JP7492747B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

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

For example, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 below, various winning holes (starting hole, big winning hole, general winning hole) are provided in the gaming area through which the gaming balls can flow. When a gaming ball enters one of the winning holes, a prize ball is awarded to the player.

JP 2017-209170 A

However, in the gaming machine of Patent Document 1, it is possible that a player may win excessive prize balls as a result of continuing to play. In such a case, there is no measure to prevent the gaming machine from awarding excessive prize balls to the player.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances. That is, the objective of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that does not award excessive prize balls to players.

The gaming machine of the present invention is
A game control means capable of controlling a game;
In a gaming machine having a performance control means capable of controlling a performance,
The game control means includes:
Based on the judgment in a predetermined judgment process, the game can be controlled to a jackpot game state.
A specific measurement number based on the number of prize balls awarded to a player can be measured,
When the specific measurement number is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference number during control of the jackpot gaming state, and the jackpot gaming state ends, the game is controlled to be unplayable, and a predetermined external signal is output to the outside of the gaming machine,
The performance control means includes:
When the specific measurement number becomes equal to or greater than a pre-reference number that is smaller than the reference number, a pre-play unavailable notice effect can be executed, which indicates that the specific measurement number is approaching the reference number;
When the specific measurement number becomes equal to or greater than the reference number while the game is in the jackpot game state , a game inability to be played notice effect can be executed, which notices that the jackpot game state will end and the game will become incapable of being played;
This gaming machine is characterized in that when the specific measurement number is equal to or greater than the reference number while the jackpot gaming state is under control, and the jackpot gaming state ends, a game-impossible notification display can be executed to indicate that the game is no longer playable .

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent excessive prize balls from being awarded to players.

FIG. FIG. A front view showing the second large prize device and other details. FIG. (A) is a front view of the performance unit when the above-board movable device and the below-board movable device are in standby state, and (B) is a front view of the performance unit when the above-board movable device and the below-board movable device are in operation. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main control board. A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the performance control board. 2 is an oblique view showing the back side of the gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a seven-segment display. (A) is a table showing random numbers related to the general map, and (B) is a table showing random numbers related to the special map. (A) is a winning determination table, (B) is a normal game fluctuation pattern determination table, and (C) is an auxiliary game control table. (A) is a big win determination table, (B) is a big win symbol type determination table, and (C) is a reach determination table. This is a table for determining the fluctuation pattern of special chart 1. This is a special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table. This is a look-ahead determination table. This is a jackpot game control table. FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing specific examples of presentation modes. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of normal fluctuations in the special chart fluctuation performance. This is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of N reach in the special chart change performance. This is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of an SP reach in a special chart change performance. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a hold effect. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a movable object performance. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of an operation presentation. A diagram showing the over-prize ball prevention function. A diagram showing the resetting of the difference in the number of balls. 13A is a diagram showing the presentation mode when there is an abnormality in the excess prize ball, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing the presentation mode when there is an abnormality in the magnetic detection. 13A is a diagram showing an over-prize ball prediction image, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing a game stop prediction image. (A) is a figure in which a purple-bordered image is displayed when the state is high probability and high base, and (B) is a figure in which a red-bordered image is displayed when the state is high probability and high base. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing the state when the special reset switch is pressed, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the state when the waiting state for customers has continued for one hour. 13 is a flowchart of a main control process. 13 is a flowchart of a main-side timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of an input process. 13 is a flowchart of the difference ball number measurement process. 13 is a flowchart of a special action process. 13 is a flowchart of a special symbol waiting process. 13 is a flowchart of a customer waiting measurement process. 13 is a flowchart of a jackpot determination process. 13 is a flowchart of a fluctuation pattern determination process. 13 is a flowchart of a fluctuation pattern determination process. This is a flowchart of processing during special pattern change. 13 is a flowchart of a special symbol determination process. 13 is a flowchart of a game status management process. 13 is a flowchart of special electric device processing. 13 is a flowchart of a game status setting process. 13 is a flowchart of an output process. 13 is a flowchart of an outer end signal output process. 13 is a flowchart of a sub-control main process. 13 is a flowchart of a 1m timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a 10m timer interrupt process. A figure showing a case where an operation warning display is executed after the excess ball prevention function is activated. A figure showing a case where an operational attention warning presentation is executed after unauthorized magnetism is detected. A diagram showing the over-prize ball prevention function in the first modified example. A diagram showing a special remaining reserve presentation in the first modified example. A figure showing round alternative effects and time-saving mode alternative effects in the second modified example. A diagram showing a special remaining reserve replacement effect in the second modified example. A diagram showing the excess ball prevention function in the third modified example. A figure showing a special presentation after normal transition in the third variant. A figure showing an alternative presentation after normal transition in the fourth variant example. 13 is a flowchart showing a main-side timer interrupt process in the fifth modified example. A figure showing a case where a contact warning display is executed after the excess ball prevention function is activated in the fifth modified example. A figure showing a case where a contact warning display is executed after an unauthorized magnetism is detected in the fifth modified example. This figure shows a case where the game is stopped after going through a special mode substitution presentation in the sixth variant example. A figure showing a case where the game is stopped after a round replacement presentation in the seventh modified example. A diagram showing the resetting of the difference in the number of balls in a modified example. A figure showing a modified example in which the difference in the number of balls is displayed on a 7-segment display. FIG. 13 is a front view showing an enclosed pachinko machine having a six-digit seven-segment display in a modified example.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko game machine PY1 has a game machine frame 2. The game machine frame 2 has an outer frame 22 and a front door 23 that can be opened and closed relative to the outer frame 22. Furthermore, the front door 23 has a game board mounting frame 2A to which a game board unit YU described later is attached, and a front frame 23m that is rotatably supported on the game board mounting frame 2A via a hinge 2B. The front frame 23m can be opened and closed relative to the game board mounting frame 2A. A transparent plate 23t is attached to the front frame 23m. When the front frame 23m is closed, the game board 1 attached to the game board mounting frame 2A and the transparent plate 23t face each other. Therefore, when the pachinko game machine PY1 is installed in a game arcade (game store), a player in front of the pachinko game machine PY1 can see the game area 6 formed on the game board 1 through the transparent plate 23t. The transparent plate 23t can be a transparent glass plate, a transparent synthetic resin plate, or the like. It is sufficient that the game area 6 can be seen from the front of the pachinko game machine PY1.

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

An operable first input device (hereafter "normal button") 40 is provided on the top surface of the lower decorative body 36, forward of the upper tray 34. The normal button 40 is, for example, a button with a depression surface, a lever with a grip, etc. In addition, an operable second input device (hereafter "special button") 41 is provided on the right decorative body 32, which is formed by protruding forward from the right edge of the surface of the front frame 23m. The special button 41 is, for example, a button with a depression surface, a lever with a grip, etc.

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

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

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

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

The play area 6 is an area where game balls released by operating the handle 72k can flow down, and is provided for playing on the pachinko game machine PY1. In addition, a large number of game nails (not shown) are protruding from the play area 6. The game nails form a path that appropriately guides game balls that enter the play area 6 and flow down the play area 6 to the first start opening 11, the second start opening 12, the general winning opening 10, the gate 13, the first large winning opening 14, and the second large winning opening 15, which will be described later.

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

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

The electric chute 12D is equipped with an operable electric chute opening and closing member 12k. The electric chute opening and closing member 12k is usually (in a normal state) in a closed position where it is impossible or extremely difficult to insert a game ball into the second starting hole 12. Then, when a special state is entered, it moves to an open position where it is possible to insert a game ball into the second starting hole 12. In this way, the movement of the electric chute opening and closing member 12k to the open position is also called the "open state" of the second starting hole 12 or the electric chute 12D, and only when it is in the open state is it possible for a game ball to enter the second starting hole 12. On the other hand, the electric chute opening and closing member 12k in the closed position is also called the "closed state" of the second starting hole 12 or the electric chute 12D. In addition, the second starting hole 12 or the electric chute 12D being in the "open state" is also called "the electric chute 12D opening," and the electric chute 12D being in the "closed state" is also called "the electric chute 12D closing."

The entry of a gaming ball into the second starting hole 12 triggers the drawing of a lottery for a second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as "Special Symbol 2") (obtaining and determining a random number related to Special Symbol 2, described below; hereinafter referred to as "Special Symbol 2 drawing") and the variable display of Special Symbol 2 (identification symbol). In addition, when a gaming ball enters the second starting hole 12, a predetermined number of gaming balls (for example, four) are paid out as prize balls.

In addition, the game area 6 is provided with a general winning opening 10 into which game balls can enter. When a game ball enters the general winning opening 10, a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., three) are paid out as prize balls.

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

In addition, the game area 6 is provided with a first large prize device 14D (hereinafter also referred to as "normal AT 14D") that has a first large prize hole 14 through which game balls can enter.

The first large prize winning device 14D is equipped with a normal AT opening/closing member 14k that can be operated in an open state and a closed state. The first large prize winning opening 14 is opened and closed by the operation of the normal AT opening/closing member 14k. The normal AT opening/closing member 14k is normally in a closed state that blocks the first large prize winning opening 14, and it is impossible or extremely difficult for a game ball to enter the first large prize winning opening 14. When the normal AT opening/closing member 14k operates in an open state, it becomes possible for a game ball to enter the first large prize winning opening 14. In this way, a game ball can enter the first large prize winning opening 14 only when the normal AT opening/closing member 14k is in an open state. When a game ball enters the first large prize winning opening 14, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 15 balls) are paid out as prize balls.

In addition, the game area 6 is provided with a guide stage 12g that guides the game ball to the second starting port 12. The game ball rolling on the upper surface of the guide stage 12g can flow down toward the second starting port 12.

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

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

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

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

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

Basically, the distribution member 16k is held in the first state. In other words, the first state can be said to be the normal state of the distribution member 16k. Then, only during a specified round of play (e.g., 10R), the distribution solenoid 16s is energized and can change to the second state.

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

It is possible to provide only one of the first large prize device 14D and the second large prize device 15D, as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

Also, at approximately the bottom of the game area 6, two outlets 19 are provided for discharging game balls that have been shot into the game area 6 but have not won in any of the winning holes to the outside of the game area 6. Also, the game board 1 is provided with a board lamp 54 that can emit light.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the pachinko game machine PY1, when a game ball enters the first start hole 11 or the second start hole 12, various random numbers (an example of numerical information or judgment information) for performing a special drawing lottery, etc., may be obtained. These various random numbers are temporarily stored as special drawing reservations in the special drawing reservation memory unit 105 described below. In the following, the various random numbers obtained by the game ball entering the first start hole 11 are referred to as "special drawing 1 related random numbers," and the various random numbers obtained by the game ball entering the second start hole 12 are referred to as "special drawing 2 related random numbers." Here, the special drawing 1 related random numbers are stored as special drawing 1 reservations in the special drawing 1 reservation memory unit 105a in the special drawing reservation memory unit 105. On the other hand, the special drawing 2 related random numbers are stored as special drawing 2 reservations in the special drawing 2 reservation memory unit 105b in the special drawing reservation memory unit 105. An upper limit (for example, 4) can be set for the number of special drawing 1 reservations (special drawing 1 reservation number) that can be stored in the special drawing 1 reservation memory unit 105a and the number of special drawing 2 reservations (special drawing 2 reservation number) that can be stored in the special drawing 2 reservation memory unit 105b. In the following, special drawing 1 reservations and special drawing 2 reservations are collectively referred to as "special drawing reservations," and the special drawing 1 reservation number and special drawing 2 reservation number are collectively referred to as "special drawing reservation number." In addition, special drawing 1 related random numbers and special drawing 2 related random numbers are collectively referred to as "special drawing related random numbers."

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

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

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

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

In addition, before the normal map is displayed as stopped, the normal map is displayed as a variable display for a predetermined variable time. The variable display mode of the normal map is, for example, a mode in which both LEDs are alternately lit. Note that the variable display mode of the normal map is not particularly limited, and if the LEDs are not displayed as stopped (lit in a specific mode), it may be set appropriately, such as all LEDs flashing at the same time.

In the pachinko game machine PY1, when a game ball passes through the gate 13, a normal pattern random number (an example of numerical information or judgment information) for performing a normal pattern lottery may be obtained. This random number is stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit 106 described below, on the condition that the variable display of the normal pattern or auxiliary play is not being performed. It is possible to set an upper limit (for example, 4) on the number of normal pattern reserves (normal pattern reserve number) that can be stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit 106. In the following, the normal pattern random number obtained when the game ball passes through the gate 13 is also referred to as a "normal pattern related random number".

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

The image display device 50 is composed of, for example, a 20-inch 3D liquid crystal display, a dot display, a 7-segment display device, etc., and has a display screen 50a capable of displaying patterns, etc.

The above-board movable device 55 is disposed in front of the display screen 50a, can move along the display screen 50a, and has a decorated above-board movable body 55k. The below-board movable device 56 is disposed in front of the display screen 50a, can move along the display screen 50a, and has a decorated below-board movable body 56k.

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

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

2. Electrical configuration of the gaming machine Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described based on Figures 6 to 9. As shown in Figures 6 to 7, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is equipped with a game control board (hereinafter also referred to as the "main control board") 100 that controls (progress of the game) game profits such as special drawing lottery, variable display of special drawing, big win game, setting of the game state described later, normal drawing lottery, variable display of normal drawing, and auxiliary game, a performance control board (hereinafter also referred to as the "sub-control board") 120 that controls performances such as game performances (special drawing variable performances, reserved performances, big win game performances) according to the progress of the game by the main control board 100, customer waiting performances, and operation promotion performances that encourage operation during the period when the operation of the normal button 40 or the special button 41 is valid (operation valid period), and a payout control board 170 that controls the payout of game balls, etc., on the rear side further than the image display device 50 of the game board 1 (see Figure 8). The main control board 100 can be positioned as a game control unit that controls the game. The performance control board 120 can be positioned as a performance control unit that controls the performance together with the image control board 140, the lamp control circuit 151, and the sound control circuit 161 described later. The performance control unit is required to have at least the performance control board 120 and to be able to control the game performance, customer waiting performance, and operation promotion performance using the performance means (image display device 50, speaker 52, frame lamp 53, board lamp 54, movable devices 55, 56, etc.).

The pachinko game machine PY1 also includes a power supply board 190. The power supply board 190 supplies power to the main control board 100, the performance control board 120, and the payout control board 170, and also supplies the necessary power to other devices through these boards. The power supply board 190 is provided with a RAM clear switch 191 that can be pressed. The RAM clear switch 191 (specific operation means) is for causing the gaming CPU 102 to clear (hereinafter referred to as "RAM clear") the game information (for example, information on the game state such as a high probability state, information such as the number of reserved special figures and the result of the judgment of whether or not a jackpot has been won) stored in the gaming RAM 104 of the gaming control microcomputer 101 described later when the power is turned on. As shown in FIG. 8, the RAM clear switch 191 is provided on the power supply board 190 arranged on the back side of the pachinko game machine PY1. Therefore, only employees of the gaming facility who can open and close the front door 23 can operate the RAM clear switch 191. In other words, the RAM clear switch 191 can be said to be an operating means that cannot be operated by the player. When the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, a detection signal indicating that the RAM clear switch 191 is ON is input to the game control microcomputer 101. Note that in this embodiment, the RAM clear switch 191 is provided on the power supply board 190, but the location of the RAM clear switch 191 can be changed as appropriate, and it may be provided, for example, on the main control board 100 or on a dedicated board.

The power supply board 190 is also provided with a backup power supply circuit 192. When power is not being supplied to the pachinko game machine PY1, the backup power supply circuit 192 supplies power to the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 and the performance RAM 124 of the performance control board 120, which will be described later. Therefore, the information stored in the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 and the performance RAM 124 of the performance control board 120 is retained even when the power to the pachinko game machine PY1 is cut off. A power switch 193 is also connected to the power supply board 190. The power supply is switched on and off by turning the power switch 193 on or off. Note that a backup power supply circuit for the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 may be provided on the main control board 100, and a backup power supply circuit for the performance RAM 124 of the performance control board 120 may be provided on the performance control board 120.

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

The game ROM 103 stores programs for performing main control processing and main timer interrupt processing, which will be described later. The game ROM 103 also stores a jackpot determination table, a jackpot symbol type determination table, a reach determination table, a special symbol variation pattern determination table, a look-ahead determination table, a jackpot game control table, a win determination table, a regular symbol variation pattern determination table, and an auxiliary game control table, which will be described later. The game ROM 103 may be external.

The gaming RAM 104 includes the special game reserve memory section 105 and the regular game reserve memory section 106. The gaming RAM 104 also includes a non-erasable memory section 107, which includes a total number of winning balls memory section 107a, a total number of shot balls memory section 107b, and a difference in number of balls memory section 107c. The non-erasable memory section 107 is designed so that the gaming CPU 102 does not erase the stored contents even when a RAM clear is executed. The non-erasable memory section 107 (total number of winning balls memory section 107a, total number of shot balls memory section 107b, and difference in number of balls memory section 107c) will be described in detail later.

The main control board 100 is also provided with a 7-segment display 300, a setting key cylinder 180, and a special reset switch 181 (special operation means) (see FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 9, the 7-segment display 300 is a so-called 4-segment 7-segment display, and has a total of 32 lighted (illuminated) parts. Specifically, the 7-segment display 300 has, from left to right, a first display area 310, a second display area 320, a third display area 330, and a fourth display area 340. Each of the four display areas 310, 320, 330, and 340 has eight lighted parts (LED elements) LB1 to LB8, LB9 to LB16, LB17 to LB24, and LB25 to LB32 so that they can display the numbers "0" to "9". The display control of the 7-segment display 300 is performed by the game control microcomputer 101.

The setting key cylinder 180 functions as an operating means when setting a setting value corresponding to the probability of determining a big win. With a setting key (not shown) inserted inside the setting key cylinder 180, it is rotated between an initial position and a rotation position. Therefore, in this pachinko game machine PY1, by rotating the setting key cylinder 180 to the rotation position and turning on the power while pressing the RAM clear switch 191, it is possible to transition to a setting mode in which a setting value can be set. In this setting mode, the setting value can be set to "1". However, in this pachinko game machine PY1, only one setting value, "1", is provided. Therefore, the setting value cannot be changed from "1". Note that when the setting mode is set, if the setting key cylinder 180 is rotated from the rotation position to the standby position, the setting mode ends and the RAM is cleared.

The main control board 100 is also provided with a special reset switch 181 that can be pressed. As shown in FIG. 8, the special reset switch 181 is provided on the main control board 100 located on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine PY1. Therefore, only an arcade employee who can open and close the front door 23 can operate the special reset switch 181. In other words, the special reset switch 181 can be said to be an operating means that cannot be operated by a player. The function of the special reset switch 181 will be described in detail later. The main control board is also equipped with a gaming I/O (Input/Output) port section 118 for inputting and outputting data and signals.

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

The various sensors MS connected to the main control board 100 include a first start port sensor that detects game balls that have entered the first start port 11, a second start port sensor that detects game balls that have entered the second start port 12, a general prize port sensor that detects game balls that have entered the general prize port 10, a gate sensor that detects game balls that have passed through the gate 13, a first large prize port sensor that detects game balls that have entered the first large prize port 14, a second large prize port sensor 15a that detects game balls that have entered the second large prize port 15, a specific area sensor 16a that detects game balls that have passed through the specific area 16 (entered the specific area 16), and a non-specific area sensor 17a that detects game balls that have passed through the non-specific area 17 (entered the non-specific area 17).

The various sensors MS also include an outlet sensor that detects all game balls (total number of balls fired) flowing down the game area 6. Game balls that flow down outside the game area 6 are discharged to the outside of the pachinko game machine PY1 through an outlet path (not shown) provided at the bottom of the game board mounting frame 2. For this reason, the outlet sensor is provided within the outlet path. The various sensors MS also include a magnetic sensor that detects illegal magnetism. The magnetic sensor detects the magnetic field generated when a player illegally uses a magnet or the like to cause a game ball to enter the various winning holes 10, 11, 12, and 14. When each of the above-mentioned sensors detects a game ball, it outputs a signal to the main control board 100 according to the detection content.

The various sensors MS also include a front door open sensor that detects the opening of the front door 23 relative to the outer frame 22, and a front frame sensor that detects the opening of the front frame 23m relative to the game board mounting frame 2A. When the front door open sensor detects the opening of the front door 23, it outputs a signal according to the detection content to the main control board 100. When the front frame sensor detects the opening of the front frame 23m, it outputs a signal according to the detection content to the main control board 100. The type and number of sensors connected to the main control board 100 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

The various actuators MA connected to the main control board 100 include an electric chute solenoid that drives the electric chute opening and closing member 12k of the electric chute 12D, a first large prize opening solenoid that drives the normal AT opening and closing member 14k of the first large prize device 14D, a second large prize opening solenoid that drives the VAT opening and closing member 15k of the second large prize device 15D, and a distribution solenoid 16s that drives the distribution member 16k of the distribution device 16D. The type and number of actuators connected to the main control board 100 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

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

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

The payout control board 170 uses the prize ball payout device 73 and the loan ball payout device 74 to pay out prize balls or loan balls based on signals from the game control microcomputer 101 and signals from the connected card unit CU. The number of game balls to be paid out is output to the payout control board 170.

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

The payout control board 170 is also connected to the external terminal board 160. That is, the external terminal board 160 is connected to the main control board 100 via the payout control board 170. The external terminal board 160 transmits the outer end signal sent from the main control board 100 to an external unit GU (data counter, hall computer, etc.) provided outside the pachinko game machine PY1. The information contained in the outer end signal includes, for example, information indicating whether a jackpot has been won, information on the game status, and information indicating an error or fraud (abnormality). Note that the external terminal board 160 transmits the outer end signal to the external unit GU by parallel communication, but the outer end signal may also be transmitted by asynchronous serial communication (a common asynchronous serial communication port). Additionally, while the main control board 100 is connected to the external terminal board 160 via the dispensing control board 170, the main control board 100 may be connected to the external terminal board 160 via a board other than the dispensing control board 170 (e.g., a relay board), or the main control board 100 and the external terminal board 160 may be directly connected.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The various switches connected to the performance control board 120 include a normal button detection switch 40a and a special button detection switch 41a. Each detection switch 40a, 41a outputs a signal to the performance control board 120 according to the detection content. The various switches connected to the performance control board 120 also include a handle rotation detection sensor 42a. The handle rotation detection sensor 42a detects (detects) the rotation operation of the handle 72k (see Figure 1) by a person such as a player, and is provided inside the handle 72k. Therefore, when the handle 72k is rotated, the handle rotation detection sensor 42a detects the rotation operation of the handle 72k and outputs a detection signal to the performance control board 120. The type and number of switches connected to the performance control board 120 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with the game.

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

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

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

3. Main Games Played by the Gaming Machine Next, main games played by the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

3-1. Games related to normal figures First, a game related to normal figures will be explained. When the game ball that was launched passes through the gate 13, the pachinko game machine PY1 performs a normal figure lottery. When the normal figure lottery is performed, the normal figure display 82 performs a variable display of the normal figure (a variable display followed by a stationary display). Here, the stationary display of the normal figure includes a winning figure and a losing figure. The losing figure of the normal figure is also called a "losing normal figure" to distinguish it from the losing figure of the special figure described later. When the winning figure is displayed stationary, an auxiliary game is executed, and the game related to the passage of the gate 13 is ended. On the other hand, when a losing normal figure is displayed stationary, the auxiliary game is not executed, and the game related to the passage of the gate 13 is ended. In addition, in the following, when the game ball passes through the gate 13 when the variable display of the normal figure or the auxiliary game is not being performed, it is called "establishment of the normal figure variation start condition".

When the pachinko game machine PY1 performs this series of games (regular game lottery, variable display of regular games, auxiliary games), it acquires regular game-related random numbers when the regular game variation start condition is met. The acquired regular game-related random numbers include regular game pattern random numbers, as shown in FIG. 10 (A). The regular game pattern random numbers are random numbers (judgment information) used to judge whether a win has occurred. An appropriate range is set for each random number.

3-1-1. Hit Judgment Hit judgment is a judgment for determining whether or not a win has occurred (whether or not to execute an auxiliary game) using one or more hit judgment tables as shown in FIG. 11 (A). The hit judgment table can be associated with the game state described later. That is, the game state includes a non-time-saving state and a time-saving state, and it is possible to distinguish between a hit judgment table used in a non-time-saving state (a hit judgment table for non-time-saving) and a hit judgment table used in a time-saving state (a hit judgment table for time-saving). In each hit judgment table, the judgment value (normal pattern random number value) of the normal pattern random number is assigned to a hit or a miss, which is the result of the hit judgment. Therefore, the pachinko game machine PY1 compares the acquired normal pattern random number with the hit judgment table to judge whether it is a hit or a miss. Then, based on the result of the hit judgment, a normal pattern variation pattern judgment is performed to perform a variable display of the normal pattern. If the result of the hit judgment is a hit, the winning pattern is basically stopped and displayed in the variable display of the normal pattern. On the other hand, if the result of the winning judgment is a loss, the loss normal map is basically displayed in a static manner in the variable display of the normal map. Also, the probability of winning can be changed appropriately.

3-1-2. Normal map fluctuation The normal map fluctuation pattern judgment is a judgment for determining the normal map fluctuation pattern using one or more normal map fluctuation pattern judgment tables as shown in Fig. 11 (B). The normal map fluctuation pattern is identification information regarding predetermined items related to the variable display of the normal map, such as the normal map fluctuation time.

The regular map fluctuation pattern determination table can be associated with the game state. In other words, it is possible to distinguish between a regular map fluctuation pattern determination table used in a non-time-saving state (non-time-saving regular map fluctuation pattern determination table) and a regular map fluctuation pattern determination table used in a time-saving state (time-saving regular map fluctuation pattern determination table).

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

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

The auxiliary game includes various elements that make up the auxiliary game (auxiliary game components), namely the number of times the electric chute 12D opens and the opening time for each opening. Each of these elements is associated with a game state. The pachinko game machine PY1 controls the auxiliary game using one or more auxiliary game control tables as shown in FIG. 11 (C) based on the game state. The auxiliary game control tables are associated with the game state. Auxiliary game components are stored in each auxiliary game control table. The number of times each of these elements opens and the opening time can be changed as appropriate.

The pachinko game machine PY1 can make the opening time of the electric chute 12D different between the auxiliary play in the non-time-saving state and the auxiliary play in the time-saving state. For example, in the auxiliary play in the non-time-saving state, the electric chute 12D is opened for a first opening time (a time during which it is difficult to get the game ball to enter the electric chute 12D (e.g., 0.08 seconds)). In the following, the auxiliary play in the non-time-saving state is also referred to as a "short opening auxiliary play." In addition, in the auxiliary play in the time-saving state, the electric chute 12D is opened for a second opening time longer than the first opening time (a time during which it is easy to get the game ball to enter the electric chute 12D (e.g., 3.00 seconds)). In the following, the auxiliary play in the time-saving state is also referred to as a "long opening auxiliary play."

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

Similarly, the pachinko game machine PY1 performs a special drawing for the 2nd drawing when the released game ball enters the second starting hole 12. When the special drawing for the 2nd drawing is performed, the special drawing for the 2nd drawing is variably displayed (variably displayed and then stopped) on the special drawing for the 2nd drawing device 81b to notify the result of the special drawing for the 2nd drawing. Here, the special drawing for the 2nd drawing that is stopped includes a jackpot pattern and a losing pattern. In other words, the results of the special drawing for the 2nd drawing include a jackpot pattern and a losing pattern. When a jackpot pattern is stopped, a jackpot game is executed, a new game state is set, and the game based on the winning is terminated. On the other hand, when a losing pattern is stopped, a jackpot game is not performed and the game based on the winning is terminated.

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

When the pachinko game machine PY1 performs this series of games (special symbol lottery, variable display of special symbols, jackpot game, and game state setting), it acquires special symbol-related random numbers when the start conditions are met, and performs various judgments on the random numbers. The acquired special symbol-related random numbers include special symbol random numbers (jackpot random numbers), jackpot symbol type random numbers, reach random numbers, and special symbol change pattern random numbers, as shown in FIG. 10 (B). The special symbol random numbers are random numbers used to make jackpot judgments. The jackpot symbol type random numbers are random numbers used to make jackpot symbol type judgments. Reach random numbers are random numbers used to make reach judgments. The special symbol change pattern random numbers are random numbers used to make special symbol change pattern judgments. An appropriate range is set for each random number. The random numbers are also sometimes called judgment information.

3-2-1. Jackpot Determination Jackpot determination is a determination for determining whether or not a jackpot has occurred (whether or not a jackpot game is executed) using one or more jackpot determination tables as shown in FIG. 12(A). The game state includes a normal probability state and a high probability state, and the jackpot determination table is associated with whether the state is the normal probability state or the high probability state. In other words, it is possible to distinguish between a jackpot determination table used in the normal probability state (a jackpot determination table for normal probability) and a jackpot determination table used in the high probability state (a jackpot determination table for high probability) as the jackpot determination table.

In each jackpot determination table, a special symbol random number determination value (special symbol random number value) is assigned to the jackpot and miss results of the jackpot determination. The pachinko game machine PY1 checks the acquired special symbol random number against the jackpot determination table to determine whether it is a jackpot or a miss. As shown in FIG. 12(A), the high probability jackpot determination table has more special symbol random number determination values that are determined to be a jackpot than the normal probability jackpot determination table. In addition, the probability of winning a jackpot can be changed as appropriate.

3-2-2. Jackpot symbol type determination The jackpot symbol type determination is a determination for determining the type of jackpot symbol (jackpot symbol type) using one or more jackpot symbol type determination tables as shown in Fig. 12 (B) when the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot. It is possible to associate each type of jackpot symbol with the content of the jackpot, in other words, the components of the jackpot consisting of the game benefits given to the player.

The jackpot symbol type determination table can be associated with the type of special symbol that is variably displayed, in other words, the type of starting hole from which the winning combination that caused the jackpot symbol type determination (that generated the jackpot symbol type determination) occurred. In other words, it is possible to distinguish between the jackpot symbol type determination table (first jackpot symbol type determination table) used when performing the variably displayed special symbol 1 and the jackpot symbol type determination table (second jackpot symbol type determination table) used when performing the variably displayed special symbol 2, as the jackpot symbol type determination table.

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

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

Reach judgment is a judgment for determining whether or not to generate a reach in the special chart variation performance described later when the result of the jackpot judgment is a miss, using one or more reach judgment tables as shown in FIG. 12(C).

The reach judgment table can be associated with the game state. In other words, it is possible to distinguish between a reach judgment table used in a non-time-saving state (a reach judgment table for non-time-saving) and a reach judgment table used in a time-saving state (a reach judgment table for time-saving).

In each reach judgment table, the reach random number judgment value (reach establishment random number value) is assigned to the reach judgment result of "reach (reach occurs)" and "not reach (reach does not occur)". Therefore, the pachinko game machine PY1 checks the acquired reach random number against the reach judgment table to judge whether there is a reach or not (whether to generate a reach). As shown in FIG. 12(C), it is possible to make the number of reach establishment random number values that are judged as "reach (reach occurs)" different between the non-time-saving reach judgment table and the time-saving reach judgment table. Note that in the following, "reach (reach occurs)" which is performed on the assumption that the result of the jackpot judgment is "miss" is referred to as "reach with miss" and "not reach (reach does not occur)" is sometimes referred to as "no reach miss".

3-2-4. Special pattern variation The special pattern variation pattern determination is a determination for determining the variation pattern (special pattern variation pattern) of the variable display of the special pattern using one or more special pattern variation pattern determination tables (special pattern variation pattern determination tables) as shown in Figures 13 to 14, and is performed in both cases where the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot or a miss. The special pattern variation pattern is identification information for identifying predetermined items related to the special pattern variation time and the performance flow (performance content) of the special pattern variation performance described later. In addition to the special pattern variation time and the performance flow (performance content) of the special pattern variation performance, it is possible for the special pattern variation pattern to include identification information related to the result of the jackpot determination and the result of the reach determination. As the special pattern variation pattern, it is possible to use multiple types of special pattern variation patterns each having different identification information, and the number of them can be changed appropriately.

The special pattern variation pattern judgment table can be associated with the type of special pattern that performs the variable display that is the subject of judgment, in other words, the type of starting gate where the winning that is caused by the special pattern variation pattern judgment occurred. In other words, it is possible to distinguish between the special pattern variation pattern judgment table used when performing the variable display of special pattern 1 (special pattern 1 variation pattern judgment table: Figure 13) and the special pattern variation pattern judgment table used when performing the variable display of special pattern 2 (special pattern 2 variation pattern judgment table: Figure 14) as special pattern variation pattern judgment tables.

And each special chart fluctuation pattern determination table can also be associated with the game state. That is, as the special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table, it is possible to distinguish between the special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table used in the non-time-saving state (special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table for non-time-saving) and the special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table used in the time-saving state (special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table for time-saving). On the other hand, for the special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table, it is similarly possible to distinguish between the special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table used in the non-time-saving state (special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table for non-time-saving) and the special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table used in the time-saving state (special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table for time-saving).

In addition, each special chart fluctuation pattern determination table associated with the game state can be further associated with a jackpot determination result, a jackpot pattern type determination result, or a reach determination result. That is, the non-time-saving special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table and the non-time-saving special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table each include a jackpot (by jackpot pattern type), a reach with miss, and a reach without miss. Similarly, the time-saving special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table and the time-saving special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table each include a jackpot (by jackpot pattern type), a reach with miss, and a reach without miss.

Furthermore, each special chart 1 variation pattern judgment table for a no-reach miss can also be associated with the reserved number of special charts. For example, it is possible to distinguish between a special chart 1 variation pattern judgment table for a no-reach miss that is used when the reserved number of special charts 1 (U1) is 0 to 2, and a special chart 1 variation pattern judgment table for a no-reach miss that is used when the reserved number of special charts 1 (U1) is 3 to 4. Also, each special chart 2 variation pattern judgment table for a no-reach miss can also be associated with the reserved number of special charts. For example, it is possible to distinguish between a special chart 2 variation pattern judgment table for a no-reach miss that is used when the reserved number of special charts 2 (U2) is 0 to 2, and a special chart 2 variation pattern judgment table for a no-reach miss that is used when the reserved number of special charts 2 (U2) is 3 to 4.

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

In addition, each special chart change pattern can be associated with a special chart change presentation flow as shown in the second column from the right in the table of Figures 13 to 14.

As shown in the rightmost column of the tables in Figures 13 and 14, the special chart variation patterns may be given names in association with the special chart (jackpot determination result) and the content of the special chart variation presentation. For example, a special chart variation pattern related to a jackpot is called a "jackpot variation." On the other hand, a special chart variation pattern in which an SP reach, which is a type of reach, occurs among reach-and-misses is called an "SP miss variation," a special chart variation pattern in which an L reach, which is a type of reach, occurs among reach-and-misses is called an "L miss variation," a special chart variation pattern in which the special chart variation presentation ends with an N reach, which is a type of reach, among reach-and-misses is called an "N miss variation," and a special chart variation pattern related to no-reach misses is called a "normal miss variation."

3-2-5. Pre-reading judgment The pachinko game machine PY1 performs pre-reading judgment using one or more pre-reading judgment tables as shown in FIG. 15 based on the acquired special symbol related random number. Pre-reading judgment includes, for example, judgment of whether the special symbol random number is judged as a jackpot in the jackpot judgment, judgment of which jackpot symbol type random number is determined to be a jackpot pattern type in the jackpot symbol type judgment, judgment of which special symbol variation pattern random number is determined to be a special symbol variation pattern in the special symbol variation pattern judgment, etc. The pre-reading judgment table can be associated with the type of start hole related to the start winning. That is, as the pre-reading judgment table, it is possible to distinguish between a pre-reading judgment table (first pre-reading judgment table) when the first start hole 11 is won and a pre-reading judgment table (second pre-reading judgment table) when the second start hole 12 is won.

The look-ahead judgment table can also be associated with the game state. In other words, it is possible to distinguish between a look-ahead judgment table used in a non-time-saving state (non-time-saving look-ahead judgment table) and a look-ahead judgment table used in a time-saving state (time-saving look-ahead judgment table).

In other words, it is possible to distinguish between the first look-ahead judgment table used when the time-saving state is not in effect, the first look-ahead judgment table used when the time-saving state is in effect, the second look-ahead judgment table used when the time-saving state is not in effect, and the second look-ahead judgment table used when the time-saving state is in effect. Note that it is possible to change as appropriate what judgments are included in the look-ahead judgment.

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

The elements that make up such a jackpot game (jackpot game components) include the number of rounds of play, the number of times the jackpot opening (first jackpot opening 14 or second jackpot opening 15) is opened in each round of play, the type of jackpot opening and the opening time (opening pattern) for each opening, the time to close until the next opening (closing time), the opening time (opening time), and the ending time (ending time). After the special chart is stopped and displayed, the pachinko game machine PY1 controls the jackpot game using one or more jackpot game control tables as shown in FIG. 16. The jackpot game control table stores jackpot game components for each jackpot game. It is possible to control one or more types of jackpot games as the jackpot game.

For example, as shown in FIG. 16, from the 1st round to the 9th round, a round game is played in which the first large prize opening 14 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds, or a round game is played in which the first large prize opening 14 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds. Then, in the 10th round (final round), a round game is played in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds, or a round game is played in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds. Also, in each round game, when a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 10 balls) are detected by the large prize opening sensor, the round game is ended even before the maximum opening time of the large prize openings 14, 15 has elapsed.

The number of times and the time for each element can be changed as appropriate. The jackpot game can also be played using both the first jackpot opening 14 and the second jackpot opening 15, or just one of them.

The specific area 16 will now be described in detail. The specific area 16 can be in a closed state where a prize cannot be won and an open state where a prize can be won, by the distribution member 16k, so the operating mode of the distribution member 16k can be called the opening and closing mode of the specific area 16. Hereinafter, the operating mode of the distribution member 16k is also referred to as the "opening and closing mode of the specific area 16". In this way, the distribution member 16k is controlled in a certain operating mode (the specific area 16 is in a certain opening and closing mode), but the difficulty (ease) of the game ball entering the specific area 16 in the jackpot game is set by combining the certain operating mode of the distribution member 16k (the certain opening and closing mode of the specific area 16) with the opening and closing mode of the second large prize opening 15 in the jackpot game. Hereinafter, the specific area 16 being in an open state is also referred to as "V open".

For 15 seconds after the second large prize opening starts to open, the distribution solenoid 16s is energized and the distribution member 16k is controlled to the second state (FIG. 3(B)). Therefore, in a round game in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds, it is easy for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 (the game ball enters the specific area 16) due to the relationship between the opening time and timing of the second large prize opening 15 and the time and timing at which the distribution member 16k is controlled to the second state. On the other hand, in a round game in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds, it is almost impossible (difficult) for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 (the game ball enters the specific area 16) due to the relationship between the opening time and timing of the second large prize opening 15 and the time and timing at which the distribution member 16k is controlled to the second state. In this way, it is possible to execute a jackpot game in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distribution member 16k operate in a first opening pattern (V long opening pattern) in which it is easy for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 (hereinafter also referred to as "V passing"), and a jackpot game in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distribution member 16k operate in a second opening pattern (V short opening pattern) in which it is impossible or difficult for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16. In this way, a jackpot game in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distribution member 16k operate in a V long opening pattern is called a "V long jackpot". On the other hand, a jackpot game in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distribution member 16k operate in a V short opening pattern is called a "V short jackpot".

3-4. Game state Next, the game state will be described. As shown in FIG. 17, the pachinko game machine PY1 can be set to any one of the game states of "low probability low base game state", "low probability high base game state", "high probability low base game state", "high probability high base game state" and "jackpot game state". The "low probability low base game state" can be abbreviated to "low probability low base state", the "low probability high base game state" to "low probability high base state", the "high probability low base game state" to "high probability low base state", and the "high probability high base game state" to "high probability high base state". The game state includes a state related to the probability of being determined as a "jackpot" in the jackpot determination and a state related to the ease of opening the electric chute 12D. The former includes a normal probability state and a high probability state. On the other hand, the latter includes a non-time-saving state and a time-saving state.

The normal probability state is set in a "low probability low base game state" or a "low probability high base game state", and the probability of a jackpot being determined in a jackpot determination is normal. The high probability state is set in a "high probability low base game state" or a "high probability high base game state", and the probability of a jackpot being determined in a jackpot determination is higher than the normal probability. Therefore, it can be said that the high probability state is more advantageous to the player than the normal probability state. When the power is turned on for the first time in the pachinko game machine PY1, the normal probability state is set. Then, it is possible to switch from the normal probability state to the high probability state by winning a jackpot. For example, it is possible to switch to the high probability state by the game ball passing through the specific area 16 in a jackpot game. It is also possible to switch to the high probability state depending on the type of jackpot pattern. The high probability state can be switched from the high probability state to the normal probability state by performing a predetermined number of jackpot determinations without winning a jackpot, or by winning the next jackpot.

The non-time-saving state is set in the "low probability low base game state", "high probability low base game state" or "jackpot game state". The time-saving state is set in the "low probability high base game state" or "high probability high base game state", and is a game state in which the opening time of the electric chute 12D in one auxiliary game is likely to be longer than in the non-time-saving state. For example, in the time-saving state, the opening time of the electric chute 12D is longer (e.g., 3.00 seconds) than in the non-time-saving state (e.g., 0.08 seconds). In addition, in the time-saving state, it is also possible to make the special chart change pattern judgment using a special chart change pattern judgment table that is set so that a special chart change pattern with a short special chart change time is selected more often than in the non-time-saving state (see Figures 13 to 14). As a result, in the time-saving state, the pace of consumption of the special chart reservation is faster, and effective winning at the starting port (winning that can be stored as a special chart reservation) is more likely to occur. Therefore, it is possible to aim for a jackpot under smooth game progress.

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

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

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

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

In addition, in the time-saving state, compared to the non-time-saving state, it is easier to win a prize, the normal map fluctuation time is more likely to be shorter, and the opening time of the electric chute 12D during one supplementary play is more likely to be longer. There are three points about the game related to the normal map that are set to be advantageous to the player. However, the points that are set to be advantageous to the player may be only a part of these.

The gaming state after the power is turned on for the first time in the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is a "low probability low base gaming state" in which the normal probability state and the non-time-saving state are set. This gaming state is also called the "normal gaming state." In the "jackpot gaming state," hit determination is performed but the jackpot determination is not performed, so the non-time-saving state is set with the start of the jackpot game. In addition, it is possible to use all or only some of the gaming states described above as gaming states. In addition, gaming states other than the normal gaming state, such as the "high probability high base state," the "high probability low base state," the "low probability high base state," the "high probability state," the "time-saving state," the "high base state," and the "jackpot gaming state," can be called "privileged gaming states" in which a privilege is granted to the player.

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

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

The customer waiting performance mode can be set when the special chart change performance is not being performed in the "low probability low base game state", "low probability high base game state", "high probability low base game state" and "high probability high base game state", and is a performance mode that indicates a standby state in which the special chart change performance is not being performed. When the customer waiting performance mode is set, the customer waiting performance is performed. In the customer waiting performance, for example, as shown in FIG. 18 (A-1), a customer waiting demo video G100 that introduces the pachinko game machine PY1 is displayed on the display screen 50a. In addition, when the normal button 40 is operated while the customer waiting demo video G100 is displayed, a setting screen G101 for setting the performance of the pachinko game machine PY1 is displayed as shown in FIG. 18 (A-2). The performance settings include the volume setting of the sound output from the speaker 52, the brightness setting of the display screen 50a ("light amount setting"), and the frequency setting of the performance to be executed ("performance setting").

The normal presentation mode can be set when the special chart variation presentation is being performed in the "low probability low base game state", and is a presentation mode that indicates a non-time-saving state. The normal presentation modes include, for example, a first normal presentation mode in which a background image (daytime normal background image G102) showing a daytime mountain scene is displayed on the display screen 50a as shown in FIG. 18 (B-1), a second normal presentation mode in which a background image (evening normal background image G103) showing an evening mountain scene is displayed on the display screen 50a as shown in FIG. 18 (B-2), and a third normal presentation mode in which a background image (nighttime normal background image G104) showing a nighttime mountain scene is displayed on the display screen 50a as shown in FIG. 18 (B-3), and are switched under the condition that the special chart variation presentation is performed once or multiple times without winning a jackpot. Furthermore, each of the first to third normal presentation modes includes a normal pre-stage presentation mode before the reach is established in the special chart variation presentation, and a normal post-stage presentation mode after the reach is established. In the normal first stage performance mode, the display screen 50a displays one of the daytime normal background image G102, the evening normal background image G103, and the nighttime normal background image G104, while in the normal second stage performance mode, a dedicated background image according to the type of reach is displayed. The performance in which the daytime normal background image G102, the evening normal background image G103, or the nighttime normal background image G104 is displayed on the display screen 50a can be called a "normal mode performance". A player watching the normal mode performance can be made to understand that the game state is controlled to the normal game state (low probability low base game state). The normal performance mode may also be set in the "high probability low base game state", and the "normal mode performance" may be executed even when the special chart change performance is being performed in the "high probability low base game state". Or, a special performance mode that is set only in the "high probability low base game state" may be provided.

The probability change presentation mode is a presentation mode that can be set when the special chart change presentation is being performed in the "high probability high base game state", and is a presentation mode that indicates a high probability state and a time-saving state. In the probability change presentation mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 18 (B-4), a background image (probability change background image G105) representing the universe is displayed on the display screen 50a. Furthermore, the probability change presentation mode includes a probability change pre-stage presentation mode before the reach is established in the special chart change presentation, and a probability change post-stage presentation mode after the reach is established. In the probability change pre-stage presentation mode, the probability change background image G105 is displayed on the display screen 50a, while in the probability change post-stage presentation mode, a dedicated background image according to the type of reach is displayed. The presentation in which the probability change background image G105 is displayed on the display screen 50a can be called a "probability change mode presentation (advantageous presentation)". The player watching the probability change mode presentation can be made to understand that the game state is controlled to a high probability high base state (high probability state and time-saving state).

The time-saving presentation mode is a presentation mode that can be set when a special pattern variation presentation is being performed in a "low probability high base game state", and is a presentation mode that indicates that the state is in a normal probability state and a time-saving state. In the time-saving presentation mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 18 (B-5), a background image (time-saving background image G106) representing the sky is displayed on the display screen 50a. Also, the number of times the special pattern variation display will occur until the low probability high base state ends is displayed in the upper right part of the display screen 50a. Furthermore, the time-saving presentation mode includes a time-saving early presentation mode before a reach is established and a time-saving late presentation mode after a reach is established in the special pattern variation presentation. In the time-saving early presentation mode, a time-saving background image G106 is displayed on the display screen 50a, while in the time-saving late presentation mode, a dedicated background image according to the type of reach is displayed. The presentation in which the time-saving background image G106 is displayed on the display screen 50a can be called a "time-saving mode presentation". Players watching the time-saving mode presentation can understand that the game state is controlled to a low probability high base state (normal probability state and time-saving state).

The jackpot presentation mode is a presentation mode that can be set when a jackpot game is being played in the "jackpot game state", and is a presentation mode that indicates that a jackpot game is being played. In the jackpot presentation mode, for example, during the opening of a jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 18 (C-1), a jackpot opening presentation is performed in which an opening image G107 suggesting the start of a jackpot game and a right-hit image G108 encouraging a "right hit" are displayed on the display screen 50a. During a round in a jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 18 (C-2), a round presentation (advantageous presentation) is performed in which a round image G109 indicating the number of rounds, a prize ball number image G110 suggesting the number of prize balls paid out, and a background image (round background image G114) representing a town are displayed on the display screen 50a. During the ending of a jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 18 (C-3), a jackpot ending performance is performed on the display screen 50a, in which an ending image G111 is displayed that suggests the performance mode that will be set after the jackpot game, and a total number of winning balls image G112 is displayed that suggests the total number of winning balls paid out during the jackpot game state.

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

4-2. Special chart change performance Next, the special chart change performance (also simply called "change performance") will be explained. When the pachinko game machine PY1 starts the variable display of the special chart, it executes the special chart change performance based on the special chart change pattern related to the variable display of the special chart and the special chart lottery result (the big win judgment result, the big win pattern type judgment result, the reach judgment result, and the special chart change pattern judgment result). In the special chart change performance, the display screen 50a displays the change of the performance pattern superimposed on a predetermined background image. The performance pattern is composed of, for example, number patterns of 1 to 9, and in the change display of the performance pattern, the performance pattern changes with the start of the variable display of the special chart, and the performance pattern stops with the end of the variable display of the special chart. That is, after the special chart change time and the change display of the performance pattern are performed, the change stops and the stop display of the performance pattern is performed. Then, the result of the special chart lottery is notified by the stop display of the performance pattern.

In addition to the display of the changing special symbols, other effects can be performed using various devices such as the image display device 50, speaker 52, frame lamp 53, board lamp 54, movable devices 55, 56, 58, normal button 40, and special button 41. In this case, other effects can be continued even after the display of the stopped symbols.

4-2-1. Performance pattern display area As shown in FIG. 19(A), the display screen 50a of the image display device 50 can be provided with a left performance pattern area 50b1, a middle performance pattern area 50b2, and a right performance pattern area 50b3 on the left, center, and right sides of the display screen 50a, which are divided horizontally into three approximately equal parts. The left performance pattern area 50b1 is an area that displays the left performance pattern EZ1 when the performance pattern is stopped in the special pattern change performance. Similarly, the middle performance pattern area 50b2 and the right performance pattern area 50b3 are areas that display the middle performance pattern EZ2 and the right performance pattern EZ3.

As shown in FIG. 19(A), a small symbol area 50c can be provided in one section at the left end (upper left corner) of the upper edge of the display screen 50a. The small symbol area 50c is an area that variably displays small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 when variable display of special symbols is being performed. The small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are composed of, for example, number symbols 1 to 9.

In addition, in Figure 19 (A), the left performance pattern area 50b1, the middle performance pattern area 50b2, the right performance pattern area 50b3, and the small pattern area 50c are clearly indicated by dashed double-dashed lines, but this is written to indicate the range of the left performance pattern area 50b1, the middle performance pattern area 50b2, the right performance pattern area 50b3, and the small pattern area 50c, and is not actually displayed.

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

When the variable display of the special chart starts, for example, as shown in FIG. 19(A), the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2, and the right performance pattern EZ3 (hereinafter also referred to as "performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3" or "performance patterns EZ") are displayed frozen on the display screen 50a, and the left small pattern KZ1, the middle small pattern KZ2, and the right small pattern KZ3 are displayed frozen, and the variable display of the special chart is not being performed, and the variable display of the special chart is waiting, as shown in FIG. 19(B), the variable display of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 starts with the start, and the variable display of the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 starts. Note that the "↓" in FIG. 19 indicates that the pattern is being displayed in a variable manner. And, when the special pattern variation pattern of the variable display of the special pattern is, for example, "normal miss variation", as shown in Fig. 19 (C-1), the left performance pattern EZ1 and the right performance pattern EZ3 temporarily stop in different stop modes, and then, as shown in Fig. 19 (D), the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stop in a stop mode suggesting a miss (so-called spread eyes). At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 also stop all at once in a stop mode suggesting a miss. There are several types of stop modes suggesting a miss, such as "1, 1, 2" and "2, 4, 6", where the left and right patterns are not the same. On the other hand, when the special chart change pattern of the variable display of the special chart is a special chart change pattern with a reach, such as "N miss change," as shown in FIG. 19 (C-2), the left performance pattern EZ1 and the right performance pattern EZ3 temporarily stop in the same stopping state (so-called reach eyes), and a reach is established. At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 continue to be displayed, and a reach performance according to the special chart change pattern is performed. The stopping order and stopping state of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 can be changed as appropriate.

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

In an N reach, as shown in FIG. 20(A), the reach-established state is maintained for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds), and as shown in FIG. 20(B), the speed of change of the middle performance symbol EZ2 gradually slows down. Then, when the special symbol change pattern of the variable display of the special symbol is, for example, "N miss change," the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed stopped in a stopping state suggesting a reach miss (a so-called reach miss pattern) as shown in FIG. 20(C-1). At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a stopping state suggesting a reach miss. There are several types of stopping states suggesting a reach miss, such as "7-6-7" and "5-3-5," where the left and right symbols are the same but the middle symbol is different from the left and right symbols. On the other hand, when the special chart change pattern of the variable display of the special chart is, for example, "N jackpot change," it is displayed stopped in a stopping mode (so-called repeated numbers) that suggests a jackpot, as shown in FIG. 20 (C-2). There are several types of stopping modes that suggest a jackpot, such as "7-7-7" and "2-2-2," in which the left, right, and center symbols are the same. At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a stopping mode that suggests a jackpot. Note that the performance content of the N reach is not limited to the gradual deceleration of the center performance symbol EZ2, and can be changed or added as appropriate.

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

In the SP reach, after the N reach, for example, as shown in FIG. 21(A), a background image (background image G113 for SP reach) dedicated to the SP reach is displayed on the display screen 50a, and an image (title image of the start of the SP reach) G1 indicating that the SP reach has started is displayed in the center of the display screen 50a. After that, as shown in FIG. 21(B), a performance dedicated to the SP reach (for example, a battle performance) is performed. Then, when the special chart change pattern of the variable display of the special chart is, for example, "SP jackpot change", a performance suggesting a jackpot (for example, a display in which the main character is happy about winning the battle) is performed on the display screen 50a as shown in FIG. 21(C-1), and the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed in a stopped state (so-called double numbers) that suggests a jackpot. At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed in a stopped state that suggests a jackpot all at once. On the other hand, when the special chart change pattern of the variable display of the special chart is, for example, "SP miss change," as shown in FIG. 19 (C-2), a performance suggesting a miss (for example, a display of an enemy character rejoicing at having won a battle) is performed, and the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed stopped in a manner suggesting a miss. At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a manner suggesting a miss. The performance content of the SP reach can be changed or added as appropriate.

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

4-3. Hold icon display area The display screen 50a of the image display device 50 can be provided with a hold icon display area 50d consisting of four display areas, as shown in FIG. 22 (A). The hold icon display area 50d is composed of a first display area 50d1, a second display area 50d2, a third display area 50d3, and a fourth display area 50d4, and the hold icon HA can be displayed in each display area 50d1, 50d2, 50d3, and 50d4 according to the number of reserved special figures 1 or the number of reserved special figures 2. For example, when the number of reserved special figures 1 is "1", the hold icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1, and when the number of reserved special figures 1 is "2", the hold icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1 and the second display area 50d2.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 22(A), it is possible to provide an icon display area 50e consisting of a single display area near the reserved icon display area 50d. The icon display area 50e can display an icon TA that is the same as or different from the reserved icon HA in response to the start of the special chart change performance.

The number of display areas constituting the reserved icon display area 50d can be changed as appropriate. Also, the reserved icon display area 50d can be a display area that displays both the reserved number of special chart 1 and the reserved number of special chart 2, or a display area that displays only one of them.

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

In the reserved performance, when the number of reserved special chart 1 is "0" and a game ball enters the first starting hole 11, the special chart change performance starts, and the icon TA is displayed in the icon display area 50e, for example, as shown in FIG. 22(B). Then, when two more game balls enter the first starting hole 11 during the special chart change performance, the reserved icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1 and the second display area 50d2 of the reserved icon display area 50d, as shown in FIG. 22(C), and the player is notified that the number of reserved special chart 1 is "2". After that, when the special chart change performance ends and a new special chart change performance starts, as shown in FIG. 22(D), the reserved icon HA displayed in the first display area 50d1 of the reserved icon display area 50d moves to the icon display area 50e and is displayed as the icon TA, and the reserved icon HA displayed in the second display area 50d2 of the reserved icon display area 50d moves to the first display area 50d1 and is displayed, and the player is notified that the number of reserved special charts 1 is "1".

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

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

In the movable body performance, for example, when the N reach progresses to the SP reach, as shown in FIG. 23(A), the movable device on the board 55 and the movable device below the board 56 are operated, and the movable body on the board 55k and the movable body below the board 56k move so as to overlap on the display screen 50a as seen by the player, suggesting the progress to the SP reach. At this time, an effect image is displayed in the space on the display screen 50a that does not overlap with the movable body on the board 55k and the movable body below the board 56k. After that, as shown in FIG. 23(B), the movable body on the board 55k and the movable body below the board 56k return to the normal standby state (initial position) and progress to the SP reach. Note that the movable body performance is not limited to the suggestion of progress to the SP reach, and can be changed or added as appropriate. Also, the operation contents of the movable device in the movable body performance can be changed or added as appropriate.

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

In the operation presentation, for example, in the SP reach, a period (button operation valid period) occurs during which the pressing operation of the special button 41 is valid, and with the occurrence of this button operation valid period, as shown in FIG. 24 (A), a presentation (button operation promotion presentation) is performed to encourage the operation of the special button 41. In the button operation promotion presentation, a button operation promotion image G3 is displayed on the display screen 50a. The button operation promotion image G3 includes an image (special button image G31) that imitates the special button 41, an image (press operation image G32) that shows the operation mode of the special button 41 (i.e., the pressing operation), and an image (operation valid period remaining time image G33) that shows the remaining time of the button operation valid period. The operation valid period remaining time image G33 is composed of a roughly curved progress bar, and changes over time so that the player can easily understand the remaining time of the operation valid period. Thereafter, in response to the special button 41 being pressed during the button operation valid period, or after the button operation valid period has elapsed without the special button 41 being operated, the on-board movable device 55 is actuated as shown in FIG. 24(B), and as seen by the player, the on-board movable body 55k moves so as to overlap with the display screen 50a, suggesting the likelihood of a big win. Note that the operational effects are not limited to the actuation of the on-board movable device 55, and can be changed or added as appropriate.

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

In the pre-reading performance, for example, if the result of the pre-reading judgment for the special chart 1 reserve is a "jackpot," the reserve icon HA, which is usually displayed as a "circle," may be displayed as a "☆" in the reserve icon display area 50d, as shown in FIG. 22 (C). Also, if the result of the pre-reading judgment is a "miss," the reserve icon HA may be displayed as a "☆" as a so-called false performance. Note that the pre-reading performance can be performed for both or either the special chart 1 reserve and the special chart 2 reserve. Also, it is not limited to changing the display mode of the reserve icon HA, and it can be changed or added as appropriate. For example, it is also possible to change the stopping mode of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the special chart change performance.

5. Display on 7-segment display Next, the display on the 7-segment display 300 (see FIG. 9) will be described. On the 7-segment display 300, the normal base, which is the ratio between the total number of normal prize balls acquired by the player in the normal game state and the number of normal shot balls fired by the player in the normal game state, is displayed as a percentage (%). Note that on the 7-segment display 300, bases other than the normal base (the time-saving base, which is the ratio between the total number of time-saving prize balls acquired by the player in the time-saving state and the number of time-saving shot balls fired by the player in the time-saving state, and the jackpot base, which is the ratio between the total number of jackpot prize balls acquired by the player in the jackpot game state and the number of jackpot shot balls fired by the player in the jackpot game state) are not displayed.

Here, the game control microcomputer 101 is configured to constantly count the number of normally fired balls, the total normal number of winning balls, and the total number of fired balls. The total number of fired balls refers to the number of balls fired by the player in all game states (normal game state, jackpot game state, high probability high base state, low probability high base state, etc.). The total number of fired balls is calculated by the game control microcomputer 101 counting the detection of the discharge port sensor. The normal number of fired balls is calculated by the game control microcomputer 101 counting the detection of the discharge port sensor only in the normal game state. The normal total number of winning balls is calculated by the game control microcomputer 101 counting the number of winning balls paid out in the normal game state.

The information on the number of normal shot balls, the total number of normal prize balls, and the total number of shot balls counted for display on the 7-segment display 300 is stored in a specific memory area (not shown) of the non-erasable memory section 107 (see FIG. 6) of the game RAM 104. Therefore, even if the RAM is cleared, the information on the number of normal shot balls, the total number of normal prize balls, and the total number of shot balls is maintained (not erased). In this way, even if the RAM is cleared, the game control microcomputer 101 can calculate the normal base using the number of normal shot balls at the time of power cut and the total number of normal prize balls at the time of power cut. And, regardless of the game state (normal game state, jackpot game state, high probability high base state, low probability high base state, etc.), the game control microcomputer 101 displays the value of the normal base in the right two digits of the 7-segment display 300 (third display area 330 and fourth display area 340 (see FIG. 9)).

Here, the normal base is calculated in increments of 60,000 total shots. In other words, the normal base calculated from when the power is turned on for the first time after shipping from the factory until the total number of shots reaches 60,000 becomes the initial normal base. After that, when the total number of shots exceeds 60,001, the value that was the initial normal base is stored as the previous normal base. Then, the normal base calculated from when the total number of shots goes from 60,001 to 120,000 becomes the current normal base. After that, when the total number of shots exceeds 120,001, the value that was the previous normal base is stored as the normal base two times ago, and the value that was the current normal base is stored as the previous normal base. Then, the normal base calculated from when the total number of shots goes from 12,0001 to 180,000 becomes the current normal base.

After that, when the total number of shots exceeds 180,001, the normal base value from two shots ago is stored as the normal base value from three shots ago, the normal base value from one shot ago is stored as the normal base value from two shots ago, and the current normal base value is stored as the normal base value from one shot ago. The normal base calculated from the total number of shots from 180,001 to 240,000 becomes the current normal base. After that, when the total number of shots exceeds 240,001, the normal base value from three shots ago is erased, the normal base value from two shots ago is stored as the normal base value from three shots ago, the normal base value from one shot ago is stored as the normal base value from two shots ago, and the current normal base value is stored as the normal base value from one shot ago. The normal base calculated from the total number of shots from 240,001 to 300,000 becomes the current normal base. In the same manner, the normal base is calculated every time the total number of shots reaches 60,000, and the normal base value from three shots ago is stored.

In this way, the game control microcomputer 101 can store a maximum of the current normal base, the previous normal base, the second previous normal base, and the third previous normal base in the non-erasable memory section 107 of the game RAM 104. In this case, the game control microcomputer 101 switches and displays the following on the 7-segment display 300 every 5 seconds: current normal base ⇒ previous normal base ⇒ second previous normal base, ⇒ third previous normal base ⇒ current normal base.

Specifically, on the 7-segment display 300, when "bL" is displayed in the left two digits (first display area 310 and second display area 320 (see FIG. 9)), the current normal base is displayed in the right two digits (third display area 330 and fourth display area 340). Therefore, a person who sees "bL" in the left two digits can understand that the value (normal base) displayed in the right two digits is the current normal base.

Then, after five seconds have elapsed since the display of the current normal base started, the 7-segment display 300 will display "b1" in the left two digits and the previous normal base in the right two digits. Therefore, a person who sees "b1" in the left two digits can understand that the value (normal base) displayed in the right two digits is the previous normal base.

Then, when five seconds have elapsed since the previous normal base began to be displayed, the 7-segment display 300 will display "b2" in the left two digits and the normal base two digits before that in the right two digits. Therefore, a person who sees "b2" in the left two digits can understand that the value (normal base) displayed in the right two digits is the normal base two digits before that.

Then, when five seconds have elapsed since the display of the normal base two times before has started, the 7-segment display 300 will display "b3" in the left two digits and the normal base three times before in the right two digits. Therefore, a person who sees "b3" in the left two digits can understand that the value (normal base) displayed in the right two digits is the normal base three times before.

Then, when five seconds have elapsed since the display of the third previous normal base started, the 7-segment display 300 will show "bL" in the two left digits and the current normal base in the two right digits, as described above, and the same process will be repeated thereafter.

In addition, if the total number of balls fired is 300 or less since the power was first turned on after the 7-segment display 300 was shipped from the factory, the right two digits will display "- - ". In other words, if the total number of balls fired is 300 or less, the normal base value will not be displayed, and the normal base value will be displayed once the total number of balls fired exceeds 300. In this way, when the total number of balls fired is 300 or less, the denominator value of the normal base (the number of normal balls fired) is too small, so that the display of the unreliable normal base value is avoided. Note that even if the total number of balls fired is 300 or less, the left two digits of the 7-segment display 300 will display "bL" ⇒ "b1" ⇒ "b2" ⇒ "b3" every 5 seconds.

In addition, in the 7-segment display 300, if the number of normal shots is 6000 or less after the power is turned on for the first time after shipping from the factory, the left two digits "bL", "b1", "b2", and "b3" will flash. After that, if the number of normal shots exceeds 6000 after the power is turned on for the first time after shipping from the factory, the left two digits "bL", "b1", "b2", and "b3" will light up. In this way, when the left two digits flash, a person checking the normal base on the 7-segment display 300 can understand that the normal base value shown in the right two digits has not yet converged sufficiently. In other words, when the left two digits light up, a person checking the normal base can understand that the normal base value shown in the right two digits has converged to a certain extent.

When the seven-segment display 300 transitions to the setting mode after power-on, the setting value ("1") is displayed in the fourth display area 340. When the setting key cylinder 180 is then rotated from the rotation position to the standby position, the setting mode ends and the setting value ("1") is no longer displayed in the fourth display area 340. In this way, the setting value is displayed in the fourth display area 340 of the seven-segment display 300 only while the setting mode is in effect.

In addition, the 7-segment display 300 performs an initial display between when the power is turned on and when the normal base display starts. As described above, when the setting mode is entered after the power is turned on, the initial display is executed after the setting mode ends. The initial display on the 7-segment display 300 lights up all the lighting portions LB1 to LB32 (see FIG. 9) included in the first display area 310 to the fourth display area 340. In other words, "8.8.8.8." is displayed on the 7-segment display 300. In this way, the initial display is executed on the 7-segment display 300 immediately after the power is turned on, indicating that the 7-segment display 300 is operating normally.

6. Excessive prize ball prevention function Next, the excess prize ball prevention function will be described. In this pachinko game machine PY1, the game control microcomputer 101 is capable of activating the excess prize ball prevention function so as not to award excessive prize balls to the player. Specifically, the excess prize ball prevention function is a function that makes the game unplayable on the condition that the difference in the number of balls is 80,000 (reference number) or more. Here, the difference in the number of balls (specific measurement number) is the difference between the total number of prize balls and the total number of shot balls. The total number of prize balls is the number of prize balls that the player acquires (is paid out to the player) in all game states (normal game state, jackpot game state, high probability high base state, low probability high base state, etc.). The total number of prize balls means the total number of prize balls that the game control microcomputer 101 plans to pay out to the player, but may also mean the total number of prize balls that have actually been paid out to the player. The total number of shot balls is the number of shot balls that the player has shot in all game states, as described above.

The game control microcomputer 101 counts the total number of winning balls at any time after the power is turned on, and the information on the counted total number of winning balls is stored in the total number of winning balls memory unit 107a (see FIG. 6) provided in the non-erasable memory unit 107 of the game RAM 104. The game control microcomputer 101 also counts the total number of shot balls at any time after the power is turned on, and the information on the counted total number of shot balls is stored in the total number of shot balls memory unit 107b (see FIG. 6) provided in the non-erasable memory unit 107 of the game RAM 104. The game control microcomputer 101 also subtracts the total number of shot balls from the total number of winning balls at any time after the power is turned on to calculate the difference in the number of balls, and the information on the calculated difference in the number of balls is stored in the difference in the number of balls memory unit 107c (see FIG. 6) provided in the non-erasable memory unit 107 of the game RAM 104.

Therefore, even if a RAM clear is executed, the game control microcomputer 101 does not erase the information on the total number of winning balls, the total number of shot balls, and the difference in the number of balls stored in the non-erasing memory unit 107. In this way, the game control microcomputer 101 can calculate the difference in the number of balls across dates using the total number of winning balls at the time of power cut and the total number of shot balls at the time of power cut. Note that if the value of the total number of shot balls is greater than the value of the total number of winning balls, the game control microcomputer 101 treats the difference in the number of balls as a negative value.

In this embodiment, when the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated, the game control microcomputer 101 not only stops the game control process related to the game (steps S102 to S108 described later, see FIG. 32), but also stops the launch control process for launching the game balls (step 109 described later, see FIG. 32). Therefore, even if the player rotates the handle 72k, the game balls are not launched, so the player can immediately notice that he or she cannot play. When the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated, the game control microcomputer 101 stops the game control process, and therefore no longer receives signals according to the detection contents from the various sensors MS, no longer executes display control of the displays 8 and the 7-segment display 300, no longer operates the various actuators MA, and no longer outputs an external end signal to the external terminal board 160 via the payout control board 170.

After the excessive ball prevention function is activated, the situation in which play cannot be performed continues until the power is cut off. In this embodiment, the excessive ball prevention function is released on the condition that a RAM clear is executed. In other words, after the excessive ball prevention function is activated, an employee of the amusement facility cuts off the power by turning the power switch 193 OFF. Then, when turning the power switch 193 ON to turn the power on, the employee of the amusement facility presses the RAM clear switch 191. This executes a RAM clear, and the game control microcomputer 101 can execute game control processing and launch control processing related to the game. Thus, in this embodiment, after the excessive ball prevention function is activated, play cannot be resumed by simply turning the power OFF and ON (re-inserting), but play can be resumed by executing a RAM clear.

Next, the timing at which the excessive prize ball prevention function operates will be explained with reference to FIG. 25. The excessive prize ball prevention function operates when the game state changes from an advantageous game state that is advantageous to the player to a normal game state, provided that the difference in the number of balls is 80,000 or more. In other words, the excessive prize ball prevention function does not necessarily operate when the difference in the number of balls reaches 80,000. In this embodiment, the advantageous game state refers to a high probability high base state after a jackpot game, or a low probability high base state after a jackpot game.

For example, suppose that the difference in the number of balls reaches 70,000 in the middle of the jackpot game state shown in FIG. 25(A). Of course, at this time, the excess ball prevention function does not operate. Next, suppose that the difference in the number of balls reaches 80,000 in the middle of the jackpot game state shown in FIG. 25(B). At this time, the excess ball prevention function does not operate. Next, even at the timing when the jackpot game state transitions to the high probability high base state, the excess ball prevention function does not operate. After that, as shown in FIG. 25(C), when the timing of transition from the high probability high base state to the normal game state arrives, the excess ball prevention function operates. Thus, in this form, the game does not stop in the middle of the jackpot game state or in the middle of the high probability high base state, and it is possible for the player to end the game at a convenient time when the advantageous game state has ended.

In this embodiment, information on the difference in the number of balls is stored in the difference in the number of balls storage unit 107c of the non-deletion storage unit 107, and the difference in the number of balls is not reset (cleared) by turning the power off and on. And as mentioned above, even if the RAM is cleared when the power is turned on, the difference in the number of balls is not reset. This is for the following reasons.

Even during business hours, the pachinko game machine PY1 may experience situations where the power is turned off and on (restarted) or the RAM is cleared due to bugs, malfunctions, severe fraud, etc. In such a situation, if the difference in the number of balls is reset by restarting the power or clearing the RAM, the purpose of providing the excess ball prevention function is defeated. In other words, there is a risk that a player who has experienced a bug, malfunction, or severe fraud may gain an unfair advantage by making it more difficult for the excess ball prevention function to operate for players who resume playing afterwards. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to prevent players from gaining the above-mentioned unfair advantage, the difference in the number of balls is not reset by restarting the power or clearing the RAM.

Next, the conditions for resetting the difference in the number of balls will be explained based on FIG. 26. In this embodiment, there are two reset conditions for resetting the difference in the number of balls. The first reset condition is that the special reset switch 181 is pressed as shown in FIG. 26 (A). In other words, when the game control microcomputer 101 receives a signal based on the special reset switch 181 being pressed, it clears the information on the difference in the number of balls stored in the difference in the number of balls memory unit 107c of the non-deletion memory unit 107. When the information on the difference in the number of balls stored in the difference in the number of balls memory unit 107c is reset (cleared), the information on the total number of prize balls stored in the total number of prize balls memory unit 107a and the information on the total number of shot balls stored in the total number of shot balls memory unit 107b are also reset, but hereinafter, this will simply be referred to as "the difference in the number of balls being reset (cleared)". Note that FIG. 26(A) shows a case where the difference in the number of balls is reset when the special reset switch 181 is pressed in the waiting state for customers, but the difference in the number of balls is reset when the special reset switch 181 is pressed in any game state (for example, the normal game state).

The second reset condition is that the waiting state continues for one hour (a specified time) as shown in FIG. 26 (A). In other words, if no game is played for one hour after the state transitions to the waiting state, the game control microcomputer 101 clears the information on the difference in the number of balls stored in the difference in the number of balls memory unit 107c of the non-deletion memory unit 107. The waiting state refers to a game state in which no game is being played and the special symbol remains stopped and displayed.

The above two reset conditions are provided for the following reasons. For example, as shown in Figures 26 (A) and (B), suppose that a certain player's play causes the difference in the number of balls to reach 70,000 in the jackpot game state. The certain player then ends the game when the game moves from the jackpot game state through a high probability high base state to a normal game state. In this case, if the difference in the number of balls increases slightly (within 10,000), the excess prize ball prevention function may be activated, which is very disadvantageous for the next player who starts playing.

In this embodiment, the difference in the number of balls is reset by pressing the special reset switch 181 as shown in FIG. 26(A). This allows an arcade employee to reset the difference in the number of balls by pressing the special reset switch 181 at any time after a player has finished playing. Also, as shown in FIG. 26(B), if the waiting state continues for one hour, it is determined that the player has finished playing, and the difference in the number of balls is automatically reset. This allows the difference in the number of balls to be reset without placing a burden on arcade employees to perform the reset operation. Thus, by setting the above two reset conditions, it is possible to prevent the next player from being put at a great disadvantage by having the excessive prize ball prevention function activated immediately after starting play.

Next, the presentation mode when the over-winning ball prevention function is activated will be described with reference to FIG. 27(A). When the over-winning ball prevention function is activated, as shown in FIG. 27(A), a red background image RE is displayed on the display screen 50a, and an error release method image ERX indicating "Error X, over-winning ball abnormality, please clear the RAM" is displayed. In addition, a game stop sound is output from the speaker 52. Furthermore, all of the frame lamps 53 are lit in white, and all of the board lamps 54 are turned off. In this way, the presentation mode shown in FIG. 27(A) makes it possible for the player to immediately recognize a situation in which the game cannot be played. The presentation mode shown in FIG. 27(A) continues until the power is cut off. The presentation mode shown in FIG. 27(A) is released when the RAM is cleared, but continues as is if the power is simply turned back on.

Here, we will explain what happens when an illegal magnetism is detected in this pachinko gaming machine PY1. When an illegal magnetism is detected by the magnetic sensor, the magnetic sensor outputs a signal corresponding to the magnetic detection to the main control board 100. This causes the game control microcomputer 101 to stop the game control processing and launch control processing related to the game, just as when the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated. In this way, the situation in which the game cannot be played due to magnetic detection continues until the power is cut off. However, in this case, unlike when the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated, the game control microcomputer 101 can execute the game control processing and launch control processing related to the game by turning the power OFF and ON (re-applying the power).

Next, the presentation mode when an illegal magnetism is detected will be explained based on FIG. 27(B). When an illegal magnetism is detected by the magnetic sensor, as shown in FIG. 27(B), a red background image RE is displayed on the display screen 50a, and an error release method image ER1 indicating "Error 1 Magnetic detection abnormality Please turn the power back on" is displayed. In addition, a game stop sound is output from the speaker 52. Furthermore, all the frame lamps 53 are lit in white, and all the board lamps 54 are turned off. Thus, when comparing the presentation mode when the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated (see FIG. 27(A)) with the presentation mode when an illegal magnetism is detected (see FIG. 27(B)), they are the same except for the release method image. Therefore, it is possible to easily make the employees or players of the game arcade recognize that the game cannot be played when an illegal magnetism is detected and when the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated.

Next, the presentation mode when the difference in the number of balls reaches 70,000 (preliminary reference number) will be described based on FIG. 28(A). As a prerequisite, it is assumed that the difference in the number of balls reaches 70,000 at the timing shown in FIG. 25(A). First, as shown in FIG. 28(A), the display screen 50a is executing a round presentation in which the round image G109, the number of winning balls image G110, and the background image for the round G114 are displayed. Then, when the difference in the number of balls reaches 70,000, a purple border image EFa is displayed on the edge of the display screen 50a, and an over-prize ball notice image KY indicating "10,000 balls remaining and over-prize ball abnormality" is displayed at the bottom of the display screen 50a. By displaying the purple border image EFa and the over-prize ball notice image KY, it is possible to make the player understand the situation in which the over-prize ball prevention function is approaching activation (the situation in which the difference in the number of balls is approaching 80,000). The purple border image EFa continues to be displayed even after the big win game state ends, but the over-prize ball notice image KY ends when the big win game state ends. The over-prize ball notice image KY may be configured to continually indicate the remaining difference in the number of balls until it reaches 80,000, and may continue to be displayed even after the big win game state ends. The display of this over-prize ball notice image KY corresponds to a "pre-game unavailable notice performance."

Next, the performance mode when the difference in the number of balls reaches 80,000 (reference number) will be described based on FIG. 28(B). As a prerequisite, it is assumed that the difference in the number of balls reaches 80,000 at the timing shown in FIG. 25(B). As shown in FIG. 28(B), the display screen 50a is executing a round performance in which the round image G109, the number of prize balls image G110, and the round background image G114 are displayed. Then, when the difference in the number of balls reaches 80,000, a red border image EFb is displayed on the edge of the display screen 50a, and a game stop notice image KH indicating "game stopped when the high base state ends" is displayed on the lower part of the display screen 50a. The display of the red border image EFb and the game stop notice image KH makes it possible for the player to grasp that the game stop is approaching and when the game will be stopped. The display of the red border image EFb continues even after the big win game state ends, but the display of the game stop notice image KH ends when the big win game state ends. The game stop warning image KH may be displayed continuously even after the big win game state ends. The display of this game stop warning image KH corresponds to a "game impossible warning performance."

In this way, in this embodiment, when the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 or more, the game stop warning image KH shown in FIG. 28(B) is displayed to warn that the game will become impossible to play when the high probability high base state or low probability high base state ends (when the game transitions to the normal game state). This allows the player to be aware in advance that the game will become impossible to play, and to know in advance when the game will become impossible to play. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player from being confused even if the game suddenly becomes impossible to play when the high probability high base state or low probability high base state ends.

In addition, in this embodiment, as described above, when the difference in the number of balls becomes 70,000 or more, an over-prize ball warning image KY (see FIG. 28(A)) is displayed to warn that the game is approaching the point where it will be impossible to play. After that, when the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 or more, a game stop warning image KH (see FIG. 28(B)) is displayed to warn that the game will become impossible to play. In this way, it is possible for the player to gradually grasp in advance the situation in which the game will become impossible to play, making it easier for the player to grasp the current situation.

Here, after the difference in the number of balls reaches 70,000 at the timing shown in FIG. 25(A), the presentation mode in the high probability high base state is as shown in FIG. 29(A). That is, as shown in FIG. 29(A), the display screen 50a is executing a high probability mode presentation in which the high probability background image G105 is displayed, and the presentation pattern EZ is displayed in a variable manner. A purple border image EFa is displayed on the edge of the display screen 50a. This purple border image EFa allows the player to play while understanding that the difference in the number of balls has reached 70,000 and that the situation in which the excessive prize ball prevention function will be activated is approaching.

After the difference in the number of balls reaches 80,000 at the timing shown in FIG. 25(B), the presentation mode in the high probability high base state is as shown in FIG. 29(B). That is, as shown in FIG. 29(B), the display screen 50a is executing a high probability mode presentation in which the high probability background image G105 is displayed, and the presentation pattern EZ is displayed in a variable manner. A red border image EFb is displayed on the edge of the display screen 50a. This red border image EFb allows the player to play while understanding the situation in which the difference in the number of balls reaches 80,000 and the high base state ends, activating the excessive prize ball prevention function.

Next, as shown in FIG. 26(A), the presentation mode when the difference in the number of balls is reset by pressing the special reset switch 181 will be described. In this case, an employee of the arcade opens the front door 23 against the outer frame 22 and presses the special reset switch 181. Therefore, the front door opening sensor detects the opening of the front door 23, and the display screen 50a displays an error release method image ER2 indicating "Error 2: Please close the front door" as shown in FIG. 30(A). At this time, a difference in the number of balls reset notification image CLS indicating "Difference in the number of balls has been reset" is displayed at the bottom of the display screen 50a. This allows the arcade employee to understand that the difference in the number of balls has been reset.

Next, as shown in FIG. 26(B), the presentation mode when the waiting state continues for one hour will be explained. In this case, the waiting demo video G100 is displayed on the display screen 50a. Then, at this time, as shown in FIG. 30(B), a ball difference reset notification image CLS indicating "The ball difference has been reset" is displayed at the bottom of the display screen 50a. This makes it possible for the arcade staff to understand that the ball difference has been reset.

7. Operation of the Game Control Microcomputer [Main Control Processing] Next, the operation of the game control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to Figs. 31 to 47. The counters, timers, flags, status, buffers, etc. that appear in the description of the operation of the game control microcomputer 101 are provided in the game RAM 104. When the power supply of the pachinko game machine PY1 is turned on, the game control microcomputer 101 provided in the main control board 100 reads out and executes the main control processing program shown in Fig. 31 from the game ROM 103. As shown in the figure, the main control processing first performs power-on processing (step S001).

In the power-on process (S001), initial settings are made, such as stack setting, constant setting, interrupt time setting, game CPU 102 setting, SIO, PIO, CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time) setting, setting the working area of game RAM 104 when power is restored, and resetting various flags, status, counters, etc. The initial value of a flag is "0" (OFF), the initial value of a status is "1", and the initial value of a counter is "0". Note that the power-on process (S001) is executed only once after the power is turned on, and is not executed thereafter.

In addition, in the power-on process (S001), when the game control microcomputer 101 receives a signal based on pressing the RAM clear switch 191, it executes a RAM clear. When a RAM clear is executed, the game information stored in the game RAM 104 (for example, information on the game state such as a high probability state, information on the number of reserved special charts, the result of the jackpot hit, etc.) is erased. However, even if a RAM clear is executed, the information on the total number of prize balls stored in the total number of prize balls memory unit 107a, the information on the total number of shot balls stored in the total number of shot balls memory unit 107b, and the information on the difference in the number of balls stored in the difference in the number of balls memory unit 107c are not cleared.

In this power-on process (S001), if the game stop flag, which will be described later, is ON and a RAM clear is executed, it is switched to OFF. On the other hand, if the game stop flag is ON and a RAM clear is not executed, it will remain ON. In other words, the state of the game stop flag will not change simply by turning the power back on. In this way, after the game stop flag is turned ON by the operation of the excess ball prevention function, whether or not game play will resume will depend on whether or not a RAM clear is executed.

Following the power-on process (S001), interrupts are prohibited (S002) and the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003) is executed. When each random number counter value reaches its upper limit, it returns to "0" and is incremented again. The initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0" and may be changed randomly. Each random number may also be a so-called hardware random number that is generated using a known random number generation circuit consisting of a counter IC or the like.

When the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003) is completed, an interrupt is permitted (S004). While the interrupt is permitted, the main timer interrupt process (S005) can be executed. The main timer interrupt process (S005) is executed based on an interrupt pulse that is repeatedly input to the gaming CPU 102, for example, at a cycle of 4 msec. In other words, it is executed at a cycle of, for example, 4 msec. Then, from the time the main timer interrupt process (S005) is completed until the next time the main timer interrupt process (S005) is started, the update process of various counter values by the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003) is repeatedly executed.

[Main side timer interrupt processing] Next, the main side timer interrupt processing (S005) will be described. As shown in FIG. 32, in the main side timer interrupt processing (S005), it is first determined whether or not the game stop flag is ON (S101). The game stop flag is turned ON when the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated. If the game stop flag is ON (YES in S101), the processing of steps S102 to S113 is skipped. This makes it impossible to play. On the other hand, if the game stop flag is OFF (NO in S101), then the input processing described below is executed (S102).

Next, the normal and special symbol main random number update process is executed (S103). The normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103) is the same as the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003) executed in the main control main process of FIG. 31. Next, the sensor detection process is executed (S104).

In the sensor detection process (S104), general prize opening sensor process, gate sensor process, second start opening sensor process, first start opening sensor process, first large prize opening sensor process, second large prize opening sensor process, specific area sensor process, and discharge opening sensor process are carried out in sequence. Then, the commands generated in each process are set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The specific area sensor process determines whether or not a gaming ball has been detected by the specific area sensor. In addition, a command for the specific area sensor is generated depending on the results of this process.

The outlet sensor process determines whether or not a game ball has been detected by the outlet sensor.

The gaming control microcomputer 101 executes normal operation processing (S105) following the sensor detection processing (S104) shown in FIG. 32. In the normal operation processing (S105), normal symbol waiting processing, normal symbol variation processing, normal symbol determination processing, and auxiliary game control processing are sequentially performed. Then, the commands generated in each processing are set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104.

The normal pattern standby process is a process that is performed during standby when no variable display of the normal pattern or auxiliary play is being performed. In the normal pattern standby process, a win determination is made based on the normal pattern random number stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit 106. In addition, a normal pattern change pattern is determined by making a normal pattern change pattern determination based on the current game state. Then, a normal pattern change start command is generated that includes information regarding the results of the win determination and the normal pattern change pattern. Then, the normal pattern display unit 82 is caused to start variable display of the normal pattern based on the normal pattern change time associated with the determined normal pattern change pattern.

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

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

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

After the normal operation process (S105) shown in FIG. 32, the game control microcomputer 101 executes the difference ball number measurement process (S106) and the special operation process (S107) described later. Then, it executes the sorting device control process (S108) to control the sorting device 16D.

Next, the game control microcomputer 101 executes a launch control process for controlling the launch of the game ball (S109). In other words, by executing the launch control process (S109), the player can launch the game ball by rotating the handle 72k. On the other hand, if the launch control process (S109) is not executed, the player cannot launch the game ball even by rotating the handle 72k.

The game control microcomputer 101 then executes a 7-segment display control process to control the display of the 7-segment display 300 (S110). Next, it executes error processing to determine errors (fraud) due to magnetic detection or errors due to the front door 23 or front frame 23m being open (S111). In the error processing (S111), it is determined whether or not an illegal magnetism has been detected by the magnetic sensor. Then, depending on the result of this processing, a command for the magnetic sensor is generated. Also in the error processing (S111), it is determined whether or not the front door 23 or front frame 23m is open by the front door sensor or front frame sensor. Then, depending on the result of this processing, a command for opening the frame is generated.

Next, the game control microcomputer 101 executes the output process described below (S112). Then, it executes other processes (S113). As the other processes (S113), for example, it controls the display mode of the special chart reservation indicator 83 to show the number of reserved special charts based on the number of reserved special charts, updates the timer, etc.

Then, the game control microcomputer 101 executes a power interruption monitoring process when the power is cut off (S114), and ends this process. In the power interruption monitoring process (S114), when the game control microcomputer 101 determines that the power will be cut off due to a drop in the monitoring voltage, it stores game information, information on the total number of winning balls, information on the total number of shot balls, information on the difference in number of balls, information on the game stop flag, etc. in a specified memory area of the game RAM 104. After that, a setting is made to prohibit access to the game RAM 104.

[Input Processing] As shown in FIG. 33, in the input processing (S102), first, it is determined whether the special reset switch 181 is ON or not, that is, whether a signal based on the pressing operation to the special reset switch 181 is received or not (S201). If it is not ON (NO in S201), proceed to step S204. On the other hand, if it is ON (YES in S201), execute the non-deletion clear processing (S202). In the non-deletion clear processing (S202), the information on the total number of prize balls stored in the total number of prize balls memory unit 107a, the information on the total number of shot balls stored in the total number of shot balls memory unit 107b, and the information on the difference in the number of balls stored in the difference in the number of balls memory unit 107c are cleared. Note that even if the non-deletion clear processing (S202) is executed, the information on the total number of shot balls stored in the specific memory area (not shown) of the non-deletion memory unit 107 is not cleared. This information on the total number of shot balls is used for display on the 7-segment display 300, as described above.

Following step S202, a non-deletion clear command is set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104 (S203), and the process proceeds to step S204. When the non-deletion clear command is sent to the performance control board 120, a difference ball reset notification image CLS is displayed at the bottom of the display screen 50a, as shown in FIG. 30 (A). In step S204, other processing is executed, and the process ends. In other processing (S204), the gaming control microcomputer 101, for example, takes in a detection signal from a lower tray full switch that detects whether the lower tray 35 is full, and stores this in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104 as lower tray full data.

[Difference in Number of Balls Measurement Process] As shown in FIG. 34, in the difference in number of balls measurement process (S106), first, a total prize ball count process is executed (S301) to count the total number of prize balls to be paid out to the player. Information on the counted total number of prize balls is stored in the total prize ball memory unit 107a (see FIG. 6). Next, a total shot ball count process is executed (S302) to count the total number of shot balls based on detection by the discharge port sensor. Information on the counted total number of shot balls is stored in the total shot ball memory unit 107b (see FIG. 6). Then, a difference in number of balls calculation process is executed (S303) to calculate the difference in number of balls by subtracting the total number of shot balls from the total number of prize balls. Information on the calculated difference in number of balls is stored in the difference in number of balls memory unit 107c (see FIG. 6).

Next, in step S304, it is determined whether the over-prize ball notification flag is OFF. The over-prize ball notification flag indicates that the difference in the number of balls is 70,000 or more. If it is ON (NO in S304), proceed to step S308. On the other hand, if it is OFF (YES in S304), it is determined whether the difference in the number of balls is 70,000 or more (S305). If it is less than 70,000 (NO in S305), proceed to step S308. On the other hand, if it is 70,000 or more (YES in S305), the over-prize ball notification flag is turned ON (S306), and the over-prize ball notification command is set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104. As a result, when the over-prize ball notification command is sent to the performance control board 120, the purple-bordered image EFa and the over-prize ball notification image KY are displayed on the display screen 50a as shown in FIG. 28 (A).

Next, in step S308, it is determined whether the over-prize ball flag is OFF. The over-prize ball flag indicates that the difference in the number of balls is 80,000 or more. If it is ON (NO in S308), this process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is OFF (YES in S308), it is determined whether the difference in the number of balls is 80,000 or more (S309). If it is less than 80,000 (NO in S309), this process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is 80,000 or more (YES in S309), the over-prize ball flag is turned ON (S310) and the over-prize ball notice flag is turned OFF (S311). Then, the over-prize ball notice command is set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104, and this process is terminated. As a result, when the over-prize ball notice command is sent to the performance control board 120, as shown in FIG. 28 (B), the red-bordered image EFb and the game stop notice image KH are displayed on the display screen 50a.

[Special operation processing] As shown in Figure 35, in the special operation processing (S107), the processing related to the special chart display 81 and the large prize device (first large prize device 14D, second large prize device 15D) is divided into four stages, and "special operation status 1, 2, 3, 4" is assigned to each stage. Then, if the "special operation status" is "1" (YES in S1301), the game control microcomputer 101 performs special symbol waiting processing (S1302); if the "special operation status" is "2" (NO in S1301, YES in S1303), it performs special symbol changing processing (S1304); if the "special operation status" is "3" (NO in both S1301 and S1303, YES in S1305), it performs special symbol determination processing (S1306); if the "special operation status" is "4" (NO in all S1301, S1303, and S1305), it performs special electric device processing (S1307). The special operation status is initially set to "1".

[Special symbol waiting process] As shown in FIG. 36, in the special symbol waiting process (S1302), first, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls in the second starting port 12 (i.e., the number of reserved balls in the special symbol 2) is "0" (S1401). If the number of reserved balls in the special symbol 2 is "0" (YES in S1401), that is, if there is no memory of the random number counter value group acquired due to winning in the second starting port 12, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls in the first starting port 11 (i.e., the number of reserved balls in the special symbol 1) is "0" (S1407). Then, if the number of reserved balls in the special symbol 1 is also "0" (YES in S1407), that is, if there is no memory of the random number counter value group acquired due to winning in the first starting port 11, it is determined whether the customer waiting flag is ON (S1416). The customer waiting flag indicates that the customer waiting state is in progress. If it is ON (YES in S1416), the customer waiting measurement process described below is executed (S1419), and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is OFF (NO in S1416), the customer waiting command is set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104 (S1417), and the customer waiting flag is set ON (S1418), and the process ends.

In step S1401, if the number of reserved balls for the special chart 2 is not "0" (NO in S1401), that is, if there is one or more memories of the random number counter value group (reserved information for the special chart 2) obtained due to winning in the second starting hole 12, the special chart 2 big win determination process (S1402) and the special chart 2 variation pattern selection process (S1403) described later are performed. After that, the game control microcomputer 101 decrements the number of reserved balls for the special chart 2 by 1 (S1404). Then, the storage location (storage area) of various counter values in the special chart 2 reservation memory unit 105b is shifted by one from the current position to the side to be read, and the memory area corresponding to the first reserved ball in the special chart 2 reservation memory unit 105b is cleared (S1405). Next, the game control microcomputer 101 executes the special chart 2 variation start process (S1406) and proceeds to step S1413. In the special symbol 2 variation start process (S1406), the special operation status is set to "2" and a variation start command is set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104 to start the variation display of the second special symbol. The variation start command (also called the special symbol 2 variation start command) set in the special symbol 2 variation start process (S1406) includes information on the special symbol stop symbol data set in the special symbol 2 big win determination process (S1402) and information on the variation pattern set in the special symbol 2 variation pattern selection process (S1403) (information including information on the variation time).

In addition, if the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 is "0" but the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 is not "0" (YES in S1401 and NO in S1407), that is, if there is no reserved information for special chart 2 but there is one or more random number counter value groups (reserved information for special chart 1) obtained due to winning in the first starting hole 11, the game control microcomputer 101 performs the special chart 1 big win determination process (S1408) and the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process (S1409) described later. After that, the game control microcomputer 101 decrements the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 by 1 (S1410). Then, the storage location (storage area) of various counter values in the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a is shifted by one from the current position to the side to be read, and the memory area corresponding to the fourth reserved ball in the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a (the memory area farthest from the side to be read) is cleared (S1411). In this way, the first reserved special charts are consumed in the order in which they were reserved. Next, the game control microcomputer 101 executes the special symbol 1 variation start process (S1412) and proceeds to step S1413. In the special symbol 1 variation start process (S1412), the special operation status is set to "2" and a variation start command is set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104 to start the variation display of the first special symbol. The variation start command (also called the special symbol 1 variation start command) set in the special symbol 1 variation start process (S1412) includes information on the special symbol stop symbol data set in the special symbol 1 big win determination process (S1408) and information on the variation pattern set in the special symbol 1 variation pattern selection process (S1409) (information including variation time information).

In step S1413, it is determined whether the customer waiting flag is ON or not, and if it is ON, the customer waiting flag is turned OFF (S1414). Then, a customer waiting counter clear process is executed to clear (reset) the value of the customer waiting counter to "0" (S1415), and this process ends. The customer waiting counter is provided in the game RAM 104, and is used to measure the time that the customer waiting state continues. Note that the value of the customer waiting counter is cleared by restarting the power, regardless of whether or not a RAM clear is executed.

[Waiting for customers measurement process] As shown in FIG. 37, in the waiting for customers measurement process (S1419), first, a waiting for customers counter increment process is executed (S1420) to increment the value of the waiting for customers counter. This allows the game control microcomputer 101 to grasp the time for which the waiting for customers state has continued based on the value of the waiting for customers counter. Next, it is determined whether the waiting for customers state has continued for one hour or more. If it is determined that the waiting for customers state has not continued (NO in S1421), this process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the waiting for customers state has continued (YES in S1421), a non-deletion clear process is executed (S1422) as in the process of step S202 described above (see FIG. 33). This clears the information on the total number of winning balls stored in the total number of winning balls memory unit 107a, the information on the total number of shot balls stored in the total number of shot balls memory unit 107b, and the information on the difference in the number of balls stored in the difference in the number of balls memory unit 107c.

Then, the non-deletion clear command is set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104 (S1423), and this process ends. When the non-deletion clear command is sent to the performance control board 120, a ball difference reset notification image CLS is displayed at the bottom of the display screen 50a, as shown in FIG. 30 (B).

[Special chart 2 jackpot determination process (special chart 1 jackpot determination process)] The special chart 2 jackpot determination process (S1402) and the special chart 1 jackpot determination process (S1408) have the same process flow, so they will be explained together based on Figure 38. As shown in Figure 38, in the special chart 2 jackpot determination process (S1402) or the special chart 1 jackpot determination process (S1408), first, a special pattern random number (jackpot random number) is read out as a determination value (S1501). In detail, in the special chart 2 jackpot determination process (S1402), the special pattern random number stored in the first memory area (i.e., the memory area corresponding to the first of the second special chart reservations) of the special chart 2 reservation memory unit 105b of the gaming RAM 104 is read out. In addition, in the special chart 1 big win determination process (S1408), the special pattern random number stored in the first memory area (i.e., the memory area corresponding to the first reserved first special chart) of the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a of the gaming RAM 104 is read out.

Next, the jackpot determination table (Fig. 12 (A)) is set (S1502). Next, it is determined whether the probability flag is ON, i.e., whether the probability state is high (S1503). If the probability state is not high (NO in S1503), i.e., if the probability state is normal (non-high), it is determined whether there is a jackpot or not based on the table for the normal probability state (jackpot determination value is "1000" to "1219") in the jackpot determination table (Fig. 12 (A)) (S1504). On the other hand, if the probability state is high (YES in S1503), it is determined whether there is a jackpot or not based on the table for the high probability state (jackpot determination value is "1000" to "2499") in the jackpot determination table (Fig. 12 (A)) (S1505).

If the result of the jackpot determination (S1504, S1505) is a "jackpot," a jackpot symbol type random number is read out and the jackpot type is determined based on the jackpot symbol type determination table shown in FIG. 12 (B) (S1506). After the jackpot type is determined (S1506), the jackpot flag is turned ON (S1507), and the special symbol stop symbol data corresponding to the jackpot type is set in the jackpot type buffer provided in the game RAM 104 (S1508), and the process ends. On the other hand, if the result of the jackpot determination (S1504, S1505) is a "miss," the special symbol stop symbol data (01H) corresponding to the miss symbol is set (S1508), and the process ends.

[Special chart 2 variation pattern selection process (special chart 1 variation pattern selection process)] The special chart 2 variation pattern selection process (S1403) and the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process (S1409) have the same processing flow, so they will be explained together based on Figures 39 and 40. As shown in Figure 39, in the special chart 2 variation pattern selection process (S1403) or the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process (S1409), first, it is determined whether the game state is in the time-saving state (whether the time-saving flag is ON or not) (S1601).

If the game is not in the time-saving state (NO in S1601), that is, if the game is in the non-time-saving state, it is next determined whether the jackpot flag is ON (S1602). If the flag is ON (YES in S1602), the game refers to the normal jackpot table during non-time-saving state (the portion of the special chart fluctuation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 13 or FIG. 14 that corresponds to the non-time-saving state and jackpot), and selects a special chart fluctuation pattern based on the special chart fluctuation pattern random number (S1603).

In step S1602, if the jackpot flag is not ON, it is determined whether the reach random number is a reach establishment random number value (S1604). As shown in FIG. 12(C), the reach establishment random number value is "0" to "29" in the non-time-saving state, and "0" to "9" in the time-saving state. In other words, in the time-saving state, it is less likely that a reach will occur when you miss than in the non-time-saving state. This is to speed up the consumption of reserved special charts by selecting more non-reach misses with short fluctuation times in the time-saving state.

If the reach random number is a reach establishment random number value (YES in S1604), that is, in the case of a reach with miss, the reach with miss table during non-time-saving state (the portion of the special chart fluctuation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 13 or FIG. 14 that corresponds to the non-time-saving state and reach with miss) is referenced, and a special chart fluctuation pattern is selected based on the special chart fluctuation pattern random number (S1605).

On the other hand, if the reach random number is not a reach establishment random number value (NO in S1604), that is, in the case of a miss without a reach, the non-time-saving state no-reach miss table (the portion of the special chart change pattern determination table shown in FIG. 13 or FIG. 14 that corresponds to the non-time-saving state and a miss without a reach) is referenced and a special chart change pattern is selected based on the special chart change pattern random number (S1606). In this case of a miss without a reach, a shortened change function according to the number of reserved balls is activated. In other words, when the number of reserved balls of the special pattern is "3" or "4", a special chart change pattern with a shorter special chart change time is selected compared to when the number of reserved balls of the special pattern is "0" to "2" (see FIG. 13 or FIG. 14).

In addition, in step S1601, if it is determined that the game state is in the time-saving state (YES in S1601), as shown in FIG. 40, processing (S1607 to S1611) is performed in the same manner as steps S1602 to S1606 above, except that the special chart fluctuation pattern determination table to be referenced is the table in the time-saving state (the portion of the special chart fluctuation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 13 or FIG. 14 that corresponds to the time-saving state).

In other words, if it is a jackpot, the special chart variation pattern is selected based on the special chart variation pattern random number by referring to the part of FIG. 13 or FIG. 14 in the time-saving state and corresponding to the jackpot (S1608). Also, if it is a miss with reach, the special chart variation pattern is selected based on the special chart variation pattern random number by referring to the part of FIG. 13 or FIG. 14 in the time-saving state and corresponding to the miss with reach (S1610). Also, if it is a miss without reach, the special chart variation pattern is selected based on the special chart variation pattern random number by referring to the part of FIG. 13 or FIG. 14 in the time-saving state and corresponding to the miss without reach (S1611).

After selecting the special pattern variation as described above, the selected special pattern variation pattern is set (S1612) as shown in FIG. 39, and this process ends. Information on the special pattern variation pattern set in step S1612 is included in the variation start command set in step S1406 or S1412 in the special pattern waiting process (S1302), and is sent to the performance control board 120 by the output process (S112).

[Special symbol change processing] As shown in FIG. 41, in the special symbol change processing (S1304), it is first determined whether the special symbol change time (special symbol change time determined according to the special symbol change pattern selected in step S1403 or S1409, see FIG. 13 or FIG. 14) has elapsed (S1801). If it has not elapsed (NO in S1801), this processing is immediately terminated. This allows the special symbol change display to continue.

On the other hand, if the special symbol change time has elapsed (YES in S1801), a change stop command is set (S1802) and the special operation status is set to "3" (S1803). Then, other processing is performed, such as stopping the special symbol change display at a symbol (jackpot symbol or losing symbol) according to the set special symbol stop symbol data (S1804), and this processing ends.

[Special symbol determination process] As shown in FIG. 42, in the special symbol determination process (S1306), first, it is determined whether the stop time of the special symbol (the stop time determined according to the special symbol variation pattern selected in step S1403 or S1409) has elapsed (S1901). If it has not elapsed (NO in S1901), this process is immediately terminated. This allows the special symbol to continue to be displayed as stopped. On the other hand, if the stop time has elapsed (YES in S1901), the game status management process described below is performed (S1902).

Next, it is determined whether the jackpot flag is ON (S1903). If the jackpot flag is ON (YES in S1903), an opening pattern (see FIG. 16 for details) corresponding to the type of jackpot won is set (S1904). At this time, the value of a round counter that counts the number of unit opening games (round games) executed during the jackpot game is set to the number of rounds corresponding to the type of jackpot won. Note that the setting of the opening pattern (setting of data corresponding to the opening pattern) may be performed for each round.

Following step S1904, the game control microcomputer 101 performs a game state reset process (S1905). In the game state reset process (S1905), if the probability variable flag is ON, the probability variable flag is turned OFF, and if the time-saving flag is ON, the time-saving flag is turned OFF. In other words, while the jackpot game is being played, the game is controlled to a normal probability state and a non-time-saving state. After that, in order to start the jackpot game, a jackpot opening command is set (S1906), and the opening of the jackpot game is started (S1907). Then, the special operation status is set to "4" (S1908), and this process ends.

Also, if the jackpot flag is not ON in step S1903 (NO in S1903), the jackpot game will not start, so the special operation status is set to "1" (S1909) and this process ends.

[Game Status Management Process] As shown in FIG. 43, in the game status management process (S1902), first it is determined whether the high probability flag is ON (S2001). If it is ON (YES in S2001), the value of the high probability counter, which counts the number of times the special symbol changes during the high probability state, is decremented by 1 (S2002), and it is determined whether the value of the high probability counter is "0" (S2003). If it is "0" (YES in S2003), the high probability flag is turned OFF (S2004), and the process proceeds to step S2005. If the determination result in step S2001 or S2003 is NO, the process immediately proceeds to step S2005.

In step S2005, it is determined whether the time-saving flag is ON. If it is ON (YES in S2005), the value of the time-saving counter, which counts the number of times the special pattern has changed during the time-saving state, is decremented by 1 (S2006), and it is determined whether the value of the time-saving counter is "0" (S2007). If it is "0" (YES in S2007), the time-saving flag is turned OFF (S2008), and the process proceeds to step S2009. If the determination result in step S2005 or S2007 is NO, the process proceeds to step S2012.

In step S2009, it is determined whether the over-prize ball flag is ON. In other words, it is determined whether the difference in the number of balls is 80,000 or more. If the over-prize ball flag is not ON (NO in S2009), the process proceeds to step S2012. On the other hand, if the over-prize ball flag is ON (YES in S2009), the game stop flag is turned ON (S2010) and the process proceeds to step S2011. In this way, when the difference in the number of balls is 80,000 or more and the high probability high base state or low probability low base state has ended, the game becomes unplayable.

In step S2011, the game stop notification command is set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104, and the process proceeds to step S2012. As a result, when the game stop notification command is sent to the performance control board 120, a red background image RE and an error release method image ERX are displayed on the display screen 50a, as shown in FIG. 27(A). In addition, a game stop sound is output from the speaker 52. Furthermore, all of the frame lamps 53 are lit in white, and all of the board lamps 54 are turned off.

In step S2012, a game state designation command including information on the current game state (information on whether the special probability flag and time-saving flag are ON or OFF), the value of the special probability counter, and the value of the time-saving counter, etc., is set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104, and this process is terminated.

[Special electric device processing (jackpot game)] Special electric device processing is processing for executing a jackpot game. As shown in FIG. 44, in the special electric device processing (S1307), first, it is determined whether or not the jackpot end flag is ON (S2701). The jackpot end flag is a flag that indicates that the opening of all the big prize devices (first big prize device 14D, second big prize device 15D) in the jackpot game being executed has ended.

If the jackpot end flag is not ON (NO in S2701), it is determined whether the large prize opening (first large prize opening, second large prize opening 15) is currently open (i.e., whether the first large prize device 14D or the second large prize device 15D is currently open) (S2702). If it is not currently open (NO in S2702), it is determined whether the time has come to open the large prize opening, i.e., whether the opening time for the jackpot has elapsed and it is time to start opening the first large prize opening 14, or whether the interval time between openings has elapsed and it is time to start the next opening (S2703).

If the result of the determination in step S2703 is NO, the process ends as is. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S2703 is YES, it is determined whether or not the currently executed jackpot game is a jackpot game based on a V-long jackpot (see FIG. 16) (S2704). If it is not a V-long jackpot (NO in S2704), the process proceeds to step S2707. If it is a V-long jackpot (YES in S2704), it is determined whether or not it is the timing to start the 10th round, which allows passage to the specific area 16 (S2705). If it is not the timing to start the 10th round (NO in S2705), the process proceeds directly to step S2707. On the other hand, if it is the timing to start the 10th round (YES in S2705), the V valid period setting process is performed (S2706).

In the V valid period setting process (S2706), the period during which the second large winning opening 15 is open in the 10th round of a V long jackpot and the few seconds after the second large winning opening 15 is closed are set as the V valid period during which the detection of the game ball by the specific area sensor 16a is judged to be valid. Note that in this embodiment, periods other than this (including when the jackpot game is not being played) are set as the V invalid period during which the detection of the game ball by the specific area sensor 16a is judged to be invalid. Here, judging the detection of the game ball by the specific area sensor 16a to be valid means that the V flag is turned ON based on the detection of the game ball by the specific area sensor 16a. Also, judging the detection of the game ball by the specific area sensor 16a to be invalid means that the V flag is not turned ON even if the game ball is detected by the specific area sensor 16a.

In step S2707, the large prize openings (first large prize opening 14, second large prize opening 15) are opened according to an opening pattern (see FIG. 16) corresponding to the type of large prize. The distribution member 16k always moves in a constant manner from the start of the first round of play. In the opening pattern of a V-long large prize, the AT opening member 14k is opened so that the game ball that has won the second large prize opening 15 can pass through the specific area 16 with ease in the tenth round. In contrast, in the opening pattern of a V-short large prize, the opening timing of the AT opening member 14k relative to the operation of the distribution member 16k is set so that the game ball cannot pass through the specific area 16 even if it has won the second large prize opening 15 in the tenth round.

Next, in step S2708, a round designation command transmission determination process is performed, and this process ends. In the round designation command transmission determination process (S2708), it is determined whether the opening of the large prize openings (first large prize opening 14, second large prize opening 15) in step S2703 is the first opening in one round of play, and if so, a round designation command including information on the number of rounds of the large prize game currently being played is set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104. Note that in this embodiment, the large prize openings are not opened multiple times during one round of play. Therefore, in this step S2708, a round designation command is always set.

In step S2702 of the special electric device processing (S1307), if the large prize openings (first large prize opening 14, second large prize opening 15) are open, it is determined whether the conditions for closing the large prize openings are met (S2709). In this embodiment, the closing conditions are met when either the number of prizes won into the large prize openings in that round of play reaches the specified maximum number of prizes (in this embodiment, 10 prizes per round), or the time for closing the large prize openings has arrived (i.e., a specified opening time (see FIG. 16) has elapsed since the large prize openings were opened). Then, if the conditions for closing the large prize openings are not met (NO in S2709), the processing ends.

On the other hand, if the closing conditions for the large prize openings (first large prize opening 14, second large prize opening 15) are met (YES in S2709), the large prize openings are closed (blocked) (S2710). Then, it is determined whether one round of play (round interval) has ended (S2711). If it has not ended (NO in S2711), the processing ends. On the other hand, if the round of play has ended (YES in S2711), the round counter value is decremented by 1 (S2712), and it is determined whether the round counter value is "0" (S2713). If it is not "0" (NO in S2713), the processing ends as is to start the next round of play.

On the other hand, if it is "0" (YES in S2713), the jackpot ending command is set (S2714) as the jackpot ending process that ends the jackpot game, and the jackpot ending is started (S2715). Then, the jackpot ending flag is set (S2716), and the process ends.

If the jackpot end flag is ON in step S2701 (YES in S2701), the final round has ended, so it is determined whether the ending time for the jackpot game has elapsed (S2717), and if the ending time has not elapsed (NO in S2717), this process ends. On the other hand, if the ending time has elapsed (YES in S2717), the jackpot end flag is turned OFF (S2718). Then, the game status setting process described below is performed (S2719). Next, the jackpot flag is turned OFF (S2720). Next, the special action status is set to "1" (S2721), and this process ends.

[Game Status Setting Process] As shown in FIG. 45, the game status setting process (S2719) first determines whether the V flag is ON (whether a V was won during the V valid period) (S2801). If it is ON (YES in S2801), the high probability flag is turned ON (S2802) and the time-saving flag is turned ON (S2803). This causes the game to be controlled to a high probability, high base state after the big win. Next, the high probability counter is set to "160" (S2804), and the time-saving counter is set to "160" (S2805), and the game proceeds to step S2808. This causes the game to be controlled to a high probability, high base state in which the ST count is 160 times and the time-saving count is 160 times.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2801 that the V flag is not ON (NO in S2801), the time-saving flag is turned ON (S2806). In other words, the probability-changing flag is not turned ON at this time. As a result, the game will be controlled to a low-probability, high-base state after the big win. Next, the time-saving counter is set to "100" (S2807), and the game proceeds to step S2808. In other words, the game will be controlled to a low-probability, high-base state with the number of time-saving times set to 100.

In step S2808, the game control microcomputer 101 sets a game state designation command including information on the currently set game state (ON or OFF of the special probability flag, ON or OFF of the time-saving flag, the value of the special probability counter, and the value of the time-saving counter) in the output buffer of the game RAM 104. This completes the game state setting process (S2719).

[Output Processing] As shown in FIG. 46, in the output processing (S112), the outer end signal output processing described below is executed (S3001). Next, as other output processing (S3002), the commands etc. set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104 in each of the above-mentioned processes are output to the performance control board 120 and the payout control board 170, and this processing is completed.

[Outer end signal output processing] As shown in FIG. 47, in the outer end signal output processing (S3001), it is determined whether the over-prize ball notification flag is ON (S3101). In other words, it is determined whether the difference in the number of balls has reached 70,000. If the over-prize ball notification flag is not ON (NO in S3101), proceed to step S3103. On the other hand, if the over-prize ball notification flag is ON (YES in S3101), execute the outer end signal output processing for over-prize ball notification (S3102) and proceed to step S3102. In the outer end signal output processing for over-prize ball notification (S3102), an outer end signal indicating that the difference in the number of balls has reached 70,000 (hereinafter referred to as the "outer end signal for over-prize ball notification") is transmitted from the main control board 100 to the external terminal board 160 via the payout control board 170. As a result, the external terminal board 160 transmits the outer end signal for over-prize ball notification to the external unit GU (data counter, hall computer, etc.) by parallel communication. As a result, it is possible for the arcade staff monitoring the hall computer to be aware of the situation in which the excess ball prevention function may be activated when the number of remaining balls on this pachinko game machine PY1 increases slightly (within 10,000).

In step S3103, it is determined whether the over-prize ball flag is ON. In other words, it is determined whether the difference in the number of balls has reached 80,000. If the over-prize ball flag is not ON (NO in S3103), proceed to step S3105. On the other hand, if the over-prize ball flag is ON (YES in S3103), execute the outer end signal output process for over-prize balls (S3104) and proceed to step S3105. In the outer end signal output process for over-prize balls (S3104), an outer end signal indicating that the difference in the number of balls has reached 80,000 (hereinafter referred to as the "outer end signal for over-prize balls") is transmitted from the main control board 100 to the external terminal board 160 via the payout control board 170. As a result, the external terminal board 160 transmits the outer end signal for over-prize ball notification to the external unit GU by parallel communication. As a result, it is possible for an arcade employee monitoring the hall computer to understand that the difference in the number of balls in this pachinko game machine PY1 has reached 80,000, and that play will become impossible if the high probability high base state or low probability low base state ends.

In step S3105, it is determined whether the game stop flag is ON. In other words, it is determined whether the game is no longer playable. If the game stop flag is not ON (NO in S3107), the process proceeds to step S3107. On the other hand, if the game stop flag is ON (YES in S3105), the process executes the game stop outer end signal output process (S3106) and proceeds to step S3107. In the game stop outer end signal output process (S3106), an outer end signal indicating that the game is no longer playable due to the activation of the excessive prize ball prevention function (hereinafter referred to as the "game stop outer end signal") is transmitted from the main control board 100 to the external terminal board 160 via the payout control board 170. As a result, the external terminal board 160 transmits the game stop outer end signal to the external unit GU by parallel communication. As a result, it is possible for the arcade staff monitoring the hall computer to be aware of situations in which play is no longer possible on this pachinko machine PY1 due to the activation of the excessive prize ball prevention function.

In step S3107, it is determined whether the non-deletion clearing process shown in step S203 or the non-deletion clearing process shown in step S1422 has been executed. That is, it is determined whether the information on the total number of winning balls stored in the total number of winning balls memory unit 107a, the information on the total number of shot balls stored in the total number of shot balls memory unit 107b, and the information on the difference in the number of balls stored in the difference in the number of balls memory unit 107c have been cleared. If the non-deletion clearing process has not been executed (NO in S3107), proceed to step S3109. On the other hand, if the non-deletion clearing process has been executed (YES in S3107), execute the reset outer end signal output process (S3108) and proceed to step S3109. In the reset outer end signal output process (S3108), an outer end signal indicating that the difference in the number of balls has been reset (hereinafter referred to as the "reset outer end signal") is transmitted from the main control board 100 to the external terminal board 160 via the payout control board 170. As a result, the external terminal board 160 transmits the reset outer end signal to the external unit GU by parallel communication. As a result, it is possible for the arcade staff monitoring the hall computer to be aware of the situation in which the difference in the number of balls has been reset in this pachinko game machine PY1. A dedicated signal line is connected to the main control board 100, and the over-prize ball notice outer end signal, over-prize ball outer end signal, game stop outer end signal, and reset outer end signal are transmitted from the main control board 100 to the external terminal board 160 via the payout control board 170 via this dedicated signal line.

8. Operation of the performance control microcomputer Next, the operation of the performance control microcomputer 121 will be described with reference to Figures 48 to 50. Note that counters, timers, flags, buffers, etc. that appear in the description of the operation of the performance control microcomputer 121 are provided in the performance RAM 124.

[Sub-control main processing] When the power is turned on to the pachinko gaming machine PY1, the performance control microcomputer 121 reads out the sub-control main processing program shown in FIG. 48 from the performance ROM 123 and executes it. As shown in the figure, the sub-control main processing first performs power-on processing in response to power-on (S4001). The power-on processing includes, for example, setting the performance CPU 122, the SIO, PIO, CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time), etc.

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

When the random number update process is completed, the command transmission process is executed (S4004). In the command transmission process (S4004), various commands stored in the output buffer in the performance RAM 124 of the performance control board 120 are transmitted to the image control board 140. The image control board 140, which has received the command, displays an image on the display screen 50a according to the received command (executes various performances using images). In addition to the various performances performed by the image control board 140, the performance control board 120 outputs sound from the speaker 52 via the sound control circuit 161 (executes various sound performances using sound), lights up the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 via the lamp control circuit 151 (executes various light-emitting performances using light), and operates the movable devices 55, 56, and 58 (executes various movable body performances using movement). In this way, various effects (variation effects, hold effects, movable body effects, operation effects, pre-reading effects, other advance notice effects, opening effects associated with special games, open game effects, ending effects, customer waiting effects, control of effect modes, etc.) are realized.

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

The reception interrupt process (S4010) is executed each time various commands sent from the main control board 100 are input to the performance control microcomputer 121. In the reception interrupt process (S4010), the performance control microcomputer 121 stores the various commands sent and received by the output process (S112) of the main control board 100 in the reception buffer of the performance RAM 124. This reception interrupt process is executed with priority over other interrupt processes (S4011, S4012).

[1 ms timer interrupt processing] The 1 ms timer interrupt processing (S4011) is executed each time an interrupt pulse with a 1 msec period is input to the performance control board 120. As shown in FIG. 49, the 1 ms timer interrupt processing (S4011) sequentially performs input processing (S4101), light emission data output processing (S4102), movable body control processing (S4103), and watchdog timer processing (S4104).

In the input process (S4101), the operation of the normal button detection switch 40a, the special button detection switch 41a, and other operation parts that can be operated by the player are detected, and commands are set and performance data is created according to the detection results. In the light emission data output process (S4102), the light emission data (lamp data) is referenced in order to cause lamps such as the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 to emit light at a timing that matches the performance of the image, etc., based on the performance data created in the input process (S4101) or the performance data creation process (S4204) described later. Then, the lamp control circuit 151 is controlled based on the light emission data. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 121 causes the frame lamp 53, the board lamp 54, and other lamps to emit light in a predetermined light emission mode according to the light emission data. In the movable body control process (S4103), the drive data is referenced in order to perform a movable body performance that operates the movable devices 55, 56, and 58 at a predetermined timing, based on the performance data created in the input process (S4101) or the performance data creation process (S4204) described later. Then, based on the drive data, the lamp control circuit 151 is controlled. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 121 operates the movable devices 55, 56, and 58 in a predetermined operating mode according to the drive data. In the watchdog timer process (S4104), the watchdog timer is reset.

[10 ms timer interrupt processing] The 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S4012) is executed each time an interrupt pulse with a 10 msec period is input to the performance control board 120. As shown in FIG. 50, the 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S4012) sequentially performs received command analysis processing (S4201), performance timer update processing (S4202), audio control processing (S4203), and performance data creation processing (S4204).

In the received command analysis process (S4201), the command stored in the reception buffer of the performance RAM 124 by the reception interrupt process (S4010) is analyzed, and processing according to the command (for example, selection of a performance, setting of a performance mode, setting of a command, etc.) is performed. In the performance timer update process (S4202), a timer for measuring the time related to each performance is updated. For example, in the performance timer update process (S4202), the start timing and end timing of the effective operation period of the operation part such as the normal button 40 and the special button 41 are measured. In the audio control process (S4203), audio data (data for controlling the output of audio from the speaker 52) is created and the audio control circuit 161 is controlled based on the processing results of the input process (S4101) and the received command analysis process (S4201). In the performance data creation process (S4204), performance data is created based on the processing results of the received command analysis process (S4201).

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

9. Operation Attention Attention Presentation Next, the operation attention attention presentation will be explained. In this pachinko game machine PY1, when the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated or when an illegal magnetism is detected (when a predetermined stop condition is satisfied), the game becomes impossible to be executed. That is, the game control process and the launch control process are stopped. At this time, even though the game is impossible to be executed, the player may not accurately grasp the situation and may continue to rotate the handle 72k (launch operation means). Therefore, in this embodiment, after the game becomes impossible to be executed, an operation attention attention presentation is executed based on the player's rotation operation of the handle 72k to call attention to stopping the launch of game balls. This operation attention attention presentation makes it possible to prevent the player from firing waste balls.

Figure 51 shows a case where an operation warning effect (warning effect) is executed after the excessive ball prevention function is activated. First, as a prerequisite, it is assumed that the player has not performed any rotation operation on the handle 72k and the excessive ball prevention function has been activated. In this case, the effect control microcomputer 121 recognizes that the excessive ball prevention function has been activated by receiving a game stop notification command (see S2011) from the game control microcomputer 101. Then, as shown in Figure 51 (A), the effect control microcomputer 121 displays a red background image RE and an error release method image ERX on the display screen 50a and outputs a game stop sound from the speaker 52. Furthermore, all of the frame lamps 53 are lit in white and all of the board lamps 54 are turned off.

After that, when the player rotates the handle 72k, the presentation control microcomputer 121 inputs a detection signal from the handle rotation detection sensor 42a (see FIG. 7). As a result, the presentation control microcomputer 121 executes an operation attention drawing presentation while the red background image RE and the error release method image ERX are displayed on the display screen 50a as shown in FIG. 51(B). That is, the operation attention drawing image HT indicating "Do not turn the handle" is displayed on the display screen 50a. Furthermore, the speaker 52 outputs a sound saying "Do not turn the handle", and the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 are all lit up in red. This operation attention drawing presentation makes it possible to make the player more aware that it is not a situation in which to launch the game ball.

After that, when the player stops rotating the handle 72k, the presentation control microcomputer 121 stops inputting a detection signal from the handle rotation detection sensor 42a (see FIG. 7). This causes the presentation control microcomputer 121 to stop the operation caution presentation, as shown in FIG. 51 (C). Thus, in this embodiment, after the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated, the operation caution presentation is executed only while the player is rotating the handle 72k.

Figure 52 is a diagram showing a case where an operation warning effect (warning effect) is executed after an illegal magnetism is detected. First, as a prerequisite, it is assumed that the player has not performed any rotation operation on the handle 72k and an illegal magnetism has been detected. In this case, the effect control microcomputer 121 receives a magnetic detection command from the game control microcomputer 101 indicating that an illegal magnetism has been detected. As a result, the effect control microcomputer 121 displays a red background image RE and an error release method image ER1 on the display screen 50a as shown in Figure 52 (A), and outputs a game stop sound from the speaker 52. Furthermore, all of the frame lamps 53 are lit in white and all of the board lamps 54 are turned off.

After that, when the player rotates the handle 72k, the presentation control microcomputer 121 inputs a detection signal from the handle rotation detection sensor 42a (see FIG. 7). As a result, the presentation control microcomputer 121 executes an operation attention drawing presentation while the red background image RE and the error release method image ER1 are displayed on the display screen 50a, as shown in FIG. 52(B). That is, the operation attention drawing image HT indicating "Do not turn the handle" is displayed on the display screen 50a. Furthermore, the speaker 52 outputs a sound saying "Do not turn the handle", and the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 are all lit up in red. This operation attention drawing presentation makes the player more aware that it is not a situation in which to launch the game ball.

After that, when the player stops rotating the handle 72k, the presentation control microcomputer 121 stops inputting a detection signal from the handle rotation detection sensor 42a (see FIG. 7). This causes the presentation control microcomputer 121 to stop the operation warning presentation, as shown in FIG. 52 (C). Thus, in this embodiment, the operation warning presentation is executed only while the player is rotating the handle 72k after the illegal magnetism is detected.

10. Effects of the present embodiment As described above, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of the present embodiment, when the difference in the number of balls is 80,000 or more and the high probability high base state or the low probability low base state ends, the game becomes impossible to execute. Therefore, for the player, the game is not suddenly stopped in the middle of the big win game state or in the middle of the high probability high base state or the low probability high base state, and there is no particular disadvantage. In this way, it is possible to provide a pachinko game machine PY1 that allows the player to stop playing at a time when it is easy to stop playing, while not awarding excessive prize balls.

Furthermore, with this form of pachinko game machine PY1, if the difference in the number of balls is 80,000 or more and the high base state (high probability high base state, low probability high base state) ends, the game becomes unplayable. Therefore, it is possible for the player to stop playing before the player reaches a situation where the number of balls they have decreases after the high base state ends. In other words, after transitioning from the high base state to the normal game state, it is possible to imagine a situation where the total number of balls fired increases and the difference in the number of balls falls below 80,000. Therefore, to prevent the above situation from occurring, it is possible to stop playing at the timing when the high base state ends.

However, if a player stops playing before the difference in the number of balls reaches 80,000, and a player who plays later starts playing and the difference in the number of balls exceeds 80,000 immediately after the player starts playing, a terrible situation will occur. Therefore, with this form of pachinko game machine PY1, the measured difference in the number of balls is reset based on the establishment of a reset condition that is not triggered by turning on the power. Specifically, the difference in the number of balls is reset when the special reset switch 181 is pressed or when the waiting state continues for one hour. This makes it possible to prevent a player who plays later from stopping play immediately after starting, and to prevent a terrible situation from occurring.

In addition, with this form of pachinko game machine PY1, when an employee of the game arcade presses the RAM clear switch 191 when turning on the power, game information (for example, information on the game state such as a high probability state, information on the number of reserved special charts, the result of the jackpot determination, etc.) is erased, but the information on the difference in the number of balls stored in the difference in the number of balls memory unit 107c is not erased. Therefore, even in a situation where game information must be erased during business hours due to a malfunction, etc., it is possible to prevent the measured difference in the number of balls from being erased.

Furthermore, according to the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, as described above, even if the RAM is cleared, the measured difference in the number of balls is not erased. However, the measured difference in the number of balls can be erased by an employee of the gaming facility pressing the special reset switch 181. In this way, the employee of the gaming facility can erase the measured difference in the number of balls at any time.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, when the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 or more, as shown in FIG. 28(B), a game stop notice image KH is displayed on the display screen 50a to warn that the game will become impossible to play. This allows the player to know in advance that the game will become impossible to play, and prevents the player from being confused by the sudden inability to play. In particular, the game stop notice image KH indicates that the game will become impossible to play when the high base state ends, as shown in FIG. 28(B). This allows the player to know exactly when the game will be played.

As described above, with the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, if the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 or more, the game becomes unplayable. If the player were to turn the handle 72k at this time, the launch control process (S109) would stop and no game balls would be launched, but an operation caution display would be executed as shown in FIG. 51 (B). That is, an operation caution image HT would be displayed on the display screen 50a, a sound saying "Do not turn the handle" would be output from the speaker 52, and the frame lamp 53 and board lamp 54 would all be fully lit in red. This would allow the player to more reliably understand that the game is unplayable.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, as described above, if an illegal magnetism is detected, the game becomes impossible to play. If the player were to rotate the handle 72k at this time, the launch control process (S109) would stop and the game ball would not be launched, but an operation caution display would be executed as shown in FIG. 52 (B). That is, an operation caution image HT would be displayed on the display screen 50a, a voice message saying "Do not turn the handle" would be output from the speaker 52, and the frame lamp 53 and board lamp 54 would all be fully lit in red. This would allow the player to more reliably understand that the game is impossible to play.

11. Modifications The following describes modification examples. In the description of the modification examples, the same components as those in the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. Of course, the components of the modification examples may be appropriately combined. Furthermore, the technical features in the above embodiment and the following modification examples may be appropriately deleted unless they are described as essential in this specification.

<First Modification>
In the above embodiment, the game machine is configured as a type 1 game machine in which a jackpot game (type 1 jackpot game) is executed when a jackpot is won in a lottery of a special symbol. In contrast, the first modified example is configured as a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed machine. That is, when a small jackpot is won in a lottery of a special symbol, a small jackpot game is executed in which the large prize opening is opened for a maximum of 1.8 seconds. In this case, when a game ball that has entered the large prize opening by the execution of the small jackpot game passes through a specific area in the large prize opening, a jackpot game (type 2 jackpot game) is executed. Thus, in the first modified example, the game machine is configured as a type 1/type 2 mixed machine in which a jackpot game (type 1 jackpot game) is executed when a jackpot is won in a lottery of a special symbol, and a jackpot game (type 2 jackpot game) is executed when a game ball passes through a specific area in the large prize opening.

In the first modified example, if a small prize is won in the drawing of the special chart 2, the two-type big prize game is essentially always executed (the game ball can pass through a specific area) as long as the game is played correctly. In other words, winning a small prize in the drawing of the special chart 2 means the execution of a big prize game. Here, as shown in FIG. 53, when the high base state (time-saving state) is shifted to the normal game state, the number of reserved special charts 2 is the maximum of four (a predetermined number). The drawing of the special chart 2 is executed with priority over the drawing of the special chart 1, and is set to be more advantageous for the player than the drawing of the special chart 1. In this case, when the high base state is shifted to the normal game state, the drawing of the special chart 2 is executed four times, and it is still easy for the player to execute the big prize game. Therefore, even after the transition to the normal game state, it can be said that the period (advantageous game state) during which the big prize game is easy for the player to execute is an advantageous period in which the player can execute the big prize game until the drawing of the special chart 2 is no longer executed.

In this first modified example, it is assumed that the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated when the game is switched to the normal game mode as described above. In this case, even though the player is still in a situation (advantageous period) in which it is easy to play a jackpot game even in the normal game mode, the game is suddenly no longer possible. Therefore, in this first modified example, as shown in FIG. 53, the excessive prize ball prevention function does not activate even when the game is switched to the normal game mode, and the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated when the remaining special symbol 2 reserve (remaining special symbol 2 reserve) is all consumed when the game is switched to the normal game mode. In other words, the game is made impossible to play when the remaining special symbol 2 reserve is all consumed (when the variable display and stop display of the second special symbol based on the remaining special symbol 2 reserve all end).

In this way, even if the game transitions to the normal game state after the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 or more, the player can continue playing until the end of the advantageous period (advantageous game state) in which it is easy to win the type 2 jackpot game. In the first modified example, the lottery for special chart 2 is executed before the lottery for special chart 1, but it is also possible to execute the lottery for special chart 1 before the lottery for special chart 2, or to execute the lottery for special chart 1 or the lottery for special chart 2 in the order in which the game balls enter the first start hole 11 or the second start hole 12.

Next, in the first modified example, the effects after transitioning from the high base state (time-saving state) to the normal game state will be described. If there are remaining reserves for special chart 2 when transitioning to the normal game state, the remaining reserve special effect shown in FIG. 54 will be executed until all of the remaining reserves for special chart 2 are consumed. This remaining reserve special effect is an effect that indicates whether or not a small jackpot has been won in the drawing for special chart 2, and is an effect that is never executed in the high base state, and is never executed in the drawing for special chart 1. In other words, the remaining reserve special effect (advantageous effect) is a special effect that indicates a chance to win a type 2 jackpot game only after transitioning to the normal game state and until all of the remaining reserves for special chart 2 are consumed (until the variable display of the second special pattern is executed four times).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 54(A), when the game transitions from the high base state (time-saving state) to the normal game state, a remaining chance count image LA showing "4 times left" is displayed on the display screen 50a. This makes the player aware that he or she still has 4 chances to win a Type 2 jackpot game. Then, as shown in FIG. 54(A), the display screen 50a displays a main character appearance image BA1 in which a transformed main character appears, in a state in which a reach state is formed by the left performance pattern EZ1 showing "5" and the right performance pattern EZ3 showing "5". In addition, a remaining change count image LB showing "4 times left" is displayed in the upper right corner of the display screen 50a, showing how many times the change display of the second special pattern will be executed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 54(C), a special battle image BA2 is displayed, showing the transformed main character fighting against the enemy character. After that, if the small win or big win is won in the lottery of the special chart 2, a special battle victory image WI is displayed, showing the transformed main character winning against the enemy character, as shown in FIG. 54(D-1). At this time, the small performance pattern KZ, which was displayed in a variable manner, is stopped and displayed in the winning mode "555", which is a double number, in the upper left of the display screen 50a. In this way, it is possible for a player who sees the special battle victory image WI and the double number small performance pattern KZ to understand that he or she has won a small win or a big win. After that, if the small win is won, the player can win a type 2 big win game by passing the game ball through a specific area during the execution of the small win game. Also, if the big win is won, the player can win a type 1 big win game.

On the other hand, if the drawing of the special chart 2 is a miss, a special battle defeat image LO is displayed, as shown in FIG. 54 (D-2), indicating that the transformed hero character has been defeated by the enemy character. At this time, the small performance pattern KZ, which was displayed in a variable manner, stops at "545", which is a reach miss number, in the upper left corner of the display screen 50a. In this way, it is possible for a player who sees the special battle victory image WI and the reach miss small performance pattern KZ to understand that it is a miss. In this way, if the drawing of the special chart 2 is a miss, the remaining reserve special performance shown in FIG. 54 is repeatedly executed until all the remaining reserves of the special chart 2 are consumed. Then, if all the results of the drawing of the special chart 2 are misses, the advantageous period (advantageous game state) ends. After that, in the normal game state, the remaining reserve special performance is not executed, and the variable performance based on the drawing of the special chart 1 is executed.

In this first modified example, when the difference in the number of balls is less than 80,000, the remaining reserve special effect shown in FIG. 54 is executed during the advantageous period (advantageous game state) from when the game state is switched to the normal game state until all of the remaining reserves in the special chart 2 are consumed. On the other hand, even if the difference in the number of balls is 80,000 or more, the remaining reserve special effect shown in FIG. 54 is executed during the advantageous period from when the game state is switched to the normal game state until all of the remaining reserves in the special chart 2 are consumed (see FIG. 53). In this way, as long as the remaining reserve special effect, which indicates that the situation is advantageous for the player, continues after the game state is switched to the normal game state, the excessive prize ball prevention function will not be activated. Therefore, even if the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 or more, it is possible to allow the player to enjoy the remaining reserve special effect after the game state is switched to the normal game state. In other words, even if the difference in the number of balls is 80,000 or more and the game state is switched to the normal game state, the remaining reserve special effect before the game becomes impossible to be played is executed as it is, so that the timing when the game becomes impossible to be played and the timing when the remaining reserve special effect ends can be matched.

<Second Modification>
In the above embodiment, when the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 or more, a presentation is executed by displaying, for example, a red-bordered image EFb or a game stop notice image KH (see FIG. 28(B)). However, even if the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 or more, the presentation itself is not replaced and executed. In contrast, in the second modified example, when the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 or more from a state where the difference is less than 80,000, the presentation itself is replaced and executed. In this second modified example, as in the first modified example, it is configured as a one-type two-type mixed machine. The presentation of the second modified example will be explained using an example where the difference in the number of balls reaches 80,000 in the middle of the big win game state shown in FIG. 53.

As a prerequisite, a jackpot game is being played in a situation where the difference in the number of balls is less than 80,000. At this time, as shown in FIG. 55(A), a round presentation is being played on the display screen 50a. That is, a round image G109, a prize ball count image G110, and a round background image G114 are displayed on the display screen 50a. Here, as shown in FIG. 53, it is assumed that the difference in the number of balls reaches 80,000 in the middle of a jackpot game state. At this time, the game control microcomputer 101 sends an over-prize ball notification command (see step S312) to the presentation control microcomputer 121, and the presentation control microcomputer 121 grasps that the difference in the number of balls has become 80,000 or more. As a result, the presentation control microcomputer 121 executes the round replacement presentation shown in FIG. 55(B).

Specifically, in the round substitution presentation, as shown in FIG. 55(B), the round background image G114, which depicts a city, is switched to a round substitution background image G116, which depicts a dark Western-style mansion. Then, a round image G109 and a winning ball count image G110 are displayed on top of the round substitution background image G116, and a game stop notice image KI, which indicates that "game will be stopped when the advantageous period ends", is displayed. Furthermore, a warning display image G115, which shows a police lamp and the word "DANGER", is displayed at the frontmost side of the display screen 50a to attract the player's attention.

In this way, when the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 or more, a round substitute presentation is executed, in which the presentation style changes significantly from the round presentation, making it possible to make the player more aware of the situation in which the game can no longer be played. In other words, for players who do not fully understand the excessive prize ball prevention function, even if the round presentation is accompanied by a red border image EFb or a game stop notice image KH (see FIG. 28 (B)), they may mistake it for a simple presentation and not fully understand the situation in which the game can no longer be played. Therefore, in the second modified example, a round substitute presentation shown in FIG. 55 (B) is executed instead of the round presentation, making it easier for the player to recognize that the situation has changed significantly.

Next, as shown in FIG. 53, when the game state transitions from the big win game state to the high base state (time-saving state), the time-saving mode alternative presentation shown in FIG. 55(C) is executed on the display screen 50a. Specifically, in the time-saving mode alternative presentation, as shown in FIG. 55(C), a time-saving alternative background image G117 showing dark clouds and thunder is displayed. Then, the presentation pattern EZ and a game stop notice image KI are displayed superimposed on the time-saving alternative background image G117. Furthermore, a warning display image G115 showing a police lamp and the word "DANGER" is displayed at the frontmost side of the display screen 50a to attract the player's attention.

Thus, since the difference in the number of balls is 80,000 or more, even in a high base state (time-saving state), the time-saving mode presentation shown in FIG. 18 (B-5) is not executed, and the time-saving mode alternative presentation shown in FIG. 55 (C) is executed. This makes it possible to make the player more aware of the situation in which he or she is no longer able to play. In other words, it is possible to make players who do not fully understand the excessive prize ball prevention function more aware that, although they are in a situation in which it is easy to win a type 2 jackpot game, they are in a situation in which they will have to stop playing.

After that, as shown in FIG. 53, the game moves from the high base state (time-saving state) to the normal game state, and the number of reserved balls for the special symbol 2 when the game moves to the normal game state is "4". In this case, the remaining reserved replacement special effect shown in FIG. 56 is executed on the display screen 50a. Specifically, in the remaining reserved replacement special effect (special effect), as shown in FIG. 56 (A), when the game moves from the high base state (time-saving state) to the normal game state, the remaining number of times to stop the game LH1 indicating "4 times left until the game is stopped" is displayed on the display screen 50a. This allows the player to accurately grasp the number of times the special symbol will change before the game can no longer be played. The number of times shown in the remaining number of times to stop the game image LH1 is "4" to "1" depending on the remaining number of reserved balls for the special symbol 2. In this way, in the second modified example, it is possible to provide the player with a novel effect of informing them of the remaining number of times the special symbol will change before the game is stopped.

Next, as shown in FIG. 56(B), the display screen 50a displays the special effect symbols TZ1 and TZ2 in a variable manner, and the bottom of the display screen 50a displays an explanatory image SM indicating "If Vs line up, it's a big win?" This explanatory image SM allows the player to understand that if "Vs" line up on the special effect symbols TZ1 and TZ2, a big win game will be executed. In addition, the top of the display screen 50a displays a remaining number of times to stop play image LN1 indicating "4 times left until game is stopped". This allows the player to be aware of the remaining number of times the special symbol will change before the game is stopped, even during the display of the variable special symbol (second special symbol). The number of times indicated by the remaining number of times to stop play image LN1 varies from "4" to "1" depending on the number of reserved special symbols 2. The display of this remaining number of times to stop play image LN1 corresponds to the "unable to play notice effect".

Next, as shown in FIG. 56(C), on the display screen 50a, the special effect pattern TZ1 on the left side stops at "V", while the special effect pattern TZ2 on the right side continues to change. After that, if the player wins a small win or a big win in the lottery of the special chart 2, the special effect pattern TZ2 on the right side stops at "V" as shown in FIG. 56(D-1), and the "V"s are lined up. At this time, the small effect pattern KZ, which was displayed in a variable manner, stops at the winning state "555", which is a double number, in the upper left of the display screen 50a. In this way, it is possible for a player who sees the special effect patterns TZ1 and TZ2 showing "VV" and the double number small effect pattern KZ to understand that he or she has won a small win or a big win. After that, if the player wins a small win, the player can win a type 2 big win game by passing the game ball through a specific area during the execution of the small win game. Also, if the player wins a big win, the player can win a type 1 big win game.

On the other hand, if the lottery for the special chart 2 is a miss, as shown in FIG. 56 (D-2), the special effect pattern TZ2 on the right side stops at "1" and "V" is not aligned. At this time, the small effect pattern KZ, which was displayed in a variable manner, stops at "545", which is a reach miss, in the upper left corner of the display screen 50a. In this way, it is possible for a player who sees the special effect patterns TZ1 and TZ2 indicating "V1" and the reach miss small effect pattern KZ to understand that it is a miss. In addition, a remaining number image NC indicating "3 chances remaining" is displayed in the lower right corner of the display screen. This makes it possible for a player to understand that the over-prize ball prevention function is approaching activation (game cessation). After that, the remaining reserve replacement special effect shown in FIG. 56 is repeatedly executed in the special chart 2 remaining reserve. If all the results of the lottery for special symbol 2 are losses, when the advantageous period (advantageous game state) ends (when the stop time of the second special symbol has elapsed), the excess prize ball prevention function is activated and the game is controlled so that it cannot be played.

As described above, when the difference in the number of balls is 80,000 or more, instead of the remaining reserve special effect, a remaining reserve substitute special effect with a significantly different presentation mode is executed, making it possible to make the player more aware of the situation in which the game cannot be played. In other words, if the difference in the number of balls is 80,000 or more and the remaining reserve special effect shown in FIG. 54 is executed after the transition from the high base state (time-saving state) to the normal game state, the player may mistakenly think that the excessive prize ball prevention function has not yet been activated. In other words, in the remaining reserve special effect, even if all the reserved balls in the special chart 2 are consumed and the advantageous period ends, the player is likely to have the impression that the game can still be continued by transitioning to the normal game state. Therefore, in the second modified example, instead of the remaining reserve special effect, the remaining reserve substitute special effect shown in FIG. 56 is executed, making it possible to make the player more aware of the situation in which the game cannot be played due to the activation of the excessive prize ball prevention function unless the player wins the type 2 jackpot game.

<Third Modification>
In the above embodiment, when the difference in the number of balls is 80,000 or more and the game state is switched from the high base state (high probability high base state or low probability high base state) to the normal game state (see FIG. 25), the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated. In contrast, in the third modified embodiment, as shown in FIG. 57, when the difference in the number of balls is 80,000 or more and the special symbol variable display is executed 30 times (prescribed number of times) after the game state is switched from the high base state to the normal game state (when a prescribed condition is met), the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated. In this third modified embodiment, as in the above embodiment, it is assumed to be configured as a single type game machine.

In the third modified example, as shown in FIG. 57, after transitioning from the high probability high base state to the normal game state, the mode is set to the dedicated mode after normal transition until the number of times the special symbol changes reaches 30. Similarly, after transitioning from the low probability high base state to the normal game state, the mode is set to the dedicated mode after normal transition until the number of times the special symbol changes reaches 30. In short, even if transitioning from the high base state to the normal game state, the mode is not set to the normal presentation mode for a while, but is set to the dedicated mode after normal transition. Then, when the number of times the special symbol changes exceeds 30 after transitioning to the normal game state, the mode is set to the normal presentation mode.

Next, in the first modified example, the presentation in the dedicated mode after normal transition will be explained. Note that in the dedicated mode after normal transition, the same presentation is executed regardless of whether there is a special symbol 2 remaining reserved when transitioning to the normal game state and the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, or whether there is no special symbol 2 remaining reserved when transitioning to the normal game state and the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner.

Specifically, when the game is switched to the dedicated mode after normal transition, a mode transition image MT indicating "entering the dedicated mode after normal transition" is displayed on the display screen 50a as shown in FIG. 58(A). This allows the player to believe that the high base state has ended, but that the game has transitioned to a special presentation mode. Then, as shown in FIG. 58(B), the display screen 50a displays a special background image G121 representing the surface of a special planet, and the presentation pattern EZ is displayed in a variable manner. After that, if the special pattern is not drawn, the presentation patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed in a stopped state of "638", which is a losing pattern, as shown in FIG. 58(C). In this way, the presentation in which the presentation pattern EZ is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped while the special background image G121 is displayed is called the "dedicated presentation after normal transition". As a result, after the transition from the high base state to the normal game state, as long as the special symbol lottery is a miss, the special post-normal transition effect (special effect) is executed until the special symbol variable display is executed 30 times. In this way, after the transition to the normal game state, the player is shown a new special post-normal transition effect, rather than the familiar normal mode effect (see Figures 18 (B-1) (B-2) (B-3)). As a result, it is possible to create the impression that the advantageous situation may still continue.

In this third modified example, when the difference in the number of balls is less than 80,000, the special post-normal transition performance shown in FIG. 58 is executed until the special symbol variable display is executed 30 times after the transition to the normal game state. On the other hand, even if the difference in the number of balls is 80,000 or more, the special post-normal transition performance shown in FIG. 58 is executed until the special symbol variable display is executed 30 times after the transition to the normal game state (see FIG. 57). In this way, as long as the special post-normal transition performance continues after the transition to the normal game state, the excessive ball prevention function will not be activated. Therefore, even if the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 or more, it is possible to allow the player to enjoy the novel special post-normal transition performance after the transition to the normal game state. Then, when the special symbol variable display is executed 30 times after the transition to the normal game state, the excessive ball prevention function is activated at the same time as the end of the special post-normal transition performance. In this way, it is possible to match the timing when the game becomes impossible to play with the end timing of the special post-normal transition performance.

<Fourth Modification>
In the third modified example, even if the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 or more, the special effect after the normal transition shown in FIG. 58 is executed until the variable display of the special symbol is executed 30 times after the transition to the normal game state. In contrast, in the fourth modified example, when the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 or more, the substitute effect after the normal transition shown in FIG. 59 is executed instead of the special effect after the normal transition until the variable display of the special symbol is executed 30 times after the transition to the normal game state. In this fourth modified example, as in the third modified example, it is assumed that the machine is configured as a single type gaming machine. The effect of the fourth modified example will be explained using the case where the difference in the number of balls reaches 80,000 in the middle of the big win game state shown in FIG. 57 as an example.

When the difference in the number of balls is 80,000 or more and the game transitions from the high probability high base state to the normal game state, first, as shown in FIG. 58(A), the remaining number of times to stop the game LH2, indicating "30 times left until game is stopped", is displayed on the display screen 50a. This allows the player to accurately grasp the number of times the special symbol will change before the game can no longer be played. In this way, in the fourth modified example, when the game transitions to the normal game state, it is possible to provide the player with a novel presentation in which the remaining number of times the special symbol will change before game is stopped is notified.

Next, as shown in FIG. 59(B), the display screen 50a displays the effect pattern EZ in a changing state while a light ray background image G122 showing flowing light rays is displayed. A mini character image MN1 showing a mini character is displayed in the lower right corner of the display screen 50a. Furthermore, a remaining number of times to stop playing image LN2 showing "30 times remaining until game is stopped" is displayed in the upper part of the display screen 50a. This makes it possible for the player to be aware of the remaining number of times the special pattern will change before the game is stopped, even while the special pattern is being displayed in a changing state. The number shown in the remaining number of times to stop playing image LN2 is counted down from "30" to "1" each time the special pattern is displayed in a changing state.

Next, as shown in FIG. 59(C), a character appearance image TN1 showing a grown-up character is displayed on the display screen 50a. Thus, in the alternative performance after transition to normal, the characters appearing in the pachinko gaming machine PY1 are introduced one after another each time the variable display of the special pattern is executed by displaying the mini character image MN1 and the character appearance image TN1. By executing such a character introduction performance, it is possible to make the player feel as if the performance is like an ending until the game is stopped. In other words, by introducing the characters appearing in the pachinko gaming machine PY1 one after another, it is possible to make it appear as if the end of the game is gradually approaching.

If the special symbol lottery is a miss, the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stop and display "145", which is a miss pattern, as shown in FIG. 59(C). As a result, if the difference in the number of balls is 80,000 or more, the normal transition substitute effect is executed from the transition to the normal game state until the special symbol variable display is executed 30 times. In this way, by executing the normal transition substitute effect shown in FIG. 59 from the transition to the normal game state until the game is stopped, it is possible to make it easier for the player to understand the situation in which the game will become impossible to play, compared to when the normal transition dedicated effect shown in FIG. 58 is executed. In other words, the normal transition substitute effect shown in FIG. 59 makes it easier for the player to understand that the situation in which the game will become impossible to play is gradually approaching.

<Fifth Modification>
In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 32, before the over-prize ball prevention function is activated (the game stop flag is OFF), the game control microcomputer 101 executes the launch control process (S109), and after the over-prize ball prevention function is activated, the game control microcomputer 101 does not execute the launch control process (S109). In contrast, in the fifth modified example, as shown in FIG. 60, the launch control process (S109) is not provided in the main timer interrupt process (S006). That is, the game control microcomputer 101 does not execute the launch control process (S109) regardless of the activation of the over-prize ball prevention function. In this fifth modified example, the launch of the game balls is controlled by the payout control microcomputer provided in the payout control board 170.

In short, in the above embodiment, after the over-prize ball prevention function is activated, the game control microcomputer 101 does not execute the launch control process (S109), so the game ball is not launched toward the game area 6. In contrast, in the fifth modified example, after the over-prize ball prevention function is activated, the game control microcomputer 101 does not stop controlling the launch of the game ball, so the game ball is launched toward the game area 6. In this case, even though the game is not playable, the player may mistakenly believe that the game can be played because the game ball can be launched.

Therefore, in the fifth modified example, after the game becomes unplayable, the player touches the handle 72k, which causes a contact warning effect (warning effect) to be executed. In the fifth modified example, a handle contact detection sensor is provided on the handle 72k. The handle contact detection sensor detects contact of the human body with the handle 72k. In other words, the handle contact detection sensor detects contact with the handle 72k simply by the player touching the handle 72k before rotating the handle 72k. In this way, when the player touches the handle 72k, a detection signal from the handle contact detection sensor is output to the effect control microcomputer 121. Below, with reference to FIG. 61, the contact warning effect executed after the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated will be described.

Figure 61 is a diagram showing a case where a contact warning effect (warning effect) is executed after the excessive winning ball prevention function is activated. First, when the excessive winning ball prevention function is activated, the effect control microcomputer 121 displays a red background image RE and an error release method image ERX on the display screen 50a as shown in Figure 61 (A), and outputs a game stop sound from the speaker 52. Furthermore, all of the frame lamps 53 are lit in white, and all of the board lamps 54 are turned off.

After that, if the player touches the handle 72k, the presentation control microcomputer 121 inputs a detection signal from the handle contact detection sensor. As a result, the presentation control microcomputer 121 executes a contact warning presentation while the red background image RE and the error release method image ERX are displayed on the display screen 50a, as shown in FIG. 61(B). That is, the display screen 50a displays a contact warning image HU indicating "Please take your hands off the handle." Furthermore, the speaker 52 outputs a sound saying "Please take your hands off the handle," and the frame lamps 53 and board lamps 54 are all lit up in red. This contact warning presentation makes the player more aware that he cannot touch the handle 72k and cannot play the game.

After that, when the player stops touching the handle 72k, the presentation control microcomputer 121 stops inputting a detection signal from the handle contact detection sensor. This causes the presentation control microcomputer 121 to stop the contact warning presentation, as shown in FIG. 61 (C). Thus, in this embodiment, after the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated, the contact warning presentation is executed as long as the player is touching the handle 72k.

Figure 62 is a diagram showing a case where a contact warning effect (warning effect) is executed after an illegal magnet is detected. First, when an illegal magnet is detected, the effect control microcomputer 121 displays a red background image RE and an error release method image ER1 on the display screen 50a as shown in Figure 62 (A), and outputs a game stop sound from the speaker 52. Furthermore, all of the frame lamps 53 are lit in white, and all of the board lamps 54 are turned off.

After that, if the player touches the handle 72k, the presentation control microcomputer 121 inputs a detection signal from the handle contact detection sensor. As a result, the presentation control microcomputer 121 executes a contact warning presentation while the red background image RE and the error release method image ER1 are displayed on the display screen 50a, as shown in FIG. 62(B). That is, the display screen 50a displays a contact warning image HU indicating "Please take your hands off the handle." Furthermore, the speaker 52 outputs a sound saying "Please take your hands off the handle," and the frame lamps 53 and board lamps 54 are all lit up in red. This contact warning presentation makes the player more aware that he cannot touch the handle 72k and cannot play the game.

After that, when the player stops touching the handle 72k, the performance control microcomputer 121 stops inputting a detection signal from the handle contact detection sensor. This causes the performance control microcomputer 121 to stop the contact warning performance, as shown in FIG. 62(C). Thus, in this embodiment, the contact warning performance is executed as long as the player is touching the handle 72k after the illegal magnetism is detected.

In this fifth variant, even if the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated and the game is controlled so that it cannot be played, the player can still rotate the handle 72k to launch game balls towards the game area 6. However, if the player is touching the handle 72k, a contact warning display is executed to alert the player, as shown in FIG. 61(B). This makes it possible for the player who is touching the handle 72k even though the game is not playable to realize that he or she must remove their hands from the handle 72k, and to reliably understand that the game is not playable.

In addition, in the fifth modified example, even if an illegal magnetism is detected and the game is controlled so that it cannot be played, the player can still rotate the handle 72k to launch the game ball towards the game area 6. However, if the player is touching the handle 72k, a contact warning display is executed to alert the player, as shown in FIG. 62(B). This makes it possible for the player who is touching the handle 72k even though the game is not playable to realize that he or she must remove their hands from the handle 72k, and to reliably understand that the game is not playable.

<Sixth Modification>
In the second modified example, when the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 or more, the round substitute effect shown in FIG. 55(B), the time-saving mode substitute effect shown in FIG. 55(C), and the remaining reserved substitute special effect shown in FIG. 56 are executed. In contrast, in the sixth modified example, the round substitute effect (substitute effect) shown in FIG. 63(B) and the probability variable mode substitute effect (substitute effect) shown in FIG. 63(C) are executed. In this sixth modified example, as in the above-mentioned form, the machine is configured as a single type of gaming machine, and when the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 or more and the machine transitions from the high base state to the normal gaming state, the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated to control the game to be unexecutable.

In this sixth modified example, during the execution of a jackpot game, a round effect is executed on the display screen 50a as shown in FIG. 63(A). Here, as shown in FIG. 53, it is assumed that the difference in the number of balls reaches 80,000 in the middle of the jackpot game state. As a result, a round substitution effect is executed as shown in FIG. 63(B). That is, on the display screen 50a, a round substitution background image G116 showing a dark Western-style mansion and a warning display image G115 showing a police lamp and the word "DANGER" are displayed. After that, when the jackpot game ends, a transition to a high probability high base state occurs.

In the high probability high base state, instead of the probability mode presentation shown in FIG. 18 (B-4),
63(C) is executed. Specifically, in the probability change mode substitution performance, as shown in FIG. 63(C), a probability change substitution background image G118 representing a black hole in outer space is displayed. Then, the performance pattern EZ is displayed superimposed on the probability change substitution background image G118. Furthermore, a warning display image G115 showing a patrol lamp and the word "DANGER" is displayed at the frontmost side of the display screen 50a to attract the player's attention. Furthermore, a game stop remaining number image LN3 showing "160 times left until game stop" is displayed superimposed on the probability change substitution background image G118. This allows the player to accurately grasp the number of times the special pattern will change until the game can no longer be played. The number of times shown in the game stop remaining number image LN3 is counted down by one each time the special pattern change display is executed. The display of this game stop remaining number image LN3 corresponds to the "unable to play notice performance".

In this way, when the difference in the number of balls is 80,000 or more, in the high probability, high base state before the game becomes unplayable, the special probability mode alternative presentation shown in FIG. 63 (C) is executed. This makes it possible for the player to be more aware of the situation in which the game cannot be played, compared to when the special probability mode presentation shown in FIG. 18 (B-4) is executed. Furthermore, by watching the remaining number of times to stop playing image LN3 counting down, it is possible to provide a tense game in which the player wonders whether they will be able to hit a jackpot and continue playing, or whether they will not be able to hit a jackpot and be unable to continue playing.

<Seventh Modification>
In the sixth modified example, when the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 or more, the round substitute performance shown in Fig. 63(B) and the probability mode substitute performance shown in Fig. 63(C) are executed. In contrast, in the seventh modified example, only the round substitute performance shown in Fig. 64(B) is executed. In this seventh modified example, as in the above-mentioned form, it is configured as a single-type gaming machine, and when the difference in the number of balls becomes 60,000 or more and the jackpot game state (jackpot game) ends, the game is controlled to be unexecutable by the operation of the excessive prize ball prevention function.

In this seventh modified example, during the execution of a jackpot game, a round effect is executed on the display screen 50a as shown in FIG. 64(A). Here, when the difference in the number of balls reaches 80,000 during the jackpot game state, a round substitution effect is executed as shown in FIG. 64(B). That is, on the display screen 50a, a round substitution background image G116 showing a dark Western-style mansion and a warning display image G115 showing a police lamp and the word "DANGER" are displayed. Furthermore, at the bottom of the display screen 50a, a game stop notice image KL indicating "game stopped when the jackpot ends" is displayed. The display of this game stop notice image KL corresponds to a "game not possible notice effect".

In this way, when the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 or more, the round presentation shown in FIG. 64(A) is switched to the round replacement presentation shown in FIG. 64(B). This makes it possible for the player to be more aware of the situation in which he or she will no longer be able to play. Furthermore, it is possible for a player who sees the game stop notice image KL to understand in advance that when the currently playing jackpot game ends, he or she will no longer be able to play.

＜Other variations＞

In the above embodiment, it is configured as a so-called V-guaranteed machine (a gaming machine controlled to a high probability state based on the passage of the gaming ball into the specific area 16 (V area)), but it may also be configured as a gaming machine in which the transition to a high probability state is determined based on the type of jackpot pattern that is won. Also, in the above embodiment, it is configured as a so-called ST machine (a gaming machine in which the high probability state ends depending on the number of times the special pattern changes), but it may also be configured as a gaming machine in which once it is controlled to a high probability state, it continues to be controlled to the high probability state until the start of the next jackpot game (a so-called guaranteed loop type machine), or a falling machine (a gaming machine in which the high probability state ends depending on the result of a lottery).

In the above embodiment, the upper limit for the number of reserved special drawings 1 was 4, and the upper limit for the number of reserved special drawings 2 was 4. However, the upper limit for the number of reserved special drawings 1 and the upper limit for the number of reserved special drawings 2 are not limited to 4 and can be changed as appropriate.

In the above embodiment, the timing when the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated is when the high probability high base state ends or when the low probability high base state ends. However, the excessive prize ball prevention function may be activated only when the high probability high base state ends. In this case, it is possible to stop the game only when the so-called "rush state (consecutive winning period)" ends. For example, the excessive prize ball prevention function may be activated when the difference in the number of balls is 80,000 or more and the game moves to a customer waiting state, or when the customer waiting state continues for a certain period of time. For example, the excessive prize ball prevention function may be activated when the difference in the number of balls is 80,000 or more and the big win game state ends, as in the seventh modified example. For example, in a gaming machine capable of executing a small win game, the excessive prize ball prevention function may be activated when the difference in the number of balls is 80,000 or more and the small win game state (a state in which a small win game is being executed, an advantageous game state) ends. In this case, for example, when the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 or more due to a so-called small win rush state (such as a high-probability, low-base state in which small win games are played more frequently than in a normal game state and game balls are more likely to enter the large winning port due to the execution of small win games), and the small win game state ends or the high-probability, low-base state ends, the excessive prize ball prevention function may be activated. Also, for example, the excessive prize ball prevention function may be activated when the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 or more.

In the above embodiment, the difference in the number of balls is reset (deleted) when the first reset condition (see FIG. 26(A)) that the special reset switch 181 (special operation means) is pressed or the second reset condition (see FIG. 26(B)) that the customer waiting state continues for one hour (predetermined time) is met. However, the reset conditions are not limited to those described above and can be changed as appropriate. For example, as described above, when the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated at the timing when the jackpot game state ends or the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 or more, the difference in the number of balls may be reset when the high probability high base state (advantageous game state) is switched to the normal game state, as shown in FIG. 63(A). In this case, the difference in the number of balls is reset when the so-called "rush state (consecutive winning period)" ends, so that the excessive prize ball prevention function can be activated only when the difference in the number of balls reaches 80,000 (reference number) during one rush state. In addition, when moving from a favorable game state such as a jackpot game state or a high-probability low-base state to a normal game state other than the high-probability high-base state or the low-probability high-base state, the difference in the number of balls may be reset. Also, the difference in the number of balls may be reset by pressing the RAM clear switch 191 or rotating the setting key cylinder 180.

For example, as shown in FIG. 65(B), the difference in the number of balls may be reset when the normal game state continues for a specific time (for example, one hour). In this case, if the normal game state continues for a specific time (for example, one hour), the situation that is advantageous to the player will not continue for a while. Therefore, in this case, by resetting the difference in the number of balls, it is possible to prevent the difference in the number of balls from exceeding 80,000 for a while. Note that the above-mentioned specific time is not limited to one hour, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, when the number of times the special pattern changes in the normal game state reaches a specific number, the difference in the number of balls may be reset. For example, the difference in the number of balls may be reset by turning the power OFF and ON (re-applying the power).

For example, when the game control microcomputer 101 determines that it is a predetermined reference time (for example, 9:00 a.m.), it may reset the difference in the number of balls. In this case, it is possible to automatically erase the difference in the number of balls without forcing the employees of the gaming center to perform any operations. Note that the above-mentioned reference time is not limited to 9:00 a.m. and can be changed as appropriate.

In the above embodiment, the special reset switch 181 (special operation means) for resetting the difference in the number of balls was located on the main control board 100 (see Figure 8). However, as long as a signal based on the operation of the special operation means is input to the game control microcomputer 101, the location of the special operation means for resetting the difference in the number of balls can be changed as appropriate. Therefore, the special operation means may be located, for example, on the payout control board 170 or on a dedicated board.

In the above embodiment, the measured difference in the number of balls was not displayed on the display means. However, the measured difference in the number of balls may be displayed on the display means. For example, the game control microcomputer 101 may display the measured difference in the number of balls on the display device 8 (see FIG. 4) or the 7-segment display device 300 (see FIG. 9). In this case, for example, when the difference in the number of balls is 0 to 50,000 (first range), the display device 8 or the 7-segment display device 300 may display the first mode, when the difference in the number of balls is 50,001 to 70,000 (second range), the display device 8 or the 7-segment display device 300 may display the second mode, and when the difference in the number of balls is 70,001 to 80,000 (third range), the display device 8 or the 7-segment display device 300 may display the third mode. Also, for example, the game control microcomputer 101 may transmit information on the difference in the number of balls (or information on the total number of winning balls, information on the total number of shot balls) to the performance control board 120, and the performance control microcomputer 121 may display the difference in the number of balls on a display means such as the image display device 50. Also, for example, the game control microcomputer 101 transmits information on the number of winning balls paid out (or the number of winning balls to be paid out) and information on the detection of the discharge port sensor to the performance control board 120. Then, the performance control microcomputer 121 may calculate the difference in the number of balls based on this information, and display the difference in the number of balls on a display means such as the image display device 50. Also, the performance control microcomputer 121 may indicate the difference in the number of balls (range of the difference in the number of balls) by the light emission mode (light emission color) of the light emission means (board lamp 54, frame lamp 53) instead of directly indicating the difference in the number of balls as a numerical value.

The game control microcomputer 101 may also display the difference in the number of balls on the 7-segment display 300, as in the modified example shown in FIG. 66. That is, in this modified example, the information on the difference in the number of balls is divided into four sections (predetermined sections) and stored in four memory areas of the difference in the number of balls memory section 107c of the non-deletion memory section 107. The first memory area stores the difference in the number of balls from when the power was turned on this time to the present time. The second memory area stores the difference in the number of balls from when the power was turned on last time (one time ago) to when the power was shut off last time. The third memory area stores the difference in the number of balls from when the power was turned on two times ago to when the power was shut off two times ago. The fourth (N)th memory area stores the difference in the number of balls from when the power was turned on two times ago to when the power was shut off two times ago. In this way, each time the power is turned off and on, the measured difference in the number of balls is shifted and stored, and the difference in the number of balls stored in the fourth memory area is erased. Note that the information on the difference in the number of balls stored in the first through fourth memory areas will not be erased even if the RAM is cleared.

In this modified example, the difference in the number of balls stored in the first memory area, the difference in the number of balls stored in the second memory area, the difference in the number of balls stored in the third memory area, and the difference in the number of balls stored in the fourth memory area are displayed in order in units of 1,000 balls in the right two digits (third display area 330 and fourth display area 340) of the 7-segment display 300. Specifically, on the 7-segment display 300, as shown in FIG. 66(A), for example, "bL36" is displayed for 5 seconds. This indicates that the current normal base is 36%. Next, as shown in FIG. 66(B), for example, "b134" is displayed for 5 seconds. This indicates that the normal base one time ago is 36%. Next, as shown in FIG. 66(C), for example, "b238" is displayed for 5 seconds. This indicates that the normal base two times ago is 38%. Next, as shown in FIG. 66(D), for example, "b235" is displayed for 5 seconds. This indicates that the normal base three times ago is 38%.

Next, on the 7-segment display 300, for example, "cL20" is displayed for 5 seconds as shown in FIG. 66(E). This indicates that the difference in the number of balls from when the power was turned on this time to the present time is 20,000. Next, for example, "c100" is displayed for 5 seconds as shown in FIG. 66(F). This indicates that the difference in the number of balls from when the power was turned on last time (one time ago) to when the power was cut off last time is "0". Note that if the total number of shot balls is greater than the total number of winning balls, and the difference in the number of balls is smaller than "0", "0" is displayed. Next, for example, "c265" is displayed for 5 seconds as shown in FIG. 66(G). This indicates that the difference in the number of balls from when the power was turned on two times ago to when the power was cut off two times ago is 65,000. Next, for example, "c348" is displayed for 5 seconds as shown in FIG. 66(H). This indicates that the difference in the number of balls from when the power was turned on two times ago to when the power was cut off two times ago is 48,000. After that, Figures 66 (A) to (H) will be displayed repeatedly every 5 seconds.

In the above-mentioned modified example, each time the power is turned OFF and ON (re-inserted), the measured difference in the number of balls is shifted and stored, and the difference in the number of balls stored in the 4th (Nth) memory area is erased. However, each time a RAM clear is executed, the measured difference in the number of balls may be shifted and stored, and the difference in the number of balls stored in the 4th (Nth) memory area may be erased. Alternatively, when the game control microcomputer 101 determines that a predetermined specified time (for example, 9:00 a.m.) has arrived, the measured difference in the number of balls may be shifted and stored, and the difference in the number of balls stored in the 4th (Nth) memory area may be erased. Note that the above-mentioned N can be changed as appropriate as long as it is a natural number equal to or greater than 2.

In the above-mentioned modified example, as shown in FIG. 66, the display of the difference in the number of balls automatically changes every 5 seconds on the 7-segment display 300. However, the display of the difference in the number of balls may also be changed by operating a specified operating means, such as pressing the RAM clear switch 191 or rotating the setting key cylinder 180. Also, the display may be changed between the normal base display and the difference in the number of balls by operating a specified operating means.

In the above embodiment, when the difference in the number of balls reaches 70,000 (a predetermined number), the presentation mode shown in FIG. 28(A) indicates that the over-prize ball prevention function is approaching activation. However, the presentation mode indicating that the over-prize ball prevention function is approaching activation is not limited to the presentation mode shown in FIG. 28(A) and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the over-prize ball prevention function may be indicated to be approaching activation by a special voice from the speaker 52 (e.g., "The difference in the number of balls is 70,000") or a special light-emitting mode of the light-emitting means such as the board lamp 54 and the frame lamp 53. The over-prize ball prevention function may also be indicated to be approaching activation by a presentation mode that changes in multiple stages as the difference in the number of balls increases.

In the above embodiment, when the difference in the number of balls reaches 80,000 (the reference number), the presentation mode shown in FIG. 28(B) indicates a situation in which the game may stop. However, the presentation mode indicating a situation in which the game may stop is not limited to the presentation mode shown in FIG. 28(B) and can be changed as appropriate. For example, a special sound from the speaker 52 (e.g., "The difference in the number of balls is 80,000") or a special light-emitting mode of the light-emitting means such as the board lamp 54 and the frame lamp 53 may indicate a situation in which the game may stop.

In the above embodiment, when the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated, a situation in which the game cannot be played is indicated by the presentation mode shown in FIG. 27(A). However, the presentation mode indicating a situation in which the game cannot be played is not limited to the presentation mode shown in FIG. 27(A) and can be changed as appropriate. For example, an image indicating "game cannot be played" may be displayed on the display screen 50a, or a special sound (e.g. "game cannot be played") may be output from the speaker 52.

In the above embodiment, even if a RAM clear is executed, the information on the difference in the number of balls stored in the difference in the number of balls memory unit 107c is not erased. However, the information on the difference in the number of balls may be stored in a specified memory area (deletion memory unit) of the gaming RAM 104, so that the information on the difference in the number of balls is cleared when a RAM clear is executed. In other words, the conditions for resetting the difference in the number of balls may include the execution of a RAM clear, or the reset condition for resetting the difference in the number of balls may be simply the execution of a RAM clear.

In the above embodiment, when the over-winning ball prevention function is activated, the game control microcomputer 101 not only stops the game control process related to the game (processing of steps S102 to S108, see FIG. 32), but also stops the launch control process for launching the game balls (processing of step 109, see FIG. 32). However, when the over-winning ball prevention function is activated, the game control microcomputer 101 may stop the game control process while not stopping the launch control process. However, in this case, as explained in the fifth modified example, even if the over-winning ball prevention function is activated, when the player rotates the handle 72k, the game balls will flow down the game area 6. Therefore, it is better for the game control microcomputer 101 to stop both the game control process and the launch control process, so that the player can immediately understand the situation in which the game cannot be executed. Also, the game control microcomputer 101 may stop the launch control process while not stopping the game control process. However, in this case, there is a problem that when the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated, game balls may still be flowing down the game area 6, and the game balls may enter the various winning holes and award prize balls to the player. Therefore, stopping both the game control process and the launch control process makes it possible to ensure that prize balls are not awarded to the player after the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated.

In the above embodiment, the game control microcomputer 101 counted the total number of balls shot based on the detection of the outlet sensor. However, the total number of balls shot may also be counted based on the detection of sensors that detect winning into various winning ports (first start port sensor, second start port sensor, general winning port sensor, first large winning port sensor, second large winning port sensor 15a). Alternatively, if a return ball prevention section is provided at the upper end of the inner wall section 1B and a sensor capable of detecting game balls is provided in this return ball prevention section, the total number of balls shot may also be counted based on the detection of this sensor.

In the above embodiment, when the difference in the number of balls reaches 70,000, an over-winning balls warning image KY is displayed as shown in FIG. 28(A). However, regardless of the difference in the number of balls, a display explaining that the game will become unplayable when the difference in the number of balls reaches 80,000 or more may be executed in a customer waiting display, a display during a jackpot game (for example, an ending display), or a warning display accompanying a variable display. This is because such a display can inform players and arcade employees in advance that the pachinko game machine PY1 has an over-winning ball prevention function.

In the above embodiment, the information on the total number of winning balls, the total number of balls fired, and the difference in the number of balls are stored in the non-erasable memory section 107 of the gaming RAM 104, so that the information on the total number of winning balls, the total number of balls fired, and the difference in the number of balls are not erased even when the RAM is cleared. However, the information on the total number of winning balls, the total number of balls fired, and the difference in the number of balls may be stored in a non-volatile memory means (e.g., FRAM (registered trademark)) provided separately from the gaming RAM 104, so that the information on the total number of winning balls, the total number of balls fired, and the difference in the number of balls are not erased even when the RAM is cleared.

In the above embodiment, the difference in the number of balls is counted from time to time after the power is turned on. However, the counting of the difference in the number of balls may start from the so-called first win (a big win in normal game mode). In this case, the negative difference in the number of balls (i.e. the total number of balls fired) from when the power is turned on until the first win will not be counted. Therefore, it is possible to make the difference in the number of balls that triggers the over-prize ball prevention function the same as the number of balls held after the first win.

In the above embodiment, the game control microcomputer 101 counts the total number of winning balls and the total number of shot balls separately, and calculates the difference in the number of balls by subtracting the total number of shot balls from the total number of winning balls. However, the difference in the number of balls may be measured (counted) using only the difference ball counter for counting the difference in the number of balls. That is, each time there is a winning ball, the value of the winning ball is added to the difference ball counter. Also, each time a game ball is shot (each time the discharge port sensor detects), the value of the difference ball counter is subtracted. In this way, the difference in the number of balls may be measured without counting the total number of winning balls and the total number of shot balls separately. In this case, the value of the difference ball counter may be set so that it does not become negative and is always "0" or more. In this way, as described above, it is possible to make the difference in the number of balls that triggers the over-winning ball prevention function to be substantially the same as the number of balls held after the first win.

In the above embodiment, when the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 or more, the display of the game stop notice image KH (unplayable notice performance) shown in FIG. 28(B) notifies the player that the game will become unplayable when the high base state ends (when the game transitions to the normal game state). However, the performance mode of the unplayable notice performance is not limited to that shown in FIG. 28(B) and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the unplayable notice performance may be a performance that simply indicates that the game will be controlled to be unplayable at a later time, without indicating at what timing the game will be controlled to be unplayable (at what timing the over-winning ball prevention function will be activated). The unplayable notice performance may also be a performance that outputs an unplayable notice sound (for example, a sound saying "The game will soon be unplayable") from the speaker 52, or a performance that causes the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 to light up in an unplayable notice light-emitting mode (for example, a light-emitting mode in which all lights are turned on and all lights are turned off repeatedly). The no-play warning display can be executed at any time as long as the difference in the number of balls is 80,000 or more (the reference number), and can be set to continue to be executed until the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated, or can be executed multiple times at random times.

In this embodiment, when the difference in the number of balls becomes 70,000 (preliminary reference number) or more, the display of the over-prize ball notice image KY (preliminary play-impossible notice performance) shown in FIG. 28(A) notifies the player that the game is approaching the impossibility of being played (the difference in the number of balls is 80,000). However, the performance mode of the preliminary play-impossible notice performance is not limited to that shown in FIG. 28(A) and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the preliminary play-impossible notice performance may be a performance in which a preliminary play-impossible notice sound (for example, a sound saying "The difference in the number of balls has reached 70,000. If the difference in the number of balls increases by another 10,000, the game will be impossible to play") is output from the speaker 52, or the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 are all illuminated in a red light mode. Note that the preliminary play-impossible notice performance may be executed at any timing as long as the difference in the number of balls is 70,000 (preliminary reference number) or more, and may be executed continuously until the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 (reference number), or may be executed multiple times at random timing. Furthermore, the pre-reference number that triggers the execution of the pre-unplayable notification effect is not limited to 70,000, but may be, for example, 60,000 or 75,000, and can be changed as appropriate.

In the above embodiment, if the player rotates the handle 72k (firing operation means) after the game is controlled to be unplayable, the operation warning effect (warning effect) shown in FIG. 51(B) or FIG. 52(B) is executed. In the fifth modified example, if the player touches the handle 72k after the game is controlled to be unplayable, the contact warning effect (warning effect) shown in FIG. 61(B) or FIG. 62(B) is executed. However, the presentation mode of the warning effect is not limited to the above and can be changed as appropriate. If the player operates the normal button 40 or the special button 41 (presentation operation means) after the game is controlled to be unplayable, the warning effect may be executed.

In the first modified example described above, as shown in FIG. 53, when the difference in the number of balls is 80,000 or more and the number of times the second special symbol changes after transitioning to the normal game state (as the special symbol 2 remaining reservation) is four, the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated and the remaining reservation special effect (special effect) shown in FIG. 54 ends. However, when the difference in the number of balls is 80,000 or more and the combined number of times the second special symbol changes and the number of times the first special symbol changes after transitioning to the normal game state is four, the excessive prize ball prevention function may be activated and the remaining reservation special effect (special effect) shown in FIG. 54 ends. Note that the number of times described above is not limited to four, and may be, for example, one time, and can be changed as appropriate.

In the second modified example described above, when the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 or more, the round substitute presentation (substitute presentation) shown in FIG. 55(B) is executed instead of the round presentation shown in FIG. 55(A). However, the presentation form of the round substitute presentation is not limited to that shown in FIG. 55(B) and can be changed as appropriate as long as it suggests that the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated. Also, when the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 or more, instead of the jackpot opening presentation shown in FIG. 18(C-1), a jackpot opening substitute presentation suggesting that the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated may be executed. Also, when the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 or more, instead of the jackpot ending presentation shown in FIG. 18(C-3), a jackpot ending substitute presentation suggesting that the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated may be executed.

In the second modified example described above, when the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 or more, the time-saving mode alternative presentation (alternative presentation) shown in FIG. 55(C) is executed instead of the time-saving mode presentation shown in FIG. 18(B-5). However, the presentation form of the time-saving mode alternative presentation is not limited to that shown in FIG. 55(C) and can be changed as appropriate as long as it suggests that the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated. Also, in the sixth modified example described above, when the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 or more, the special probability mode alternative presentation (alternative presentation) shown in FIG. 63(C) is executed instead of the special probability mode presentation shown in FIG. 18(B-4). However, the presentation form of the special probability mode alternative presentation is not limited to that shown in FIG. 63(C) and can be changed as appropriate as long as it suggests that the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated.

In the third modified example described above, as shown in FIG. 57, when the difference in the number of balls is 80,000 or more and the number of times the special symbol changes is executed 30 times (prescribed number of times) after the transition from the high base state to the normal game state (when a specified condition is met), the excessive ball prevention function is activated. However, the above-mentioned prescribed number of times is not limited to 30 times, and may be, for example, 1 time or 100 times, and can be changed as appropriate. In addition, when the difference in the number of balls is 80,000 or more and the transition is made to the normal game state, the excessive ball prevention function may be activated under conditions unrelated to the number of times the special symbol changes. For example, the excessive ball prevention function may be activated when the transition is made to the normal game state, the transition is made to the customer waiting state, or when a certain specified time has passed since the transition to the normal game state.

In the third modified example described above, as shown in FIG. 57, when the difference in the number of balls is 80,000 or more and the number of times the special symbols change after the transition to the normal game state is 30 times (prescribed number of times), the excessive prize ball prevention function is activated and the special effect after the transition to the normal game state (special effect) shown in FIG. 58 ends. Here, the prescribed number (30) refers to the total number of times the first special symbol changes and the number of times the second special symbol changes, but it may refer to only the number of times the first special symbol changes or only the number of times the second special symbol changes. In addition, the presentation mode of the special effect is not limited to the presentation mode of the special effect after the transition to the normal game state shown in FIG. 58, and can be changed as appropriate as long as it is a presentation mode in which the number of times the special symbols change after the transition to the normal game state is limited to within a prescribed number of times.

In the above embodiment, when the game control microcomputer 101 determines that there is an illegal magnetism (specific abnormality), it controls the game so that it cannot be played. However, the specific abnormality is not limited to an illegal magnetism, but may be an illegal radio wave, an illegal vibration, a ball jam, a control error (bug), etc., and can be changed as appropriate.

In the above embodiment, the over-prize ball prevention function is activated on the condition that the difference in number of balls (specific measurement number) is 80,000 (reference number) or more. However, the difference in number of balls (reference number) that serves as the reference for activating the over-prize ball prevention function is not limited to 80,000, but may be 50,000, 100,000, 120,000, or may be changed as appropriate.

In the above embodiment, the specific measurement number that triggers the over-prize ball prevention function to operate was the difference in the number of balls, which is the difference between the total number of prize balls and the total number of shot balls. However, the specific measurement number can be changed as appropriate as long as it is based on the number of prize balls awarded to the player from the viewpoint of not awarding excessive prize balls. For example, the specific measurement number may be the difference in the number of balls limited to a certain game state such as a jackpot game state, or a certain period such as a consecutive winning period. Also, for example, the specific measurement number may be the total number of prize balls in all game states, the total number of prize balls limited to a certain game state such as a jackpot game state, or the total number of prize balls limited to a certain period such as a consecutive winning period. Also, for example, the specific measurement number may be a base for all game states, a base limited to a certain game state such as a jackpot game state, or a base limited to a certain period such as a consecutive winning period.

In the above embodiment, the pachinko game machine PY1 is configured as a non-enclosed type pachinko machine in which the game balls stored inside flow down the game area 6 and are then discharged to the outside of the pachinko game machine PY1. However, the pachinko game machine may be configured as an enclosed type pachinko machine in which the game balls stored inside can circulate and enter the game area again after flowing down the game area. In this case, a 7-segment display is disposed on the frame control board corresponding to the payout control board 170. Therefore, the 7-segment display may be configured to display the difference in the number of balls (specific measurement number). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 67, a 6-digit 7-segment display 200 that displays the number of balls held may be disposed at the bottom of the front door, and the difference in the number of balls (specific measurement number) may be displayed on the 7-segment display 200.

In the above embodiment, the game control microcomputer 101 controls the game so that it cannot be played when the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 (reference number) or more. However, the game control microcomputer 101 may measure (count) the difference in the number of balls, but may not control the game so that it cannot be played based on the difference in the number of balls. In this specification, "measure" has the same meaning as "count" or "tally."

12. Inventions Described in the Above-mentioned Embodiments The above-mentioned embodiments describe the inventions of the following means. In the explanation of the means described below, the corresponding component names and expressions in the above-mentioned embodiments and the symbols used in the drawings are added in parentheses for reference. However, the components of each invention are not limited to these additions.

<Means A>
The invention according to Means A1 is as follows:
In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a gaming control means (gaming control microcomputer 101) capable of controlling a game,
The game control means includes:
It is possible to measure a specific measurement number (number of balls difference) based on the number of prize balls awarded to a player,
This gaming machine is characterized in that when the specific measurement number is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference number (80,000) and a favorable gaming state that is favorable to the player (high probability high base state, low probability high base state) ends (see Figure 25), the game is controlled to be unplayable (the game control process and launch control process are stopped).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, if the specific measurement number based on the number of prize balls is equal to or exceeds the reference number and the advantageous gaming state ends, the game becomes unplayable. Therefore, the player does not experience a sudden halt in the middle of an advantageous gaming state, and is not at a significant disadvantage. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that does not award excessive prize balls.

The invention according to Means A2 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means A1,
The game control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that when the specific measurement number is equal to or greater than the reference number and there is a transition from the advantageous gaming state (high probability high base state, low probability high base state) to a normal gaming state, the game is controlled so that it cannot be played.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, if the specific measurement number based on the number of winning balls is equal to or greater than the reference number and the game state transitions from the advantageous game state to the normal game state, the game becomes unplayable. Therefore, it is possible for the player to stop playing at a time when it is easy for him or her to do so.

The invention according to Means A3 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means A1,
The game control means includes:
When a win is determined by the win determination process, a win game (jackpot game) can be executed.
This gaming machine is characterized in that when the specific measurement number is equal to or greater than the reference number and a predetermined number (e.g., four) of the hit determination processes that were reserved when the game state was transitioned from the advantageous game state to a normal game state are consumed in the normal game state, the game is controlled so that it cannot be played (see Figure 53).

In a gaming machine with this configuration, when the specific measurement number is equal to or greater than the reference number and the game state transitions from the advantageous game state to the normal game state, a predetermined number of hit determination processes may be reserved. In this case, the game state is considered to be substantially advantageous until the predetermined number of reserved hit determination processes are consumed in the normal game state, and when the substantially advantageous game state ends, the game can be stopped.

The invention according to Means A4 is:
In the gaming machine according to the means A1,
Equipped with a ball entry hole (second starting hole 12),
The game control means is capable of controlling the game ball into an easy-to-enter ball entry state (high base state) in which the game ball is more likely to enter the ball entry hole than in a normal game state,
This is a gaming machine characterized in that the advantageous gaming state is the easy-to-score state (high base state).

With this type of gaming machine, if the specific measurement number is equal to or exceeds the reference number and the easy-to-score state, in which it is easier for the game ball to score in the scoring hole than in the normal game state, ends, the game becomes unplayable. Therefore, it is possible for the player to stop playing before the number of balls they have starts to decrease after the easy-to-score state ends.

However, in the gaming machine described in JP 2017-209170 A, a player may win excessive prize balls by continuing to play. In this case, the gaming machine does not prevent excessive prize balls from being awarded to the player. The invention of means A1 to A4 differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2017-209170 A in that the game control means is capable of measuring a specific measurement number based on the number of prize balls awarded to the player, and when the specific measurement number is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference number and an advantageous gaming state that is advantageous to the player ends, the game is controlled to be unplayable. This makes it possible to solve the problem of providing a gaming machine that does not award excessive prize balls to the player (achieve the effect of doing so).

<Method B>
The invention according to means B1 is as follows:
In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a gaming control means (gaming control microcomputer 101) capable of controlling a game,
The game control means includes:
It is possible to measure a specific measurement number (number of balls difference) based on the number of prize balls awarded to a player,
Based on the specific measurement number being equal to or greater than a predetermined reference number (80,000), the game may be controlled to be unplayable (the game control process and the launch control process may be stopped) (see FIG. 25 ).
This gaming machine is characterized in that it erases the specific measurement number (see Figures 26 (A) and (B)) when a reset condition that is not triggered by power-on (a first reset condition in which the special reset switch 181 is pressed, and a second reset condition in which the waiting state for customers continues for one hour) is met.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, play becomes unplayable when the specific measurement number based on the number of prize balls becomes equal to or exceeds a reference number. This makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that does not award excessive prize balls. However, if a player stops playing before the specific measurement number becomes equal to or exceeds the reference number, and a later player starts playing and the specific measurement number becomes equal to or exceeds the reference number immediately, a terrible situation will occur. Therefore, the measured specific measurement number is erased when a reset condition that is not triggered by power-on is met. This makes it possible to prevent a later player from stopping play immediately after starting, and to prevent a terrible situation from occurring.

The invention according to means B2 is as follows:
A special operation means (special reset switch 181) is provided,
This gaming machine is characterized in that the reset condition is that the special operation means is operated (see Figure 26 (A)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, for example, after a player finishes playing, an employee of the gaming facility can operate the special operating means to erase the specific measured number. This makes it possible for a player who plays later to not stop playing immediately after starting.

The invention according to means B3 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means B1,
The game control means can control the game machine to a waiting state for customers after stopping and displaying an identification symbol (special symbol) indicating the result of the winning determination process,
The reset condition is that the customer waiting state continues for a predetermined period of time (for example, one hour) (see FIG. 26(B)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, if the waiting state continues for a specified time, it is assumed that the player has changed, and the specific measurement number that has been measured is erased. This makes it possible for a player who plays later to not stop playing immediately after starting.

The invention according to means B4 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means B1,
This gaming machine is characterized in that the reset condition is a transition from a favorable gaming state (high probability, high base state) that is advantageous to the player to a normal gaming state (see Figure 65 (A)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, when a game state that is advantageous to the player transitions to a normal game state, the specific measurement number that has been measured is erased. In this way, once the advantageous game state ends, it is possible to prevent the specific measurement number from exceeding the reference number for a while.

The invention according to means B5 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means B1,
The reset condition is that a specific period of time (for example, one hour) continues in the normal gaming state (see FIG. 65(B)).

In a gaming machine with this configuration, if a specific time continues in the normal game state, it means that the advantageous situation for the player has not continued for a while. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to prevent the specific measurement number from exceeding the reference number for a while by erasing the specific measurement number that has been measured.

However, in the gaming machine described in JP 2017-209170 A, a player may win excessive prize balls by continuing to play. In this case, the gaming machine does not prevent excessive prize balls from being awarded to the player. The invention of means B1 to B5 differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2017-209170 A in that the game control means can measure a specific measurement number based on the number of prize balls awarded to the player, may control the game to be unplayable based on the specific measurement number being equal to or greater than a predetermined reference number, and erases the measured specific measurement number based on the establishment of a reset condition that is not triggered by power-on. This makes it possible to solve the problem of providing a gaming machine that does not award excessive prize balls to the player (achieve the effect of doing so).

<Method C>
The invention according to Means C1 is
A game control means (a game control microcomputer 101) capable of controlling a game;
In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) having a specific operation means (RAM clear switch 191) that can be operated,
The game control means includes:
It is possible to measure a specific measurement number (number of balls difference) based on the number of prize balls awarded to a player,
Based on the specific measurement number being equal to or greater than a predetermined reference number (80,000), the game may be controlled to be unplayable (the game control process and the launch control process may be stopped),
This gaming machine is characterized in that, based on the operation of the specific operation means when the power is turned on, game information related to the game is erased (RAM clear is executed), but the specific measurement number that has been measured is not erased.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, a game cannot be played if the specific measurement number based on the number of prize balls exceeds a reference number. This makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that does not award excessive numbers of prize balls. Here, when an employee of the gaming facility operates the specific operation means when the power is turned on, the gaming information related to the game is erased, but the measured specific measurement number is not erased. Therefore, even in a situation during business hours where the gaming status related to the game must be erased due to a malfunction or the like, it is possible to prevent the measured specific measurement number from being erased.

The invention according to Means C2 is:
In the gaming machine according to the means C1,
A special operation means (special reset switch 181) is provided,
The game control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that the specific measured number can be erased based on the operation of the special operation means (see Figure 26 (A)).

With this type of gaming machine, the measured specific measurement number is erased by an employee of the gaming facility operating the special operation means. This allows the employee of the gaming facility to erase the measured specific measurement number at any time without erasing the game state related to the game.

The invention according to Means C3 is:
In the gaming machine according to the means C1 or C2,
The game control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that, when it is determined that a predetermined reference time (for example, 9:00 a.m.) has arrived, the specific measurement number that has been measured can be erased.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the specific measured number is erased when a predetermined reference time is reached. Therefore, it is possible to automatically erase the specific measured number without requiring operation by an employee of the gaming center.

The invention according to Means C4 is:
In the gaming machine according to any one of means C1 to C4,
The game control means includes:
The specific measurement numbers are stored in order by dividing the specific measurement numbers into 1st to N(4)th predetermined periods (periods from when the power is turned on to when the power is turned off),
This gaming machine is characterized in that, in conjunction with erasing the specific measurement number for the Nth predetermined period, the specific measurement numbers for the 1st to (N-1)th predetermined periods are shifted to become the specific measurement numbers for the 2nd to Nth predetermined periods, and measurement of the specific measurement number for the 1st predetermined period is started.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, it is possible to store the specific measurement numbers for each predetermined period from the first to the Nth. Then, as the specific measurement number for the Nth predetermined period is erased, the specific measurement numbers for the first to (N-1)th predetermined periods are shifted to become the specific measurement numbers for the second to the Nth predetermined periods. Then, measurement of the specific measurement number for the first predetermined period begins. In this way, it is possible to automatically update the specific measurement numbers for each predetermined period from the first to the Nth, without requiring operation by an employee of the gaming center.

However, in the gaming machine described in JP 2017-209170 A, a player may win excessive prize balls by continuing to play. In this case, the gaming machine does not prevent excessive prize balls from being awarded to the player. Therefore, the invention relating to means C1 to C4 differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2017-209170 A in that the game control means can measure a specific measurement number based on the number of prize balls awarded to the player, and can control the game to be unplayable based on the specific measurement number being equal to or greater than a predetermined reference number, and erases game information related to the game based on the specific operation means being operated when the power is turned on, but does not erase the measured specific measurement number. This makes it possible to solve the problem of providing a gaming machine that does not award excessive prize balls to the player (achieve the effect of doing so).

<Method D>
The invention according to means D1 is
A game control means (a game control microcomputer 101) capable of controlling a game;
In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a performance control means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of controlling performance,
The game control means includes:
It is possible to measure a specific measurement number (number of balls difference) based on the number of prize balls awarded to a player,
Based on the specific measurement number being equal to or greater than a predetermined reference number (80,000), the game can be controlled to be unplayable (the game control process and the launch control process can be stopped),
The performance control means includes:
When the specific measurement number is less than the reference number in a favorable game state (jackpot game state and high probability high base state) that is favorable to the player, it is possible to execute advantageous effects (round effects shown in FIG. 18(C-2) and probability mode effects shown in FIG. 18(B-4)).
This gaming machine is characterized in that when the specific measurement number is equal to or greater than the reference number in the advantageous gaming state, an alternative presentation (a round alternative presentation shown in Figure 63 (B) and a special mode alternative presentation shown in Figure 63 (C)) can be executed in place of the advantageous presentation.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, play becomes impossible when the specific measurement number based on the number of prize balls becomes equal to or exceeds a reference number. This makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that does not award excessive prize balls. However, if an advantageous presentation is being executed when the specific measurement number is equal to or exceeds the reference number in an advantageous play state, this may give the player the impression that he or she can still continue playing. Therefore, at this time, an alternative presentation is executed in place of the advantageous presentation, making it easier for the player to recognize the situation in which play becomes impossible.

The invention according to means D2 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means D1,
The game control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that when the specific measurement number is equal to or greater than the reference number and the advantageous gaming state (jackpot gaming state and high probability high base state) ends, the game is controlled to be unplayable (see Figure 25).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, even if the specific measurement number is equal to or greater than the reference number, the game will not become unplayable if the game is in an advantageous game state. Therefore, if the advantageous presentation is still being executed in an advantageous game state, the player may be misled into thinking that the specific measurement number is not yet equal to or greater than the reference number. Therefore, if the specific measurement number is equal to or greater than the reference number in an advantageous game state, an alternative presentation is executed in place of the advantageous presentation, making it possible for the player to continue playing the game while still reliably understanding that the specific measurement number is equal to or greater than the reference number.

The invention according to Means D3 is:
In the gaming machine according to the means D2,
The game control means is capable of executing a winning game when it is determined that a winning has occurred by the winning determination process,
The advantageous game state (the game state during the advantageous period shown in FIG. 53 (jackpot game state, high base state, normal game state in the special chart 2 lottery)) ends when the specific measurement number is equal to or greater than the reference number, and the winning determination process that was reserved for a predetermined number (for example, 4) when the game state was switched to the normal game state is consumed in the normal game state.
This gaming machine is characterized in that the advantageous presentation includes a presentation (a remaining reserve replacement special presentation shown in Figure 56) that is executed when the hit determination process that was reserved a predetermined number (for example, 4) when the game state was changed to the normal game state is consumed in the normal game state.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, even if the specific measurement number is equal to or greater than the reference number, the game will not become unplayable until the win determination process that was reserved for a certain number of times when the game transitioned to the normal game state has been completed. If the game transitioned to the normal game state and the advantageous presentation was still being executed, the player may be misled into thinking that the specific measurement number is not yet equal to or greater than the reference number. Therefore, after the game transitioned to the normal game state, an alternative presentation is executed in place of the advantageous presentation, so that the player can be sure that the specific measurement number is equal to or greater than the reference number.

However, in the gaming machine described in JP 2017-209170 A, a player may acquire excessive prize balls by continuing to play. In this case, the gaming machine does not prevent excessive prize balls from being awarded to the player. Therefore, the invention relating to means D1 to D3 differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2017-209170 A in that the game control means is capable of measuring a specific measurement number based on the number of prize balls awarded to the player, and is capable of controlling the game to be unplayable based on the specific measurement number being equal to or greater than a predetermined reference number, and the presentation control means is capable of executing an advantageous presentation when the specific measurement number is less than the reference number in an advantageous game state that is advantageous for the player, while being capable of executing an alternative presentation in place of the advantageous presentation when the specific measurement number is equal to or greater than the reference number in the advantageous game state. This makes it possible to solve the problem of providing a gaming machine that does not award excessive prize balls to the player (achieve the effect of achieving this).

<Means E>
The invention according to means E1 is as follows:
In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a gaming control means (gaming control microcomputer 101) capable of controlling a game,
The game control means includes:
It is possible to measure a specific measurement number (number of balls difference) based on the number of prize balls awarded to a player,
This gaming machine is characterized in that when the specific measurement number is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference number (80,000) and a predetermined termination condition is met in the normal game state (for example, when the number of times the special pattern has changed reaches 30 since the transition to the normal game state, see Figure 57), the game is controlled to be unplayable (the game control process and launch control process are stopped).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, if the specific measurement number based on the number of prize balls is equal to or greater than the reference number and a predetermined end condition is met in the normal game state, the game becomes unplayable. Therefore, the game is not suddenly stopped in the middle of an advantageous situation for the player, and no particular disadvantage is caused. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that does not award excessive prize balls.

The invention according to means E2 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means E1,
The game control means is capable of variably displaying an identification symbol (special symbol) indicating a result of a winning determination process,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the termination condition is that the varying display of the identification symbols is executed a predetermined number of times (e.g., 30 times) after transition to the normal gaming state (see FIG. 57).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, if the specific measurement number based on the number of winning balls is equal to or greater than the reference number and the display of the identification symbols has been changed a specified number of times since transitioning to the normal gaming state, the game becomes unplayable. In this way, even if the game transitions to the normal gaming state, the player can continue playing for a while until the display of the identification symbols has been changed a specified number of times.

The invention according to means E3 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means E2,
A performance control means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of controlling the performance is provided.
The performance control means includes:
When the specific measurement number is less than the reference number, a special performance (a performance dedicated to a transition to a normal game state shown in FIG. 58 (B) (C)) can be executed from the transition to the normal game state until the variable display of the identification pattern is executed the specified number of times (30 times),
This gaming machine is characterized in that even when the specific measurement number is equal to or greater than the reference number, the special presentation can be executed from the time of transition to a normal gaming state until the variable display of the identification pattern is executed the specified number of times (30 times).

With this gaming machine configuration, when the specific measurement number based on the number of winning balls is less than the reference number, it is possible to allow the player to enjoy the special effects from the transition to the normal gaming state until the display of the varying identification patterns is executed a specified number of times. On the other hand, even when the specific measurement number based on the number of winning balls is equal to or greater than the reference number, it is possible to allow the player to enjoy the special effects from the transition to the normal gaming state until the display of the varying identification patterns is executed a specified number of times. In this way, even if the specific measurement number is equal to or greater than the reference number and the transition to the normal gaming state is made, the special effects before the game became impossible to play are executed as they were, making it possible to match the timing when the game becomes impossible to play with the timing when the special effects end.

The invention according to means E4 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means E1,
The game control means is capable of executing a winning game (jackpot game) when it is determined that a winning has occurred by the winning determination process,
This gaming machine is characterized in that the termination condition is that a predetermined number (e.g., four) of the hit determination processes that were reserved when the game transitioned to the normal game state are completed in the normal game state (see Figure 53).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, if the specific measurement number based on the number of winning balls is equal to or greater than the reference number and the predetermined number of hit determination processes that were reserved when the game transitioned to the normal game state are consumed in the normal game state, the game becomes unplayable. In this way, even if the game transitions to the normal game state, the player can continue playing for a while until the predetermined number of hit determination processes that were reserved are consumed.

The invention according to means E5 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means E4,
A performance control means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of controlling the performance is provided.
The performance control means includes:
When the specific measurement number is less than the reference number, an advantageous effect (a special effect of the remaining reserve shown in FIG. 54) can be executed until the winning determination process that was reserved for a predetermined number at the time of transition to the normal game state is consumed in the normal game state.
This gaming machine is characterized in that even when the specific measurement number is equal to or greater than the reference number, the advantageous presentation (the remaining reserved special presentation shown in Figure 54) can be executed until the hit determination process that was reserved a predetermined number at the time of transition to the normal game state is consumed in the normal game state.

With this gaming machine configuration, when the specific measurement number based on the number of winning balls is less than the reference number, it is possible to allow the player to enjoy the advantageous presentation until the winning determination process that was reserved for a predetermined number when the game transitioned to the normal game state is completed in the normal game state. On the other hand, even when the specific measurement number based on the number of winning balls is equal to or greater than the reference number, it is possible to allow the player to enjoy the advantageous presentation until the winning determination process that was reserved for a predetermined number when the game transitioned to the normal game state is completed in the normal game state. In this way, even if the specific measurement number is equal to or greater than the reference number and the game transitions to the normal game state, the advantageous presentation that was available before the game became unplayable is still executed, making it possible to match the timing at which the game becomes unplayable with the timing at which the advantageous presentation ends.

However, in the gaming machine described in JP 2017-209170 A, a player may win excessive prize balls as a result of continued play. In such cases, the gaming machine does not prevent excessive prize balls from being awarded to the player. The invention relating to means E1 to E5 differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2017-209170 A in that the game control means is capable of measuring a specific measurement number based on the number of prize balls awarded to the player, and when the specific measurement number is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference number and a predetermined termination condition is met in the normal game state, the game is controlled to be unplayable. This makes it possible to solve (achieve) the problem of providing a gaming machine that does not award excessive prize balls to the player.

<Method F>
The invention according to means F1 is
A game control means (a game control microcomputer 101) capable of controlling a game;
In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a performance control means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of controlling performance,
The game control means includes:
It is possible to measure a specific measurement number (number of balls difference) based on the number of prize balls awarded to a player,
Based on the specific measurement number being equal to or greater than a predetermined reference number (80,000), the game may be controlled to be unplayable (the game control process and the launch control process may be stopped),
The performance control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that when the specific measurement number becomes equal to or greater than the reference number, it is capable of executing a game-impossible warning display (displaying a game-stop warning image shown in Figure 28 (B)) that warns that game play will become impossible.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, a game becomes unplayable when a specific measurement number based on the number of prize balls exceeds a reference number. This makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that does not award excessive prize balls. Furthermore, when the specific measurement number exceeds the reference number, a game unplayable notice is executed to warn that a game will become unplayable. This allows the player to know in advance that a game will become unplayable, and prevents a situation in which the player is confused by a sudden inability to play.

The invention according to means F2 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means F1,
The performance control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that, when the specific measurement number becomes equal to or greater than a pre-reference number (70,000) which is less than the reference number, it is capable of executing a pre-unplayable notification display (display of an over-prize ball notification image KY shown in Figure 28 (A)) which notifies the player that the specific measurement number is approaching the reference number.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, when the specific measurement number becomes equal to or exceeds the pre-reference number, a pre-play unplayable notice effect is executed, which warns that the specific measurement number is approaching the reference number. After that, when the specific measurement number becomes equal to or exceeds the reference number, a play unplayable notice effect is executed, which warns that play will become unplayable. In this way, it is possible for the player to gradually grasp in advance the situation in which play will become unplayable, making it easier for the player to grasp the situation.

The invention according to means F3 is
In the gaming machine according to the means F1 or F2,
The gaming control means controls the game to be unplayable when the specific measurement number is equal to or greater than the reference number and an advantageous gaming state (high base state) that is advantageous to the player ends (see Figure 25).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, if the specific measurement number based on the number of winning balls is equal to or exceeds the reference number and the advantageous gaming state ends, the game becomes unplayable. Therefore, the player does not suddenly stop playing in the middle of an advantageous gaming state, and does not suffer any significant disadvantage. In this way, it is possible for the player to stop playing at a convenient time.

The invention according to means F4 is
In the gaming machine according to the means F3,
This gaming machine is characterized in that the unplayable notification display is a display that notifies the player that play will become impossible when the advantageous play state ends (a display indicating that "play ends when the high base state ends," see Figure 28 (B)).

In a gaming machine with this configuration, the game unplayable notice notifies the player that the game will become unplayable when the advantageous game state ends. This allows the player to know exactly when the game will become unplayable.

The invention according to means F5 is
In the gaming machine according to the means F1 or F2,
The game control means is capable of variably displaying an identification symbol (special symbol) indicating a result of a winning determination process,
This gaming machine is characterized in that the game-cannot-be-played notice display is a display indicating the number of times the identification pattern will change until the game becomes impossible to play (display of the remaining game-cancellation count image LN1 shown in Figure 56 (B)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, when the specific measurement number based on the number of winning balls reaches or exceeds a reference number, a game-unplayable notice is displayed, allowing the player to know the number of times the identification symbol will change until the game becomes unplayable. Therefore, it is possible for the player to know that each time the identification symbol change display is executed, he or she is gradually approaching a situation in which the game will become unplayable.

However, in the gaming machine described in JP 2017-209170 A, a player may win excessive prize balls by continuing to play. In this case, the gaming machine does not prevent excessive prize balls from being awarded to the player. The invention relating to means F1 to F4 differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2017-209170 A in that the game control means can measure a specific measurement number based on the number of prize balls awarded to the player, and can control the game to be unplayable based on the specific measurement number being equal to or greater than a predetermined reference number, and the presentation control means can execute a play-unplayable notice presentation that notifies the player that the game will be unplayable when the specific measurement number is equal to or greater than the reference number. This makes it possible to solve the problem of providing a gaming machine that does not award excessive prize balls to the player (achieve the effect of doing so).

<Means G>
The invention according to means G1 is as follows:
A game control means (a game control microcomputer 101) capable of controlling a game;
A performance control means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of controlling the performance;
In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a launch operation means (handle 72k) capable of launching a gaming ball based on an operation,
The game control means controls the game so that it cannot be executed when a predetermined stop condition is met (for example, when the difference in the number of balls becomes 80,000 or more),
The presentation control means is a gaming machine characterized in that it is capable of executing a warning presentation (an operation warning presentation shown in Figure 51 (B) or Figure 52 (B), or a contact warning presentation shown in Figure 61 (B) or Figure 62 (B)) to call attention based on contact with the launch operation means when the game is controlled so that it cannot be executed.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, when a predetermined stop condition is met, the game becomes impossible to play. At this time, the player may operate the firing operation means without fully understanding that the game is now impossible to play. In this case, a warning display is executed to call attention to the situation. In this way, it is possible to ensure that the player who comes into contact with the firing operation means understands that the game is now impossible to play.

The invention according to means G2 is as follows:
In the gaming machine described in means G1,
The launch operation means is a gaming machine characterized in that it is possible to launch a game ball even when the game is controlled so that it cannot be played (the launch control process (S109) is not stopped).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, even if the game is controlled so that it cannot be played, the game ball is released when the player operates the release operation means. This may lead the player to mistakenly believe that the game can still be played. Therefore, by executing a warning display, it is possible to reliably make the player understand that the game cannot be played.

The invention according to means G3 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means G1 or G2,
The game control means is capable of measuring a specific measurement number (a difference in the number of balls) based on the number of prize balls awarded to a player,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the stopping condition includes the specific measurement number being equal to or greater than a predetermined reference number (80,000).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the game becomes unplayable when a specific measurement number based on the number of winning balls exceeds a reference number. This makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that does not award excessive winning balls. Furthermore, even if the player operates the firing operation means when the game is unplayable, the attention-calling display makes it possible for the player to reliably understand that the game is unplayable.

The invention according to means G4 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means G1 or G2,
The game control means is capable of determining whether a specific abnormality (unauthorized magnetism) exists (capable of executing error processing (S111)),
The gaming machine is characterized in that the stop condition includes a determination by the gaming control means that the specific abnormality exists.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, if the game control means determines that a specific abnormality exists, the game becomes impossible to play. This makes it possible to prevent the player from playing when a specific abnormality exists. Furthermore, even if the player operates the firing operation means when the game is impossible to play, the attention-calling display makes it possible for the player to reliably understand that the game is impossible to play.

In the gaming machine described in JP2017-070611A, when an illegal magnetism is detected (when a predetermined stop condition is met), the game control microcomputer (game control means) controls the game to be unplayable. Therefore, after the game is controlled to be unplayable, the player cannot continue playing. However, after the game is controlled to be unplayable, the player may operate the firing operation means without fully understanding the situation in which the game is unplayable. Therefore, the invention relating to means G1 to G4 differs from the gaming machine described in JP2017-070611A in that the presentation control means is capable of executing an attention drawing presentation that calls attention based on contact with the firing operation means when the game is controlled to be unplayable. This makes it possible to solve the problem (achieve the effect) of providing a gaming machine that can reliably make a player who contacts the firing operation means understand that the game is unplayable.

50... image display device 50a... display screen 72k... handle 101... game control microcomputer 121... performance control microcomputer 191... RAM clear switch PY1... pachinko game machine

Claims (1)

A game control means capable of controlling a game;
In a gaming machine having a performance control means capable of controlling a performance,
The game control means includes:
Based on the judgment in a predetermined judgment process, the game can be controlled to a jackpot game state.
A specific measurement number based on the number of prize balls awarded to a player can be measured,
When the specific measurement number is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference number during control of the jackpot gaming state, and the jackpot gaming state ends, the game is controlled to be unplayable, and a predetermined external signal is output to the outside of the gaming machine,
The performance control means includes:
When the specific measurement number becomes equal to or greater than a pre-reference number that is smaller than the reference number, a pre-play unavailable notice effect can be executed, which indicates that the specific measurement number is approaching the reference number;
When the specific measurement number becomes equal to or greater than the reference number while the game is in the jackpot game state , a game inability to be played notice effect can be executed, which notices that the jackpot game state will end and the game will become incapable of being played,
The gaming machine is characterized in that, when the specific measurement number is equal to or greater than the reference number while the jackpot gaming state is under control, and the jackpot gaming state ends, a game-impossible notification presentation can be executed to indicate that the game is no longer possible .

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