unit 172 reaches the "reference number", the frame control microcomputer 151 (CPU 152) sets a game disable command that instructs the transition to a game disable state, and transmits it to the game control microcomputer 61. In response to this, the game control microcomputer 61 (CPU 62) executes various controls to change the control state to a game disable state in response to receiving the game disable command. At this time, the game control microcomputer 61 transmits a game disable notification command to the performance control microcomputer 101 to execute a notification regarding the game disable state. For this reason, the pachinko game machine 1 can perform a notification regarding the game disable state (described later) (described later).

When transitioning to the unplayable state, the game control microcomputer 61 (CPU 62) disables all detections of the above-mentioned multiple winning detection sensors, thereby making it impossible to detect the entry of a game ball into the winning hole. When transitioning to the unplayable state, the game control microcomputer 61 (CPU 62) also prohibits or stops the driving of the driving means such as the large winning hole solenoid 14d and the second starting hole solenoid 12d, thereby closing the large winning hole 14a and the second starting hole 12a, making it impossible for a game ball to enter. Furthermore, when transitioning to the unplayable state, the game control microcomputer 61 (CPU 62) prohibits the operation of the launching device 90 (striking hammer 90a), thereby making it impossible for a game ball to be launched even if the player operates the handle 4. Furthermore, when the game control microcomputer 61 (CPU 62) transitions to a non-playable state, it turns off all LEDs of the displays 50 (i.e., the LEDs constituting the special symbol displays 51, 52 and the normal symbol display 53, etc.). In this case, the display of the changes in the special symbol and the display of the changes in the normal symbol that are being executed are hidden, and at the same time, the measurement of the change time is stopped. For the stopped change time, the time information indicating the point at which the change time was stopped may be stored and saved in the RAM 64, or the time information may not be stored and saved.

In other words, the "unplayable state" in this embodiment includes a state in which all winning detection sensors are disabled, all openable and closable winning ports are closed, firing is disabled, the symbol display is turned off, and measurement of the time for the symbol fluctuation is stopped. In contrast, any one of these states can also be adopted as the unplayable state.

(Regarding notification of specific ball difference numbers from the frame control board to the main and sub control boards)
The pachinko game machine 1 is configured such that the frame control microcomputer 151 (frame control board 150) notifies the game control microcomputer 61 (main control board 60) of the specific ball difference number, and the game control microcomputer 61 (main control board 60) similarly notifies the specific ball difference number to the performance control microcomputer 101 (sub-control board 100). This makes it possible to display the specific ball difference number not only on the game ball number display 26, which is the control target of the frame control microcomputer 151 that calculates the specific ball difference number, but also on the performance display device 7 (ball difference number display area 7S), which is the control target of the performance control microcomputer 101.

However, in this embodiment, the range of the specific ball difference number to be notified is determined, and notification is omitted when the specific ball difference number is small (has not increased to a range close to the "reference number"). For this reason, the ROM 160 of the frame control microcomputer 151 stores the ball difference range (hereinafter referred to as the "notification target number") for the specific ball difference number to be notified to the game control microcomputer 61. Specifically, the "notification target number" is determined as each specific ball difference number from 99359 to 99998. Note that the specific ball difference number of 99999 (the "reference number") is notified to the game control microcomputer 61 from the frame control microcomputer 151 as information instructing the game to be disabled, not as information on the specific ball difference number, and therefore is excluded from the "notification target number" for the sake of convenience in the following explanation.

Here, the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment may perform control (judgment, etc.) based on a specific number of ball differences other than the above-mentioned "reference number". For example, when the game control microcomputer 61 ends the jackpot game state (game state with an increased number of ball differences) when the specific number of ball differences reaches a predetermined number of game balls close to the "reference number", it controls to transition to a non-playable state before the specific number of ball differences reaches the "reference number". This is because, if the jackpot game state ends in a situation where the specific number of ball differences is about to reach the "reference number" and the player continues playing, it is unlikely that a jackpot game state will occur before the non-playable state occurs, and even if the next jackpot game state occurs, the state will transition to a non-playable state midway through, so the player will not gain a large profit and it may simply be a waste of playing time for the player.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29, three types of specific difference ball numbers ("index numbers") of 99359, 99360, and 99872 are defined as the specific difference ball numbers used in the judgment by the game control microcomputer 61 and the presentation control microcomputer 101, which are among the "notification target numbers" described above. For convenience, in the following description, the specific difference ball number of 99359 may be referred to as the "first index number", the specific difference ball number of 99360 may be referred to as the "second index number", and the specific difference ball number of 99872 may be referred to as the "third index number". In this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 61 may make a judgment using the third index number (the aforementioned judgment of whether to make the game unplayable when the jackpot game state is ended), and the presentation control microcomputer 101 may make a judgment regarding the presentation and notification using the first to third index numbers.

The first and second index numbers 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. As shown in FIG. 29, the second index number is determined as the number of game balls that is the lower limit of the difference ball range that is likely to reach the "reference number" by an increase in the specific difference ball number for one 10R jackpot, and the first index number is determined as the number of game balls that is one less than the second index number (the upper limit of the difference ball range that is unlikely to reach the "reference number" by an increase in the specific difference ball number for one 10R jackpot). Also, the third index number is determined as the number of game balls that is the lower limit of the difference ball range that is likely to reach the "reference number" by an increase in the specific difference ball number for one 2R jackpot.

The number of game balls corresponding to the above-mentioned "increase in the specific number of difference balls for one 10R jackpot" and "increase in the specific number of difference balls for one 2R jackpot" can be, for example, the number of game balls ("estimated increase in difference balls") obtained by subtracting the "estimated number of consumed balls" during the jackpot game state from the "maximum number of awarded prize balls (maximum number of balls won)" in the jackpot game state. The "maximum number of awarded prize balls" is the number of game balls calculated by the formula "number of rounds x maximum number of winning balls in a round x number of winning balls per winning ball", and the "estimated number of consumed balls" can be set appropriately according to the board design, but can be, for example, twice the number of game balls "minimum number of consumed balls (number of rounds x maximum number of winning balls in a round)".
In other words, in the case of a 10R jackpot in this embodiment, the following occurs:
"Maximum number of winning balls": 10 x 8 x 10 = 800 "Estimated number of balls consumed": (10 x 8) x 2 = 160 "Estimated increase in number of balls": 800 - 160 = 640 In addition, in the case of a 2R jackpot in this embodiment, the results are 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 difference in number of balls" ... 160 - 32 = 128

In other words, the second index number (99,360 balls) is the lower limit of the range (99,360 balls to 99,998 balls) of the specific difference ball number less than the "reference number" (99,999 balls) that is greater than the number of game balls (99,359 balls) obtained by subtracting the "estimated difference ball increase" (640 balls) of a 10R jackpot from the "reference number," and the first index number is the specific difference ball number that is one less than the second index number, which is the "estimated difference ball increase" (640 balls) of a 10R jackpot from the "reference number." It is the upper limit of the range (0 to 99,359 balls) below the number of play balls (99,359 balls) obtained by subtracting the "number of balls increase" (640 balls), and the third index number (99,872 balls) is the lower limit of the range (99,872 to 99,998 balls) that is greater than the number of play balls (99,871 balls) obtained by subtracting the "estimated number of balls increase" (128 balls) for the 2nd round jackpot from the "reference number" (99,999 balls) for the specific difference in balls that is less than the "reference number" (99,999 balls).

The calculation method for the predetermined specific difference ball number (first to third index numbers) is merely an example. In this embodiment, the calculation method is as described above, but the "estimated difference ball number" may be the same number of game balls as the "maximum number of prize balls given", or may be the number of game balls obtained by subtracting the "minimum number of balls consumed" from the "maximum number of prize balls given". When the "estimated difference ball number" = "maximum number of prize balls given", the first index number can be 99199, the second index number can be 99200, and the third index number can be 99840. When the "estimated difference ball number" = "maximum number of prize balls given" - "minimum number of balls consumed", the first index number can be 99279, the second index number can be 99280, and the third index number can be 99856.
In any case, the second index number is at least in the range of a number of game balls greater than (closer to) the number of game balls obtained by subtracting the "maximum number of prize balls" of a 10R jackpot mentioned above from the "base number," and the third index number is at least in the range of a number of game balls greater than (closer to) the number of game balls obtained by subtracting the "maximum number of prize balls" of a 2R jackpot mentioned above from the "base number."

When the frame control microcomputer 151 (CPU 152) determines that the specific ball difference number stored in the specific ball difference number storage area 172d is one of the aforementioned "notification target numbers" (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. In response to this, the game control microcomputer 61 (CPU 62) determines the current specific ball difference number (the number of game balls that is equal to or greater than the first index number and less than the "reference number") according to the received ball number notification command and stores it in the notification storage unit 64d provided in the RAM 64. The notification of the specific ball difference number from the frame control microcomputer 151 is executed each time the specific ball difference number increases or decreases and the specific ball difference number after the change is equal to or greater than the first index number and less than the "reference number". However, even if the specific ball difference number increases or decreases, if the specific ball difference number after the change is less than the first index number, no notification is made. Therefore, when the specific ball difference number stored in the notification memory unit 64d is the initial value (0 balls) or the first index number (99,359 balls), the actual specific ball difference number (the specific ball difference number stored in the specific ball difference number memory area 172d) is any number of game balls between 0 and 99,359 balls.

Here, when the game control microcomputer 61 (CPU 62) executes the process of shifting to the aforementioned unplayable state, it basically decides to execute the process according to the result of the judgment using the "reference number", but it may exceptionally decide to execute the process according to the result of the judgment using the third index number. Specifically, the game control microcomputer 61 checks 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 difference number of balls is equal to or greater than the third index number and less than the "reference number" (99872 to 99998 balls), it controls to shift to the unplayable state, which is a state before the specific difference number of balls reaches the "reference number", but exceptionally (FIG. 29). Here, the specific difference number of balls equal to or greater than the third index number and less than the "reference number" is a 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 a 2R jackpot, which is a jackpot game state with a small profit (the "estimated difference number of balls increase" or the "maximum number of awarded balls"). In other words, if the specific number of balls difference at the end of the jackpot game state is so close to the "reference number" that even if a 2R jackpot occurs in a subsequent game, the 2R jackpot cannot be played to the end (it reaches the "reference number" halfway through), the player will not be able to obtain a large profit even if he continues playing. Even if a jackpot game state (2R jackpot or 10R jackpot) occurs, there is a risk that the player will feel strong dissatisfaction or distrust due to the interruption of the jackpot game state. For this reason, the game is ended at the end of the jackpot game state.

When the game control microcomputer 61 (CPU 62) of the pachinko game machine 1 transitions to an unplayable state as described above, it transmits a command (unplayable notification command) including information indicating the transition to the unplayable state to the presentation control microcomputer 101. As a result, a notification (unplayable notification) regarding the transition to the unplayable state is executed under the control of the presentation control microcomputer 101. When the game control microcomputer 61 receives a ball count notification command, it transmits a command (referred to as a ball count notification command) including information indicating the same specific ball difference number as the received ball count notification command to the presentation control microcomputer 101. As a result, the presentation control microcomputer 101 uses the first to third index numbers described above to determine that the specific ball difference number is approaching or has reached the "reference number", and controls notifications, presentations, etc. (specific suggestion presentation and scenario presentation shown in FIG. 29, which will be described later).

(Returning to a 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) transitions from the above-mentioned unplayable state to a 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 a state return operation (unplayable release operation, difference ball reset operation, unplayable notification release operation) is performed on the reset button 180, a state return signal from the reset button 180 is input to the frame control microcomputer 151 (CPU 152). In response to the input of the state return signal, the frame control microcomputer 151 transmits a play enable command to the game control microcomputer 61, which instructs the transition from the unplayable state to the playable state. In response to the reception of the play enable command, the game control microcomputer 61 transitions the unplayable state to the playable state. In this case, all detections of the multiple winning detection sensors become effective, and the driving means such as the large winning port solenoid 14d and the second starting port solenoid 12d become operable, enabling the launching device 90 (striking hammer 90a) to launch the game ball. In addition, all LEDs of the display devices 50 (special symbol display devices 51, 52, normal symbol display device 53, etc.) return to the lit state. Then, the display of the special symbol changes and the normal symbol changes during execution are returned to a state where they can be displayed.

The pachinko game machine 1 is also configured to reset the count value (stored value) of the specific ball difference number in response to the state return operation of the reset button 180. That is, in response to the transition to a playable state (reception of a playable command), the game control microcomputer 61 resets (returns to the initial value of 0) the count of the game ball number (specific ball difference number, number of balls to be notified) stored in the notification memory section 64d of the RAM 64 in the game control microcomputer 61, and transmits a specific ball difference number reset command to the frame control microcomputer 151 to request the resetting of the count value of the specific ball difference number. In response to receiving the specific ball difference number reset command, the frame control microcomputer 151 resets the stored values (the respective stored values of the current ball difference number, the maximum ball difference number, the minimum ball difference number, the specific ball difference number, and the maximum ball difference number) in the memory areas 172a, 172b, 172c, and 172d of the ball difference number memory section 172. This causes the specific difference ball count in the pachinko game machine 1 to return to the initial value (0), and play is permitted until the specific difference ball count reaches the "reference number."

Furthermore, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is configured to end the notification of the unplayable state (end the period covered by the notification) in response to the state return operation of the reset button 180.

(Notification of Unplayable State)
As described above, the game control microcomputer 61, upon receiving the game disable command from the frame control microcomputer 151 (CPU 152), grasps that the stored value (specific ball difference number) in the specific ball difference number storage area 172d of the ball difference number storage unit 172 has reached the "reference number", and transitions to the game disable state. Also, when the game control microcomputer 61 grasps that the specific ball difference number at the end of the big win game state is equal to or greater than the third index number (99872 balls) and less than the "reference number" based on the reception of the ball difference notification command from the frame control microcomputer 151, it exceptionally transitions to the game disable state. In this way, when the game control microcomputer 61 (CPU 62) determines and executes the transition to the game disable state based on the judgment of the specific ball difference number using the "reference number" or the third index number as described above, it transmits the game disable notification command as information indicating the transition to the game disable state to the performance control microcomputer 101 (CPU 102). Then, based on receiving the play-unable notification command, the performance control microcontroller 101 controls a specified notification execution means (in this embodiment, the performance display device 7, the top lamp 23c and the speaker 8) to execute a play-unable notification.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is configured to set the start and end timing of the period during which play is not possible (notification period) and to be able to continuously issue a non-play notification during this notification period. If the power is turned off during the notification period, the non-play notification will not be issued during that time, but the non-play notification will resume when the power is turned on again.

The specific contents of this no-play notification are explained below. As shown in FIG. 30(a), the no-play notification uses the entire screen of the effect display device 7 to display a notification image with text information such as "Today's play is over." For a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds) after the no-play notification starts, the top lamp 23c is illuminated in red and green light, the movable body motor 23d is driven to rotate the rotating reflector in the top lamp 23c, and the speaker 8 outputs a notification sound "Win win win..." After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the no-play notification, the top lamp 23c is turned off and sound output from the speaker 8 is stopped, as shown in FIG. 30(b). Note that the display content of the effect display device 7 does not change (it remains the same until the no-play notification ends).

In this way, by making the notification of the inability to play in a predetermined manner, the content of the notification can be easily understood by the player. In particular, in this embodiment, the manner of the notification of the inability to play executed by light emission or sound changes during the process (after a predetermined time has passed), and the manner of the notification of the inability to play by display remains constant and does not change. In other words, from the start of the inability to play state until the predetermined time has passed, the notification is made in a flashy manner using notification sound and light emission, and thereafter, the notification is made in a less flashy manner. By executing the notification of the inability to play in this manner, the inability to play state is reliably notified to the player, while preventing the player from feeling uncomfortable when a flashy notification is made for a long time. Note that the manner of the notification of the inability to play by display may change during the process, or the manner of the notification of the inability to play by light emission or sound may be constant. In addition, the manner of each element of the notification of the inability to play (display, light emission, sound) may all be changed during the process, or conversely, may all be constant (not changed until the end).

(Processing flow regarding transition to unplayable state, etc.)
Here, the flow of specific processes related to the transition to an unplayable state (calculation, storage and reset of the specific number of balls difference, start and end of the unplayable state, setting of the period for which the unplayable state is notified, etc.) among the control processes executed by the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to Figures 31 to 34. The process related to the specific number of balls difference is realized by the frame control microcomputer 151 (CPU 152), the game control microcomputer 61 (CPU 62), and the performance control microcomputer 101 (CPU 102) working together to perform control. In addition to the process related to the specific number of balls difference, the machine also actually performs processes related to the number of balls held, but the description thereof will be omitted.

(Difference ball number determination process by the frame control microcomputer 151)
As shown in Fig. 31, in the ball difference number specification process, the frame control microcomputer 151 first checks whether a prize ball command has been received from the game control microcomputer 61 (S500), and also checks whether a detection signal from the actual shot sensor 37 has been input (S501). Then, based on the results of S500 and S501, it calculates the ball difference number at that time (current ball difference number), and further calculates multiple types of game ball numbers related to the ball difference number (maximum ball difference number, minimum ball difference number, specific ball difference number, maximum ball difference number), and stores them in the ball difference number storage unit 172 (specifically, the specific ball difference number storage area 172d) (S502).

Here, the above-mentioned S502 will be explained with reference to FIG. 31(b). If the frame control microcomputer 151 receives a prize ball command from the game control microcomputer 61 in S500, it means that a predetermined number of prize balls (number of balls won) corresponding to the winning has been generated, so it identifies the number of prize balls indicated by the received prize ball command, and adds the identified number of prize balls to the stored value (current number of balls difference) in the current number of balls difference storage area 172a in the number of balls difference storage unit 172 in S502. Also, if the detection signal of the actual shot sensor 37 is input in S501, it means that one game ball has been consumed by the launch of the game ball (one consumed ball has been generated), so in S502, it subtracts one from the stored value (current number of balls difference) in the current number of balls difference storage area 172a in the number of balls difference storage unit 172. In addition, in the confirmations performed in S500 and S501, if no prize ball command is received and no detection signal is input from the actual shot sensor 37, in S502, the respective stored values of the current ball difference, the highest ball difference, the lowest ball difference, the specific ball difference, and the highest ball difference stored in the ball difference storage unit 172 are not updated and are maintained. When the frame control microcomputer 151 updates the stored value (current ball difference) in the current ball difference storage area 172a in this S502, it compares the updated stored value in the current ball difference storage area 172a with the stored value in the lowest ball difference storage area 172c. When it is determined that the current ball difference is smaller in this comparison, the frame control microcomputer 151 updates the stored value (lowest ball difference) in the lowest ball difference storage area 172c to the same number as the current ball difference at that time. On the other hand, if the minimum difference in pitches is determined to be small in this comparison, the frame control microcomputer 151 does not update the stored value (minimum difference in pitches) in the minimum difference in pitches storage area 172c, but next compares the stored value in the current difference in pitches storage area 172a with the stored value in the maximum difference in pitches storage area 172b. If the current difference in pitches is determined to be large in this comparison, the frame control microcomputer 151 updates the stored value (maximum difference in pitches) in the maximum difference in pitches storage area 172b to the same number as the current difference in pitches at that time. On the other hand, if the maximum difference in pitches is determined to be large in this comparison, the frame control microcomputer 151 does not update the stored value (maximum difference in pitches) in the maximum difference in pitches storage area 172b. Then, when the frame control microcomputer 151 updates either the stored value (highest ball difference) in the highest ball difference storage area 172b or the stored value (lowest ball difference) in the lowest ball difference storage area 172c, it subtracts the lowest ball difference (negative number) from the highest ball difference (positive number) and updates the stored value (specific ball difference) in the highest ball difference storage area 172e based on the result. Next, the frame control microcomputer 151 subtracts the lowest ball difference (negative number) from the current ball difference (positive number to negative number) and updates the stored value (specific ball difference) in the specific ball difference storage area 172d based on the result.

Returning to FIG. 31(a), the frame control microcomputer 151 determines whether the specific ball difference number stored in the specific ball difference number storage area 172d of the ball difference number storage unit 172 is within the range of the "number to be notified" (99,359 or more and less than 99,999) (S503). If the frame control microcomputer 151 determines in S503 that the specific ball difference number is the "number to be notified", it sets a ball number notification command to notify the game control microcomputer 61 of the specific ball difference number at that time (S504) and transmits it in the output process. In response to this, the game control microcomputer 61 that receives the notification can identify the specific specific ball difference number (any between 99,359 and 99,998) from the ball number notification command.

On the other hand, if the frame control microcomputer 151 determines in S503 that the specific difference number of balls is not the "number to be notified," the process proceeds to S505. In S505, the frame control microcomputer 151 determines whether the specific difference number of balls has reached the "reference number" (i.e., 99,999 balls). If it determines that the specific difference number of balls has reached the "reference number" (i.e., 99,999 balls) (S505: YES), it sets a game disable command to instruct the game control microcomputer 61 to transition to a game disable state (S506), and transmits it in the output process.
Then, when the frame control microcomputer 151 has finished the process of S504 or S506 described above, or when a negative determination is made in the process of S505 described above, the frame control microcomputer 151 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, which is also disposed on the frame control board 150, is pressed. In S507, the frame control microcomputer 151 determines whether the state return signal has been input, that is, whether the reset button 180 has been operated. If it is determined that the reset button 180 has not been operated (the state return signal has not been input) (S507: NO), the difference ball number determination 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), the count values (current difference ball number, maximum difference ball number, minimum difference ball number, specific difference ball number, maximum difference ball number) of the difference ball number memory unit 172 are reset (S508), and then a play enable command is set to instruct the game control microcomputer 61 to transition to a playable state (S509), and the difference ball number determination process is terminated.

(Difference ball related processing by the game control microcomputer 61)
As shown in Fig. 32, in the ball difference processing, the game control microcomputer 61 first judges whether the specific ball difference number has reached the "reference number" (S510). In this case, the game control microcomputer 61 checks whether a game disable command has been received from the frame control microcomputer 151, and if it has been received, it judges that the specific ball difference number has reached the "reference number" (S510: YES). On the other hand, if it has not been received, it judges that the specific ball difference number has not reached the "reference number" (S510: NO).

When the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S510 that the specific difference ball number has reached the "reference number" (S510: YES), it executes a process to transition from a playable state to a non-playable state. Specifically, it first executes a game stop process (S511). In this game stop process, the detection of all winning detection sensors that detect winning at each winning port of the game board 2 is disabled, and the execution of processes such as S11, S15, S16, and S17 in the main side timer interrupt process (FIG. 9) described above is stopped. As a result, it becomes impossible to detect winning at each winning port, the large winning port 14a and the second starting port 12a remain closed, the LEDs of the display devices 50 (special pattern display devices 51, 52 and normal pattern display device 53, etc.) are turned off (the special and normal pattern variable displays are not displayed), and the measurement of the variable time for the special and normal pattern variable displays that were being executed is stopped (or interrupted). When this game stop process (S511) is completed, the game control microcomputer 61 then executes a launch stop process (S512). In this launch stop process, the launch permission signal that is always output in the normal state (playable state) is stopped. This stops the drive control of the launch device 90 by the launch control circuit 75, and the game ball launch operation becomes impossible. In this way, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the game stop process (S511) and the launch stop process (S512), thereby transitioning from the playable state to the unplayable state. Note that the transition to the unplayable state may be executed by only one of the game stop process and the launch stop process.

When S512 is completed, the game control microcomputer 61 sets an unplayable notification command to cause the presentation control microcomputer 101 to execute a notification regarding the unplayable state (S513). This unplayable notification command is sent to the sub-control board 100 (presentation control microcomputer 101) in the output process (S10) of the main timer interrupt process (Figure 9) described above.

If the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S510 that the specific ball difference number has not reached the "reference number" (S510: NO), it proceeds to S514 and determines whether there has been a notification of the specific ball difference number from the frame control microcomputer 151 (whether there has been a change in the specific ball difference number). In this case, the game control microcomputer 61 checks whether a ball number notification command has been received, and if it has been received, it determines that there has been a notification of the specific ball difference number after the change (S514: YES), and if it has not been received, it determines that there has been no notification because there has been no change in the specific ball difference number (S514: NO). If the game control microcomputer 61 determines that there has been a notification of the specific ball difference number in S514 (S514: YES), it proceeds to S515 and executes the notification target number storage process. In this notification target number storage process (S515), the specific ball difference number (notification target number) indicated by the received ball number notification command is stored (the count value is updated) in the notification storage section 64d of the RAM 64 (S515). After the notification target number storage process (S515) is completed, the process proceeds to S516, where a command (called a ball number notification command) similar to the ball number notification command received from the frame control microcomputer 151 is set. This ball number notification command is sent to the sub-control board 100 (performance control microcomputer 101) in the output process (S10) of the main side timer interrupt process (Figure 9) described above.

When the game control microcomputer 61 finishes the process of S516, it proceeds to S517. Also, if it determines in S514 that there has been no notification of a specific ball difference number from the frame control microcomputer 151 (S514: NO), it proceeds to S517 without going through S515 and S516.

In S517, the game control microcomputer 61 checks the specific ball difference number stored in the notification storage unit 64d of the RAM 64 and judges whether the specific ball difference number is equal to or greater than the third index number (99872 balls). The specific ball difference number notified by the ball number notification command described above is any one of the game ball numbers from 99359 balls to 99998 balls, so the notification storage unit 64d stores any one of these game ball numbers or the initial value (0 balls). If the specific ball difference number is equal to or greater than 99872 balls (the third index number), it is possible to grasp that the specific ball difference number has increased to a number of game balls very close to the "reference number" (a number of game balls that is highly likely to reach the "reference number" by a single 2R jackpot). If it is judged in S517 that the specific ball difference number is equal to or greater than 99872 balls (and less than the "reference number"), the process proceeds to S518.

The game control microcomputer 61 determines in S518 whether the jackpot game state has ended. In this case, whether the jackpot game state has ended can be determined from information such as whether the jackpot end flag has been changed from ON to OFF in the special electric device processing (S236 in FIG. 21) described above.

Here, if S518 is a positive judgment, that is, if the jackpot game state ends when the specific difference ball number is equal to or greater than the third index number and less than the "reference number", the game control microcomputer 61 executes the above-mentioned S511 (game stop processing) and S512 (firing stop processing) to transition to an unplayable state, and then executes the above-mentioned S513 (set of unplayable notification command) to terminate the difference ball related processing. In other words, if the specific difference ball number is close to the "reference number" at the time when the jackpot game state ends, even if the player continues playing after that, the state will immediately transition to an unplayable state, and he or she will not be able to obtain a large profit. For this reason, the game control microcomputer 61 exceptionally transitions from the playable state to the unplayable state. Then, the performance control microcomputer 101 receives the unplayable notification command set in S512 and starts the unplayable notification.

(State recovery process from a game unplayable state by the game control microcomputer 61)
As shown in Fig. 33, in the state restoration process, the game control microcomputer 61 first judges whether a state restoration operation has been performed to transition (restore) the state from the non-playable state to the playable state (S520). The reset button 180, which is the target of the state restoration operation, is disposed on the frame control board 150. As described above, when the frame control microcomputer 151 inputs a state restoration signal in response to the pressing of the reset button 180, it sets a playable command in response to this and transmits it to the game control microcomputer 61 (S509 in Fig. 31). Therefore, in S520, the game control microcomputer 61 judges whether a state restoration operation has been performed based on whether a playable command has been received from the frame control microcomputer 151.

If the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S520 that a state restoration operation has not been performed (S520: NO), it ends the state restoration process. On the other hand, if it determines in S520 that a state restoration operation has been performed (S520: YES), it executes the process (S521 to S524) related to restoring the state from the non-playable state.

Specifically, in S521, the game control microcomputer 61 enables the detection of all winning detection sensors that were disabled when the game was switched to the unplayable state, and enables the execution of processes such as S11, S15, S16, and S17 in the main timer interrupt process (FIG. 9) that were stopped when the game was switched to the unplayable state. In addition, in S522, the game control microcomputer 61 resumes the output of the launch permission signal that was stopped when the game was switched to the unplayable state. The processes of S521 and S522 transition the game from the unplayable state to the playable state.

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

After S523 ends, the game control microcomputer 61 sets a no-play notification cancel command in S524. This no-play notification command is sent to the presentation control microcomputer 101 in the output process (S10) of the main timer interrupt process (FIG. 9) described above. In response to this, the presentation control microcomputer 101 ends the execution of the no-play notification (ends the period covered by the no-play notification) in response to receiving the no-play notification cancel command from the game control microcomputer 61.

In this way, the pachinko gaming machine 1 transitions to a state in which play is possible when the reset button 180 on the frame control board 150 is operated (a state return operation is performed). In this case, the count of the specific ball difference number is started from the initial value (0). In addition, the notification that was given when play was not possible (unplayable notification) is terminated.

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

As shown in FIG. 34, in the ball difference information processing, the microcomputer 101 for controlling the presentation first determines whether a game-impossible notification command has been received from the microcomputer 61 for controlling the game (S531). In addition, the first to third ball difference flags are provided in the RAM 120 for controlling the presentation as a storage means used to indicate the reaching level of the specific ball difference (how close it is to the "reference number") (described later). Among these, the third ball difference flag is set to ON when the specific ball difference number is 99999, that is, when the specific ball difference number (in this case, the maximum ball difference number) has reached the "reference number", and is set to OFF in other cases. In addition, the first and second ball difference flags can be set to ON when the specific ball difference number is 99998 or less, but are set to OFF when it is 99999 (the "reference number"). Here, receiving a game-impossible notification command indicates that the specific ball difference number has reached the "reference number" (i.e., the maximum ball difference number has reached the "reference number"). Therefore, if it is determined in S531 that a signal has been received (S531: YES), in the following S532, the third ball difference flag is set to ON, and the first ball difference flag and the second ball difference flag are set to OFF. Then, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes and controls the aforementioned no-play notification during the period in which the third ball difference flag is ON (the target period for notification). The no-play notification is executed by a predetermined notification execution means (in this embodiment, the performance display device 7, the top lamp 23c, and the speaker 8).

If the microcomputer 101 for controlling presentation determines that no command has been received in S531 (S531: NO), it proceeds to S533. In S533, the microcomputer 101 for controlling presentation determines whether a command to cancel the notification of play failure has been received from the microcomputer 61 for controlling play. If the microcomputer 101 for controlling presentation determines that a command to cancel the notification of play failure has been received in S533 (S533: YES), it proceeds to S534 and sets the third ball difference flag to OFF. In this way, the microcomputer 101 for controlling presentation returns the third ball difference flag, which was set to ON in response to the reception of the notification of play failure command, to OFF in response to the reception of the notification of play failure. Note that the determination in S533 may be made not only in the case of a negative determination in S531 described above, but also in the case of a positive determination (however, the notification of play failure command and the notification of play failure command are not generally received simultaneously).

If the performance control microcomputer 101 determines in the above-mentioned S533 that the unplayable notification cancel command has not been received (S533: NO), it proceeds to S535 and determines whether a ball count notification command has been received from the game control microcomputer 61 (frame control microcomputer 151). If it determines in this S535 that a command has been received (S535: YES), the performance control microcomputer 101 proceeds to S536. Note that the determination in S535 may be made not only when the above-mentioned S533 is a negative determination, but also when it is a positive determination (however, the unplayable notification cancel command and the ball count notification command are generally not received simultaneously).

In S536, the microcomputer 101 for controlling the presentation identifies the specific number of balls (number to be notified) indicated by the received ball number notification command and stores it in the RAM 120. Then, by executing the subsequent processes (S537 to S539), the current specific number of balls that is less than the "reference number" is stored in three ranges. The microcomputer 101 for controlling the presentation can identify the actual number of game balls only for specific number of balls that is equal to or greater than the second index number of 99,360. When the specific number of balls is the first index number (99,359), the specific number of balls is notified (a ball number notification command is received), but when the specific number of balls is less than that, no notification is given, so the specific number of balls is identified as being equal to or less than 99,359 (a range of 0 to 99,359).

As described above, the first to third ball difference flags are provided in RAM 120. If the specific ball difference number identified in S536 described above is the first index number (99,359 balls) or the initial value (0 balls), the performance control microcomputer 101 proceeds to S537 and maintains the first to third ball difference flags OFF. If the specific ball difference number identified in S536 described above is equal to or greater than the second index number (99,360 balls) and less than the third index number (99,872 balls), the performance control microcomputer 101 proceeds to S538 and sets the first ball difference flag ON and the second and third ball difference flags OFF. Furthermore, if the specific ball difference number identified in the above-mentioned S536 is equal to or greater than the third index number (99,872 balls) and less than the "reference number" (99,999 balls), the performance control microcomputer 101 proceeds to S539, where it sets the first and third ball difference number flags to OFF and sets the second ball difference number flag to ON. In addition, when the specific ball difference number reaches the "reference number", the reception of the game impossible notification command is confirmed in the above-mentioned S531, and the third ball difference number flag is set to ON and the first and second ball difference number flags are set to OFF.

In this way, the presentation control microcontroller 101 is configured to store the specific specific difference in ball count in response to the ball count notification command from the game control microcontroller 61, and also to store the degree of increase in the specific difference in ball count using the first to third difference in ball count flags. When the first to third ball difference flags are all OFF, the specific ball difference is greater than or equal to the increase in the specific ball difference for one 10R jackpot (not approaching the "reference number"); when the first ball difference flag is ON, the specific ball difference is from the "reference number" by an increase in the specific ball difference for one 10R jackpot to one 2R jackpot (relatively approaching the "reference number"); when the second ball difference flag is ON, the specific ball difference is not even greater than the increase in the specific ball difference for one 2R jackpot (very close to the "reference number"); and when the third ball difference flag is ON, the specific ball difference (maximum ball difference) has reached the "reference number". The performance control microcomputer 101 executes notification and performance control regarding the specific ball difference (or maximum ball difference) based on the state of the first to third ball difference flags. As an example, we will explain the control of suggestive effects related to specific ball differences and batting style notifications.

(Suggestive performance (normal suggestive performance and specific suggestive performance))
First, the suggestive performance will be explained. In this embodiment, when the specific ball difference number increases and approaches the "reference number", a change is made to the suggestive performance executed during the performance of the variation of the performance pattern, thereby suggesting that the specific ball difference number is approaching the "reference number". Note that the suggestive performance described below is selected and executed based on a table (suggestive performance selection table TA4-1, TA4-2 shown in FIG. 35) that is commonly referenced in the low base state and the high base state, but the table in FIG. 35 may be referenced only in the high base state or only in the low base state.
The microcomputer 101 (CPU 102) for controlling the presentation determines the type of suggestive presentation to be executed during the presentation of the variation of the presentation pattern when the variation presentation starts in the suggestive presentation selection process (S348) of the received command analysis process (FIG. 27) described above. Specifically, only when either the first ball difference flag or the second ball difference flag is ON (the second indicator number (99360 balls) or more and less than the "reference number" (99999 balls)), the suggestive presentation (specific suggestive presentation) for indicating that the specific ball difference number is approaching the "reference number" can be selected (executed). In addition, the selection probability of a suggestive effect (specific suggestive effect) for indicating that the specific difference in ball count is approaching the "reference number" is set to be higher when the first difference in ball count flag is ON (the specific difference in ball count is equal to or greater than the second index number and less than the third index number) than when both the first difference in ball count flag and the second difference in ball count flag are OFF (the specific difference in ball count is equal to or less than the first index number), and is set to be higher when the second difference in ball count flag is ON (the specific difference in ball count is equal to or greater than the third index number and less than the "reference number") than when the first difference in ball count flag is ON. In other words, the player can obtain information that the specific difference in ball count is approaching the "reference number" (information regarding the specific difference in ball count) by the above-mentioned specific suggestive effect being performed or by an increase in the frequency with which it is performed.

The ROM 110 of the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance stores, for example, a suggestive performance selection table (miss suggestive performance selection table TA4-1 and winning suggestive performance selection table TA4-2) as shown in FIG. 35. In the suggestive performance selection process (S348 in FIG. 27) executed with the start of the performance pattern variable performance, the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance (CPU 102) refers to different suggestive performance selection tables TA4-1 and TA4-2 depending on whether the jackpot random number value included in the start winning information corresponding to the variable performance is a jackpot or not. In this case, if the jackpot random number value is a miss value, the suggestive performance is determined by referring to the miss suggestive performance selection table TA4-1, and if the jackpot random number value is a jackpot value, the suggestive performance is determined by referring to the winning suggestive performance selection table TA4-2. In other words, the suggestive performance (including a specific suggestive performance) in this embodiment has a function of suggesting the expectation of whether the variable performance of the performance pattern will be a jackpot (whether a jackpot game state will be generated or not).

A total of six types of suggested effects (i.e. executable suggested effects) are set as options in the suggested effect selection tables TA4-1 and TA4-2. First, the content of each suggested effect will be explained with reference to FIG. 36.

The first suggestive effects SEa1, SEb1 are suggestive effects executed on the screen of the effect display device 7, and as shown in FIG. 36(a), contain display content that shows a state in which a tape (band) with the words "KEEP OUT" (no entry) is stretched across the screen. However, of the two types of first suggestive effects SEa1, SEb1, the first suggestive effect SEa1 on the left in FIG. 36(a) has only the words "KEEP OUT" written on the tape displayed at the front (closest to the player) of the screen, whereas the first suggestive effect SEb1 on the right has the word "REAL" added above the words "KEEP OUT" written on the tape displayed at the front (closest to the player).

The second suggestion effects SEa2, SEb2 are suggestion effects executed on the screen of the effect display device 7, and as shown in FIG. 36(b), include display content that represents a state in which a single amplitude line extending in the left-right direction (a type of effect that indicates the magnitude of the influence of an external force, such as noise, by its amplitude in the up-down direction) is located in front of a monochromatic background. However, of the two types of second suggestion effects SEa2, SEb2, the second suggestion effect SEa2 on the left in FIG. 36(b) is displayed with the amplitude of the amplitude line small, whereas the second suggestion effect SEb2 on the right is displayed with the amplitude of the amplitude line large (i.e., a state in which it is greatly influenced by an external force).

The third suggestion effects SEa3 and SEb3 are suggestion effects executed by the top lamp 23c (FIG. 1A) and the speaker 8 (FIG. 1A) (see FIG. 36(c)). However, of the two types of third suggestion effects SEa3 and SEb3, the third suggestion effect SEa3 shown on the left side of FIG. 36(c) rotates the rotating reflector while the top lamp 23c emits red (monochrome) light and outputs the sound "Fan Fan Fan..." from the speaker 8, whereas the third suggestion effect SEb3 shown on the right side is set to rotate the rotating reflector while the top lamp 23c emits red and green light and outputs the sound "Win Win Win..." from the speaker 8 (i.e., the top lamp 23c emits green light and the sound output from the speaker 8 is different).

In this way, the two types of first suggestion effects SEa1, SEb1, which have similar aspects as shown in FIG. 36(a), have almost all of the content in common, with only a portion of it (the presence or absence of the word "REAL"). Also, the two types of second suggestion effects SEa2, SEb2, which have similar aspects as shown in FIG. 36(b), have almost all of the content in common, with only a portion of it (the amplitude of the amplitude line) differing. Furthermore, the two types of third suggestion effects SEa3, SEb3, which have similar aspects as shown in FIG. 36(c), have some of the content in common, with only a portion of it (green light emission and sound) differing. In other words, the different suggestion effects SEb1, SEb2, SEb3 are executed in a manner in which the content of the given suggestion effects SEa1, SEa2, SEa3 is based on, with some of it replaced with another content.
In the following explanation, the first to third suggestion effects SEa1, SEa2, SEa3 shown on the left side of Figures 36(a) to 36(c) will be referred to as the "first to third normal suggestion effects," and the first to third suggestion effects SEb1, SEb2, SEb3 shown on the right side will be referred to as the "first to third specific suggestion effects."

Returning to Figure 35, the selection probability of each suggestive effect will be explained. In the suggestive effect selection tables TA4-1 and TA4-2, the selection probability of the specific suggestive effect described above differs depending on the state of the first and second ball difference flags (difference in the specific ball difference) (as the specific ball difference approaches the "reference number", the selection probability of the specific suggestive effect gradually increases). In addition, each specific suggestive effect is set to have a different selection probability depending on the result of the special chart hit determination.

Specifically, in the miss indication effect selection table TA4-1, the selection probability of the first to third normal indication effects SEa1, SEa2, and SEa3 is set to 10 percent, 5 percent, and 5 percent, respectively, regardless of the state of the first ball difference flag and the second ball difference flag. In contrast, the selection probability of the first to third specific suggestion effects SEb1, SEb2, and SEb3 is set to 0 percent when the first ball difference flag and the second ball difference flag are both OFF (the specific ball difference is the first index number or less), and is set to 15 percent, 10 percent, and 5 percent for the first to third specific suggestion effects SEb1, SEb2, and SEb3, respectively, when the first ball difference flag is ON and the second ball difference flag is OFF (the specific ball difference is the second index number or more and less than the third index number), and is set to 40 percent, 30 percent, and 10 percent for the first to third specific suggestion effects SEb1, SEb2, and SEb3, respectively, when the first ball difference flag is OFF and the second ball difference flag is ON (the specific ball difference is the third index number or more and less than the "reference number").

In addition, in the winning indication effect selection table TA4-2, the selection probability of the first to third normal indication effects SEa1, SEa2, and SEa3 is set to 10 percent, 20 percent, and 20 percent, respectively, regardless of the state of the first ball difference flag and the second ball difference flag. In contrast, the selection probability of the first to third specific suggestion effects SEb1, SEb2, and SEb3 is set to 0 percent when the first ball difference flag and the second ball difference flag are both OFF (the specific ball difference is the first index number or less), and is set to 10 percent, 15 percent, and 15 percent for the first to third specific suggestion effects SEb1, SEb2, and SEb3, respectively, when the first ball difference flag is ON and the second ball difference flag is OFF (the specific ball difference is the second index number or more and less than the third index number), and is set to 20 percent, 15 percent, and 15 percent for the first to third specific suggestion effects SEb1, SEb2, and SEb3, respectively, when the first ball difference flag is OFF and the second ball difference flag is ON (the specific ball difference is the third index number or more and less than the "reference number").

As described above, the suggestive effects that can be executed by the pachinko game machine 1 include the normal suggestive effects SEa1, SEa2, and SEa3, and the specific suggestive effects SEb1, SEb2, and SEb3. Of these, the specific suggestive effects SEb1, SEb2, and SEb3 are not executed when the specific difference ball count is equal to or less than the first indicator number (less than the second indicator number), but can be executed when the specific difference ball count is equal to or more than the second indicator number. Also, the specific suggestive effects SEb1, SEb2, and SEb3 are more likely to be executed when the specific difference ball count is equal to or more than the third indicator number and less than the "reference number" (99872 to 99998 balls) than when the specific difference ball count is equal to or more than the second indicator number and less than the third indicator number (99360 to 99871 balls). In other words, the selection probability of the specific suggestive effects SEb1, SEb2, and SEb3 is set to gradually increase as the specific difference ball count approaches the "reference number".

(About scenario direction (scenario modification due to an increase in the number of specific ball differences))
Next, the jackpot presentation executed in response to the jackpot game state (10R jackpot) in this embodiment will be described. The jackpot presentation executed in this embodiment is a presentation executed in response to the period from the start to the end of the jackpot game state, and the display content on the screen of the presentation display device 7 is a series of stories (scenario presentation with a flow to the end), and sound is output from the speaker 8 and light is emitted from the various lamps 2a, 23a, 23b, and 23c in accordance with the display change (development of the story). The presentation control microcomputer 101 is configured to be able to execute and control the normal scenario presentation in which the presentation content changes with the progress of the 10R jackpot and reaches the end, and the special scenario presentation in which the presentation content changes with the increase in the specific difference ball number during the 10R jackpot and reaches the end, as the jackpot presentation.

In this embodiment, the jackpot presentation (scenario presentation) is based on a worldview in which the main character MC challenges an enemy character EC who rules over countries A, B, and C, and recaptures the three countries in turn. For this reason, three types of normal scenario presentations are provided: "Episode 1, Country A Edition" (hereinafter referred to as "normal scenario presentation A"), "Episode 2, Country B Edition" (hereinafter referred to as "normal scenario presentation B"), and "Final Episode, Country C Edition" (hereinafter referred to as "normal scenario presentation C"). Each of normal scenario presentations A, B, and C is a jackpot presentation corresponding to a 10R jackpot, and each leads to the conclusion of the story (presentation content) in line with the end of the 10R jackpot. However, just as the story continues in the order of episode 1, episode 2, and final episode, there is a large story flow that is completed in three episodes, and if multiple 10R jackpots occur during one consecutive win period, normal scenario presentation A is executed for the first 10R jackpot, normal scenario presentation B is executed for the second 10R jackpot, and normal scenario presentation C is executed for the third 10R jackpot, so that the continuation of the scenario presentation executed in the previous 10R jackpot can be seen every time a second or third 10R jackpot occurs during a consecutive win period. Note that for the fourth or subsequent 10R jackpots during a consecutive win period, a jackpot presentation that is completely unrelated to the contents of normal scenario presentations A, B, and C may be executed, or normal scenario presentations A, B, and C may be executed in order again.

Since the jackpot game state (10R jackpot) is an indefinite time, each normal scenario performance A, B, C is divided into multiple scenes, and each scene is allocated to an opening period, a round period (and an interval period), and an ending period, so that they are always executed in order up to the last scene, maintaining the flow of the scenario performance. In other words, normal scenario performances A, B, C are composed of an opening performance, a round performance, and an ending performance. The round performance is assigned to a variable round period, so it is a repeated performance that does not feel strange even if it is interrupted at any point.

Normal scenario performance A is a story in which a main character MC living in country A adventures in country A (town A, forest A, wilderness A, enemy territory A) and defeats an enemy character EC (who rules 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), crosses wilderness A (scene 4), and finally reaches enemy territory A (scene 5), where he fights a battle with the enemy character EC and finally wins (ending, scene 6). As shown in FIG. 37(b), scene 1 is assigned to the opening period, scene 2 is assigned to the round period of 1 to 2 rounds, scene 3 is assigned to the round period of 3 to 4 rounds, scene 4 is assigned to the round period of 5 to 7 rounds, scene 5 is assigned to the round period of 8 to 10 rounds, and scene 6 is assigned to the ending period.

Normal scenario presentation B is a story in which the main character MC, who moved from country A to country B, adventures in country B (town B, forest B, wilderness B, enemy territory B) and defeats the enemy character EC (who rules 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), crosses wilderness B (scene 10), and finally reaches enemy territory B (scene 11), where he fights against the enemy character EC and finally wins (ending, scene 12). As shown in FIG. 37(b), scene 7 is assigned to the opening period, scene 8 is assigned to the round period of 1 to 2 rounds, scene 9 is assigned to the round period of 3 to 4 rounds, scene 10 is assigned to the round period of 5 to 7 rounds, scene 11 is assigned to the round period of 8 to 10 rounds, and scene 12 is assigned to the ending period.

Normal scenario presentation C is a story in which the main character MC, who moved from country B to country C, adventures in country C (town C, forest C, wilderness C, enemy territory C) and defeats the enemy character EC (who rules country C). As shown in FIG. 37(a), the main character MC first appears (scene 13), runs out of town C (scene 14), crosses forest C (scene 15), crosses wilderness C (scene 16), and finally reaches enemy territory C (scene 17), where he fights against the enemy character EC and finally wins (ending, scene 18). As shown in FIG. 37(b), scene 13 is assigned to the opening period, scene 14 is assigned to the round period of 1 to 2 rounds, scene 15 is assigned to the round period of 3 to 4 rounds, scene 16 is assigned to the round period of 5 to 7 rounds, scene 17 is assigned to the round period of 8 to 10 rounds, and scene 18 is assigned to the ending period.

In this way, scenes 1 to 18 are played in sequence due to three 10R jackpots occurring during the same winning streak, and the battle between main character MC and enemy character EC across three countries, A, B, and C, comes to an end.

As mentioned above, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment transitions to an unplayable state when the specific difference ball count reaches a "reference number", even during a jackpot game state. If a 10R jackpot is in progress when the specific difference ball count reaches the "reference number", and the 10R jackpot is interrupted and the game transitions to an unplayable state, the normal scenario presentation that had been running up until that point will end without reaching its conclusion (an unplayable notification will be executed), resulting in dissatisfaction and distrust for the player who was enjoying the normal scenario presentation. To prevent such a situation, it is possible to run a special scenario presentation in which the presentation content progresses in accordance with the increase in the specific difference ball count.

The performance control microcomputer 101 decides whether to perform a normal scenario performance or a special scenario performance as the jackpot performance at the start of a 10R jackpot (when receiving an opening command from the game control microcomputer 61). In this case, if the specific ball difference number has not increased (below the first indicator number), it selects and decides to execute one of the normal scenario performances A, B, or C based on the number of 10R jackpots that have occurred during the winning streak. On the other hand, it selects and decides to execute the special scenario performance only when the specific ball difference number at the start of the 10R jackpot is close to the "reference number" and is expected to reach the "reference number" with an increase in the specific ball difference number of less than one 10R jackpot (a situation in which the specific ball difference number is equal to or greater than the second indicator number).

The special scenario performance features the main character MC and enemy character EC, which are the same as those in the normal scenario performances A, B, and C. Specifically, it starts with a close-up of the face of the main character MC (when the enemy character EC is discovered), and then a battle with the enemy character EC unfolds. 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 specific difference ball number. When a special scenario performance is performed in the first 10R jackpot during a consecutive win period, it is performed with the same background image HG (e.g., town A) as in the normal scenario performance A, in the second 10R jackpot, it is performed with the same background image HG (e.g., town B) as in the normal scenario performance B, and in the third 10R jackpot, it is performed with the same background image HG (e.g., town C) as in the normal scenario performance C. Therefore, it is possible to execute a special scenario performance with performance content that follows the flow from the normal scenario performance performed in the previous 10R jackpot during the same consecutive win period.

As shown in FIG. 37(c), during a rapid-fire attack in a special scenario presentation, a numerical display is provided according to the increase in the specific ball difference (the specific ball difference is displayed as a numerical value, or as the number of balls remaining until the "reference number"). In other words, as the specific ball difference increases, the total number of attacks on the enemy character EC increases, bringing the player closer to victory. The specific ball difference can be recognized as a numerical value indicating the damage inflicted on the enemy character EC, the number of attacks remaining, etc.

When the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance grasps the start of the 10R jackpot (start of the opening period) by receiving an opening command (for the 10R jackpot) from the microcomputer 61 for controlling the game, it determines the range of the specific number of balls difference from the values of the first to third balls difference flags stored in the RAM 120. If the specific number of balls difference is equal to or greater than the second index number (99,360 balls), it is assumed that the specific number of balls difference will reach the "reference number" during the 10R jackpot, and it determines and starts the execution of a special scenario performance in which the performance content changes according to the increase in the specific number of balls difference, leading to a conclusion. In the special scenario performance, the main character MC attacks the enemy character EC with a continuous attack. As described above, the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance stores a specific number of balls difference (number to be notified) in the RAM 120 each time it receives a ball number notification command from the microcomputer 61 for controlling the game. Therefore, each time this specific number of balls difference changes, the display of the specific number of balls difference displayed in the performance of the continuous attack is updated. As a result of the hit attack, the enemy character EC falls, etc., and the main character MC wins. If you want to celebrate the victory from the moment of victory, you can adjust the timing of the victory slightly earlier, so that the victory occurs when the specific ball difference number reaches, for example, 99,980 balls, which is less than the "reference number." In this way, the game will transition to an unplayable state at the same time as the special scenario presentation ends.

In addition, even if the normal scenario performances A, B, and C are being performed (i.e., during a 10R jackpot), if many winnings occur in the general winning port 11 or the starting port, the number of prize balls awarded will be large, so even if the specific difference in ball count has not reached the second indicator number at the start of the 10R jackpot, the specific difference in ball count (maximum difference in ball count) may reach the "reference number" by the end of the 10R jackpot. In such a case, the normal scenario performances A, B, and C are switched to the special scenario performance in the middle of the normal scenario performances A, B, and C. Specifically, in a situation where any of the normal scenario performances A, B, and C has already started (during a 10R jackpot), if the specific difference in ball count reaches a predetermined number (e.g., the third indicator number) that is closer to the "reference number" than the second indicator number, the normal scenario performances A, B, and C are interrupted and the special scenario performance is started. In the special scenario presentation, characters (main character MC, enemy character EC) that are common to the normal scenario presentations A, B, and C are used, and the background image HG (background at the time of interruption (any of towns A-C, forests A-C, wilderness A-C, enemy territory A-C)) that matches the interrupted normal scenario presentations A, B, and C is used, so that it is possible to seamlessly transition from the normal scenario presentations A, B, and C to the special scenario presentation. In this special scenario presentation, the presentation content changes according to an increase in the specific ball difference number, and the presentation content reaches its conclusion (a victory over enemy character EC in the country corresponding to the interrupted normal scenario presentation A, B, and C) in time with the specific ball difference number (maximum ball difference number) reaching the "reference number."

As described above, the performance control microcomputer 101 determines the specific number of balls difference at the start of the 10R jackpot (start of the opening period), and if the specific number of balls difference at this time is less than the first indicator number (99,359), it determines either normal scenario performance A, B, or C according to the number of 10R jackpots during the consecutive winning streak period, and starts the first scene of the determined normal scenario performance (the appearance of the main character MC, or either scene 1, 7, or 13). Then, from the start of round 1 to the end of the interval period after round 2, scenes 2, 8, or 14 (scenes leaving town), from the start of round 3 to the end of the interval period after round 4, scenes 3, 9, or 15 (scenes moving through the forest), from the start of round 5 to the end of the interval period after round 7, scenes 4, 10, or 16 (scenes moving through the wilderness), from the start of round 8 to the end of the interval period after round 10, scenes 5, 11, or 17 (scenes entering enemy territory), and during the ending period, scenes 6, 12, or 18 (scenes of victory) are displayed in this order.

Here, if the specific ball difference number reaches the third indicator number (99,872 balls) in the middle of any of the normal scenario presentations A, B, or C (for example, in the middle of normal scenario B), for example, in the middle of the 9th round, the presentation is interrupted in the middle of scene 11 where the main character MC is entering and moving into enemy territory B, and a special scenario presentation is started, but since the special scenario presentation starts with a close-up of the main character MC's face and leads to a rapid-fire attack on the enemy character EC in front of the background image HG of enemy territory B, it does not feel unnatural. The display of the specific ball difference number is then updated in line with the rapid-fire attack, and just before the specific ball difference number reaches the "reference number" (just before transitioning to an unplayable state), the presentation ends with the main character MC's victory, and the game transitions to an unplayable state at that point.

As described above, in this embodiment, the normal scenario presentation A is performed for the first 10R jackpot during the consecutive win period, the normal scenario presentation B is performed for the second 10R jackpot, and the normal scenario presentation C is performed for the third 10R jackpot, so that the three types of normal scenario presentation A, B, and C (scenes 1 to 18) are all connected to form one story. In addition, each of the normal scenario presentations A, B, and C also forms one story. If the specific difference in balls is checked at the start of a 10R jackpot, and the specific difference in balls (maximum difference in balls) reaches the "reference number" during that 10R jackpot, the normal scenario presentation will end midway when it is performed in that 10R jackpot, so a special scenario presentation is performed that can be ended when the specific difference in balls (maximum difference in balls) reaches the "reference number". The special scenario presentation is performed on the background image HG (town A) of country A for the first 10R jackpot during the consecutive win period, on the background image HG (town B) of country B for the second, and on the background image HG (town C) of country C for the third, making it possible to perform a special scenario presentation with presentation content that follows the flow of the previous normal scenario presentation during the consecutive win period. Also, if a special scenario presentation is performed in the middle of a 10R jackpot (in the middle of normal scenario presentations A, B, C), the background image HG of the interrupted normal scenario presentations A, B, C is used, making it possible to perform a special scenario presentation with presentation content that follows the flow before the interruption of the normal scenario presentation.

If the specific number of difference balls (maximum number of difference balls) reaches the "reference number" before the end of the third 10R jackpot during the winning streak, and you want to show the player the final ending of normal scenario presentations A, B, and C (i.e., the winning scene that determines the recapture of the three countries) no matter when the specific number of difference balls (maximum number of difference balls) reaches the "reference number", then you can set the special scenario presentation to be the final battle in country C (background image HG is enemy territory C). In other words, by doing this, the ending of the special scenario presentation can be made to be close to the final ending (scene 18) of normal scenario presentations A, B, and C, and it becomes possible to transition to an unplayable state in that way.

(Big win effect related processing)
Next, the big win presentation-related processing executed by the presentation control microcomputer 101 in S345 in the above-mentioned received command analysis processing (FIG. 27) will be described with reference to FIG. 38. Note that FIG. 38 describes the processing in response to the command reception for the 10R big win, and omits the processing in response to the command reception for the 2R big win. Also, in FIG. 38, the selection processing of the normal scenario presentations A, B, and C is omitted (the types A to C are also omitted), but one of the normal scenario presentations A, B, and C is selected according to the number of occurrences of the 10R big win during the consecutive win period. Also, the special scenario presentation is executed with the contents (background image HG) that match the normal scenario presentations A, B, and C that were originally scheduled to be executed.

As shown in FIG. 38, in the jackpot performance-related processing, the performance control microcomputer 101 first determines whether or not an opening command (for a 10R jackpot) has been received from the game control microcomputer 61 (S540). If it is determined in S540 that an 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 an opening command has been received (S540: YES), the first ball difference flag and the second ball difference flag are checked to determine whether either of them is ON (whether the specific ball difference number is 99360 or more and 99998) (S5401). If it is determined in S5401 that either of the first ball difference flag and 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.

The microcomputer 101 for controlling the presentation proceeds to processing of S541 if the specific difference ball count is equal to or less than the first index number (99,359 balls) at the start of the 10R jackpot. In such a case, it can be determined that the specific difference ball count is unlikely to reach the "reference number" due to an increase in the specific difference ball count during the 10R jackpot that is about to start. Therefore, the microcomputer 101 for controlling the presentation starts scene 1 (opening presentation) of the normal scenario presentation in S541.

On the other hand, the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance proceeds to the process of S5402 when the specific difference ball count is equal to or greater than the second index number (99,360 balls) and less than the "reference number" (99,999 balls) at the start of the 10R jackpot. In such a case, it is determined that there is a high possibility that the specific difference ball count will reach the "reference number" due to an increase in the specific difference ball count during the 10R jackpot that is about to start. In this case, the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance first turns on the scenario switching flag (S5402), and then starts the special scenario performance (S5403). Note that the background image HG of the special scenario performance in this case is, for example, enemy territory. The scenario switching flag described above is a flag that is provided in the RAM 120 and is turned on in response to the execution state of the special scenario performance.

If the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance determines that it has not received an opening command in the above-mentioned S540 (S540: NO), or after the processing of S541 or S5403 is completed, it proceeds to S542. In this S542, it determines whether or not it has received a round designation command (for a 10R jackpot) from the microcomputer 61 for game control. If it determines that it has not received a round designation command in this S542 (S542: NO), it proceeds to S544 described later. On the other hand, if it determines that it has received a round designation command in S542 (S542: YES), it checks the above-mentioned scenario switching flag and determines whether the scenario switching flag is OFF (whether the special scenario performance is not being executed) (S5421). If it determines that the scenario switching flag is not OFF (is ON) in S5421 (S5421: NO), the special scenario performance is already being executed, so it proceeds to S544 without proceeding to S5422 to S5424. On the other hand, if it is determined in S5421 that the scenario switching flag is OFF (S5421: YES), the special scenario presentation is not currently being executed (the normal scenario presentation is currently being executed). In this case, proceed to S5422.

In S5422, the performance control microcomputer 101 checks the second ball difference flag and determines whether the second ball difference flag is ON, that is, whether the specific ball difference is equal to or greater than the third index number (99,872 balls) and less than the "reference number" (99,999 balls) (S5422). If it is determined in S5422 that the second ball difference flag is OFF (S5422: NO), the performance corresponding to the received round designation command is executed from scenes 2 to 5 of the normal scenario performance. For example, if a round designation command corresponding to round 3 is received, the performance is switched from scene 2 to scene 3, and if a round designation command corresponding to round 4 is received, the performance of scene 3 is continued.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S5422 that the second ball difference flag is ON (S5422: YES), the normal scenario presentation is being executed but the specific ball difference number is approaching the "reference number". In this case, the process of interrupting the normal scenario presentation being executed and switching to the special scenario presentation (S5423 and S5424) is performed. In S5423, the presentation control microcomputer 101 determines the background image HG of the special scenario presentation (during a continuous attack). In this case, it is matched to the scene of the interrupted normal scenario presentation. For example, when switching to a special scenario presentation in the middle of any of scenes 5, 11, and 17 in the normal scenario presentation, it determines the background image HG showing the enemy territory corresponding to any of the interrupted scenes 5, 11, and 17, and when switching to a special scenario presentation in the middle of any of scenes 4, 10, and 16, it determines the background image HG showing the wilderness corresponding to any of the interrupted scenes 4, 10, and 16. Then, in the next step S5424, the performance control microcomputer 101 starts the special scenario performance.

If the performance control microcomputer 101 determines in the above-mentioned S542 that it has not received a round designation command (S542: NO), if it determines in the above-mentioned S5421 that the scenario switching flag is ON (S5421: NO), or after the processing of S543 or S5424 is completed, it proceeds to S544. In this S544, it determines whether or not an ending command has been received from the game control microcomputer 61, and if it determines that it has been received (S544: YES), it starts scene 6 of the normal scenario performance (S545). Then, after the completion of S545, or if it determines in S544 that it has not received an ending command (S544: NO), it ends the jackpot performance-related processing.

(Effects of the First Embodiment)
According to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the above-described embodiment, the following operational effects are achieved.
(1-1)
In the pachinko game machine 1, a plurality of winning holes (ball entry holes) 10a, 12a, 14a, 11 are provided in the game area 3 where the game balls can flow down, and when the game balls enter the start hole (trigger hole) 10a, 12a among these winning holes, the game control microcomputer 61 (win determination means, generating means) executes a special winning determination (win determination), and when the special winning determination is a winning result, a big winning game state (winning game state) in which the game balls can enter the big winning hole 14a (special ball entry hole) among the winning holes is generated. In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 (prize ball granting determination means) determines the granting of prize balls in response to the winning of the winning hole. The frame control microcomputer 151 (calculation means) calculates a specific difference ball number (specific ball number), which is the number of game balls that changes based on the granting of prize balls. The specific ball difference storage area 172d in the ball difference storage unit 172 (ball difference storage means) stores the calculated specific ball difference. In response to this, the game control microcomputer 61 (game disable means) transitions to a game disable state when the specific ball difference reaches a "reference number" (as the maximum ball difference) due to an increase in the number of prize balls. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive awarding of prize balls to a player while allowing the player to play the game in a favorable manner.
In the pachinko game machine 1, when the jackpot game state ends when the specific difference number of balls is less than the "reference number" and is equal to or greater than the third indicator number (indicator number), the game control microcomputer 61 (game disablement means) transitions to a game disable state upon the end of the jackpot game state.
In other words, even if the specific number of difference balls has not reached the "reference number (99,999 balls)," if it has reached 99,872 balls, the machine will transition to an unplayable state in conjunction with the end of the jackpot game state (i.e., game play will end at a convenient timing), allowing the player to end game play on the pachinko game machine 1 without feeling suspicious.
(1-2)
In addition, the third indicator number (99,872) for the specific difference in ball count is set so that the difference (127) from the "reference number (99,999)" is less than the specific difference in ball count (estimated increase in difference in balls or maximum number of award balls) that can increase due to a jackpot game state (e.g., a 2R jackpot).
Therefore, even when compared with a case where the game is not made unplayable until the specific number of difference balls (maximum number of difference balls) reaches the "reference number" after the end of the big win game state, there is no situation in which the big win game state cannot be obtained multiple times, and it is difficult to make the player feel distrustful.
(1-3)
In addition, when the specific difference number of balls (maximum difference number of balls) reaches the "reference number" during a jackpot game state (2R jackpot or 10R jackpot), the game control microcomputer 61 (unplayable means) interrupts the jackpot game state and transitions to an unplayable state, or waits for the end of the jackpot game state and transitions to an unplayable state. In other words, if the jackpot game state ends when the specific difference number of balls is less than the "reference number" and equal to or greater than the third indicator number (indicator number), the player cannot obtain a large profit even if he or she continues playing after that. For this reason, by ending the game at a good timing, the player can save wasted game time. In this embodiment, when the specific difference number of balls (maximum difference number of balls) reaches the "reference number" during a jackpot game state, the jackpot game state is interrupted and transitioned to an unplayable state. For this reason, if the remaining time until the specific ball difference number reaches the "reference number" is short, even if the player plays during that remaining time and a jackpot game state occurs, the game will be interrupted and the player will be unable to play, which will lead to dissatisfaction and distrust among the player. With this specification, it is possible to achieve the effect of ending the game at a convenient timing, that is, when the jackpot game state ends.
(1-4)
In the pachinko game machine 1, a microcomputer for effect control (effect control means) 101 controls the execution of effects (suggestive effects, etc.) related to the result of a special chart hit determination (hit determination). This microcomputer for effect control 101 can execute specific suggestive effects (suggestive effects SEb1, SEb2, SEb3) related to the specific difference ball count reaching or approaching a "reference number" (becoming 99,360 or more and less than 99,999) in a manner similar to a predetermined suggestive effect (suggestive effects SEa1, SEa2, SEa3).
That is, when the specific ball difference number (maximum ball difference number) reaches the "reference number" as the player plays, and the player is suddenly notified of the inability to play due to this, the player realizes that the game has ended at an unexpected time, which may cause the player to feel dissatisfied. In response to this, by executing a specific suggestive effect regarding the specific ball difference number reaching or approaching the "reference number" in a manner similar to a predetermined suggestive effect regarding the game result, it is possible to give the player the fun of guessing whether it is a predetermined suggestive effect or a specific suggestive effect, and at the same time, it is possible to make the player realize that the specific ball difference number has reached or approached the "reference number". In other words, it is possible to transition to the inability to play state in a way that does not unnecessarily stir up the player's dissatisfaction. As a result, it is possible to wipe out the negative image of the specific ball difference number reaching the "reference number".
(1-5)
In addition, specific suggestion effects (suggestion effects SEb1, SEb2, SEb3) are executed in a manner in which the presentation content of a specific suggestion effect (suggestion effects SEa1, SEa2, SEa3) is used as a basis, with a part of it being replaced with a different presentation content.
In this way, the specific suggestion effect relating to a specific number of balls difference is executed in a manner that uses common effect content as a basis for the predetermined suggestion effect relating to the game result, with part of it replaced with a different effect content, thereby allowing the player to focus on the difference in effect content between the specific suggestion effect and the predetermined suggestion effect, and to feel the excitement of distinguishing between each effect based on that difference.
(1-6)
Furthermore, the frequency of execution of specific suggestive effects (suggestive effects SEb1, SEb2, SEb3) is set to gradually increase as the specific difference ball count approaches the "reference number."
Therefore, the player can easily understand the relationship between an increase in the probability of a specific suggestion effect being executed and an increase in the specific difference ball count (approaching the reference number).
(1-7)
In addition, the performance control microcomputer (performance control means) 101 can determine the execution of specific suggestion performances (suggestion performances SEb1, SEb2, SEb3) with different probabilities depending on the result of the special chart hit determination (jackpot or miss).
Therefore, the specific suggestion effect can function as a suggestion effect regarding the result of the special chart hit determination, and even when the specific difference in ball count is close to the "reference number," the player can expect the occurrence of a jackpot game state, etc., and as a result, the negative image of the specific difference in ball count reaching the "reference number" can be eliminated.
(1-8)
In the pachinko game machine 1, a microcomputer for controlling presentation (presentation control means) 101 controls the execution of presentations (for example, jackpot presentations) related to the results of special winning judgments (winning judgments). This microcomputer for controlling presentation 101 controls the execution of, for example, jackpot presentations, as scenario presentations having a flow to the conclusion in the presentation content, a normal scenario presentation in which the presentation content reaches its conclusion in accordance with the progress of the game, and a special scenario presentation in which the presentation content reaches its conclusion in accordance with the timing at which a specific difference ball count reaches a "reference number."
If a scenario presentation (normal scenario presentation) ends midway due to the specific difference in ball count reaching the "reference number," the player is unable to experience the conclusion of that presentation, which leads to dissatisfaction and distrust. In contrast, by executing a scenario presentation (special scenario presentation) that reaches its conclusion in time with the specific difference in ball count reaching the "reference number," the player can experience the conclusion of the scenario presentation (special scenario presentation) even if the specific difference in ball count reaches the "reference number," and this makes it possible to prevent the player's interest in the game from decreasing.
(1-9)
In addition, the presentation control microcomputer 101 (presentation control means) judges at the start of the jackpot game state (before the start timing) whether or not a specific difference in ball count will reach a "reference number" during the jackpot game state (the period during which the scenario presentation is executed), and if the judgment results in the "reference number" not being reached, starts a normal scenario presentation at the start of the jackpot game state, and if the judgment results in the "reference number" being reached, starts a special scenario presentation at the start of the jackpot game state.
In other words, a determination is made in advance as to whether or not a specific number of ball differences will reach a "reference number" during the period for which the scenario performance is to be executed, and the scenario performance (normal scenario performance/special scenario performance) to be executed is changed depending on the result of the determination, so that the scenario performance can be executed to the end without any sense of incongruity.
(1-10)
In addition, the performance control microcomputer 101 (performance control means) interrupts the normal scenario performance based on the fact that the specific difference in ball count reaches a second indicator number (indicator number) less than the "reference number" during the execution of the normal scenario performance, and executes a special scenario performance with a background image HG (performance content) and situation (performance content) that follow the flow from before the interruption point until the specific difference in ball count reaches the "reference number" from the interruption point.
That is, by changing from the normal scenario presentation to the special scenario presentation based on the fact that the second indicator number, which is less than the "reference number," is reached before the specific ball difference number reaches the "reference number," the timing at which the special scenario presentation reaches its conclusion can be synchronized with the timing at which the specific ball difference number reaches the "reference number." This makes it possible to prevent the player's interest in the game from decreasing.
(1-11)
The normal scenario presentation is a scenario presentation in which the presentation content reaches a conclusion in accordance with the progress of the game in the jackpot game state (10R jackpot), and the special scenario presentation is a scenario presentation in which the presentation content reaches a "reference number" in accordance with the timing when a specific difference ball number reaches the "reference number" during the jackpot game state (10R jackpot).
Since the scenario presentation is performed in a big win game state, which is an advantageous game state for the player, the player can be made interested in the scenario presentation. Since the scenario presentation is performed to the end regardless of the specific ball difference number, the player does not feel dissatisfied or distrustful.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, a description will be given of embodiment 2. In relation to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of embodiment 1 described above, different configurations will basically be described, and the same names and symbols will be used for common configurations, and detailed descriptions will be omitted.
In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, in addition to the transition to the unplayable state when the counted specific difference ball number reaches the "reference number", the game is also transitioned to the unplayable state when the specific difference ball number at the end of the jackpot game state reaches the third indicator number (the game is terminated at the end of the jackpot game state). In contrast, in the embodiment 2 described below, when the high base state (advantageous game state, support state) of the number of times (variable performance 100 times) given after the non-variable jackpot ends and transitions to the low base state (the aforementioned consecutive period ends), if the specific difference ball number reaches the second indicator number close to the "reference number", it is possible to end the game at the end of the consecutive period (transition to the unplayable state). Note that the point that the jackpot game state is interrupted and transitioned to the unplayable state at the time when the specific difference ball number reaches the "reference number" during the jackpot game state is the same as the above-mentioned embodiment 1.

In other words, the jackpot game state that occurs after the consecutive winning period ends (transitions to a low base state) is the first jackpot game state of a new consecutive winning period, so it does not increase the number of consecutive winnings for the consecutive winning period that has already ended, but is included in the number of consecutive winnings in the new consecutive winning period. If the specific difference ball number 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 winnings in the new consecutive winning period until the specific difference ball number reaches the "reference number". In this case, it affects data such as the average number of consecutive winnings calculated by the pachinko game machine 1 or the hall computer of the game parlor. For this reason, in this embodiment, if the specific difference ball number is close to the "reference number" at the end of the high base state of 100 variable performances after a non-variable jackpot, the game is ended at that point. The configuration for realizing such specifications is described below.

When the high base state (100 variable performances) following the aforementioned non-probable jackpot ends without resulting in a jackpot, the game control microcomputer 61 (CPU 62) checks the number of game balls stored in the notification memory unit 64d of the RAM 64, and if the specific difference number of balls is equal to or greater than the second index number (99,360 balls) and less than the "reference number", it performs control to exceptionally transition to the aforementioned non-playable state before the specific difference number of balls reaches the "reference number".

As described above, in this embodiment, the determination of whether to make the game unplayable is based on whether the specific difference in ball count at the end of the high base state after a non-probable jackpot is in the range of equal to or greater than the second indicator number and less than the "reference number". However, from the perspective of determining that the remaining period is such that the number of consecutive wins cannot be extended (for example, such that the average number of consecutive wins is reduced) and transitioning to the unplayable state, it is also possible to set the difference from the "reference number" to a range equivalent to an increase in the specific difference in ball count for two or three 10R jackpots (for example, a range from 97,600 to 99,998).

Specifically, the game control microcomputer 61 controls the ball difference processing (FIG. 32) of the first embodiment described above by modifying the contents of S517 and S518 as shown in FIG. 39 (S5171, S5181). Note that S510 to S516 are the same as in the first embodiment (FIG. 32), so the explanation is omitted.

In S5171, the game control microcomputer 61 checks the specific difference ball number stored in the notification storage unit 64d of the RAM 64 and judges whether the specific difference ball number is 99360 or more (second index number) and less than the "reference number". If it is judged in S5171 that the specific difference ball number is 99360 or more and less than the "reference number", it proceeds to S5181 and judges whether it is time to end the measurement of the number of fluctuations (remaining in the high base state) by the time-saving counter (Note that in this embodiment, only the high base state after the end of the non-variable jackpot is counted by the time-saving counter). In this case, it is judged whether the value of the time-saving counter has been changed to 0 in the game state management process (FIG. 19) described above. If it is judged in S5181 that the value of the time-saving counter has been changed to 0 (S5181: YES), this means that 100 high base states have ended without transitioning to the jackpot game state, so it proceeds to S511 described above. The game control microcomputer 61 then executes the above-mentioned S511 (game stop processing) and S512 (firing stop processing) to transition to an unplayable state, and sets an unplayable notification command for the presentation control microcomputer 101 (S513).

In contrast, if it is determined in S5181 that the time-saving counter value has not been changed to 0 (S5181: NO), this means that it is not time to end the high base state (100 variable effects), and the ball difference processing is terminated.

(Effects of the Second Embodiment)
According to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment 2, the following operational effects are achieved.
(2-1)
In the pachinko game machine 1, a plurality of winning holes (ball entry holes) 10a, 14a, 12a, 11 are provided in the game area 3 where the game balls can flow down, and when a ball enters the start hole (trigger hole) 10a, 12a among these winning holes, a game control microcomputer 61 (win determination means, first generating means) executes a special winning determination (win determination), and when this special winning determination results in a win, a big winning game state (win game state) is generated in which a game ball can enter the big winning hole 14a (special ball entry hole) among the winning holes. In addition, 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). Furthermore, the game control microcomputer 61 (prize ball awarding decision means) decides to award prize balls when a prize ball enters the winning slot. The frame control microcomputer 151 (calculation means) calculates a specific ball difference number (specific ball number), which is the number of game balls that changes based on the awarding of prize balls. The specific ball difference number storage area 172d in the ball difference number storage unit 172 (ball difference number storage means) stores the calculated specific ball difference number. In response to this, the game control microcomputer 61 (game disabling means) transitions to a game disabling state when the specific ball difference number reaches the "reference number" due to an increase in the number of prize balls. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive award balls from being given to the player while allowing the player to play the game in a suitable manner.
When the specific difference number of balls is less than the "reference number" and is equal to or greater than the second indicator number, if the high base state (advantageous gaming state) ends without transitioning to a jackpot gaming state, the end of the high base state is triggered by the game control microcomputer 61 (game disabling means) to transition to a game disabling state.
That is, when the high base state ends without entering a jackpot state, if the specific difference ball count has increased close to the "reference number," even if the player continues playing after that, it is impossible for the player to record the number of consecutive wins in the jackpot state before it reaches the "reference number." In contrast, if the specific difference ball count has reached the second indicator number (99,360 balls) even if it has not reached the "reference number" at the end of the high base state, the game is transitioned to an unplayable state (i.e., the game is ended at a convenient time), so that the player can end the game on the pachinko game machine 1 without feeling suspicious.
(2-2)
In addition, the second indicator number for the specific difference in ball count is set so that the difference (639 balls) from the "reference number (99,999 balls)" is less than the specific difference in ball count (the maximum number of awarded prize balls or the estimated increase in difference in balls) that can increase due to a jackpot game state (e.g., a 10R jackpot).
Therefore, compared to a case where the game is not made unplayable until the specific ball difference number reaches the "reference number" after the end of the high base state (support state), a consecutive winning state resulting from two or more jackpot game states (10R jackpots) is not prevented from being obtained, and this makes it difficult for the player to feel distrustful.
(2-3)
Furthermore, when the specific number of balls difference reaches the "reference number" during a jackpot game state (2R jackpot or 10R jackpot), the game control microcomputer 61 (game disable means) interrupts the jackpot game state and transitions to a game disable state, or waits for the jackpot game state to end before transitioning to a game disable state. In other words, if the jackpot game state ends when the specific number of balls difference is less than the "reference number" and equal to or greater than the third indicator number (indicator number), the player cannot obtain a large profit even if he or she continues playing thereafter. For this reason, by ending the game at a convenient time, it is possible to reduce the amount of time the player wastes playing.

[Embodiment 3]
Next, a description will be given of embodiment 3. In relation to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of embodiments 1 and 2 described above, different configurations will basically be described, and the same names and symbols will be used for common configurations, and detailed descriptions will be omitted.

In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, in addition to transitioning to an unplayable state when the counted specific difference ball count reaches a "reference number," the unplayable state is also transitioned to if the specific difference ball count at the end of a jackpot game state or a high base state reaches an "index number" close to the "reference number." In contrast, in the third embodiment described below, even if the specific difference ball count at the end of a jackpot game state or a high base state reaches the "index number," the unplayable state is not transitioned to until the specific difference ball count subsequently reaches the "reference number."

In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, when the difference balls reach the "reference number" during the jackpot game state, the jackpot game state is interrupted at that point and transitioned to a non-playable state. In contrast, in the third embodiment described below, when the specific difference ball number reaches the "reference number" during the jackpot game state, transition to the non-playable state is delayed until the end of the jackpot game state (depending on the situation, game play is possible even if the specific difference ball number exceeds the "reference number"). In other words, it is advantageous for the player if the specific difference ball number reaches the "reference number" during the jackpot game state. For this reason, in the third embodiment, under the control of the performance control microcomputer 101, it is possible to grasp in advance (during the variable performance) that the specific difference ball number will reach the "reference number" during the jackpot game state, and a pre-reading performance is performed regarding whether or not a jackpot game state in which the specific difference ball number reaches the "reference number" will occur, or a method of playing in which the specific difference ball number does not reach the "reference number" until the jackpot game state occurs is notified (described later with reference to Figures 41 and 42).

First, the control of the game control microcomputer 61 will be explained. As shown in Figure 40, steps S514 to S518 of the ball difference processing (Figure 32) of the first embodiment described above have been omitted, and conditions for moving from S510 to S511, S512, and S513 have been added (S5101, S5102). Note that as S510 and S511 to S513 are the same as those of the first and second embodiments (Figures 32 and 39), their explanations will be omitted.

In S510 of the ball difference related process (FIG. 40), the game control microcomputer 61 checks whether a game disable command has been received from the frame control microcomputer 151, and if so, determines that the specific ball difference number has reached the "reference number" (S510: YES). On the other hand, if no command has been received, determines that the specific ball difference number has not reached the "reference number" (S510: NO), and ends the ball difference related process.

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 or not the game is in a jackpot game state (S5101). In this case, the game control microcomputer 61 makes a determination based on, for example, a predetermined flag or command reception history provided in the RAM 64 (for example, whether or not the jackpot flag is ON and an opening command has been received). Then, when it determines that the game is not in a jackpot game state (S5101: NO), it immediately executes the processes of S511 and S512 to transition to an unplayable state, and then sets an unplayable notification command in the process of S513, and ends the difference ball related process.

When the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S5101 that the jackpot game state is in progress (S5101: YES), it determines whether it is time to end the jackpot game state (S5102). If it determines in S5102 that it is time to end the jackpot game state (S5102: YES), it immediately executes the processes of S511 and S512 to transition to an unplayable state, sets an unplayable notification command in the process of S513, and ends the ball difference related process. On the other hand, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S5102 that it is not time to end the jackpot game state (S5102: NO), it ends the ball difference related process without going through the processes of S511 to S513, thereby delaying the execution of the processes of S511 to S513 until the end of the jackpot game state.

(Predictive performance (indication of a jackpot game state that leads to game inability))
Next, the look-ahead performance will be described. In this embodiment, as described above, when the specific difference number of balls (maximum difference number of balls) reaches the "reference number" during the jackpot game state, the disablement of the game is delayed until the jackpot game state ends, so that the specific difference number of balls (maximum difference number of balls) exceeds the "reference number", which is advantageous to the player. For this reason, the performance (look-ahead performance) is performed by grasping that the specific difference number of balls (maximum difference number of balls) will reach the "reference number" during the jackpot game state that occurs, through a pre-determination performed before the start of the jackpot game state. Note that the performance control microcomputer 101 (CPU 102) performs a look-ahead performance by using a reserved image (indicating the number of active reserved balls) displayed in the performance reserved display area 7Ba, 7Bb (FIG. 1A) provided on the performance display device 7.

In the hold notice as a pre-reading effect, the color of the hold image, which is usually displayed in white in the hold display area 7Ba, 7Bb, is changed to red (all red) or red/green (for example, green on the edge and red in the center). When the hold image is red, it indicates that the result of the change of the effect pattern (change of the special pattern) corresponding to the hold image is a jackpot, and a jackpot game state is generated. When the hold image is red/green, it indicates that the result of the change of the effect pattern (change of the special pattern) corresponding to the hold image is a jackpot, and a jackpot game state is generated, and the specific difference number of balls (maximum difference number of balls) reaches the "reference number" during the jackpot game state that is generated. In other words, in this case, when the specific difference number of balls at the time of the advance judgment is subtracted from the "reference number", the difference is a number of game balls that is less than the increase in the specific difference number of balls estimated for the jackpot game state that will be generated thereafter. In such a situation, by making the reserved image red or green, it does not simply indicate the occurrence of a jackpot game state, but also indicates that a jackpot game state that will lead to an inability to play will occur (and as a result, the specific number of balls difference (maximum number of balls difference) will exceed the "reference number").

In a preliminary judgment executed when a start winning command is input from the game control microcomputer 61, the performance control microcomputer 101 (CPU 102) checks the start winning information (random number value, etc.) stored in the special chart reservation performance memory unit 121, 122 of the RAM 120 in response to the start winning command, and judges whether or not it is a jackpot (whether or not a jackpot game state is generated). Then, if there is start winning information indicating a jackpot (generating a jackpot game state), the difference ball number flag, which differs depending on whether the jackpot game state to be generated is a 10R jackpot or a 2R jackpot, is checked. For example, if it is judged in the preliminary judgment that a 10R jackpot will be generated, in order to judge whether the increase in the specific difference ball number due to the 10R jackpot will reach the "reference number", it is judged whether the specific difference ball number at that time is equal to or greater than the second index number (99,360 balls) and less than the "reference number". On the other hand, if the preliminary determination determines that a 2R jackpot will occur, the system determines whether the specific difference in ball count at that point in time is equal to or greater than the third index number (99,872 balls) and less than the "reference number" to determine whether the increase in the specific difference in ball count due to the 2R jackpot will reach the "reference number."

Next, with regard to the above-mentioned look-ahead performance, the look-ahead performance determination process executed by the performance control microcomputer 101 in embodiment 3 at S343 in the received command analysis process (FIG. 27) will be explained with reference to FIG. 41.

In the look-ahead performance judgment process, the performance control microcomputer 101 first judges whether the game is in a jackpot game state (i.e., whether the game is in a low base state or a high base state) (S560). If it is determined in S560 that the game is in a jackpot game state (S560: NO), the look-ahead performance judgment process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S560 that the game is not in a jackpot game state (S560: YES), the process proceeds to S561 and a pre-judgment (look-ahead judgment) is performed.

In the preliminary judgment (S561), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance checks the jackpot random number value and the jackpot type random number value included in the start winning information of the start winning command (start winning information newly stored in the special chart reserved performance storage unit 121, 122). Then, in the judgment (S562) of whether the jackpot random number value is a value indicating a jackpot, if it is judged that it is not a value indicating a jackpot (S562: NO), the pre-reading performance judgment process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that it is a value indicating a jackpot (S562: YES), the process proceeds to S563, where it is judged whether the jackpot type random number value is a value indicating a 10R jackpot. Then, if the jackpot type random number value is a value indicating a 10R jackpot (S563: YES), the process proceeds to S564, and if the jackpot type random number value is not a value indicating a 10R jackpot (S563: NO), the process proceeds to S565.

When the aforementioned S563 is a positive judgment, that is, when it is judged in the advance judgment that a 10R jackpot will occur, the microcomputer 101 for effect control judges whether either the first ball difference flag or the second ball difference flag is ON (whether the specific ball difference is equal to or greater than the second index number and less than the "reference number") (S564). Then, when it is judged that either the first ball difference flag or the second ball difference flag is OFF (S564: NO), the result of the judgment in S561 to S564 indicates that a 10R jackpot will occur, but the specific ball difference will not reach the "reference number" during the 10R jackpot, and so the microcomputer 101 proceeds to S566 and executes a jackpot suggestion pre-reading effect selection process. As a result, the reserved image most recently displayed in the effect reserved display area 7Ba, 7Bb of the effect display device 7 becomes red (a color that predicts the occurrence of a jackpot game state).

In addition, if it is determined in S564 that either the first ball difference flag or the second ball difference flag is ON (S564: YES), the results of the determinations in S561 to S564 indicate that a 10R jackpot will occur and that the specific ball difference number will reach the "reference number" during the 10R jackpot. Therefore, the process proceeds to S567, where a ball difference suggestion look-ahead effect selection process is executed. As a result, the pending image most recently displayed in the effect pending display areas 7Ba and 7Bb of the effect display device 7 will be red or green (colors that foretell the occurrence of a jackpot game state and the reaching of the "reference number" of the specific ball difference number during that occurrence).

When the aforementioned S563 is a negative judgment, that is, when the pre-judgment has judged that a 2R jackpot will occur, the performance control microcomputer 101 judges whether the second ball difference flag is ON (whether the specific ball difference count is equal to or greater than the third index count and less than the "reference number") (S565). Then, when it is judged that the second ball difference flag is OFF (S565: NO), the results of the judgments in S561 to S563 and S565 indicate that a 2R jackpot will occur, but that the specific ball difference count will not reach the "reference number" during the 2R jackpot. The occurrence of a 2R jackpot is not suggested unless the specific ball difference count reaches the "reference number", so in this case, the pre-read performance judgment process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the second ball difference flag is ON (S565: YES), the results of the determinations in S561 to S563 and S565 indicate that a 2R jackpot will occur and that the specific ball difference will reach the "reference number" during the 2R jackpot. Therefore, the process proceeds to S567, and a ball difference suggestion look-ahead effect selection process is executed. As a result, the pending image most recently displayed in the effect pending display areas 7Ba and 7Bb of the effect display device 7 will be red or green (colors that foretell the occurrence of a jackpot game state and the reaching of the "reference number" of the specific ball difference during that occurrence).

Then, after processing of S566 or S567 is completed, the pre-reading performance determination process is terminated.

(Hit Notification)
Next, the hitting method notification will be described. As described above, in this embodiment, when a player wins a jackpot with a high probability, the high base state (high probability high base state) that is granted after the jackpot with a high probability is continued until the next jackpot game state. In the high base state, "electric support control" is performed to support winning into the second start hole 12a, so that the frequency of winning into the second start hole 12a is high, and a significant decrease in the number of balls held by the player is prevented. In addition, if the specific difference number of balls reaches the "reference number" during a jackpot game state (a game state in which the difference number of balls is increased), the transition to a non-playable state is delayed until the end of the jackpot game state, and in this case, the specific difference number of balls can increase beyond the "reference number", which is advantageous for the player. However, on the other hand, whether or not the number of prize balls for one jackpot game state can be obtained differs depending on whether or not the game is continued after the jackpot with a high probability is continued. In other words, when the specific difference number of balls reaches the "reference number" during a special jackpot, the next jackpot game state that should occur after that is not generated at all, and the game transitions to an unplayable state, and the player ends the game. In this case, the player becomes dissatisfied and may lose his motivation to play.
Therefore, when the specific difference number of balls is close to the "reference number" during the probability variable jackpot (for example, when the "reference number" is reached with an increase of one 2R jackpot), a method of playing to prevent the specific difference number of balls from reaching the "reference number" until the probability variable jackpot ends is notified (hitting method notification). Note that the performance control microcomputer 101 (CPU 102) displays a method of playing to reduce the number of game balls shot on the performance display device 7 as a hitting method notification.

Specifically, the microcomputer 101 (CPU 102) for controlling the performance causes the performance display device 7 to execute a hitting method notification during a predetermined period during which the specific difference ball number is equal to or greater than the third index number (99,872 balls) and less than the "reference number" during the high probability jackpot. The hitting method notification is a notification to prevent the specific difference ball number from increasing to the "reference number" until the next jackpot game state occurs after the high probability jackpot ends. This hitting method notification can be performed by a display or sound that encourages the player to stop shooting the game balls. When it is performed by display, for example, as shown in FIG. 42(a), a text display of "Please stop shooting the balls" is performed. In addition, by displaying the specific difference ball number (maximum difference ball number) until it reaches the "reference number" in the same screen display as the text display, the player can be made to 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 specific number of difference balls during the hitting method notification (a predetermined period after the specific number of difference balls reaches the third indicator number during a certain jackpot). Therefore, after the certain jackpot in which the hitting method notification was made ends, the specific number of difference balls is maintained below the "reference number" until the next jackpot game state occurs, and the specific number of difference balls (maximum number of difference balls) reaches the "reference number" during the next jackpot game state, and thereafter, the inability to play is delayed until the jackpot game state ends. As a result, the specific number of difference balls (maximum number of difference balls) increases beyond the "reference number," which gives the player an advantage, and can increase the interest of the game.

The microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance in the third embodiment performs the hitting style notification process in FIG. 43 in addition to or instead of the "right hitting performance process (S334)" executed in the 10 ms timer interrupt process (FIG. 26) described above in relation to the first embodiment. This hitting style notification process is described below.

In the play style notification process, the performance control microcomputer 101 first checks the state of the jackpot flag and the probability variation flag to determine whether a probability variation jackpot is occurring (S571). If it is determined that a probability variation jackpot is not occurring (S571: NO), the play style notification process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that a probability variation jackpot is occurring (S571: YES), it determines whether a play style notification is occurring at that time (S572).

When it is determined in S572 that the hitting method notification has not been performed (S572: NO), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance decides 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 difference in balls is approaching the "reference number" (whether it is equal to or greater than the third index number and less than the "reference number") depending on whether or not the second difference in balls flag is ON. Then, when it is determined that the second difference in balls flag is OFF (S573: NO), the hitting method notification process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the second difference in balls flag is ON (the specific difference in balls is equal to or greater than the third index number and less than the "reference number") (S573: YES), the specific difference in balls is close to the "reference number" and the specific difference in balls may reach the "reference number" during the current special jackpot, so a hitting method notification that can suppress the increase in the specific difference in balls is started (S574). Then, after the end of S574, the hitting method notification process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S572 that the playing method notification is being performed (S572: YES), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance determines whether it is the timing to end the high probability jackpot (or the final round thereof) (S575). If it is determined in S575 that it is not the timing to end (S575: NO), the playing method notification process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in S575 that it is the timing to end the high probability jackpot (S575: YES), the playing method notification that was being performed is terminated (S576). After S576 is terminated, the playing method notification process is terminated. Note that the playing method notification may be continued until the end of the high probability jackpot (for example, until the next jackpot game state occurs). In this case, if S571 is a negative judgment (S571: NO), a judgment is made as to whether or not to transition from the high probability high base state to the jackpot game state, and if the judgment is a positive judgment, the playing method notification is terminated.

(Effects of the Third Embodiment)
According to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment 3, the following operational effects are achieved.
(3-1)
In the pachinko game machine 1, a plurality of winning holes (ball entry holes) 10a, 14a, 12a, 11 are provided in the game area 3 where the game balls can flow down, and when the game balls enter the start hole (trigger hole) 10a, 12a among these winning holes, the game control microcomputer 61 (win determination means, generating means) executes a special winning determination (win determination), and when the special winning determination is a winning determination result, a big winning game state is generated in which the game balls can enter the big winning hole 14a (special ball entry hole) among the winning holes. In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 (prize ball grant determination means) determines the granting of prize balls in response to the winning of the winning hole. The frame control microcomputer 151 (calculation means) calculates a specific difference ball number (specific ball number) that changes based on the granting of prize balls. The difference ball number storage section (difference ball number storage means) 172 of the RAM 170 stores the calculated specific difference ball number. In response to this, the game control microcomputer 61 (game disable means) transitions to a game disable state when the specific difference ball number reaches the "reference number" due to an increase in the number of prize balls. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive awarding of prize balls to the player while allowing the player to play the game in a suitable manner.
The game control microcomputer 61 (ball entry information acquisition means) acquires start winning information (ball entry information) when a ball enters the start port (trigger port) 10a, 12a. The game control microcomputer 61 (information output means) then transmits (outputs) a start winning command indicating the acquired start winning information at the winning timing (the timing at which the start winning information was acquired), and the performance control microcomputer 101 (performance control means) executes control related to the performance based on the information of the start winning command. The performance control microcomputer 101 (performance control means, look-ahead judgment means) executes a pre-judgment (look-ahead judgment) based on the start winning information stored in the special chart reserved performance storage units 121, 122 of the RAM 120. The performance control microcomputer 101 (performance control means) controls the execution of a pre-reading performance (a predetermined performance) when the pre-judgment results in a judgment that creates a jackpot gaming state and the specific difference in the number of balls at that time has increased to the number of gaming balls that can reach the "reference number" by one jackpot gaming state.
For example, if the specific difference ball count reaches the "reference number" during a jackpot game state, and a transition to an unplayable state or a notification is suddenly made, the player will realize that the game is ending at an unexpected time, resulting in dissatisfaction and distrust. In contrast, if the occurrence of a jackpot game state is known in advance by a pre-judgment (foreseeing judgment), and the specific difference ball count increases to a number of game balls that can reach the "reference number" during the jackpot game state, a foreseeing performance (a predetermined performance) is executed, so that the player can be informed that the end of the game is near at the same time as information that is favorable to the player (the occurrence of a winning game state). Therefore, the transition to an unplayable state can be made without unnecessarily stirring up dissatisfaction among the player.
(3-2)
When the specific number of ball difference reaches a "reference number" during a jackpot game state, the game control microcomputer 61 (game disable means) delays transition to a game disable state until the jackpot game state ends.
In other words, when the "specific difference in ball count" reaches a reference number during a jackpot game state, the transition to a non-playable state is delayed until the end of the jackpot game state, so that the player's anticipation can be heightened by the pre-reading effect (predetermined effect).
(3-3)
When the preliminary judgment results in a judgment result that produces a jackpot gaming state, the presentation control microcomputer 101 (presentation control means) judges whether or not the specific difference in ball count will reach a "reference number" during that jackpot gaming state based on the relationship between the current specific difference in ball count stored in the difference in ball count memory unit 172 (difference in ball count memory means) and the "estimated increase in difference in ball count" due to play during that jackpot gaming state.
In other words, by determining in advance whether a jackpot game state will occur, and by making a determination based on the relationship between the increase in the number of difference balls expected in play in that jackpot game state (estimated increase in the number of difference balls, 640 for a 10R jackpot) and the current specific difference number of balls (for example, determining whether the number of balls obtained by adding the estimated increase in the number of difference balls to the current specific difference number is greater than the reference number for the specific difference number), it is possible to determine in advance that the specific difference number of balls will reach the "reference number" during that jackpot game state.
(3-4)
In addition, when the specific number of ball differences reaches a "reference number" during a jackpot game state, the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance of the pachinko game machine 1 delays the disablement of play until the end of the jackpot game state. Then, during a guaranteed jackpot (a predetermined period when it is determined that a state in which the reduction in the number of balls held by the player can be suppressed or avoided can continue until the start of the next winning game state), after the specific number of ball differences becomes equal to or greater than the third indicator number and less than the "reference number", the microcomputer 101 controls the execution of a hitting method notification that encourages a playing method that can suppress an increase in the specific number of ball differences.
In other words, by providing a notification encouraging a player to play in a way that suppresses the increase in the specific ball difference number so that the timing when the specific ball difference number reaches the "reference number" occurs after the occurrence of the next big win game state, the player can play in such a way that the specific ball difference number reaches the reference number after the start of the next big win game state. As a result, the possibility of winning many game balls can be increased.
(3-5)
In addition, the above-mentioned hitting method notification at least includes content that prompts the player to stop the operation of firing the game ball toward the game area 3.
In this way, the above-mentioned hitting method notification can urge the player to stop shooting the game ball, thereby suppressing the increase in the specific difference number of balls. This can make the specific difference number of balls reach the "reference number" after the start of the next big win game state.
(3-6)
The microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance decides to execute the hit method notification based on the fact that the specific difference number of balls reaches a third indicator number less than the "reference number" during the probability variable jackpot. The third indicator number used in this case is set so that the difference from the "reference number" is less than the maximum number of awarded prize balls (or the estimated increase in difference balls) by the game during the jackpot game state.
In this way, the number of balls that corresponds to the difference from the "reference number" and is less than the maximum number of winning balls that can be awarded by playing in a jackpot game state is set as a third index number, and by issuing a hitting method notification when the point at which the specific difference in the number of balls reaches this third index number is in a high base state, the specific difference in the number of balls will reliably reach the "reference number" by the time the jackpot game state that occurs after the notification begins ends, thereby increasing the reliability of the hitting method notification.

[Embodiment 4]
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In relation to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the first to third embodiments described above, different configurations will be basically described, and the same names and symbols will be used for common configurations, and detailed descriptions will be omitted.

In the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 3, when the reset button 180 provided on the frame control board 150 is pressed (state restoration operation) and a state restoration signal is input to the frame control microcomputer 151, the frame control microcomputer 151 resets the count value (specific difference ball count) of the difference ball count storage unit 172 and instructs the game control microcomputer 61 to make the game playable (transition from an unplayable state to a playable state) (sets and transmits a playable command). However, even if the state restoration signal is input during business hours, for example, the frame control microcomputer 151 is configured to reset the specific difference ball count and make the game playable in the same way as outside business hours. Therefore, there is a risk that the count of the specific difference ball count is intentionally reset during 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 timing of the input 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 the non-business hours (during business hours), an alert is issued regarding the attempt to reset the specific ball difference number during business hours (informing the public that the operation was performed at an improper time, warning that such an operation is invalid and should not be performed, etc.).

In this embodiment, the frame control board 150 is provided with a business hours setting operation section (not shown) for setting business hours information for the amusement facility. This business hours setting operation section is electrically connected to the frame control microcomputer 151, and is configured to input business hours setting information to the frame control microcomputer 151. The amusement facility inputs the start and end times of business hours into the frame control microcomputer 151 in advance by operating the business hours setting operation section. For example, if business hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., "10:00" is input as the business start time and "22:00" is input as the business end time. In response to the input of business hours in this manner, the frame control microcomputer 151 stores the business hours of the amusement facility.

Here, the frame control microcomputer 151 automatically sets the closed 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", which is five minutes after the closing time, is set as the closed time. Then, based on this closed time, it is determined whether the time when the above-mentioned state restoration operation (pressing the reset button 180) was performed was during business hours. Specifically, the frame control microcomputer 151 checks whether the above-mentioned closed time was measured based on the time information input from the RTC 124 during the period from when the power is turned on to when it is turned off, and stores this in the RAM 170 using a flag or the like. Then, if the time when the state restoration operation was performed was before the measurement of the closed time during the power-on period, it is determined that the state restoration operation was performed during business hours, and executes and controls the warning notification.

In this way, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is configured to be able to set closed hours according to the business hours of the gaming establishment, and also to be able to change the closed hours once they have been set. Since business hours may differ from establishment to establishment, it is possible to set closed hours according to the circumstances of each establishment, and to determine the timing of the state restoration operation based on the set closed hours. Note that if the business hours of the gaming establishment cross over the date change time (midnight) (for example, if the business hours are from 1:00 pm to 1:00 am), this can be handled by setting the closed hours to a later time (1:05 am) according to the business hours. In addition, for example, in the case of all-night business (24-hour business), it is also possible to set the date change time (midnight) as the closed hours, and set the business hours before and after the date change time as different business days.

The warning notification may be in any form that can effectively warn against the act of resetting the specific ball difference number in the ball difference number memory unit 172 during business hours. In the example shown in Figures 44(a) and 44(b), a warning is issued by displaying text on the screen of the performance display device 7 as a type of error (a "ball difference reset during business hours" error) when a specific ball difference number count clear operation is performed during business hours. In addition to or instead of such a screen display, a warning may be issued by sound output from the speaker 8 or by light emission from the top lamp 23c, etc.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, in response to a status restoration operation during business hours, not only is a warning issued, but the status restoration operation is determined to be an invalid operation, and the specific ball difference number is not reset, play is not made possible, or the notification that play is not possible is not terminated.
For this reason, for example, if a state restoration operation is performed during business hours and in a playable state (before the specific ball difference number reaches the "reference number"), a warning will be issued by displaying the text "Ball difference reset error during business hours" on the screen of the effect display device, as shown in Fig. 44(a). Note that in the ball difference number display area 7S, if the specific ball difference number is equal to or less than the first indicator number, the specific ball difference number is not displayed, and if it is equal to or more than the second indicator number, the specific ball difference number is displayed.
On the other hand, if a state restoration operation is performed during business hours and during a game-unplayable state (after the specific number of ball differences has reached the "reference number"), as shown in FIG. 44(b), a warning is issued on the screen of the performance display device by displaying the text "Ball difference reset error during business hours" while the game-unplayable notification ("Today's game is over") is maintained as is. That is, the warning notification is started and the game-unplayable notification is continued, so that the surroundings are reliably informed that a state restoration operation has been performed during business hours. In addition, in the ball difference number display area 7S, 99999 balls are displayed as the specific number of ball differences, and it is notified that the "reference number" has been reached. In this case, it is also possible to notify the state restoration operation during business hours by only continuing the game-unplayable notification without issuing a warning.

The opening hours of the amusement arcade may be displayed on a part of the effect display device 7. In this case, the setting information of the amusement arcade's opening hours is sent from the frame control microcomputer 151 via the main control microcomputer 61 to the effect control microcomputer 151, so that text such as "Opening hours: 10:00AM to 10:00PM" is displayed on the screen of the effect display device 7. As mentioned above, the closed hours that serve as the basis for determining the timing of the state return operation are set according to the opening hours set by the amusement arcade. For this reason, displaying the opening hours has a certain effect of preventing an incorrect time (a time during opening hours) from being set as the closed hours.

The following describes the processing executed by the frame control microcomputer 151 and the game control microcomputer 61 in embodiment 4 regarding the state restoration operation and warning notification during business hours as described above, with reference to Figures 45 and 46.

First, the ball difference number determination process (FIG. 45) executed by the frame control microcomputer 151 in embodiment 4 will be described. The ball difference number determination process has the same individual steps from S500 to S509 as the ball difference number determination process (FIG. 31) executed in the previously described embodiments 1 to 3, but new steps (S5071, S5072) are added between S507 and S508.

In the ball difference determination process in the fourth embodiment, after the processes of S500 to S506 are completed, the frame control microcomputer 151 determines whether a state return signal is input by pressing the reset button 180 on the frame control board 150 (state return operation) (S507). If it is determined in S507 that a state return signal has not been input (S507: NO), the ball difference determination process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S507 that a state return signal has been input (S507: YES), the time information from the RTC 124 is checked to determine whether the time has passed a specific time after business hours, that is, closed hours (for example, 10:05:00 PM) (S5071).

If the frame control microcontroller 151 determines in S5071 that the time has passed after the non-business hours (and that a state return signal has been input) (S5071: YES), it resets the specific ball difference number stored in the ball difference number memory unit 172 in S508, and sets a play enable command directed to the game control microcontroller 61 in S509, thereby terminating the ball difference number determination process.
On the other hand, in S5071, if it is determined that the non-business hours have not passed (and the state return signal is input) (S5071: NO), the above-mentioned processes of S508 and S509 are not performed, a ball difference reset error designation command is set for the game control microcomputer 61, and the ball difference number determination process is terminated. The ball difference reset error designation command is a command indicating that the state return operation of the reset button 180 has been performed during business hours.

Next, the state restoration process (FIG. 46) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 of embodiment 4 will be described. The state restoration process has the same individual steps from S520 to S524 as the state restoration process (FIG. 33) executed in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 3, but new steps (S5201, S5202) have been added as steps to be executed when a negative judgment is made at S520.

In the state restoration process, the game control microcomputer 61 in the fourth embodiment first determines whether a play enable command has been received from the frame control microcomputer 151 (S520). If it is determined in S520 that a play enable command has been received (S520: YES), this means that a state restoration operation (operation of the reset button 180) was performed after the non-business hours, and the process of S521 to S524 described above is terminated, and then the state restoration process is terminated.

When the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S520 that it has not received the game enable command (S520: NO), it proceeds to S5201. In S5201, it determines whether it has received the difference ball reset error designation command from the frame control microcomputer 151. When it determines in S5201 that it has not received the difference ball reset error designation command (S5201: NO), it ends the state restoration process.
On the other hand, if it is determined in S5201 that a ball difference reset error designation command has been received (S5201: YES), this means that a state restoration operation (operation of the reset button 180) was performed before the non-business hours (during business hours), so a warning notification command is set to cause the performance control microcomputer 101 to start issuing a warning notification (S5202). Then, after S5202 ends, the state restoration process ends.

The performance control microcomputer 101, which receives the warning notification command from the game control microcomputer 61, displays text information (executes a warning notification) saying "Error: ball difference reset operation during operation" on the screen of the performance display device 7 (FIG. 44(a) or FIG. 44(b)). Although not shown, the condition for ending the period for which the warning notification is to be executed can be set to, for example, the power being turned off.

(Effects of the Fourth Embodiment)
According to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment 4, the following operational effects are achieved.
(4-1)
In the pachinko game machine 1, a plurality of winning holes (ball entry holes) 10a, 12a, 14a, 11 are provided in the game area 3 where the game balls can flow down, and when a ball enters the starting hole (trigger hole) 10a, 12a among these winning holes, a game control microcomputer 61 (a winning judgment means, a generating means) executes a special winning judgment (a winning judgment), and when this special winning judgment results in a winning judgment, a big winning game state (a winning game state) is generated in which a game ball can enter the big winning hole 14a (a special ball entry hole) among the winning holes. In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 (a prize ball awarding determination means) determines the awarding of a prize ball when a ball enters the winning hole. The frame control microcomputer 151 (calculation means) calculates a specific ball difference number, which is the number of game balls that changes based on the award of prize balls, more specifically, the number of game balls that corresponds to the maximum value of the variation range of the ball difference number. The specific ball difference number storage area 172d in the ball difference number storage unit 172 (ball difference number storage means) stores the calculated specific ball difference number. In response to this, the game control microcomputer 61 (game disable means) transitions to a game disable state when the specific ball difference number reaches a "reference number" due to an increase in the number of prize balls. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive award of prize balls to the player while allowing the player to play the game in a suitable manner.
Here, the pachinko game machine 1 is provided with a reset button 180 (reset operation means) which is the object of an operation (state restoration operation) for resetting the count value of the specific difference in balls by the difference in balls memory unit 172 (difference in balls memory means), and a notification (unplayable notification or warning notification) regarding the specific difference in balls can be executed on the screen of the performance display device 7 (notification execution means). During the business hours of the gaming establishment (for example, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and during the period after the reset button 180 (reset operation means) is operated (i.e., the period from the time of the state restoration operation during business hours to the end of business hours), the notification (unplayable notification or warning notification) is executed on the screen of the performance display device 7 (notification execution means).
If the reset button 180 is operated during business hours at a game arcade to reset the specific ball difference number in the ball difference number storage unit 172, the specific ball difference number allowed during that business hours will increase, resulting in unfairness. In response to this, when the reset button 180 is operated (state restoration operation) during business hours, the performance display device 7 executes a warning notification or the like regarding the specific ball difference number, thereby preventing the execution of a game after the state restoration operation during business hours.
(4-2)
In addition, the pachinko game machine 1 is equipped with an RTC 124 (timing means) that measures time, and if a state restoration operation is performed during the period until the RTC 124 measures a specified non-business time (for example, 10:05 p.m.), a warning is issued.
In this way, a warning is issued for any state restoration operation performed before the closing time, so that the act of resetting the specific ball difference number during business hours can be deterred.
(4-3)
In addition, the pachinko game machine 1 is equipped with an RTC 124 (timing means) that measures time, and if a state restoration operation is performed during the period until the RTC 124 measures a specified off-hours time (for example, 10:05 p.m.), the unplayable notification (the notification that is initiated when a specific difference in the number of balls reaches a "reference number") is continued.
In this way, by not ending the notification that play is impossible when the specific ball difference count has reached the "reference number" even if a state restoration operation is performed before the closing time, it is possible to deter the act of resetting the specific ball difference count during business hours.
(4-4)
In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 allows the non-business hours to be changed.
Therefore, the non-business hours can be freely set according to the circumstances of each gaming establishment. For example, if the business hours of a gaming establishment end before the date change time (midnight), the non-business hours can be set to a time after the business end time, so that the execution period of the notification can continue until after the business hours. If the business hours span the date change time (for example, if the business hours are from 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.), a later time (1:05 a.m.) can be set as the non-business hours according to the business hours. In this case, it is also possible to set the date change time (midnight) as the non-business hours, and count the specific difference in the number of balls by treating the business hours up to the non-business hours and the business hours after that as business hours of different business days.

[Embodiment 5]
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. In relation to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the first to fourth embodiments described above, different configurations will be basically described, and the same names and symbols will be used for common configurations, and detailed descriptions will be omitted.

In the above-mentioned first to fourth embodiments, when the reset button 180 provided on the frame control board 150 is pressed (state restoration operation) and a state restoration signal is input to the frame control microcomputer 151, the frame control microcomputer 151 resets the stored value (count value of the specific difference ball count) of the difference ball count storage unit 172 and instructs the game control microcomputer 61 to make the game playable (transition from the unplayable state to the playable state) (sets and transmits a playable command). However, in this configuration, even if the business hours end without the specific difference ball count reaching the "reference number" (without transitioning to the unplayable state), the game store staff needs to take the trouble of pressing the reset button 180 (state restoration operation) to reset the stored value of the difference ball count storage unit 172, but since no unplayable notification is given, the staff tends to forget to perform this operation. However, if this operation is neglected, the count of the specific difference ball count will remain until the next business day, and the player's play on the next business day will be unfairly restricted. In response to this, if the specific ball difference number were automatically reset by turning the power off and on, the specific ball difference number count would not remain until the next business day. However, in this case, there is a problem because the specific ball difference number count would be reset even if the power was turned off and on for another purpose.
Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, the count of the specific ball difference occurring during business hours is reset when the power is subsequently turned on (power restored), provided that a transition to non-business hours has been made.

Specifically, the frame control microcomputer 151 is configured to measure the time from when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned off to when it is turned on again (duration of the power OFF state) based on the time information of the RTC 124 (timekeeping means), and store it in the RAM 170. Generally, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is not in a power OFF state for several hours during the business hours of the gaming establishment. Taking advantage of this, in this embodiment, when a power ON (power return) 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 transition to non-business hours, and the memory value (count value) of the specific difference number of balls by the difference number memory unit 172 (difference number of balls memory means) is reset at the time of power ON. Note that in a gaming establishment, during the non-business hours from the closing time to the opening time of business, the power may be ON for 1 to 2 hours from the closing time of business and 1 to 2 hours until the opening time of business for inspection, etc. Taking such time into consideration, the frame control microcomputer 151 can set the predetermined time, which is the standard for determining the duration of the power OFF state, to something shorter than the entire non-business hours, such as "6 hours." Note that in this case, the predetermined time can be set appropriately within a range that is at least half the non-business hours (12 hours), which is the time from the end of business hours to the start of the next business hours, but is less than the non-business hours.

In addition, in the fifth embodiment, in order to further improve operability, not only is the specific ball difference number reset, but the unplayable state is released and the unplayable notification is terminated in response to an operation similar to that of resetting the specific ball difference number (power-on operation after transition to non-business hours). For this reason, in this embodiment, the reset button 180 provided on the frame control board 150 in the other embodiments is not necessary. Note that the release of the unplayable state and the termination of the unplayable notification may also be performed separately in response to an operation of the reset button 180 (state return operation).

Here, the ball difference number determination process (FIG. 47) executed by the frame control microcomputer 151 of embodiment 5 will be described. The ball difference number determination process has the same processes from S500 to S506 and S508 and S509 as the ball difference number determination process (FIG. 31) executed in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 4, but instead of S507, new processes (S5073, S5074) have been added.

In the fourth embodiment, the frame control microcomputer 151 determines whether the timing of switching the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 from OFF to ON has come to an end after the processes of S501 to S506 have been completed during the ball difference determination process (S5073). If it is determined in S5073 that the timing is not to switch the power from OFF to ON (S5073: NO), it ends the ball difference determination process. On the other hand, if it is determined in S5073 that the timing is to switch the power from OFF to ON (S5073: YES), it checks the time information from the RTC 124 and determines the duration of the power OFF state up until that point. It then determines whether that duration was equal to or longer than a predetermined time (6 hours) (S5074).

If 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 ball difference number stored in the ball difference number memory unit 172 in S508, and sets a game enable command directed to the game control microcomputer 61 in S509, thereby terminating the ball difference number determination process.
On the other hand, if it is determined in S5071 that the power OFF state has not continued for the specified time (6 hours) or longer (S5074: NO), the processes of S508 and S509 described above are not performed and the ball difference determination process is terminated.

(Effects of the Fifth Embodiment)
According to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment 5, the following operational effects are achieved.
(5-1)
In the pachinko game machine 1, a plurality of winning holes (ball entry holes) 10a, 14a, 12a, 11 are provided in the game area 3 where the game balls can flow down, and when a ball enters the starting hole (trigger hole) 10a, 12a among these winning holes, a game control microcomputer 61 (a winning judgment means, a generating means) executes a special winning judgment (a winning judgment), and when this special winning judgment results in a winning judgment, a big winning game state (a winning game state) is generated in which a game ball can enter the big winning hole 14a (a special ball entry hole) among the winning holes. In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 (a prize ball awarding determination means) determines the awarding of a prize ball when a ball enters the winning hole. The frame control microcomputer 151 (calculation means) calculates a specific difference in balls, which is the number of game balls that changes based on the award of prize balls, and more specifically, the number of game balls that corresponds to the maximum value of the variation range of the difference in balls. The specific difference in balls storage area 172d in the difference in balls storage unit 172 (difference in balls storage means) stores the calculated specific difference in balls. In response to this, the game control microcomputer 61 (game disablement means) transitions to a game disable state when the specific difference in balls reaches a "reference number". Thus, it is possible to prevent excessive award of prize balls to the player, while allowing the player to play the game in a suitable manner.
In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 can reset the count value of the specific ball difference number stored in the ball difference number storage unit 172 during business hours of the gaming arcade, on the condition that the arcade moves to non-business hours.
In other words, by making it possible to reset the count value of the specific ball difference number on the condition of a transition from business hours to non-business hours, the problem of the count value of the specific ball difference number remaining until the next business day can be solved.
(5-2)
The frame control microcomputer 151 (timing means) measures the duration of the power-off state based on time information from the RTC 124. Then, based on whether this power-off state continues for a predetermined period of time (6 hours) or more, it determines whether the state has shifted from business hours to non-business hours.
By making a judgment based on the duration of this power-off state, it is possible to determine whether or not the operation hours have changed, thereby solving the problem that the count value of a specific ball difference may remain until the next business day.
(5-3)
Here, in the pachinko game machine 1, whether or not the duration of the power OFF state is a predetermined time (6 hours) or more is determined in response to a power ON operation (operation to return the power to ON). If the determination results in the duration being the predetermined time (6 hours) or more, the count value of the specific ball difference is reset.
In other words, when the power is turned on after the power has been turned off for a predetermined period of time, the count value of the specific ball difference is reset without any other operation. This ensures that the count value of the specific ball difference is reset and does not remain until the next business day.
(5-4)
The specified time used as the standard for determining the duration of the power-off state is set to a time that is at least half the time between the closing time and the opening time of the gaming establishment (non-business hours) and is less than this non-business hours.
In this way, by using a predetermined time that takes into consideration the time during which the power is turned off during non-business hours of the gaming establishment, an accurate determination can be made as to whether or not the establishment has transitioned to non-business hours.

[Other embodiments]
In the above-described embodiments 1 to 5, a specific difference in balls (the number of game balls stored in the specific difference in balls memory area) corresponding to the maximum value of the range of fluctuation in the difference in balls due to play is used as the specific number of balls that changes based on the awarding of prize balls, but it is also possible to use the difference in balls (the current difference in balls stored in the current difference in balls memory area) as the specific number of balls.
In the above-described embodiments 1 to 5, a configuration example of a smart pachinko (a managed gaming machine, an enclosed gaming machine) equipped with a ball circulation mechanism that circulates gaming balls within the machine has been described as the pachinko gaming machine 1, but the present invention may also be applied to a pachinko gaming machine equipped with a ball payout mechanism that pays out gaming balls (prize balls) into a ball tray on the front of the machine.
The specific numbers of game balls (99,359, 99,360, 99,872, 99,999) set as the first to third index numbers and reference numbers in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 5 are merely examples and can be changed and set as appropriate.
In the above-mentioned first to fifth embodiments, the specific ball difference number (specific ball number) is counted and managed by the control of the frame control microcomputer of the frame control board. In contrast, the specific ball difference number may be counted and managed by the control of another control board, for example, the game control microcomputer of the main control board (control means for executing the game disablement) or the performance control microcomputer of the sub-control board (control means for executing the game disablement notification).
In the above-mentioned first to fifth embodiments, the frame control microcomputer's ball difference number storage unit and the game control microcomputer's notification storage unit are configured to store different specific ball difference numbers, but it is also possible to configure the frame control microcomputer to always store the same specific ball difference number. In this case, it is sufficient to configure the frame control microcomputer to always notify the game control microcomputer of the specific ball difference number, not only when the specific ball difference number becomes a certain number or more.
In the first embodiment described above, when the specific difference ball number is less than the reference number and is equal to or greater than the third indicator number (indicator number), the big win gaming state (specific difference ball number gaming state) ends, and the end of the big win gaming state is triggered to transition to an unplayable state. In contrast, in a gaming machine that can generate a small win gaming state depending on the result of a special chart win judgment (small win judgment), the following can be done.
In other words, if the small win rush game state (specific ball difference game state) ends when the specific ball difference number is less than the reference number and is equal to or greater than the third indicator number (indicator number), the end of the small win rush state may be used as a trigger to transition to an unplayable state.
In addition, the small win game state occurs when a specific judgment result (small win result) that does not correspond to a big win is obtained in a win judgment (jackpot judgment, small win judgment), but it is a game state in which the special ball entry port (large prize entry port) is opened for a period of time not exceeding a predetermined period of time (a period of time shorter than the round of the big win game state), and it is a game state that does not trigger the end of the high base state or low base state.
In addition, the small win rush state refers to a game state in which, for example, in a configuration in which a generating means (game control microcomputer) can create a small win game state in which a special ball entry port (large prize entry port) is opened when a small win determination (special chart win determination) performed by a small win determination means (game control microcomputer) in response to a ball entering a trigger port (starting port) results in a win, the small win game state can occur at shorter time intervals than a normal game state (low probability state), or a game state in which the small win game state occurs as a state in which it is possible (easy) for the ball to enter the special ball entry port.
In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, the suggestive effects that suggest the result of the special chart hit judgment are provided with a normal suggestive effect in which the selection probability does not change with an increase in the number of specific difference balls, and a specific suggestive effect in which the selection probability increases with an increase in the number of specific difference balls. In contrast, the selection probability may be set to decrease with an increase in the number of specific difference balls for one of the normal suggestive effects and the specific suggestive effect.
Although the suggestive performance selection table (FIG. 35) for suggestive performance (normal suggestive performance/specific suggestive performance) has been described as a table commonly referred to in both high base state and low base state, or as a table referred to in the high base state, it is also possible to refer to the table for selecting suggestive performance at least in the low base state (performing a specific suggestive performance in the low base state). For example, if the low base state is the aforementioned small win rush state, the possibility of the specific difference ball count reaching the reference number increases even in the low base state, and the specific suggestive performance can increase interest.
In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, the suggestive effects (normal suggestive effects, specific suggestive effects) that suggest the result of the special chart hit judgment are selected regardless of whether or not they are reach or the type of reach, but the selection probability of the suggestive effects (normal suggestive effects, specific suggestive effects) may be set in association with whether or not they are reach or the type of reach. For example, it is possible to set the selection probability of the specific suggestive effect to increase as the specific difference ball number increases, and to set it so that when this specific suggestive effect is executed, it always develops into a reach with a high expectation (such as an SP reach), or to set it so that when the specific difference ball number is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of game balls (for example, equal to or greater than the third indicator number), when the specific suggestive effect is executed, it always develops into a reach with a high expectation (such as an SP reach).
In the above-described first and second embodiments, the normal scenario presentation as a jackpot presentation executed during a jackpot game state is changed to a special scenario presentation in response to an increase in the specific difference in ball count at the start of a round, but it may also be changed to a special scenario presentation in response to an increase in the specific difference in ball count.
In the above-mentioned third embodiment, when the specific number of difference balls (maximum number of difference balls) reaches a reference number during a jackpot game state, the game waits until the end of the jackpot game state before transitioning to an unplayable state. In other words, the game balls acquired in the jackpot game state that is being executed at the time when the specific number of difference balls reaches the reference number are guaranteed. In contrast, when the specific number of difference balls reaches the reference number during a consecutive winning period, the game may wait until the end of the consecutive winning period before transitioning to an unplayable state (in other words, the game balls acquired in the consecutive winning period that is being held at the time when the specific number of difference balls reaches the reference number are guaranteed).
In the above-mentioned embodiment 2, when the specific difference ball number is less than the reference number and is equal to or greater than the third indicator number (indicator number), in the case of transition from the high base state (advantageous game state advantageous to the player) to the normal game state (low base state), the game disable means (game control microcomputer) is configured to transition to the game disable state upon transition to the normal game state. On the other hand, in a gaming machine capable of generating a small win game state according to the result of the special chart win judgment (small win judgment), the following can be done.
In other words, when transitioning from the aforementioned small win rush state (a favorable gaming state for the player) to a normal gaming state (low base state), the game disablement means (game control microcomputer) may be configured to transition to a game disable state upon transition to the normal gaming state.

In the above-mentioned embodiment 3, when the specific difference ball number reaches a reference number during a jackpot game state, the machine waits until the end of the jackpot game state before transitioning to a non-playable state, and when the pre-judgment performed at the time of winning the starting hole results in a judgment result that a jackpot game state (a game state with an increased difference ball number) is generated, and the specific difference ball number at that point has increased to a number of game balls that can reach the reference number during the jackpot game state that will be generated thereafter, a pre-reading performance is executed. On the other hand, in a gaming machine that can generate a small jackpot game state according to the result of a special chart hit judgment (small jackpot judgment), the following can be done.
In other words, if the pre-determination results in a determination that the aforementioned small win rush state (game state with an increasing number of difference balls) will occur, and the specific number of difference balls at that time has increased to a number of game balls that can reach a reference number during the small win rush state that will be created later, then a pre-reading performance may be executed.
In the above-mentioned embodiment 3, a case was described in which the color of the reserved image displayed on the screen of the display device was changed as the pre-reading effect. However, the pre-reading effect is not limited to this, and a reserved effect that changes the shape of the reserved image may be adopted, or an effect that changes the display pattern or background image on the screen may be adopted.
In the above-mentioned embodiment 3, the hitting style notification that encourages a playing style that can suppress an increase in the specific difference ball number is configured to be executed during a winning game state (a sure-win jackpot) when it has been determined that control will be performed to suppress or avoid the player's reduction in the number of balls he has until the start of the next jackpot game state, but it may also be configured to execute the hitting style notification during the period when it has been determined that control will be performed to suppress or avoid the player's reduction in the number of balls he has until the start of the next jackpot game state (for example, the above-mentioned small win rush state), and when this state is occurring.
In the above-mentioned embodiment 3, when the specific difference ball number decreases during the execution of the hitting method notification, the hitting method notification is interrupted, and when the specific difference ball number increases again after that, the hitting method notification is resumed. In contrast, once the hitting method notification is started, it may be configured not to end until the big win game state occurs.
In the above-mentioned embodiment 3, the hitting method notification is configured to notify the player of a way of playing that can limit an excessive increase in the specific difference in balls depending on the number of reserved balls. However, the hitting method notification may be configured to notify the player of a way of playing that can limit an excessive increase in the specific difference in balls. For example, the difference in balls display area may be enlarged to emphasize the display of the specific difference in balls, thereby making the player aware that the specific difference in balls is increasing, thereby causing the player to stop firing the game balls.
In the above-described fourth embodiment, when an operation to reset the count value of the specific ball difference number is performed during the opening hours of an amusement arcade, a warning alert is initiated without resetting the count value of the specific ball difference number, but a warning alert may also be initiated while resetting the count value of the specific ball difference number.
In the above-described fourth embodiment, when an operation is performed to transition from a non-playable state to a playable state during the opening hours of an amusement facility, a warning is issued without canceling the non-playable state, but the warning may be issued while canceling the non-playable state.
In the above-described fourth embodiment, when an operation to terminate the unplayable notification is performed during the opening hours of the gaming establishment, a warning notification is initiated without terminating the unplayable notification, but the warning notification may also be initiated while terminating the unplayable notification.
In the above-mentioned embodiment 5, when the power is turned on, if the duration of the power off state immediately before the power is turned on is a predetermined time or more (6 hours), the count value of the specific ball difference is reset. In contrast, if a predetermined non-business time (e.g., midnight) has passed while the power is off immediately before the power is turned on, the count value of the specific ball difference may be reset.
In the above-mentioned embodiment 5, if the duration of the power OFF state immediately before turning on the power is a predetermined time or more (6 hours), the count value of the specific ball difference is reset, and the transition from the unplayable state to the playable state and the end of the unplayable notification are performed. In contrast, either or both of the transition from the unplayable state to the playable state and the end of the unplayable notification may be performed based on a predetermined operation, separately from the reset of the count value of the specific ball difference.

In the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 5, whether or not the jackpot game state is set is determined based on the result of the special winning judgment based on the jackpot random number obtained as a result of winning the starting hole. In contrast, whether or not the jackpot game state is set may be determined based on the entry (passage) of the game ball into a specific area provided inside the jackpot winning hole.
In the above-mentioned first to fifth embodiments, the type of the jackpot game state (e.g., whether or not a high probability state is generated after the end of the jackpot game state) is determined based on the result of the jackpot type determination using the jackpot type random number value obtained as a result of winning the starting hole. In contrast, the type of the jackpot game state (e.g., whether or not a high probability state is generated after the end of the jackpot game state) may be determined as a result of the game ball entering (passing through) a specific area provided inside the jackpot winning hole.
In the above-mentioned first to fifth embodiments, a configuration example was described in which a control process (so-called special 2 priority variation) is adopted to consume the second special chart reserved in preference to the consumption of the first special chart reserved. In contrast, a control process (so-called winning order (storage order) variation) may be adopted in which the first special chart reserved and the second special chart reserved are consumed in order from the oldest one stored, without setting a priority between the consumption of the first special chart reserved and the consumption of the second special chart reserved. Alternatively, a control process (so-called simultaneous variation) in which the first special chart reserved and the second special chart reserved are consumed simultaneously may be adopted. In addition, in the case of simultaneous fluctuation, the winning entry into the second starting port, which is the trigger for the variable display of the special chart 2, is configured to occur regardless of the game state, and the variable time of the special chart 2 in the first game state (low probability state) is set to a long time (e.g. 30 minutes, etc.) compared to the time in the second game state (high probability state) (e.g. 5 seconds to 30 seconds), and during the variable display of the special chart 2, which results in a big win or small win in the first game state, if the variable display of the special chart 1 ends with the result of a big win or small win, the variable display of the special chart 2 may be stopped and ended with a result of a miss. In this way, it is possible to prevent the player from playing with the aim of winning the second starting port in the first game state, and to prevent a situation in which the long variable display of the special chart 2 in the first game state ends after the player's game ends, causing a big win or small win to occur on a gaming machine where the player is absent.
In the above-mentioned first to fifth embodiments, the high probability high base state and the low probability high base state (support state) are generated as a game state (advantageous game state) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state (low probability low base state). In contrast, the high probability low base state may be generated as an advantageous game state. The high probability low base state may be the small win rush state described above.
In the above-mentioned first to fifth embodiments, the present invention has been applied to a pachinko game machine in which a game is played using game balls as a game medium. In contrast, the present invention can also be applied to a reel-type game machine (slot machine) in which a game is played using game medals or the like as a game medium and the game medals or the like are awarded (paid out) to the player in accordance with the game.
That is, the gaming machine is equipped with a start operation means (start lever) which is operated to start the display reel, and a stop operation means (stop button) which is operated to stop the display reel, and is capable of holding a lottery based on the operation of the start operation means, and stopping a pattern based on the lottery result at a stopping position when the display reel is stopped at a timing according to the operation of the stop operation means, and is configured to include a difference media number calculation means which calculates a difference media number which is the difference between the number of media acquired through play and the number of media consumed, a difference media number storage means which stores the difference media number, and a game disabling means which transitions from a playable state to a game disabling state when the difference media number reaches a reference number due to an increase in the number of acquired media, and the various configurations described in embodiments 1 to 5 can be applied by replacing the number of game balls (specific difference ball number, reference number, index number) with the number of game medals.

1... Pachinko game machine, 3... Game area, 10a... First start port (ball entry port, trigger port), 11... General prize port (ball entry port), 12a... Second start port (ball entry port, trigger port), 13... Gate (ball entry port), 14a... Big prize port (ball entry port, special ball entry port), 61... Game control microcomputer (win determination means, prize ball award determination means, information output means, generation means, game disablement means), 101... Presentation control microcomputer (presentation control means, foresight determination means), 151... Frame control microcomputer (calculation means), 172... Ball difference memory unit (storage means).

Claims (2)

the game machine comprises a plurality of types of ball entry ports which are provided in a game area through which game balls can flow down and through which game balls can enter; ball entry information acquisition means for acquiring ball entry information when a ball enters a trigger port which is one type of ball entry port; hit determination means for making a hit determination based on the ball entry information; generating means for creating a winning game state in which a ball can enter a special ball entry port which is one type of ball entry port when the hit determination result is a hit; prize ball award determination means for determining whether to award prize balls when a ball enters the ball entry port; information output means for outputting the ball entry information acquired by the ball entry information acquisition means at the timing associated with its acquisition; and presentation control means for controlling presentation based on the information output by the information output means;
The performance control means includes a reserve storage means for storing the winning ball information up to a reserved upper limit number according to the input order, and a look-ahead judgment means for executing a pre-judgment based on the winning ball information stored in the reserve storage means,
A calculation means for calculating a specific number of balls that changes based on the award of the prize balls;
A storage means for storing the specific number of balls;
a game disablement means for transitioning to a game disablement state when the specific number of balls reaches a predetermined reference number,
The presentation control means controls the execution of a predetermined presentation when the pre-determination results in a determination that creates the winning game state and the specific number of balls stored in the memory means at that time is within a range of game balls that is greater than the number obtained by subtracting the estimated increase in ball difference, which is the number of game balls that can be obtained in the winning game state that is created, from the reference number. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game disable means delays a transition to the game disable state until the winning game state ends when the specific number of balls reaches the reference number during the winning game state.

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