JP7482559B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

Conventionally, various notifications have been considered for pachinko gaming machines, which are a type of gaming machine (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the pachinko gaming machine of Patent Document 1, different notification patterns are displayed depending on the winning slot into which the ball has entered.

JP 2002-239106 A

Incidentally, such notifications are effective in informing players of the status of the pachinko machine. Therefore, improving the opportunities for notifications and improving the notification format is believed to lead to increased interest.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can enhance the player's interest.

A gaming machine that solves the above problem is provided with at least one large prize opening, and prize balls are paid out when a ball enters the large prize opening, and the gaming machine is provided with a detection means for detecting entry of a ball into the large prize opening, a notification means for executing a notification, and a notification control means for controlling the execution of the notification by the notification means, and the notifications executed by the notification means include a special notification that is executed when a ball is detected entering the large prize opening during a large prize game and when a predetermined condition is met, and a specific notification that is executed when a ball is detected entering the large prize opening when the large prize game is not being played , and the predetermined condition is met until the number of balls entering the large prize opening in one round of play reaches a specified number, and the special notification the execution mode of the specific notification is customizable, the execution mode of the specific notification is not customizable, the notification means includes a plurality of notification means, the notification means includes one or a plurality of types, the special notification and the specific notification differ from each other in at least one of the number and type of the notification means that execute the notification, the notification time of the specific notification is longer than the notification time of the special notification, the specific presentation is executed in a predetermined period after the opening presentation during the jackpot game ends, the execution mode of the special notification is customizable when the specific presentation is executed during the jackpot game and during a specific period, and the specific period is from the start of the jackpot game to the end of the final round of play in the jackpot game. When the execution mode of the special notification is customized when the specific performance during the current jackpot game is executed, and the execution mode of the special notification is not customized during the specific period before the special notification is executed after the next jackpot game starts, it is possible to reflect the execution mode of the special notification customized when the specific performance during the current jackpot game is executed in the special notification executed after the next jackpot game starts, and when the execution mode of the special notification is customized when the specific performance during the current jackpot game is executed, and the execution mode of the special notification is not customized during the specific period before the special notification is executed after the next jackpot game starts, it is possible to reflect the execution mode of the special notification customized when the specific performance during the current jackpot game is executed in the special notification executed after the next jackpot game starts. The gist of the invention is that, when the execution mode of the special notification is customized, the execution mode of the special notification customized during the specific period can be reflected in the special notification that is executed after the next jackpot game begins, the notification means includes a specific display means capable of executing a notification by display, the specific performance is executed on the specific display means, and when the execution mode of the special notification is customized during the specific period, a specific image that can identify that the execution mode of the special notification has been customized is displayed on the specific display means, and when the execution mode of the special notification is customized when the specific performance is executed, the display of the specific image is restricted on the specific display means.

The present invention can increase the interest of players.

FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine. 11 is a flowchart showing a counting process for counting game balls that enter a big prize hole. An explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the number of game balls counted during a round of play, the type of notification, and the notification time. A flowchart showing the jackpot notification control process in which the sub-control CPU controls the execution of special notifications and specific notifications during jackpot play. 13A to 13C are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of a mode of execution of a special notification by display during one round of play. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a specific notification by display. 11 is a flowchart showing a special notification mode setting process in which the sub control CPU sets the execution mode of the special notification. 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of a display image when a special notification execution mode is set during a jackpot game.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine, which is an example of a gaming machine, will be described.
In this specification, up, down, left, right, front (front), and back (back) indicate the respective directions as seen by the player.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko game machine 10 as a gaming machine is provided with a game board YB. A game area YBa that is substantially circular in front view is defined on the surface of the game board YB. A game ball shot out by a player operating a launch handle HD arranged on the front of the pachinko game machine 10 is guided down into the game area YBa. The pachinko game machine 10 is also provided with decorative lamps La that emit light to provide effects and notifications. The decorative lamps La are arranged on the frame (e.g., the front frame) and the game board YB that constitute the pachinko game machine 10. The pachinko game machine 10 is also provided with a speaker (sound output unit) Sp that outputs various sounds such as sound effects and music, and provides effects and notifications by audio output. The pachinko game machine 10 is also provided with operation buttons BT that can be operated by the player.

Also, in the approximate center of the game area YBa of the pachinko game machine 10, an effect display device 11 having an image display unit GH is provided. For example, the effect display device 11 is a liquid crystal display, and performs effects and notifications through display. The display effects performed by the effect display device 11 include a pattern change game using multiple rows of decorative symbols, and various display effects are performed in association with the pattern change game using decorative symbols. In the pattern change game using decorative symbols, multiple rows (three rows in this embodiment) of decorative symbols are displayed in a changing manner, and a jackpot or loss can be recognized depending on the combination of decorative symbols that are finally stopped and displayed.

The notification forms performed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment include notification by illumination of the decorative lamp La, notification by audio output from the speaker Sp, and notification by display on the performance display device 11. In the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the types of notification means are classified according to the notification form performed. The number of notification means in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is the total number of devices that perform notifications. The pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is equipped with two decorative lamps La that perform notifications by illumination, two speakers Sp that perform notifications by audio output, and one performance display device 11 that performs notifications by display. In other words, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment has three types of notification forms and five devices that perform notifications. Therefore, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment has three types of notification means and five notification means.

In this embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is capable of executing a predetermined notification, and the speaker Sp, the decorative lamp La, and the performance display device 11 correspond to the notification means that executes the notification. There are multiple notification means and multiple types of notification means.

The pachinko game machine 10 in this embodiment is configured to be able to execute a stereoscopic display notification by the performance display device 11. The stereoscopic display notification is a notification that allows the player to recognize an image in stereoscopic form. As a method for allowing the player to recognize an image in stereoscopic form, for example, a parallax barrier method (parallax barrier method) or a lenticular method may be adopted. Other methods may also be adopted. The parallax barrier method is a method in which an image is recognized stereoscopically by arranging images for the left eye and images for the right eye alternately in the image display device (performance display device 11) and providing a shield between the image display device and the person (player) to make the images seen by the left and right eyes different. The lenticular method is a method in which an image is recognized stereoscopically by arranging images for the left eye and images for the right eye alternately in the image display device and providing a lens that refracts light between the image display device and the person to make the images seen by the left and right eyes different. The stereoscopic display notification in this embodiment can be executed during a jackpot game, which will be described later.

The game board YB is provided with multiple winning holes (ball winning holes) through which game balls can enter. The winning holes include a first starting hole 12, a second starting hole 13, a big winning hole 14, and a normal winning hole (general winning hole) 15.

The first start opening 12 is a winning opening through which a game ball is inserted when the start conditions of the symbol change game are met. In this embodiment, the first start opening 12 is located below the performance display device 11, and is open at all times so that game balls can be inserted. A sensor (start sensor (switch) SE1 shown in Figure 2) that detects inserted game balls is provided at the back of the first start opening 12.

The second starting hole 13 is a winning hole through which the game ball enters when the starting conditions of the pattern change game are met. In this embodiment, the second starting hole 13 is located below the first starting hole 12. The second starting hole 13 can enter the game ball by opening the opening and closing blades (normal electric device) 16 when a normal pattern is won, or is opened to make it easier for the ball to enter. On the other hand, the second starting hole 13 cannot enter the game ball by closing the opening and closing blades 16, or is closed to make it difficult for the ball to enter. The second starting hole 13 opens when it receives power from an actuator (such as a solenoid or motor). In this embodiment, the actuator that opens the second starting hole 13 is the actuator AC1 shown in FIG. 2. In addition, a ball passage (not shown) is connected to the second starting hole 13 to guide the game ball that has entered the hole to the back side of the game board YB, and a means for detecting the game ball that has entered the second starting hole 13 (starting sensor (switch) SE2 shown in FIG. 2) is provided in the ball passage.

The large prize opening 14 is an opening through which the game ball enters when the payout condition of the prize ball is satisfied. In this embodiment, the large prize opening 14 is located below the second start opening 13. The large prize opening 14 is opened so that the game ball can enter when the large prize opening door 17 opens in the event of a winning lottery. On the other hand, the large prize opening 14 is closed so that the game ball cannot enter when the large prize opening door 17 closes. The large prize opening 14 is opened by receiving power from an actuator (such as a solenoid or a motor). In this embodiment, the actuator that opens the large prize opening 14 is the actuator AC2 shown in FIG. 2. In addition, a ball passage (not shown) that leads the entered game ball to the back side of the game board YB is connected to the large prize opening 14, and a means (count sensor CS shown in FIG. 2) for detecting the game ball that entered the large prize opening 14 is arranged in the ball passage. Detecting game balls means detecting balls entering the big prize opening 14. In this embodiment, the count sensor CS is a detection means for detecting balls entering the big prize opening 14.

In the jackpot game, a round game that allows game balls to enter the jackpot opening 14 is played multiple times up to a predetermined number of rounds. In one round game, the jackpot opening door 17 is opened in a predetermined opening manner. One round game ends when the end condition of the round game is met by either the entry of a specified number of game balls during the round game or the elapsed time of the round game reaching a specified time. In this embodiment, the specified number of balls that meets the end condition of the round game is "8 balls," and the specified time of the round game that meets the end condition of the round game is "25 seconds." The specified number of rounds of the jackpot game in this embodiment is "10 times."

When a jackpot game occurs, an opening time is set before the first round of play begins, and an opening performance indicating the start of the jackpot game is performed during the opening time. After the opening performance ends, the round of play begins, and a round performance is performed during the round of play. Then, when the final round of play ends, an ending time is set, and an ending performance indicating the end of the jackpot game is performed during the ending time.

The normal winning opening 15 is a winning opening through which game balls can enter when the conditions for the payout of prize balls are met. In this embodiment, the normal winning opening 15 is located in the left area of the game board YB. In addition, the normal winning opening 15 is always open so that game balls can enter.

In this embodiment, multiple normal winning openings 15 are provided in the left area. Each normal winning opening 15 is connected to a ball passage (not shown) that guides the game balls that enter the opening to the back side of the game board YB, and a sensor (normal sensor (switch) HS shown in FIG. 2) that detects the game balls that enter each normal winning opening 15 is disposed in the ball passage. The ball passage connected to the normal winning opening 15 is composed of multiple branch passages that receive the game balls that enter each normal winning opening 15, and a collecting passage that receives the game balls guided through each branch passage, and a single normal sensor HS is disposed in the collecting passage.

In this embodiment, the first start opening 12, the second start opening 13, the large prize opening 14, and the normal prize opening 15 are all prize openings where the prize ball payout condition is met by the entry of a game ball. In this embodiment, the number of prize balls in the first start opening 12 is set to [3 balls], the number of prize balls in the second start opening 13 is set to [1 ball], the number of prize balls in the large prize opening 14 is set to [15 balls], and the number of prize balls in the normal prize opening 15 is set to [5 balls]. In this way, the pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with the large prize opening 14, and is a game machine where prize balls are paid out by the entry of a ball into the large prize opening 14.

Also, an operating gate 18 is arranged on the game board YB. In this embodiment, the operating gate 18 is located to the left of the performance display device 11. The operating gate 18 has a gate opening 18a that is always open so that game balls can enter. A sensor (gate sensor GS shown in FIG. 2) that detects game balls that enter and pass through is arranged in the gate opening 18a. The gate opening 18a of the operating gate 18 is an entrance through which game balls enter when the starting conditions of the normal pattern variation game using normal patterns are established. The opening and closing blades 16 of the second starting opening 13 operate from a closed state to an open state after a game ball enters the operating gate 18 and a winning normal pattern lottery is won, and a winning normal pattern is derived in the normal pattern variation game.

The game board YB is also provided with special symbol display devices 23a, 23b, reserved display devices 24a, 24b, and normal symbol display device 25, as shown in FIG. 2. These display devices are located on the game board YB in areas that are visible to the player when the pachinko game machine is viewed from the front. For example, these display devices are provided on decorative members provided in the game area of the game board YB or on decorative members in the corners of the game board YB.

The special symbol display devices 23a and 23b play a symbol change game using special symbols, and in the symbol change game, a special symbol is derived according to the result of a winning lottery. When a game ball enters the first start hole 12 and is detected, the ball's entry triggers the establishment of a starting condition for a symbol change game using the first special symbol. On the other hand, when a game ball enters the second start hole 13 and is detected, the ball's entry triggers the establishment of a starting condition for a symbol change game using the second special symbol. For the first special symbol and the second special symbol, a jackpot lottery is held when the starting condition is met, but the probability of winning the jackpot lottery is the same. In addition, by differentiating the type of jackpot that is determined when the jackpot lottery is won and the determination rate of the same type of jackpot between the first special symbol and the second special symbol, it is possible to vary the degree of advantage when the jackpot lottery is won (for example, the number of prize balls, the period during which the ball entry rate is increased, etc.).

In addition, when the starting conditions are met, a pattern change game of special patterns is played on the special pattern display devices 23a and 23b to derive the lottery results of the jackpot lottery, and a pattern change game that derives a result according to the special pattern derived in the pattern change game is also played on the performance display device 11 using decorative patterns.

In this embodiment, the special symbol display devices 23a and 23b are display devices equipped with light-emitting bodies. In a symbol variation game using special symbols, any combination of light-emitting bodies constituting the display device is derived as a special symbol. The special symbols include a jackpot symbol derived when the jackpot lottery is won and a losing symbol derived when the jackpot lottery is not won. On the other hand, in a symbol variation game using decorative symbols, a combination of decorative symbols in multiple rows is derived. The decorative symbols are configured with a design imitating, for example, Arabic numerals. A combination in which all the decorative symbols in the rows are the same decorative symbol is determined as a jackpot combination that can identify a jackpot lottery win, and a combination in which all the decorative symbols in the rows are not the same decorative symbol is determined as a losing combination that can identify a non-winner of the jackpot lottery.

The results derived in the pattern change game with decorative symbols correspond to the results derived in the pattern change game with special symbols. Therefore, in the pattern change game with special symbols, the lottery result of the jackpot lottery is derived using special symbols, while in the pattern change game with decorative symbols, information that can identify the lottery result of the jackpot lottery is also derived using decorative symbols.

The reserved display devices 24a and 24b display the number of special pattern change games (number of reserved starts) that are on hold for execution. The normal pattern display device 25 plays a normal pattern change game using normal patterns, and in the normal pattern change game, a normal pattern is derived according to the lottery result of the normal pattern winning lottery.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment also has a probability fluctuation function. The probability fluctuation function is a function that can impart a probability fluctuation state that changes the probability of winning a jackpot from a low probability (normal probability) to a high probability after the end of a jackpot game. The probability fluctuation state is imparted, for example, until the next time the jackpot lottery is won. The probability fluctuation state is a gaming state that is advantageous to the player, as it makes it easier to win the jackpot lottery compared to a non-probability fluctuation state in which the probability of winning the jackpot lottery is low.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment also has a ball entry rate improvement function. The ball entry rate improvement function is a function that can impart a ball entry rate improvement state in which the ball entry rate per unit time into the second starting hole 13 is improved. The ball entry rate improvement state is what is known as an "electric support state" or "high base state." In the following explanation, a state in which the ball entry rate improvement state is not imparted may be referred to as a "non-ball entry rate improvement state." The non-ball entry rate improvement state is what is known as a "non-electric support state" or "low base state."

The winning rate improvement state can be realized, for example, by executing one of the following four controls selected arbitrarily, or by executing a combination of multiple controls. The first control is a normal pattern variation time shortening control that shortens the variation time of the normal pattern variation game compared to the non-winning rate improvement state. The second control is a normal pattern probability variation control that varies the probability of winning the normal pattern winning lottery (normal winning probability) to a higher probability than in the non-winning rate improvement state. The third control is an opening time extension control that makes the total opening time of the opening and closing blades 16 based on winning the normal pattern winning lottery longer than in the non-winning rate improvement state. In addition, as the opening time extension control, it is preferable to execute at least one of the following controls: a control that increases the number of openings of the opening and closing blades 16 based on winning the normal pattern winning lottery compared to the non-winning rate improvement state, and a control that makes one opening time of the opening and closing blades 16 based on winning the normal pattern winning lottery longer than in the non-winning rate improvement state. The fourth control is a special symbol fluctuation time reduction control that makes the fluctuation time (for example, the average fluctuation time) of the special symbol fluctuation game more likely to be shorter than in a non-goal winning rate improvement state. When the special symbol fluctuation time reduction control is executed, the goal winning rate improvement state becomes the so-called "fluctuation time reduction state."

The winning rate improvement state is granted, for example, until the next time a jackpot lottery is won, or until the pattern change game with the special pattern is executed a specified maximum number of times (for example, 100 times) after the winning rate improvement state is granted, or until a jackpot lottery is won before the specified maximum number of times is reached. Note that, in the case of a pachinko game machine 10 that uses a first special pattern and a second special pattern, the specified maximum number of times is the combined number of times of the pattern change game with the first special pattern and the pattern change game with the second special pattern.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is also equipped with various boards including a main control board 30 and a sub-control board 31 shown in FIG.
The main control board 30 has a main control CPU 30a capable of executing control operations in a predetermined sequence, a main control ROM 30b for storing control information such as the control program of the main control CPU 30a, and a main control RAM 30c capable of writing and reading necessary data. The main control board 30 also has a random number generation circuit 30d.

The main control CPU 30a receives detection signals from various sensors SE1, SE2, CS, GS, and HS. The main control CPU 30a also controls the display contents of various display devices (special symbol display devices 23a and 23b, reserved symbol display devices 24a and 24b, normal symbol display device 25, etc.) and controls the operation of various actuators (actuators AC1 and AC2).

The main control ROM 30b stores a main control program for executing game-related processing, information for identifying the variation pattern of the special symbols (main variation pattern), and various judgment values. The main variation pattern can identify the variation time (performance time) from when the special symbols start to vary until the special symbols are displayed as fixed and stopped. The main variation pattern can be classified into variation patterns for jackpot variations and variation patterns for miss variations. The various judgment values include a jackpot judgment value used in the jackpot lottery and a normal win judgment value used in the normal symbol win lottery. The main control RAM 30c also stores various information (random number value, timer value, flag, start hold number, etc.) that is appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko game machine 10.

The main control CPU 30a executes a random number update process (software random number generation process) that updates the values of various software random numbers at each predetermined control period (interrupt period) and stores them in the main control RAM 30c. The software random numbers include jackpot pattern random numbers used to determine the jackpot pattern of a special pattern, and fluctuation pattern allocation random numbers used to allocate the main fluctuation pattern. The random number generation circuit 30d generates hardware random numbers by updating the value by 1 every period of the internal system clock (e.g., 10 MHz) supplied from a clock circuit (not shown) mounted on the microprocessor. The hardware random numbers become jackpot random numbers used in the jackpot lottery for special patterns, and normal win random numbers used in the lottery for normal patterns.

The main control CPU 30a also performs error processing, such as detecting various errors that occur in the pachinko gaming machine 10 and issuing a notification.

As shown in FIG. 2, the sub-control board 31 is electrically connected to the main control board 30 so that information (control signals) can be transmitted in one direction from the main control board 30. The sub-control board 31 has a sub-control CPU 31a that can execute control operations in a predetermined sequence, a sub-control ROM 31b that stores the control program of the sub-control CPU 31a, and a sub-control RAM 31c that can write and read necessary data.

The sub-control CPU 31a of the sub-control board 31 performs control according to the information transmitted from the main control board 30 based on the information. For example, when the main control CPU 30a starts a special symbol pattern change game, in addition to controlling the display contents of the special symbol display devices 23a and 23b, it transmits information instructing the start of the change (start of the game) to the sub-control CPU 31a. The sub-control CPU 31a that receives the information controls the display contents so that the effect display device 11 plays a decorative symbol pattern change game. In addition, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the light emission state of the decorative lamp La and the sound output state of the speaker Sp so that light emission and sound effects associated with the decorative symbol pattern change game are performed when the decorative symbol pattern change game starts. In addition, an operation button BT that can be operated by the player is connected to the sub-control board 31, and it is possible to receive an operation signal from the operation button BT.

Here, detection of an error state in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
The pachinko game machine 10 has a function for detecting an error state. The error states of the pachinko game machine 10 include a main control board error, a magnetic error, an induced magnetic field detection error, a large prize winning port illegal winning error, a normal electric role winning error, a disconnection error, a door open, a full error, and a payout error. These error states are examples, and the pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a function for detecting various error states according to the specifications (specs). The main control board error is a state in which an abnormality occurs in updating the hardware random number. The magnetic error is a state in which a magnetic field of a predetermined strength or more is detected by a magnetic sensor arranged in the pachinko game machine 10 as part of fraud prevention measures. The induced magnetic field detection error is a state in which radio waves of a specific frequency band are detected by an induced magnetic field detection sensor (radio wave sensor) arranged in the pachinko game machine 10 as part of fraud prevention measures. The large prize winning port illegal winning error is a state in which an illegal ball is detected in the large prize winning port. The normal electric device illegal winning error is a state in which an illegal ball entry into the second starting hole 13 is detected. The disconnection error is a state in which an abnormality has occurred in the connection of the switches on the board. The open door error is a state in which the front frame of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is open. The full error is a state in which the storage tray (lower tray) is full. The payout error is a state in which an error related to payout has occurred on the payout control board (not shown) equipped in the pachinko gaming machine 10.

When these error states occur, the main control CPU 30a sends an error notification signal to the sub control CPU 31a to notify the error. The main control CPU 30a also sends a security information signal through an external terminal board (not shown) provided on the pachinko gaming machine 10 to a hall computer (external device) installed in the control room of the gaming arcade to manage the operating status of each pachinko gaming machine installed in the gaming arcade. The security information signal is a signal that makes it possible to identify an error that has occurred in the pachinko gaming machine 10, and is sent over a period of 50 ms. In this embodiment, the error notification performed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes the main control CPU 30a sending a security information signal to the hall computer.

Then, the sub-control CPU 31a that has received the error notification signal executes the error notification in the desired notification form. For example, when an error notification signal instructing notification of a large prize slot illegal entry error is received, the sub-control CPU 31a outputs an error sound such as "Large prize slot illegal entry error" from the speaker Sp, and displays an error image including the character string "Large prize slot illegal entry error" on the image display unit GH of the performance display device 11. Furthermore, the decorative lamp La emits light in a light emission pattern that can identify the occurrence of an error. The sub-control CPU 31a issues an error notification for a notification time determined for each error. For example, for a large prize slot illegal entry error, the error notification is issued for 30 seconds. In this embodiment, the execution mode of the error notification of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is set uniquely by the manufacturer of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

In the pachinko gaming machine 10 configured as described above, the main control board 30 performs input processing based on game ball detection signals from the various sensors SE1, SE2, CS, GS, and HS.
In the input process when the detection signals from the start sensors SE1 and SE2 are input, the main control CPU 30a performs a process of storing the reserved symbol in the symbol variation game using the special symbol and a process of acquiring various random numbers used for the big win lottery. Then, the main control CPU 30a performs a variation start process to start the symbol variation game using the special symbol based on the reserved symbol stored in the input process. In the variation start process, the main control CPU 30a selects a main variation pattern capable of specifying the variation time of the symbol variation game based on the lottery result of the big win lottery, and outputs a control signal (control command) specifying the main variation pattern to the sub-control board 31.

When the pachinko gaming machine 10 wins the jackpot lottery, it determines the type of jackpot. In this embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine 10, the types of jackpots include a guaranteed jackpot and a non-guaranteed jackpot. A guaranteed jackpot gives a probability variable state and an improved winning rate state after the jackpot game ends until the next jackpot lottery is won. A non-guaranteed jackpot gives a non-probability variable state after the jackpot game ends, without giving a probability variable state, and gives an improved winning rate state up to 100 pattern variable games after the jackpot game ends. These types of jackpots are associated with types of jackpot patterns, and the type of jackpot is determined by extracting the jackpot pattern based on the jackpot pattern random number.

When the main control CPU 30a receives detection signals from the start sensors SE1, SE2, normal sensor HS, and count sensor CS, it performs prize ball processing to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls. The prize ball processing includes generating and transmitting a prize ball command (prize ball designation signal) as prize ball information to be sent to the sub-control board 31. When the main control CPU 30a receives detection signals from the gate sensor GS, it performs processing to store the reserved positions for the normal pattern variation game using normal patterns and to obtain various random numbers to be used for the normal winning lottery, etc.

Next, a big win process performed by the main control CPU 30a after the end of the symbol variation game using the special symbol selected in the big win lottery will be described.
In the jackpot processing, the main control CPU 30a generates a jackpot game after the end of a symbol variation game using the special symbol selected in the jackpot lottery.

When the pattern change game using the special pattern that won the jackpot lottery ends, the main control CPU 30a sends an opening command to the sub-control CPU 31a. When the main control CPU 30a sends the opening command, it times the opening time. When the opening time has elapsed, the main control CPU 30a performs processing to execute a round game. That is, the main control CPU 30a controls the actuator AC2 to open the large prize opening door 17 and open the large prize opening 14 according to the opening mode (opening pattern) set for the jackpot game, and starts the round game. After starting the round game, the main control CPU 30a closes the large prize opening door 17 and closes the large prize opening 14 when the end condition of the round game is met. In this embodiment, the end condition of the round game includes that a specified number of game balls have entered during the round game. Therefore, when the round end condition is established by the entry of a specified number of game balls during a round game, the opening and closing operation of the large prize winning hole 14 ends when the specified number of game balls enter, and the control by the opening and closing pattern also ends when the round end condition is established. The main control CPU 30a opens the large prize winning hole 14 once in one round game, and repeats the opening of the large prize winning hole 14 for the number of round games constituting the big win game (10 times in this embodiment). By such opening and closing operation of the large prize winning hole 14, the entry of game balls into the large prize winning hole 14 is permitted during the big win game. The main control CPU 30a also transmits a round command to the sub-control CPU 31a every time a round game is started. The main control CPU 30a also transmits an ending command to the sub-control CPU 31a after the end of the final round game. Also, when the main control CPU 30a transmits the ending command, it times the ending time. Then, when the ending time has elapsed, the main control CPU 30a ends the jackpot game.

In this way, in this embodiment, multiple rounds of play are played during a jackpot game. Also, in this embodiment, the opening command, round command, and ending command generated in the jackpot process are information sent from the main control CPU 30a to the sub-control CPU 31a depending on the progress of the jackpot game.

Next, referring to FIG. 3, the counting process executed by the main control CPU 30a in each round of play will be described. This counting process is a process for counting (calculating) the number of game balls that enter the large prize opening 14 during one round of play. This process is executed at a predetermined control period (e.g., every 4 ms), and if a specified number of game balls are counted in the counting process before the specified time, which is the end condition for the round of play, is reached, a process for closing the large prize opening 14 is performed.

In the counting process, the main control CPU 30a determines whether a game ball has entered the large prize opening 14 (step S10). In this determination, the main control CPU 30a determines whether a detection signal has been received from the count sensor CS. If a detection signal has not been received from the count sensor CS (step S10: NO), the main control CPU 30a ends the counting process and executes the counting process from step S10 when the next control cycle arrives.

On the other hand, if a detection signal is received from the count sensor CS (step S10: YES), the main control CPU 30a adds one to the count number indicating the number of game balls that entered the big prize opening 14 during one round of play (step S11). This count number is stored in the main control RAM 30c. The count number is cumulatively added each time a detection signal is received from the count sensor CS (in other words, each time one ball enters the big prize opening 14).

Next, the main control CPU 30a determines whether the count number after the addition is equal to or less than the number corresponding to the specified number (in this embodiment, "8" balls) (step S12). If it is equal to or less than the number corresponding to the specified number (step S12: YES), the main control CPU 30a sends a prize ball command CA as prize ball information to the sub-control CPU 31a of the sub-control board 31 (step S13). On the other hand, if it is not equal to or less than the number corresponding to the specified number (step S12: NO), that is, if it exceeds the number corresponding to the specified number (if it is "9" balls or more), the main control CPU 30a sends a prize ball command CB as prize ball information to the sub-control CPU 31a of the sub-control board 31 (step S14). The main control CPU 30a that sent the prize ball commands CA and CB in steps S13 and S14 ends the counting process, and executes the counting process from step S10 when the next control cycle arrives.

When the end condition of the round game is met and the large prize opening door 17 is closed, for example, a game ball that entered the large prize opening 14 just before the large prize opening door 17 is closed may be detected by the count sensor CS after the large prize opening door 17 is closed. For this reason, in the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment, a ball entry valid period is set for a predetermined period (e.g., 1000 ms) during which a ball entry into the large prize opening 14 is considered valid after the end condition of the round game is met and the large prize opening door 17 is closed. Then, even if the main control CPU 30a receives a detection signal from the count sensor CS during the ball entry valid period after the round game is ended, it determines that a game ball entered the large prize opening 14 during the round game and performs processing from step S11 onwards. In other words, even if the main control CPU 30a receives a detection signal from the count sensor CS during the ball entry valid period, it sends the prize ball command CA or the prize ball command CB to the sub-control CPU 31a. Note that the count number added in step S11 is cleared to zero after the ball entry valid period has elapsed.

The prize ball command CA in this embodiment is a command that can identify that a specified number of game balls or less have entered the game, and is sent every time one game ball enters the game. On the other hand, the prize ball command CB in this embodiment is a command that can identify that a specified number of game balls have entered the game, and is sent every time one game ball enters the game.

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the types of notifications that are given when a gaming ball enters the big winning hole 14 during a big win game will be described.
As shown in FIG. 4, when a game ball enters the large prize winning hole 14 in one round of play during a big win game, if the count number is equal to or less than a specified number ("8" balls in this embodiment), a special notification is executed when the ball is detected entering the large prize winning hole 14. At this time, a ball entry sound MA is output from the speaker Sp, and a ball entry image HA is displayed on the image display unit GH of the performance display device 11. At this time, no notification by light emission is performed. In addition, the notification time of one special notification is set to 1000 ms. Note that, when a special notification is executed, the time during which the ball entry sound MA is continuously output and the time during which the ball entry image HA is continuously displayed may be the same or different. If the time during which the ball entry sound MA is continuously output and the time during which the ball entry image HA is continuously displayed are different, the notification time of one special notification corresponds to the longest time among the time during which the ball entry sound MA is continuously output and the time during which the ball entry image HA is continuously displayed.

When the special notification is executed and the ball-entering image HA is displayed on the image display unit GH of the performance display device 11, the ball-entering image HA may be displayed in a manner that allows the player to perceive it three-dimensionally, or in a manner that does not allow the player to perceive it three-dimensionally, depending on the settings. When the ball-entering image HA is displayed in a manner that allows the player to perceive it three-dimensionally, the ball-entering image HA is displayed alternately so that the ball-entering image HA seen by the player's left and right eyes is different, so that the player perceives the ball-entering image HA as being displayed in front of the surface on which the display image different from the ball-entering image HA is displayed. In addition, the setting of whether the ball-entering image HA is displayed in a manner that allows the player to perceive it three-dimensionally can be set by the player during the jackpot game, except during the period when the ending performance is being executed. In this specification, the player sets the notification mode and the notification is executed in the set mode, which is referred to as "customization". In other words, in this embodiment, the execution mode of the special notification can be customized. Therefore, the pachinko gaming machine 10 in this embodiment is a gaming machine that allows the player to customize the notification by setting at least some of the notification modes and executing the notifications in the set modes.

In addition, when a game ball enters the large prize opening 14 during one round of play during a jackpot game, if the count number exceeds a specified number, a specific notification is executed in response to the detection of the ball entering the large prize opening 14. At this time, a ball entry sound MB is output from the speaker Sp, and a ball entry image HB is displayed on the image display unit GH of the performance display device 11. Also, at this time, the decorative lamp La emits light in the light emission pattern FA. Also, the notification time for one specific notification is set to 2000 ms. Note that when a specific notification is executed, the time for which the ball entry sound MB is continuously output, the time for which the ball entry image HB is continuously displayed, and the time for which the light emission pattern FA is continuously emitted may all be the same, or at least some of them may be different. If at least some of the time during which the scoring sound MB is continuously output, the time during which the scoring image HB is continuously displayed, and the time during which the light-emitting pattern FA is illuminated are different, the time for one specific notification corresponds to the longest of these times.

In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the player cannot set the mode of the scoring image HB displayed on the image display unit GH when a special notification is executed. Furthermore, when a special notification is executed, the scoring image HB is always displayed in a manner that does not allow the player to perceive it three-dimensionally. In other words, in this embodiment, the special notification is executed in one type of execution mode that combines the output of the scoring sound MB by the speaker Sp, the display of the scoring image HB by the image display unit GH, and the illumination of the illumination pattern FA by the decorative lamp La, and the execution mode of the special notification cannot be customized. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, while the execution mode of the special notification can be customized, the execution mode of the special notification cannot be customized.

In this embodiment, the predetermined condition corresponds to the count of game balls entering the large prize opening 14 being equal to or less than a specified number during one round of play during a jackpot game. Thus, the notifications executed by the notification means in this embodiment include a special notification that is executed when a ball is detected entering the large prize opening 14 during a jackpot game and when the predetermined condition is met, and a specific notification that is executed when a ball is detected entering the large prize opening 14 during a jackpot game but when the predetermined condition is not met. Also, even during a jackpot game, if a ball is detected entering the large prize opening 14 during the opening time before the start of a round of play, neither the special notification nor the specific notification is executed.

In addition, in this embodiment, when a special notification is executed, a ball entry sound MA is output from the speaker Sp and a ball entry image HA is displayed on the image display unit GH, while when a specific notification is executed, a ball entry sound MB is output from the speaker Sp, the decorative lamp La emits light in the illumination pattern FA, and a ball entry image HB is displayed on the image display unit GH. In this way, the number and type of notification means that execute the notification differ between special notifications and specific notifications. Also, the notification time of a special notification is different from the notification time of a specific notification, and the notification time of a specific notification is set to be longer than the notification time of a special notification.

Next, referring to FIG. 5, we will explain the jackpot notification control process in which the sub-control CPU 31a controls the execution of special notifications and specific notifications during jackpot play. In this embodiment, the sub-control CPU 31a corresponds to the notification control means that controls the execution of notifications by the notification means.

In the jackpot notification control process, the sub-control CPU 31a determines whether an opening command has been received (step S20). If the opening command has not been received (step S20: NO), the sub-control CPU 31a ends the jackpot notification control process. If the opening command has been received (step S20: YES), the sub-control CPU 31a determines whether a round command has been received (step S21). If the round command has not been received (step S21: NO), the sub-control CPU 31a ends the jackpot notification control process. If the round command has been received (step S21: YES), the sub-control CPU 31a determines whether a prize ball command CA has been received (step S22). If the prize ball command CA has been received (step S22: YES), the sub-control CPU 31a refers to the three-dimensional display flag stored in the sub-control RAM 31c and determines whether the three-dimensional display notification is set to ON (step S23). The 3D display flag is a flag that can specify whether or not to execute a 3D display notification, which displays the winning ball image HA in a manner that allows the player to recognize it in 3D when the pachinko gaming machine 10 issues a special notification on the image display section GH of the performance display device 11.

If the stereoscopic display notification is set to ON (step S23: YES), the sub-control CPU 31a executes a special notification by displaying the scoring image HA on the image display unit GH of the performance display device 11 in a manner that allows the player to perceive it stereoscopically and outputting the scoring sound MA from the speaker Sp (step S24). On the other hand, if the stereoscopic display notification is not set to ON (set to OFF) (step S23: NO), the sub-control CPU 31a executes a special notification by displaying the scoring image HA on the image display unit GH of the performance display device 11 in a manner that does not allow the player to perceive it stereoscopically and outputting the scoring sound MA from the speaker Sp (step S25).

When the processing of steps S24 and S25 is completed, or when the prize ball command CA is not received in the processing of step S22 (step S22: NO), the sub-control CPU 31a judges whether the prize ball command CB has been received (step S26). If the prize ball command CB has been received (step S26: YES), the sub-control CPU 31a executes a specific notification by displaying a winning ball image HB on the image display unit GH of the performance display device 11, outputting a winning ball sound MB from the speaker Sp, and causing the decorative lamp La to emit light in the light pattern FA (step S27).

When the processing of step S27 is completed, or when the prize ball command CB is not received in the processing of step S26 (step S26: NO), the sub-control CPU 31a determines whether the ending command has been received (step S28). When the ending command has not been received (step S28: NO), the sub-control CPU 31a ends the jackpot notification control processing. When the ending command has been received (step S28: YES), the sub-control CPU 31a ends the execution of the special notification and specific notification (step S29). At this time, even if the special notification is to be executed in the processing of steps S24 and S25, or the specific notification is to be executed in the processing of step S27, the execution of the special notification and specific notification is canceled. Then, when the processing of step S29 is completed, the sub-control CPU 31a ends the jackpot notification control processing.

In this way, in the jackpot notification control process, the sub-control CPU 31a judges whether the prize ball command CA or CB has been received during the round play after the start of the jackpot game, and executes a special notification if the prize ball command CA has been received, and executes a specific notification if the prize ball command CB has been received. As described above, the prize ball command CA is a command sent from the main control CPU 30a every time one game ball enters the large prize winning hole 14 when the number of balls entering the large prize winning hole 14 during the round play is equal to or less than a specified number after the start of the jackpot game. Also, the prize ball command CB is a command sent from the main control CPU 30a every time one game ball enters the large prize winning hole 14 when the number of balls entering the large prize winning hole 14 during the round play exceeds a specified number after the start of the jackpot game. Also, the large prize winning hole 14 is opened once during the round play. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a jackpot game is being played and a predetermined condition is met, if a ball is detected entering the large prize opening 14 multiple times, a special notification is executed each time a ball is detected entering the large prize opening 14. Also, even if a ball is detected entering the large prize opening 14 multiple times during one opening of the large prize opening 14, a special notification is executed each time a ball is detected entering the large prize opening 14. Also, even during a jackpot game, if a predetermined condition is not met and a ball is detected entering the large prize opening 14 multiple times, a special notification is executed each time a ball is detected entering the large prize opening 14.

In addition, even during a jackpot game, when the ending performance is being executed, the large prize winning port 14 is not opened, and the entry of a ball into the large prize winning port 14 is not detected. However, since the special notification and the specific notification are executed for a specified notification time, for example, if a ball entry into the large prize winning port 14 is detected during the ball entry valid period after the final round of play is completed, the ending performance may start during the execution of the special notification or the specific notification. For this reason, in the notification control process during a jackpot, the sub-control CPU 31a determines whether an ending command has been received, and if an ending command has been received, ends the execution of the special notification and the specific notification. At this time, even if the sub-control CPU 31a receives the prize ball command CA, CB and is supposed to execute the special notification or the specific notification, the execution of the special notification and the specific notification is canceled, so that the execution of the special notification and the specific notification is restricted after the ending command is received. The ending command is a command sent from the main control CPU 30a depending on the progress of the jackpot game. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if a ball is detected entering the jackpot hole during a jackpot game and a predetermined condition is met, the execution of the special notification is restricted depending on the progress of the jackpot game.

Next, referring to Figures 6(a) to (c), we will explain the content displayed on the image display unit GH of the performance display device 11 when a special notification is executed during the period from the start of a jackpot game to the end of one round of play.

As shown in FIG. 6(a), when a special notification is executed during the period from the start to the end of one round of play, a ball entry image HA with "+15" written on it, which indicates the number of prize balls paid out by a ball entering the large prize opening 14, is displayed on the image display unit GH of the performance display device 11. The ball entry image HA is displayed for 1000 ms, which is specified as the notification time for the special notification. In addition, in the upper right part of the image display unit GH, an acquisition image KG is displayed, which indicates the total number of game balls acquired from the start of the jackpot game by a ball entering the large prize opening 14 to the end. Then, when a special notification is executed by detecting a ball entering the large prize opening 14 and the ball entry image HA is displayed on the image display unit GH, the numerical value indicating the total number of game balls acquired, which is displayed as the content of the acquisition image KG, is updated. In addition, if the three-dimensional display notification is set to ON as the execution mode of the special notification at this time, the ball entry image HA is displayed in a manner that allows the player to recognize it three-dimensionally. Specifically, the scoring image HA is displayed in such a manner that the player perceives the scoring image HA as being displayed in front of the surface on which the display images different from the scoring image HA, such as the acquired image KG and the background image, are displayed. On the other hand, if the stereoscopic display notification is not set to ON as the execution mode of the special notification, the scoring image HA is displayed in such a manner that the player does not perceive it stereoscopically. Specifically, the scoring image HA is displayed in such a manner that the player perceives the scoring image HA and the display images different from the scoring image HA, such as the acquired image KG and the background image, as being all displayed on the same surface. In this way, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the execution mode of the special notification is customizable.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6(b), when a special notification is executed during one round of play and the ball-entering image HA is displayed on the image display section GH, if a new special notification is executed during the round of play, a new ball-entering image HA is displayed on the image display section GH so as to overlap in front of the ball-entering image HA currently being displayed. In addition, the numerical value indicating the total number of acquired game balls displayed as the contents of the acquired image KG at this time is updated. In addition, if the stereoscopic display notification is set to ON as the execution mode of the special notification, the newly displayed ball-entering image HA is also displayed in a manner that allows the player to recognize it three-dimensionally. At this time, the newly displayed ball-entering image HA is displayed in a manner that allows the player to recognize it as being displayed further forward than the currently displayed ball-entering image HA. On the other hand, if the stereoscopic display notification is not set to ON as the execution mode of the special notification, the newly displayed ball-entering image HA is also displayed in a manner that does not allow the player to recognize it three-dimensionally.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6(c), when multiple special notifications are executed during one round of play and multiple scoring images HA are displayed on the image display section GH, if a new special notification is executed during the round of play, the new scoring image HA is displayed on the image display section GH so as to overlap the most front of the multiple scoring images HA currently being displayed. In addition, the numerical value indicating the total number of acquired game balls displayed as the contents of the acquired image KG at this time is updated. In addition, if the stereoscopic display notification is set to ON as the execution mode of the special notification, the newly displayed scoring image HA is also displayed in a manner that allows the player to recognize it three-dimensionally. At this time, the newly displayed scoring image HA is displayed in a manner that allows the player to recognize it as being displayed further forward than the multiple scoring images HA currently being displayed. On the other hand, if the stereoscopic display notification is not set to ON as the execution mode of the special notification, the newly displayed scoring image HA is also displayed in a manner that does not allow the player to recognize it three-dimensionally.

In this manner, in this embodiment, if a new special notification is executed during the execution of a special notification in the period from the start to the end of a round of play, the new scoring image HA is displayed so that it is overlaid on the scoring image HA currently being displayed on the image display unit GH. At this time, the player perceives the newly displayed scoring image HA with a stronger intensity or in a more emphasized manner than the scoring image HA currently being displayed. Therefore, in this embodiment, if a new special notification is executed during the execution of a special notification in the period from the start to the end of a round of play, the newly executed special notification will be executed with a stronger intensity or in a more emphasized manner than the intensity of the special notification currently being executed.

Next, referring to FIG. 7, the contents displayed on the image display section GH of the performance display device 11 when a specific notification is executed during a big win game will be described.
As shown in FIG. 7, when a specific notification is executed during a jackpot game, a ball-entering image HB including the character string "GET BONUS!", which indicates that more than a specified number of game balls have entered the large prize winning hole 14, is displayed on the image display unit GH of the performance display device 11. The ball-entering image HB is displayed for 2000 ms, which is specified as the notification time of the specific notification. In addition, an acquisition image KG, which indicates the total number of game balls acquired from the start of the jackpot game by the ball entering the large prize winning hole 14 to the end of the jackpot game, is displayed on the upper right part of the image display unit GH. Then, when a specific notification is executed by detecting the entry of a ball into the large prize winning hole 14 and the ball-entering image HB is displayed on the image display unit GH, the numerical value indicating the total number of game balls acquired, which is displayed as the content of the acquisition image KG, is updated.

When a new special notification is being executed while a special notification is being executed, the speaker Sp outputs a new ball entry sound MB and the decorative lamp La emits a new light pattern FA, but the ball entry image HB displayed on the image display unit GH due to the specific notification being executed continues to be displayed. At this time, the ball entry image HB is displayed on the image display unit GH for 2000 ms, which is specified as the notification time for the specific notification, from the time the new specific notification is executed. In addition, in the special notification, the ball entry image HA is displayed on the image display unit GH in a manner corresponding to the setting of the stereoscopic display notification, but in the special notification, the ball entry image HB is always displayed in one manner on the image display unit GH. In this way, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the execution manner of the specific notification cannot be customized.

Next, referring to FIG. 8, we will explain the special notification mode setting process in which the sub-control CPU 31a customizes the execution mode of the special notification during jackpot play, and referring to FIG. 9(a) and (b), we will explain the content displayed on the image display unit GH of the performance display device 11 when the sub-control CPU 31a sets the execution mode of the special notification.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the special notification mode setting process, the sub-control CPU 31a determines whether an opening command has been received (step S30). If an opening command has not been received (step S30: NO), the sub-control CPU 31a ends the special notification mode setting process. If an opening command has been received (step S30: YES), the sub-control CPU 31a determines whether input of the operation button BT has been detected (step S31). If input of the operation button BT has not been detected (step S31: NO), the sub-control CPU 31a ends the special notification mode setting process.

When input of the operation button BT is detected (step S31: YES), the sub-control CPU 31a refers to the 3D display flag stored in the sub-control RAM 31c and determines whether the 3D display notification is set to ON (step S32).

If the stereoscopic display notification is set to ON (step S32: YES), the sub-control CPU 31a sets the stereoscopic display notification to OFF by storing information that can identify that the stereoscopic display notification will not be executed as a stereoscopic display flag in the sub-control RAM 31c (step S33). In addition, the sub-control CPU 31a causes the image display unit GH of the performance display device 11 to display a setting image SG containing the string "stereoscopic display OFF" for a predetermined period of time, as shown in FIG. 9(a). In addition, at this time, if there is a scoring image HA being displayed on the image display unit GH in a manner that allows the player to recognize it in stereoscopic form, the sub-control CPU 31a maintains the manner of the scoring image HA being displayed.

If the stereoscopic display notification is not set to ON (step S32: NO), the sub-control CPU 31a sets the stereoscopic display notification to ON by storing information capable of identifying that the stereoscopic display notification will be executed as a stereoscopic display flag in the sub-control RAM 31c (step S34). The sub-control CPU 31a also causes the image display unit GH of the performance display device 11 to display a setting image SG including the string "stereoscopic display ON" for a predetermined period of time, as shown in FIG. 9(b). At this time, if a scoring image HA is being displayed on the image display unit GH in a manner that does not allow the player to recognize it stereoscopically, the sub-control CPU 31a maintains the manner in which the scoring image HA is being displayed.

When the processing of steps S33 and S34 is completed, the sub-control CPU 31a determines whether an ending command has been received (step S35). If an ending command has not been received (step S35: NO), the sub-control CPU 31a ends the special notification mode setting process. If an ending command has been received (step S35: YES), the sub-control CPU 31a cancels the setting of the 3D display notification performed in the processing of steps S33 and S34, and maintains the state of the 3D display flag before input of the operation button BT was detected (step S36). Then, the sub-control CPU 31a ends the special notification mode setting process.

In this embodiment, during the period from when the opening command is received by the sub-control CPU 31a until the ending command is received, the input of the operation button BT is detected, and whether or not to execute a three-dimensional display notification that displays the ball-entering image HA in a three-dimensional manner to the player when a special notification is made is set. In other words, in the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment, the period from when the big win game starts until the ending performance starts is the effective period of customization during which the execution mode of the special notification can be customized. During the effective period of customization, the player can set the mode of the ball-entering image HA displayed in the special notification by operating the operation button BT. Also, during the effective period of customization, the mode of the ball-entering image HA displayed in the special notification is set each time the operation button BT is operated, and the setting content is changed alternately each time the operation button BT is operated. Thus, in the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment, the mode of the special notification can be set during the big win game. On the other hand, in this embodiment, when a specific notification is executed, the ball entry image HB is always displayed in one type of manner, the ball entry sound MB is always output in one type of manner, and the illumination of the illumination pattern FA by the decorative lamp La is always performed in one type of manner. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the specific notification is always executed in one type of manner, and the type of the specific notification cannot be set.

In addition, even during a jackpot game, after the sub-control CPU 31a receives an ending command, it is invalid to set whether or not to execute a stereoscopic display notification even if the player operates the operation button BT. In other words, in the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment, after the sub-control CPU 31a receives an ending command, setting the mode of the ball entry image HA displayed in the special notification is restricted. Therefore, in the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment, after the sub-control CPU 31a receives an ending command, a customization invalid period is set in which customization of the execution mode of the special notification is restricted even during a jackpot game. In addition, as described above, after the sub-control CPU 31a receives an ending command, execution of the special notification is restricted even during a jackpot game. In other words, even during a jackpot game, during the period in which the ending performance is being executed after the sub-control CPU 31a receives an ending command, execution of the special notification is restricted, and customization of the execution mode of the special notification is restricted. Thus, in this embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine 10, during the period when the execution of special notifications is restricted, setting the mode of special notifications is restricted even during a jackpot game.

In addition, in this embodiment, the sub-control CPU 31a newly sets a three-dimensional display flag in the special notification mode setting process executed during a jackpot game, and executes the jackpot notification control process during the jackpot game, so that the ball entry image HA is displayed in the newly set mode when the special notification is executed for the first time after the setting. In other words, in the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment, if the mode of the special notification is newly set during a jackpot game, the special notification will be executed in the newly set mode from the time the first special notification is executed after the mode of the special notification is newly set during the jackpot game. Note that when the three-dimensional display flag is newly set, if a ball entry image HA is being displayed in the image display section GH, the execution mode of the ball entry image HA being displayed is maintained. Therefore, if the 3D display flag is set while a scoring image HA is being displayed, and then a new scoring image HA is displayed due to a special notification being executed while that scoring image HA is being displayed, there is a possibility that a mixture of scoring images HA that are displayed in a manner that allows the player to perceive them in 3D and scoring images HA that are not displayed in a manner that allows the player to perceive them in 3D will be displayed.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The notifications that are executed in response to the detection of a ball entering the large prize opening 14 during a jackpot game include a special notification that is executed when the number of balls entering the large prize opening 14 is equal to or less than a specified number in one round of play, and a specific notification that is executed when the number of balls entering the large prize opening 14 exceeds a specified number in one round of play. This makes it possible to provide variety to the types of notifications that are executed in response to the detection of a ball entering the large prize opening 14 during a jackpot game, thereby increasing interest in the execution of the notifications.

(2) When the number of balls entering the big prize opening 14 during one round of play exceeds a specified number that satisfies the end condition of the round of play, a specific notification is issued. This gives the player a sense of superiority in having more game balls enter the big prize opening 14 than the specified number that satisfies the end condition during one round of play. This therefore increases the player's interest in having game balls enter the big prize opening 14.

(3) While the manner in which special notifications are executed can be customized, the manner in which specific notifications are executed cannot be customized. In addition, the notification time of a special notification is different from the notification time of a specific notification. Therefore, depending on whether the execution mode of the notification can be customized and the notification time of the executed notification, the player can easily understand the circumstances under which the game ball entered the large prize opening 14.

(4) Because the manner in which the special notifications are executed can be customized, in situations in which the player wants to enjoy the notification of balls entering the large prize opening 14 during a round of play, such as when the number of balls entering the large prize opening 14 is below a specified number, the manner in which the special notifications are executed can be made more diverse, making it possible to further entertain the player. This can increase the player's interest in the notifications being executed.

(5) By making the special notification customizable, when the special notification is executed, the ball-entering image HA can be displayed in a manner that allows the player to perceive it in three dimensions. This makes it possible to enhance the notification effect of the special notification compared to when the player is not allowed to perceive it in three dimensions, and further increase the interest in the notification being executed.

(6) The execution mode of the special notification is limited to one type and cannot be customized. This allows the player to easily understand the special notification in situations where the player wants to pay attention to the notification due to balls entering the large prize opening 14, such as when the number of balls entering the large prize opening 14 exceeds a specified number during a round of play.

(7) The number and type of notification means that execute the notification differ between special notifications and specific notifications, and the notification time of the special notifications is different from the notification time of the specific notifications. This allows the means of execution of notifications to be diversified between special notifications and specific notifications, and allows the player to easily understand the circumstances under which the game ball entered the large prize opening 14 based on the number and type of notification means that execute the notification and the notification time of the executed notification.

(8) Since the notification time of the specific notification is longer than that of the special notification, in a situation where it is desired to draw attention to the notification due to balls entering the large prize opening 14, such as when the number of balls entering the large prize opening 14 exceeds the specified number during a round of play, the specific notification can be more easily understood than the special notification. Also, since the notification time of the special notification is shorter than the notification time of the specific notification, in a situation where consecutive balls may enter the large prize opening 14 in a short period of time, such as when the number of balls entering the large prize opening 14 is equal to or less than the specified number during a round of play, the notification can be easily understood even when consecutive balls enter the large prize opening 14. Also, since it is rare for the number of balls entering the large prize opening 14 to exceed the specified number, and a ball that exceeds the specified number (the 9th ball) enters the large prize opening 14 frequently occurs consecutively with a ball that is equal to or less than the specified number (the 8th ball), the difference between the 8th ball entering the large prize opening 14 and the 9th ball entering the large prize opening 14 can be emphasized.

(9) Even during a jackpot game, the execution of a special notification is restricted depending on the progress of the jackpot game, such as when an ending presentation is being executed. This prevents the effectiveness of presentations that are performed depending on the progress of the jackpot game, such as ending presentations, from decreasing. Furthermore, during the period when the execution of a special notification is restricted, customization of the execution mode of the special notification is also restricted, so that attention can be drawn to the presentation that is performed depending on the progress of the jackpot game. In this way, since the execution of a special notification and customization of the execution mode of the special notification are restricted depending on the progress of the jackpot game, the presentation that is performed depending on the progress of the jackpot game can be enjoyed, and interest in the presentation can be increased.

(10) During a jackpot game, when the number of balls entering the large prize opening 14 is equal to or less than the specified number in one round of play, if multiple balls entering the large prize opening 14 are detected during one opening of the large prize opening 14, a special notification is executed each time a ball is detected entering the large prize opening 14. Therefore, the number of times the special notification is executed makes it possible to know the number of game balls that have entered the large prize opening 14 during a round of play when the number of balls entering the large prize opening 14 is equal to or less than the specified number. Furthermore, by clearly conveying to the player that a game ball is won each time a ball is detected entering the large prize opening 14, the player's interest in winning game balls can be increased.

(11) During the period from the start to the end of one round of play, if a new special notification is being executed while a special notification is being executed, the new ball entry image HA is displayed so that it is overlaid on the currently displayed ball entry image HA. In other words, the new special notification is executed in a more emphasized manner than the currently executed special notification. This makes it easier for the player to understand the newly executed special notification than the currently executed special notification. Furthermore, even when a special notification is being executed, the player is informed in an easy-to-understand manner that a ball has been detected entering the large prize opening 14 and that a game ball will be acquired, which further increases the player's interest in acquiring a game ball.

(12) In a situation where the stereoscopic display notification is set to ON, in which the ball-entering image HA is displayed in a manner that allows the player to perceive it three-dimensionally when a special notification is executed, if a new special notification is executed during the execution of a special notification, the newly displayed ball-entering image HA is displayed so as to overlap the ball-entering image HA that is currently being displayed, so that it is the closest to the currently displayed ball-entering image HA. Furthermore, the newly displayed ball-entering image HA is displayed in a manner that allows the player to perceive it as being displayed in front of the surface on which the currently displayed ball-entering image HA is being displayed. For this reason, by setting the stereoscopic display notification to ON, the newly executed special notification can be more easily understood than the currently executed special notification. And, even during the execution of a special notification, the player can easily understand that a ball has been detected entering the large prize opening 14 and that a game ball will be acquired, which can further increase the player's interest in acquiring a game ball.

(13) In the period from the start to the end of one round of play, a new special notification is executed while a special notification is being executed when another game ball enters the large prize opening 14 during the short period during which the first special notification is being executed. At this time, the new special notification is executed in a more emphasized manner than the special notification currently being executed, thereby providing a sense of exhilaration from having multiple game balls enter the large prize opening 14 in a short period of time. This therefore increases the interest in having game balls enter the large prize opening 14.

(14) If the execution mode of a special notification is newly set during a jackpot game, the special notification will be executed in the newly set execution mode from the time the first special notification is executed after the execution mode of the special notification is newly set during that jackpot game. This makes it possible to check the set execution mode from the time the first special notification is executed. Then, during one jackpot game, it is possible to enjoy the change in the execution mode of the special notification, which can increase interest in the execution of the special notification.

(15) When a ball is detected entering the large prize opening 14 during a jackpot game, the numerical value indicating the total number of acquired game balls displayed in the acquisition image KG displayed in the upper right corner of the performance display device 11 is updated regardless of whether a special notification or a specific notification is executed. This makes it easier to grasp the total number of acquired game balls during a jackpot game, and increases the interest in having game balls enter the large prize opening 14.

(16) The special notification is executed by outputting sound from the speaker Sp and displaying an image on the image display unit GH of the performance display device 11. Therefore, by executing the notification in a manner that stimulates different senses, such as sound (hearing) and display (sight), when the number of balls entering the large prize winning hole 14 during a jackpot game is equal to or less than the specified number for one round of play, the player can easily understand that a game ball has entered the large prize winning hole 14.

(17) The specific notification is executed by outputting sound from the speaker Sp, displaying an image on the image display unit GH of the performance display device 11, and emitting light from the decorative lamp La. Therefore, by executing notifications that stimulate different senses, such as sound (hearing), light (sight), and display (sight), when the number of balls entering the large prize winning hole 14 exceeds the specified number for one round of play during a jackpot game, it is possible to easily grasp that a game ball has entered the large prize winning hole 14. Furthermore, by providing more types of notifications than special notifications, specific notifications can be made even easier to understand than special notifications.

(18) In the case of a special notification, the notification is not made by illumination of the decorative lamp La, whereas in the case of a specific notification, the notification is made by illumination of the decorative lamp La. Therefore, by checking whether the decorative lamp La is illuminated when a game ball enters the big prize opening 14 during a big win game, it is possible to determine whether the balls entered the specified number or less or the specified number or more, making it easier to determine the situation in which the notification was issued.

The above embodiment may be modified as follows.
In this embodiment, the specific notification may be executed when the jackpot game is not being played. In this case, for example, in the pattern change game using the special pattern, in addition to the jackpot lottery, a small jackpot lottery may be performed. When the small jackpot lottery is won, a small jackpot game is played after the pattern change game of the special pattern ends, and in the small jackpot game, the large jackpot door 17 of the large jackpot 14 may be opened in a predetermined opening mode (for example, 1800 ms x 1 opening). Then, the specific notification may be executed when a ball is detected in the large jackpot 14 during the small jackpot game. According to this, even when the jackpot game is not being played, if a ball is detected in the large jackpot 14, it is possible to easily understand that a ball has been detected in the large jackpot 14. In addition, the specific notification may be executed both when the jackpot game is not being played and when the jackpot game is being played. In this case, for example, a specific notification may be executed when a ball is detected entering the large prize opening 14 during a small win game, and when more than a specified number of balls are detected entering the large prize opening 14 in one round of play during a large win game. This allows the player to easily understand that a ball has been detected entering the large prize opening 14 in situations where it is not easy to enter the large prize opening 14, such as when a large win game is not in progress, or when the number of balls entering the large prize opening 14 exceeds the specified number in one round of play even during a large win game.

- In this embodiment, when a new special notification is executed during the execution of a special notification during the period from the start to the end of one round of play, the newly executed special notification may not be executed overlapping the currently executed special notification. In this case, for example, when a special notification is executed and a ball-entering image HA is displayed on the image display unit GH of the performance display device 11, if a new special notification is executed, the new ball-entering image HA may be displayed so as not to overlap the currently displayed ball-entering image HA. Also, for example, even if a part of the currently displayed ball-entering image HA and the newly displayed ball-entering image HA are displayed overlapping each other, the new ball-entering image HA may be displayed so as not to overlap the character string "+15" written on the currently displayed ball-entering image HA, so that the content indicated by the currently displayed ball-entering image HA can be understood. Also, multiple channels for outputting sounds may be provided, and when a new special notification is executed while the ball-entering sound MA is being output, the new ball-entering sound MA may be output from a channel different from the currently output ball-entering sound MA. This makes it easier for the player to intuitively understand that a new special notification has been issued. Even while a special notification is being issued, the player is informed in an easy-to-understand manner that a ball has been detected entering the large prize opening 14 and that a game ball will be acquired, which further increases the player's interest in acquiring a game ball.

- In this embodiment, multiple large prize openings may be provided. At least one large prize opening must be provided. When multiple large prize openings are provided, a special or specific alert may be issued when a ball is detected entering a specific large prize opening among the multiple large prize openings, or a special or specific alert may be issued when a ball is detected entering a large prize opening for all large prize openings.

- In this embodiment, the number of notification means may be at least one or more, and may be less than three or four or more. The number of types of notification means may be at least one or more, and may be less than three or four or more. At least one of the number and types of notification means that execute the notification may differ between special notifications and specific notifications.

- In this embodiment, if there are multiple devices that provide the same type of notification, the number of devices that provide the same type of notification may be classified as the type of notification means. In this case, for example, if there are three performance display devices that provide notifications by display, there will be three types of notification means. Also, for example, if there are two speakers that provide notifications by audio output and three performance display devices that provide notifications by display, there will be five types of notification means.

- In this embodiment, if there are multiple devices that provide the same type of notification, the multiple devices that provide the same type of notification may be counted together as one notification means. In this case, even if there are, for example, three speakers that provide notifications by audio output, the number of notification means will be one. Also, even if there are, for example, two speakers that provide notifications by audio output and three performance display devices that provide notifications by display, the number of notification means will be two.

- In this embodiment, for example, the display area of the image display unit GH of the performance display device 11 may be divided into a first area and a second area, and when a special notification is executed, a goal image HA may be displayed in the first area, and when a specific notification is executed, a goal image HB may be displayed in the second area. Also, even if there is only one device that executes notifications in this way, if the display area in which notifications are performed is divided into multiple display areas, as in the image display unit GH of the performance display device 11, and different notifications are executed in each area, the number of display areas in which different notifications are executed may be defined as the number of notification means. For example, if a special notification is performed in the first area of the image display unit GH and a specific notification is performed in the second area of the image display unit GH, the number of notification means may be two.

- In this embodiment, the types of notification means may be classified according to the sensation they give to the player. For example, if there are decorative lamps La and a performance display device 11 as notification means for visually notifying the player, there may be only one type of notification means.

- In this embodiment, the number and type of notification means for executing the notification may be the same for the special notification and the specific notification. In this case, even when a special notification is executed, notification may be performed by illumination from the decorative lamp La, just as when a specific notification is executed. Also, in this case, as long as the number and type of notification means are the same, the notification means for executing the special notification and the notification means for executing the specific notification may be configured to be different. For example, even if there are multiple performance display devices that perform notifications by display, such as a first performance display device and a second performance display device, and when a special notification is executed, a goal scoring image HA is displayed on the first performance display device, and when a specific notification is executed, a goal scoring image HB is displayed on the second performance display device, the types of notifications may be the same.

- In this embodiment, the large prize opening 14 may be opened multiple times during one round of play. When balls entering the large prize opening 14 are detected multiple times during one opening of the large prize opening 14, a special notification may be executed each time a ball is detected entering the large prize opening 14. In this way, even if the large prize opening 14 is opened multiple times in one round of play, the number of times the special notification is executed makes it easier to grasp the number of game balls that have entered the large prize opening 14 during one round of play in a situation where the number of balls entering the large prize opening 14 is equal to or less than a specified number. Furthermore, by clearly informing the player that a game ball is acquired each time a ball is detected entering the large prize opening 14, the player's interest in acquiring game balls can be increased.

- In this embodiment, the notification time of a special notification may be the time from when the special notification starts to when it ends. In this case, when the special notification starts, at least some of the notification means executing the special notification start the notification. Also, when the special notification ends, all of the notification means executing the special notification end the notification. Similarly, the notification time of a specific notification may be the time from when the specific notification starts to when it ends. In this case, when the specific notification starts, at least some of the notification means executing the specific notification start the notification. Also, when the specific notification ends, all of the notification means executing the specific notification end the notification.

- In this embodiment, the notification time of a special notification may be the time from when at least some of the notification means that execute the special notification start to when it ends. Similarly, the notification time of a specific notification may be the time from when at least some of the notification means that execute the specific notification start to when it ends.

- In this embodiment, customizing the execution mode of the special notification is not limited to whether or not the scoring image HA is displayed in a manner that allows the player to perceive it as being displayed three-dimensionally. For example, by customizing the execution mode of the special notification, the design of the scoring image may be changed to a design different from the scoring image HA, or the scoring sound may be changed to a sound different from the scoring sound MA. Note that the execution mode of the special notification is performed so as to be distinguished from the execution mode of the specific notification.

- In this embodiment, when a new special notification is executed during the execution of a special notification, for example, the ball entry sound MA of the newly executed special notification may be output at a louder volume than the ball entry sound MA output by the currently executed special notification, so that the newly executed special notification is executed with a stronger intensity than the currently executed special notification. In addition, the ball entry image HA may be configured to include a numerical value indicating the number of game balls that have entered the large prize winning hole 14 in one round of play, and each time a ball entry into the large prize winning hole 14 is detected in one round of play, the numerical value shown in the ball entry image HA may be increased by one, so that the execution mode of the special notification is emphasized each time a new special notification is executed. This makes it easier to understand the newly executed special notification than the currently executed special notification. And, even during the execution of a special notification, the player can easily understand that a ball entry into the large prize winning hole 14 has been detected and a game ball has been acquired, which can further increase the player's interest in acquiring a game ball.

- In this embodiment, when the number of game balls entering the big prize opening 14 during one round of play is equal to or less than a specified number, the execution mode of the special notification may be changed for each ball entering. For example, when a notification by sound is executed, a different ball entry sound may be output for each number of balls entering. To give a specific example, the first ball may be "Do", the second ball may be "Re", the third ball may be "Mi", the fourth ball may be "Fa", the fifth ball may be "So", the sixth ball may be "Ra", the seventh ball may be "Si", and the eighth ball may be "Do". In addition, when a notification by sound is executed, the type of ball entry sound may be the same, but the scale or tone may be different. In addition, the type of notification is not limited to sound, and may be performed by light emission by a light-emitting body or image display, or a combination of these. Note that the execution mode of the special notification is distinguished from the execution mode of the specific notification.

- In this embodiment, the scoring image HB displayed on the image display unit GH when a specific notification is executed may be displayed in a manner that makes the player perceive it as if it is not displayed three-dimensionally, instead of being displayed in a manner that makes the player perceive it as if it is displayed three-dimensionally.

- In this embodiment, if the execution mode of the special notification is newly set during a jackpot game, the special notification may be executed in the newly set execution mode immediately after the execution mode of the special notification is newly set during the jackpot game. For example, when the mode of the scoring image HA displayed on the image display unit GH is newly set during a jackpot game in response to the execution of a special notification, if there is a scoring image HA being displayed on the image display unit GH, the scoring image HA may be immediately re-displayed in the newly set mode.

- In this embodiment, the execution mode of the special notification may be customizable even after the sub-control CPU 31a receives an ending command during a jackpot game. In this case, for example, in order to prevent a decrease in the effect of the ending presentation, the 3D display notification may be set to ON or OFF when input of the operation button BT is detected, and the 3D display flag may be stored in the sub-control RAM 31c, while the setting image SG may not be displayed on the image display unit GH. In this case, the special notification may be immediately executed in the newly set execution mode after the sub-control CPU 31a receives the ending command, or the special notification may be executed in the newly set execution mode after the next jackpot game starts.

- In this embodiment, the execution mode of the special notification may be customizable not only during a jackpot game. In this case, for example, when a special pattern pattern change game is not being executed and there is no special pattern pattern change game with a suspended execution, a standby demo period may be set, and the execution mode of the special notification may be customizable by operating the operation button BT during the standby demo period. Also, even when a special pattern pattern change game is being executed, the execution mode of the special notification may be customizable by operating the operation button BT.

In this embodiment, in addition to the special notification and specific notification during a jackpot game, the notification means may execute a special notification whose notification content can be changed by reflecting that a special notification has been executed. For example, when an ending performance is being executed and there is a pattern change game with a special pattern pending execution, the special notification may notify whether or not there is a pattern change game that will win the jackpot lottery among the pending pattern change games by the color of the background image during the ending performance displayed on the image display unit GH of the performance display device 11. In this case, for example, the special notification may be executed by notification content in which a light blue background image is displayed that does not specify whether or not there is a pattern change game that will win the jackpot lottery among the pending pattern change games, and notification content in which a rainbow background image is displayed that can specify that there is a pattern change game that will win the jackpot lottery among the pending pattern change games. Then, when there is a pending symbol change game that will win the jackpot lottery, if the number of times the special notification has been executed is equal to or greater than a specific number, the probability of the special notification displaying a rainbow background image being executed is higher than when the number of times is less than the specific number. This can provide more variety to the types of notifications executed during jackpot play, and can entertain the player by showing how the content of the special notification changes depending on the number of times the special notification has been executed. This can further increase the interest in the execution of notifications.

- In this embodiment, customization of the execution mode of special notifications may be restricted even during the opening performance period after the sub-control CPU 31a receives an opening command.

- In this embodiment, the special notification and the specific notification may be executable during the jackpot game regardless of the progress of the jackpot game, or the execution of either one may be restricted depending on the progress of the jackpot game.

- In this embodiment, the execution of special notifications may be partially restricted depending on the progress of the jackpot game. In this case, for example, the number of notification means or types of notification means that execute the special notifications during the ending time may be reduced so that the special notifications are executed. Also, for example, the notification time of the special notifications may be shortened during the ending time so that the special notifications are executed. Similarly, the execution of special notifications may be partially restricted depending on the progress of the jackpot game.

- In this embodiment, the specified number of balls entering the large prize winning port 14 for determining whether to execute a special notification or a specific notification during a jackpot game may be changed. The specified number may not be the same as the number of balls that meet the end conditions of one round of play. In this case, for example, a specified number for determining whether to execute a special notification or a specific notification may be set separately from the number of balls that meet the end conditions of one round of play. Then, when the specified number of balls or less are detected entering the large prize winning port 14, a command for executing a special notification may be sent from the main control CPU 30a to the sub-control CPU 31a. Also, when the specified number of balls are detected entering the large prize winning port 14, a command for executing a specific notification may be sent from the main control CPU 30a to the sub-control CPU 31a.

- In this embodiment, a large prize entry port illegal entry error may be notified during a jackpot game. In one round of play, it is possible that more than the specified number of game balls enter the large prize entry port. However, although it is possible that more than the specified number of balls enter the large prize entry port, for example, by one or two balls, it is considered that the probability of more than the specified number of balls entering the large prize entry port, for example, by five or six balls, is very low. For this reason, the occurrence of an excessive number of balls entering the large prize entry port may be regarded as being due to an illegal entry into the large prize entry port 14, for example, and may be regarded as a large prize entry port illegal entry error. In addition, a large prize entry port illegal entry error may be notified in both cases where an excessive number of balls enter the large prize entry port 14 in excess of the specified number during a jackpot game and where a ball is detected entering the large prize entry port 14 when a jackpot game is not being played.

- In this embodiment, for example, if a probability fluctuation state or an improved ball entry rate state is imparted after a jackpot game, resulting in consecutive jackpot games, the total number of balls acquired displayed in the acquisition image KG during the jackpot game may be the cumulative total number of balls acquired since the start of the first jackpot game. In this case, for example, if a second jackpot game is awarded after the end of the first jackpot game and the improved ball entry rate state, the total number of balls acquired displayed in the acquisition image KG during the second jackpot game is the cumulative total of the number of balls acquired in the first jackpot game and the number of balls acquired in the second jackpot game.

- In the special notification mode setting process executed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 in this embodiment, the process of step S30 may determine whether an opening command has been received, and if the opening command has been received, the process of step S31 may determine whether an ending command has been received. If the ending command has not been received, it may determine whether input of the operation button BT has been detected, and if the ending command has been received, the special notification mode setting process may end. In this case, even if the opening command has been received, if the ending command has been received, no determination is made as to whether input of the operation button BT has been detected, so it becomes impossible to customize the execution mode of the special notification after the ending command is received.

- The pachinko gaming machine 10 in this embodiment may be embodied as a pachinko gaming machine that uses only special symbols. Also, the pachinko gaming machine 10 in this embodiment may be embodied as a pachinko gaming machine that has a single starting hole and uses a single special symbol, or a pachinko gaming machine that has multiple starting holes and uses a single special symbol.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment may be embodied as a gaming machine (a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed machine) that awards a jackpot game when a gaming ball passes through a specific area.
The pachinko game machine 10 equipped with the probability variation function may be of a type that provides a probability variation state until the next winning prize is won, a type that provides a probability variation state until the falling lottery is won (falling machine), or a type that provides a probability variation state until a predetermined number of pattern variation games are completed (ST machine). In addition, the pachinko game machine equipped with the probability variation function may be of a type that provides a probability variation state when the game ball passes through a specific area (V probability variation machine). The pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment may be embodied in any of these types of pachinko game machines. In addition, the pachinko game machine 10 may be a pachinko game machine that combines the above-mentioned falling machine and V probability variation machine.

- The pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment may be configured to hold a small win lottery in addition to a big win lottery in the special symbol pattern change game. After the special symbol pattern change game that wins the small win lottery ends, a small win game is awarded, and the machine may be configured to be controllable to a state (so-called small win rush) in which the number of times (frequency) a small win is won per unit time or the number of times (frequency) a small win game is awarded per unit time is increased compared to a normal game state (e.g., a low probability low base state).

- In this embodiment, after a jackpot is won in the jackpot lottery, the machine may be configured to be controlled to a jackpot standby state in which the machine waits for the start of the jackpot game to be awarded. Then, when a ball enters a specified ball entrance (e.g., gate entrance 18a) during the jackpot standby state, the machine may be configured to end the jackpot standby state and start the awarding of the jackpot game.

- The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be embodied as a pachinko gaming machine classified as the second type, also known as a "wing type" or "airplane type." In this type of pachinko gaming machine, the opening and closing wings (opening and closing members) of the large prize opening open when a gaming ball enters the start opening, and the gaming ball that entered the large prize opening enters the special prize opening, generating a jackpot game.

- The sub-control board 31 may be a sub-general control board, and a display control board that specializes in controlling the performance display device 11, a light emission control board that specializes in controlling the decorative lamp La, and an audio control board that specializes in controlling the speaker Sp may be provided separately from the sub-control board 31. Such a sub-general control board and boards that control other performances may be combined to form a sub-control board.

-Also, the main control CPU 30a of the main control board 30 and the sub-control CPU 31a of the sub-control board 31 may be mounted on a single board. Also, in the above alternative example, the display control board, the light emission control board, and the audio control board may be arbitrarily combined to form a single board or multiple boards.

Next, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above embodiment and other examples will be described below.
(i) A gaming machine having at least one large prize opening and in which prize balls are paid out when a ball enters the large prize opening, the gaming machine is provided with a detection means for detecting the entry of a ball into the large prize opening, an alarm means for executing an alarm, and an alarm control means for controlling the execution of the alarm by the alarm means, and the alarms executed by the alarm means include a special alarm which is executed when a ball enters the large prize opening during a jackpot game and when a predetermined condition is met, and a special alarm which is executed when the jackpot game is not in progress or during the jackpot game. and a specific notification that is executed when a ball is detected entering the large prize opening when the specified condition is not met even if the specified condition is met, and while the manner in which the special notification is executed is customizable, the manner in which the special notification is executed is not customizable, and when the large prize opening is being played during a jackpot game and the specified condition is met, and multiple balls are detected entering the large prize opening during one opening of the large prize opening, the special notification is executed each time a ball is detected entering the large prize opening.

(b) A gaming machine that has at least one large prize opening, in which prize balls are paid out when a ball enters the large prize opening, in which a predetermined notification can be executed, and in which a player can set at least some of the notification modes and customize the notification to be executed in the set mode, the gaming machine is equipped with a detection means for detecting a ball entering the large prize opening, a notification means for executing the notification, and a notification control means for controlling the execution of the notification by the notification means, and the notification executed by the notification means is executed when a large prize game is being played and under a predetermined condition. A gaming machine that has a special notification that is triggered by the detection of a ball entering the large prize opening when the specified conditions are met, and a specific notification that is triggered by the detection of a ball entering the large prize opening when the large prize game is not in progress, or when the large prize game is in progress but the specified conditions are not met, and the mode of the special notification can be set during the large prize game, but the mode of the specific notification cannot be set, and the notification time of the special notification is different from the notification time of the specific notification.

(C) A gaming machine with the technical idea of (B) where, if the mode of the special notification is newly set during the jackpot game, the special notification is executed in the newly set mode from the time the first special notification is executed after the mode of the special notification is newly set during the jackpot game.

(D) A gaming machine with the technical idea of (B) or (C) in which, even if a ball is detected entering the jackpot opening during the jackpot game and the predetermined condition is met, the execution of the special notification is restricted depending on the progress of the jackpot game, and during the period in which the execution of the special notification is restricted, the setting of the mode of the special notification is restricted even during the jackpot game.

(E) A gaming machine having at least one large prize opening and in which prize balls are paid out when a ball enters the large prize opening, the gaming machine is provided with a detection means for detecting the entry of a ball into the large prize opening, a notification means for executing a notification, and a notification control means for controlling the execution of the notification by the notification means, and the notifications executed by the notification means include a special notification that is executed when a ball enters the large prize opening during a large prize game and when a predetermined condition is met, and a specific notification that is executed when a ball enters the large prize opening when the large prize game is not being played, and the execution manner of the special notification is customizable, while the execution manner of the specific notification is customizable. A gaming machine in which the notification time of the special notification is different from the notification time of the specific notification, multiple rounds of play are played during the jackpot game, and an ending performance is executed when the final round of the multiple rounds of play is completed, and the execution mode of the special notification can be customized when the ending performance is executed during the jackpot game, and if the execution mode of the special notification is customized when the ending performance is executed during the current jackpot game, the customized execution mode of the special notification can be reflected in the special notification executed after the start of the next jackpot game.

(F) A gaming machine having the technical idea (E) in which the execution of the special notification is at least partially restricted while the ending performance is being performed.
(g) A gaming machine having at least one large prize opening and in which prize balls are paid out when a ball enters the large prize opening, the gaming machine is provided with a detection means for detecting entry of a ball into the large prize opening, a notification means for executing a notification, and a notification control means for controlling the execution of the notification by the notification means, and the notifications executed by the notification means include a special notification which is executed when a ball enters the large prize opening during a jackpot game and when a predetermined condition is met, and a specific notification which is executed when a ball enters the large prize opening when the predetermined condition is not met even during the jackpot game, and while the execution mode of the special notification is customizable, the execution mode of the specific notification is not customizable, and the notification time of the special notification and the notification time of the specific notification are different, and the special notification is executed during the jackpot game. a specific detection period during which a ball entering the large prize opening can be detected when a ball entering the large prize opening is detected during the specific detection period after the specific condition is met, and when a ball entering the large prize opening is detected during the specific detection period after the specific condition is met, at least a part of the execution of the special notification is regulated depending on the progress of the large prize game, and the execution of the specific notification is not regulated depending on the progress of the large prize game, and a number of rounds of play are played during the large prize game, and when a final round of play among the number of rounds of play is completed, an ending presentation is executed, and after one round of play is completed, a specific detection period during which a ball entering the large prize opening can be detected is provided, and when a ball entering the large prize opening is detected during the specific detection period after the final round of play among the number of rounds of play is completed, at least a part of the execution of the special notification is regulated during the ending presentation, while the execution of the specific notification is not regulated.

10... Pachinko game machine, 11... Performance display device, 14... Big prize opening, 17... Big prize opening door, 30... Main control board, 30a... Main control CPU, 30c... Main control RAM, 31... Sub-control board, 31a... Sub-control CPU, 31c... Sub-control RAM, CS... Count sensor, La... Decorative lamp, Sp... Speaker.

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine having at least one big prize opening, a prize ball is paid out when a ball enters the big prize opening,
A detection means for detecting a ball entering the big prize opening;
A notification means for executing a notification;
A notification control means for controlling the execution of notification by the notification means,
The notification executed by the notification means includes:
A special notification that is executed when a ball is detected entering the big prize hole during a big win game and when a predetermined condition is met;
A specific notification is executed when a ball is detected entering the big prize hole when the big prize game is not being played.
The predetermined condition is satisfied until the number of balls entering the big prize hole in one round of play reaches a specified number,
The execution mode of the special notification is customizable, and the execution mode of the specific notification is not customizable;
The notification means includes a plurality of notification means,
The notification means may be of one or more types, and at least one of the number and types of the notification means that execute the notification may differ between the special notification and the specific notification.
The notification time of the specific notification is longer than the notification time of the special notification,
A specific performance is executed for a predetermined period after the opening performance during the jackpot game ends,
The execution mode of the special notification can be customized when the specific performance is executed during the jackpot game and during a specific period, and the specific period is a period from the start of the jackpot game to the end of the final round of the jackpot game,
If the execution mode of the special notification is customized when the specific performance is executed during the current jackpot game, and the execution mode of the special notification is not customized during the specific period before the special notification is executed after the next jackpot game starts, it is possible to reflect the execution mode of the special notification customized when the specific performance is executed during the current jackpot game in the special notification that is executed after the next jackpot game starts,
When the execution mode of the special notification is customized when the specific performance is executed during the current jackpot game, and the execution mode of the special notification is customized during the specific period before the special notification is executed after the next jackpot game starts, it is possible to reflect the execution mode of the special notification customized during the specific period in the special notification that is executed after the next jackpot game starts,
The notification means includes a specific display means capable of executing notification by display,
The specific performance is executed by the specific display means,
When the execution mode of the special notification is customized during the specific period, a specific image that can identify that the execution mode of the special notification has been customized is displayed on the specific display means,
A gaming machine in which, if the execution mode of the special notification is customized when the specific performance is executed, the display of the specific image on the specific display means is restricted.