JP7466936B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

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

Conventionally, there is known a gaming machine in which, when a gaming ball enters a predetermined winning hole (e.g., a starting hole), a win/loss determination is made, and if the result of the win/loss determination is a jackpot, a jackpot game is executed. In a jackpot game, a gaming ball is placed in a state in which it can win a prize in a jackpot winning hole, and a gaming value such as prize balls is awarded to the player based on the winning of the jackpot winning hole (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2016-221113 A

Incidentally, in recent years, players' "addiction" to gaming machines such as pachinko machines has become a problem. In response to this, it is known to display "images calling attention to the risk of addiction" on the display screen of gaming machines to warn players. However, it is difficult to say that this has effectively prevented addiction.

The present invention was made to solve the problems that existed in the past, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that allows players to enjoy playing to a moderate degree.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises: launching means for launching gaming balls into a gaming area; a winning port into which the gaming balls can enter; prize ball control means for paying out prize balls when the gaming ball enters the winning port; calculation means for calculating a specific calculation number based on the number of prize balls; gaming control means for controlling the game to a specific state in which a game cannot be executed on condition that the specific calculation number reaches a specified number; advance notification effect execution means for executing an advance notification effect which suggests in advance that the game will be controlled to the specific state by the gaming control means when the specific calculation number reaches a notification reference number whose absolute value is smaller than the specified number; and a game state control means for controlling the game state, wherein the advantageous game state is a game state that is advantageous for winning a jackpot, and the suggestive performance execution means controls the execution mode of the suggestive performance when the pre-notification performance is performed in the advantageous game state so that at least one of the game state after the jackpot game and the likelihood of the advantageous game state occurring cannot be guessed during a specific period from when the pre-notification performance is executed until the game is stopped by the game control means.

The gaming machine of the present invention having the above configuration allows players to enjoy gaming to a moderate degree.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko game machine. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a storage device. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing, in blocks, the electrical configuration of a main control board and peripheral devices. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing, in blocks, the electrical configuration of a sub-control board and peripheral devices. FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a big win determination table. An explanatory diagram of a jackpot type determination table. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a reach 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 sensor detection 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. 15 is a continuation of the flowchart in FIG. 14 . 13 is a flowchart of special pattern change processing. 13 is a flowchart of a game stop control process. 13 is a flowchart of a frame side timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of an input process in a frame side timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a sub-side main control 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. 1A is a schematic diagram showing an advance notification image, and FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing a game stop image. 13 is a flowchart of an advance notification performance control process. This is an explanatory diagram of a performance selection table for selecting a variable performance pattern which is referred to before the advance notification performance. This is an explanatory diagram of a performance selection table for selecting a variable performance pattern which is referenced after the advance notification performance. (a) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a preview performance during a jackpot, (b) is an explanatory diagram of a performance selection table for selecting a preview performance during a jackpot that is referred to before the pre-notification performance, and (c) is an explanatory diagram of a performance selection table for selecting a preview performance during a jackpot that is referred to after the pre-notification performance. (a) is an explanatory diagram of a performance selection table for selecting a background preview performance which is referred to before the advance notice performance, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of a performance selection table for selecting a background preview performance which is referred to after the advance notice performance. 13 is a flowchart of a performance content selection process. 1A is a schematic diagram showing the flow of the game before the advance notification performance, and FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing the flow of the game after the advance notification performance.

A pachinko gaming machine as a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, when describing the direction of each part of the pachinko gaming machine, the direction as seen by a player playing opposite the pachinko gaming machine will be used as the reference. Specifically, the left-right and up-down directions of each part of the pachinko gaming machine are the left-right and up-down directions as seen by the player. In addition, the direction approaching the player using the pachinko gaming machine as the reference will be referred to as the front, and the direction moving away from the player will be referred to as the rear.

[Main components of a pachinko machine]
1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a gaming machine frame 16. The gaming machine frame 16 is composed of a front frame 18, an inner frame 24, and an outer frame 25 in that order from the front side.

The outer frame 25 is a vertically rectangular frame body, and forms the outer shell of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The inner frame 24 is disposed inside the outer frame 25, and a game board 2 (described later) is attached to it. The front frame 18 is disposed on the front side of the inner frame 24 and the outer frame 25. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, the front frame 18 and the inner frame 24 are fixed to the upper left part of the pachinko gaming machine 1 by hinges (not shown) so that they can each rotate.

The front frame 18 also includes a handle 4, a performance lever 6, a speaker 8, a performance button 9, a left side lamp 23a, and a right side lamp 23b.
The handle 4 is provided at the lower right of the front frame 18, that is, at a position where a player facing the pachinko machine 1 can grip 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 at a position where the right hand of the player gripping the handle 4 can touch. The firing lever 4a is for adjusting the strength of the firing of the game balls, 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 at a position where it can be operated by the thumb of the right hand gripping the handle 4.

The performance lever 6 is provided on the lower left end of the front frame 18. In other words, the performance lever 6 is provided on the front frame 18 at a position where the player facing the pachinko gaming machine 1 can operate it with his/her left hand. The performance lever 6 is shaped so that it can be held in the left hand, and can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, as well as tilted in four directions: up, down, left, and right. The performance lever 6 is also provided with a performance lever vibration motor 6c (Figure 4). The performance lever vibration motor 6c vibrates the performance lever 6, and vibrates at a predetermined timing during the period when the operation of the performance lever 6 is valid. When the player operates the performance lever 6 during the period when the operation of the performance lever 6 is valid, a specific performance is performed. Hereinafter, a specific performance that is triggered by the operation of the performance lever 6 is referred to as a lever performance.

The speakers 8 are provided at the upper left and right corners of the front frame 18, respectively, and output sounds such as music, sound effects, and notification sounds according to the content of the performance.
The performance button 9 is provided in a position in the front frame 18 where the player facing the pachinko game machine 1 can press the button with his/her right or left hand. The performance button 9 is also provided in a position in the front frame 18 where the player can press the button with his/her right hand while operating the performance lever 6 with his/her left hand. The performance button 9 can be, for example, a push-on button switch. The performance button 9 has a performance button vibration motor 9b (FIG. 4) and a performance button lamp 9c (FIG. 4) built in. The performance button vibration motor 9b vibrates the performance button 9, and vibrates at a predetermined timing during the period when the performance button 9 is pressed. In this embodiment, the performance button lamp 9c is an LED. The performance button lamp 9c can emit multiple colors, and lights up or blinks when the performance button 9 is pressed during the period when the performance button 9 is pressed or according to the performance content, and further changes the emission color. The surface of the performance button 9 is formed of a translucent material, and is designed so that the player can see the light emitted by the performance button lamp 9c.

The effect button 9 has a built-in elastic member such as a spring (not shown) for returning the pressed effect button 9 to the position it was in before it was pressed, and when the pressed state is released, the elastic member's restoring force causes the effect button 9 to return to the state it was in before it was pressed. When a player presses the effect button 9 while the pressing of the effect button 9 is valid, a specific effect is performed. Hereinafter, a specific effect that is performed as a result of the operation of the effect button 9 is referred to as a button effect.

A left side lamp 23a is provided on the left side of the front frame 18, and a right side lamp 23b is provided on the right side of the front frame 18. The front frame 18 in the portion in which the left side lamp 23a and the right side lamp 23b are provided has translucency, and a plurality of L lamps are provided on the inside of the translucent portion.
Each LED is capable of emitting light of multiple colors, and lights up or blinks according to the content of the performance, and further changes the light emission color.

In addition, a storage device 26 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later, is provided at the bottom of the inner frame 24. The storage device 26 can store a predetermined number of game balls. After being launched toward the game area 3, which will be described later, the game balls flow down the game area 3 and return to the storage device 26 again. In other words, the game balls stored in the storage device 26 circulate without being discharged to the outside of the pachinko game machine 1. The pachinko game machine 1 is a so-called "enclosed type pachinko game machine (managed game machine)". As a result, the pachinko game machine 1 does not require a mechanism (a prize ball payout device, a prize ball motor, an upper tray, a lower tray, etc.) for paying out game balls to a player, as in a game machine in which game balls stored inside are discharged to the outside (a so-called "non-enclosed type pachinko game machine"). In addition, the pachinko machine 1 does not have an upper or lower tray on the front frame 18, so the player does not come into contact with the game balls.

The pachinko game machine 1 also includes a game board 2, a glass plate 5, and a performance display device 7.
The game board 2 is located approximately in the center of the pachinko game machine 1, that is, in a position that is approximately directly opposite the face of the player. The front of the game board 2 is covered with a transparent glass plate 5. The performance display device 7 is located behind the game board 2, and its screen is exposed from approximately the center of the game board 2.

On the surface of the game board 2, a game area 3 (corresponding to the game area of the present invention) in which the game balls flow (roll) is formed. The game area 3 has a left game area 3A formed on the left side of the screen of the performance display device 7, and a right game area 3B formed on the right side of the screen of the performance display device 7. A number of game nails (not shown) are driven into the surface of the game board 2 to change the direction in which the game balls flow down. LEDs are provided at multiple locations on the game board 2, and in Figure 4, these LEDs are collectively referred to as "board lamps 2a". Each LED that makes up the board lamps 2a can emit multiple colors, light up or blink depending on the performance content, and also change the emitted color.

The pachinko game machine 1 also has a ball count display MH at the bottom center of the front frame 18. The ball count display MH displays the number of game balls that the player has available for play as the "ball count." The ball count display MH is a seven-segment display. The display control of the ball count display MH is controlled by the frame control microcomputer 73a, which will be described later.

The game board 2 also includes a fixed winning device 10, a gate 12, a general winning port 13, a center decoration 14, a movable body 15, a rail member 17, a general variable winning device (also called an electric chute) 20, a big winning device 30, and displays 50.

The fixed winning device 10 is located approximately in the center of the game board 2. The fixed winning device 10 has a first starting hole 11 through which game balls can enter (win) one at a time. The first starting hole 11 is always open, and the probability that a game ball will win in the first starting hole 11 does not change much. The gate 12 is located in the right game area 3B, and is configured to allow game balls flowing down the right game area 3B to pass through. The general winning hole 13 is located in the left game area 3A, to the left of the fixed winning device 10.

The center decorative body 14 is placed at the top of the game board 2. The center decorative body 14 is translucent, and on its inside are provided multiple LEDs that light up or flash depending on the performance content. The movable body 15 is placed behind the center decorative body 14. Figure 1 shows a state in which the movable body 15 is almost hidden by the center decorative body 14. The movable body 15 descends downward at a predetermined timing depending on the performance content, and displaces into a state that is visible to the player.

The rail member 17 is arranged along the periphery of the game board 2. The rail member 17 guides the game balls launched by the launching device 90 (Figure 3) to the game area 3. An outlet 19 is opened in the center of the bottom of the game board 2 for discharging game balls that do not win anywhere.

The normal variable winning device 20 is located below the gate 12 in the right game area 3B. The normal variable winning device 20 is equipped with a movable member (electric tulip) 21. The movable member 21 is configured to be rotatable around the base end as a rotation axis, and the second starting hole 22 is opened and closed by the opening and closing operation of the movable member 21. When the movable member 21 opens, the second starting hole 22 is opened, and the game balls are easily entered (entered) into the second starting hole 22 one by one. When the movable member 21 closes, the second starting hole 22 is closed, and the game balls cannot enter the second starting hole 22. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the normal variable winning device 20 is located to the right of the game area 3, but it may be located below the game area 3.

The large prize winning device 30 is located in the right game area 3B, to the right of the fixed prize winning device 10. The large prize winning device 30 is equipped with an opening/closing member 31 that opens and closes the large prize winning opening 32. The large prize winning opening 32 is formed to a size that allows multiple game balls to win (enter). The opening/closing member 31 is formed in a long plate shape in the left-right direction, and is configured to be rotatable around the left and right lower ends as rotation axes.

As described above, in the pachinko game machine 1, the firing strength of the game ball can be adjusted by adjusting the firing 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 3A or the right game area 3B. When the game ball is fired toward the left game area 3A, it can win in the first start gate 11 or the general prize gate 13. On the other hand, when the game ball is fired toward the right game area 3B, it can win in the gate 12, the second start gate 22, or the big prize gate 32. The first start gate 11, the general prize gate 13, the second start gate 22, and the big prize gate 32 are examples of the prize gates of the present invention.

In this embodiment, a flow path is formed by game nails, etc., so that the game ball cannot enter the first starting hole 11 when a right-handed hit is made. Therefore, when a right-handed hit is made, almost all of the game balls launched are guided to the second starting hole 22 side without flowing toward the first starting hole 11 side. Meanwhile, multiple game nails are driven into the periphery of the first starting hole 11 to change the flow direction of the game ball (not shown). Therefore, when a left-handed hit is made, not all of the launched game balls are guided to the first starting hole 11, but they may come into contact with the game nails around the first starting hole 11 and flow down the game area 3 without entering the first starting hole 11.

The pachinko game machine 1 also has one discharge path (not shown) provided outside the game area 3. This discharge path is connected to all ball entry ports in the pachinko game machine 1 (the first start port 11, the general winning port 13, the second start port 22, the big winning port 32, and the out port 19). Therefore, game balls that enter the first start port 11, the general winning port 13, the second start port 22, the big winning port 32, or the out port 19 always pass through the discharge path. Game balls that pass through the discharge path head toward the storage device 26 and are stored in the storage device 26.

The display devices 50 are provided on the game board 2 outside the game area 3 and below the big winning device 30. As shown in FIG. 3, the display devices 50 include a first special pattern display device 51 that variably displays a first special pattern (also called a first special pattern), a second special pattern display device 52 that variably displays a second special pattern (also called a second special pattern), and a normal pattern display device 53 that variably displays a normal pattern (also called a normal pattern). Furthermore, the display devices 50 include a first special pattern reserve display device 51a that displays the number of reserved operations of the first special pattern display device 51, a second special pattern reserve display device 52a that displays the number of reserved operations of the second special pattern display device 52, and a normal pattern reserve display device 53a that displays the number of reserved operations of the normal pattern display device 53. Hereinafter, when matters common to the first special pattern and the second special pattern are described, they will simply be referred to as special patterns. In addition, when describing 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 special pattern display devices.

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

The normal symbol display 53 is composed of multiple (for example, two) LEDs. The LEDs that light up and go out represent normal symbols, and the alternating lighting of the LEDs represents the variable display of the normal symbols. When the game ball passes through the gate 12, 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 normal variable winning device 20 is activated, the movable member 21 opens, and the second starting hole 22 opens.

When the game ball enters the first starting hole 11, a jackpot determination (also called a jackpot lottery) is performed to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won, and the first special symbol display 51 displays the first special symbol in a variable manner. Then, the first special symbol display 51 displays the first special symbol corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first special symbol display 51 started to display the first special symbol in a variable manner. If the first special symbol displayed in a variable manner is a special symbol indicating a jackpot, a jackpot occurs, the big prize winning device 30 is activated, the opening and closing member 31 is opened and closed, and the big prize winning hole 32 is opened and closed. When the game ball enters the first starting hole 11 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 memory number of reserved operations of the first special symbol display 51 is referred to as the first special symbol reserved number.

When the game ball enters the second starting hole 22, a jackpot determination (also called a jackpot lottery) is performed, and the second special symbol display 52 variably displays the second special symbol. Then, the second special symbol display 52 displays the second special symbol corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination after a predetermined time has elapsed since the second special symbol display 52 started to variably display the second special symbol. If the second special symbol displayed as a fixed symbol is a special symbol indicating a jackpot, a jackpot occurs, the big prize winning device 30 is activated, the opening and closing member 31 is opened and closed, and the big prize winning hole 32 is opened and closed. When the game ball enters the second starting hole 22 while the second special symbol display 52 is variably displaying 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 memory number of reserved operations of the second special symbol display 52 is referred to as the second special symbol reserved number. Additionally, when explaining matters common to the first special symbol reserved number and the second special symbol reserved number, it will simply be referred to as the special symbol reserved number. Hereinafter, one change of the special symbol is defined as the period from when the special symbol display starts to display the special symbol fluctuation to when the special symbol is finally displayed. Additionally, the reduction of the special symbol reserved number by one each time the special symbol is fluctuated is defined as the consumption of the special symbol reserved number. The jackpot determination is an example of the hit/miss determination of the present invention.

Next, the performance display device 7 will be described.
The performance display device 7 displays dynamic and still images such as performance images, message images, and demonstration images (demo images). The player plays the game while looking at these images from the front of the pachinko gaming 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 Arabic numerals (for example, 1 to 10) and are displayed in a variable manner.
) The performance patterns may include patterns that represent characters other than numbers, such as alphabets or special characters, or may be combined with patterns that represent characters other than numbers. From left to right, the left performance pattern display area, middle performance pattern display area, and right performance pattern display area are set as areas in which the performance display device 7 variably displays the performance patterns. The left performance pattern display area displays a left performance pattern 7L, the middle performance pattern display area displays a middle performance pattern 7C, and the right performance pattern display area displays a right performance pattern 7R. Hereinafter, when explaining matters common to the left performance pattern display area, middle performance pattern display area, and right performance pattern display area, they will simply be referred to as performance pattern display areas.

The main change pattern (change mode) of each performance symbol is a change 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 change pattern in which the symbols scroll vertically. Note that other change patterns may also be used, such as a horizontal scrolling method in which the performance symbol moves from the left or right side of the screen to the other, or a method in which the performance symbols are displayed in ascending order 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 fixed pattern, it displays each effect pattern as a fixed pattern and displays the result of the big win determination. Here, the fixed display refers to a stopped display state in which the effect patterns are completely stopped without fluctuating up and down or changing again.

Hereinafter, the combination of the performance symbols that indicates that the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot is referred to as the combination of the jackpot performance symbols, and the combination of the performance symbols that indicates that the result of the jackpot determination is a miss is referred to as the combination of the miss performance symbols. The combination of the jackpot performance symbols 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. 1, the left performance symbol 7L, the center performance symbol 7C, and the right performance symbol 7R that are displayed as confirmed are all aligned with "7". Also, the combination of the miss performance symbols 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 the performance symbols are not aligned with a repeat number. For example, the left performance symbol 7L that is displayed as confirmed is "7", the center performance symbol 7C is "6", and the right performance symbol 7R is "7". Hereinafter, the change pattern of the performance symbol that the performance display device 7 changes and displays in synchronization with the special symbol is referred to as the performance symbol change pattern, and the image displayed in the background of the performance symbol change pattern is referred to as the background image. The background image can be a still image or a moving image.

In addition to notifying the result of the jackpot determination by the performance symbols, the pachinko game machine 1 also notifies the result of the jackpot determination by using a combination of the background image displayed on the performance display device 7, the sound output from the speaker 8, the lighting of the board lamp 2a, etc. Specifically, this includes various performances such as advance notice performances and reach performances.

(Storage device)
Next, the storage device 26 will be described with reference to FIG.
The storage device 26 is a device that launches the game balls stored in the storage device 26 toward the game area 3 based on the rotation operation of the handle 4, and also stores the game balls that flow down the game area 3.

The storage device 26 includes a storage section 27 capable of storing a predetermined number of game balls, and a striking hammer 28 for striking the game balls stored in the storage section 27 one by one with a firing strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the handle 4. The game balls struck by the striking hammer 28 travel along a launch path 29 extending upward from the storage section 27 toward the game area 3. As long as the game balls that have passed through the launch path 29 can flow down the game area 3, the destination of the launch path 29 is not important. For example, the launch path 29 may be connected to the lower part of the rail member 17 so that the game balls are launched from the lower part to the upper part of the rail member 17, and the game balls that have passed through the rail member 17 may flow down from the upper part of the rail member 17 toward the game area 3 along the rail member 17. The launch path 29 may also be connected to the upper end of the rail member 17 shown in FIG. 1 so that the game balls flow down from the upper end of the rail member 17 toward the game area 3.

Next, an explanation will be given of the increase or decrease in the number of balls held, which is displayed on the ball count display MH (see FIG. 1).
2, a shot ball sensor 26a is disposed in the middle of the shot path 29 to detect game balls passing through the shot path 29. Therefore, the shot ball sensor 26a detects a game ball every time it is shot from the storage device 26. In this case, the number of balls held, displayed by the ball number display MH, decreases by one as each game ball is shot.

On the other hand, in the pachinko game machine 1, when a game ball enters a specific winning hole, the player is given a number of game balls according to the winning hole. However, since the pachinko game machine 1 is an enclosed type pachinko game machine, the game balls are not actually dispensed into the upper tray or the like. To be more specific, when a game ball enters the first start hole 11, three game balls (prize balls) are given, and as a result, the number of balls held increases by "3". When a game ball enters the general winning hole 13, five game balls (prize balls) are given, and as a result, the number of balls held increases by "5". When a game ball enters the second start hole 22, three game balls (prize balls) are given, and as a result, the number of balls held increases by "3". When a game ball enters the large winning hole 32, fifteen game balls (prize balls) are given, and as a result, the number of balls held increases by "15". The number of balls described here is merely an example and can be changed as appropriate. In the following description, the award of prize balls to a player by winning through a winning slot is sometimes referred to as "paying out prize balls." However, since the pachinko game machine 1 is an enclosed type pachinko game machine, this does not mean that game balls are actually paid out onto the upper tray or the like, but rather that the number of balls held increases.

[Major 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.
The pachinko game machine 1 comprises a main control board 60 (Figure 3), a frame control board 73 (Figure 3), a sub-control board 100 (Figure 4), an image control board 200 (Figure 4), a sound control board 78 (Figure 4), and a lamp control board 79 (Figure 4).

As shown in FIG. 3, a one-chip microcomputer for game control (hereinafter referred to as the 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 a difference ball number calculation unit 67. The main control board 60 also includes an input/output circuit 65 and a RAM clear switch 66. The game control microcomputer 61 generates random numbers used in various judgments (lotteries), such as jackpot random numbers, jackpot type random numbers, reach random numbers, and fluctuation pattern random numbers. The CPU 62 detects winning, judges jackpots, and updates various random numbers. The ROM 63 stores various tables, such as the computer program executed by the CPU 62, a jackpot judgment table, a jackpot type judgment table, a reach judgment table, and a special chart fluctuation pattern selection table.

The RAM 64 is used as a work memory when the CPU 62 executes a computer program. The RAM 64 also includes a first special chart reservation memory section 64a, a second special chart reservation memory section 64b, and a general chart reservation memory section 64c.

The first special symbol reservation memory unit 64a has first to fourth memory areas. In other words, 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 change pattern random number obtained by the game control microcomputer 61 as a result of the game ball entering the first starting hole 11 are stored. When the game ball enters the first starting hole 11 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 (activation reserved), and the jackpot random number, etc. obtained as a result of the winning are stored in the first special symbol reservation memory unit 64a.

The second special symbol reservation memory unit 64b has first to fourth memory areas. In other words, 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 obtained by the game control microcomputer 61 as a result of the game ball entering the second starting hole 22 are stored. When the game ball enters the second starting hole 22 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. obtained as a result of the winning are stored in the second special symbol reservation memory unit 64b.

The jackpot random numbers, etc. are stored in the order of occurrence of the reserved operation, that is, in the order of acquisition by the game control microcomputer 61, from the first storage area of the first special symbol reserved storage unit 64a and the second special symbol reserved storage unit 64b. Therefore, when the jackpot random numbers, etc. are stored in the first to fourth storage areas, the jackpot random numbers, etc. stored in the fourth storage area are the newest information in terms of time, and the jackpot random numbers, etc. stored in the first storage area are the oldest information in terms of time. The jackpot random numbers, etc. stored in each storage area are shifted one by one to the storage area with the oldest storage order each time a special symbol variable display is completed. For example, the jackpot random numbers, etc. stored in the second storage area are shifted to the first storage area. In addition, the judgment (lottery) based on the jackpot random numbers, etc. stored in the first storage area is performed when the variable display of the special symbol by the special symbol display device ends and before the next variable display begins.

The regular symbol reservation memory unit 64c stores the regular winning random number (random number for judging (lottery) whether the regular symbol is a winning symbol or not) acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball passing through the gate 12. When the game ball passes through the gate 12 while the regular symbol display 53 is displaying a regular symbol in a variable manner, the operation of the regular symbol display 53 due to the passing is temporarily reserved (operation reserved), 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 currently performed 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 maximum number of reserved activations of the regular symbol display 53 is four. Hereinafter, the number of reserved activations of the regular symbol display 53 is referred to as the regular symbol reservation number.

The input/output circuit 65 also transmits and receives data between each board connected to the main control board 60. When the RAM clear switch 66 is pressed during startup, the RAM 64 and the RAM 120 (Figure 4) of the sub-control board 100 are initialized. The ball difference calculation unit 67 also calculates the ball difference, which will be described later.

The main control board 60 is also electrically connected to the display devices 50. As described above, the display devices 50 include a first special symbol display device 51, a second special symbol display device 52, and a normal symbol display device 53. The display devices 50 also include a first special symbol reserve display device 51a, a second special symbol reserve display device 52a, and a normal symbol reserve display device 53a. The main control board 60 is also electrically connected to the first start port sensor 11a, the second start port sensor 22a, the gate sensor 12a, the big prize port sensor 32a, the normal prize port sensor 13a, the electric chute solenoid 20a, and the big prize port solenoid 30a via the relay board 74.

The first start hole sensor 11a is provided directly below the first start hole 11 and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the first start hole 11 to the main control board 60. The second start hole sensor 22a is provided directly below the second start hole 22 and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the second start hole 22 to the main control board 60. The gate sensor 12a is provided in the area of the gate 12 where the game ball passes and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has passed through the gate 12 to the main control board 60. The special prize hole sensor 32a is provided directly below the special prize hole 32 and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the special prize hole 32 to the main control board 60. The general prize hole sensor 13a is provided directly below the general prize hole 13 and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the general prize hole 13 to the main control board 60.

The electric chute solenoid 20a drives the movable member 21 of the normal variable winning device 20 to open and close. The special winning port solenoid 30a drives the opening and closing member 31 of the special winning device 30 to open and close.
A card unit 76 is electrically connected to the main control board 60 via a frame control board 73. The card unit 76 is provided adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1, and performs operations such as reading and writing the balance on a prepaid card.

In addition, a ball count display MH is electrically connected to the frame control board 73.
The frame control board 73 manages the number of balls that the player can use for playing games, based on various commands and signals from the game control microcomputer 61 and signals from the card unit 76. The frame control board 73 also displays the number of balls that the player can use on the ball number display MH. As mentioned above, the pachinko game machine 1 is a so-called sealed-in type pachinko game machine, so it does not directly pay out prize balls to the upper tray or pay out loan balls.

The frame control board 73 also has a frame control one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as the frame control microcomputer) 73a mounted thereon. The frame control microcomputer 73a includes a CPU 73b, a ROM 73c, and a RAM 73d. The frame control board 73 also includes an input/output circuit 73e. The frame control microcomputer 73a executes display control of the number of balls held according to a program. The CPU 73b executes the program. The ROM 73c stores a program for controlling the display of the number of balls held. The RAM 73d is used as a work memory or the like when the CPU 73b executes the program. The input/output circuit 73e transmits or receives data between each board or the like connected to the frame control board 73. In this embodiment, the frame control board 73 and the main control board 60 are electrically connected, so that the game control microcomputer 61 can transmit various commands and signals to the frame control board 73 and receive signals from the frame control board 73 to monitor the increase or decrease in the number of game balls.

The frame control board 73 is electrically connected to a launching device 90 via a launching control circuit 75. The launching device 90 includes a launching motor 91, a touch switch 92, and a launching volume 93. The launching motor 91 drives a striking hammer 28 that strikes and launches game balls. The touch switch 92 outputs a signal indicating that the player has touched the handle 4. The launching volume 93 adjusts the strength with which the striking hammer 28 strikes the game ball according to the amount of rotation of the launching lever 4a. In the pachinko game machine 1, one game ball is launched in approximately 0.6 seconds. The handle 4 and the launching device 90 that controls the handle 4 are an example of the launching means of the present invention.

In addition, the frame control board 73 is electrically connected to an outlet sensor Ha and a shot ball sensor 26a via a relay board 80.
The discharge port sensor Ha is provided in a discharge path (not shown) and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has passed through the discharge path, i.e., that the game ball has flowed down the play area 3 and been discharged from the discharge port, to the frame control board 73. The fired ball sensor 26a is provided in the firing path 29 (see FIG. 2) and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has passed through the firing path 29, i.e., that the game ball has been fired toward the play area 3, to the frame control board 73.

The pachinko game machine 1 also includes a power supply board 70. The power supply board 70 supplies power to the main control board 60, the frame control board 73, and the sub-control board 100. The power supply board 70 also supplies power to each device electrically connected to the frame control board 73 via the frame control board 73. 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 from the frame control board 73 via the relay board 80 to each sensor electrically connected to the relay board 80. The power supply board 70 also supplies power to the display devices 50 electrically connected to the main control board 60 via 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 from an external source to the pachinko gaming machine 1, the backup power supply circuit 71 supplies the power necessary to retain information to the RAM 64 of the main control board 60 and the like. 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.

The main control board 60 transmits various commands to the sub-control board 100. The main control board 60 can transmit commands to the sub-control board 100, but the sub-control board 100 cannot transmit commands to the main control board 60. In other words, the communication between the main control board 60 and the sub-control board 100 is one-way communication that can only be transmitted from the main control board 60 to the sub-control board 100. On the other hand, as described above, the main control board 60 and the frame control board 73 are configured to be capable of two-way communication, but the frame control board 73 and the sub-control board 100 are not configured to be capable of communication, and in order to transmit information from the frame control board 73 to the sub-control board 100, it is necessary to go through the main control board 60. The main control board 60 and the frame control board 73 may be configured to be capable of one-way communication from the main control board 60 to the frame control board 73. They may also be configured to be capable of only one-way communication from the frame control board 73 to the sub-control board 100. In addition, the start port sensor, etc. may be electrically connected to the frame control board 73 instead of the main control board 60.

As shown in FIG. 4, the sub-control board 100 is equipped with a one-chip microcomputer for controlling effects (hereinafter referred to as the microcomputer for controlling effects) 101. The microcomputer for controlling effects 101 is equipped with a CPU 102, a ROM 110, and a RAM 120. The sub-control board 100 is also equipped with 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 is also provided with 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 the first start winning command and the like output from the main control board 60. The first start winning command is a command including the jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, fluctuation pattern random number, and reach random number obtained by the game control microcomputer 61 when the game ball wins the first start hole 11.

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 the second start winning command etc. output from the main control board 60. The second start winning command is generated when the game ball wins the second start hole 22.
This is a command that includes the jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, variation pattern random number, and reach random number obtained by the game control microcomputer 61.

The variable performance memory unit 123 stores the first start winning command or the second start winning command used for the variable performance pattern. The variable performance pattern is a pattern that specifies the performance content to be performed by the performance display device 7, etc., in response to the selected special chart variable pattern.

The input/output circuit 103 transmits and receives data between each board etc. connected to the sub-control board 100 .
The image control board 200 is electrically connected to the sub-control board 100. The performance display device 7 is electrically connected to the image control board 200. 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 synthesizes the image data loaded in the VRAM 206, and stores the synthesized 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, performance button lamp 9c, left side lamp 23a, and right side lamp 23b via the lamp control board 79. The performance control microcomputer 101 uses data stored in the ROM 110 to create light emission pattern data that determines the light emission mode of each lamp, and transmits the light emission pattern data to the lamp control board 79. The lamp control board 79 then controls the light emission of each lamp according to the received light emission pattern data.

The movable body 15 is electrically connected to the lamp control board 79 via the relay board 77. A device (not shown) for operating the movable body 15 is connected to the movable body 15, and a movable body motor (not shown) for driving the device is connected to the device. The performance control microcomputer 101 creates movement pattern data that determines the movement pattern of the movable body 15 using the data stored in ROM 110, and transmits the movement pattern data to the lamp control board 79. Then, the lamp control board 79, which receives the movement pattern data, drives the movable body motor via the relay board 77 in accordance with the movement pattern, thereby controlling the movement of the movable body 15.

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, converts the synthesized 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 lever push detection switch 6a, a performance lever rotation detection switch 6b, a performance button detection switch 9a, a performance lever vibration motor 6c, and a performance button vibration motor 9b.

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 the 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 the 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 detection switch 9a outputs a signal indicating that the performance button 9 has been pressed to the sub-control board 100. The performance control microcomputer 101 executes the button performance based on the signal input from the performance button detection switch 9a.

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 performance button vibration motor 9b is a member that vibrates the performance button 9, and is housed inside the performance button 9. The ROM 110 stores operation pattern data that determines the operation pattern of the performance lever vibration motor 6c and operation pattern data that determines the operation pattern of the performance button vibration motor 9b. 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. In addition, the performance control microcomputer 101 reads the operation pattern data from the ROM 110 when it is time to vibrate the performance button 9, and drives and controls the performance button vibration motor 9b 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 special symbol display and normal symbol display 53 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 each have a probability variation function and a variation time shortening function. The state in which the probability variation function of the special symbol display is activated is called the "high probability state," and the state in which it is not activated is called the "normal probability state (low probability state)." In the high probability state, the probability of a jackpot is higher than in the normal probability state. The transition to either the high probability state or the normal probability state is basically determined by a lottery at the time of the jackpot. The pachinko gaming machine 1 is a type of machine known as a "probability variable machine."

The state in which the time-saving function of the special symbol display is activated is called the "time-saving state," and the state in which it is not activated is called the "non-time-saving state." In the time-saving state, the time it takes for the special symbol to change (the time required from the start of the change display to the final display) is shorter than in the non-time-saving state. When the time-saving function of the special symbol display is activated, a shorter change time is more likely to be selected as the change time for the special symbol compared to when it is not activated. As a result, in the time-saving state, the pace of consumption of the reserved special symbols is accelerated, making it easier to get a valid win at the starting hole (a win that can be stored as a reserved special symbol). This allows for smooth gameplay and the player to aim for a jackpot.

The probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the special symbol display may operate simultaneously, or only one of them may operate. The probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the normal symbol display 53 are designed to operate in synchronization with the variation time shortening function of the special symbol display. In other words, the probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the normal symbol display 53 operate in the time shortening state, and do not operate in the non-time shortening state. Therefore, in the time shortening state, the probability of a winning pattern being determined in the lottery of the normal symbol is higher than in the non-time shortening state. In other words, when the probability variation function of the normal symbol display 53 operates, the probability that the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 53 will be a winning normal symbol (a normal symbol indicating that a winning pattern has been determined in the lottery of the normal symbol) is higher than when it is not operating.

In addition, in the time-saving state, the normal symbol variation time is shorter than in the non-time-saving state. For example, the normal symbol variation time is 10 seconds in the non-time-saving state, but 1 second in the time-saving state. Furthermore, in the time-saving state, the opening time of the normal variable winning device 20 is longer than in the non-time-saving state. In other words, the opening time extension function of the normal variable winning device 20 is activated. In addition, in the time-saving state, the normal variable winning device 20 is opened more times in the auxiliary play than in the non-time-saving state. In other words, the opening number increase function of the normal variable winning device 20 is activated. The auxiliary play is a game in which the second starting hole 22 is opened and closed in an opening pattern corresponding to the current play state when the confirmed normal symbol displayed is a specific normal symbol that has been determined in advance.

When the probability variation function and variation time shortening function of the normal pattern display 53 and the opening time extension function and opening count increase function of the normal variable winning device 20 are operating, the normal variable winning device 20 is opened more frequently and game balls enter the second starting hole 22 more frequently than when these functions are not operating. As a result, the base value, which is the ratio of the number of winning balls based on the winning of any winning hole to the number of game balls fired into the game area 3 (hereinafter referred to as the "fired ball number"), becomes higher, so the player can aim for a jackpot without significantly reducing the number of game balls he has. In this way, when the probability variation function and variation time shortening function of the normal pattern display 53 and the opening time extension function and opening count increase function of the normal variable winning device 20 are operating, the control that supports the winning of the second starting hole 22 by the normal variable winning device 20 is called electric support control. In addition, the state in which electric support control is being performed is called a "high base state", and the state in which electric support control is not being performed (non-electric support control state) is called a "low base state". Since the "high base state" is a state in which electric support control is being performed, the "high base state" is sometimes called an "electric support control state" or an "easy-to-score state". On the other hand, the "low base state" is sometimes called a "non-electric support control state" or a "non-easy-to-score state". In addition, the "high base state" does not have to have all of the above functions activated. In other words, it is sufficient that one or more of the probability fluctuation function of the normal pattern display 53, the fluctuation time shortening function, the opening time extension function of the normal variable winning device 20, and the opening count increase function are activated, making it easier for the normal variable winning device 20 to open than when the function is not activated. In addition, the high base state may be controlled independently without being associated with the time shortening state.

In the pachinko game machine 1, when a special jackpot is won, the game state after the jackpot game ends is a "high probability state, time-saving state, and high base state." In this embodiment, this game state continues until the next jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed. In the "jackpot game," when a jackpot is won in the jackpot judgment, the jackpot winning slot 32 is opened in an opening pattern that corresponds to the type of special chart (type of jackpot) that is confirmed and displayed.

In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, when a normal jackpot, which will be described later, is won, the gaming state after the jackpot game ends becomes "normal probability state, time-saving state, and high base state." This gaming state ends when the variable display of special symbols is executed a predetermined number of times, or when a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed. Note that when playing the pachinko gaming machine 1 for the first time, the gaming state after the power is turned on is "normal probability state, non-time-saving state, and low base state." Hereinafter, "high probability state, time-saving state, and high base state" is referred to as "high probability high base state,""normal probability state, time-saving state, and high base state" is referred to as "low probability high base state," and "normal probability state, non-time-saving state, and low base state" is referred to as "low probability low base state" or "
This is called "normal gameplay state."

In a "high base state" such as a "high probability high base state" or a "low probability high base state," the normal variable winning device 20 is more likely to open due to electric support control, and it is easier to win at the second starting hole 22 than the first starting hole 11. For this reason, it is more advantageous to shoot the game ball toward the right playing area 3B by hitting it from the right.

On the other hand, in the "low base state," electric support control is not executed, and the normal variable winning device 20 is difficult to open, so it is easier to win at the first starting hole 11 than at the second starting hole 22. For this reason, it is easier to progress in the game by shooting the game ball toward the left playing area 3A by hitting it from the left.

In this embodiment, the "normal probability state, non-time-saving state, and low base state" is an example of the "normal game state" of the present invention. Furthermore, regardless of whether the jackpot probability is a "high probability state" or a "normal probability state," a state in which the "time-saving state and high base state" is a example of a "game state in which a hit/miss judgment is likely to be performed" of the present invention. Furthermore, regardless of whether the variable time-saving function is activated or not, a state in which the jackpot probability is a "high probability state" is a example of a "game state in which a hit/miss judgment is likely to be performed" of the present invention.

[Jackpot Judgment Table]
The jackpot determination table T1 shown in FIG. 5 is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when executing a jackpot determination of whether or not a jackpot has been generated. The jackpot determination table T1 is configured by associating a game state with a jackpot random number value (jackpot determination value). The jackpot random number value (jackpot determination value) 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 the CPU 62 executing the computer program. The jackpot random number counter may be one that utilizes a random number generating circuit such as a counter IC. In this embodiment, the jackpot random number counter counts a total of 65536 jackpot random numbers from 0 to 65535. In other words, it generates a total of 65536 jackpot random numbers from 0 to 65535.

In the jackpot determination table T1, a total of 165 jackpot random numbers ranging from 0 to 164 are associated as jackpot random number values in the normal probability state. The game control microcomputer 61 determines a jackpot when the jackpot random number obtained from the jackpot random number counter in the normal probability state is a value within the range of 0 to 164, and determines that it is not a jackpot when the value is outside the range of 0 to 164 among 0 to 65535, i.e., it is a "miss."

In addition, the jackpot determination table T1 is associated with a total of 650 jackpot random numbers from 0 to 649 as jackpot random number values in the high probability state. The game control microcomputer 61 determines that a jackpot has been obtained when the jackpot random number obtained from the jackpot random number counter in the high probability state is within the range of 0 to 649, and determines that a jackpot has not been obtained, that is, that a "miss" has been obtained when the jackpot random number obtained from the jackpot random number counter in the high probability state is a value other than 0 to 649 among 0 to 65535. In this way, in the high probability state, more jackpot random numbers are set than in the normal probability state, and the probability of determining that a jackpot has been obtained is higher than in the normal probability state. Note that the jackpot determination table T1 in this embodiment is common to the lottery for the first special chart and the lottery for the second special chart, but the table may be set separately according to the type of lottery (whether it is the lottery for the first special chart or the lottery for the second special chart).

[Big Win Type Determination Table]
The jackpot type determination table T2 shown in FIG. 6 is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when it executes the jackpot type determination when it is determined that a jackpot has been generated. The jackpot type determination table T2 is configured by associating a predetermined number of jackpot type random numbers (jackpot type determination values) with each jackpot type (jackpot pattern type) according to the type of lottery (lottery for the first special chart or the second special chart). The jackpot type random number value (jackpot type determination value) 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 the CPU 62 executing the computer program. The jackpot type random number counter may be one that utilizes a random number generating circuit such as a counter IC. In this embodiment, the jackpot type random number counter counts a total of 100 jackpot type random numbers from 0 to 99. In other words, it generates a total of 100 jackpot type random numbers from 0 to 99.

In the pachinko game machine 1, the jackpot symbols that are determined when a jackpot is determined in the drawing of the first special chart are "jackpot symbol A," "jackpot symbol B," "jackpot symbol C," and "jackpot symbol D." In addition, the jackpot symbols that are determined when a jackpot is determined in the drawing of the second special chart are "jackpot symbol a," "jackpot symbol b," "jackpot symbol c," "jackpot symbol d," and "jackpot symbol e."

The jackpot game based on each jackpot symbol includes an opening that is executed before the first round of play begins, multiple rounds of play, and an ending that is executed after the final round of play is completed. Each round of play ends (the jackpot opening 32 closes) when the number of game balls that have entered the jackpot opening 32 reaches a predetermined upper limit (10 balls in this example) or a predetermined opening time (30 seconds in this example) has elapsed, whichever is earlier. After the round of play ends, the next round of play begins when a predetermined interval time has elapsed.

The jackpot type specified by "jackpot pattern A" and "jackpot pattern a" is a "high probability jackpot" in which the number of rounds constituting the jackpot game is "5". In addition, when "jackpot pattern A" or "jackpot pattern a" is determined, the jackpot probability after the jackpot game ends is set to a "high probability state".

The jackpot type specified by "jackpot pattern B" and "jackpot pattern b" is a "high probability jackpot" in which the number of rounds constituting the jackpot game is "7". In addition, when "jackpot pattern B" or "jackpot pattern b" is determined, the jackpot probability after the jackpot game ends is set to a "high probability state".

The jackpot type specified by "jackpot pattern C" and "jackpot pattern c" is a "high probability jackpot" in which the number of rounds constituting the jackpot game is "9". In addition, when "jackpot pattern C" or "jackpot pattern c" is determined, the jackpot probability after the jackpot game ends is set to a "high probability state".

The jackpot type specified by "jackpot pattern D" and "jackpot pattern d" is a "normal jackpot" with the number of rounds constituting the jackpot game being "5". In addition, when "jackpot pattern D" or "jackpot pattern d" is determined, the jackpot probability after the jackpot game ends is set to the "normal probability state".

The jackpot type specified by the "jackpot pattern e" is a "high probability jackpot" in which the number of rounds that make up the jackpot game is "10". In addition, when the "jackpot pattern e" is determined, the jackpot probability after the jackpot game ends is set to a "high probability state".

In this embodiment, a "5R special jackpot," a "7R special jackpot," a "9R special jackpot," and a "10R special jackpot" are classified as "special jackpots," and a "5R regular jackpot" is classified as a "regular jackpot."

Therefore, the possible winning types of special jackpots in the first special drawing are three types: "5R special jackpot," "7R special jackpot," and "9R special jackpot," while the possible winning type of regular jackpot in the first special drawing is only one type: "5R regular jackpot."

In addition, in the lottery for the first special chart, if the obtained jackpot type random number is a value within the range of 0 to 24, "jackpot pattern A" is selected, if it is a value within the range of 25 to 49, "jackpot pattern B" is selected, if it is a value within the range of 50 to 69, "jackpot pattern C" is selected, and if it is a value within the range of 70 to 99, "jackpot pattern D" is selected.

On the other hand, in the lottery for the second special chart, if the obtained jackpot type random number is a value within the range of 0 to 19, "jackpot pattern a" is selected; if it is a value within the range of 20 to 39, "jackpot pattern b" is selected; if it is a value within the range of 40 to 59, "jackpot pattern c" is selected; if it is a value within the range of 60 to 69, "jackpot pattern d" is selected; and if it is a value within the range of 70 to 99, "jackpot pattern e" is selected.

As a result, the "5R normal jackpot" can be won with the same probability in the first special chart drawing and the second special chart drawing, but the "10R special jackpot" can only be determined in the second special chart drawing, so it is more advantageous for the player to win the jackpot in the second special chart drawing than in the first special chart drawing.

In this embodiment, regardless of which type of jackpot is won, the state will be controlled to the electric support control state (high base state) after the jackpot game ends. However, the electric support control state controlled by setting the jackpot probability to the "high probability state" will continue until the next jackpot determination determines that a jackpot has been won (indicated as "until next time" in the figure). On the other hand, the electric support control state controlled by setting the jackpot probability to the "normal probability state" has an upper limit of "100 times." If the upper limit is exceeded, the state will become a "low probability low base state." The "upper limit of the electric support control state" refers to the upper limit of the number of times that the special pattern can be displayed in a variable manner in the electric support control state.

[Reach Judgment Table]
The reach judgment table T3 shown in Fig. 7 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 jackpot judgment is a miss. Here, the reach is a state in which there is only one special pattern remaining among the multiple special patterns that are displayed in a variable manner, and depending on which special pattern the variable-displayed special pattern is displayed as, a combination of special patterns that indicates a jackpot will be formed. Also, the reach is a state in which there is only one performance pattern remaining among the performance patterns that are displayed in a variable manner in the multiple display areas of the performance display device 7, and depending on which performance pattern the variable-displayed performance pattern is displayed as, a combination of performance patterns that indicates a jackpot will be formed.

For example, when one of the combinations of jackpot performance symbols is "777", "7" is displayed as the left performance symbol 7L in the left performance symbol display area, "7" is displayed as the right performance symbol 7R in the right performance symbol display area, and the middle performance symbol 7C is displayed in a variable manner in the middle performance symbol display area. Note that the concept of reach includes a state in which the middle performance 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 jackpot determination is a miss. The reach determination table is configured by associating a game state with a reach random number value (reach determination value). The reach random number value (reach determination value) is a predetermined random number selected from the reach random numbers generated by the reach random number counter. In this embodiment, the reach random number counter counts a total of 256 reach random numbers from 0 to 255. That is, a total of 256 reach random numbers from 0 to 256 are generated. 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 reach random numbers by the CPU 62 executing the computer program. In this embodiment, a total of 28 reach random numbers from 0 to 27 are set as reach random number values when the game state is in a non-time-saving state. When the game state is not in a time-saving state and the reach random number obtained from the reach random number counter is a value within the range of 0 to 27, the game control microcomputer 61 determines that there is a reach in the reach judgment, and when the value is other than 0 to 27 among 0 to 255, it determines that there is no reach.

In addition, in this embodiment, a total of 12 reach random numbers ranging from 0 to 11 are set as the reach random number value when the game state is in the time-saving state. When the game state is in the time-saving state, the game control microcomputer 61 determines that there is a reach in the reach judgment if the reach random number obtained from the reach random number counter is a value within the range of 0 to 11, and determines that there is no reach if the value is outside the range of 0 to 11 among 0 to 255.

The reach random number that is determined to be in reach is set lower in the time-saving state than in the non-time-saving state. This makes the probability of being determined to be in reach lower in the time-saving state than in the non-time-saving state. In other words, since the probability of being determined to be not in reach increases, when selecting a special chart variation pattern, the probability of selecting a special chart variation pattern that is not in reach increases accordingly. For this reason, in the time-saving state, the pace at which the reserved special chart numbers are consumed increases.

[Special chart variation pattern selection table]
The special chart variation pattern selection table T4 shown in FIG. 8 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 T4 is configured by associating the game state, the judgment (jackpot judgment and reach judgment) result, the jackpot type, the special chart reserved number, the variation pattern random number value (variation pattern judgment value), the special chart variation pattern, and the variation time. The special chart variation pattern may be selected without referring to the winning jackpot type. In addition, the "variation performance pattern" shown in the special chart variation pattern selection table T4 refers to a variation performance pattern that specifies the performance content performed on the performance display device 7 etc. in response to the selected special chart variation pattern, and is described for reference. The variation pattern random number value (variation pattern judgment value) is a predetermined random number selected from the variation pattern random numbers generated by the variation pattern random number counter. The variation pattern random number counter of the pachinko game machine 1 counts a total of 100 variation pattern random numbers from 0 to 99. In other words, it generates a total of 100 variation pattern random numbers from 0 to 99. A computer program for operating the variation pattern random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and the computer program is executed by the CPU 62, whereby the variation pattern random number counter operates and generates a variation pattern random number.

When the game state is not in the time-saving state and it is determined that a jackpot has been reached, and the fluctuation pattern random number obtained when the jackpot type "high probability jackpot" is won is a value within the range of 0 to 94, the special chart fluctuation pattern P1 is selected regardless of the number of reserved special charts. Also, when the fluctuation pattern random number is a value within the range of 95 to 99, the special chart fluctuation pattern P2 is selected regardless of the number of reserved special charts.

On the other hand, when the game state is determined to be a jackpot when the time-saving state is not in effect, and the variation pattern random number obtained when the jackpot type "normal jackpot" is won is a value within the range of 0 to 79, the special chart variation pattern P1 is selected regardless of the number of reserved special charts. Also, when the variation pattern random number is a value within the range of 80 to 99, the special chart variation pattern P2 is selected regardless of the number of reserved special charts.

The fluctuation time of the special chart fluctuation pattern P1 is 70,000 ms, and the fluctuation time of the special chart fluctuation pattern P2 is 30,000 ms. The fluctuation performance pattern corresponding to the special chart fluctuation pattern P1 is associated with the contents that execute the SP (Super) reach performance. The fluctuation performance pattern corresponding to the special chart fluctuation pattern P2 is associated with the contents that execute the normal reach performance. The SP reach performance is a reach with a longer fluctuation time after the reach than the normal reach performance, and the random number distribution rate is set in the table so that the expectation of a jackpot is higher than that of the normal reach performance. The SP reach performance is a performance in which a reach performance is executed in a developed manner through normal fluctuation and normal reach performance. The normal reach performance is a performance in which the performance pattern of a predetermined row among the performance patterns that fluctuate in multiple rows temporarily stops to form a reach, and then the remaining one performance pattern changes in a state where the performance pattern that forms the reach is temporarily stopped. The normal reach performance is also a performance that suggests that there is a possibility of a jackpot after the reach is formed. However, the random number distribution rate is set in the table so that the chance of winning a normal reach effect is lower than that of an SP reach effect.

When the game state is judged as a miss when the time-saving state is not active, and the reach judgment judges that there is a reach, if the acquired fluctuation pattern random number is a value within the range of 0 to 4, special chart fluctuation pattern P3 is selected regardless of the number of special charts reserved. If the acquired fluctuation pattern random number is a value within the range of 5 to 99, special chart fluctuation pattern P4 is selected regardless of the number of special charts reserved. The fluctuation time of special chart fluctuation pattern P3 is 70,000 ms, and the fluctuation time of special chart fluctuation pattern P4 is 30,000 ms. The fluctuation performance pattern corresponding to special chart fluctuation pattern P3 is associated with content that executes an SP reach performance. The fluctuation performance pattern corresponding to special chart fluctuation pattern P4 is associated with content that executes a normal reach performance.

When the game state is not in the time-saving state, if the jackpot judgment determines that the jackpot is a miss and the reach judgment determines that the reach is not reached, if the number of reserved special charts is 0 to 2, the special chart fluctuation pattern P5 is selected regardless of the value of the acquired fluctuation pattern random number. Also, if the number of reserved special charts is 3 to 4, the special chart fluctuation pattern P6 is selected regardless of the value of the acquired fluctuation pattern random number. The fluctuation time of the special chart fluctuation pattern P5 is 10,000 ms, and the fluctuation time of the special chart fluctuation pattern P6 is 5,000 ms. The fluctuation performance patterns corresponding to the special chart fluctuation patterns P5 and P6 are associated with the contents that execute normal fluctuation.

When a jackpot is determined to be a jackpot when the game state is in the time-saving state, unlike when a jackpot is determined to be a jackpot when the game state is not in the time-saving state, special chart fluctuation pattern P7 is selected without reference to the jackpot type and regardless of the value of the acquired fluctuation pattern random number. The fluctuation time of special chart fluctuation pattern P7 is 50,000 ms. The fluctuation presentation pattern corresponding to special chart fluctuation pattern P7 is associated with the content that executes the super reach presentation.

If the game state is determined to be a miss while in the time-saving state, and the reach judgment determines that there is a reach, the special chart fluctuation pattern P8 is selected regardless of the value of the acquired fluctuation pattern random number. The fluctuation time of the special chart fluctuation pattern P8 is 50,000 ms. The fluctuation performance pattern corresponding to the special chart fluctuation pattern P8 is associated with the content that executes the super reach performance.

When the game state is judged as a miss while the time-saving state, and when the reach judgment judges that there is no reach, if the number of reserved special figures is 0 to 1, the special figure change pattern P9 is selected regardless of the value of the acquired change pattern random number. Also, if the number of reserved special figures is 2 to 4, the special figure change pattern P10 is selected regardless of the value of the acquired change pattern random number. The change time of the special figure change pattern P9 is 5,000 ms, and the change time of the special figure change pattern P10 is 2,500 ms. The change performance patterns corresponding to the special figure change patterns P9 and P10 are associated with the contents that display the normal change. Note that this special figure change pattern selection table is common to the first special figure and the second special figure, but it may be set separately for the first special figure and the second special figure.

[Main processing of the gaming control microcomputer 61]
Next, the main processing executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be explained with reference to the drawings.
(Main side main control processing)
First, the contents of the main-side main control process will be described with reference to FIG.

When the power supply of the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, the game control microcomputer 61 reads out and executes a computer program for main control processing from the ROM 63. The game control microcomputer 61 first performs an initial setting (step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 1). In this initial setting, for example, stack setting, constant setting, interruption time setting, CPU 62 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 game control microcomputer 61 executes interrupt prohibition (S2), and executes normal symbol/special symbol main random number update processing (S3). In this normal symbol/special symbol main random number update processing, the initial values of each random number counter that generates the above-mentioned jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, reach random number, and variable pattern random number are updated by adding "1" to each of them. When the count value of each random number counter reaches the upper limit, it returns to "0" and is then incremented by "1". The initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0" and may be changed randomly. The count value of each random number counter may be updated by adding a numerical value of "2" or greater to it. Each random number may be a so-called hardware random number that is generated using a known random number generating circuit made of a counter IC or the like. When using such hardware random numbers, there is no need for software-based random number updating processing (S3).

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 executes interrupt permission (S4). During interrupt permission, the main timer interrupt process (S5) can be executed. The main timer interrupt process (S5) 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 (S5) ends and before the next main timer interrupt process (S5) starts, the initial value update process of various counters is executed by the normal pattern/special pattern main random number update process (S3). Note that if an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 62 when the interrupt is prohibited, the main timer interrupt process (S5) does not start immediately, but starts after the interrupt permission (S4) is executed.

(Main side timer interrupt processing)
Next, the contents of the main side timer interrupt process (S5) will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 executes an output process (S10). In this output process, commands and the like set in the output buffer provided in the RAM 64 of the main control board 60 in each process described below are output to the sub-control board 100, the frame control board 73, and the like. The game control microcomputer 61 also outputs a change start command for a normal symbol indicating that a normal symbol has started to change when the normal symbol has started to change, and a change start command for a special symbol indicating that a special symbol has started to change when the special symbol 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 (the first start hole sensor 11a, the second start hole sensor 22a, the big prize hole sensor 32a, the gate sensor 12a, etc.) attached mainly 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 (subtracted). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a prize ball control process (S13). In this prize ball control process, a prize ball command for indicating the number of 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). The prize ball command is a command output to the frame control board 73. Then, 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 (S3) executed in the main side main control process of FIG. 9. In other words, the update process of the initial value of each random number counter is performed both during the execution period of the main side timer interrupt process (S5) and during the other period (the period from the end of the main side timer interrupt process (S5) to the start of the next main side timer interrupt process (S5)).

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the sensor detection process (S15), normal operation process (S16), special symbol waiting process (S17), special symbol variation process (S18), game stop control process (S19), and other processes (S20) described later, and ends this process. The other processes (S20) are a security control process that detects and notifies fraudulent winning, a magnetic detection process that detects and notifies fraudulent acts using magnetism, a door opening process that detects and notifies the opening of the front frame 18 or the inner frame, an illegal radio wave detection process that detects and notifies fraudulent acts using radio waves, and an impact detection process that detects and notifies fraudulent acts that vibrate the pachinko game machine 1. In addition, in the other processes, the first special symbol reservation indicator 51a is controlled to a display mode that indicates the number based on the number of first special symbols reserved, and the second special symbol reservation indicator 52a is controlled to a display mode that indicates the number based on the number of second special symbols reserved. Then, steps S2 to S4 of the main control process (FIG. 9) are repeatedly executed until the next interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 62, and when the interrupt pulse is input (approximately 4 msec later), the main timer interrupt process (S5) is executed again. In the output process (S10) of the main timer interrupt process executed again, the commands etc. that were set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 in the previous main timer interrupt process (S5) are output to a specified board.

(Sensor detection process)
Next, the contents of the sensor detection process (S15) will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 judges whether or not the game ball has passed through the gate 12 (S21). The game ball passing through the gate 12 is detected by the gate sensor 12a. When it is judged that the game ball has passed through the gate 12 (S21: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 executes a gate passing process (S22). In this gate passing process, it judges whether or not the number of reserved normal symbols is 4 or more, and if the number of reserved normal symbols is not 4 or more, it adds "1" to the number of reserved normal symbols and executes a process of acquiring and storing a winning random number for drawing a normal symbol.

After the end of S22, or when it is determined that the game ball has not passed through the gate 12 (S21: No), the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the game ball has entered the second start hole 22 (S23). The game ball's entry into the second start hole 22 is detected by the second start hole sensor 22a. When it is determined that the game ball has entered the second start hole 22 (S23: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the second special symbol reservation number U2 has reached the upper limit value of "4" (S24). When it is determined that the second special symbol reservation number U2 has not reached "4" (S24: No), the game control microcomputer 61 adds 1 to the second special symbol reservation number U2 (S25). This establishes the variable reservation condition of the second special symbol. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the second special symbol related random number acquisition process (S26). In this second special chart related random number acquisition process, the jackpot random number counted by the jackpot random number counter, the jackpot type random number counted by the jackpot type random number counter, the reach random number counted by the reach random number counter, and the fluctuation pattern random number counted by the fluctuation pattern random number counter are acquired, and each of the acquired random numbers is stored in a storage area of the second special chart reserved storage unit 64b according to the current second special chart reserved number. For example, when the current second special chart reserved number is "3", each random number is stored in the fourth storage area.

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a second start winning command creation process (S27). In this second start winning command creation process, a second start winning command is created based on each random number group stored in the second special chart reservation memory unit 64b in S26. This second start winning command is composed of data indicating that the game ball has entered the second start hole 22, data indicating each random number stored in the second special chart reservation memory unit 64b in S26, and the like. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the second start winning command created in S27 in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S28). This set second start winning command is output to the sub-control board 100 in the output process (S10), and the performance control microcomputer 101 executes a performance based on each random number included in the second start winning command.

After the end of S28, if it is determined that the game ball has not entered the second start hole 22 (S23: No), or if it is determined that the second special symbol reserved number U2 has reached "4" (S24: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the game ball has entered the first start hole 11 (S29). The game ball's entry into the first start hole 11 is detected by the first start hole sensor 11a. If it is determined that the game ball has entered the first start hole 11 (S29: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the first special symbol reserved number U1 has reached the upper limit value of "4" (S30). If it is determined that the first special symbol reserved number U1 has not reached "4" (S30: No), the game control microcomputer 61 adds 1 to the first special symbol reserved number U1 (S31). This establishes the variable reservation condition for the first special symbol. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a first special chart related random number acquisition process (S32). In this first special chart related random number acquisition process, a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a reach random number, and a change pattern random number are acquired, and each of the acquired random numbers is stored in a memory area of the first special chart reserved memory unit 64a 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 is stored in the fourth memory area.

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a first start winning command creation process (S33). In this first start winning command creation process, the first start winning command is created based on each random number group stored in the first special chart reservation memory unit 64a in S32. This first start winning command is composed of data indicating that the game ball has entered the first start hole 11, data indicating each random number stored in the first special chart reservation memory unit 64a in S32, and the like. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the first start winning command created in S33 in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S34). This set first start winning command is output to the sub-control board 100 in the output process (S10), and the performance control microcomputer 101 executes a performance based on each random number included in the first start winning command.

After S34 ends, if it is determined that the game ball has not entered the first starting hole 11 (S29: No), or if it is determined that the first special chart reserved number U1 has reached "4" (S30: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 ends this process.

(Normal operation processing)
Next, the contents of the normal operation process (S16) will be described.
The game control microcomputer 61 performs processes such as adding the number of reserved normal symbols, displaying the changing normal symbols using the normal symbol display 53, determining whether the normal symbol is a win or not, and opening and closing the normal variable winning device 20 when the result of the win determination is a win.

(Special pattern waiting process)
Next, the contents of the special symbol waiting process (S17) will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the second special symbol reserved number U2 is "0" (S40). When it is judged that it is not "0" (S40: No), the game control microcomputer 61 executes the second special symbol big win judgment process (FIG. 13) described later (S41). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the second special symbol variation pattern selection process (FIGS. 14, 15) described later (S42). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts "1" from the second special symbol reserved number U2 (S43), and shifts each data stored in each memory area of the second special symbol reserved memory unit 64b to the memory area with the oldest memory order, that is, the side to be read, one by one (S44). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the second special symbol variation start process (S45). In other words, 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 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 variation start process, a variation start command for the special symbol is set in the output buffer of RAM 64 to start the variation display of the second special symbol. The variation start command for the special symbol set in the output buffer of RAM 64 includes data on the special symbol stop symbol set in the second special symbol jackpot determination process (FIG. 13) described below and data on the special symbol variation pattern set in the second special symbol variation pattern selection process (FIGS. 14 and 15). After executing S45, the game control microcomputer 61 ends this process.

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S40 that the second special chart reserved number U2 is "0" (S40: Yes), it determines whether the first special chart reserved number U1 is "0" or not (S46). When it determines that it is not "0" (S46: No), the game control microcomputer 61 executes the first special chart big win determination process (FIG. 13) described later (S47). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the first special chart change pattern selection process (FIGS. 14, 15) described later (S48). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts "1" from the first special chart reserved number U1 (S49), and shifts each data stored in each memory area of the first special chart reserved memory unit 64a one by one to the memory area with the oldest storage order, that is, the side to be read (S50). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the first special chart change start process (S51). In other words, the first special symbol display 51 displays the first special symbol in the order that the game control microcomputer 61 performs the winning/losing judgment based on the jackpot random number stored in the first special symbol reservation memory unit 64a. Also, each time the first special symbol display 51 displays the first special symbol, each data stored in each memory area of the first special symbol reservation memory unit 64a is shifted to the memory area that was stored the oldest.

In this first special symbol variation start process, a variation start command for the special symbol is set in the output buffer of RAM 64 to start the variation display of the first special symbol. The variation start command for the special symbol set in the output buffer of RAM 64 includes data on the special symbol stop symbol set in the first special symbol big win determination process (FIG. 13) described below and data on the variation pattern set in the first special symbol variation pattern selection process (FIGS. 14 and 15). After executing S51, the game control microcomputer 61 ends this process.

Furthermore, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S46 that the first reserved special symbol number U1 is "0" (S46: Yes), it determines whether or not the game is in a standby state (S52). The standby state refers to a state in which the game is not in a jackpot game, the special symbol is not changing, and the number of reserved special symbols is zero. More specifically, the standby state is a state which occurs when, in addition to the above-mentioned conditions, a certain period of time has elapsed after the special symbol (or performance symbol) has been displayed as confirmed. Here, when it is determined that the game is in a standby state (S52: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 ends the special symbol standby process, and when it is determined that the game is not in a standby state (S52: Yes), it ends the special symbol standby process.
52: No), and executes a standby screen setting process (S53). In this standby screen setting process, a customer waiting standby command for displaying a standby screen, which is a demo screen for customer waiting, is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 after a predetermined standby time (corresponding to the above-mentioned fixed time) has elapsed. After that, the game control microcomputer 61 ends this process. Note that the game control microcomputer 61 may determine whether or not it is in a standby state by, for example, ON/OFF of a demo screen display flag for customer waiting. In addition, 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" (S40: Yes). In other words, the consumption of the second special pattern reservation is executed in priority to the consumption of the first special pattern reservation.

(Second special chart big win determination process (first special chart big win determination process))
Next, the contents of the second special chart jackpot determination process (S41) and the first special chart jackpot determination process (S47) will be described with reference to FIG.

The second special chart big win determination process (S41) and the first special chart big win determination process (S47) have the same process flow, so they will be explained together. 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 out the jackpot random number stored in the first storage area of the special chart reserve storage section of the RAM 64 (S60) and refers to the jackpot determination table (jackpot determination table T1 in this example) (S61). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the probability variable flag is ON or not, that is, whether the current game state is in a high probability state or not (S62). The probability variable flag is turned ON when any probability variable jackpot is won, and is turned OFF when any normal jackpot is won. Here, if it is judged that the probability variable flag is not ON, that is, that the state is in a normal probability state (S62: No), the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the jackpot random number in the normal probability state in the jackpot determination table and judges whether or not there is a random number that is the same as the jackpot random number read out in S60, that is, judges whether or not there is a jackpot (S63).

On the other hand, if it is determined in S62 that the probability of winning is ON, i.e., that the current game state is a high probability state (S62: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the high probability state jackpot random number in the jackpot determination table and determines whether or not there is a random number that is the same as the jackpot random number read in S60, i.e., whether or not there is a jackpot (S64).

If a jackpot is determined to have occurred in S63 (S63: Yes) or if a jackpot is determined to have occurred in S64 (S64: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 reads out the jackpot type random number stored in the first memory area of the special chart reserve memory unit, and determines the type of jackpot by referring to a jackpot type determination table (in this example, jackpot type determination table T2) (S65).

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 turns on the jackpot flag indicating that a jackpot has been determined in the jackpot determination (S66). If a jackpot has not been determined in S63 (S63: No), after S66 ends, or if a jackpot has not been determined in S64 (S64: No), the game control microcomputer 61 proceeds to S67. If a jackpot has been determined, the game control microcomputer 61 sets special chart stop pattern data for confirming and displaying the jackpot pattern of the special chart corresponding to the type of jackpot determined in S65 in the special chart buffer provided in the RAM 64, and ends this process. Also, if a jackpot has not been determined, that is, if a loss has been determined, the game control microcomputer 61 sets special chart stop pattern data for confirming and displaying the loss pattern of the special chart in the special chart buffer, and ends this process.

(Second special chart variation pattern selection process (first special chart variation pattern selection process))
Next, the contents of the second special pattern variation pattern selection process (S42) and the first special pattern variation pattern selection process (S48) will be described according to Fig. 14 and Fig. 15. Note that the second special pattern variation pattern selection process (S42) and the first special pattern variation pattern selection process (S48) have the same process flow, so they will be described together.

The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the game state is in a time-shortened state (S70). Whether the game state is in a time-shortened state can be determined by whether information (time-shortened flag) that can identify whether the game state is in a time-shortened state is ON. The time-shortened flag is turned ON when the game state is controlled to be in the time-shortened state, and is turned OFF when the time-shortened state ends.

When it is determined that the time-saving flag is not ON, that is, the time-saving state is not in progress (S70: No), the game control microcomputer 61 transitions to S71. On the other hand, when it is determined that the time-saving flag is ON, that is, the time-saving state is in progress (S70: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 transitions to S77. The game control microcomputer 61 that transitions to S71 or S77 determines whether the jackpot flag is ON or not (S71, S77). When it is determined that the jackpot flag is ON (S71, S77: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 selects a special chart fluctuation pattern by referring to the special chart fluctuation pattern selection table (special chart fluctuation pattern selection table T4 in this example) (S72, S78). For example, if it is in a non-time-saving state, the game control microcomputer 61 references the fluctuation pattern random number in the case of a jackpot in a non-time-saving state. Similarly, if the time-saving state is active, the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the fluctuation pattern random number for the case of a jackpot in the time-saving state. The game control microcomputer 61 then acquires the fluctuation pattern random number stored in the first storage area of the special chart reserve storage unit, and selects the special chart fluctuation pattern associated with the same fluctuation pattern random number as the acquired fluctuation pattern random number.

Also, if the jackpot flag is not ON in S71 or S77, that is, if it is determined that the jackpot is a miss (S71, S77: No), the game control microcomputer 61 acquires the reach random number stored in the first memory area of the special chart reserve memory section, and determines whether the acquired reach random number is a reach-established random number (S73, S79). In the non-time-saving state, if the acquired reach random number is present among the reach random numbers for the non-time-saving state in the reach judgment table (in this example, reach judgment table T3), the game control microcomputer 61 determines that it is a reach-established random number (S73: Yes). Similarly, in the time-saving state, if the acquired reach random number is present among the reach random numbers for the time-saving state in the reach judgment table, the game control microcomputer 61 determines that it is a reach-established random number (S79: Yes).

Then, if the game control microcomputer 61 is in a non-time-saving state, it refers to the special chart variation pattern selection table and selects a special chart variation pattern for a reach with a miss that is associated with the non-time-saving state (S74). Similarly, if the game control microcomputer 61 is in a time-saving state, it refers to the special chart variation pattern selection table and selects a special chart variation pattern for a reach with a miss that is associated with the time-saving state (S80).

Also, if it is determined in S73 or S79 that the reach random number is not a reach establishment random number (S73, S79: No), the game control microcomputer 61, if in a non-time-saving state, refers to the special chart change pattern selection table and selects a special chart change pattern for a no-reach miss that is associated with the non-time-saving state (S75). Similarly, if in a time-saving state, the game control microcomputer 61, if in a time-saving state, refers to the special chart change pattern selection table and selects a special chart change pattern for a no-reach miss that is associated with the time-saving state (S81).

After S72, S74, S75, S78, S80, and S81 are completed, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the variation pattern data indicating the selected variation pattern in the special symbol variation pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64 (S76), and ends this process. The variation pattern data set in the special symbol variation pattern buffer in S76 is included in the variation start command for the special symbol set in S45 and S51 of the above-mentioned special symbol waiting process, and is output to the sub-control board 100 by the output process (S10) of the main side timer interrupt process.

(Special pattern variation processing)
Next, the contents of the special symbol variation process (S18) will be described with reference to Fig. 16. The special symbol variation process of the second special symbol and the special symbol variation process of the first special symbol are described together because they have the same process flow.

The game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the special symbol variation time (variation time determined according to the special symbol variation pattern selected in S42, S48) has ended (S90). If it is judged that the special symbol variation time has not ended (S90: No), the game control microcomputer 61 ends this process. If it is judged that the special symbol variation time has ended (S90: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 sets a variation stop command for the special symbol to stop the variation display of the special symbol in the output buffer provided in the RAM 64 (S91). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a special symbol stop process to stop the variation display of the special symbol being executed on the special symbol display device at a symbol (a special symbol big win symbol or a special symbol losing symbol) according to the special symbol stop symbol data set in the special symbol big win judgment process after the variation time set in the special symbol variation pattern has elapsed (S92).

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a game state management process (S93). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the time-saving flag is ON or not, and if it is judged to be ON, subtracts 1 from the value of the time-saving counter that counts the number of times the special symbol changes during the time-saving state by a subtraction method, and judges whether the value of the time-saving counter is "0". If it is judged to be "0", it turns the time-saving flag OFF. The game control microcomputer 61 sets a game state designation command including information of each flag in the output buffer of the RAM 64, and ends the game state management process. In the pachinko game machine 1, when a high probability jackpot is won, the high probability state continues until the next jackpot is won, so there is no need to turn off the high probability flag or provide a high probability counter that counts the number of times the special symbol changes during the high probability state as part of the game state management process.

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the jackpot flag is ON or not (S94), and if it is judged to be ON (S94: Yes), executes a game state reset process (S95). In this game state reset process, it judges whether the high probability flag is ON or not, and if it is judged to be ON, it turns the high probability flag OFF. It also judges whether the time-saving flag is ON or not, and if it is judged to be ON, it turns the time-saving flag OFF. In other words, during the execution of the jackpot game, it is controlled to a normal probability state and a non-time-saving state. On the other hand, if it is judged that the jackpot flag is OFF (S94: No), the game control microcomputer 61 ends this process.

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the jackpot opening to start the jackpot game (S96) and sets an opening command to execute the jackpot opening (S97). The jackpot opening is a performance in which a performance image celebrating the occurrence of a jackpot is displayed on the performance display device 7 and music celebrating the occurrence of a jackpot is played from each speaker 8. In the opening setting, the execution time of the jackpot opening is set in a specified timer and measured.

Next, when the big win opening ends, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the special electric role processing (S98). First, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the value of the special electric role operation valid counter in the special electric role processing. The special electric role operation valid counter is a counter that counts the remaining number of rounds in the big win game. Then, when the round start time is reached, the game control microcomputer 61 sets a round start command in the output buffer of the RAM 64. Then, the game control microcomputer 61 opens and closes the big prize winning opening 32 in an opening pattern according to the type of big win. Then, during the round game, when the upper limit number of game balls enter the big prize winning opening 32 after the big prize winning opening 32 is opened or a predetermined opening time has elapsed, the game control microcomputer 61 closes the big prize winning opening 32 by closing the opening and closing member 31, and ends the round game. The game control microcomputer 61 performs the opening and closing operation of the big prize winning opening 32 for the number of rounds determined for each type of big win. Moreover, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts one from the value of the special electric role activation valid counter each time a round of play is started, and ends the jackpot game when the value of the special electric role activation valid counter becomes "0". Specifically, the game control microcomputer 61 sets an ending command for executing the jackpot ending in the output buffer of the RAM 64. Furthermore, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the execution time of the jackpot ending in a predetermined timer and measures it. When the jackpot game ends due to the end of the jackpot ending, the game control microcomputer 61 then turns off the jackpot flag.

After S98 is completed, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the game state setting process (S99). In the game state setting process, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the type of jackpot is a normal jackpot (in this example, a 5R normal jackpot), it turns on the time-saving flag and sets the time-saving counter to a number corresponding to the type of jackpot (in this example, 100). The game control microcomputer 61 sets a game state designation command in the output buffer of the RAM 64 and ends this process. The game state designation command includes information about the set game state (time-saving flag, time-saving counter, probability variable flag, etc.). On the other hand, if the type of jackpot is determined to be a probability variable jackpot (in this example, a 5R probability variable jackpot, a 7R probability variable jackpot, a 9R probability variable jackpot, or a 10R probability variable jackpot), the game control microcomputer 61 turns on the probability variable flag and the time-saving flag. In addition, in the case of the guaranteed jackpot in this embodiment, after the jackpot game ends, the game is controlled to the time-saving state until the next jackpot is won, so there is no need to set a specific value in the time-saving counter as the number of time-saving times. Then, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the game state designation command in the output buffer of the RAM 64 and ends the game state setting process.

The game control microcomputer 61 which executes the game status management process (S93) and the game status setting process (S99) is an example of the game status control means of the present invention.
(Difference in number of balls calculation section)
First, the difference ball number calculation unit 67 referenced in the game stop control process (Figure 17) will be described.

In the pachinko game machine 1, when the maximum difference in the number of balls, which is the difference between the state in which the difference in the number of balls has increased the most and the state in which the difference in the number of balls has decreased the most during the business hours of one day, reaches a specified number (for example, 95,000), it is determined that the condition for establishing a game stop state in which the game cannot be executed has been met. Note that the difference in the number of balls in this embodiment is calculated from the standpoint of the player, and the current difference in the number of balls is calculated by subtracting the total number of shot balls (the number of outs) from the total number of winning balls (the number of safes). In the following explanation, the current difference in the number of balls may be referred to as the "first difference in the number of balls". Furthermore, "stop of the game" refers to a state in which the current game state is maintained while the game cannot be continued. For example, it refers to a state in which the game ball cannot be shot even if the player tries to shoot the game ball into the game area 3 by operating the handle 4, or all sensors are disabled so that the winning of the game ball cannot be detected even if the game ball can be shot. It also refers to a state in which the measurement of the pattern change time in the special pattern display 51, 52, the normal pattern display 53, and the performance display device 7 is stopped, the pattern change does not end even if the change time set in the special pattern change pattern or the normal pattern change pattern has elapsed, or the LEDs constituting the special pattern display 51, 52, and the normal pattern display 53 are turned off to prevent the pattern change. It also refers to a state in which the opening and closing drive of various solenoids controlled by the main control board 60 is interrupted, the movement of movable members that are moved by the drive of the solenoids is not performed, the number of game balls stored as the balls held is forcibly paid out, and the acceptance of new ball lending is prohibited. The "game stop state" in this embodiment is an example of the "specific state" of the present invention.

In the difference ball number calculation unit 67, the first difference ball number is calculated each time a prize ball is paid out or a game ball is launched, and the numerical value is stored. Specifically, when the game control microcomputer 61 receives a detection signal from each winning port sensor via the relay board 74, it controls the difference ball number calculation unit 67, and adds and updates the calculated value of the first difference ball number so as to add the number of game balls corresponding to the number of prize balls according to the type of winning port specified by the detection signal. As mentioned above, the discharge port sensor Ha and the launched ball sensor 26a are not connected to the main control board 60. Therefore, in order for the main control board 60 to determine the launch status of the game balls, it is necessary for the frame control board 73 to output a command indicating the launch status to the main control board 60. Details will be described later, but in this embodiment, when the frame control board 73 receives a detection signal from the launched ball sensor 26a, it outputs a launch command indicating that a game ball has been launched to the main control board 60. This allows the main control board 60 to grasp the number of launched balls. Then, when the game control microcomputer 61 inputs a launch command from the frame control board 73, it controls the ball difference calculation unit 67 to subtract 1 from the calculated value of the first ball difference, updating it.

In this way, the game control microcomputer 61 calculates the first difference in the number of balls, which is the difference in the number of balls at the current time, based on the detection signals from each winning port sensor and the firing command input from the frame control board 73. Then, each time the game control microcomputer 61 updates the first difference in the number of balls using the difference in the number of balls calculation unit 67, it temporarily stores that difference in the number of balls in the RAM 64 as the current difference in the number of balls. At this time, the game control microcomputer 61 stores the minimum difference in the number of balls when the difference in the number of balls is the smallest, in addition to the current difference in the number of balls. The "state when the difference in the number of balls is the smallest" refers to the state when the difference in the number of balls (minimum difference in the number of balls) is calculated, which is the smallest value among the first difference in the number of balls calculated by the difference in the number of balls calculation unit 67.

In this way, the game control microcomputer 61 stores the first difference in number of balls and the minimum difference in number of balls, and can calculate the difference between the difference in number of balls at the current time and the minimum difference in number of balls up to the current time from these values. The largest value of this difference during business hours of the day is the "maximum difference in number of balls" for this business day, but as the difference in number of balls at the current time and the minimum difference in number of balls are updated, the difference between the difference in number of balls at the current time and the minimum difference in number of balls up to the current time is also updated. In the following explanation, the difference between the difference in number of balls at the current time and the minimum difference in number of balls up to the current time is referred to as the "second difference in number of balls". As mentioned above, the second difference in number of balls that is the largest during business hours of the day is the maximum difference in number of balls on this business day. Incidentally, the formula for calculating the second difference in number of balls is MY = X - Y (MY: second difference in number of balls, X: first difference in number of balls, Y: minimum difference in number of balls up to the current time). In this embodiment, the second difference in number of balls, which is the difference between the current difference in number of balls and the smallest difference in number of balls up to the current time, and the "maximum difference in number of balls" calculated by the difference between the largest difference in number of balls up to the current time and the smallest difference in number of balls up to the current time, are examples of the "specific calculated number" of the present invention.

Below, a specific example of calculating the second difference in ball number will be explained.
Immediately after the power is turned on to the pachinko game machine 1, no game balls are shot and no prize balls are paid out, so the calculated value by the difference ball number calculation unit 67 is "0". As a result, the minimum difference ball number immediately after the start of the game is "0". The game control microcomputer 61 stores "0" as the minimum difference ball number. After that, when the game is played and the number of prize balls exceeds the number of shot balls, the difference ball number at the current time (first difference ball number) becomes "1" or more. For example, if the difference ball number at the current time (first difference ball number) is "1,580" and the minimum difference ball number is "0", the second difference ball number (the difference between the difference ball number at the current time and the minimum difference ball number up to the current time) becomes "1,580 (=1,580-(0))". At this time, "1,580" becomes the maximum difference ball number.

On the other hand, when the number of shot balls exceeds the number of prize balls, and the current difference in the number of balls falls below "0", the game control microcomputer 61 overwrites and stores the new value as the minimum difference in the number of balls. For example, the minimum difference in the number of balls is updated and the value becomes "-2,345". In this case, the game control microcomputer 61 stores "-2,345" as the new minimum difference in the number of balls. After that, the game is played and many prize balls are won, so the current difference in the number of balls becomes "4,380". In this case, the second difference in the number of balls becomes "6,725 (= 4,380 - (-2,345))". In this case, the maximum difference in the number of balls up to now was "1,580", but the maximum difference in the number of balls has been updated from "1,580" to "6,723" due to the update of the minimum difference in the number of balls and the current difference in the number of balls. Therefore, the game control microcomputer 61 stores "6,723" as the new maximum difference in the number of balls (up to the current time). In other words, if the second difference in number of balls is the largest value up to the current point in time, that second difference in number of balls is stored as the largest difference in number of balls up to the current point in time.

In this way, the game control microcomputer 61 overwrites and stores the calculated value each time it updates the minimum difference in number of balls as the calculation result of the difference in number of balls calculation unit 67, and calculates the difference between the current difference in number of balls and the minimum difference in number of balls up to the current time (second difference in number of balls) each time it calculates the difference in the current difference in number of balls. Similarly, the game control microcomputer 61 overwrites and stores the calculated value as the "maximum difference in number of balls up to the current time" each time it updates the maximum value of the second difference in number of balls. In other words, if the current second difference in number of balls exceeds the second difference in number of balls stored as the "maximum difference in number of balls" up to the current time, the current second difference in number of balls will be replaced as the maximum difference in number of balls up to the current time. Then, when the maximum difference in number of balls reaches a specified number, a game stop process will be executed.

In addition, the process by which the maximum difference in the number of balls reaches the specified number is not limited to the process in which the current difference in the number of balls is updated as a result of a large number of prize balls being paid out, but may also occur when the minimum difference in the number of balls is updated as a result of a large number of game balls being released.

(Game stop control process)
Next, the contents of the game stop control process will be described with reference to FIG.
As described above, when the difference number of balls calculation unit 67 of the game control microcomputer 61 receives the detection signal from each winning hole sensor and the launch command from the frame control board 73, it calculates the current difference number of balls (first difference number of balls) based on the detection signal and command, and when the minimum difference number of balls is updated, it overwrites and stores the value. Then, the game control microcomputer 61 checks the calculation result of the difference number of balls calculation unit 67 and judges whether the second difference number of balls (the difference between the current difference number of balls and the minimum difference number of balls up to the current time) has reached a specified number (in this example, "95,000") (S110). If it is judged that the second difference number of balls has not reached the specified number (S110: No), there is no need to stop the game, so the game control microcomputer 61 ends this process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the second difference in the number of balls has reached the specified number (S110: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the game stop condition is met and turns on the specified number arrival flag indicating that the maximum difference in the number of balls has reached the specified number (S111). The specified number arrival flag is turned on when the maximum difference in the number of balls reaches the specified number of "95,000", that is, when the game stop condition is met.

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not a jackpot game is currently being played (S112). Whether or not a jackpot game is currently being played can be confirmed by the setting status of the jackpot flag. If it is determined that a jackpot game is not currently being played (S112: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 decides to stop the game (S113). Then, the game control microcomputer 61 sets a game stop instruction command in the output buffer of the RAM 64 to instruct the other boards that it has decided to stop the game (S114). After that, the game control microcomputer 61 ends this process.

When it is decided to stop playing, the game control microcomputer 61 restricts the control of the launching device 90 so that the operation of the handle 4 is invalidated as an example of stopping the game. Also, as an example of stopping the game, the game control microcomputer 61 disables the detection by various sensors so that the game ball does not enter any winning hole. For example, even if a detection signal is input from various sensors, it does not output the information to other boards, and restricts the execution of various controls that are executed based on the input of a detection signal. Also, as an example of stopping the game, the game control microcomputer 61 controls the LEDs that constitute the special pattern displays 51 and 52 so that the fluctuation in the special pattern displays 51 and 52 continues even after the fluctuation time set in the determined special pattern fluctuation pattern has elapsed. Also, as an example of stopping the game, the game control microcomputer 61 turns off the LEDs that constitute the special pattern displays 51 and 52 and the normal pattern display 53. Additionally, as an example of stopping a game, the game control microcomputer 61 controls various solenoids so that movable members caused by the driving of the various solenoids do not move.

On the other hand, if it is determined that a jackpot game is being played (S112: No), the game control microcomputer 61 ends this process without executing the processes of S113 and S114. In other words, in this embodiment, if a jackpot game is being played at the time when the maximum difference in the number of balls reaches the specified number, the game stop is carried over until the jackpot game being played ends.

The difference in number of balls calculation unit 67 and the game control microcomputer 61 that performs calculations using the difference in number of balls by the difference in number calculation unit 67 are an example of the "calculation means" of the present invention. In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 that executes game stop control when the maximum difference in number of balls reaches a specified number is an example of the "game control means" of the present invention.

Incidentally, in this example, the main control board 60 performs a calculation using the difference in the number of balls to determine whether or not the maximum difference in the number of balls has reached a specified number, but as long as the main control board 60 can grasp the difference in the number of balls, the method is not limited to the above method. For example, the main control board 60 may not perform a calculation using the difference in the number of balls, but may output a command indicating the difference in the number of balls from the frame control board 73 to the main control board 60, and determine whether or not the maximum difference in the number of balls has reached a specified number from the value specified by the command. In this case, the frame control microcomputer 73a corresponds to the "calculation means".

Incidentally, the information on the game stop state caused by the game stop control process and the various ball difference numbers stored in the RAM 64 (current ball difference number, minimum ball difference number, maximum ball difference number at the current time, etc.) is reset by turning on the power of the pachinko game machine 1. That is, it may be executed in the initial setting (S1) of the main control process (FIG. 9) described above. Specifically, when the RAM clear switch 66 is operated in the initial setting (S1), the game control microcomputer 61 decides to release the game stop state and executes various controls so that the game can be played as usual. For example, if the operation of the handle 4 is set to be invalid, the launch device 90 is controlled so that the operation of the handle 4 is valid as usual. Also, if the detection by the various sensors is set to be invalid, the detection by the various sensors is set to be valid as usual. In addition, in the initial setting (S1), the game control microcomputer 61 resets various information related to the difference in number of balls stored in the RAM 64 (current difference in number of balls, minimum difference in number of balls, maximum difference in number of balls at the current time, etc.) and turns off the flag indicating that the specified number has been reached.

[Main processing of the frame control microcomputer 73a]
Next, main processing executed by the frame control microcomputer 73a will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Frame side timer interrupt processing)
First, the contents of the frame side timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.

The frame side timer interrupt process is executed based on an interrupt pulse input to the CPU 73b at a cycle of, for example, 4 msec. That is, the process is executed at a cycle of 4 msec.
In the frame-side timer interruption process, first, the frame control microcomputer 73a executes an input process (S130) to be described later. Next, the frame control microcomputer 73a executes an output process to output commands and the like set in the output buffer provided in the RAM 73d to the main control board 60 (S131). As described above, since the pachinko game machine 1 is an enclosed type pachinko game machine, it is not necessary to execute a process to actually pay out prize balls. After that, the frame control microcomputer 73a executes other processes (S132) and ends this process.

(Input Processing)
Next, the contents of the input process (S130) will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the frame control microcomputer 73a judges whether or not a ball loan signal has been input from the card unit 76 (S140). The ball loan signal is a signal indicating that a ball loan has been requested by the player by operating a ball loan button (not shown) provided on the card unit 76 and the number of balls requested for loan. When it is judged that a ball loan signal has been input (S140: Yes), the frame control microcomputer 73a adds the number of balls to be loaned to the player to the number of balls in hand according to the information specified by the ball loan signal (S141). As described above, the "number of balls in hand" refers to the number of game balls that the player can use for playing. Specifically, the RAM 73d of the frame control microcomputer 73a is provided with a ball number counter that counts the number of balls in hand, and the frame control microcomputer 73a updates the value of the ball number counter based on the ball loan signal, the detection signal from the shot ball sensor 26a, the prize ball command, etc., to grasp the number of balls in hand.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 19, the frame control microcomputer 73a updates the value of the ball count counter, and then adds the number of loaned balls (requested number of loaned balls) specified by the loan ball signal, and displays the result on the ball count display MH. In other words, the value of the ball count counter and the value displayed on the ball count display MH are synchronized. The frame control microcomputer 73a then proceeds to S142. On the other hand, if it is determined that a loan ball signal has not been input (S140: No), the frame control microcomputer 73a proceeds to S142 without executing the processing of S141.

In S142, the frame control microcomputer 73a judges whether or not a detection signal has been input from the shot ball sensor 26a. As described above, the detection signal output from the shot ball sensor 26a is a signal indicating that a game ball has been shot toward the game area 3. If it is judged that a detection signal from the shot ball sensor 26a has been input (S142: Yes), the frame control microcomputer 73a subtracts 1 from the ball number counter according to the information specified by the detection signal input from the shot ball sensor 26a (S143). In addition, after updating the value of the ball number counter, the frame control microcomputer 73a causes the ball number display MH to display the value after subtraction of 1. Incidentally, the number of shot game balls, that is, the number of game balls that flow down the game area 3 and are discharged from the discharge port, is the same as the number of times a signal has been output from the shot ball sensor 26a (or the discharge port sensor Ha). After that, the frame control microcomputer 73a proceeds to S144. On the other hand, if it is determined that a detection signal has not been input from the shot ball sensor 26a (S142: No), the frame control microcomputer 73a proceeds to S144 without executing the process of S143.

In S144, the frame control microcomputer 73a judges whether or not a prize ball command has been input from the main control board 60. As described above, the prize ball command is a command that specifies the type of winning slot that has won and the number of game balls that are different for each winning slot. If it is judged that a prize ball command has been input (S144: Yes), the frame control microcomputer 73a adds the value of the ball number counter according to the information specified by the prize ball command (S145). In addition, after updating the value of the ball number counter, the frame control microcomputer 73a displays the value obtained by adding the number of prize balls specified by the prize ball command on the ball number display MH. Then, the frame control microcomputer 73a proceeds to S146. On the other hand, if it is judged that a prize ball command has not been received (S144: No), the frame control microcomputer 73a proceeds to S146 without executing the process of S145.

In S146, the frame control microcomputer 73a executes other processes based on the detection signals from the other sensors. After that, the frame control microcomputer 73a sets a launch command indicating that the game balls have been launched in an output buffer provided in the RAM 73d (S147). This launch command is output to the main control board 60 by the output process described above. This allows the main control board 60 to grasp the number of balls launched. Alternatively, instead of performing a calculation using the difference in the number of balls in the main control board 60, the frame control microcomputer 73a may output a command to the main control board 60 indicating the number of game balls obtained by subtracting the number of game balls increased by ball lending from the value of the ball count counter, thereby allowing the main control board 60 to grasp various differences in the number of balls.

In this embodiment, the number of balls shot is determined in S142 from the detection signal from the shot ball sensor 26a, but the number of balls shot may be determined based on whether or not a detection signal is received from the discharge port sensor Ha. In addition, the count value of the ball counter may also be reset to match the initial setting (S1).

As mentioned above, since the pachinko game machine 1 is an enclosed type pachinko game machine, even if a prize ball command is input, the frame control microcomputer 73a does not actually pay out game balls. However, when a prize ball command is input from the main control board 60, the frame control microcomputer 73a is configured to increase the value of the ball count counter based on the command, and as a result, the balls held by the player are increased. Thus, the frame control microcomputer 73a, which increases the number of balls held by increasing the value of the ball count counter by the number of balls specified by the prize ball command, is an example of the "prize ball control means" of the present invention. Also, considering that the pachinko game machine 1 is an enclosed type pachinko game machine, the "payout of prize balls" in the present invention corresponds to an increase in the number of balls held in the ball count counter.

(Sub-side main control processing)
Next, the sub-side main control processing will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes an initial setting (S150). In this initial setting, for example, a stack setting, a constant setting, an interrupt time setting, a CPU 102 setting, SIO (System Input/Output), PIO (Parallel Input/Output), CTC (Counter/Timer
The microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance performs settings of the interruption circuit (a circuit for managing interruption time), resets various flags, counters, timers, etc. Next, the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance determines whether the power-off signal is ON and the contents of the RAM 120 are normal (S151), and if the determination is negative (S151: No), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance performs initialization of the RAM 120 (S152) and proceeds to S153. If the determination is positive in S151 (S151: Yes), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance does not initialize the RAM 120 and proceeds to S153. In other words, if the power-off signal is not ON, or if the contents of the RAM 120 are not normal even if the power-off signal is ON (S151: No), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance initializes the RAM 120, but if the power-off signal is ON due to a power outage or the like but the contents of the RAM 120 are maintained normal (S151: Yes), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance does not initialize the RAM 120. Incidentally, initializing the RAM 120 resets the values of various flags, counters, timers, etc. Also, steps S150 to S152 are executed only once after the power is turned on, and are not executed thereafter.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 prohibits interrupts (S153) and executes a random number update process (S154). In this random number update process, the initial values of various performance selection random number counters are updated. The performance selection 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 (S155). 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 an interrupt permission process (S156). Thereafter, S153 to S156 are repeatedly executed. Furthermore, while interrupts are permitted, it is possible to execute reception interrupt processing (S157), 1 ms timer interrupt processing (S158), and 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S159).

(Reception interrupt processing)
Next, the reception interrupt process (S157) will be described.
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. For example, it judges whether the signal level of the strobe signal has changed from high to low. If it is determined that it is not time to receive, the performance control microcomputer 101 ends this process. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is time to receive, the performance control microcomputer 101 receives various commands transmitted from the main control board 60 and stores the received various commands in the reception buffer of the RAM 120. This reception interrupt process is executed in priority to other interrupt processes (S158, S159).

(1 ms timer interrupt processing)
Next, the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S158) will be described with reference to FIG.
The performance control microcomputer 101 executes this 1 ms timer interrupt process each 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 (S160). In this input processing, the performance control microcomputer 101 creates switch data (edge data and level data) indicating that the switch is ON based on detection signals from the performance lever push detection switch 6a, the performance lever rotation detection switch 6b, and the performance button detection switch 9a.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes output processing (S161). In this output processing, the variable performance start command set in the output buffer of the RAM 120 in the variable performance start processing (FIG. 24) described later is output to the image control board 200. Also, in order to make the board lamp 2a, the left side lamp 23a, and the right side lamp 23b emit light in accordance with the display of the performance display device 7, the lamp data created in the lamp processing (S173) in the 10 ms timer interrupt processing described later is output to the lamp control board 79. In other words, the board lamp 2a, the left side lamp 23a, and the right side lamp 23b are made to emit light in a predetermined light emission mode according to the lamp data. Also, in order to output sound from the speaker 8 in accordance with the display of the performance display device 7, the audio data created in the audio control processing (S174) in the 10 ms timer interrupt processing described later is output to the audio control board 78. In other words, sound is output from the speaker 8 according to the audio data. In addition, in order to drive the movable body 15 in accordance with the display of the performance display device 7, drive data (data for driving the movable body 15) is created and the created drive data is output. In other words, the movable body 15 is driven in a predetermined operation pattern according to the drive data.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 judges whether or not a variable performance start command has been output (S162). The variable performance start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 120 in the variable performance start process (FIG. 24) described later, and is output to the image control board 200 in S161. Here, if the performance control microcomputer 101 judges that the variable performance start command has been output (S162: Yes), it starts measuring the variable performance pattern's variable time (S163). Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 performs a watchdog timer process to reset the watchdog timer (S164). After the end of S164, or if it judges that the variable performance start command has not been output (S162: No), the performance control microcomputer 101 ends this process.

(10ms timer interrupt processing)
Next, the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S159) will be described with reference to FIG.
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. 23) described later (S170) and executes a switch state acquisition process (S171). In this switch state acquisition process, the switch data created in the input process (S160) of the 1 ms timer interrupt process 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, etc. displayed by the performance display device 7 (S172). Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes a lamp process (S173). In this lamp process, lamp data is created to control the light emission of each lamp (board lamp 2a, left side lamp 23a, right side lamp 23b, etc.) in accordance with the display of the performance display device 7, and time management of the light emission performance is performed. As a result, each lamp performs a light emission performance in accordance with the display of the performance display device 7.

Then, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes audio control processing (S174). In this audio control processing, it creates audio data (data for controlling the audio output from each speaker 8), outputs the created audio data to the audio control board 78, manages the time of the audio performance, and so on. As a result, audio is output from each speaker 8 in accordance with the display on the performance display device 7. The performance control microcomputer 101 then executes other processing (S175) and ends this processing. In the other processing (S175), it executes processing such as updating the variable performance pattern random number, which is the performance selection random number, and the preview performance random number for determining the preview performance, etc.

(Received command analysis process)
Next, the received command analysis process (S170) will be described with reference to FIG.
The microcomputer 101 for effect control judges whether or not it has received a game state designation command from the main control board 60 (S180). When it judges that it has received a game state designation command (S180: Yes), the microcomputer 101 for effect control executes a sub-side game state setting process (S181). The game state designation command includes information indicating the game state (time-saving flag, time-saving counter, probability change flag, etc.). In this sub-side game state setting process, the received game state designation command is analyzed, and the game state is specified based on the information included in the game state designation command, and the specified game state is stored. For example, the value of the time-saving performance counter stored in the RAM 120 is updated based on the information included in the game state designation command. Specifically, the remaining number of times of variation of the special pattern performed in the time-saving state is set in the time-saving performance counter. This allows information such as the number of time-saving times to be held not only on the main control board 60 side but also on the sub control board 100 side.

After S181 is completed, or when it is determined that the game state designation command has not been received (S180: No), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance determines whether or not an opening command has been received from the main control board 60 (S182). When it is determined that an opening command has been received (S182: Yes), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance executes an opening performance selection process (S183). In this opening performance selection process, the type of performance to be executed during the opening of the big win game is selected. This performance is a performance by the image displayed by the performance display device 7, the light emission of the board lamp 2a, etc., the sound output by each speaker 8, etc., and varies depending on the type of big win. In detail, an opening performance selection table (not shown) in which an opening performance is associated with each opening command is referred to, and an opening performance associated with the received opening command is selected. Then, an opening performance command for starting the opening performance of the selected content is set in the output buffer of the RAM 120.

After S183 is completed, or if it is determined that the opening command has not been received (S182: No), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance determines whether or not a round designation command has been received from the main control board 60 (S184). If it is determined that a round designation command has been received (S184: Yes), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance executes a round designation selection process (S185). In this round designation selection process, the type of designation to be executed in each round of the big win game is selected. This designation is an image displayed by the designation display device 7, light emitted by the board lamp 2a, etc., sound output by each speaker 8, etc., and differs depending on the type of big win. In detail, a round designation table (not shown) in which a round designation is associated with each round designation command is referenced, and the round designation associated with the received round designation command is selected. Then, the round designation command for starting the selected round designation is set in the output buffer of the RAM 120.

After S185 is completed, or if it is determined that the round designation command has not been received (S184: No), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance determines whether or not an ending command has been received from the main control board 60 (S186). If it is determined that an ending command has been received from the main control board 60 (S186: Yes), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance executes an ending performance selection process (S187). In this ending performance selection process, the type of performance to be executed at the end of the jackpot is selected according to the type of jackpot that triggered the jackpot game being executed. This performance is a performance by the image displayed by the performance display device 7, the light emitted by the board lamp 2a, etc., the sound output by each speaker 8, etc., and differs depending on the type of jackpot. For more details, an ending performance table (not shown) in which an ending performance is associated with each ending command is referenced, and an ending performance associated with the received ending command is selected. Then, an ending performance command for starting the ending performance of the selected content is set in the output buffer of the RAM 120.

After S187 ends, or if it is determined that an ending command has not been received from the main control board 60 (S186: No), the performance control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a special chart change start command has been received from the main control board 60 (S188). If it is determined that a special chart change start command has been received (S188: Yes), the performance control microcomputer 101 executes the background preview selection process described below (S189). After that, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes the change performance start process (Fig. 24) described below (S190).

After S190 is completed, or if it is determined that the special symbol fluctuation start command has not been received from the main control board 60 (S188: No), the performance control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the special symbol fluctuation stop command has been received from the main control board 60 (S191). If it is determined that the special symbol fluctuation stop command has been received from the main control board 60 (S191: Yes), the performance control microcomputer 101 executes a fluctuation performance end process (S192). 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 (S155), the image control board 200 displays the left performance pattern 7L, the center performance pattern 7C, and the right performance pattern 7R on the performance display device 7 after passing through a predetermined stop pattern.

After S192 is completed, or if it is determined that the special chart change stop command has not been received from the main control board 60 (S191: No), the performance control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a prize ball instruction command or a launch instruction command has been received (S193).
The command is output from the main control board 60 and indicates the same content as the prize ball command. The launch command is output from the main control board 60 and indicates that the launch command has been received from the frame control board 73, i.e., that the game ball has been launched. These commands allow the sub-control board 100 to grasp the number of balls that differ from one another.

When it is determined that a prize ball instruction command or a launch instruction command has been received from the main control board 60 (S193: Yes), the performance control microcomputer 101 executes a pre-notification performance control process to execute a pre-notification performance described below (S194). After that, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes other processes (S195) and ends this process. On the other hand, when it is determined that a prize ball instruction command or a launch instruction command has not been received from the main control board 60 (S193: No), the performance control microcomputer 101 executes the process of S195 without executing S194. In the other processes (S195), it performs processes based on commands other than the above commands (for example, a normal map fluctuation start command or a normal map fluctuation stop command).

(Variable performance start processing)
Next, the variable performance start process (S190) will be described with reference to FIG.
The performance control microcomputer 101 analyzes the received special chart fluctuation start command (S200). The special chart fluctuation start command includes information on the second special chart fluctuation pattern (first special chart fluctuation pattern) set in the second special chart fluctuation pattern selection process (first special chart fluctuation pattern selection process), the special chart stop pattern (jackpot type determination result), etc. Next, if the special chart fluctuation start command analyzed in S200 is the first special chart fluctuation start command, the performance control microcomputer 101 subtracts "1" from the value of the first special chart reserved performance counter so as to synchronize with the first special chart reserved number, and if the special chart fluctuation start command is the second special chart fluctuation start command, the performance control microcomputer 101 subtracts "1" from the value of the second special chart reserved performance counter so as to synchronize with the second special chart reserved number (S201). The first special symbol reserved performance counter is a counter that counts a number corresponding to the first special symbol reserved number based on the reception of the first start winning command, and the second special symbol reserved performance counter is a counter that counts a number corresponding to the second special symbol reserved number based on the reception of the second start winning command. Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 shifts each data such as the start winning command stored in the special symbol reserved performance storage section to the older storage area (S202). Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 selects a combination of the left performance pattern 7L, the center performance pattern 7C, and the right performance pattern 7R that are finally determined and displayed when the performance display device 7 displays the variable performance pattern by referring to the performance pattern selection table (not shown) (S203).

Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes a performance content selection process (S204). As the performance content selection process, the performance control microcomputer 101 selects the performance content (variable performance pattern) to be performed with the variation of the performance pattern from the performance selection table (see FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 in this example) based on the specified special pattern variation pattern. The details of the performance content selection process will be described later. Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 sets a variable performance start command to the output buffer of the RAM 120 to cause the performance display device 7 to start displaying the performance content (variable performance pattern) selected in S204 (S205). The variable performance start command includes performance content (variable performance pattern) as well as performance image data for displaying the performance pattern on the performance display device 7. Then, by setting the variable performance start command including the performance image data in the output buffer of the RAM 120, the performance image data is output to the image control board 200 in the output process (S161) of the 1 ms timer interrupt process. As a result, the performance pattern and performance image based on the performance image data are displayed on the performance display device 7. After that, the performance control microcomputer 101 ends this process.

[About the preview performance]
In the pachinko game machine 1, a preview effect (corresponding to the suggestive effect of the present invention) that suggests the possibility of an advantageous gaming state occurring can be executed. The advantageous gaming state in this embodiment is a "high probability high base state."

The preview effects in this embodiment include a first preview effect that suggests the possibility of winning a jackpot and also suggests the type of jackpot, a second preview effect that suggests the type of jackpot during jackpot play, and a third preview effect that suggests the game state after jackpot play by the type of background image.

In addition, in pachinko game machine 1, when the maximum difference in the number of balls reaches a specified number, the game is not stopped without any warning, but rather, when the absolute value reaches a notification reference number (90,000 in this example) which is smaller than the specified number (95,000 in this example), a pre-notification effect is executed to suggest in advance that the game will be stopped.

FIG. 25(a) shows the presentation mode of the advance notification presentation.
In this example, when the notification threshold number is reached, a pre-notification image is displayed on the performance display device 7 to warn the player that "You will no longer be able to play in 5,000 balls", thus suggesting in advance that play will stop.

By the way, the contents of the advance notification effect need only hint to the player that the game will stop in advance, and it is not necessary to notify the player of the period until the game will stop, such as "You will soon be unable to play." In addition, when the advance notification effect accurately displays the number of balls remaining until the game is stopped, it may be updated and displayed in units of one ball from when the notification reference number is reached until the specified number is reached, or it may be updated and displayed in units of 10 balls or 100 balls, etc., which are convenient units. In addition, it is not necessary to display the number of remaining balls at all times from when the notification reference number is reached until the specified number is reached, and the latest number of remaining balls may be updated and displayed in units of a specified time (for example, one minute). In addition, when the notification reference number is reached, the notification image notifying the number of remaining balls may be displayed for a certain period (for example, one minute), and if the certain period has passed, it may be hidden until the specified number is reached. Also, instead of displaying the number of balls remaining until a set number is reached, such as "5,000 balls remaining," the second difference in number of balls (the difference between the current difference in number of balls and the smallest difference in number of balls up to that point) may be displayed as is, such as "9,0000 balls."

Then, after the advance notification effect is executed, when the maximum difference in the number of balls reaches a specified number (in this example, "95,000"), it is determined that the game stop condition has been met. During game stop, as shown in FIG. 25(b), a game stop image such as "game stopped" is displayed on the effect display device 7 to inform the player that a situation has arisen in which it is no longer possible to play on the pachinko game machine 1. Note that since the purpose of the game stop image is to inform the player that a situation has arisen in which it is no longer possible to play on the pachinko game machine 1, it is preferable to display it large, for example, across the entire surface of the effect display device 7, to attract the player's attention.

Incidentally, this game suspension state can be released by operating the RAM clear switch 66, and the machine can be controlled to a state in which game play can be carried out as normal. However, after the game suspension state is reached, the RAM clear switch 66 is not operated as a general rule, and the game suspension state is maintained until the end of business hours.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1 configured in this way, during the specific period from when the advance notification effect is executed until the game stops, some of the advance notification effects are executed with effect content exclusive to the specific period. The reason for this is explained below.

Even if the player knows that the game will stop soon (5,000 balls in this example) due to the execution of the advance notification effect, for example, a preview effect suggesting a confirmed jackpot is executed, the player may not be very happy about the execution of the preview effect and winning the jackpot as predicted. This is because, if the advance notification effect is not executed, a preview effect suggesting a high jackpot expectation (high possibility of a favorable game state occurring) is executed, and if the jackpot is won as predicted, a large number of prize balls can be acquired during the jackpot game. However, if the advance notification effect is executed, the maximum difference in the number of balls may reach a specified number during the jackpot game. As a result, for example, the game may stop during the jackpot game or during a high probability high base state, and the player may fall into a situation where he or she is unable to acquire the prize balls that he or she would have been able to acquire if the game had not stopped.

In particular, if a pre-notification effect is executed while playing in a "high probability, high base state", or if a pre-notification effect is executed after the player realizes that the jackpot type is a "high probability jackpot", regardless of the game state when the jackpot is won, the player will be more disappointed. As mentioned above, a "high probability jackpot" is a jackpot type that generates a "high probability, high base state" after the jackpot game ends. Since the "high probability, high base state" is a state in which it is easy to win a jackpot, players expect that "there is a high possibility that I will win a jackpot next time too". If a pre-notification effect is not executed in a state in which players expect that "there is a high possibility that I will win a jackpot next time too", the player can enjoy the pre-notification effect itself, even if a pre-notification effect suggesting a high expectation of a jackpot or a pre-notification effect suggesting a high possibility of a high probability jackpot is executed.

However, if an advance notification effect is performed when a player is expecting that "there is a high probability of hitting the jackpot again next time," the player will know that this state of "there is a high probability of hitting the jackpot again next time" will end when the set number of hits is reached. If the advance notification effect is not performed, the player will be disappointed by the advance notification effect (such as the advance notification effect suggesting a high probability of hitting the jackpot, as mentioned above) which would be a welcome surprise for the player.

Due to the circumstances described above, in the pachinko game machine 1, during the specific period from when the advance notification effect is executed until the game is stopped, a preview effect is executed as the effect content exclusive to the specific period in a manner that prevents the player from guessing the jackpot expectancy, the type of jackpot that has been won, or the game state after the jackpot game. Specifically, in this embodiment, the content of the preview effect is determined regardless of the result of the jackpot determination, the type of jackpot, or the game state after the jackpot game.

(Regarding advance notice performances)
As described above, in the pachinko game machine 1, when the maximum difference in the number of balls reaches a specified number, the game is not stopped without any warning, but rather, when the maximum difference in the number of balls reaches a notification reference number whose absolute value is smaller than the specified number, a pre-notification performance is executed in the manner shown in Figure 25 (a).

(Understanding the difference in number of balls by the sub-control board 100)
In order for the sub-control board 100 to determine the execution timing of the advance notification performance, the sub-control board 100 needs to grasp information on various ball difference numbers (current ball difference number, minimum ball difference number, maximum ball difference number at the current time, etc.). Therefore, in order for the sub-control board 100 to determine whether the second ball difference number (the difference between the current ball difference number and the minimum ball difference number up to the current time) has reached the notification reference number, the performance control microcomputer 101 is provided with a sub-side ball difference number calculation unit. In order to calculate various ball difference numbers on the sub-control board 100 side, similar to the ball difference number calculation unit 67 of the main control board 60, the main control board 60 outputs to the sub-control board 100 a prize ball instruction command that indicates the same content as the prize ball command and a launch instruction command that indicates that a launch command has been input from the frame control board 73, i.e., that the game ball has been launched. In other words, when the performance control microcomputer 101 receives a prize ball instruction command, it controls the sub-side difference ball number calculation unit, and adds the current calculation value of the difference ball number (first difference ball number) so as to add the number of game balls corresponding to the number of prize balls according to the type of winning port specified by the command, and updates it. On the other hand, when the launch instruction command is received, the performance control microcomputer 101 controls the sub-side difference ball number calculation unit, and subtracts 1 from the calculation value of the first difference ball number, and updates it. The calculation result by this sub-side difference ball number calculation unit is consistent with the calculation result by the difference ball number calculation unit 67 on the main control board 60 side. This allows information on various difference ball numbers to be held not only on the main control board 60 side, but also on the sub control board 100 side. In addition, the sub-control board 100 may not be provided with a sub-side difference ball number calculation unit, and when the notification standard number (in this example, "90,000") is reached, a command indicating that the notification standard number has been reached may be output from the main control board 60 to the sub-control board 100, thereby notifying the sub-control board 100 that the time to execute the pre-notification performance has been reached.

(Pre-announcement performance control process)
The contents of the advance notification performance control process (S194) will be described below with reference to FIG.
As described above, when the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance inputs a winning ball instruction command or a launch instruction command, it controls the sub-side difference number calculation unit, calculates the difference number of balls at the current time (first difference number of balls), and when the minimum difference number of balls is updated, overwrites and stores the value. Then, the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance determines whether the second difference number of balls (the difference between the difference number of balls at the current time and the minimum difference number of balls up to the current time) has reached the notification reference number (in this example, "90,000") (S210). If it is determined that the second difference number of balls has not reached "90,000" (S210: No), there is no need to execute the pre-notification performance, so the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance ends this process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the second difference number of balls has reached "90,000" (S210: Yes), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance determines that the execution condition for the pre-notification performance is satisfied, and turns on the notification reference number reaching flag indicating that the notification reference number has been reached (S211). The notification reference number reaching flag is turned ON when the second difference in the number of balls reaches the notification reference number (in this example, "90,000"), that is, when the execution condition of the advance notification effect is satisfied, and is turned OFF when the maximum difference in the number of balls reaches a specified number (in this example, "95,000"). After that, the effect control microcomputer 101 sets a command to display an advance notification image as shown in FIG. 25(a) in the output buffer of the RAM 120 (S212), and ends this process.

The image control board 200, which has received a command from the sub-control board 100 to display a pre-alert image, displays the pre-alert image (see FIG. 25(a)) on the performance display device 7. The content of the pre-alert image may be any content that can suggest to the player in advance that the game will stop, and may be changed appropriately depending on the game characteristics, etc. As described above, a pre-alert image that does not specify the period until the game will stop, such as "You will soon be unable to play," may be displayed. In addition, when the number of balls remaining until the game is stopped is to be displayed accurately, the number may be updated and displayed in units of one ball from the time the notification reference number is reached until the specified number is reached, or may be updated and displayed in units of 10 balls or 100 balls, etc., which are convenient divisions. In addition, it is not necessary to display the number of remaining balls at all times from the time the notification reference number is reached until the specified number is reached, and the latest number of remaining balls may be updated and displayed in units of a specified time (for example, one minute). Also, when the notification reference number is reached, the notification image showing the number of balls may be displayed for a certain period of time (for example, one minute), and once the certain period has elapsed, the image may be hidden until the specified number is reached. Also, instead of displaying the number of balls remaining until the specified number is reached, such as "5,000 balls remaining," the second difference in number of balls (the difference between the difference in number of balls at the current time and the minimum difference in number of balls up to the current time) may be displayed as is, such as "90,000 balls."

The performance control microcomputer 101, which instructs the image control board 200 to execute a pre-notification performance, is an example of a pre-notification performance execution means of the present invention. In addition, the image control board 200, which receives instructions from the performance control microcomputer 101 and causes the performance display device 7 to execute a pre-notification performance, is also an example of a pre-notification performance execution means of the present invention. In addition, sound may be output from the speaker 8 or the side lamps 23a, 23b, etc. may be flashed in accordance with the pre-notification performance performed by the performance display device 7. In this case, the control boards 78, 79 that control these components are also examples of a pre-notification performance execution means.

[About the preview performance during a specific period]
As described above, in the pachinko game machine 1, during the specific period from when the advance notification effect is executed until the game is stopped, the advance notification effect is executed in such a manner that the player cannot guess the jackpot expectation rate, the type of jackpot that has been won, or the game state after the jackpot game. Specifically, the content of the advance notification effect is determined regardless of the result of the jackpot determination, the type of jackpot, or the game state after the jackpot game. In the pachinko game machine 1, during the specific period, among the multiple advance notification effects set, the performance modes of the three types of advance notification effects, the first advance notification effect, the second advance notification effect, and the third advance notification effect, are executed in a different manner from that during the non-specific period.

The first to third preview performances will be explained in detail below.
(First preview)
The effect selection table T5a shown in Fig. 27 is a table that is referred to when the effect control microcomputer 101 selects the effect content (variable effect pattern) to be executed by the effect display device 7 or the like. The effect selection table T5a is also a table that is referred to before the execution of the advance notification effect. The effect specified by the variable effect pattern corresponds to the first advance notice effect (which suggests the possibility of winning a jackpot and also suggests the type of jackpot).

The effect selection table T5a is configured by associating special chart change patterns, jackpot types, effect selection random number values (effect selection judgment values), and change effect patterns. The special chart change patterns correspond to the special chart change patterns set in the special chart change pattern selection table T4 (Fig. 8) described above. The effect selection random number values (effect selection judgment values) are a predetermined random number selected from the effect selection random numbers generated by the effect selection random number counter. In this embodiment, the effect selection random number counter counts a total of 100 effect selection random numbers from 0 to 99. In other words, it generates a total of 100 effect selection random numbers from 0 to 99.

When special chart fluctuation pattern P1 (for non-time-saving) or special chart fluctuation pattern P7 (for time-saving) is selected and the determined jackpot type is a "high probability jackpot," if the acquired random number for selecting effects is a value within the range of 0 to 74, "SP Reach A" is selected as the fluctuation presentation pattern, whereas if the acquired random number for selecting effects is a value within the range of 75 to 99, "SP Reach B" is selected as the fluctuation presentation pattern.

When special chart fluctuation pattern P1 (for non-time-saving) or special chart fluctuation pattern P7 (for time-saving) is selected and the determined jackpot type is a "normal jackpot," if the acquired random number for selecting effects is a value within the range of 0 to 24, "SP Reach A" is selected as the fluctuation presentation pattern, whereas if the acquired random number for selecting effects is a value within the range of 25 to 99, "SP Reach B" is selected as the fluctuation presentation pattern.

When special chart variation pattern P2 (non-time-saving) is selected and the determined jackpot type is a "high probability jackpot," if the obtained random number for selecting the presentation is a value within the range of 0 to 74, "normal reach A" is selected as the variation pattern, whereas if the obtained random number for selecting the presentation is a value within the range of 75 to 99, "normal reach B" is selected as the variation pattern.

When special chart fluctuation pattern P2 (for non-time-saving) is selected and the determined jackpot type is a "normal jackpot," if the acquired presentation selection random number is a value within the range of 0 to 24, "normal reach A" is selected as the fluctuation presentation pattern, whereas if the acquired presentation selection random number is a value within the range of 25 to 99, "normal reach B" is selected as the fluctuation presentation pattern.

When special chart fluctuation pattern P3 (for non-time-saving) or special chart fluctuation pattern P8 (for time-saving) is selected, if the acquired performance selection random number is a value within the range of 0 to 9, "SP Reach A" is selected as the fluctuation performance pattern, and if the acquired performance selection random number is a value within the range of 10 to 99, "SP Reach B" is selected as the fluctuation performance pattern.

When special chart variation pattern P4 (for non-time-saving) is selected, if the acquired random number for selecting effects is a value within the range of 0 to 9, "normal reach A" is selected as the variation pattern, and if the acquired random number for selecting effects is a value within the range of 10 to 99, "normal reach B" is selected as the variation pattern.

When special chart fluctuation pattern P5 (for non-time-saving) or special chart fluctuation pattern P9 (for time-saving) is selected, "normal fluctuation A" is selected as the fluctuation presentation pattern, regardless of the value of the acquired presentation selection random number. When special chart fluctuation pattern P6 (for non-time-saving) or special chart fluctuation pattern P10 (for time-saving) is selected, "normal fluctuation B" is selected as the fluctuation presentation pattern, regardless of the value of the acquired presentation selection random number.

In this way, in the performance selection table T5a referred to before the execution of the advance notification performance, when a special chart change pattern for the jackpot change is selected, the selection ratio of the change performance pattern differs according to the determined jackpot type. Therefore, depending on the contents of the super reach, it is possible to guess whether or not the probability of winning a jackpot, and whether or not the probability of winning a jackpot, or the normal jackpot, is high when a jackpot is won. For example, suppose that a reach performance is executed with the contents of "SP reach A" in a non-time-saving state. The SP reach performance is more likely to be selected when a jackpot is determined than when a jackpot is not determined. Furthermore, the contents of "SP reach A" are more likely to be selected when a "high probability jackpot" is determined than when a "normal jackpot" is determined. For this reason, when a reach performance is executed with the contents of "SP reach A", it is possible to guess that there is a possibility that a jackpot will be determined, and that when a jackpot is won, it is highly likely that the game will be controlled to a "high probability high base state" as a favorable game state after the jackpot game ends.

The effect selection table T5b shown in FIG. 28 is a table that is referenced after the advance notification effect is executed. In the following explanation of effect selection table T5b, the differences from effect selection table T5a will be mainly explained.

In the effect selection table T5a (FIG. 27), when a special chart change pattern for jackpot change is selected, the selection ratio of the change presentation pattern is varied according to the determined jackpot type. On the other hand, in the effect selection table T5b, a change presentation pattern is selected regardless of the jackpot type. In other words, regardless of the jackpot type, a change presentation pattern is selected from the same options at the same selection ratio. For example, when the special chart change pattern P1 (for non-time-saving) or the special chart change pattern P7 (for time-saving) is selected, if the acquired effect selection random number is a value within the range of 0 to 74, "SP Reach A" is selected as the change presentation pattern regardless of the jackpot type, while if the acquired effect selection random number is a value within the range of 75 to 99, "SP Reach B" is selected as the change presentation pattern regardless of the jackpot type.

This makes it impossible to guess the type of big win from the contents of the super reach. Furthermore, when a special chart change pattern associated with the "SP reach" change presentation pattern is selected, the change presentation pattern is selected from the same options at the same selection ratio regardless of the result of the big win determination. For example, when the special chart change pattern P3 (for non-time-saving) or the special chart change pattern P8 (for time-saving) is selected, if the acquired performance selection random number is a value within the range of 0 to 74, "SP reach A" is selected as the change presentation pattern, while if the acquired performance selection random number is a value within the range of 75 to 99, "SP reach B" is selected as the change presentation pattern. This selection ratio is the same as the selection ratio of the change presentation pattern when the special chart change patterns P1 and P7 are selected. In the embodiment, the selection ratio of the special chart change pattern associated with the "SP reach" change presentation pattern is made different depending on the result of the big win determination (see FIG. 8). Alternatively, a special chart variation pattern associated with the same variation time may be selected regardless of the result of the jackpot determination, and when the variation presentation pattern is determined on the sub-control board 100 side, the variation presentation pattern may be selected according to the result of the jackpot determination or the type of jackpot.

(Second preview performance)
The effect selection table T6a shown in FIG. 29(b) is a table that is referred to when the effect control microcomputer 101 selects the effect contents of the jackpot advance notice effect that suggests the jackpot type during the jackpot game. The effect selection table T6a is also a table that is referred to before the execution of the advance notice effect. The jackpot advance notice effect corresponds to the second advance notice effect (suggesting the jackpot type). The jackpot advance notice effect is executed in a manner in which a specific character appears during a specific round play that constitutes the jackpot game, as exemplified in FIG. 29(a).

The effect selection table T6a is configured by associating a big win type, an effect selection random number value (effect selection determination value), and a character that appears.
When a 5R certain jackpot (jackpot pattern A or jackpot pattern a) is determined as the jackpot type, if the obtained performance selection random number is a value within the range of 0 to 34, "character KC" is selected as the character that will appear in the jackpot play preview; if the value is within the range of 35 to 69, "character KD" is selected; and if the value is within the range of 70 to 99, "character KE" is selected.

When a 7R jackpot (jackpot pattern B or jackpot pattern b) is determined as the jackpot type, if the obtained performance selection random number is a value within the range of 0 to 39, "character KC" is selected, if it is a value within the range of 40 to 74, "character KD" is selected, and if it is a value within the range of 75 to 99, "character KE" is selected.

When a 9R guaranteed jackpot (jackpot pattern C or jackpot pattern c) is determined as the jackpot type, if the obtained performance selection random number is a value within the range of 0 to 44, "character KC" is selected; if it is a value within the range of 45 to 74, "character KD" is selected; if it is a value within the range of 75 to 99, "character KE" is selected.

When a 5R normal jackpot (jackpot pattern D or jackpot pattern d) is determined as the jackpot type, if the obtained performance selection random number is a value within the range of 0 to 29, "character KC" is selected, if it is a value within the range of 30 to 59, "character KD" is selected, and if it is a value within the range of 60 to 99, "character KE" is selected.

When a 10R guaranteed jackpot (jackpot pattern e) is determined as the jackpot type, if the obtained random number for selecting effects is a value within the range of 0 to 49, "character KC" is selected; if it is a value within the range of 50 to 74, "character KD" is selected; if it is a value within the range of 75 to 99, "character KE" is selected.

In this way, in the effect selection table T6a, which is referenced before the execution of the advance notification effect, the selection ratio of characters that will appear in the preview effect during the jackpot varies according to the type of jackpot. Therefore, it is possible to guess the type of jackpot from the type of character that appears. For example, when "character KE" appears, it is possible to guess that the jackpot type is more likely to be a "normal jackpot" than a "variable jackpot". Also, when "character KC" appears, it is possible to guess that the jackpot type is more likely to be a "variable jackpot" than a "normal jackpot".

The presentation format of the preview performance during a jackpot in the embodiment is one example, and the selection ratio and presentation content can be changed as appropriate. For example, in the embodiment, the presentation content of the preview performance during a jackpot is roughly divided into two types, "variable jackpot" and "normal jackpot", and corresponds to them, but presentation content (characters) may be associated with each type of jackpot.

The effect selection table T6b shown in FIG. 29(c) is a table that is referenced after the advance notification effect is executed. In the following explanation of the effect selection table T6b, the differences from the effect selection table T6a will be mainly explained.

In the performance selection table T6a (FIG. 29(b)), the selection ratio of the characters appearing in the preview performance during the jackpot was made different according to the type of jackpot. On the other hand, in the performance selection table T6b, the characters are selected regardless of the type of jackpot. Specifically, in the performance selection table T6b, the values of the performance selection random numbers are associated so that, regardless of which special pattern change pattern for the jackpot change is selected, one of the performance contents is selected from the same options "character KC", "character KD", "character KE", and "no character display" at the same selection ratio. In other words, regardless of which special pattern change pattern is selected from the special pattern change patterns P1, P2, and P7, if the acquired performance selection random number is a value within the range of 0 to 24, "character KC" is selected, if it is a value within the range of 25 to 49, "character KD" is selected, if it is a value within the range of 50 to 74, "character KE" is selected, and if it is a value within the range of 75 to 99, "no character" is selected. In other words, regardless of the type of jackpot, characters are selected from the same options at the same selection ratio. This makes it impossible to guess the type of jackpot from the content of the preview during the jackpot game. Incidentally, if "no characters" is selected, literally no characters will appear during the jackpot game, so there is no room for guessing the type of jackpot. Even with this type of presentation, it is possible to prevent the type of jackpot from being guessed.

(Third preview performance)
The effect selection table T7a shown in FIG. 30(a) is a table that is referred to when the effect control microcomputer 101 selects the effect contents of the background notice effect that indicates the current jackpot probability. The effect selection table T7a is also a table that is referred to before the execution of the advance notice effect. The background notice effect corresponds to the third notice effect (indicating the game state after the jackpot game). The background notice effect is executed in a manner in which the color of the background image displayed in the background of the effect pattern, etc. is made different depending on the jackpot probability. Note that, even in the normal game state, etc., a background image is usually displayed, but the background image of the background notice effect executed as a type of notice effect and the background image displayed as the normal background in the normal game state, etc. are different. In this embodiment, the background notice effect is executed when the state is a "high probability high base state" or a "low probability high base state".

The effect selection table T7a is configured to associate an effect selection random number value (effect selection determination value) with the color of a background image for each game state.
When the game state is a "high probability high base state," if the acquired performance selection random number is a value within the range of 0 to 29, a "red" background image is selected; if it is a value within the range of 30 to 59, a "yellow" background image is selected; if it is a value within the range of 60 to 79, a "green" background image is selected; and if it is a value within the range of 80 to 99, a "blue" background image is selected.

When the game state is "low probability high base state", if the obtained effect selection random number is a value within the range of 0 to 19, a "red" background image is selected; if it is a value within the range of 20 to 39, a "yellow" background image is selected; if it is a value within the range of 40 to 69, a "green" background image is selected; and if it is a value within the range of 70 to 99, a "blue" background image is selected.

In this way, in the effect selection table T7a, which is referenced before the execution of the advance notification effect, the selection ratio of the background image displayed in the background preview effect differs according to the game state. Therefore, it is possible to guess the current probability of a jackpot based on the color of the background image. For example, when a "red" or "yellow" background image is displayed, it is possible to guess that the probability of a jackpot is more likely to be in a high probability state than in a normal probability state. On the other hand, when a "green" or "blue" background image is displayed, it is possible to guess that the probability of a jackpot is more likely to be in a normal probability state than in a high probability state.

It should be noted that the presentation format of the background preview presentation in the embodiment is merely an example, and the selection ratio and presentation content can be changed as appropriate.
The effect selection table T7b shown in Fig. 30(b) is a table that is referred to after the advance notification effect is executed. In the following, the effect selection table T7b will be described, focusing on the differences from the effect selection table T7a.

First, the significance of the existence of the effect selection table T7b shown in FIG.
In this embodiment, if the specified number is reached during a jackpot game, the game stop is carried over until the jackpot game ends, but if the specified number is not reached during a jackpot game, the game stop control is performed at the time when the specified number is reached (S112 in FIG. 17: Yes). For example, after the jackpot game ends, in a state where the "high probability high base state" is reached, the maximum difference in the number of balls reaches the specified number, and it is possible that the game cannot be played in the middle of the "high probability high base state". In this case, a high expectation performance or the like is performed during the "high probability high base state" after the jackpot game ends, but if the game stop control is performed due to the specified number being reached, the player will have the impression that he or she has lost. Therefore, in this embodiment, in preparation for the case where the specified number is reached after the execution of the advance notification performance after the jackpot game ends, the performance selection table T7b shown in FIG. 30(b) is set.

In effect selection table T7a (Figure 30(a)), the selection ratio of background images is varied according to the game state. On the other hand, in effect selection table T7b, a background image is selected regardless of the game state. Specifically, in effect selection table T7b, effect selection random numbers are associated so that only the same background image (in this example, "purple") is always selected, regardless of whether the jackpot probability is in a high probability state or a normal probability state. This makes it impossible to guess the current jackpot probability (the jackpot probability after the jackpot game ends) from the color of the background image.

In this way, in the pachinko game machine 1, the effect selection table to be referred to when selecting the effect contents of the advance notice effect is different before and after the execution of the advance notice effect. Furthermore, in the effect selection table to be referred to after the execution of the advance notice effect, the effect selection random numbers are associated so that the effect contents are selected from the same options at the same selection ratio regardless of the type of jackpot, or so that only one type of effect content is selected regardless of the game state. This makes it impossible for the player to guess the jackpot expectation rate, the type of jackpot that has been won, or the game state after the jackpot game from the contents of the various advance notice effects executed after the advance notice effect.

(Switching of the performance mode (performance selection table) before and after execution of advance notification performance)
Hereinafter, specific control contents executed in the performance content selection process (S204) for switching the performance mode of the preview performance before and after the execution of the advance notice performance will be described with reference to Fig. 31. Note that Fig. 31 will be described with reference to switching the performance mode (performance selection table) in the first preview performance as an example.

First, the performance control microcomputer 101 checks whether the notification reference number reaching flag is ON (S220). As described above, the notification reference number reaching flag is a flag that is turned ON when the second difference in number of balls (the difference between the current difference in number of balls and the minimum difference in number of balls up to the current point) reaches the notification reference number (in this example, "90,000") and is turned OFF when the maximum difference in number of balls reaches a specified number (in this example, "95,000").

If it is determined that the notification reference number reaching flag is ON (S220: Yes), it means that the conditions for executing the advance notification effect are met. In this case, the effect control microcomputer 101 refers to the effect selection table T5b (FIG. 28) and determines the variable effect pattern so that the player cannot guess the jackpot expectancy or the jackpot type (the game state after the jackpot game ends) (S221). As described above, in the effect selection table T5b, random numbers are associated so that the variable effect pattern is selected from the same options at the same selection rate regardless of the jackpot type or the result of the jackpot determination. After that, the effect control microcomputer 101 ends this process.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the notification reference number reaching flag is OFF (S221: No), the pre-notification performance has not yet been executed. In this case, the performance control microcomputer 101 refers to the performance selection table T5a (FIG. 27) to determine the variable performance pattern (S222). As described above, the performance selection table T5a varies the selection ratio of the variable performance pattern depending on the result of the jackpot determination and the type of jackpot. This allows the player to guess the jackpot expectancy and the type of jackpot (the game state after the jackpot game ends) from the contents of the super reach performance when the pre-notification performance has not yet been executed. After that, the performance control microcomputer 101 ends this process.

By configuring the tables in this way and by switching the table to be referenced depending on whether or not the advance notification effect is executed, when the advance notification effect is executed, it becomes impossible to guess the jackpot expectation rate, the jackpot type, or the game state after the end of the jackpot game from the content of the specific advance notification effect executed during that period until the game stops. As a result, even if the player is aware that the game will soon stop due to the execution of the advance notification effect, for example, even if an advance notification effect with a high jackpot expectation is executed just before the end of the game, the effect that would have been pleasing to the player if the advance notification effect had not been executed will not give the player a disappointing impression. In other words, since normal advance notification effects are executed during a period other than the specific period, the original intention of each advance notification effect will not be misinterpreted. By "misinterpretation," we mean that, for example, an "advance notification effect suggesting a high jackpot expectation" gives a pleasing impression, but a "high expectation advance notification effect" does not give a disappointing impression.

In the example of Fig. 31, the switching of the presentation mode in the first preview performance has been described, but the same procedure is used to switch the presentation mode (presentation selection table) for the other preview performances. That is, for the second preview performance (preview performance during big win), for example, in S185 of the received command analysis process, the presentation selection table to be referenced is switched depending on whether or not the advance notification performance has been executed. For the third preview performance (background preview performance), for example,
In the background preview selection process (S189) described above, the presentation selection table to be referenced is switched depending on whether or not the advance notification presentation has already been executed.

The performance control microcomputer 101, which instructs the image control board 200 to execute a preview performance, is an example of the suggested performance execution means of the present invention. In addition, the image control board 200, which receives instructions from the performance control microcomputer 101 and causes the performance display device 7 to execute a preview performance, is also an example of the suggested performance execution means of the present invention. In addition, sound may be output from the speaker 8 in accordance with the preview performance performed by the performance display device 7, and the side lamps 23a, 23b, etc. may be made to flash. In this case, the control boards 78, 79 that control these components are also examples of suggested performance execution means.

<Game flow before and after advance notice performance>
Below, the flow of the game before and after the execution of the advance notification performance will be explained with reference to Figure 32.

FIG. 32(a) shows the flow of the game before the advance notification performance is executed.
In the normal game state (low probability low base state), a jackpot is determined by the jackpot determination, and a certain probability jackpot is determined as the jackpot type. In addition, "SP Reach A" is determined as the variable presentation pattern.

Under this premise, when a predetermined time has passed since the start of the pattern change (time point a1), a reach effect is executed with the contents of "SP reach A". In this embodiment, the "SP reach A" change effect pattern is more likely to be selected when a jackpot is determined to be a jackpot than when a jackpot is not determined to be a jackpot, and when a jackpot is determined to be a "variable jackpot", the "SP reach A" change effect pattern is more likely to be selected when a "variable jackpot" is determined than when a "normal jackpot" is determined (see Figures 8 and 27). This leads the player to infer that a reach effect executed with the contents of "SP reach A" may indicate a higher probability of winning a jackpot and a "variable jackpot".

Then, after the time period set in the special chart change pattern has elapsed and the pattern has been confirmed and displayed (time point a2), the jackpot game begins. At this time, let us say that "Character KC" has been determined as the jackpot preview performance. In this embodiment, "Character KC" is more likely to be determined when a "high probability jackpot" is determined than when a "normal jackpot" is determined (see FIG. 29(b)). As a result, if a jackpot preview performance featuring "Character KC" is executed during jackpot play (time point a3), the player infers that there is a high possibility that he or she has won a "high probability jackpot".

After that, when the jackpot game ends (time point a4), based on the premise that a "high probability jackpot" has been won, the game state after the jackpot game ends becomes a "high probability high base state." At this time, it is decided to execute a background preview performance, and "yellow" is decided as the background image. In this embodiment, "yellow" is more likely to be decided as the background image in a "high probability state" than in a "normal probability state" (see FIG. 30(a)). This leads the player to infer that there is a high possibility that the current game state is a "high probability state" based on the color of the background image.

In this way, before the advance notification effect is executed, it is possible to infer the probability of a jackpot, the type of jackpot, or the game state after the jackpot game ends from the content of the advance notification effect.

FIG. 32(b) shows the flow of the game after the advance notification performance is executed.
Assume that the game is played in the same manner as the time points a1 to a4 described in FIG. 32(a) from time b1 to time b4. After that, in the game state of the "high probability high base state", the notification reference number is reached, and the pre-notification performance is executed (time b5). As a result, the player realizes that the game will stop soon. Then, it is determined that the jackpot is determined in the jackpot determination in this "high probability high base state", and the jackpot type is determined to be "normal jackpot". In this case, after the variation time set in the special chart variation pattern has elapsed, the jackpot game starts (time b6). At this time, it is determined that "no character" is determined as the jackpot pre-notification performance. As described above, in the jackpot pre-notification performance after the pre-notification performance is executed, the characters to be displayed in the jackpot pre-notification performance are determined at the same selection ratio from the same options regardless of the jackpot type (see FIG. 29(c)). In addition to the setting of such a selection ratio, since the jackpot pre-notification performance was not executed (time b7), it is difficult for the player to guess the jackpot type.

After that, when the jackpot game ends (time point b8), based on the premise that a "normal jackpot" has been won, the game state after the jackpot game ends becomes a "low probability high base state." At this time, it is decided that a background preview performance will be executed. However, in this embodiment, in the background preview performance after the advance notification performance is executed, it is set so that only the same background image (in this example, "purple") is selected regardless of whether the jackpot probability is in a high probability state or a normal probability state (see FIG. 30(b)). This makes it difficult for the player to guess the current game state from the color of the background image.

Then, suppose that a jackpot is determined in the "low probability high base state" and a "high probability jackpot" is determined as the jackpot type. At this time, suppose that "character KE" is determined as the jackpot preview effect. In the jackpot preview effect shown in FIG. 32(a), "character KE" was more likely to be selected when a "normal jackpot" was determined than a "high probability jackpot" (see FIG. 29(b)), but after the advance notification effect is executed, characters are selected from the same options at the same selection rate regardless of the jackpot type (see FIG. 29(c)). For this reason, even if character KE appears during the jackpot game (time b10) after the jackpot game starts (time b9), it does not necessarily mean that the jackpot type that was won is highly likely to be a "normal jackpot".

Even if the maximum difference in the number of balls reaches a specified number during the execution of a jackpot game (time b11), because the jackpot game is still in progress, game stop control is not performed immediately at the time point when time b11 is reached, but is performed after the jackpot game ends (time b12).

Incidentally, if the maximum difference in the number of balls does not reach the specified number during the jackpot game, the game will be controlled to a "high probability high base state" after the jackpot game ends, based on the fact that a "high probability high base state" has been won. However, to prevent the player from knowing that the game is in a "high probability high base state," when a background preview performance is executed, a "purple" background image will be selected as an alternative, just like the background image selected after a "normal jackpot."

In this way, after the advance notification effect is executed, it becomes difficult to guess the jackpot expectation, jackpot type, or game state after the jackpot game ends from the contents of the advance notification effect. As a result, even if a game state advantageous to the player such as a "high probability high base state" has occurred, or even if a jackpot type advantageous to the player (for example, a guaranteed jackpot) has been determined, it becomes difficult to guess the game state or jackpot type. For this reason, even if the player is aware that the game will soon stop due to the advance notification effect being executed, for example, a advance notification effect with a high jackpot expectation is executed just before the end of the game, the effect that would have been pleasing to the player if the advance notification effect had not been executed does not give the player a disappointing impression.

[Effects of the embodiment]
(1) By implementing the pachinko game machine 1 of the embodiment, during the specific period from when the advance notification performance is executed to when the game is stopped, the execution mode of the advance notice performance (suggestion performance) is controlled so that at least one of the game state after the big win game and the probability of the advantageous game state occurring cannot be guessed. As a result, for example, even if an advance notice performance is performed suggesting that the advantageous game state is likely to occur, and the game stops in the middle of the advantageous game state because the maximum difference in the number of balls reaches a specified number despite the advantageous game state actually occurring, the player will not feel a loss in the advantageous game state that would normally be pleasing to him.

(2) The advantageous game state is a "high probability high base state (at least one of a game state in which a win/loss judgment is more likely to be executed than in a normal game state, and a game state in which a win/loss judgment is more likely to result in a jackpot)". If a pre-notification effect is executed during a special game period (a state in which a game is being executed in a "high probability high base state", or a period in which a "high probability high base state" has actually occurred since the type of jackpot that was won was recognized as a "variable jackpot"), the execution mode of the pre-notification effect is controlled so that at least one of the game state after the jackpot game and the likelihood that an advantageous game state will occur cannot be guessed. A jackpot judgment during an advantageous game state has a higher probability of continuing the advantageous game state than a jackpot judgment during a non-advantageous game state, so that when a player is notified that the game will soon stop even though the player is about to hit a jackpot again, the advantageous game state itself may give the player an impression of loss, even though the advantageous game state is a favorable game state that should be pleasing to the player. However, by doing as in the present invention, the player does not get the impression that he or she is losing out on a favorable gaming state. Also, even if a pre-notification effect is performed, the player cannot guess the probability of a jackpot, the type of jackpot, or the gaming state after the jackpot game from the contents of the advance notice effect, so the player's motivation to continue playing can be maintained until the game stops.

(3) In addition, during the specific period from when the advance notification effect is executed until the game is stopped, the content of the advance notification effect is determined and the advance notification effect is executed regardless of the result of the jackpot determination, the type of jackpot, or the game state after the jackpot play. If the content of the advance notification effect is determined regardless of the result of the jackpot determination, the type of jackpot, or the game state after the jackpot play, it is not possible to guess the jackpot expectation rate, jackpot type, game state, etc. from the effect content, so even if the advantageous game state ends midway after the advance notification effect, the player will not be given the impression that he or she has lost out on that advantageous game state. In addition, even if the advance notification effect is executed, it is difficult to determine the game state after the jackpot play or the expectation rate of a jackpot from the mode of the advance notification effect, so the player's motivation to continue playing can be maintained until the game is stopped.

<Other embodiments>
The following modified examples will be described below. Note that the following modified examples can be appropriately combined with each other.

The upper limit number of game balls that can be acquired in a jackpot game can be grasped before the jackpot game starts. In this embodiment, when a game ball enters the jackpot winning hole 32, 15 game balls are given. Also, each round game ends when the number of game balls that have entered the jackpot winning hole 32 reaches 10 balls. As a result, for example, when a "10R sure-win jackpot" is won, a maximum of "10 (balls) x 15 (balls) x 10 (rounds)" = 1500 game balls can be acquired during the jackpot game. Then, when a jackpot is determined to be a jackpot in the jackpot determination, the game control microcomputer 61 calculates the upper limit number of game balls that can be acquired in the jackpot game before the start of the jackpot game, and calculates the number of balls remaining until the specified number is reached. If it is determined that there is a possibility that the specified number will be reached in the jackpot game, a pre-notification effect may be executed before the start of the jackpot game. According to this, the advance notification effect performed before the start of the jackpot game allows the player to know in advance that the game will stop at least when the jackpot game ends. This prevents the player from feeling that the game has stopped without any notification. Even if the advance notification effect is performed during the jackpot game, the player cannot guess the jackpot expectation rate, the jackpot type, or the game state after the jackpot game from the presentation mode, so the player does not feel that he or she has lost out.

・The advance notice effect may be switched as in the embodiment only when a pre-notification effect is executed during a jackpot game that is started by winning a high probability jackpot in a high probability base state or a high probability jackpot in a high probability base state. In other words, when a pre-notification effect is executed in a state where there is a high possibility of winning a jackpot next time, the content of the advance notice effect may not allow the player to guess the jackpot expectation rate, the jackpot type, or the game state after the jackpot game. In this case, the state in which the game is being played in a high probability base state, or the period during which the game is actually controlled to a high probability base state after the type of jackpot won is recognized as a high probability jackpot, is an example of a "special game period" in which a jackpot is likely to be determined. In addition, since the "high probability base state" is advantageous to the player in terms of winning prize balls, the "special game period" can also be said to be a "game state that is advantageous to the player in terms of winning prize balls".

After the advance notification effect is executed, it is preferable that the type of jackpot cannot be determined even from the combination of jackpot effect symbols.
In the main timer interrupt processing (FIG. 10), the game stop control processing (S19) is executed after the special pattern change processing (S18). However, as long as the main control board 60 can determine whether or not the timing for stopping the game has been reached, the execution timing of the game stop control processing is not limited to the timing shown in the embodiment.

- Similarly, in the received command analysis process (Figure 23), the pre-alarm performance control process (S194) is executed after the variable performance end process (S192) is executed, but as long as the sub-control board 100 can determine whether the notification reference number has been reached, the timing of execution of the pre-alarm performance control process is not limited to the timing shown in the embodiment.

- In the embodiment, the game stop state is released by operating the RAM clear switch 66, and various information related to the difference in the number of balls and flags related to the difference in the number of balls are reset by turning the main power ON (initial setting of the main side main control process). Alternatively, the game stop state may be released and the difference in the number of balls reset under the same conditions, or the difference in the number of balls may be reset by operating the RAM clear switch 66 and the game stop state may be released by turning the main power OFF (or ON). Furthermore, in addition to turning the main power OFF (or ON), the game stop state may be released and the difference in the number of balls reset when the RAM clear switch 66 is operated.

- If a jackpot game is being played when the maximum difference in the number of balls reaches a specified number, the game stop is postponed until the jackpot game ends (see FIG. 17). Alternatively, game stop control may be executed when the maximum difference in the number of balls reaches a specified number, regardless of whether a jackpot game is being played or not.

- The types of preview effects are not limited to the examples mentioned above. The preview effect may also be a pre-reading preview that determines in advance whether or not a jackpot has been won, or the type of jackpot, before the jackpot determination is executed, and notifies the player of the determination.

The allocation of random numbers in the performance selection tables T5b, T6b, and T7b is an example, and any table configuration may be used as long as it is difficult to guess the jackpot expectation rate or the type of jackpot that has been won. For example, regardless of the type of jackpot, the performance content of the preview performance during the jackpot may be determined alternatively.

- In the above embodiment, when a "normal jackpot" is won, a "low probability high base state" game state is generated after the jackpot play ends. However, instead of this jackpot type, a jackpot type may be set that sets the game state to the normal game state without generating a time-saving state after the jackpot play ends. In this case, the probability state of the jackpot lottery can be determined from the presence or absence of a time-saving state after the jackpot play ends, so the preview effect suggesting the game state (in this example, the background preview effect) may be omitted.

The prescribed number for stopping the game can be changed as appropriate depending on the game characteristics, etc. For example, the prescribed number for stopping the game may be the ratio of the number of winning balls to the number of shot balls.
In the above embodiment, a prize ball may be awarded when the ball passes through the gate.

In the above embodiment, an outlet sensor that detects the game ball that has passed through the outlet 19 may be provided.
In the above embodiment, the specified number that triggers the game to stop is the "maximum number of balls difference", but this is not limited to this. For example, the game may be stopped when the number of balls difference obtained by subtracting the number of balls shot from the number of winning balls becomes "95,000". In addition, the game may be stopped when the total number of winning balls reaches a specified number, or when the total number of balls shot reaches a specified number, or when the difference in balls in the embodiment is calculated from the viewpoint of the game store, the game may be stopped when the "value obtained by subtracting the number of winning balls from the number of balls shot" reaches a specified number. In addition, the "number of winning balls" may only target winning balls based on winning the big winning hole 32.

Similarly, the notification reference number can be changed as appropriate depending on the gameplay, etc.
・As long as the number of balls remaining until the specified number is reached can be notified to the player, the presentation form of the advance notification presentation is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 25(a). For example, a scale extending in the vertical direction of the presentation display device 7 and an increase/decrease bar that increases/decreases based on the scale may be displayed, and the number of balls remaining may be notified according to the value of the scale indicated by the tip of the increase/decrease bar. In addition, for example, the advance notification presentation may be performed by operating the movable body 15, sound from the speaker 8, or light from the frame lamp 2b, etc.

- The notification effect for notifying a game stop as illustrated in FIG. 25(b) may be executed when, in addition to the first condition that the maximum difference in the number of balls reaches a specified number, a second condition, for example, that the handle 4 is gripped, is satisfied. The second condition may also be that the ball lending button provided on the card unit 76 is operated. In this case, since the game stop condition is met, game balls will not be lent out even if the ball lending button is operated. Even if a player who has forgotten that the game is stopped operates the ball lending button, if the notification effect for notifying a game stop is executed before the ball lending is actually performed, the player will be able to realize that the game is stopped, and will be able to cancel the ball lending operation, and the player will not suffer any loss.

- When displaying an image to warn against addiction during standby or at the end of a jackpot game, a notification effect may be executed in conjunction with the image display to inform the player that play has stopped.

- The advance notification effect may be executed when a second condition, for example, the operation of the effect button 9, is satisfied in addition to the first condition that the second difference in the number of balls (the difference between the current difference in the number of balls and the minimum difference in the number of balls up to the current point) reaches the notification reference number. Also, the content of the notification when the effect button 9 is operated may be changed depending on the number of balls remaining until the specified number is reached.

The content of the ending performance may be changed depending on the number of balls remaining before the specified number is reached.
In an embodiment, the advantageous gaming state may be either a "high probability state" or a "time-saving state."

- In the embodiment, the advantageous gaming state may include a "low probability high base state." In addition, by changing the type of jackpot or the specifications of the pachinko gaming machine, or by setting a small jackpot, the advantageous gaming state may include a "high probability low base state" or a "small jackpot rush state."

- Furthermore, the "advantageous gaming state" may be the number of times a "high probability jackpot" has been won, regardless of the length of the period during which the high probability state is assumed. In this case, when a pre-notification effect is executed after the jackpot probability has been set to a high probability state, a preview effect will be executed so that the gaming state after the jackpot game or the type of jackpot cannot be guessed. Also, in order to prevent the player from guessing how long the gaming state after the jackpot game will continue, for example, the remaining number of high probability jackpots or the remaining number of time-saving games may not be notified after the pre-notification effect is executed.

- In the above embodiment, the normal variable winning device 20 and the large winning device 30 are placed in the right game area 3B, but the configuration does not have to be such that right-handed play is performed. In other words, as long as it is easier to make a game ball win in one of the starting holes during the time-saving state compared to the non-time-saving state, the placement locations of the first starting hole 11, the normal variable winning device 20, and the large winning device 30 are not limited to the example of the embodiment. For example, the second starting hole 22 may be placed directly above the first starting hole 11, or the large winning device 30 may be placed directly below the first starting hole 11. In addition, a plate-shaped movable member that can slide in the front and rear directions of the game board 2 may be provided directly above the starting hole. In the non-time-saving state, the movable member is protruded forward so that a game ball that has flowed down the game area 3 is less likely to win in the starting hole, while in the time-saving state, the movable member may be accommodated within the game board 2 so that a game ball that has flowed down the game area 3 is more likely to win in the starting hole.

The above embodiment has been described assuming an enclosed type pachinko gaming machine, but it can also be implemented in a non-enclosed type pachinko gaming machine.
There may be multiple (for example, two) big prize openings (big prize devices).

The pachinko gaming machine 1 may be embodied as a pachinko gaming machine in which only the first special symbol is varied.
In the above embodiment, the game machine is configured so that the transition to a high probability state is determined based on the type of winning jackpot symbol, but it may be configured as a so-called V-guaranteed machine (a game machine that controls the high probability state based on the passage of a specific area (V area) in the big prize winning port). It may also be configured as a so-called ST machine (a game machine with a limited number of chances) or a falling machine (a game machine in which the high probability state ends depending on the lottery result). It may also be configured as a so-called one-type two-type mixed machine or a swing-type game machine.

The technology of the above embodiment may be applied to a slot machine (a reel type gaming machine, a slot machine).
The above describes the configuration of the present invention based on the embodiment and modified examples. However, the above-described embodiment is intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the examples of the present embodiment.

1 Pachinko game machine 3 Play area 4 Handle (launching means)
7. Performance display device 11. First starting gate (winning gate)
22. Second starting gate (winning gate)
26 Storage device 30 Big prize device 31 Opening and closing member 32 Big prize opening (winning opening)
61 Game control microcomputer (calculation means, game control means, game state control means)
67 Difference in number of balls calculation unit (calculation means)
73a Frame control microcomputer (prize ball control means)
90 Launching device (launching means)
101 Microcomputer for controlling performance (pre-notification performance execution means, suggestion performance execution means)
200 Image control board (pre-notification performance execution means, suggestion performance execution means)

Claims (2)

A launching means for launching a game ball into a game area;
A winning port into which the game ball can enter;
A prize ball control means for paying out prize balls when a game ball enters the prize opening;
A calculation means for calculating a specific calculation number based on the number of winning balls;
a game control means capable of controlling the game to a specific state in which the game cannot be executed on condition that the specific calculation number reaches a specified number;
a pre-announcement effect execution means for executing a pre-announcement effect which indicates in advance that the game control means will control the game to the specific state when the specific calculation number reaches a notification reference number whose absolute value is smaller than the specified number;
A suggestion effect execution means for executing a suggestion effect that suggests that a favorable game state advantageous to a player may occur;
A game state control means for controlling a game state,
The advantageous gaming state is a gaming state that is advantageous for winning a jackpot,
The suggestion performance execution means includes:
When the pre-notification effect is performed in the advantageous game state, the execution mode of the suggestive effect is controlled so that at least one of the game state after a jackpot game and the likelihood of the advantageous game state occurring cannot be guessed during a specific period from when the pre-notification effect is executed until the game is stopped by the game control means. The information accumulation unit that stores the performance contents of the suggestion performance stores a first table that is referred to before the execution of the advance notification performance and a second table that is referred to after the execution of the advance notification performance,
In the first table, the selection ratio of the suggestive performance is determined according to the result of the hit/miss judgment and the type of the jackpot, and in the second table, the selection ratio of the suggestive performance is determined according to the result of the hit/miss judgment regardless of the type of the jackpot,
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein the suggestion effect execution means determines the content of the suggestion effect by referring to the first table or the second table depending on whether the advance notification effect has been executed or not.

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